554-21-700P2 |Design Build| EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades (Additional FCU's)-Aurora- CO

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to technical questions submitted by contractors regarding Solicitation 36C77625R0084 for the Design-Build EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades (Additional FCU's) at Aurora, CO.

• Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs): Previously completed PPQs are acceptable for submission; new ones are not required.
• Subcontractor Past Performance: The Government will consider past performance examples from a proposed A/E firm acting as a subcontractor, provided the projects meet relevance criteria. The A/E firm does not need to have acted as Prime. A Subcontractor Consent Form or Letter of Commitment is required at the time of proposal, with no specific format preference.
• Joint Venture (JV) Project Experience: For the Phase I "Project Experience" section, it is acceptable for one entity within a JV to reflect the past performance and project history, provided that member possesses extensive experience with projects of similar scope, size, and complexity as described in the solicitation.

These clarifications provide guidance on acceptable documentation for past performance and how to represent experience within a joint venture, potentially affecting proposal preparation.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to solicitation 36C77625R0084, dated October 9, 2025, provides responses to all Phase I technical questions received. The effective date of this amendment is October 23, 2025.

This amendment primarily addresses questions related to the technical aspects of the solicitation. Specific details of the questions and answers are provided in Attachment 14.

All other terms and conditions of the original solicitation remain unchanged. Bidders should review the provided technical question responses to ensure their proposals align with the government's requirements. No changes to proposal deadlines or submission rules are indicated by this amendment.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Level 4 HVAC Piping Plan for the "REPLACEMENT MEDICAL CENTER FACILITY, EASTERN COLORADO HEALTH CARE SYSTEM" in Aurora, Colorado. It details the layout and specifications of HVAC piping systems on the fourth level of the clinic building (South).

• The plan illustrates the routing of various piping systems, including chilled water (CHS/R), hot water (HWR), and chilled water supply (CWS).
• Specific room numbers and designations are shown, indicating the areas served by the HVAC system.
• Notes provide specific instructions, such as terminating 1 1/4" CHS/R with a valve and cap for future chilled water fan coil units.
• Key dates and project information are included, such as the drawing date (07/15/2011) and project number (554-501).

This plan is crucial for bidders involved in HVAC, plumbing, or construction related to this medical center project. It provides detailed technical information on the piping infrastructure, which is essential for understanding the scope of work, estimating costs, and ensuring compliance with design specifications during the bidding and execution phases.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To design and install sufficient cooling in five Telcom Rooms within Building A (Clinic Building South) at the RMRVAMC campus in Aurora, CO. The primary goal is to make these rooms compliant with the VA's Electronic Healthcare Records Modernization (EHRM) Infrastructure requirements by addressing HVAC issues.

• The Design-Build contractor will be responsible for all site investigations, design analysis, design specifications, drawings, construction documents, materials, labor, equipment, supervision, testing, shop drawings, submittals, and construction.

• The contractor will partner with the Designer of Record (DOR) and other design disciplines.

• Principal elements include: site investigations, validating cooling requirements and specifying appropriate FCUs, determining installation requirements (connections, deconfliction/rerouting of utilities/equipment), demo of existing heat pump units, ensuring appropriate connections to existing building systems (electrical, chilled water, building automation), coordinating work in an occupied clinic building, and complying with Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) requirements.

• Contract duration shall not exceed 245 calendar days from the notice to proceed.

• Work hours are typically 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, with potential for non-disruptive work during these hours. Disruptive work or utility outages may require performance outside these hours.

• Location: Building A (Clinic Building South) at the RMRVAMC campus in Aurora, CO.

• Compliance with current federal, state, county, local codes, regulations, and government standards, including VA Technical Information Library (TIL) standards.

• Contractor personnel must complete VA required background checks and obtain PIV credentials.

• Adherence to facility parking and traffic enforcement policies.

• All materials and equipment must be installed according to manufacturer recommendations and by skilled individuals.

• Compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local safety and fire regulations.

• Protection of existing finishes and VA property is required.

• A minimum one-year warranty on all work is required.

• Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) compliance is mandatory, with work expected not to exceed Level 3.

• Design schedule includes multiple review milestones (65%, 95%, 100% Construction Documents) with defined review periods.

• Contractor must provide proof of OSHA 10 training for all workers and OSHA 30 for supervisors.

• Project management software or an electronic repository is required for documentation.

• Formal commissioning is not required, but installed units must be tested and balanced.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for a competitive Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-aside procurement for design and construction services. The project involves upgrading HVAC systems in 5 Telecom rooms at the Rocky Mountain VA Medical Center in Aurora, CO, in accordance with VA EHRM standards. The work includes all aspects of design and installation, potentially requiring after-hours work due to Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) requirements.

