36C24119Q0008-0005000.docx

FedBizOpps Amendment to a Previous Combined Solicitation

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* = Required Field FedBizOpps Amendment to a Previous Combined Solicitation Rev. March 2010 D Wifi Installation and Service extend RFQ due date Answers to contractor questions 01053-9764 36C24119Q0008

COMBINE

02-14-2019 N 517312 Department of Veterans Affairs

VA CENTRAL WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS HCS

NCO1

421 North Main Street Leeds MA 01053-9764 Stefanie Carter stefanie.carter3@va.gov Department of Veterans Affairs West Haven VAMC 950 Campbell Avenue West Haven, CT 06516

USA

VA

VA

stefanie.carter3@va.gov stefanie.carter3@va.gov The purpose of this amendment is to extend the quote due date from 2/8/2019 to 2/14/2019 at 1:00pm EST.

Responses to contractor questions and updated CAD drawings have also been added to this solicitation amendment.

Contractor Questions 36C24119Q0008 : Wifi Installation and Service

1 - Q. Can you please provide CAD Drawlings of all covered areas?

A. CAD drawings are provided of all areas covered. See attached CAD Drawings

2 - Q. Will the Demarc being used be in building 5 or the main data center in Building 2?

A. All of the OIT circuits for VACT are brought into the campus in the PBX room, Bldg 1 Room G251. For the separation of circuits and the greatest amount of area to install equipment I would recommend installing services and connections in G100 in Bldg 2.

3 - Q. What is the standard spec for patch panels, mounting, fiber cabinets, etc.?

A. This is going to be contractor specific. All patch panels and wiring have to be separate from the VA network. This includes the use of separate racks and cabling.

4 - Q. For the technical response, we only need to provide one past performance. Correct?

A. See solicitation document, paragraph 2 and 3 regarding past performance and technical responses.

5 - Q. What type of fiber is to be installed? Single mode or multimode? If multimode, what type OM1 OM2 or OM3?

A. This is contractor specific – we use multimode OM1. Currently the campus is run through with Multi Mode fiber optic cabling. But with expansion projects and dual homing projects there are not enough fiber available for this project. Also, all fiber on campus terminates in Bldg 5.

6 - Q. How many strands to each closet?

A. This is contractor specific on what is required for the project. Add 20% for expansion

7 - Q. Where is the head end to be located?

A. This is contractor specific – G100 can be used for the head end equipment.

8 - Q. If head end is not located at point provider enters facility, what is to be installed to the head end from point of demarcation?

A. That is at the discretion of the contractor

9 - Q. The use of dust containment is required during the install. Is contractor required to provide units or will they be provided and available daily by the site?

A. The contractor is required to provide the units

10 - Q. Is parking for construction vehicles provided?

A. There is a contractor lot available but very limited. Company vehicles can park in the main parking lot 9.

11 - Q. Will a sufficient storage area be provided by site or is contractor required to provide construction container?

A. The contractor shall confine all operations including the storage of materials on Government premises to areas authorized by the COR. Physical Security Plan may be required by the VA Police for exterior laydown areas.

12 - Q. When drilling is required, what time of day is allowed?

A. Typically after hours. 6pm – 6am, weekends, and holidays are all considered off peak hours.

13 – Q. Will contractor be required to gain approval from site prior to coring through floors and walls?

A. Yes

14 - Q. Is a complete safety plan to be submitted prior to starting project?

A. Yes

15 - Q. Will a site log of all areas of Asbestos, lead, etc concerns be provided by infection control for this project?

A. Info will be provided by safety and infection control upon request.

16 - Q. Is site going to issue access keys to areas needed for pathways- IDF closets- confined spaces etc?

A. No access to IT closets will be granted without a VA staff member present whether it’s IT or Facilities Management Service. General keys can be coordinated through VA approval if contactors are on site for an extended time. An escort from FMS can give access to an area if needed during peak and off-peak hours. The COR will be available for off peak hours as well. Must be scheduled with the COR in advance with 10 days’ notice.

