Questions and Answers Rev. 1.docx

1. Will the government confirm the reference to the "Statement of Work" is to the Scope of Work section and not an additional attachment?

Re: Solicitation Document

VA Response: Correct, Statement of Work and Scope of Work are synonymous throughout the document and not an additional attachment.

2. Will the government confirm that a "Qualified Installer" is an employee of an authorized and certified organization that has completed installer training provided by the manufacturer?

Re: Division 27 52 23, Part 1, 1.4,A Attachment+C+-+Specifications+565-21-103+Build+out+Bldg+72 VA Response: Yes, this is acceptable with proof of training.

3. Will the government confirm that a "Qualified Installer" shall provide proof of completed training certification?

Re: Division 27 52 23, Part 1, 1.4,A Attachment+C+-+Specifications+565-21-103+Build+out+Bldg+72 VA Response: Yes, manufacturer letter or certificate will be acceptable.

4. If the existing products installed are not longer manufactured and available for purchase, Is it acceptable to propose and install an OR EQUAL system?

Re: Division 27 52 23, Part 1, 1.6,A,1 thru 4 Attachment+C+-+Specifications+565-21-103+Build+out+Bldg+72

VA Response: Yes. Or Equal or better.

5. Is it acceptable to change "two years from date of Substantial Completion" to "two years from Nurse call system go-live and user acceptance of nurse call system."?

Re: Division 27 52 23, Part 1, 1.9,A and B Attachment+C+-+Specifications+565-21-103+Build+out+Bldg+72

VA Response: No, It shall be two years form VA COR determined substantial completion.

6. Will the operating system be installed on the servers managed by OIT on the OIT network?

Re: Division 27 52 23, Part 1, 1.9,B Attachment+C+-+Specifications+565-21-103+Build+out+Bldg+72

VA Response: No, expectation is the nurse call system is a stand-alone system for this building.

7. Will the operating system installed on the servers be required to be OIT Technical Reference Model (TRM) approved?

Re: Division 27 52 23, Part 1, 1.9,B Attachment+C+-+Specifications+565-21-103+Build+out+Bldg+72 VA Response: Yes.

8. If the existing ASCOM nurse call system is no longer manufactured, or parts available for purchase to facilitate the requested expansion, is it acceptable to propose and install an OR EQUAL system?

Re: Division 27 52 23, Part 2, 2.1,A Attachment+C+-+Specifications+565-21-103+Build+out+Bldg+72 VA Response: Yes.

9. Will the government confirm if the existing ASCOM nurse call system is connected to Vocera wireless devices?

Re: Division 27 52 23, Part 2, 2.1,A Attachment+C+-+Specifications+565-21-103+Build+out+Bldg+72 VA Response: no

10. Will the government confirm if the existing ASCOM nurse call system is connected to pagers?

Re: Division 27 52 23, Part 2, 2.1,A Attachment+C+-+Specifications+565-21-103+Build+out+Bldg+72 VA Response: no

11. Will the government confirm if the existing ASCOM nurse call system is connected to an overhead paging system?

Re: Division 27 52 23, Part 2, 2.1,A Attachment+C+-+Specifications+565-21-103+Build+out+Bldg+72 VA Response: It is in specific area

12. Will the government confirm if the existing ASCOM nurse call system is connected to VistA?

Re: Division 27 52 23, Part 2, 2.1,A Attachment+C+-+Specifications+565-21-103+Build+out+Bldg+72 VA Response: No

13. Will the government confirm if the existing ASCOM nurse call system is connected to ADT?

Re: Division 27 52 23, Part 2, 2.1,A Attachment+C+-+Specifications+565-21-103+Build+out+Bldg+72

VA Response: No

14. Will the Government confirm if this facility already has the Ascom T5 or T6 Nurse Call software and servers running?

Re: Division 27 52 23, Part 2, 2.1,A Attachment+C+-+Specifications+565-21-103+Build+out+Bldg+72

VA Response: T5 running, no T6

15. What room are the existing nurse call servers located?

Re: Division 27 52 23, Part 2, 2.1,A Attachment+C+-+Specifications+565-21-103+Build+out+Bldg+73

VA Response: interface in B21, intelligent bridge is at 2C of main building.