• Design and construction services for HVAC upgrades in 5 Telecom rooms.

• Compliance with VA EHRM standards.

• Adherence to Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) protocols.

• Potential for after-hours work due to disruptive utility shutdowns.

• Contract type: Firm-Fixed-Price.

• Period of Performance: 245 calendar days after notice to proceed.

• Estimated Magnitude of Construction: $500,000 to $1,000,000.

• Two-Phase Design-Build selection procedure.

• Phase I: Evaluation based on Project Experience, Capability to Perform, and Past Performance.

• Phase II: Evaluation based on Technical Solution, Key Personnel, Schedule, and Price.

• Award will be made to the responsible Offeror whose proposal represents the best value to the Government using a Trade-off method.

• Proposal submission deadline: November 7, 2025, 12:00 PM EST.

• Proposals must be submitted via email.

• This procurement is a 100% set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) concerns.

• Offerors must be listed as "certified" by the SBA in the VetCert database at the time of proposal submission through award.

• A pre-proposal site visit will be held in Phase II.

• Technical questions must be submitted via email by October 20, 2025, 2 PM EST.

• Bid Bond required for Phase II.

• Offerors must provide a lump sum price for Line Items 0001 (A/E Services) and 0002 (Construction Services).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Project Experience Questionnaire designed to collect detailed information from offerors regarding their past project experience. It serves as a template for bidders to demonstrate their qualifications and relevance to the current solicitation.

• Offeror Information: Company Name.
• Referenced Project Information: Project Title, Location, Brief Description, Project Owner, and Point of Contact.
• Contractor List: Details for each contractor (prime and subcontractors) involved in the referenced project, including their role, trade, price for specific work, and performance period (original and final).
• Project Experience Questions: Specific questions requiring detailed responses about the project work, its relation to the current solicitation (including specific elements like greenfield civil work, medical gases, etc.), reasons for price and schedule changes, and any other relevant additional information.

Offerors must submit responses addressing experience relative to the current solicitation's requirements. The response should be limited to the quantity of projects and timeframes specified in the solicitation. The questionnaire sections can be expanded as needed, and may include photos, narratives, and charts to demonstrate experience.

This questionnaire is critical for bidders to showcase their capabilities and past performance. It directly impacts the evaluation of their experience and suitability for the opportunity by requiring them to detail specific project elements and their involvement, particularly those aligning with the solicitation's needs.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled 'Att 11 - Division Cost Breakdown.xlsx', appears to be an Excel spreadsheet containing a detailed cost breakdown for a construction project. It is structured to provide estimates for various construction divisions, from "SPECIAL SECTIONS" (Division 00) through "ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION" (Division 48).

The spreadsheet is organized into sheets, each corresponding to a CSI (Construction Specifications Institute) division. Each division sheet includes columns for:

• Labor (Quantity, Unit, Cost per Unit, Total)
• Materials (Quantity, Unit, Cost per Unit, Total)
• A final "TOTAL" for each section.

It also includes subtotals, overhead, profit, and bond calculations, culminating in a "PROJECT TOTAL". The "SUMMATION" sheet provides an overview of all divisions and their respective totals, along with these calculated percentages.

This document is crucial for bidders as it outlines the estimated cost breakdown by construction division. Bidders can use this information to understand the government's estimated cost structure for the project, compare it with their own estimates, and identify areas where costs are concentrated. This detailed breakdown can inform bidding strategies and highlight potential areas for cost savings or efficiency.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a General Decision Number (GDN) for wage determination, specifically for Building Construction Projects in Adams County, Colorado. It outlines the prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits required for various construction crafts and trades. This information is crucial for contractors to understand labor costs and ensure compliance with federal regulations when bidding on relevant projects.

• Applicable Executive Orders: Details the applicability of Executive Order 14026 and Executive Order 13658, outlining minimum wage requirements based on contract award dates.
• Wage Rates and Fringe Benefits: Lists specific wage rates and fringe benefits for numerous construction classifications (e.g., Carpenter, Electrician, Plumber, Ironworker, Laborer, Operator) effective on various dates, primarily in 2025.
• Footnotes: Provides additional details on vacation accrual and paid holidays.
• Appeals Process: Outlines the procedure for appealing wage determination decisions.

Bidders must use this document to accurately calculate labor costs for their proposals. Failure to comply with these prevailing wage rates can lead to bid disqualification or contract non-compliance. The document specifies the minimum hourly wages and fringe benefits that must be paid to workers on covered construction projects in the specified geographic area.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination for the Service Contract Act, specifically Wage Determination No. 2015-5419, Revision No. 30, dated August 7, 2025. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations when performing contracts subject to the Service Contract Act in Colorado, specifically within the counties of Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Gilpin, Jefferson, and Park.

