2021-0811_RFI Responses VBA B10.pdf

RRI Responses - August 11, 2021 page 1 of 6

West Palm Beach VAMC Renovate Building Number 10 Veteran’s Benefits Administration Office Space Project No: VB3239 West Palm Beach, Florida Date: August 11, 2021

RFI RESPONSES

Item Description

1 Question: The RFI #17 response in amendment 5 does not provide a clear scope of work required in order to relocate the data closet to the new room. During the site visit there was no access provided to that room therefore the existing conditions are unknown. Nowhere on any drawings aside from the electrical as-builts provided in amendment 5 reflect the existing data locations that may have to be removed and/or reused at a different location. The number of data drops in the scope area is unclear. In addition, there is no information as to what other data is routed throughout the remainder of the building that may be associated with this existing data closet.

Due to this we have several questions related to this data closet that have cost impacts:

a. Are we to assume the data contained within this closet serves only the area of work in this solicitation?

1) If not, can the VA please clarify and provide the extent of work needed outside this space that serves other areas?

b. Are we to assume there is an existing PACS system in place for this building and there may be equipment located in the closet being relocated?

1) Are we to assume the access control contained within this closet serves only the area of work in this solicitation?

2) If not, can the VA please clarify and provide the extent of work needed outside this space that serves other areas?

c. The electrical as-built’s provided in amendment 5 reflect existing data locations within the area of work. The as-builts do not reflect the current floor plan. Much of the data locations on the as-builts are on the exterior walls within the scope area.

1) Are we to remove the data drops shown along with any power adjacent to those drops back to the rack in the existing closet and patch the walls?

2) Are there any more recent as-builts that show the data based on the current floor plan and/or pictures available inside the closet?

d. Are we to assume that all data cables that terminate on the current rack do or do not need to be replaced due to the lengths and cannot just be removed and reconnected to the rack’s new location?

e. Are we to provide a new equipment rack?

RCC Response: Contractor to refer to COR as to the extent of areas served by the data closet that is within the boundaries of this project. That access control located within the existing data closet is to be relocated to the new data closet per the contract documents, contractor to coordinate further details with the COR. Any as-built drawings can be attained from the COR. Contractor is to

RRI Responses - August 11, 2021 page 2 of 6 remove existing telephone/data outlets in the demolition phase of the project and install new telephone data outlets per the contract documents. Contractor is to route new cables to each outlet location and install a new equipment rack in the new closet, contractor to coordinate further details with the COR.

2 Question: On drawing sheet 10-ED101 Demolition Note 6, The note states: “Contractor to provide covers for any existing open bussing in panel boards that are affected by this project.” During the site visit access to the electrical panels was not provided. Can the VA clarify this note as it relates to existing panels “NLCG10” & “NH-2” and what is expected to be done with each of them?

RCC Response: Contractor to provide covers for any open busing in panels specified in the contract documents.

3 Question: On drawing sheet 10-ET101 Keynote 1, The notes states: “Provide wall mounted data rack in telephone punch down blocks in new room for telephone data connections.” Can the VA clarify the intent and/or purpose of this note that appears in the five office rooms?

RCC Response: The purpose of this is to relocated telephone cables that are installed on the existing punch down blocks within the existing data closet as those cables will need to be relocated to the new closet. Contractor will need to will need to field verify if needed and coordinate further details with the COR.

4 Question: On drawing sheet 10-ET101 Keynote 2, The notes states: “Provide single gang box with one inch conduit stubbed up above ceiling for two pushbuttons to release doors 125 and 126 independently.” It appears that the function of releasing the doors is for the staff occupying office 135 to let people in? I can see how they would know who is at door 125 by using the doorbell, not sure how they would know to release door 126 if in the office. Can the VA confirm the described functional intent on the drawings for releasing both doors independently?

RCC Response: Contractor to coordinate any security functions with the COR for this project.

5 Question: Reference Section 28 31 00, para 1.2 Scope A/B, this section states the below: “A fully addressable fire alarm system shall be designed and installed in accordance with the specifications and drawings. Device location and wiring runs shown on the drawings are for reference only unless specifically dimensioned.” AND “All existing fire alarm equipment, wiring, devices and sub-systems that are not shown to be reused shall be removed.” The drawings do not indicate any types or locations of existing fire alarm equipment, wiring, devices and sub-systems. Can the VA provide this information or the existing FA as-builts?

RCC Response: The contractor will need to coordinate further details with the COR as the VA will need to provide this information.

