RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION.pdf

RFI Question # RFI Question Design Team Response

1 Spec section 01 00 00 page 2, para 1.3 states that project work will be completed floor by floor, one bldg. at a time. Please confirm this phasing system is correct as it will have impact on our bid price.

For bidding purposes, assume the project phasing is correct as stated. Final phasing shall be coordinated and approved by the

COR.

2 Spec section 01 00 00 page 2, para 1.3 states that as a plan to minimize the dust, contractors shall utilize mobile containment carts to prevent spread of dust during construction. --- Please confirm these carts are required as we need to incorporate the cost of buying these carts and this work system reduces the output of labors resulting into higher labor cost for contractor.

This project is being executed within occupied areas of the hospital and, as such, requires strict dust prevention procedures.

Mobile containment carts are one of those requirements.

3 Spec section 01 35 26 has requirements for SSHO, please confirm contractor’s site superintendent can simultaneously perform the duties of SSHO.

No, the SSHO shall be a separate person which will ensure the Site Superintendent is following all of the specifications and duties safely.

4 Spec section 01 35 26 para 1.9 B states to have CSP for monthly site safety inspection. – Please confirm this CSP is required even if contractor has SSHO on site.

The CSP performs unbiased functions to ensure the SSHO and the site is being performed in a safe manner. The CSP shall be separate of that from the SSHO.

5 Spec section 01 00 00 page 2, para 1.3 states to replace ceiling tiles to match existing. --- Please provide the manufacturer name and item number of the existing ceiling tile as without this information suppliers won’t provide price of this ceiling tile.

The VA uses different tiles in different areas. Here are some common tiles this facility uses;

1. Armstrong Cortega 770

2. Armstrong Ultima Health 1935A

3. Nonperf Clean Room VL Fire 868B

4. Armstrong Cirtega 704A

5. The Research building #105 uses 12 inch by 12inch ceiling tiles.

6 Spec section 01 00 00 page 2, para 1.3 (Architectural Para) states to replace ceiling tiles to match existing, it further states “additionally the equipment shall match surrounding wall and ceiling hung equipment”. ---- Please clarify in detail what is this equipment which has to match with surrounding wall and ceiling? please provide details.

New equipment, i.e. speakers, shall be installed based upon ceiling and wall types. For example, a speaker installed in ACT shall be installed as detail 2/TI501 and a wall surface mounted speaker shall be installed as detail 3/TI502.

7 Please confirm these are the same drawings and specifications which were issued for the original/earlier bid and there is no change.

Yes, same drawings and specifications were released as the previous solication.

8 Spec section 01 91 00 page 22, para 1.8C states that VA will engage the CxA under separate contract, whereas drawing G- 001 Commissioning and Testing notes states Commissioning agent shall labor, material and test equipment to perform tests. --- Please confirm that VA will hire commissioning agent and it is not contractor’s responsibility.

The CxA is a separate entity that shall be selected by the VA. This requirement is separate from the specified drawing requirements.

Commissioning and Testing as per G-001 notes is still the contractors responsibility.

9 Please confirm that there is no need of painting the wall surfaces after removal of existing PA system equipment like speakers, wires, anchors, hangers, supports, etc. Painting of the walls will only be required where damage caused by the contractor or removal of existing wall speaker.

10 Drawing G-001 Shop Drawing notes states to provide shop drawing for “typical ceiling suspension system”. If only ceiling tile is to be replace then why shop drawing for ceiling suspension system is required? Please clarify in detail. Ceiling Suspension System shop drawing shall only be required if a new system is to be installed and is not anticipated for this project.

11 Drawing G-001 indicates there are existing 595 speakers, when these speakers will be removed then each of the ceiling tile will have to be replaced as after removal of existing speaker it will leave a hole in tile. Please confirm new ceiling tile will be required at each of this location.

Yes, provide new ceiling tile at each location of speaker removal.

10.25.2021

RFI 1

12 Drawing G-001 indicates there are approx. 1000 new speakers, is new ceiling tile required at each of these locations?

If contractor can install new speakers in existing ceiling tiles then a new tile is not required. However, if existing tiles break or are damaged during installation of new speakers, new ceiling tiles will be required.

13 The new ceiling speakers are connected with wire inside the conduit, will all of these ceiling tiles have to be removed and reinstalled? Are new ceiling tiles required at these locations? Ceiling shall be removed and reinstalled as required to complete work. New tiles shall be required where damaged.

14 The existing speakers in the shaded area shall remain and be connected to new amplifier (this is shown on new floor plans). -- -- To connect existing speakers to new amplifier new wiring has to be run in conduit above the existing ceiling. Contractor may have to remove and reinstall all the ceiling in these areas.

Please advise. Ceiling shall be removed and reinstalled as required to complete work. New tiles shall be required where damaged.