17 - Q. Areas which have to be done after hours such as Cafe - Dialysis - Building 2 main entry etc, will these areas be left open for work to be done, and who would be the site coordinator for this?

A. All access will be coordinated by the site coordinator. The site coordinator will be the COR. If working in a high patient sensitive areas and any noise or dusty is created, all work should be done during off peak hours which are 6pm – 6am, weekends and holidays. All work must be scheduled in advance.

18 - Q. Can existing rack space and power be used?

A. NO

19 - Q. Can existing fiber strands be used to support the switches? Leveraging existing unused fiber strands can provide significant savings to the VA?

A. NO

20 - Q. If not, what kind of space is available? Does the rack need to be wall mounted, floor mounted or a lockable cabinet?

A. See drawings included. The contractor will determine. A locked space is required if using Building 2, 3rd floor, Room 3186

21 - Q. We would like to confirm whether the contractor will need to provide HEPA carts when running cables.

A. Yes

22 - Q. Will there be available space for storage of equipment during the installation period?

A. The contractor shall confine all operations including the storage of materials on Government premises to areas authorized by the COR.

23 - Q. Is there a requirement for Cat 6 cabling or will Cat 5e or be sufficient?

A. CAT 6

24 - Q. Will the VA provide power in the closets to support the VGIA switches?

A. No, power is limited on this campus. It depends on how much power is needed for the design.

25 - Q. The PWS mentions using Multimode fiber but Single Mode will be needed for at least one location (Dialysis Bldg 2) and the VA typically uses Single mode as a standard. Should we use Multimode or Single mode?

A. Current standards and VA CT utilizes MM through a majority of the infrastructure. But again, there is not enough spare fiber for a project this scope.

26 - Q. How many ISP connections - i.e. one demarc or more?

A. This is at the discretion of the contractor.

27 - Q. If more than one demarc, is an ISP connection to the additional demarc a requirement, and if so what is its location?

A. If the contractor determines that more than one demarc is required, it shall be located in a FMS space.

28 - Q. What is the current bandwidth utilized today for this purpose?

A. There is no VGIA currently

29 - Q. Referring to the table that starts on the bottom of page 9 in the PW:

A. The intent is to provide wireless coverage to all clinical/patient areas on the 3rd, 4th, and 6th floors including the waiting areas 3237, 4150, and 6218. Drawings are provided for clarity.

30 - Q. Will the valuation be more heavily waited on the first year cost including installation and monthly recurring expense, or will it be more heavily waited over the total five year expense?

A. 52.217-5 -- Evaluation of Options. (Jul 1990): Except when it is determined in accordance with FAR 17.206(b) not to be in the Government’s best interests, the Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for all options to the total price for the basic requirement. Evaluation of options will not obligate the Government to exercise the option(s).

31 - Q. What is more important in your weighting? First year total expense, or the total expense over the five year period?

A. Options are not weighted. Options are evaluated in accordance with FAR 52.217-5.

32 - Q. Will VA Medical provide CAD files for areas requiring coverage?

A. Yes, Drawing are provided

33 - Q. Building Locations, Group 1: Not all drawings depict coverage areas as described in this section. Will the government provide updated drawing files with coverage area requirements?

A. Yes updated drawings for the coverage area are provided.

34 - Q. For the purposes of coverage planning, will the government confirm that restrooms, stairwells, elevator shafts, and utility closets are required coverage areas?

A. Yes

35 - Q. For the purposes of capacity planning, can the government provide estimates of areas such as waiting rooms, conference rooms, etc.?

A. The square footage for all areas listed in the PWS is approximately 65,115 sq. ft (estimate).

36 - Q. PWS Project Overview, item 3: Where is wireless not appropriate and who will determine cable preference? When will that determination be made?

A. Wireless is not appropriate or necessary in non-clinical or patient areas.

37 - Q. PWS Project Overview, item 12: Who will provide the acceptable use policy to be accepted on the custom splash page?

