36C24220R0072-0006001.docx

VA responses to RFIs

Please note, VA responses are in Red. VA included some of Philips’ responses in Blue.

1. When are the successful Phase 1 offerors going to be informed that they are authorized to submit a Phase 2 Proposal?

· We plan on completing phase 1 evaluations within 7 calendar days after receipt of phase proposals.

2. What duration will the successful Phase 1 offerors have to prepare the Phase 2 Proposal?

· The anticipated duration for the preparation of phase 2 proposals is 14 calendar days.

3. What is the anticipated duration for the VA to review the Phase 2 proposals and make an award – so that the successful Phase 2 offeror can start pre construction and design?

· The anticipated duration for VA to review the Phase 2 proposals is 7 calendar days. Approximately 14 calendar days to make award.

4. RF Shield – in the Scope of Work document / b. MRI Scan room / xv / 4 – it is stated that the RF shielding test report, as performed by Philips is being provided by the VA.

We do not have that test report.

· It was a part of the solicitation. A copy is attached to this response.

5. Ground testing of the RF Shield – we assume the above referenced test (in item a ) was for radio frequency. Has a ground test been performed? This is a critical test, though it requires the complete disconnect of all utilities entering the RF assembly – which makes it a challenge to perform.

· Yes, Philips only conducted a RF test. Philips included the following response regarding ground testing:

· Two parts to this question but no, preliminary ground test is not required.

· Regarding the shield integrity: our service team has tested the RF shield prior and found that it needs repairs. After repairs by the RF shield vendor, they should supply you with the testing results post-work.

· Earth bonding/safety grounding: myself and our service team will be inspecting earth bonding per specs outlined on ED1, testing will be conducted during installation.

6. RF Shield assembly – what age is the existing RF shield assembly?

· Biomed states the shield is 19-20 years old. However, Philips believes the shielding was constructed in the late 1980’s.

7. Cryogen vent modification – the attachment 009 shows the exterior mounted cryogen containment box. While this is installed, and the rest of the cryogen vent system is replaced, verify that Philips is aware and planning to disconnect the vent from the magnet entirely. For the several days that it will take to perform the new vent work.

· Philips provided the following response:

· To do rework on the existing HEP and outlet to bring it to required specifications, yes they will have to disconnect it from the system. But, service will ramp down the magnet prior to the HEP being disconnected. With the magnet ramped down there is no quench risk and minimal helium venting/loss.

8. Cryogen vent pipe discharge – what is the height, of the existing centerline of the pipe – as it sticks through on the exterior of the building? In particular, looking for the height off of the top of the adjacent sidewalk surface.

· The Contractor would still need to verify all measurements. I estimate the centerline of the HEP is roughly 21’-0” above grade (1st floor elevation and estimate on 2nd floor). Keep in mind, the discharge is located over a mechanical areaway which provides around an additional 11’-0”.

9. Contact information for vendors, please provide contact information for the following systems:

· Tremco roof

· Peter Hamilton

· phamilton@tremcoinc.com

· (518) 391-9982

· Fire Alarm system

· Alarm & Suppression

· Brian Slingerland

· (518) 399-5110

· Nurse call/ code blue system

· Hill-Rom

· Danielle Helm

· Danielle.Helm@Hill-Rom.com

· Automated logic BMS System

· Eastern Heating & Cooling

· Paul Tillery

· (518) 470-6832

· MRI Chiller service – if a 3rd party company is under contract

· Existing MRI chiller currently maintained in-house.

· Building envelope warrantee vendor ( if there is one. This would be to coordinate the work of opening up the exterior wall panels for the cryogen vent pipe work and reinforcing the panels to allow for the installation of the HEP end box assembly)

· The VA does not have a dedicated vendor.

10. Helium loss: the scope of work document MRI Equipment room / iv / 1a :

states that if the shutdown is longer than 6 hours that the Contractor will be liable for the cost of refiling the helium that the magnet had lost.

What is the unit of measure that all parties can review on the magnet – before the work starts – so that if a 6 hour time should be exceeded – the amount of lost helium is measurable?

What is the cost per liter of helium?

What is the Philips service cost that is applied for the installation of the helium?

· Philips provided the following response:

· Service can read pre-construction helium levels, but Philips service will be covering any helium loss/fill.

11. The existing chiller – at the end of the upgrade, when the new chiller is fully on line, who removes and disposes of the existing (the old) chiller?

· The Contractor would be responsible for removing and disposing the old chiller once the new chiller is operational.