RRI Responses - August 11, 2021 page 3 of 6

6 Question: Reference Section 28 31 00, para 1.2 Scope A/B. This section states the below:

“A fully addressable fire alarm system shall be designed and installed in accordance with the specifications and drawings. Device location and wiring runs shown on the drawings are for reference only unless specifically dimensioned.” AND “All existing fire alarm equipment, wiring, devices and sub-systems that are not shown to be reused shall be removed.”

The drawings do not indicate any types or locations of existing fire alarm equipment, wiring, devices and sub-systems. Can the VA provide this information or the existing FA as-builts?

RCC Response: The contractor will need to coordinate further details with the COR as the VA will need to provide this information.

7 Question: Reference Section 28 31 00, para 1.2 Scope C, This section states the below:

“Existing fire alarm bells, chimes, door holders, 120VAC duct smoke detectors, valve tamper switches and waterflow/pressure switches may be reused only as specifically indicated on the drawings…” The drawings do not indicate any types or locations of existing chimes, door holders, 120VAC duct smoke detectors, valve tamper switches and waterflow/pressure switches. Can the VA provide this information or the existing FA as-builts?

RCC Response: Door holders, duct detectors do not apply for this project. Contractor will need to coordinate further fire alarm details with the COR

8 Question: Reference Section 28 13 00, para A & B, This section states the below:

“A. This section specifies the finishing, installation, connection, testing and certification of a complete and fully operating Physical Access Control System, hereinafter referred to as the PACS.

B. This Section includes a Physical Access Control System consisting of a system server, one or more networked workstation computers, operating system and application software, and field-installed Controllers connected by a high-speed electronic data transmission network.”

1. Can the VA confirm that the bid shall include a complete system, IE Head-End equipment server, workstations, software etc. as the specs are written?

2. If so, can the VA please provide a riser diagram and other design information needed to bid a complete system?

3. If the intent isn’t to provide a complete system per the specifications rather modify by adding to the existing system, can the VA provide as-builts of the existing PACS?

RCC Response: The intent is for the contractor to connect to the facility’s existing Physical Access Control system. Contractor to coordinate with the COR for any further details and as-built drawings.

9 Question: Knowing the shown door access control devices are required to support door status and reporting functionality, what is the reasoning for not including a door contact and REX motion on all access-controlled doors?

RRI Responses - August 11, 2021 page 4 of 6

RCC Response: The devices shown were per the direction of the COR, please refer to the COR for further details if changes are required.

10 Question: Why are two (2) REX motions and two (2) electric lock symbols included for door 134A Conference Room (HW Set 1.0)?

RCC Response: As shown on the plans, there are 2 doors to access the room. Both doors require these items.

11 Question: Several Sections have a related section to: “28 16 00 -INTRUSTION DETECTION SYSTEM (IDS)” Section. 28 16 00 - INTRUSION DETECTION SYSTEM (IDS) was not provided. Can the VA provide this section if required?

RCC Response: This was listed but not required in the project scope. Contractor to disregard reference as this specification section was not provided.

12 Question: The Plan shows 60” W main desk worksurfaces for WS-3 & WS-4 but spec called out 54” W. Can the VA confirm which is required?

RCC Response: The information on the plan is correct. Per the basis of design, the work surface dimensions follow the manufacturer’s standard dimensions.

13 Question: The Plans shows height adjustable desk at 36” W for WS-3 & WS-4 but spec called out 54” W.

1. Can the VA confirm which is required?

2. If #1 requires 54” W desk, then should the 36” Tackboard be changed to 54” W to match

Height adjustable desk?

RCC Response: The specifications are correct. Tackboards located at height adjustable desks should follow the height of those desks.

14 Question: WS-3 does not appear to meet code clearance for guest chairs per the vendor. Can the VA clarify this?

RCC Response: The clearance should meet code requirements.

15 Question: Unit 1.IU-1-4 on single duct air terminal schedule states that it serves rooms 125 and 135, however room 135 and room 125 are fed from separate branches/ATUs/thermostats.

RCC Response: Refer to 100% Final Construction Documents dated 7/9/2021. 10-TU-1-4 serves only 125 Lobby Waiting. 10-TU-1-8 serves only 135 Office.

RRI Responses - August 11, 2021 page 5 of 6

16 Question: Question 16. Reference Section 10 44 13 para 2.1b, Basis of Design: Larson “Occult Series”, cabinet model no. FS SS O2409, with MP6 extinguisher.

The model number specified is for fire rated cabinet, whereas the wall types specified are not rated. Rough openings for non-rated rated cabinets are smaller than rated and the rough openings must be cut to the exact specifications, or the fire rating will be void. Can the VA confirm that model number SS O-2409 nonrated cabinet is applicable, or should we use the non-rated model?