A. This will be provided by the COR and the ISSO.

38 - Q. Can the VACT list known high-speed service providers already operating at this facility?

A. No, VACT cannot provide this information

39 - Q. PWS Project Overview, item 17: Does the production VACT wireless network also provide 2.4GHz Wi-Fi? If so, can we get a channel map to show existing coverage?

A. Currently the VA uses the 2.4 range and channels 1/6/11

40 - Q. PWS Project Overview, item 18: In the event a bandwidth upgrade is needed, will the monthly billing rates be allowed to be adjusted accordingly?

A. If future expansion is required, this will be done through a bilateral modification to the contract.

41 - Q. PWS Project Overview, item 18: How did VACT come up with 1372 patient visits per day? Did existing wireless network see that many devices, or is that total patients in the facility at any one time?

A. This information was pulled from the Completed Appointment Reports in VSSC. The data is the number of patients who visit on average each day for appointments or guests.

42 - Q. Project Responsibilities, item 2: At what point in the process will we be able to perform a pre-installation Radio Frequency (RF) site survey?

A. This effort can be coordinated through the project COR for access to affected areas.

43 - Q. Are there fiber runs between the buildings we can use?

A. Cable trays are located throughout the entire campus and there should be the ability to pull fiber utilizing the current cable runs between buildings. There is no concern with utilizing the cable trays that are installed. However, there is not the ability to utilize the current fiber infrastructure that we currently have here on campus.

44 - Q. Are their IDFs within 100 meters of each location to be covered by WIFI?

A. NO

45 - Q. Is the DEMARC within multimode standards or will we need to pull single mode fiber?

A. Currently there are no DEMARCS for VGIA on campus.

46 - Q. Do we need to mask off areas do to dust from any wall penetration?

A. Yes

47 - Q. Are there any standards IE FIPS -140 required for the wireless devices?

A. All IT equipment is IE FIPS – 140 encrypted.

48 - Q. Do we need to be badged to do work onsite and to have access to IDFs?

A. Yes

49 - Q. Will the client supply a list for web filtering?

A. The Contractor’s solution shall provide ability for content filtering for internet access to include but not limited to gambling, pornography, and soliciting, vending, debt collection.

50 - Q. Are IT closets climate controlled?

A. IT spaces available for use per included drawings are climate controlled except for room 1331 in building 2 first floor.

51 - Q. Is Cat 6 cable required for install?

A. CAT 6 is the standard for installation.

52 - Q. Will VA supply battery backup?

A. No battery backup will be provided. Now this can be coordinated through the VA as to how this is backed up as most of our systems are backed up on Generator power as this will fall on the equipment branch.

53 - Q. Will the VA install a pots line at the demark area and near the core switch?

A. If needed, the COR make sure that there is cabling and connection ability.

54 - Q. Does the VA require separate phone numbers for the VACT OI@Tstaff and VACT Veterns?

A. No, if any service is needed or maintenance on the WIFI equipment, it needs to be coordinated through the COR.

55 - Q. When will VA re-evalute the bandwidth for a change order request?

A. The contractor shall provide enough bandwith needed to support the requirements of the PWS. If future expansion is needed outside of the PWS requirement, the contract maybe modified with a bilateral modification.

56 - Q. If existing above ceiling pathways are utilized and they are not properly grounded will the contractor be liable to repair?

A. The contractor will be liable to repair.

57 - Q. Are permits required to perform work in the VA facilities? If so are there any Special Permits needed for this facility?

A. Yes. Any permits needed can be found on the TIL (Technical Information Library) at: https://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/spec.asp#01. Typically, it is foreseeable that a confined space permit will be needed to run fiber. More may apply.

58 - Q. Will team members have unrestricted access to telcom rooms once cleared /vetted through security?

A. An escort will be needed to access IT closets and must be coordinated through IT and the COR.

59 - Q. A site visit was held 12/11/2018 at 8:00am EST. A discussion about a second site visit was mentioned after the determination of potential requirements for cabling runs. This design is preliminary and based upon predictive heat maps and may require a redesign after a RF site survey is performed. Is a second site visit going to be scheduled prior to submission?