16. Will the Government reconfirm that "or Equal" is acceptable as stated in the solicitation?

Re: Division 27 52 23, Part 2, 2.1,A Attachment+C+-+Specifications+565-21-103+Build+out+Bldg+74

VA Response: Yes, or equal or better.

17. Will the Government confirm that The Nurse Call System shall be FDA Registered, Class II, 501(k)?

Re: Division 27 52 23, Part 2, 2.1,A Attachment+C+-+Specifications+565-21-103+Build+out+Bldg+75

VA Response: This section referenced is related to compatibility to the existing ASCOM nurse call system, not a new nurse call system.

18. Will the Government confirm that the Nurse Call System shall be IP-based utilizing Ethernet topology, switches, gateways, and devices?

Re: Division 27 52 23, Part 2, 2.1,A Attachment+C+-+Specifications+565-21-103+Build+out+Bldg+76

VA Response: This reference section is related to compatibility to existing ASCOM nurse call system, not a new nurse call system. VA does concur with IP-based utilizing Ethernet topology, switches, gateways, and devices.

19. Will the Government confirm that the nurse call devices shall be UL 1069 listed nurse call LAN/WAN hardware?

Re: Division 27 52 23, Part 2, 2.1,A Attachment+C+-+Specifications+565-21-103+Build+out+Bldg+77

VA Response: This referenced section is related to compatibility to existing ASCOM nurse call system, not a new nurse call system. VA does concur with UL 1069 listed LAN/WAN.

20. Will the Government confirm that if Ascom is selected that all of the Ascom "Gateway I" hardware will have to be replaced with Ascom "Gateway II" hardware?

Re: Division 27 52 23, Part 2, 2.1,A Attachment+C+-+Specifications+565-21-103+Build+out+Bldg+78

VA Response: The VA is not purchasing a new nurse call system. The contractor requirement is to provide compatible products to the existing ASCOM nurse call system.

21. Will the Government allow the new nurse call cabling to be armored rigid CAT 6a cabling in J-Hooks instead of conduit?

Re: Division 27 52 23, Part 2, 2.1,A Attachment+C+-+Specifications+565-21-103+Build+out+Bldg+79

VA Response: No, it shall be in conduit.

22. Will the Government confirm that flex conduit down the walls is acceptable?

Re: Division 27 52 23, Part 2, 2.1,A Attachment+C+-+Specifications+565-21-103+Build+out+Bldg+80

VA Response: Flex conduit will be only as pre-approved by the COR on site and only in situations where rigid conduit is impossible to install and even then shall only be to the minimum extent possible.

23. Will the Government confirm that the new nurse call system must be ERA approved?

Re: Division 27 52 23, Part 2, 2.1,A Attachment+C+-+Specifications+565-21-103+Build+out+Bldg+81

VA Response: The contractor is not purchasing a new nurse call system. The contractor requirement is to provide compatible products to the existing ASCOM nurse call system.

24. Can the Government confirm that nurse call manufacturer must provide software firmware and upgrades free of charge for a period of two (2) years from date of acceptance by the VA?

VA Response: The contractor is not purchasing a new nurse call system. The contractor requirement is to provide compatible products to the existing ASCOM nurse call system.

25. Does the Nurse Call need to integrate with the VA's Active Directory for Nursing Joint Commission reporting purposes?

VA Response: Refer to specification 27 52 23 for requirements.

26. Will the nurse call system be required to have a SIP interface for patient room call back?

VA Response: Refer to specification 27 52 23 for requirements.

27. Will the Government confirm that the annual reoccurring software support and remote help desk technical support assurance maintenance (e.g. SMA) are required for the out years/option years? If so, how many years of SMA after the initial base contract period should be included in the price?

VA Response: The contractor is not purchasing a new nurse call system. The contractor requirement is to provide compatible products to the existing ASCOM nurse call system.

