Z1DZ--502-23-707 Replace Wayfinding and Signage

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document is an RFI (Request for Information) Register that provides questions submitted by potential bidders and the Government's responses regarding Solicitation 36C25626R0031 for the Alexandria VA Health Care System. It clarifies various aspects of the project, including proposal deadlines, project numbers, signage requirements, and construction details.

• Proposal Due Date: The official proposal due date has been extended multiple times, with the latest extension to April 24, 2026. Bidders should confirm the most current deadline.
• Project Number: The correct project number is 502-23-707, and the correct RFP number is 36C25626R0031.
• Signage Scope: More signs will be removed than replaced. Any unidentified signage should be verified with the Architect and COR. Additional signage or conditions found during post-award surveys will be addressed via separate proposals and contract modifications.
• Signage Dimensions & Standards: Dimensions for some signs are provided, and the 2023 VA Sign Design Manual is the primary standard. Bidders are responsible for field verification of all signage quantities and dimensions.
• Wall Repair: Wall repairs following sign removal are limited to patching and finishing at the removed sign locations, not structural reconstruction. Wall finishes vary, and repairs can generally be accomplished with drywall or drywall patch to match existing finishes. Full wall painting from corner to corner is required.
• Wallcovering: Dimensions for traffic wallcovering locations have been provided, and walls will be provided at a Level 5 finish prior to installation.
• Work Hours: The building will remain occupied, and work should minimize disruption. Off-hours/weekend work can be accommodated if necessary and coordinated with the COR.
• ICRA Requirements: ICRA (Infection Control Risk Assessment) classification and notes are shown on the cover page of the drawings. Temporary walls will be required for ICRA compliance, with the GC determining the best type for each location.

This RFI register clarifies ambiguities in the original solicitation documents, providing essential details on project scope, technical requirements, and administrative procedures. Bidders should review these clarifications carefully to ensure accurate proposal submissions and to understand the full scope of work, including potential post-award adjustments and specific construction standards.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0003) to Solicitation 36C25626R0031 makes the following changes:

• Extended Offer Receipt Date: The deadline for submitting offers has been extended.
• New Offer Deadline: Offers are now due by April 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM Central Time (CT).
• New Attachment Posted: The "VA Response RFI Register_FINAL" attachment has been posted.

• The deadline for receipt of offers has been modified.

• The "VA Response RFI Register_FINAL" is now an included attachment.

• Bidders must submit their offers by the new deadline of April 24, 2026, 2:00 PM CT.

• Bidders should review the newly posted "VA Response RFI Register_FINAL" attachment.

All other terms and conditions of the original solicitation remain unchanged.

Amendment / Modification

• The deadline for the receipt of offers has been extended.

• Amendment 0002 extends the offer receipt date to April 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM CT.

• Responses to Requests for Information (RFIs) are currently under review by the VA.

• Amendment 0003 will be issued upon completion of the RFI VA Responses.

• The "HOUR & DATE for Receipt of Offers" section is affected.

• The deadline for submitting offers is extended to 04-20-2026 14:00 CT.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to solicitation 36C25626R0031 provides the sign-in sheet from the site visit conducted on March 16, 2026. The project is identified as "Project 502-23-707 Replace Wayfinding and Signage."

This amendment primarily serves to attach the site visit sign-in sheet. No other sections of the original solicitation are explicitly mentioned as being changed or replaced.

This amendment does not appear to alter the original submission deadlines, requirements, or evaluation factors. It is informational, providing documentation of attendance at the site visit.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a sign-in sheet for a site visit related to the "Replace Wayfinding and Signage" project (Project No. 502-23-707). The site visit took place on March 16, 2026, at 09:00 AM local time at the (AVAHCS) facility located at 2495 Shreveport Hwy, Pineville, LA 71360, specifically at Building 7, Main Entrance.

The sheet records the names, companies, phone numbers, and email addresses of attendees. Attendees represent various companies, including COACT, Sigma Group, Sentinel Services, 290 SIGN SYSTEM, and Alliant.

