Answers to Combined Questions from Offerors_Due Date 1-14-26.docx

1. Are we responsible for the electrical work required to replace both units? Or will the VA be using their own electrician?

· The contractor is responsible for all electrical work.

2. Are equivalent brands to APC accepted?

· Building 3 UPS Server is now a revitalization scope. Alternate equivalent brands are acceptable for Building 61 work.

3. For Bldg 3, how much runtime is required? It may be possible to achieve desired runtime without an external cabinet to help save on costs.

· Factory Run time of existing equipment will suffice. Revitalization shall give the system equivalent runtime as existing system during date of manufacture.

4. For Bldg 61, how much runtime is required?

· Factory Run time of existing equipment during the date of manufacture will suffice. Replacement UPS shall have equivalent or higher runtime.

5. Can pictures of each UPS and the UPS in its respective room be shared?

· Please see the service report for the details of the UPS and the attached pictures for reference for Building 3 server room.

6. Is there a loading dock available at each building for delivery of new units?

· Yes, loading dock is available for Building 3 and there is a loading dock in Building 62 (adjacent to building 61 )

7. Are the units on the first floor? If not, is there an elevator available for use?

· Units are on 1st floor of both building 3 and building 61. Elevator service is available in both buildings.

8. Are there any obstructions between the loading dock/entry point to each UPS room? (Narrow doors, ramps, steps, etc.)

· No known observable obstruction. Contractor shall verify.

9. Do you have the replacement part numbers?

· Please see the service report for all parts number.

10. How will access to the IT rooms be handled when the project is underway, will we be able to come and go as needed (bringing in tools and materials as needed) or will we

· IT will be escorting contracting to server rooms. With revitalization, the work can be done during normal business hours if there are no server outages.

11. have to sign in/out each time?

· IT will be present in the room during the replacements of components and units. VA will get confirmation on this from OIT and follow up with contractor if this has to be done repeatedly (in/out each time )

12. What will the working hours be like, the specs note the job would be conducted during weekends but what times?

· Working hours will be 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Only server outage work shall be conducted on weekends. If the server is not impacted, the work can be done during normal business hours Monday – Friday.

13. Will we be able to offload and stage equipment/materials at each building as material arrives?

· It depends on the area required for staging for revitalization in Building 3 and replacement of UPS in Building 61.

14. Please confirm there will not be any increase in capacity for the new equipment; assuming new units to be connected to existing feeds.

· There will be no increase in capacity requirements. Same capacity for the new equipment.

15. Are any submittals or shop drawings available for the existing equipment from when it was installed?

· Currently no drawings are available. Bedford VAMC is reviewing old drawings and will be made available upon discovery.

16. The current load for the 16kVA units is 8% and 11%. A second unit is not needed as the load will fit on one unit. Can we schedule a site visit with our electrician to review electrical required to tie both loads to one unit?

· Yes, please coordinate with solicitation contracting officer to schedule a site walk.

17. APC’s replacement unit for this model only offers lithium batteries, which increases the price tremendously (and might have prohibitions in a hospital environment). Is APC required for the new units or will other manufacturers be considered? There are many manufacturers that offer equal or better performance for lower prices.

· Yes, alternative manufacturers that offer equal or better performance are acceptable. Models with lithium batteries are not acceptable.

18. How much runtime is desired for the new UPS’s?

· Existing system original run time at the time of manufacture will suffice.

19. Is there a loading dock at either building for delivery of equipment or is a lift gate needed?

· Please refer to response on question 6.