S06 36C24423Q0252 0001 RFQ Amendment.docx

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE

7.

ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF

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10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE

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Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE

OF YOUR

ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office.

is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERE

D CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES

SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR

OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendmen t, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED

STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF

CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30

PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243 (Type or print) (Type or print) (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (If other than Item 6) (Specify type of modification and authority) (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF

SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer) 02-21-2023 562-23-1-5705-0001 562-19-519 00244 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 4 Commodities 1 1601 Kirkwood Hwy Wilmington DE 19805 00244 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 4 Services 4

To all Offerors/Bidders

36C24423Q0252 01-27-2023

X X X 03-10-2022 at 4:00PM Eastern Time.

See CONTINUATION Page X The purpose of this amendment is to:

1. Incorporate a revised Statement of Work dated 8 Feb 2023 to add Hill-Rom Voalte Nurse Call System Mobile Capabil ity

2. Provide vendor questions and Government responses;

3. Revise the Period of Performance to 04-03-2023 - 04-02-2024;

4. Add CLIN 0011 Option: Hill-Rom Voalte Nurse Call System Mobile Capabilities;

5. Remind vendors that building drawings a re available upon request from andrea.buckley2@va.gov; AND,

6. Extended the offer due to until Friday, 03-10-2022 at 4:00PM Eastern Time.

See continuation page.

ALL OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS REMAIN UNCHANGED. PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF AMENDMENT IN SUBMITTED OFFER.

ANDREA BUCKLEY

CONTINUATION PAGE

Table of Contents

A.1 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

Hill-Rom Voalte Nurse Call System Equipment **Does not include Category 6 or 6A Cable. See CLIN 0002 or 0003.** Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 04-03-2023 POP End: 04-02-2024 PRINCIPAL NAICS CODE: 541519 - Other Computer Related Services PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: N063 - Installation of Equipment - Alarm, Signal, and Security Detection Systems

OPTION: Category 6 Cable Government will only fund either Category 6 or Category 6A Cable option, but not both.

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin:

POP End:

PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: N063 - Installation of Equipment - Alarm, Signal, and Security Detection Systems

OPTION: Category 6A Cable Government will only fund either Category 6 or Category 6A Cable option, but not both.

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin:

POP End:

PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: N063 - Installation of Equipment - Alarm, Signal, and Security Detection Systems

Hill-Rom Voalte Nurse Call System Client Software Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 04-03-2023 POP End: 04-02-2024

PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: N063 - Installation of Equipment - Alarm, Signal, and Security Detection Systems

Hill-Rom Voalte Nurse Call System Software Maintenance

POP Begin: 04-03-2023 POP End: 04-02-2024

PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: N063 - Installation of Equipment - Alarm, Signal, and Security Detection Systems

Hill-Rom Voalte Nurse Call System Installation Services

POP Begin: 04-03-2023 POP End: 04-02-2024

PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: N063 - Installation of Equipment - Alarm, Signal, and Security Detection Systems

Hill-Rom Voalte Nurse Call System Implementation Services

POP Begin: 04-03-2023 POP End: 04-02-2024

PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: N063 - Installation of Equipment - Alarm, Signal, and Security Detection Systems

Hill-Rom Voalte Nurse Call System Project Management Services

POP Begin: 04-03-2023 POP End: 04-02-2024

PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: N063 - Installation of Equipment - Alarm, Signal, and Security Detection Systems

Hill-Rom Voalte Nurse Call System Technical Training and Clinical Consulting

POP Begin: 04-03-2023 POP End: 04-02-2024

PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: N063 - Installation of Equipment - Alarm, Signal, and Security Detection Systems

Hill-Rom Voalte Nurse Call System Enteprise Reporting

POP Begin: 04-03-2023 POP End: 04-02-2024

PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: N063 - Installation of Equipment - Alarm, Signal, and Security Detection Systems

OPTION: Hill-Rom Voalte Nurse Call System Mobile Capability Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 04-03-2023 POP End: 04-02-2024

PRODUCT/SERVICE CODE: N063 - Installation of Equipment - Alarm, Signal, and Security Detection Systems

A.2 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

135 East 38th Street Erie, PA 16504 1559

USA

A.3 STATEMENT OF WORK

Replace Legacy Nurse Call System at the Erie Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Erie, PA February 8, 2023

I. Background:

The Nurse Call System at the Erie Veterans Affairs Medical Center (Erie VA) in Erie, PA is a vital communication method in patient care areas. The previous nurse call system in this facility is a patch work from several vendors that is no longer supported for service or parts. All cabling and equipment shall be removed in this project.