• Applicable Executive Orders: Details the applicability of Executive Order 14026 (effective January 30, 2022, or later) and Executive Order 13658 (effective January 1, 2015, to January 29, 2022). It specifies minimum hourly rates for 2025 under these orders ($17.75 for EO 14026, $13.30 for EO 13658, or the rate listed on the determination if higher).
• Occupational Wage Rates: Provides a comprehensive list of job classifications (e.g., Accounting Clerk, Administrative Assistant, Computer Operator, Electrician, Nurse, Painter, Technician) with corresponding minimum hourly wage rates.
• Fringe Benefits: States that required fringe benefits follow the occupational listing. It also details Health & Welfare benefits ($5.55/hour or $222.00/week) and specific Health & Welfare rates for EO 13706 ($5.09/hour or $203.60/week).
• Other Benefits: Outlines requirements for paid vacation (2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 5 years, 4 weeks after 15 years) and a minimum of eleven paid holidays per year.
• Special Provisions: Includes notes on hazardous pay differentials (8% or 4%), uniform allowances, paid sick leave (EO 13706), and the process for requesting additional classifications and wage rates (Conformance Process).

This document is critical for bidders to understand the minimum labor costs associated with performing the contract. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and fringe benefits meet or exceed these requirements to be compliant. Failure to adhere to these wage determinations can lead to contract violations. The specific wage rates listed will directly impact a bidder's cost proposal and overall competitiveness.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Att 10 - Limitations on Subcontracting - Construction.docx," outlines the VA's requirements and the offeror's certifications regarding limitations on subcontracting for construction contracts. It specifies the percentage of work that must be performed by the prime contractor or similarly situated subcontractors.

• General Construction Limit: For general construction contracts, the contractor must not pay more than 85% of the amount paid by the government to firms that are not certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) or Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs) listed in the SBA certification database.
• SDVOSB/VOSB Subcontracting: Work further subcontracted by a similarly situated certified SDVOSB/VOSB subcontractor counts towards the 85% subcontract amount.
• Exclusions: Costs of materials are excluded and not considered subcontracted.
• Certification Requirement: Offerors must certify their compliance with these limitations upon award.
• Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failure to comply in good faith can lead to referral to the VA Suspension and Debarment Committee, fines, and prosecution for false certification.
• Documentation: Offerors may be required to provide documentation (e.g., invoices, subcontracts) to demonstrate compliance during contract performance and upon completion.
• Cooperation: Offerors must cooperate fully and provide requested documents; failure to do so may result in remedial action.
• Submission: The completed and signed certification must be returned with the offeror's bid, quotation, or proposal. Offers without this certification will be deemed ineligible for award.

Bidders must carefully review and understand these limitations on subcontracting. The certification is a mandatory submission requirement. Failure to complete and submit this form with the offer will result in the offer being considered ineligible for award. Bidders should ensure their proposed approach and pricing account for these subcontracting restrictions, particularly for construction-related opportunities.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) intended to gather feedback from clients regarding a contractor's performance on previous projects. The completed PPQ will be incorporated into the offeror's proposal and counts towards the proposal page limitation.

Section 1: Contractor Information - To be completed by the offeror, includes details such as:

• Name of Offeror
• Address
• Point of Contact
• Work Performed As & Percentage
• Contract Title, Number, Type, Location, Dates (Award, Acceptance)
• Original and Final Contract Prices
• Project Description and Relevance

Section 2: Evaluator Information - To be completed by the client/evaluator, includes:

• Evaluator's Name, Position, Address, Phone, Email
• Description of Evaluator's Role
• Ratings on Quality, Schedule/Timeliness, Communication, Management/Personnel/Labor, Cost/Financial Management, and Subcontract Management.
• Summary rating and "Would you hire or work with this firm again?"
• Adjectival Ratings definitions (Outstanding, Above Average, Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory, Not Applicable).

Bidders must provide this questionnaire to their clients for completion. The completed PPQ is a required part of the proposal submission and will be used by the government to evaluate the offeror's past performance. The questionnaire guides the client on what information is needed to assess the contractor's ability to perform the work described in the solicitation. The completed form must be submitted by the offeror as part of their proposal, adhering to the specified page limitations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Level 3 HVAC Piping Plan for the Clinic Building (South) as part of the Replacement Medical Center Facility project. It details the layout and specifications for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) piping systems on the third level.

• The plan shows the routing of various pipes, including CHS/R (Chilled Water Supply/Return), CWR (Chilled Water Return), and CHR (Chilled Water Return).
• It indicates specific room designations and their associated piping requirements (e.g., 10-03-A1-01, 10-03-B3-01).
• Notes provide specific instructions, such as terminating 1 1/4" CHS/R with a valve and cap for future chilled water fan coil units.
• A scale is provided (1/8" = 1'-0").