15 Drawings P106-2B to P100-8B (11 dwgs total) shows gypsum board ceiling area where new conduit/wiring and speakers are being installed, this length is approx. 1600 LF, now in order to do this new work contractor has to get access through the interstitial floor by removing the deck or existing gypsum board ceiling has to be removed and then patch back. Please advise which option will VA allow as this will have a big impact on our cost. Contractor shall remove ecxisting gypsum board ceiling and patch as required to install conduit, wiring and speakers.

16 Is there storage on-site, or can a storage container be placed on-site?

Depending on the timeframe, the VA may allow the contractor to bring a CONNEX on site to use for storage. The VA will not be responsible for the inside contents of this CONNEX if stored on site.

17 Will HEPA tents/mobile containment carts be able to be stored in the building in which we would be working?

Yes, the VA shall allow the contractor to store the HEPA tents/mobile to be stored at our facility with restrictions. The Cart shall be stored in a desginated area and that will not obstruct fire boundaries, corridors, and or regular operation of the facility.

During the construction kick off meeting, the final locations will be decided.

18 Are there on-site personnel for IP coordination for system set-up?

OIT provides these services for the VA. There are local reps onsite that will need to be included in the coordination for these IP addresses to be developed.

19 Are the 110V and Data Outlets required in the Telecom Rooms to be installed by the Contractor?

Yes, new receptacles and data outlets shall be installed by contractor.

20 Are all new conduits EMT? Yes.

21 Is painting of the conduits to be done by the Contractor or by the VA? (Drawing G-001 General Note 29). Contractor shall paint visible conduit.

22 Are the existing speakers and cabling to be removed as part of this contract?

Yes, all existing speakers and cabling is to be removed by contractor.

23 Drawing TI501 (System Details) shows only 21 Amplifiers for Bldg. 100. When referring to Drawings E-101 through E-106 as well as Drawings TI113 through TI122, they call out for a total of 40 Amplifiers, each in a different room. Is Drawing TI501 typical or is there something missing? Need to know if we're dealing with 21 or 40 Amplifiers for Building 100. Details on sheet TI501 are typical. There shall be 40 amplifiers in building 100.

24 Also, if it's 40 Amplifiers, how many of each as there are two different part numbers NQ-A2120 and NQ-2060. Please clarify. NQ-A2120 are only for Bldg 100 Ground floor, 1st floor, and 2nd floor. All the others are NQ-A2060.

1 Please note that certain questions listed here may prompt follow-up request for clarification. Noted

Please confirm that the entire new system will be installed and tested, and the subsequent system is to be de-commissioned in a second phase, all to be included in this solicitation response.

Yes, the existing system is to remain operational until the new system is accepted by the facility.

RFI 2

3 Please confirm that no background music is required in the system for the initial installation

The VA does not understand this questions. We would like to add that the current PA system is required to be active during installation of the new system.

4 Where referenced throughout the design documents that the Bogen equipment will be placed on the LAN, please confirm that this LAN, switches, and configuration will be GFE and provided by the VA Hospital

The existing VA netwwork is to be utilized. Contractor shall furnish and install new switches, data outlets, etc. as required for complete installation of new Public Address System.

5 It is understood that all cabling will require end-to-end conduit.

if rigid conduit is required, please advise if PVC is acceptable?

PVC is not acceptable.

6 Please advise if permanently installed access hatches would be acceptable in lieu of cutting sheet rock and providing a paint and spackle repair.

Strategically placed access hatches may be approved if they provide value to the VA. A shop drawing shall be submitted prior to starting the prospective area.

7 It is noted in the specifications that backup power and UPS support ranges from 30 min to 4 hours. Please confirm that this is to be accomplished by Life Safety, high voltage is out of scope for the PA system vendor. No high voltage is required for this contract.

8 Please advise what percentage of the speaker installation and testing must be performed after-hours

Contractor shall develop a test plan for the whole system using the manufacture's specifications. The test plan will need to be approved by the government's representative prior to the commencement of testing. Testing shall encompass functional testing and verify proper operation for all newly installed equipment.

9 Please confirm that all data, networks, network configuration is not included in the scope. The existing VA netwwork is to be utilized. Contractor shall furnish and install new switches, data outlets, etc. as required for complete installation of new Public Address System.

10 Please confirm that the VA will provide suitable onsite storage Depending on the timeframe, the VA may allow the contractor to bring a CONNEX on site to use for storage. The VA will not be responsible for the inside contents of this CONNEX if stored on site.

11 Please advise what percentage of work will require ECU infections control tenting

Infection Control shall spply for all areas where ceiling is being modified.

12 Please advise how many escorts will be required or guaranteed for the duration of the project

The VA shall provide access where necessary. Most areas are corridors and do not require "escorts". The contractor shall go through background checks and security to retrieve badging for each employee to be on site. Escorts are not necessary if the contractor obtains a PIV badge. Not sure the intent or purpose of this question.

13 If preferred by the contractor, can all work be performed at night and on weekends?

No, not all work will be allowed to worked at night ands weekends. All out patient areas and some inpatients areas will require to be performed during nights and weekends. Also the high traffic areas like the first floor, may require nights and weekends. Other areas may also be approved.

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