12. New chiller power – What is the point of tie in for the power for the new chiller system?

· Power for the existing chiller is provided by Panel NPP-1 located outside the MRI Suite. The Contractor’s design would propose the point of tie-in to the existing system.

13. New chiller rig – Who will rig the new chiller into its location? Is that in the Philips equipment quote, or to be part of a Phase 2 Proposal?

· The Contractor would be responsible for rigging the new chiller into its location? The cost should be included in your Phase 2 proposal.

14. Philips drawing set, page A1 – items that need to be determined, before any Phase 2 Proposal or a design could be prepared:

· Note 1 – is there an action needed for this note (IE: Magnetic shielding) or is it just an observation?

· Philips provided the following response:

· It is an observation. While it looks like an exterior wall, if there are any patient care areas or an accessible area to personnel, some warning signage or restrictions may be needed.

· Note 2 – who performs this structural analysis and when?

· Beyond this particular item it should be discussed who and when the overall structural analysis gets done for the new Philips equipment loads. Items are placed differently than the existing layout, and some items are in addition to what exists, and some of the new items are heavier than their existing counterparts.

· Performing a structural analysis would be conducted at the Contractor’s discretion. This would most likely occur during the awarded Contractor’s investigative site visit.

· Note 3 – Is the raising of the magnet to be performed by Philips?

· Philips provided the following response:

· For the installation (MRI Upgrade, post site prep), Philips and our mechanical installation group can move/raise the magnet.

· Note 4 – Who is ‘Field’ and when will they verify that all items will fit?

· Field would refer to Philips’ on-site representative or Field Engineer. Philips’ Field Engineer is Edward Kloc (edward.kloc@philips.com)

· Note 5&6 – From the photos, we see a new HEP assembly being needed from the shield enclosure, through the exterior wall to the new HEP box.

· Note 7 - A current pre-test would be needed as part of any Contractor taking ownership of this RF room. The pre-test would need to be a full pass based on the new Philips MRI specs.

· A ground test should be performed as well if the Phase 2 Contractor is to be performing a ground test of the modified shielded room.

· Are you recommending the awarded Contractor to perform a preliminary RF and Ground Test prior to design?

· Note 8 – what is the existing height to the grid, from the existing computer floor? What is the height of the computer floor system?

Above the grid, what is the height to the underside of the deck above?

Above the grid, what is the height to the underside of the structural beams that are supporting the floor above?

· The existing height to the ceiling grid from the existing computer floor is 7’-11 ½”. The height of the computer floor system is 1’- ½”. The height of the underside of the deck above is 11’-0” (height from computer floor to underside of deck). The height of the underside of the structural beam supporting the floor above is 10’-2” (height from computer floor to underside of structural beam).

· If the computer floor gets removed – how does the Phase 2 Proposal include the removal or relocation of items (IE: Piping, electrical, etc.) that exist now below that floor?

· The current scope retains the computer floor. The awarded Contractor could propose to remove the floor if it would benefit the installation.

· Note 9 - the grid should be installed either way, but why is the control room door not shown as new and as swinging out?

· Philips had noted in the past that as long as the site prep installs the emergency pressure relief grid between the Scan Room and another existing space, the door between the Scan and Control Room does not need to change swing orientation. Do you agree with the statement?

· Note 10 – are new coils being ordered – which apparently triggers millwork scope?

· Yes, new coils are being ordered. Philips doesn’t think a new storage cabinet is required.

· No comments now on 11, 12, 13

· Asterisk 2 – the floor support analysis - who performs this analysis and when?

· The Contractor would most likely perform this analysis the same time as Note 2.

15. Existing feeder to the MRI –

· How many wires are in the existing 480 volt feeder?

· What size are each of the conductors?

· What size is the conduit?

· What is the total length of the run?

· I’m not knowledgeable of the installed configuration to the MRI but the previous bid set (used as reference only provides the likely configuration on Drawing E1 on page 14/34). Panel NPP-1 is located just outside the MRI Suite and is estimated ~15’-0” from the Computer Room.

16. New Philips supplied UPS system – please verify that the UPS and battery cabinet are included as part of the equipment order. If so, please provide the installation and operation manual for the detailed specification and installation requirements. Refer to Philips magnet drawings, sheet ED1, top left of page, Mid-Tier UPS wiring.

· Per the MRI Upgrade contract, Philips is providing 1, Mid-Tier UPS, Part #SP059B and a Battery Cabinet. I’ve requested Philips to provide the installation and operation manuals.