This plan is crucial for bidders involved in the HVAC, plumbing, or construction aspects of the project. It provides detailed technical information necessary for understanding the scope of work related to the HVAC system installation, material requirements, and spatial considerations on Level 3 of the Clinic Building.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Level 2 HVAC Piping Plan for the Clinic Building (South) as part of the Replacement Medical Center Facility project. It details the layout and specifications for HVAC piping systems on the second level.

• The plan illustrates the routing of chilled water (CHW) and hot water (HW) piping throughout various office spaces, conference rooms, restrooms, and other functional areas on Level 2.
• Specific pipe sizes (e.g., 1 1/4" CWR, 1/2" CHR, 2" HWR) and connections are indicated.
• Labels denote different zones, rooms, and equipment related to the HVAC system.
• A "HVAC PIPING FLAG NOTES" section provides critical instructions for terminating 1 1/4" CHS/R with a valve and cap within 3' of WCHP for future chilled water fan coil units.

This plan is essential for bidders involved in the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) aspects of the project. It provides detailed information required for:

• Estimating the scope and complexity of HVAC installation.
• Understanding the specific piping requirements, including materials, sizes, and termination points.
• Identifying potential challenges or special considerations for installation.
• Ensuring compliance with project specifications for the HVAC system.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Level 4 HVAC Plan for the Clinic Building (South) of the Replacement Medical Center. It details the layout and specifications of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for this level.

• Ductwork Layout: Shows supply, return, and exhaust ductwork with sizes and airflow (CFM) indicated.
• Terminal Units: Identifies various terminal boxes (VAV, fan-powered) with reheat coils.
• Air Handling Units (AHUs) and Equipment: Depicts locations of AHUs and other HVAC equipment.
• Notes and Specifications: Includes crucial notes regarding ductwork pressure classes (medium and low pressure), installation requirements, fire dampers, and coordination with other trades.
• Room Designations: Labels various rooms and spaces with their intended use (e.g., offices, exam rooms, labs).

This plan is essential for bidders involved in the mechanical scope of work. It provides critical details for:

• System Design and Installation: Understanding the scope, layout, and specifications of the HVAC system.
• Coordination: Identifying potential conflicts and coordination requirements with other trades (electrical, plumbing, structural).
• Material Take-offs: Estimating materials and labor required for HVAC installation.
• Compliance: Ensuring adherence to specified pressure classes and installation standards.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Level 2 HVAC Plan for the Clinic Building (South) and North sections, dated July 15, 2011. It details the layout and specifications for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

• Diagrams: Illustrates ductwork, terminal boxes (VAV and fan-powered), air handling units, and other HVAC components.
• Specifications: Includes airflow rates (CFM) and duct sizes (e.g., 72"x20", 54"x14") for various supply and return air points.
• Notes: Provides critical information on system types (medium and low pressure), installation requirements, pressure classes (4" W.G. and 2" W.G.), and coordination with other trades.
• Symbols: Defines symbols for building pressure sensors and duct pressure sensors.

This plan is essential for bidders to understand the existing and proposed HVAC infrastructure. It provides detailed technical requirements for any work related to the HVAC system, including duct sizing, component specifications, and installation standards. Bidders must use this plan to accurately estimate costs, plan installation sequences, and ensure compliance with all specified HVAC requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Level 3 HVAC Plan for the Clinic Building (South) of the Replacement Medical Center. It details the layout and specifications for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems on the third level.

• HVAC Layout: Shows the placement of ductwork, terminal boxes (VAV and fan-powered), and air handling units.
• Ductwork Specifications: Includes sizes (e.g., 72"x20", 54"x14") and types of ductwork (medium and low pressure).
• Terminal Unit Information: Lists specific terminal units with airflow (CFM) and duct sizes (e.g., 10ø, 8ø).
• Room Designations: Identifies various rooms and their functions (e.g., Offices, Telehealth, Classrooms, Labs, Closets, Break rooms).
• HVAC Notes: Provides critical information regarding existing systems, types of terminal boxes, fire dampers, transfer ducts, ductwork pressure classes, and coordination requirements.
• HVAC Flag Notes: Indicates the location of building pressure sensors and duct pressure sensors.

This plan is essential for bidders to understand the scope and complexity of the HVAC systems required for the specified building level. It provides detailed information necessary for estimating, planning, and executing the installation or modification of HVAC components. Bidders must review these plans to ensure compliance with all specified requirements, including duct sizes, pressure classes, and the integration of new components with existing systems.