Questions_and_Answers_0002.pdf

Questions and Answers RFQ 140G0126Q0280 Amendment 2

1. Please provide the complete physical address of the performance location. 1201 W

3rd St, Williamsport, PA, 17701

2. The Statement of Work requires surface-mounted raceway ‘where needed.’ Could you identify the locations where raceway is specifically required and provide the anticipated linear footage, if available. From the Ceiling to wall jack

3. Please confirm whether the high-ceiling areas have suspended accessible ceilings or exposed/open ceilings. In areas with exposed/open ceilings, may CAT 6 cabling be installed free-air using code-compliant J-hooks, or is surface-mounted raceway required? Hallways withing the CAL building have pre-installed cable tray that can be used by the assigned contractor. Within the designated rooms your requesting network drops in will require code-compliant J-hooks for cable support.

4. Is CMP/plenum-rated CAT 6 cable required throughout the facility? Plenum CAT 6 cabling installed by contractor/subcontractor shall be Black Jacket. No other substitutions will be allowed.

5. Do the anticipated cable routes require any penetrations through concrete, masonry, or fire-rated assemblies? If so, please identify their approximate locations and construction types. Yes, penetrations are required through Drywall board sleeved with code-compliant firestop non-hardening putty.

6. Is there a required manufacturer, product line, size, material, or color for the raceway? NDAA889 and TAA Compliant-Use White color

7. Is there a required or preferred manufacturer/product line for the CAT 6 cable, jacks, and patch panels? NDAA 889 and TAA compliant

8. The floor plans identify an existing network cabinet near Room 119. Please confirm whether the two new 24-port patch panels will be installed in that cabinet and whether sufficient compatible rack space is available. If not, is the contractor required to furnish a new rack or cabinet? There is room in the existing rack space for two NDAA 889 and TAA compliant 1U patch panels provided by contractor

9. Are patch cords included in or excluded from the contractor’s scope? Yes, patch cords from switch to patch panel are in scope for contractor deliverables

10. What are the permitted work hours? Will after-hours or weekend performance be required/allowed? M-F, 7am - 4:00pm working hours

11. Will contractor personnel require background screening, badging, escorts, or advance access approval? Access to the facility will be provided by contacting PCT's ITS Networking department at 570.506.0460

12. Can a lift access all identified work areas, and will a suitable staging and material-storage area be available? Yes, Staging area can be provided for materials/supplies

13. Is the contractor responsible for obtaining any permits or coordinating inspections? No, but ITS Networking shall require sign off on all work being performed by the assigned contractor

14. Because a site survey will not be permitted, will the Government identify and approve cable routes before installation? Not necessary, but a preliminary walkthrough with PCT's ITS Networking, General Services Electrical and the assigned contractor will be required prior to or the day of the start of the project.

15. Pathway and cable rating. May cable be installed above the existing drop ceilings in Rooms 116 and 123 using J-hooks, with surface-mounted raceway used only for the final vertical run to each jack? Or must the entire run be installed in surface-mounted raceway? Please also identify the required cable jacket rating: CMP (plenum), CMR (riser), or CM. J-hooks shall be used in all rooms 116, 119, 120 and 123. Final vertical runs require cabling to be installed inside wall with low voltage ring installed at faceplate location. If inside wall runs are unobtainable, surface-mounted raceway would be the last resort. Plenum CAT 6 cabling installed by contractor/subcontractor shall be Black Jacket. No other substitutions will be allowed.

16. Ceiling conditions and work at height. The Room 116 plan lists both 13.94 feet to the drop ceiling and 22 feet to structure. Rooms 119 and 120 show approximately 21 feet to ceiling with no drop ceiling noted. The statement of work references ceilings up to approximately 24 feet. Please confirm the ceiling type in Rooms 119 and 120 and in the hallway to the server cabinet, and whether a lift is required for those homeruns. There is no drop ceiling in the hallway and Room 119. Lift will be required for the hallway and rooms 116 and 119.

17. Work hours. May the work be performed during normal weekday business hours in the occupied facility, or is after-hours or weekend work required? Work must be performed during normal weekday business hours

18. Document Number Discrepancy: The Standard Form 18 lists Request Number

140G0126Q0280, whereas the header on the accompanying "Instructions to Vendors" and Statement of Work (SOW) documents displays Request Number 140G0124Q0226. Please confirm if both documents refer to the exact same physical requirement at the Williamsport Field Office and if the final proposal package should reference 140G0126Q0280. 140G0124Q0226 was listed in error on the document but all the information does pertain to 140G0126Q0280.

19. Evaluation of Teaming Partner/Subcontractor Capabilities: Under the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) evaluation criteria, will the Government evaluate and accept the technical capabilities, professional low-voltage certifications (e.g., 24-port patch panels), and past performance references of a proposed subcontractor who will perform the physical on-site installation under the administrative oversight of the Prime Contractor? Yes

20. Cabling Environment (Plenum vs. Non-Plenum): The SOW requires the installation of 25 CAT 6 network drops along government-identified pathways. Because the ceiling heights in Storage Rooms 119 and 120 exceed 20 feet and pre-bid site visits are not permitted, can the Government confirm if the ceiling spaces at the Williamsport Field Office are designated as plenum air returns? If so, is plenum-rated (CMP) cabling mandatory, or is non-plenum (CMR) cabling acceptable?

Plenum CAT 6 cabling installed by contractor/subcontractor shall be Black Jacket. No other substitutions will be allowed.

21. Physical Cable Media Specifications: Does the Government require Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) or Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) CAT 6 cabling for these drops?

Additionally, are there preferred brand-name or performance tolerances for the patch panels, wall jacks, and cabling, or is any standard commercial-grade CAT 6 hardware acceptable? NDAA 889 and TAA Compliant CAT 6 CMP UTP

22. Existing Infrastructure and Pathways: Will the contractor be permitted to utilize existing cable pathways, J-hooks, cable trays, or conduit runs within the facility during routing? If new pathways must be constructed, can the Government identify if the walls along the routing paths are primarily gypsum board, concrete masonry, or other hard substrates? Yes, the contractor will be able to utilize the existing cable tray in hallways to support the new cabling. Conduit sleeves are to be installed by the assigned contractor to enter rooms 116, 119, 120 and 123. PVC schedule 40, Rigid, or flexible is acceptable for conduit sleeves. All new conduit sleeves installed during the installation shall require code-compliant non-hardening fire stop putty.

23. Accessibility VPAT Requirement: The SOW lists a "Section 508 ACR/VPAT (if applicable)" under the Deliverables section. Since passive CAT 6 copper cabling, wall jacks, and patch panels do not contain software or interactive user interfaces, can the Government clarify whether a formal VPAT is required for this project, or if Section 508 compliance is limited to electronic layout drawings and digital test results? Section 508 requirements would be applicable to labels, electronic drawings, digital tests results, data outputs, etc.