17. City water backup – Is there city water backup in place on the magnet now?

Is the new system to have city water back up?

· There is not a city water backup in place. A city water back up is not the VA’s intention. We’re seeking redundancy in the MRI’s chiller. Would you agree this is sufficient?

18. Has an initial RF test for the existing MRI shielded enclosure been completed recently? If so, please send RF test results.

· The initial RF test for the existing MRI shielded enclosure was last conducted on 8/9/18. Please see attached PDF.

19. Has an initial RF ground test for the existing MRI shielded enclosure been completed recently? If so, please send ground test results.

· An initial RF ground test for the existing MRI shielded enclosure has not been conducted, however per Philips, a preliminary test is not required. Please see Philips’ response below.

· Regarding the shield integrity: our service team has tested the RF shield prior and found that it needs repairs. After repairs by the RF shield vendor, they should supply you with the testing results post-work.

· Earth bonding/safety grounding: myself and our service team will be inspecting earth bonding per specs outlined on ED1, testing will be conducted during installation.

20. Please provide hospital floor plan at radiology.

· A PDF version of the hospital floor plan has been attached. Please note the dimensions are inaccurate and the awarded Contractor would have to measure everything for adequate as-built drawings.

21. Are exiting Philips MRI drawings available? If so, please send.

· Please see the attached Philips MRI drawings.

22. Will a separate spec book be required for A&E or is on drawing specs acceptable?

· Draft specifications have been prepared by the VA and are attached with the solicitation. If the Contractor/A&E would like to add or modify the specifications, they would need to be approved by the VA CO.

23. Is there a certain lock with construction core required for the ICRA entry door?

· For construction barriers, the Contractor must install a storeroom function lockset(s) that accepts a BEST 7-pin, interchangeable core. Once the Prime Contractor completes a General Contractor Key Request Form(s), the VA Locksmith will install a dedicated QB core (for construction) and provide a key(s) solely for the Prime Contractor.

24. Can we use a prefabricated metal ANTE room with door?

· Yes, prefabricated ante rooms (with doors) are possible. Would the prefabricated rooms be mounted to anything (e.g. wall, flooring) and would it damage the surface(s)? Please keep in mind the CT Suite across the corridor will remain active and all ante rooms cannot block access to the rooms.

25. Does the equipment room currently have a raised floor?

· Yes, the Computer Room has a 1’- ½” high, raised flooring. The Contractor would still need to verify all measurements.

26. What is the deck to deck height in the MRI suite (control/Equip/Scan)?

· The station’s 1947 drawings state the deck to deck elevation for the second floor is 12’-7 ¼”. The Contractor would still need to verify all measurements.

27. How high is the ceiling AFF in the MRI suite (control/Equip/Scan)?

· The Contractor would still need to verify all measurements. Control: 8’-0” AFF, Computer: 7’-11 ½” from raised computer flooring, Scan: 8’-3” AFF (to primary finished ceiling).

28. How high is the existing equipment room raised floor?

· 1’- ½” high. The Contractor would still need to verify all measurements.

29. What size is the existing sprinkler line entering the MRI suite that will require isolation?

· The Contractor would still need to verify all requirements. In the Computer Room, I found the branch lines that elbow down, off the “main branch”, are ~1 ¼”. The “main branch” that may not need to be moved but modified is ~1 ½”. There is a line that passes through the Computer Room and into the Scan Room. If this is a dedicated sprinkler line, the line going through the computer is ~2 ¼”.

30. What type of roof is on 2nd floor lower roof?

· Modified Bitumen-Granular

31. Is there a warranty holder on the roof?

· The roof is warranted by Tremco

· Peter Hamilton

· phamilton@tremcoinc.com

· (518) 391-9982

32. Who is the existing BMS building contractor?

· Eastern Heating & Cooling

· Paul Tillery

· (518) 470-6832

33. What size is the existing MRI scan room wire way?

· I do not have the information, but it could be determined when the awarded Contractor conducts their official site visit(s).

34. Will Philips move the MRI gantry back and forth during MRI scan room floor installation?

· Philips planned to move the MRI magnet during Philips’ MRI Upgrade (after site prep) and would allow the flooring contractor to replace the flooring (around the magnet) during that time. If the flooring is required to be done prior to the install, coordination will need to be conducted by the awarded Contractor with the VA and Philips due to the specific equipment and required personnel.

35. Will Philips provide MRI supports to raise the MRI gantry ¼”?

· Per the installation (MRI Upgrade, after site prep), Philips and their mechanical installation group will move/raise the magnet.