II. Scope:

A. The contractor shall furnish a complete and operational nurse call system that can communicate with existing nurse call systems within the facility without the aid of translators or other equipment. The nurse call system must already be approved for connection to the VA network by VA’s Office of Information Technology. Based on the above requirements, a Hill-Rom Voalte (formerly known as NaviCare) Nurse Call System including Voalte Mobile is the only product that can accomplish these tasks. The following are further requirements and details for this solicitation:

1. Provide design, engineer, furnish, install, connect complete, test, certify and guarantee the new Code Blue/nurse call system for Buildings 1, 8 and 18 at the Erie VA. This contractor shall remove the existing nurse call devices, cabling, and headend equipment that was used for this system.

2. This project will include a new patient/staff signaling devices for 37 patient bed locations within Buildings 1 and 18 and required head-end equipment to operate these and future devices. New system installation includes all end point devices as well as all necessary hardware and software to include, but not limited to desk mounts, staff stations, dome lights, pull switches, room stations, equipment receptacles, pull chords, room control boards, ethernet switches, uninterruptible power supplies, smart phones, client software, software and phone maintenance, implementation, installation, technical training, clinical consulting, enterprise reporting, cabling, wiring, and conduit needed for the system to operate. If needed, a pre-bid walkthrough can be accommodated.

3. Provide materials and equipment to install a complete nurse system that seamlessly ties into our existing Hill-Rom Voalte (formerly known as NaviCare) Nurse Call System. This system currently exists in Building 18 with head-end software which resides in Building 1 and Building 18. Other minimum salient requirements include:

a. Nurse call system must provide the VA facility full ownership of all nurse call system data.

b. Nurse call system must provide the VA facility a data dictionary for the nurse call software data tables, stored procedures and entity relationship diagrams.

c. Nurse call system must be one-VA Technical Reference Model (TRM) approved. More information can be found at : www.va.gov/trm

d. Nurse call system vendor must provide local system administration training for up to 5 VA Biomedical staff.

e. Nurse call system must include graphical touchscreen registered nurse (RN) workflow station with A/B bed soft toggle selection option.

f. Nurse call system must include automatic call cancellation, caregiver presence detection, staff to staff calling and staff duress call routing.

g. Nurse call system must support option for Automatic Nurse Call and Bed Cancel upon RN entry into the room and automatic re-arm of alarms/alerts for smart beds from various manufacturers including Seizewise and Hill-Rom.

h. Nurse call system must include a native interface with electronic health records (EHR) and the existing Hill-Rom smart beds for automatic alarm set, automatic alarm reset and customer defined data elements from the EHR to be displayed on the status board. The nurse call system must consume demographic information via Health Level (HL) 7 Admit, Discharge, Transfer (ADT) to define the Hill-Rom Smart Bed Alarm state.

i. Nurse call system must include physical down pull Code Blue lever on the graphical touchscreen patient status station. Soft button code option is not acceptable due to 508 compliance.

j. Nurse call system must include a dedicated room control board (RCB) setup which maintains a single point of failure. Any systems designed with a daisy chain or similar setup which does not ensure a single point of failure will not be accepted.

k. Nurse call system must not have more than 2 beds connected together in a daisy chain on the network.

l. Nurse call system must include a graphical touchscreen patient status station near each patient bed or beds in each patient room to provide graphical icons representing the alarm, alert, and soft button state of the patient in that bed.

m. Nurse call system must include an all in one pillow speaker and 37 pin smarted plug. Pillow speaker to operate nearby devices.

n. Nurse call system must include graphical touchscreen patient status station that must display visible, graphical icons, not just text, so that care team have a vivid graphic representing each event notification text.

o. Nurse call system must include graphical touchscreen patient status stations that can support dual bed functionality from one screen.

p. Nurse call system must include Hill-Rom smart bed safety status indicator including, patient weight, side rail status protocol being met, brakes on or off, bed exit alarm on or off, and bed in lowest position.

q. Nurse call system must provide a graphical touchscreen patient status station that shows the reposition endotracheal tube (ETT) and Extremities on the touchscreen next to each smart bed.

r. Nurse call system must provide a virtual server and SQL license.

s. Nurse call system must provide a mobile solution that is capable of the following features:

i. Mobile solution must be capable of providing caregivers with a profile that includes personal extensions, Favorites and Contacts to allow for Quick Messaging to patients and other caregivers.

ii. Mobile solution must allow showing of availability and status such as available, busy, or unavailable to other providers.

iii. Mobile solution must allows providers a range of communication options such as voice, alarms, alert ,and text messaging.

iv. Mobile solution must be able to allow providers to select role, room, unit, team or patients and allow for changing of assignments easily with several taps. These changes must be immediately visible to all other users.

v. Mobile solution must be able to present a large amount of information in a simple format to allow users to be able to see which providers are available, busy or offline. This patient-centric directory must allow for easy viewing of providers, assignment information, role, rooms and patients.

vi. Mobile solution must have a robust search engine that can organize results by name, role, team department and unit.