This document indicates that a site visit has occurred for the "Replace Wayfinding and Signage" project. Potential bidders can use this information to understand which companies may have attended the site visit, potentially indicating their interest or involvement in the opportunity. The inclusion of contact information may also be useful for networking or seeking further clarification from attendees, although direct communication with other bidders is generally not permitted.

A note at the bottom states that attendees should include their email address if they wish to receive a completed copy of the sign-up sheet.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To replace and update existing signage at the Alexandria VA Health Care System (VAHCS) in Pineville, LA, ensuring compliance with current ADA/ABA codes and VA requirements. The goal is to improve internal wayfinding for patients, visitors, and staff, and to ensure all construction activities meet contract specifications and safety regulations.

• Replacement and updating of outdated interior signage in a 5-story, 230,000 SF hospital building.

• Repairing walls as necessary for signage installation, matching existing painted gypsum board finishes.

• Installing/improving signage for departments, room names/numbers, elevators, lobbies, stairways, corridors, exits, and amenities (e.g., café, restrooms, ATM).

• Ensuring signage is code compliant for braille, color blindness, and memory-challenged individuals.

• Installing/improving signage for emergency, life safety, egress, and warning (e.g., high voltage, hazardous materials).

• Installing new wall covering at all elevator lobbies.

• Providing temporary partitions as needed to comply with Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) requirements.

• Place: Alexandria VA Health Care System, Pineville, LA.

• Period of Performance: Consists of two phases:

  • Pre-construction: 60 Days (includes submittal log, pre-tab report, site survey, and initial submittals).
  • Construction: 120 calendar days from Notice to Proceed for construction.

• Site Survey: Mandatory, thorough survey of all work sites prior to mobilization. A report detailing discrepancies and remedies is required as Submittal #1, followed by a formal proposal for corrective work.

• Personnel Training: All personnel must have certified or proper training for their tasks.

• Notifications: Contractor must provide written notification to the Project Engineer/COR regarding start dates, delays, potential change orders, corrective action plans, and requests for work outside normal hours.

• Payment Applications: Submitted at the beginning of each month for previous month's completed work, subject to Project Engineer/COR approval.

• Work Hours: On-site work generally between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM CST, Monday-Friday, excluding holidays, unless otherwise approved.

• Security: Contractors must obtain VA Police access badges. May require online training, signing "Contractor Rules of Behavior," fingerprinting, background investigations, and providing network security information.

• Parking: Limited to established concrete or improved rock lots; grass areas are off-limits without authorization.

• Coordination: All work, materials, storage, procedures, and unforeseen issues must be coordinated with the Project Engineer.

• Work Commencement: Work shall not begin until authorized by the Contracting Officer.

• Environment: Work will be conducted on a fully operational VA Hospital Campus, including Mental Health and Long Term Care facilities. Tools and equipment must be secured to prevent patient injury.

• Codes & Regulations: All work must comply with ASME, OSHA, EPA, VA, and Federal, State, and local codes and regulations.

• Access: No blocking of roadways, walkways, or access points without prior approval.

• Security Accreditation: C&A requirements do not apply; a Security Accreditation Package is not required.

Specifications

This document contains specifications for various construction-related items, including:

• Division 00 - Special Sections: Includes a list of drawing sheets.

• Division 01 - General Requirements: Covers general project requirements such as safety, general intention, bid items (including a deductive alternate for decorative wall covering removal), specifications and drawings, construction security, operations and storage areas, alterations, disposal and retention, as-built drawings, and warranty management.

• Division 02 - Existing Conditions: Details demolition procedures.

• Division 06 - Wood, Plastics and Composites: Specifies rough carpentry requirements.

• Division 09 - Finishes: Includes specifications for Gypsum Plastering, Vinyl-Coated Fabric Wall Coverings, and Painting.

• Division 10 - Specialties: Covers Directories and Signage.