36. Will a new RF shielding floor raceway between the MRI gantry and table be required?

· Are you referring to the flush floor duct shown in Philips’ MRI drawings on SD1, EL & E1?

37. Please confirm Philips will straighten and modify the HEP pipe in the MRI scan room.

· Philips will re-work the HEP inside the RF envelope. The Contractor is scheduled to rework the ceiling directly above the magnet around the MRI’s bonnet to allow a straighter path for the pipe.

38. How far is the mechanical drain from the new HEP box location on exterior wall in mechanical yard?

· There isn’t an existing HEP box and its future location will be part of the design/build. The Contractor would still need to verify all measurements. The HEP is roughly 21’-0” above grade (1st floor elevation and estimate on 2nd floor). The subgrade mechanical areaway has an approximate depth of 11’-0”. Once inside the mechanical areaway, you could approximate the drain is 10’-0” away.

39. Can we assume HVAC supply duct is blocking access to the existing RF filters and this duct can’t be removed? How large is the existing duct? Suggest moving Rf filters.

· I don’t think I’m fully understanding your question. I don’t think there are available access doors for the existing RF filters. Wouldn’t the installation of said access doors resolve the accessibility issue? Why would we benefit moving the RF filters? I attached our archived document of what existing construction should be. The ductwork sizes are shown on M-2. Please note this document are not as-built drawings and site conditions may differ. The conditions can be verified with the awarded Contractor’s official site visit(s).

40. What size and manufacturer are the existing RF doors?

· I measured the doors to be the following sizes, but they should be verified by the Contractor. The doors came from PDC R/F Shielded Enclosures, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

· Scan/Control

· 3’-1 5/8” x 7’-1”

· Scan/Corridor

· 4’-2 ½” x 7’- 5/8”

41. Request pictures of RF doors including brass door thresholds that require sanding.

· See attached photos including thresholds and fingers.

42. Please verify if the existing RF shield is stainless steel and nor a zinc plated galvanized metal?

· Philips’ RF shielding test (8/9/18) states the RF shield is steel; Philips could verify the exact material on their next visit to the VAMC.

43. Please provide contact information for the base building code blue contractor.

· Hill-Rom

· Danielle Helm

· Danielle.Helm@Hill-Rom.com

44. Confirm Philips is furnishing new chiller for their system?

· No, the Contractor is furnishing the new chiller for the system.

45. Existing MRI breaker size? Is it shunt trip?

· The MRI main disconnect is a 480V, 3 phase, 3 wire, 90A breaker. Per the archived drawings (for reference only), there is a shunt trip breaker for the PDU.

46. What are the existing sizes of the feeder and ground for the MRI?

· I’m not knowledgeable of the installed configuration of the MRI but the archived drawings may provide more information. The existing sizes of the feeder and ground can be determined during the awarded Contractor’s official site visit(s).

47. Confirm is existing PDU ground is the same size as conductors. If not, how far is the ground connection?

· I do not have information of the size of the conductors. The awarded Contractor could determine this on their official site visit(s).

48. What are the existing sizes of the wire for the chiller?

· I do not have information of the wire sizes. The awarded Contractor could determine this on their official site visit(s).

49. What is the distance from the Control room to the MDP feeding the magnet?

· The Contractor should verify all measurements. I’m approximating the Control Room is 20’-30’ from the MDP, NPP-1.

50. Please confirm no new led lighting in the control/equipment rooms?

· Correct, the scope does not include installing LED lighting fixtures in the MRI Control and Computer rooms.

51. What is the existing manufacturer and breaker style/type of the panel feeding the MRI?

· It’s a Square D circuit breaker. I’m not entirely sure of the breaker’s style/type, but I included a photo of the breaker which contains the Interruption Rating.

52. What is the distance to the chiller location to the panel feeding the chiller?

· The Contractor would still need to verify all measurements. The response to Question 21 can be referenced. The chiller is in the same areaway as the drain. You could assume the cabling is roughly an additional 25’-0” run from NPP-1 to the exterior of the building.

53. Can you provide background drawings showing where we are located in the building, existing mechanical systems, and where the condensers are located?

· Refer to the archived, bid set drawings. The general locations were shown on the virtual walkthrough.

54. New chiller system – how far between LCC and outdoor chiller? We need to determine the piping size required between the two.

· This length cannot be determined until the Contractor measures between Philips’ new location of the LCC and the Contractor’s proposed location for the new chiller/chiller stand. Measurements could be extrapolated from Question 21’s response.