vii. Mobile solution must allow users to send a group text message to all members of a unit, department, team or providers assigned to a particular room or patient.

viii. Mobile solution must allow users to send priority messages with tones that can emphasize urgency, label conversations with a subject, send and receive photo attachments and define messages as broadcast/one-way or collaborative/two-way.

ix. Mobile solution must be capable of ties and integration with existing hospital phone system so inbound callers can dial mobile extensions and allow users to dial outside the hospital.

x. Mobile solution must receive alert notifications automatically, allowing for notifications such as lab results or patient transfers.

xi. Mobile solution must integrate with alert sources such as patient monitoring and nurse call and tie in with alarm software to deliver notifications. When providers see an alert, they can accept, escalate or accept and view to see 3rd party data such as HER and location and Accept and Call to return the patient’s call via the nurse call system.

xii. Mobile solution must shield protected health information (PHI) from accidental disclosure by encrypting messages while in transit and at rest.

xiii. Mobile solution must provide exclusive roles that allow for a seamless electronic handoff for roles held by one person at a time, allowing parties to place a call without knowing who holds the role.

xiv. Mobile solution must notify users when users are outside of coverage area an reconnect call automatically.

xv. Mobile solution must locate the correct on call provider and send a message when requested by a patient.

xvi. Mobile solution must provide installation and support services with 24/7 remote monitoring.

xvii. Mobile solution must provide an appropriate number of cellular smart phones to act as handset devices, maintenance of those cellular smart phones and a T-Mobile cell package for the cellular phones.

4. The mobile solution will be a separate line item and will be provided as a separate CLIN to ensure progress billing. Bidders will be required to ensure that all requirements needed to ensure connection the VA network have been fulfilled via consultation with Office of Information and Technology (OI&T) prior to installation. Installation of Voalte Mobile services will be within the Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) and Community Living Centers (CLC) Alpha and Beta. Installation of Voalte Mobile services will be considered secondary to main wired Voalte Nurse Call System in terms of priority.

45. Utilize all existing pull and back boxes from the previous existing installation where possible. If existing conduits are not adequate, install necessary conduit to continue installation. J-hooks are only allowable within Building 18 due to space constraints.

65. The new nurse call system must meet Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS)-140-2 compliance as well as the specifications outlined in the minimum characteristics below. The system should pair nurse call lights with workflow software and configurable staff terminal with call back for instant patient-nurse communication. The new system will drive upgrades in communication and workflow and improve the following outcomes: Veteran Care Experience and Satisfaction, Fall Prevention, Code and Rapid Response, Veteran Care Awareness and Mindfulness, Pain Assessment, Rounding, Wound Turning, Wound Management, Patient Education and Discharge Planning, STAT Med Orders and pro re nata (PRN) Effectiveness follow-up, In-Hospital Complications, Healthcare-Associated Pressure Ulcer turning Rounding, Ventilator Associated Pneumonia and catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) reduction.

76. The following are items that must be provided by the contractor, but are not limited to participation in a kick-off meeting, project status meetings (frequency to be determined), system acceptance, technical review meetings (as needed), provide a room turnover schedule, project management and oversight services, installation services (cabling, termination, cable testing, hardware device installation and hardware device testing), implementation services (software configuration, testing and system certification), educational services (at least 4 days of clinical consulting and teaching and 2 days of nurse call technical training), HL7 integration services, virtualization services, wireless integration services, staff assignment services, system upgrade services, installation and integration with VA network. A number of initial spare end point devices must be provided in the number of 10% of the installed total.

B. Contractor qualifications include:

1. The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) shall have had experience with three (3) or more installations of Nurse Call systems of comparable size and interfacing complexity with regards to type and design as specified herein. Each of these installations shall have performed satisfactorily for at least one (1) year after final acceptance by the user.

**Include the names, locations and point of contact for these installations as a part of the submittal

2. The Contractor shall submit certified documentation that they have been an authorized distributor and service organization for the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for a minimum of three (3) years. The Contractor shall be authorized by the OEM to pass thru the OEM’s warranty of the installed equipment to VA. In addition, the OEM and Contractor shall accept complete responsibility for the design, installation, certification, operation, and physical support for the System.

**This documentation, along with the System Contractor and OEM certifications must be provided in writing as part of the Contractor’s Technical submittal.

3. The Contractor’s Communications Technicians assigned to the System shall be fully trained, qualified, and certified by the OEM on the engineering, installation, operation, and testing of the System. The Contractor shall provide a Lead OEM certified Technician that shall lead/train other in house technicians.

4. The Contractor shall display all applicable national, state and local licenses.

5. The Contractor shall submit copy (s) of Certificate of successful completion of OEM’s installation/training school for installing technicians of the System’s Nurse Call and/or Code Blue equipment being proposed.