• General Requirements (Division 01): Outlines critical aspects like safety protocols, site security, operational constraints within an occupied facility, and detailed requirements for project scheduling, submittals, and payment.

• Demolition (Division 02): Specifies procedures for selective demolition, including pollution controls and disposal of materials.

• Finishes (Division 09): Details requirements for Gypsum Plastering, Vinyl-Coated Fabric Wall Coverings, and Painting, including material specifications and installation methods.

• Specialties (Division 10): Covers the installation of Directories and Signage, including materials, fabrication, and installation requirements, with a focus on ADA compliance and VA Signage Design Manual standards.

• The document is a compilation of various specification sections, likely part of a larger solicitation package.

• Revision 1 is noted on the cover page, indicating updates to the original documents.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a General Decision Number (LA20260051) dated 01/02/2026, which supersedes LA20250051. It provides prevailing wage rates and fringes for various building construction trades in Grant and Rapides Counties, Louisiana. The scope is for building construction projects, excluding single-family homes and apartments up to four stories.

This document is crucial for bidders on federal construction projects in the specified counties. It outlines the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits that must be paid to laborers and mechanics employed on such projects, as required by the Davis-Bacon Act. Bidders must use this information to accurately estimate labor costs and ensure compliance with federal regulations when preparing their proposals.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "EXHIBIT A PERFORMANCE RELEVANCY SURVEY," is a form for offerors to provide information about their past performance on relevant contracts. This information will be used by the government for evaluation purposes.

Part 1. CONTRACT REFERENCES:

• Offerors must provide details for up to 5 completed projects within the last 5 years.
• Required information includes:
  • Project/Contract Title
  • Contract Number/Task Order Number
  • Location
  • Role (Prime or Subcontractor)
  • Original and Current/Completed Contract Value
  • On-time completion status
  • Start and End Dates
  • Reason for delay (if applicable)
  • Liquidated damages status
  • CPARS availability
  • Detailed description of work performed and its relevancy (Very Relevant, Relevant, or Semi-Relevant).
  • Point of Contact for the reference.
• Offerors are responsible for following up with references to ensure questionnaires are submitted before the solicitation closes.

Part 2. NOT RELATED TO PART 1:

• Additional information required once per submission package.
• Includes assessment of liquidated damages within the last five years (frequency, circumstances, severity).
• Information on problems encountered and corrective actions taken.
• Explanation of any marginal CPARS ratings.
• Details on professional/industry awards, letters of appreciation, recognition, or commendations.
• Discussion of unique skills and accomplishments.
• Description of technical areas uniquely relevant to this solicitation, including specific work performed by the offeror and major subcontractors, and whether those subcontractors will be used on this project.

This form is critical for bidders to demonstrate their past performance and capability. Completing it accurately and thoroughly, with detailed descriptions of relevant work and subcontractor involvement, is essential for the government's evaluation of the offeror's suitability for the opportunity. Bidders must ensure they gather all necessary information from their references and submit it by the solicitation's closing date.

Statement of Work (SOW)

• To ensure all contract requirements are met by the completion date.

• To ensure all construction activities are performed safely, correctly, and in compliance with applicable regulations.

• Replace and update existing signage in a 5-story, 230,000 SF hospital building.

• Many existing signs are outdated and do not comply with current ADA/ABA code and VA requirements.

• Interior construction includes wall repairs to match existing finishes (painted gypsum board).

• Improve internal wayfinding signage for patients, visitors, and employees.

• Install/improve signage for departments, room names, room numbers, elevators, lobbies, stairways, corridors, and exits.

• Install signage for amenity markers (café, canteen, toilet rooms, ATM, barber shop, etc.).

• Install/improve signage for code compliance (braille, color blindness, memory challenged).

• Install/improve signage for emergency, life safety, and egress requirements.

• Install/improve warning signs (high voltage, hazardous materials, biohazards).

• Install new wall covering at all elevator lobbies.

• Temporary partitions will be constructed to accommodate phasing and prevent dust spread.