RCC Response: The cabinet should meet the requirements of the indicated wall type.

17 Question: Reference Section 10 26 00 para 2.3a, This para states:

“Fabricate door and door frame protection items from vinyl acrylic or polyvinyl chloride resilient m aterial, minimum 1.52 mm (0.060-inch) thick, for doors and 0.89 mm (0.035-inch) thick for door frames.”

1. Can the VA clarify which new frames, that are swing doors, are to receive door and door frame protection as the finish schedule in 09 06 00 only includes CG-1 corner guards?

2. If the door and door frame protection items are required can the VA provide the materials as the basis of design and which doors the materials would be applicable to include which doors?

RCC Response: Refer to specification 08 71 00 Door Hardware which includes basis of Design hardware sets.

18 Question: The wall types state to take walls to the underside of the deck. Can the VA provide the structural as-builts so we can understand the height(s) of the deck and type of structural roof framing for connecting the wall framing and for HVAC/Elect support needs or at least what we shall assume for bid purposes?

RCC Response: The VA will need to provide the structural as-built information.

19 Question: The design calls out for a few elect/data floor boxes. Can the VA provide the as-built slab details so we can understand the thickness that will have to be removed in order to install raceways & boxes or at least what we shall assume for bid purposes?

RCC Response: The VA will need to provide this information.

20 QUESTION: REFERENCE SECTION 28 26 00 PARA 2.2D, E & F AND DRAWING SHEET 10-ET101, KEY NOTE 4. THE SPEC HAS: “THEY SHALL ANNUNCIATE AT THE PHYSICAL ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM

AND DATABASE MANAGEMENT, MONITORED BY A CENTRAL STATION OR DIRECT CONNECT TO

LOCAL POLICE, DEPENDING ON LOCAL ORDINANCE REQUIREMENTS.” AND “SHALL BE CAPABLE OF BEING MOUNTED FOR HAND OR FOOT USE IN A MANNER THAT IS UNABLE TO BE VIEWED BY THE

PUBLIC.” THE DRAWING KEYNOTE STATES TO PROVIDE CEILING MOUNTED STROBE LIGHT AND

RRI Responses - August 11, 2021 page 6 of 6

INTERLOCK WITH THE DURESS PUSH BUTTONS. OTHER THAN THE LOCATION OF THE STROBE, NO

LOCATION OF THE DURESS BUTTONS IS SHOWN ON THE DRAWINGS.

1. The Sentrol 3040 Series Panic Switch has been used several times at the main hospital in which can be tied to the cop shop via phone system we believe. Is the Sentrol 3040 Series Panic Switch an acceptable product to use for the egress button?

2. IF NOT, CAN THE VA CLARIFY WHAT PRODUCT IS NEEDED FOR DURESS-PANIC?

RCC Response: Contractor to verify model numbers of devices with the COR as to what equipment is compatible with their existing system.

21 Question: Reference Section 28 05 00 para 1.1D The spec has:

“The Contractor shall provide an ESS, installed, programmed, configured, documented, and tested.

The security system shall include but not limited to: physical access control, intrusion detection, duress alarms, elevator control interface, video assessment and surveillance, video reco rding and storage, delayed egress, personal protection system, intercommunication system, fire alarm interface, equipment cabinetry, dedicated photo badging system and associated live ca mera, report printer, photo badge printer, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) interface.”

Can the VA clarify what if anything from this spec is needed that is not shown on the drawings?

RCC Response: Contract will need to verify the above information with the COR for further details.

22 Question: Can the VA please clarify if the two existing doors to remain on the door schedule get their frames re-painted on the interior side to match the new frames?

RCC Response: The interior side of the existing frame will be re-painted if frames have a paint finish.

23 Question: To price the work properly for the relocation of the existing Electrical Closet (room #127A), please provide the exact systems that are located in this closet with specifications and what buildings these systems are serving. The concern is the impact that the relocation will have on other buildings due to this relocation. The as-built’s previously provided do not provide this information. The concern is that we will be impacting communications, security, access control, in other parts of the VA WPB campus, not only with Building 10.

RCC Response: Sheet 10-ED102 indicates that ''CONTRACTOR TO RELOCATE ALL EQUIPMENT

(DATA RACKS, SECURITY PANELS, EYC) TO NEW DATA ROOM. COORDINATE ROOM RELOCATION

WITH ALL SERVICE PROVIDERS AND THE VA PRIOR TO RELOCATION". Please verify equipment and type in the space and provide information back to A/E for further evaluation.