6. The Critical Success Factors including partner with extensive VA knowledge and experience implementing nurse call for VA medical facilities, visual directory that allows clinicians to call or text by Role, Name, Bed #, Unit or Department, durable and reliable enterprise communication solution used at top hospitals, delivery of validated alarms and actionable live wave forms and include infection control process and disinfection accessories plus clinical training for all staff members. Quality measures include provision of a specific installation timeline, education of staff is completed within 10 business days after system is released for use, response time for any contractor liable repairs with completed repairs to be done within 3 business days, real time technical support with calls answered by staff upon receipt or returned call within 60 minutes and software upgrades at facility approved times.

C. The installation shall comply fully with all governing authorities, laws and ordinances, regulations, codes, and standards, including, but not limited to:

1. United States Federal Law:

a. Departments of:

1) Commerce, Consolidated Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 15 – Under the Information Technology Management Reform Act (Public Law 104-106), the Secretary of Commerce approves standards and guidelines that are developed by the:

a) Chapter II, National Institute of Standards Technology (NIST – formerly the National Bureau of Standards). Under Section 5131 of the Information Technology Management Reform Act of 1996 and the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-347), NIST develops

– Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS) 140-2—Security Requirements for Cryptographic Modules.

b) Chapter XXIII, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA – aka ‘Red Book’) Chapter 7.8 / 9; CFR, Title 47 Federal communications Commission (FCC) Part 15, Radio Frequency Restriction of Use and Compliance in “Safety of Life” Functions & Locations.

2) Health, (Public Law 96-88), CFR, Title 42, Chapter IV Health & Human Services, CFR, Title 46, Subpart 1395(a)(b) Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals Organization (JCAHO) “a hospital that meets JCAHO accreditation is deemed to meet the Medicare conditions of Participation by meeting Federal Directives:”

a) All guidelines for Life, Personal and Public Safety; and, Essential and Emergency Communications.

3) Labor, CFR, Title 29, Part 1910, Chapter XVII - Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Occupational Safety and Health Standard:

a) Subpart 7 - Definition and requirements (for a NRTL – 15 Laboratory’s, for complete list, contact (http://www.osha.gov/dts/otpca/nrtl/faq_nrtl.html)

4) Veteran Affairs, all applicable VA Design Standards, VA Design Guides, VA Design Manuals and VA Construction standards:

1) Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL):

a) 65 – Standard for Wired Cabinets.

b) 83-03 – Standard for Thermoplastic-Insulated Wires and Cables.

c) 467-01 – Standard for Electrical Grounding and Bonding Equipment

d) 468 – Standard for Grounding and Bonding Equipment.

e) 486A-01 – Standard for Wire Connectors and Soldering Lugs for Use with Copper Conductors

f) 486C-02 – Standard for Splicing Wire Connectors.

g) 514B-02 – Standard for Fittings for Cable and Conduit.

h) 1069 – Hospital Signaling and Nurse Call Equipment.

i) 1449 – Standard for Transient Voltage Surge Suppressors.

j) 1479-03 – Standard for Fire Tests of Through- Penetration Fire Stops.

k) 1666 – Standard for Wire/Cable Vertical (Riser) Tray Flame Tests.

l) 1863 – Standard for Safety, Communications Circuits Accessories.

m) 60950-1/2 – Information Technology Equipment – Safety.

2) Canadian Standards Association (CSA): same tests as for UL.

3) Communications Certifications Laboratory (CCL): same tests as for UL.

4) Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc. (ITSNA formerly Edison Testing Laboratory [ETL]): same tests as for UL.

b) Subpart 35 – Compliance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 – Life Safety Code.

c) Subpart 36 - Design and construction requirements for exit routes.

d) Subpart 268 - Telecommunications.

e) Subpart 305 - Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use.

4) Veterans Affairs (Public Law No. 100-527), CFR, Title 38, Volumes I & II:

a) Office of Telecommunications:

1) Handbook 6100 – Telecommunications.

a) Spectrum Management FCC & NTIA Radio Frequency Compliance and Licensing Program.

b) Special Communications Proof of Performance Testing, VACO Compliance and Life Safety Certification(s).

c) Office of Cyber and Information Security (OCIS):

1) Handbook 6500 - Information Security Program.

2) Wireless and Handheld Device Security Guideline Version 3.2, August 15, 2005.

a) VA’s National Center for Patient Safety – Veterans Health Administration Warning System, Failure of Medical Alarm Systems using Paging Technology to Notify Clinical Staff, July 2004.

2. National Codes:

a. American Institute of Architects (AIA): Guidelines for Healthcare Facilities.

b. American National Standards Institute/Electronic Industries Association/Telecommunications Industry Association (ANSI/EIA/TIA):

1) 568-B - Commercial Building Telecommunications Wiring Standards:

a) B-1 – General Requirements.

b) B-2 – Balanced twisted-pair cable systems.

c) B-3 - Fiber optic cable systems.