28. Will the Government confirm that any middleware software used to interconnect the new nurse call system to other systems must be TRM approved?

VA Response: The contractor is not purchasing a new nurse call system. The contractor requirement is to provide compatible products to the existing ASCOM nurse call system.

29. Does the government have a requirement that all gateways and switches be UL-1069 approved?

VA Response: All items should be UL listed.

30. Will the Government confirm that it is required that the new nurse call patient station/room devices must be self-programming?

VA Response: No requirement for self-programming of nurse call room devices.

31. Will the Government confirm that it is required that the nurse call Patient stations and Staff stations be hot swappable and not require a system shutdown to replace?

VA Response: No requirement for nurse call devices to be hot swappable.

32. Can the Government confirm that the new Nurse Call system Corridor Lights must be capable of continuous supervision with status indication light to determine if the devices are operating properly?

VA Response: Refer to specification 27 52 23 for requirements.

33. Is the nurse call system software required to be One ‐VA Technical Reference Model (TRM) (www.va.gov/trm) approved for installation within the Government?

VA Response: The contractor is not purchasing a new nurse call system. The contractor requirement is to provide compatible products to the existing ASCOM nurse call system.

34. Is wire mold (surface mounted wire molding) acceptable for installation of new nurse call equipment or will all new nurse call equipment be required to be installed in the walls?

VA Response: In walls. No surface mounted moldings.

35. Can the Government confirm that the Nurse call system must be VoIP based and Analog nurse call systems will not be accepted?

VA Response: The contractor is not purchasing a new nurse call system. The contractor requirement is to provide compatible products to the existing ASCOM nurse call system.

36. Will the Government confirm that the Pullcord and Pushbutton Shower Station devices must be Waterproof (IP68) as described in the TIL 27 52 23?

VA Response: Confirmed

37. Will the Government confirm the "waterproof" referenced in the specs is referring to the IP68 waterproof emergency pull cord for the showers and bathrooms?

VA Response: Confirmed

38. Can the Government confirm that the Nurse Call must allow for custom WAV files to be used for setting different sounds/tones?

VA Response: The contractor is not purchasing a new nurse call system. The contractor requirement is to provide compatible products to the existing ASCOM nurse call system.

39. Is this a tax-exempt project?

VA Response: No, Reference 52.229-2 North Carolina State and Local Sales and Use Tax (Apr 1984)

40. If tax-exempt, will the government be providing a tax-exempt certificate to the Prime Contractor for use by subcontractors and vendors?

VA Response: No, Reference 52.229-2 North Carolina State and Local Sales and Use Tax (Apr 1984)

41. Can the Superintendent be shared across multiple projects, or should they be dedicated full-time to this project and this project only?

VA Response: Dedicated to this project only.

42. Can the Superintendent fulfil multiple roles?

VA Response: Site Superintendent can be the quality control manager, but shall have no other duties.

43. If so, can they also fulfil the Quality Control Manager role?

VA Response: Yes, and would be expected to ensure quality of work being accomplished.

44. Can they also fulfil the SSHO role?

VA Response: No, project shall have a sperate SSHO on site.

45. Will the VA provide a spot for the Prime Contractor to set up a temp office?

VA Response: Mobilization shall be in vicinity of the building only. Contractor must provide a mobilization plan for VA approval and if an office container will b e used it shall be shown on that plan.

46. Does the VA anticipate this project will require off-hours work?

VA Response: Yes, if work would interfere with normal operations during daytime hours. VA will consider weekends and holidays as well but all subject to case-by-case circumstances.

47. If so, what trades or scopes will be required to perform off-hour work?

VA Response: No clearer answer can be provided until circumstances present themselves during work. Typical are utility shutdowns and tie-ins, unusually loud or disruptive work, work outside of the project area.

48. On the Lighting Plan (Sheet EL101) there are fixtures shown that are not listed in the fixture schedule. These are “P3”, “P4’, and “W2”. What fixtures does the VA want for these?