55. New 10 ton Liebert system – how far between AHU and condenser on roof?

· The Contractor would still need to verify all measurements. I would estimate the existing AHU and condenser is approximately 15’-20’ apart.

56. New 3 ton Liebert system – how far between AHU and condenser in subgrade areaway?

· The Contractor would still need to verify all measurements. This response could also reference Question 21. The Supply Room, next to the Control Room, does not extend to the exterior wall. You could assume an additional 6’-0” to the AHU.

57. Are pictures available of the Liebert air handlers and condensers?

· See attached photos. Additional photos attached in the second email.

58. Please provide existing Liebert refrigerant line sizes.

· These measurements would still need to be verified by the Contractor. I found the 10-ton condenser’s refrigerant lines to range from ¾” to 1”. I found the 3-ton condensing unit’s exposed refrigerant line to be 5/8”. The insulated refrigerant line may be larger.

59. What is the existing line-set length from the existing Liebert condenser to the air handler?

· The Contractor would still need to verify by taking their own measurements. For bidding purposes only, the 10-ton Liebert system’s AHU and condenser could be estimated at 15’-0”-20’-0” apart. The 3-ton Liebert system’s AHU and condensing unit could be estimated around 50’-0” apart.

60. What is the size of the existing cryogen vent? How far of run to exterior?

· Based off the archived drawings, the cryogen vent should have a 4” diameter. Refer to M-2 for general idea of run to exterior.

61. How far from Liebert units/chiller is it in relation to where a crane can be set-up?

· The lift plan would need to be designed by the Contractor and its qualified sub. The crane could be set in the ED circle and extend over to reach the chiller, condensing unit and condenser.

62. We could not confirm any modifications needed to the Control Room HVAC. Is this correct? Is the existing control room covered with humidity specifications?

· The scope included remote temperature and humidity sensors off the 3-ton Liebert system. All 3 room requirements are shown in Philips’ MRI drawings on AN.

63. Will X-ray/core drill be required for any of our piping runs?

· The Contractor would have to assess the existing conditions to determine if (and where) new construction requires new penetrations.

64. How much room between the ceiling grid and deck above in MRI suite?

· The station does not have this information and the RF shield assembly is already in place. The Contractor would have to assess existing conditions to determine availability.

65. Is there an interstitial space above the MRI suite?

· No, above the MRI Suite is the station’s Prosthetics department (3A).

66. What is underneath the MRI scan room? Is it slab on grade?

· The MRI Suite is located on the second floor, on a branch off A-wing. Below the MRI Suite are Dental exam rooms (1A).

67. What/where is supply room?

· The Supply Room contains the 3-ton Liebert AHU and is located next to the MRI Control Room. The Supply Room does not meet the exterior wall facing the 3-ton Liebert system’s condensing unit; there is a restroom between them.

68. When will the VA complete their evaluation of the Phase 1 qualifications and notify the invited D/B’s to submit Phase 2 proposals?

· See answer to question #1

69. When will the D/B’s be required to submit Phase 2 proposals? Adequate time needs to be allowed in order for a complete package to be submitted which includes a preliminary design, phasing plan, project schedule, price with breakdown, etc.

· See answer to question #2

70. What is the proposed revised Contract Award and NTP dates?

· Due to the measures implemented by the VA, these dates will be determined at later time.

71. Confirm that the VA will provide unhindered access to the site so the D/B A/E team can “perform a full depth, on-site investigation to fully verify existing conditions” as required by the Scope of Work. This process will take two to five consecutive days.

· Each visit would need to be coordinated with the VA. The station is continuing to utilize the MRI since we only have one.

72. Clarify the project schedule requirements since SF 1442 and FAR 52.211-10 requires the entire work to be completed, ready for use no later than 180 calendar days from the NTP date.

0. After the NTP is issued and contract time starts, will an onsite concept review with the D/B team and the VA be required since travel to New York is currently difficult and unpredictable.

· Due to the recent events, the VA could consider a virtual meeting based if the contract is awarded during the COVID19 restrictions. If there aren’t any travel restrictions during the time of NTP, the VA would prefer an on-site meeting.

0. Will the VA require onsite meetings with the D/B team for design reviews at 60%, 95%, and 100% drawings?

· The 60% (concept) design is to be submitted with Phase II, prior to contract award. This does not require an on-site meeting. The VA requires an on-site meeting after the 95% drawings have been submitted/reviewed by the VA. Once 95% drawings are reviewed/approved by the VA, they would be considered to be 100%, completing the Design phase.