2) 569 - Commercial Building Standard for Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces.

3) 606 – Administration Standard for the Telecommunications Infrastructure of Communications Buildings.

4) 607 – Commercial Building Grounding and Bonding Requirements for Telecommunications.

5) REC 127-49 – Power Supplies.

6) RS 270 – Tools, Crimping, Solderless Wiring Devices, Recommended Procedures for User Certification.

c. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME):

1) Standard 17.4 – Guide for Emergency Personnel.

2) Standard 17.5 – Elevator & Escalator Equipment (prohibition of installing non-elevator equipment in Elevator Equipment Room / Mechanical Penthouse).

d. American Society of Testing Material (ASTM):

1) D2301-04 - Standard Specification for Vinyl Chloride Plastic Pressure Sensitive Electrical Insulating Tape.

e. Building Industries Communications Services Installation (BICSI):

1) All standards for smart building wiring, connections and devices for commercial and medical facilities.

2) Structured Building Cable Topologies.

3) In consort with ANSI/EIA/TIA.

f. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE):

1) C62.41 – Surge Voltages in Low-Voltage Alternating Current (AC) Power Circuits.

g. NFPA:

1) 70 - National Electrical Code (current date of issue) – Articles 517, 645 & 800.

2) 77 – Recommended Practice on Static Electricity.

3) 99 - Healthcare Facilities.

4) 101 - Life Safety Code.

5. Accreditation Organization(s):

a. JCAHO – Section VI, Part 3a – Operating Features.

6. Any NFPA, National Electric Code (NEC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), OSHA, ANSI, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), JCAHO and other applicable Federal, State, Local code requirements not explicitly stated.

III. Specific Tasks:

A. Codes and Permits:

1. Provide all necessary permits and schedule all inspections as identified in the contract’s milestone chart, so that the system is proof of performance tested, certified and approved by VA and ready for operation on a date directed by the Erie VA..

2. The contractor is responsible to adhere to all codes described herein and associated contractual, state, and local codes.

B. Scheduling:

1. After the award of contract, the Contractor shall prepare a detailed schedule (aka milestone chart) using “Microsoft Project” software or equivalent. The Contractor Project Schedule (CPS) shall indicate detailed activities for the projected life of the project. The CPS shall consist of detailed activities and their restraining relationships. It will also detail manpower usage throughout the project.

2. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to coordinate all work with the other trades for scheduling, rough-in, and finishing all work specified. The Erie VA will not be liable for any additional costs due to missed dates or poor coordination of the supplying contractor with other trades.

C. Review of contract drawings and equipment data submittals (aka technical submittals):

(Note: The Contractor is encouraged, but not required, to submit separate technical submittal(s) outlining alternate technical approach(s) to the system requirements stated here-in as long as each alternate technical document(s) is complete, separate, and submitted in precisely the same manner as outlined herein. VA will review and rate each received alternate submittal, which follows this requirement, in exactly the same procedure as outlined herein. Partial, add-on, or addenda type alternates will not be accepted or reviewed.)

1. Submit at one time within 21 days of contract awarding, drawings and product data on all proposed equipment and system. Check for compliance with contract documents and certify compliance with Contractor's "APPROVED" stamp and signature.

2. Support all submittals with descriptive materials, i.e., catalog sheets, product data sheets, diagrams, and charts published by the manufacturer. These materials shall show conformance to specification and drawing requirements.

3. Where multiple products are listed on a single cut-sheet, circle or highlight the one that you propose to use. Provide a complete and through equipment list of equipment expected to be installed in the system, with spares, as a part of the submittal. Special Communications (TVE-005OP3B) will not review any submittal that does not have this list.

4. Provide four (4) copies to the VA Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for technical review. The VA COR will provide a copy to the offices identified in Paragraph 1.3.C, at a minimum for compliance review as described herein where each responsible individual(s) shall respond to the VA COR within 10 days of receipt of their acceptance or rejection of the submittal(s).

5. Surveys Required as a Part of The Technical Submittal:

a. The Contractor shall provide the following System surveys that depict various system features and capacities required in addition to the on-site survey requirements described herein. Each survey shall be in writing and contain the following information (the formats are suggestions and may be used for the initial Technical Submittal Survey requirements), as a minimum:

i. Nurse Call Cable System Design Plan:

An OEM and contractor designed functioning Nurse Call System cable plan to populate the entire empty conduit/pathway distribution systems provided as a part of VA Construction Specifications 27 10 00 – Control, Communications and Signal Wiring shall be provided as a part of the technical proposal. A specific functioning Nurse Call: cable, interfaces, conduits, J-boxes and back boxes shall coincide with the total growth items as described herein. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to provide the Systems’ entire Nurse Call cable and accessory requirements and engineer a functioning Nurse Call distribution system and equipment requirement plan for the devices and stations indicated on the drawings.