VA Response: P3 shall be an approx. 18” diameter decorative pendant that matches the larger P2 (approx. 31” diameter). P4 shall be a wall mounted LED vaportight (jelly jar style) fixture for the entry to the stairwell. W2 should be a recessed linear perimeter LED that will give soft illumination along the corridors.

49. On the Light Fixture Schedule, found on Sheet E801, there are fixtures listed that we cannot find on any Sheet. These are “A3”, “F4”, “S2”, and “S3”. Where are these fixtures used and how many of each?

VA Response: A3, F4, S2 and S3 are not used in the current design. Most were types that are already installed and marked as “EX” on our plans because of the partial level of completion of the building.

50. Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of SSHO?

VA Response: No, they may not.

51. If no to the question above, will the SSHO need to be full-time for this project?

VA Response: Yes, SSHO will be full time.

52. Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of QA/QC?

VA Response: See response to 42 and 43.

53. If no to the question above, will the QA/QC need to be full time for this project?

VA Response: See responses to 42 and 43.

54. Can a superintendent be a triple hat to cover the requirements of SSHO and QA/QC?

VA Response: See responses to 42 and 43 as well as 50, 51.

55. Please confirm the issued drawing set is the latest and complete set.

VA Response: No RFI's or addendums have been issued except as included with the responses via amendments.

56. Please confirm the current design documents meet current VA TIL guidelines.

VA Response: Design was completed according to the latest VA TIL guidelines at the time of design.

57. Please provide the latest wage determination for this project’s county.

VA Response: The latest wage determination is located at attachment B of the solicitation.

58. Past Performance: If we have a PPQ that is less than 12 months old, can we use it within our proposal? Or will a new PPQ need to be requested?

VA Response: Past Performance Questionnaires are not required to be supplied with your bid.

59. Is the use of temporary plastic wall panels (such as STARC panels) acceptable?

VA Response: Without indication as to where these would be used the VA will not allow temporary plastic wall panels.

60. Who is responsible for the terminal clean of the project area?

VA Response: General Contractor shall keep the project area clean at all times and conduct a final thorough cleaning prior to turn-over. This is in-patient area and broom clean is not acceptable for final cleaning.

61. Spec Section 01 91 00, part 1.1, states the commissioning agent is hired by the GC, however, part 1.9 in the same spec section states the VA will hire the commissioning agent. Who is responsible for contracting the commissioning agent?

VA Response: The Commissioning Agent (CxA) for all commissioning requirements outlined in the specifications shall be hired by the General Contractor for this project. CxA must be approved by the VA COR.

62. Is the entire construction area assumed to not contain hazardous materials?

VA Response: Correct.

63. Lighting Fixture type W2 is in Corridor 111 and Corridor 131 but does not show any switching. What will control these fixtures?

VA Response: Same switch as C4 and S3s in corridor.

64. Entry Foyer 102 shows two separated single pole switches. What is the intent of these switches?

VA Response: The switch closest to the entry door can be eliminated. The other one will control fixtures in the entry area as well as corridor sconces (Type S1).

65. In Livingroom 106 and Dining 107 shows three separate locations for switching. What is the intent of these switches?

VA Response: Switch closest to Kitchen is to control kitchen fixtures and should be a single button digital wall switch. There should be two single button digital wall switches for living room fixtures, one at entry from corridor, one at exterior door.

66. Fixture type P4 & W2 is called out on sheet EL101 but are not shown on the electrical finish schedule on sheet E801. Will the VA please provide specs for fixtures P4 and W2?

VA Response: Refer to response to #48 above

67. Fixture type P3 is shown on sheet EL101 but is not shown on the electrical finish schedule on sheet E801. Will the VA please provide specs for fixture type P3?

VA Response: Refer to response to #48 above

68. Please confirm the bathroom flooring is to be Tile and not resinous.

VA Response: Correct. Tile.

69. Are the existing FCU’s currently in working order, or will repairs be needed prior to relocating them?

VA Response: All existing FCUs are in working order.

70. It is understood that the existing fan coils have been in use since the building's construction and need to be relocated as part of this project. Will the contractor be required to clean or otherwise service the relocated FCUs before startup?