• Place of Performance: Alexandria VA Health Care System, Pineville, LA, or immediate vicinity.

• Period of Performance:

  • Pre-construction: 60 Days (includes submittal log, pre-tab report, site survey, and submittals for AE/VA COR approval).
  • Construction: 120 calendar days from Notice to Proceed.

• Prior to mobilization, conduct a mandatory thorough survey and investigation of work sites.

• Submit a report detailing discrepancies, conflicts, and remedies (Submittal #1).

• Contractor personnel must have certified or proper training.

• On-site work hours: 8 am - 4:30 pm CST, Monday-Friday (excluding holidays), unless otherwise approved.

• Obtain VA Police Department access badge.

• Comply with Alexandria VA Health Care System fire, safety, and traffic regulations.

• Field verify existing conditions.

• Work must comply with ASME, OSHA, EPA, VA, and Federal, State, and local codes and regulations.

• No blocking of roadways, walkways, etc., without Project Engineer approval.

• Work to be conducted on a fully operational VA Hospital Campus.

• Security and privacy requirements may apply (online training, background checks, etc.).

• Parking limited to established lots.

• ISO Requirements: C&A requirements do not apply.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for Project #502-23-707, "Replace Wayfinding and Signage," located at the Alexandria VA Health Care System (AVAHCS) in Pineville, Louisiana. The estimated magnitude of construction is between $1,000,000.00 and $2,000,000.00.

• Furnish all labor, tools, materials, equipment, and supervision necessary to perform all work associated with Project #502-23-707.

• Detailed pricing proposals are required, broken down by construction divisions (e.g., General Requirements, Concrete, Finishes, Electrical, etc.), including Material, Labor, and Equipment costs.

• Offerors must provide a detailed project schedule, quality management plan, key personnel resumes, and subcontractor information.

• Past performance on at least one to five similar projects completed within the last five years is required.

• Offerors must submit Exhibit D (Contractor Evaluation Form Construction Safety) and Exhibit E (Surety Form).

• A competent 30-hour OSHA certified superintendent, dedicated 100% full-time to this project, is required.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price.

• Period of Performance: Begin performance within 10 calendar days after receiving notice to proceed and complete within the time specified in the award. All punch list items must be completed during the established period of performance.

• Proposals are due by 2:00 PM CDT on April 6, 2026.

• Proposals must be submitted via email in a consolidated PDF file (max 10MB).

• Evaluation Criteria: Factors I (Schedule – Quality Management), Factor II (Professional Qualifications & Specialized Experience), and Factor III (Past Performance) are equal in importance and combined are approximately equal in importance to Factor IV (Price).

• Site Visit: Scheduled for Monday, March 16, 2026, at 9:00 AM Central Time Zone at the Alexandria VA Health Care System.

• Requests for Information (RFIs) are due no later than 12:00 PM CST, 14 calendar days prior to the proposal due date.

• This procurement is a total Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-aside.

• Offerors must be registered and certified as an SDVOSB in the SBA Veteran Small Business Certification site (https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/).

• Joint Ventures must be verified SDVOSBs and registered in SAM at the time of solicitation response and award.

• NAICS Code: 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction) with a Size Standard of $45 Million.

• The solicitation includes various FAR and VAAR clauses regarding safety, insurance, representations and certifications, and subcontracting limitations.

• Attached documents include DOL Wage Determination, Drawings, ICRA, SOW, Specs, and various Exhibits (A-F).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) FORM" intended for use by potential offerors to submit pre-proposal inquiries regarding an opportunity. It serves as a standardized template for vendors to ask questions.

• Company Name and Offeror: Field to identify the submitting company.
• From (person submitting question): Field for the name of the individual submitting the inquiry.
• Phone Number: Field for contact phone number.
• Date of Proposal Inquiry: Field to record the date the inquiry is submitted.
• Proposal Inquiry: A section with numbered fields (RFI #1, RFI #2, RFI #3, etc.) for vendors to type their specific questions.
• Instructions: All pre-proposal inquiries must be submitted on this form via email to keith.mainous@va.gov and should be identified in numerical sequence.