6. Installation - Install new Nurse Call system within current conduit raceways. Utilize all existing pull and back boxes from the previous existing installation where possible.

IV. General:

A. Execute work in accordance with National, State, and local codes, regulations, and ordinances.

B. Install work neatly, plumb, and square and in a manner consistent with standard industry practice. Carefully protect work from dust, paint and moisture as dictated by site conditions. The Contractor will be fully responsible for protection of his work during the construction phase up until final acceptance by the Erie VA.

C. Install equipment according to OEM’s recommendations. Provide any hardware, adaptors, brackets, rack mount kits or other accessories recommended by OEM for correct assembly and installation.

D. Secure equipment firmly in place, including receptacles, speakers, equipment racks, system cables, etc.

1. All supports, mounts, fasteners, attachments, and attachment points shall support their loads with a safety factor of at least 5:1.

2. Do not impose the weight of equipment or fixtures on supports provided for other trades or systems.

3. Any suspended equipment or associated hardware must be certified by the OEM for overhead suspension.

4. The Contractor is responsible for means and methods in the design, fabrication, installation and certification of any supports, mounts, fasteners, and attachments.

E. Finishes for any exposed work such as plates, racks, panels, speakers, etc. shall be approved by the Erie VA COR.

F. Coordinate cover plates with field conditions. Size and install cover plates as necessary to hide joints between back boxes and surrounding wall. Where cover plates are not fitted with connectors, provide grommeted holes in size and quantity required. Do not allow cable to leave or enter boxes without cover plates installed.

G. Active electronic component equipment shall consist of solid-state components, be rated for continuous duty service, comply with the requirements of FCC standards for telephone and data equipment, systems, and service.

H. Color code all distribution wiring to conform to the Nurse Call Industry Standard, EIA/TIA, and this document, whichever is the more stringent. At a minimum, all equipment, enclosures, wiring, terminals, and cables shall be clearly and permanently labeled according to and using the provided record drawings, to facilitate installation and maintenance.

I. Connect the System’s primary input AC power to the Facility’ Critical Branch of the Emergency AC power distribution system as shown on the plans or if not shown on the plans consult with VA COR regarding a suitable circuit location prior to bidding.

V. Equipment Cabinets:

A. Provide security covers for all devices not requiring routine operator control.

B. Provide vent panels and cooling fans as required for the operation of equipment within the OEM' specified temperature limits. Provide adequate ventilation space between equipment for cooling. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations regarding ventilation space between amplifiers.

C. Ensure a minimum of 36 inches in front of each cabinet to comply with OSHA Safety Standards.

D. Install Nurse Call head-end equipment in Office of Information and Technology (OIT) Data Center or as directed by VA COR utilizing existing data racks.

VI. Wiring Practice:

In addition to the MANDATORY infrastructure requirements outlined in VA Construction Specifications 27 10 00 – Control, Communications and Signal Wiring, 27 11 00 – Communications Equipment Room Fittings, the following additional practices shall be adhered too:

A. Execute all wiring in strict adherence to the NEC, applicable local building codes and standard industry practices.

B. Do not splice wiring anywhere along the entire length of the run. Make sure cables are fully insulated and shielded from each other and from the raceway for the entire length of the run.

C. Do not pull wire through any enclosure where a change of raceway alignment or direction occurs. Do not bend wires to less than radius recommended by manufacturer.

D. Replace the entire length of the run of any wire or cable that is damaged or a braided during installation. There are no acceptable methods of repairing damaged or a braided wiring.

E. Use wire pulling lubricants and pulling tensions as recommended by the OEM.

F. Use grommets around cut-outs and knock outs where conduit or chase nipples are not installed.

G. Do not use tape-based or glue-based cable anchors.

H. Field wiring entering equipment cabinets shall be terminated as follows:

1. Provide OEM directed service loops at harness break outs and at plates, panels, and equipment. Loops should be sufficient to allow plates, panels, and equipment to be removed for service and inspection.

2. Line level and speaker level wiring may be terminated inside the equipment rack using specified terminal blocks. Provide 15% spare terminals inside each rack. Microphone level wiring may only be terminated at the equipment served.

3. Employ permanent strain relief for any cable with an outside diameter of 1” or greater.

I. Make all connections as follows:

1. For crimp-type connections, use only tools that are specified by the manufacturer for the application.

2. Use only insulated spade lugs on screw terminals. Spade lugs shall be sized to fit the wire gauge. Do not exceed two lugs per terminal.

3. Wire nuts, electrical tape or “Scotch Lock” connections are not acceptable for any application.

J. Noise filters and surge protectors shall be provided for each equipment interface cabinet, switch equipment cabinet, control console, local, and remote active equipment locations to ensure protection from input primary AC power surges and noise glitches are not induced into low Voltage data circuits.