VA Response: Yes, the contractor shall clean all existing installations including the FCUs to ensure final project conditions are ready and suitable for patient occupancy.

71. If yes to the question above, will the contractor be required to clean and service all fan coils, regardless of whether they are being relocated?

VA Response: Yes.

72. Please provide the POC for the BMS system for the facility.

VA Response: The POC to work through shall be the designated VA COR.

73. Please provide the POC for the fire alarm system for the facility.

VA Response: The POC to work through shall be the designated VA COR.

74. Please provide the POC for the access control system for the facility.

VA Response: The POC to work through shall be the designated VA COR.

75. Please provide the POC for the nurse call system for the facility.

VA Response: The POC to work through shall be the designated VA COR.

76. Is the floorplan on sheet AE101A drawn to align with the existing slab depressions?

VA Response: Confirmed, floor plan on sheet AE101A is drawn to align with existing slab depressions.

77. Is the floorplan on sheet AE101A drawn to have new walls align with the existing pipes and conduits coming out of the slab?

VA Response: Confirmed, floor plan on sheet AE101A is drawn to have new walls align with the existing pipes and conduits coming out of the slab.

78. Please clarify the floor finish material for room 103,104,141,142. Room finish schedule (ID06) calls out for LVT1 while the finish plan (ID701) calls out for LVT2.

VA Response: LVT2 per finish plan

79. Please specify what type of solid surface the window sills are?

VA Response: Arch: Provide 1/2" solid surface sill. Refer to Interiors for SSM specification.

ID: We can use SS1 for this application.

80. Please confirm the entire project may occur as one phase.

VA Response: This project is not phased.

81. Please confirm the building will be empty of all stored materials and furniture prior to construction.

VA Response: The building will be empty and ready for construction by the time the general contactor is approved to mobilize.

82. Please confirm the VA is providing and installing the patient lifts.

VA Response: See sheet AE604. Confirmed.

83. Please confirm the VA is providing and installing above ceiling structural support for the patient lifts.

VA Response: The existing structure shall support patient lift system. Patient lift system may require some additional threaded rod to support from existing structure to below ceiling level which is on the general contractor to provide.

84. Will the contractor be responsible for providing and installing the data rack?

VA Response: Yes.

85. What rack mounded devices will the contractor be responsible for furnishing and installing? (I.e. PDU’s, UPS’s, Patch Panels, Network Switches)

VA Response: Patch panels, cable management, labeling.

86. Does detail E5/AE601 apply to pull down grab bars and shower seats?

VA Response: Correct, E5/AE601 applies to the pull-down grab bars and shower seats.

87. Will the VA please provide a model number for the dishwasher (Item # K2515) called out on AE604?

VA Response: MILSTD 1691 Equipment database: JSN #K2516 Dishwasher, Undercounter, Commercial: Commercial under counter dishwasher with multiple load cycles. Must be able to achieve a minimum water temperature of 180 degrees F from an incoming water temperature of 110 degrees F to ensure sanitation. Dishwasher is frontloading with digital display and made of stainless steel.

88. Will the VA please provide a model number for the range hood (Item # K3401) called out on AE604?

VA Response: MILSTD 1691 Equipment database: JSN #K3401 Hood, Exhaust, Non-Commercial: The exhaust hood shall be designed for installation and general use over an electric range. It shall have as a minimum; an exhaust capacity of 160 CFM, two fan speeds, a work light and removable grease filters.

89. Will the VA please provide a model number for the Ice Maker (Item # R4700) called out on AE604?

VA Response: MILSTD 1691 Equipment database: JSN #R4700 Ice Marker, Cubes, 250 Pound: Ice cube maker approximately 39" H x 29" D x 26" W. This unit is self-contained and provides 250 pounds of ice every 24 hours. The exterior is made of sturdy stainless steel. It is used in hospitals, hotels, and restaurants for dispensing ice.

90. Other than what is shown in the plans, does the VA require interior finishes to exactly match those installed in adjacent buildings on campus?

VA Response: This project shall adhere to the finish schedule included in this contract only. All finishes must be submitted for VA/DOR approval.