A. NO

60 - Q. Will there be a follow up survey visit, as the facilities contact that led the walk through did not have access to all areas that needed to be viewed?

A. NO

61 - Q. Will there be an extension issued for quote submission?

A. Quotes are due 2/14/19 at 1:00pm EST

62 - Q. What is the fiber specifications for the VA for this building?

a. Single mode / Multi-mode?

A. Most of VACT is run through with MM

b. Building 1-2 will require SM connection due to distance we believe A. It is dependent on the type of switches and end user devices that the contract installs. They are not used or maintained through facility OI&T.

c. What type of connectors – LC / SC / ST?

A. This Depends on what type of equipment is installed. Contractor cannot use VA equipment

63 - Q. Will the Contractor be able to utilize existing fiber between building 1 and building 2 or will new fiber need to be pulled?

a. If new fiber the pathway could not be determined on the walk through. Are there any existing fiber plans for the building that will show existing route?

A. No, there are no existing Fiber pathways between bldg. 1 and 2. They will need to be run.

b. Where is the head end (MDF) for existing fiber located for the buildings? This was not shown on the visit.

A. They are all terminated in Bldg 5 in the OI&T Core Switch Closet. There is no extra fiber or space available for the install of equipment in that room.

64 - Q. Will Guest WIFI equipment share the same IT rooms as existing VA Equipment or do they need to be in separate locked spaces?

A. See drawings for spacing. The spaces have been indicated on the drawings that can potentially house equipment. Only 3 of them are IT closets that may be used which are indicated as well. All spaces are locked.

65 - Q. If separate spaces, have rooms been designated? The walkthrough only showed existing VA IT rooms – can they be marked on the print?

A. See drawings for spacing. The spaces have been indicated on the drawings that can potentially house equipment. Only 3 of them are IT closets that may be used which are indicated as well. All spaces are locked.

66 - Q. If the same room can be shared, can Guest WIFI equipment be placed in existing IT racks or will new cabinets need to be installed for Guest WIFI equipment?

a. Some of the existing VA IT Rooms are maxed out without space in existing rack or space for new rack – how should that be handled?

A. See drawings for spacing. New WIFI equipment cannot be installed on existing VA racks. Contractor to provide racks or cabinets suitable for space provided. Spaces for this equipment have been indicated on the plans.

67 - Q. Does building 2 have its own MPOE for LEC services or only building 1?

A. Just Bldg 1

68 - Q. Are there specific areas of the hospital that require containment (tenting) units while pulling cable?

A. Yes all clinical areas will require containment.

69 - Q. Is the VA spec Cat5e or Cat6 copper UTP?

A. CAT 6

70 - Q. Please confirm we should utilize all Plenum cabling as minimum spec.

A. Plenum is not the standard for internal wiring.

71 - Q. Is there a specific manufacturer that needs to be used for cabling or just made in USA?

A. All equipment used must meet the VA specs which can be found on the Technical Information Library (TIL) at: https://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/spec.asp#01

72 - Q. Is there a specific color Guest WIFI cabling that should be used?

A. Not specific, but would prefer a cable color outside of the current OIT infrastructure.

73 - Q. Is there a standard as to how many ceiling tiles can be open at one time for pulling of cable?

A. No, but typically you shouldn’t be removing more than 2 tiles. Containment will be needed if in patient area. Typically easier to run cable after hours.

74 - Q. Can cabling be routed through existing sleeves and existing Tray and / or Support system?

A. If space is available.

75 - Q. Please confirm CT electrical license is required.

A. Yes, Confirm with Department of Consumer Protection.

76 - Q. Pleases provide any CT contractor requirements.

A. All contractor requirements can be found on the TIL (Technical Information Library) at this following link: https://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/spec.asp#01. Recommend confirming registration with Department of Consumer Protection

77 - Q. Please provide any specific firestop requirements if differ from local code.