K. Wires or cables to be installed outside of conduit, cable trays, wireways, cable duct, etc.:

1. Only when specifically authorized as described herein, will wires or cables be identified and approved to be installed outside of conduit. The wire or cable runs shall be OEM Communications Multipurpose Cable, Riser (CMR) rated.

2. Wires and cables shall be hidden, protected, fastened and tied at 1200 mm (48 in.) intervals, maximum, as described herein to building structure and where accessibility allows.

3. Closer wire or cable fastening intervals may be required to prevents sagging, maintain clearance above suspended ceilings, remove unsightly wiring and cabling from view and discourage tampering and vandalism. Wire or cable runs, not provided in conduit that penetrate outside building walls, supporting walls, and two hour fire barriers shall be sleeved and sealed with an approved fire retardant sealant.

4. Wire or cable runs to system components installed in walls (i.e.: volume attenuators, circuit controllers, signal, or data outlets, etc.) may, when specifically authorized by the COR, be fished through hollow spaces in walls.

5. Completely test all of the cables after installation and replace any defective cables.

6. Wires or cables that are installed outside of buildings shall be in conduit, secured to solid building structures. If specifically approved, on a case by case basis, to be run outside of conduit, the wires or cables shall be installed, as described herein. The bundled wires or cables must: Be tied at not less than 460 mm (18 in.) intervals to a solid building structure; have ultraviolet (UV) protection and be totally waterproof (including all connections). The laying of wires or cables directly on roof tops, ladders, drooping down walls, walkways, floors, etc. is not allowed and will not be approved.

VII. Cable Installation:

Only when specifically authorized as described herein, will wires or cables be identified and approved to be installed outside of conduit. Cable Installation - In addition to the mandatory infrastructure requirements outlined in VA Construction Specifications 27 10 00 – Control, Communications and Signal Wiring, the following additional practices shall be adhered to:

A. Support cable on maximum 4’-0” centers. Acceptable means of cable support are cable tray, j-hooks, and bridal rings. Velcro wrap cable bundles loosely to the means of support with plenum rated Velcro straps. Plastic tie wraps are not acceptable as a means to bundle cables.

B. Run cables parallel to walls.

C. Install maximum of 40 cables in a single row of J-hooks. Provide necessary rows of J-hooks as required by the number of cables.

D. Do not lay cables on top of light fixtures, ceiling tiles, mechanical equipment, or ductwork. Maintain at least 2’-0” clearance from all shielded electrical apparatus where accessibility allows.

E. All cables shall be tested after the total installation is fully complete. All test results are to be documented. All cables shall pass acceptable test requirements and levels. Contractor shall remedy any cabling problems or defects in order to pass or comply with testing. This includes the re-pull of new cable as required at no additional cost to the Erie VA.

F. Ends of cables shall be properly terminated on both ends per industry and OEM’s recommendations.

G. Provide proper temporary protection of cable after pulling is complete before final dressing and terminations are complete. Do not leave cable lying on floor. Bundle and tie wrap up off of the floor until you are ready to terminate.

H. Terminate all conductors; no cable shall contain unterminated elements. Make terminations only at outlets and terminals.

I. Splices, Taps, and Terminations: Arrange on numbered terminal strips in junction, pull, and outlet boxes; terminal cabinets; and equipment enclosures. Cables may not be spliced.

J. Bundle, lace, and train conductors to terminal points without exceeding OEM's limitations on bending radii. Install lacing bars and distribution spools.

K. Cold-Weather Installation: Bring cable to room temperature before de-reeling. Heat lamps shall not be used.

L. Cable shall not be run through structural members or be in contact with pipes, ducts, or other potentially damaging items.

VIII. Labeling:

Provide labeling in accordance with ANSI/EIA/TIA-606-A. All lettering for Nurse Call and/or Code Blue circuits shall be stenciled using laser printers.

A. Cable and Wires (Hereinafter referred to as “Cable”): Cables shall be labeled at both ends in accordance with ANSI/EIA/TIA-606-A. Labels shall be permanent in contrasting colors. Cables shall be identified according to the System “Record Wiring Diagrams” provided by the contractor once installation is complete.

B. Equipment: System equipment shall be permanently labeled with contrasting plastic laminate or Bakelite material. System equipment shall be labeled on the face of the unit corresponding to its source.

1. Clearly, consistently, logically and permanently mark switches, connectors, jacks, relays, receptacles and electronic and other equipment.

2. Engrave and paint fill all receptacle panels using 1/8” (minimum) high lettering and contrasting paint.

3. For rack-mounted equipment, Label the front and back of all rack-mounted equipment.

C. Where multiple pieces of equipment reside in the same rack group, clearly and logically label each indicating to which room, channel, receptacle location, etc. they correspond.