91. Sheet CJ101 indicates silt fence and inlet protection is required, but this project has no exterior scope of work. Please confirm that silt fence and inlet protection is required

VA Response: Inquiry is correct, no exterior work is anticipated. However, contractor may use exterior area for laydown. There may be unanticipated disturbance. Confirm, laydown area requires E&S protection.

92. The drawings are also missing structural drawings indicating the distance between beams, as well as beam lengths.

VA Response: Structure is already constructed. Beams exist. Structure is not being modified.

93. Who supplies and installs the fireplace? If contractor, please provide specs and details.

VA Response: The contractor provides and installs.

94. Who supplies and installs SSM3, shown at D7/AE501? If contractor, please provide specs and details.

VA Response: Contractor to supply and install SSM3. SSM3 interior elevation shown on E1/AE403 and section detail is shown on D7/AE501. Refer to Interiors for SSM specification.

95. Who supplies and installs the bookcase? If contractor, please provide specs and details.

VA Response: Contractor to supply and install Bookcase. Bookcase elevation and section are located on B1/AE501. 06 20 00 FINISH CARPENTRY and 12 32 00 MAUFACTURED WOOD CASEWORK have also been provided.

96. Who supplies and installs the composite fiberglass columns and wood trim around? If contractor, please provide specs and details.

VA Response: Contractor to supply and install composite fiberglass columns and wood trim around. Columns have been located on AE101A, shown on interior elevation E1/AE403 and detailed on B1/AE503.

97. The following details on sheet AE502 have no caller: B4, D1, D5, D6. Where are these used?

VA Response: B4 is Kitchen casework, D1 is recessed soap holder called out on A-001 TYP SHOWER Mounting Heights. D5 is the base detail for E1/AE401. D6 is the reveal detail for E1/AE401.

98. Section 09 06 00, 12 34 00, and 12 36 00 are 95% CD, can you provide 100% CDs? (Other spec sections are also shown as 95%)

VA Response: Bidder is correct. The following specs are all labeled as 95% Construction Documents. AE will provide Issued For Construction specs. The specs will not change the language of the spec, but the headers will be updated and revision date of 11-15-2023.

09 06 00 09 30 13 09 51 00 09 65 13 09 65 19 09 67 23.20 09 72 16 09 91 00 10 13 00 10 21 16 10 26 00 12 34 00 12 36 00

99. The Fayetteville VAMC currently has an Ascom Telligence T5 nurse call system deployed. The Ascom Telligence T5 system is no longer produced and parts are no longer available for it. The use of components from the new system, Ascom Telligence T6, would require all the current Gateway I to be replaced and upgraded to Gateway II. This would also require a tremendous amount of reprogramming of the current components. This does not take in account potential compatibility issues that arise from older endpoints and firmware that are not compatible with the Ascom Telligence T6 Gateway II. The cost of this is on par with upgrading the entire nurse call system.

The government responded to the RFIs that an OR EQUAL system is allowed (RFI 4,8, 16) – this conflicts with being required to provide compatible products to the existing Ascom system.

The nurse call system is a stand-alone system for the building (RFI 6). This conflicts with expanding on the existing system.

The government responds to several RFIs (23, 24, 27, 28, 33, 35, 38) with “The contractor is not purchasing a new nurse call system. The contractor requirement is to provide compatible products to the existing ASCOM nurse call system.” This conflicts with being able to provide OR EQUAL products due to the availability of existing Ascom Telligence T5 product.

RFI 9 – The existing Ascom nurse call system IS connected to the Vocera badges.

RFI 11 – If building 72 is to be standalone (RFI 6), then it will not be required to connect to an overhead paging system.

RFI 14 - Since there are no compatible products for the existing Ascom Telligence T5 system.

FRI 56 – The VA TIL guidelines require FDA 510k this conflicts with the response to RFI 17.

VA RESPONSE: Bidders are to provide a nurse call compatible with the existing system. Bidders are not being required to provide a gateway to connect to the existing system, nor perform any programming on the existing system.