A. Firestop requirements can be found on the TIL in Section 07.84.00 FIRESTOPPING. https://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/spec.asp#01

78 - Q. Is space available in all risers between floors in all buildings?

A. Contractor will need to determine this. Recommended to install all new equipment.

79 - Q. Is sufficient space available in cable ways and trays for cable distribution (if needed) throughout the buildings and between floors?

A. Unknown

80 - Q. Will containment (HEPA) carts be required in any areas? If so, can you inform us of the particular locations it is required and if the VA will provide the dust containment equipment that the contractor can use for the duration of the installation?

A. Yes, containment (HEPA) carts will be required all clinical and patient areas. The contractor is responsible for supplying containment equipment regarding infection control.

81 - Q. Confirm that no VA fiber for Contractor use is available between buildings 1 & 2.

A. Contractor is responsible for supplying new equipment to meet the requirements of the project.

82 - Q. If no fiber or copper inter-building connectivity exists, is wireless bridge for connectivity between buildings acceptable?

A. NO

83 - Q. What is the Telecom DEMARC location (physical address, building #, and room number) for building 1 & Building 2?

A. Bldg 1 Room G251, but the VGIA should not be demarc’d at that location and should be demarc’s away from the facility infrastructure.

84 - Q. Where is the main computer room located (room number) in each building?

A. Bldg 1, Room SG105. There will be no equipment installed in this room.

85 - Q. Where is the main demarc facility (MDF) located (room number) in each building?

A. Bldg 1, Room SG105. There will be no equipment installed in this room.

86 - Q. are the room numbers of the intermediate demarc facilities (IDF) and telephone rooms (TRs) in each building and on each floor?

A. All rooms for the coverage areas, IT closets, and potential spaces for equipment is indicated on the drawings. The contractors wouldn’t need their own list of IT rooms

87 - Q. Is electrical power available in the main demarc facility (MDF), intermediate demarc facility (IDF), and telephone rooms (TRs)?

A. No, power is very limited at this facility. Depends on how much power is needed.

88 - Q. Can we utilize an existing rack the main demarc facility (MDF) for our core WiFi service equipment?

A. NO

89 - Q. Can Contractor perform uninterrupted work during normal business hours?

A. No hospital operations can be interrupted. A plan and schedule of the required work will be put into place and has to be approved and coordinated through engineering, police, and any effected clinical areas. 6pm – 6am, weekends, and holidays are considered off peak hours if work is determined to effect hospital operations or is an infection control concern.

90 - Q. On the Building 1 6th floor plan, can the Government mark the location of room number 6218?

A. Yes, plans are updated and included.

91 - Q. On the Building 2 ground floor plan, highlight the required coverage area including G122?

A. Coverage is needed throughout G122.

92 - Q. On the Building 2 1st floor plan, can the Government mark the required coverage area for the front lobby?

A. Yes, plans are updated and included.

93 - Q. On the Building 2 1st floor plan, as part of the "dining area" coverage, does the Government need coverage in the Dining room (1276), Food Court (1277), Dining (1276A) and Kitchen Canteen (1274) or just a subset of those areas?

A. Coverage will be needed in 1276, 1277, and 1276A. Rm 1274 is the kitchen area and should not be included. There is also another dining room across rotunda area of the café labeled 1279. That should be included. Plans are updated.

94 - Q. On the Building 2 3rd floor plan, can the Government highlight the required coverage areas "all room clinical area"?

A. Yes, plans are updated.

95 - Q. On the Building 2 3rd floor plan, can the Government highlight the required coverage for room 3237 clinical area"? The floor plan shows rm 3237 as the "Serving Kitchen."

A. Yes, plans are updated. There is seating in the serving kitchen area for patients.

96 - Q. Please confirm that the simplified acquisition threshold ($150,000) does not apply. If the threshold does apply, which CLINS does the threshold apply to (each year or in total).

A. The SAT ($250K) is not applicable

96 - Q. Please define "ENRVH."

A. Removed from Performance Work Statement.

See attached document: WH Wifi Drawing Set 02.04.19.