0. Will the VA require “a minimum of 15 working days” for each drawing review submittal (60%, 95%, 100%)? This process will consume 63 calendar days of a 90-calendar day design schedule.

· The 60% (concept) design will be conducted pre-award. The 95%/100% design review will require the “minimum of 15 working days” of review. This time period would not count against the D/B Contractor’s PoP.

0. Will the VA require 15 working days (21 calendar days) for shop drawing/submittal review and approval, and 10 working days (14 calendar days) to respond to RFI’s?

· Per 013323, those are the allowable time periods for VA review. However, it is not the VA’s intention to utilize the full time period. To benefit both parties, if the D/B Contractor provides detailed information within the 95% design submission, where the VA could review beforehand, the submittal process could be treated just as a formal acceptance of a product(s) which had already been agreed to in the (accepted) D/B drawings.

0. Will the VA require “a minimum 14-day notice” (21 calendar days) for each utility shutdown?

· The VA requires a minimum 14 calendar days of notice. It could benefit both parties if the D/B Contractor could include the dates of outage requests in the initial construction schedule so the vetting/approvals of outages can be processed quicker.

0. Will the VA require weekly site visits with inspection reports by the D/B’s A/E?

· Per 52.246-12 the Contractor shall maintain an adequate inspection system and perform such inspections as will ensure that the work performed under the contract conforms to contract requirements. The Contractor shall maintain complete inspection records and make them available to the Government. All work shall be conducted under the general direction of the Contracting Officer and is subject to Government inspection and test at all places and at all reasonable times before acceptance to ensure strict compliance with the terms of the contract.

0. Confirm that the 90-calendar day construction period does not include those items which the D/B does not control including work performed by Philips in order to provide a fully functioning upgraded MRI.

· Philips will be conducting some work during the D/B Contractor’s PoP but the majority of their installation will occur post site preparation. Philips’ work should not interfere with the D/B Contractor’s PoP. However, the D/B Contractor’s schedule could be affected if Philips is not able to furnish the equipment which is “Furnished by Philips and installed by contractor” in a timely manner. If the delay is caused by Philips, the D/B Contractor would not be penalized for it.

0. Confirm that the VA will issue a mutually acceptable NTP with construction only after the D/B is able to secure long-lead material and equipment.

· Yes, the VA will coordinate with the station and the D/B Contractor to ensure the construction’s NTP is mutually agreeable.

0. Since the D/B cannot predict the impact that COVID-19 will have on the construction schedule, confirm that the VA will accept a longer construction period than 90-calendar days. Please note that due to the size of the work areas and the need for social distancing, production will be impacted and work may be limited to one trade at a time.

· I cannot fully answer this question at this time. This contract’s status is currently pre-bid and the situation of COVID-19 is updated on a daily basis. The VA’s intention would be to issue a NTP for a contract that does not foresee any delays, including external factors. This question is tied to the previous question where the NTP would be issued for a time that is mutually agreeable to both parties.

73. What are the VA’s directives and guidelines concerning COVID-19 including the implementation of health screening, temperature monitoring, and any other requirements that will affect the D/B’s cost and/or schedule? Will the VA require an appointed trained COVID-19 safety officer to be onsite at all times?

· I cannot fully answer this question at this time. This contract’s status is currently pre-bid and the situation of COVID-19 is updated on a daily basis. When this contract is awarded, COVID-19 may no longer be an issue. We will need to revisit this topic after the selected D/B Contractor has been provided the Notice of Award.

74. Will the VA accept Buy-American free trade agreements and world trade organization agreements? Note, the solicitation currently limits Buy-American to FAR 52.225-9 only.

· No exception at this time.

75. Will the VA waive the Sustainable Acquisition Plan noted on Page 14 of the Solicitation, identified as VAAR 852.223-70? Alternatively, since the design period is compressed to only 90 days can the VA identify specific products that must be used to achieve the sustainable requirements?

· Yes, the Sustainable Acquisition plan is waived.

76. Will the VA waive the EMR of 1.0 or less for subcontractors as noted on Page 6 of the Solicitation since this requirement could limit subcontractor participation?

· No exception made at this time.

77. Does the VA’s IT contract security as outlined in 4.24 of the Solicitation affect the D/B’s scope of work, schedule, or cost? Note, other than standard email communication, we do not have access to the VA’s information systems.

· 4.24 shall not affect the D/B’s scope of work, schedule, or cost.