This form is crucial for bidders who have questions about the opportunity. It outlines the required format and submission method for all pre-proposal inquiries, ensuring that questions are submitted in an organized manner to the designated point of contact. Bidders must use this form to submit any questions they have before the proposal deadline.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Exhibit E, a Surety Form, intended to be completed by the surety company and submitted by the Offeror as part of the Technical Proposal Package. It gathers essential information about the Offeror's bonding and financial standing.

• Offeror Information: Contractor Name, Address, Telephone, Email.
• Surety Information: Surety Name, Address, Point of Contact (POC), Title, Telephone, Email.
• Bonding History: Duration of bonding for the contractor, contractor's rating, bonding limit for a single project, and aggregate bonding amount.
• Financial Standing Questions: Confirmation of whether the surety has ever had to complete a project for the contractor, if liability insurance has ever been refused, if there have been complaints of non-payment by subcontractors/suppliers, and if the surety has had to pay subcontractors/suppliers.

This form is critical for bidders to obtain from their surety and include in their technical proposal. It provides the government with assurance of the Offeror's financial stability and ability to secure necessary bonding for the contract. Failure to submit this completed form may impact the proposal's completeness and evaluation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Exhibit D, a Contractor Evaluation Form focused on Construction Safety. It requires bidders to provide specific safety-related data and documentation.

• Company Information: Name, Address, Telephone, Fax, Email, Contact.
• OSHA 300 Forms Data: Bidders must report man-hours, number of cases involving days away/restricted activity, and the Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred (DART) Rate for 2023, 2024, and 2025.
• OSHA Violations: Number of serious, willful, or repeat violations from OSHA within the last 3 years, with explanations required for any violations.
• Required Attachments: Copies of OSHA 300 and 300a Forms.
• Safety Program Administration: Identification of who administers the company's Safety and Health Program.
• Insurance Experience Modification Rate (EMR): The current EMR rate, obtained from the insurance carrier on letterhead. If the EMR is greater than 1.0, a written explanation from the insurance carrier is required, including reasons and the anticipated date for reduction to 1.0 or below.

This form is critical for bidders to complete and submit as part of their proposal. It requires the collection of specific historical safety data and documentation. Failure to provide accurate and complete information, especially regarding OSHA logs and EMR, may impact the evaluation of the bidder's safety performance and overall suitability for the contract.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Exhibit C, the Subcontractor Information and Consent Form. It is required to allow the Government to disclose subcontractor and/or teaming partner past and present performance information to the prime contractor during the source selection process. This consent is necessary because prime contractors are considered private parties.

• Subcontractor Information: Name, Telephone, Address, City/State/Zip Code, DUNS/Cage Code.
• Prime Contractor Information: Name of Prime, Telephone, Address, City/State/Zip Code, DUNS/Cage Code. The Prime Contractor is identified as the entity responding to RFP No. 36C25626R0031 for Project 502-23-707 Replace Wayfinding and Signage.
• Consent Statement: A declaration by the subcontractor/teaming partner to allow discussion of their past and present performance information with the prime contractor.
• Signature Block: For an individual with authority to legally bind the company.
• Reference List: Requires details for at least three past contracts, including Contract Number and Title, role (Prime/Sub) and work performed, and a Reference Point of Contact (POC) with email address and phone number.

Potential subcontractors and teaming partners must complete and sign this form. The prime contractor will submit these completed forms as part of their past performance volume. This form is crucial for enabling the government to assess the past performance of proposed subcontractors and teaming partners, which is emphasized in source selections for best value.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Exhibit B, a Past and Present Performance Questionnaire. It is designed to collect feedback from reference contacts on a contractor's past performance for a Department of Veterans Affairs contract requirement. Bidders are instructed to provide this form to their references to complete.

