QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
EXTERIOR WINDOW WASHING CANOPY
The solicitation references a Price Cost Schedule Template and Past Performance Template. We were unable to locate these attachments in the online posting. Can the Government please provide these templates or confirm whether offerors should just submit pricing using the CLIN structure shown in the solicitation? Use the CLIN structure provided in the solicitation
Can the Government confirm the approximate material composition of the main entrance canopy, including whether the panels are glass, polycarbonate/acrylic, metal, or another material? Polycarbonate
Can the Government provide approximate dimensions or square footage for the main entrance canopy, including the top and bottom surfaces? Approx. 3,400 sqft on top and 3,400 sqft on bottom.
Does the Government have an estimated exterior window count, glazing square footage, or building elevation drawings available for this requirement? Approx. 550 windows
For access planning, are boom lifts permitted on site where required, subject to COR coordination and VA safety requirements? Lift equipment is permitted and should be coordinated with the COR. Planning for work that may block patient areas will be planned and coordinated with the COR.
Are there any restricted staging areas, sidewalk/drive lane limitations, patient drop-off restrictions, or after-hours requirements that should be assumed for work around the main entrance canopy? The VA cannot provide dedicated staging space. Any activities that fully block the main entrance should be planned for after hours work and coordinated with the COR. The same is true for work that blocks off any roadways, entrances, or emergency department driveway / parking spaces.
If coordinated and approved by the COR, may the contractor include cleaning of the hardscape/patient entry area immediately beneath and adjacent to the canopy as part of the work plan to restore the entrance area after canopy cleaning? Yes, but add this as an optional add-on for your estimate so that the VA can decide whether it can be added or not.
Finally, is there an incumbent? What is the current contract & rate?
No
Have the windows been treated or cleaned regularly in the past? If so, when was the last cleaning performed?
No
Does the building have certified roof anchors or low-test steel on the roof for rigging, if needed?
No
Will 10-foot perimeters be allowed around our work areas throughout the project?
Yes
12. Could you please clarify whether the Exterior Window Cleaning scope includes all exterior glass throughout the entire Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center campus, or whether it is limited to specific buildings, the main hospital, or designated areas only? The PWS states all exterior windows, but no building list, window count, or area limitation appears to be provided.
All exterior windows (roughly 550)
13. Can you please provide a map or addresses of all buildings included in the PWS. Does the scope include all buildings at the facility, or only the main building with the canopy?
109 Bee St, Charleston SC
14. What is the expected total window count and/or total window square footage? Please also provide canopy dimensions, elevations, and building heights, if available.
550, canopy is 3400 sqft and roughly 20 ft high
15. If all buildings are included, can the Government provide roof anchor/davit engineering documentation and current load certification? Alternatively, please identify the Qualified Person/COR who can address technical fall-protection questions during the site visit.
No Anchor/davit available on building. David Gatlin
16.. How many floors, and roughly the building height at the tallest section to be cleaned?
5 floors, 60ft
17. For the canopy, do you know the material and approximate size?
Polycarbonate, 3400 sqft
18. Roughly how many windows, and about what size?
~550 of various size
19. Will there be a schedule site visit? Site Visit was scheduled for Thursday July 9, 2026
20. Any specific insurance requirements?
No
21. Water and Power Access: Will the government provide dedicated, unrestricted access to on-site water spigots and electrical hookups for the contractor's pressure washers and equipment, or must the contractor truck in independent water and power utilities?
Although some water spigots could be made available, this cannot be guaranteed. Plan to truck in independent water and power utilities.
22. Scaffold vs. Boom Lift Clarification: Section C.a.i of the PWS mentions setting up scaffolding to access windows and the front entrance canopy (p. 6). Will the government permit the exclusive use of high-reach aerial boom lifts for these areas if the contractor manages appropriate ground safety and traffic control, or is physical scaffolding mandatory for specific wings?
Yes, boom lifts are acceptable
23. Equipment Staging and Secure Parking: Will the VA provide a secure on-site storage or staging area to park and charge a rented boom lift overnight during the 60-day execution period (p. 7), or must all equipment be completely demobilized and removed from the medical center grounds at the conclusion of each 1700 shift (p. 7)?
No
24. Weather Buffers within the 60-Day Window: The solicitation states all work must be completed within 60 days once started (p. 7). In the event of high coastal winds, heavy rain, or severe lightning storms that prohibit high-elevation rigging and lift operations due to OSHA compliance, will the government grant a day-for-day contract extension, or does the 60-day calendar window include all weather delays?
Yes
25. Estimated Window Count / Historical Baseline: Can the government provide an estimated total count of exterior window panes or the approximate square footage of glass surfaces included under this requirement (p. 2)? Additionally, could the VA share when the exterior glass and canopy were last professionally washed?
550, no full square footage of window surfaces is available
26. How many floors, and roughly the building height at the tallest section to be cleaned?
5 floors, roughly 60ft
27. For the canopy, do you know the material and approximate size?
Polycarbonate, roughly 3,400 sqft
28. Roughly how many windows, and about what size?
550 Windows of various size
29. Will there be a schedule site visit?
It was scheduled for 7/09/26
30. Any specific insurance requirements?
No