D. Permanently label cables at each end, including intra-cabinet connections. Labels shall be covered by the same, transparent heat- shrink tubing covering the end of the overall jacket. Alternatively, computer generated labels of the type which include a clear protective wrap may be used.

E. Contractor’s name shall appear no more than once on each continuous set of racks. The Contractor’s name shall not appear on wall plates or portable equipment.

F. Ensure each OEM supplied item of equipment has appropriate UL Labels Marks for the service the equipment is performed permanently attached or marked to a non-removal board in the unit. Equipment installed not bearing these UL marks will not be allowed to be a part of the system. The contractor shall bear all costs required to provide replacement equipment with approved UL marks.

IX. Fireproofing:

A. Where Nurse Call and/or Code Blue wires, cables and conduit penetrate fire rated walls, floors and ceilings, fireproof the opening.

B. Provide conduit sleeves (if not already provided by electrical contractor) for cables that penetrate fire rated walls and Telecommunications Rooms floors and ceilings. After the cabling installation is complete, install fire proofing material in and around all conduit sleeves and openings. Install fire proofing material thoroughly and neatly. Seal all floor and ceiling penetrations.

C. Use only materials and methods that preserve the integrity of the fire stopping system and its rating.

X. Grounding

A. Ground Nurse Call and/or Code Blue equipment to eliminate shock hazard and to minimize ground loops, common mode returns, noise pickup, cross talk, and other impairments.

B. Do not use “3rd or 4th” wire internal electrical system conductors for communications signal ground.

C. Do not connect the signal ground to the building’s external lightning protection system.

D. Do Not “mix grounds” of different systems. All 120 volt (V) power shall be provided for system head-end equipment prior to nurse call system installation.

XI. Management Controls:

A. Integration Management Control Planning:

1. The Contractor shall continually employ interfacing methods that are approved by the OEM and VA. At a minimum, an acceptable interfacing method requires not only a physical and mechanical connection, but also a matching of signal, voltage, and processing levels with regard to signal quality and impedance. The interface point must adhere to all standards described herein for the full separation of Critical Care and Life Safety systems.

2. The System Contractor shall connect the System ensuring that all NFPA and UL Critical Care and Life Safety Circuit and System separation guidelines are satisfied. The System Contractor is not allowed to make any connections to the Telephone System. VA shall arrange for the interconnection between the Master Antenna Television (MATV) and Patient Bed Service Walls Systems with the appropriate responsible parties. System hardware shall consist of a nurse call/Code Blue patient communications network comprised of nurse consoles, control stations, staff and duty stations, room and corridor dome lights, pillow speakers/call cords, pull cord and/or emergency push button stations, and wiring. The system shall be provided with the hardware and software for staff locator devices. All necessary equipment required to meet the intent of these specifications, whether or not enumerated within these specifications, shall be supplied and installed to provide a complete and operating nurse call/Code Blue patient communications network. It is not acceptable to utilize the telephone cable system for the control and distribution of nurse call (code Blue) signals and equipment.

3. The System is defined as Critical Service and the Code Blue functions is defined as Life Safety/Support by NFPA (re Part 1.1.A) and so evaluated by JCAHCO.

B. Intermediate Testing:

1. After completion of 30 – 40% of the installation of a head end cabinet(s) and equipment, one master stations, local and remote stations, and prior to any further work, this portion of the system must be pretested, inspected, and certified. Each item of installed equipment shall be checked to ensure appropriate UL Listing and Certification Labels are affixed as required by NFPA - Life Safety Code 101-3.2 (a) & (b), UL Nurse Call Standard 1069 and JCAHCO evaluation guidelines, and proper installation practices are followed. The intermediate test shall include a full operational test.

2. All inspections and tests shall be conducted by an OEM-certified contractor representative and witnessed by VA COR if there is no local Government Representative that processes OEM and VA approved Credentials to inspect and certify the system. The results of the inspection will be officially recorded by the Government Representative and maintained on file by the Point of Contact (PoC)/COR, until completion of the entire project. The results will be compared to the Acceptance Test results. An identical inspection may be conducted between the 65 - 75% of the system construction phase, at the direction of the Point of Contact (PoC)/COR.

C. Pretesting:

1. Upon completing installation of the Nurse Call and/or Code Blue System, the Contractor shall align, balance, and completely pretest the entire system under full operating conditions.

2. Pretesting Procedure:

a. During the System Pretest the Contractor shall verify (utilizing approved test equipment) that the System is fully operational and meets all the System performance requirements of this standard.

b. The Contractor shall pretest and verify that all Patient Safety Measure (PSM) System functions and specification requirements are met and operational, no unwanted aural effects, such as signal distortion, noise pulses, glitches, audio hum,…