• Contractor Information: Fields for the contractor's company name, address, point of contact, contract details (title, period of performance, number, dollar value), and description of work.
• Reference Information: Fields for the respondent's company name, address, point of contact, and contact details.
• Performance Information: A rating scale (1-6) for various aspects of contractor performance, including management, personnel, quality control, schedule adherence, responsiveness, and overall performance. Specific instructions require a narrative explanation for ratings of 1 or 2.
• Specific Questions: Inquiries about cure/show cause notices, willingness to re-award, and CPARS rating.
• Remarks Section: An open-ended section for detailed comments.

This questionnaire is crucial for bidders as it outlines the specific performance criteria the government will use to evaluate their past performance. Bidders should ensure their references are prepared to provide detailed and positive feedback on these specific areas to strengthen their proposal.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document contains "100% CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS" for the VAMC Alexandria Wayfinding and Signage project in Building #7. It includes architectural drawings, demolition plans, and signage details.

• General Notes: Outlines responsibilities for the General Contractor, including site cleanliness, material storage, protection of existing conditions, coordination with tenants, and compliance with safety regulations (OSHA, ICRA).
• Project Information: Details the project name (VAMC Alexandria Wayfinding Building #7), VA Project # 502-23-707, and location (Alexandria VA Health Care System, Alexandria, Louisiana).
• Scope of Work Summary: Describes the project as the design and preparation of contract documents for interior room identification, directional, wayfinding, and life safety signage.
• Infection Control (ICRA) Notes: Specifies requirements for infection control during construction, including dust prevention, surface cleaning, waste containment, and HVAC isolation.
• Index of Drawings: Lists all architectural drawings included in the set, covering demolition plans, overall floor plans for each level (basement through fourth floor), and enlarged plans for specific departments (e.g., Biomedical Engineering, Central Sterile & Processing, Imaging Center, Surgical Suites, etc.).
• Annotation Drawing Symbols: Provides a legend for symbols used in the drawings.
• Signage Plans: Includes detailed plans for signage on each floor, specifying types of signs (room signs, directories, wall flags, wall coverings), mounting styles, and locations. It also references a "Basis of Design" vendor (Takeform) and provides contact information.

This document is crucial for bidders as it provides the complete set of construction documents for the signage project. It details the scope of work, the specific locations and types of signage required, demolition plans for existing signage, and general contractor responsibilities. Bidders will need to review these documents thoroughly to understand the project requirements, prepare accurate bids, and plan for execution.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a pre-solicitation notice for the "Replace Wayfinding and Signage" project (Project Number 502-23-707) at the Alexandria VA Health Care System (AVAHCS) in Alexandria, Louisiana. The acquisition is for a Firm-Fixed Price construction contract to replace and update existing signage within a 5-story, 230,000 SF hospital building.

• Furnish all supervision, labor, material, tools, and equipment for replacing and updating existing signage.

• Work includes interior construction and other items as required by provided construction documents.

• The period of performance will be 180 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price Construction.

• Estimated Magnitude: $1,000,000.00 to $5,000,000.00.

• Period of Performance: 180 calendar days from Notice to Proceed.

• Solicitation documents (drawings and specifications) will be available electronically on or about February 25, 2026.

• The solicitation will be issued as a Request for Proposals (RFP).

• A 90-day proposal acceptance period is required.

• A bid bond must be submitted with the proposal.

• Performance and Payment bonds will be required from the awardee.

• Offerors are advised to check the site frequently for amendments.

• This opportunity is available ONLY to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB).

• It is a 100% SDVOSB Set-Aside.

• At least 15% of contract performance cost for personnel must be spent on the concern's employees or other eligible SDVOSB concerns.

• NAICS Code: 236220 (Small business size standard: $45 million in average annual receipts for the past three years).

• Offerors must be registered with SBA VetCert, SAM.gov, and have completed online Representations and Certifications.

• Offerors must be registered with the NAICS code in VetCert.

• This notice is a Pre-Solicitation Notice; questions will be accepted only after the solicitation is published.

• Interested parties are strongly encouraged to register to receive notification of solicitation posting and amendments.