RFI Responses 508-22-104.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 41 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Cancelled | 508-22-104 | Upgrade PACS System
- Solicitation number
- 36C24726R0096
About this file
This is an RFI Response Log documenting 156 requests for information and clarifications submitted by bidders during the solicitation phase for a Physical Access Control System (PACS) and Intrusion Detection System (IDS) upgrade at a Department of Veterans Affairs facility (Atlanta VAMC) in three locations: the main hospital in Decatur, GA, Fort McPherson VA Clinic, and Trinka-Davis Veterans Village.
The project requires comprehensive replacement and integration of access control and intrusion detection systems across approximately 530 controlled doors at multiple facilities. Key scope includes furnishing and installing the CCURE 9000 PACS software with Software House controllers, IDS panels with Honeywell Vista system replacement, credential readers compliant with FIPS 201/PIV standards, electric locking hardware, network connectivity, field wiring, and one year of maintenance and support services. Significant clarifications addressed in the RFI responses include: contractor responsibility for equipment quantity takeoffs from drawings (Architect/Engineer will not provide); assumption that all conduits are new; contractor furnishing all software licenses and support agreements; reuse of existing operational equipment with warranty per FAR 52.246-21; removal of all abandoned cabling; coordination with VA IT for network switch provisioning and cybersecurity; management of ICRA Level 4 infection control protocols in occupied clinical areas; scheduling flexibility for night work with prior VA approval; and phased installation maintaining continuous security and life-safety operations. The 183-calendar-day performance period includes submittals, construction, testing, and closeout, though the Government indicated openness to extension with justifiable cause. Prevailing wage under the Davis-Bacon Act applies. The site visit was limited to the Decatur location only, requiring bidders to add contingency for unverified conditions at remote sites.
View the file
Other files
Show all 26
On GovTribe
Work with this file
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
Bidding - RFI Log
| RFI # | DESCRIPTION | RECEIVED FROM BIDDER | RESPONSE |
| 001 | During the site visit, the Government indicated that furnishing and installing new CCTV cameras is not included in this project. The solicitation and specifications, however, describe replacement and installation of approximately 500 CCTV cameras. Will the Government issue an amendment revising the scope, specifications, drawings, and pricing requirements to reflect the final CCTV scope? If cameras are excluded, please identify what CCTV work remains within the contractor's scope. | Refer to Statement of Work, Specs, and drawings | |
| 002 | Please identify which existing PACS equipment is intended to remain in service and which equipment is to be removed and replaced. | Awarded Contractor will be held strictly to FAR clause 52.246-21 warranty period for a fully/complete functional system(s) for the duration of the warranty period. | |
| 003 | Is the contractor permitted to reuse existing low-voltage cabling where it has been tested and verified as compliant, or should all access control cabling be replaced? | 28 13 00 - 1 Awarded Contractor still responsible for equipment and cabling warranty for one year period after project. | |
| 004 | Will the Government provide existing C•CURE 9000 software licensing, or is the contractor responsible for furnishing all required software licenses, server licensing, client licensing, and expansion licensing? | Please plan on including everything to make the system operational. | |
| 005 | Are existing field controllers to remain, or is replacement of all controllers required? | 28 13 00 - 1 Part B | |
| 006 | Please identify the required access control reader manufacturer, approved manufacturers, or minimum reader specifications (e.g., OSDP, FIPS 201/PIV compatibility, multi-technology, keypad readers). | 28 13 00 - 2 part D, Drawings reflect locations requiring dual authentication with a keypad/credential reader | |
| 007 | Are existing electric locking devices, request-to-exit devices, and door position switches to remain where operational, or should they be replaced as part of this project? | Awarded Contractor will be held strictly to FAR clause 52.246-21 warranty period for a fully/complete functional system(s) for the duration of the warranty period. | |
| 008 | Will the Government provide any existing as-built drawings, controller databases, panel schedules, or equipment inventories from the previous PACS installation effort? | Review specifications and documents. | |
| 009 | Will the Government provide any existing as-built drawings, controller databases, panel schedules, or equipment inventories from the previous PACS installation effort? | Duplicate -See RFI 08 | |
| 010 | Please identify any work hour restrictions for patient care areas, pharmacies, police facilities, and occupied clinical spaces. | The VA requires that that any impacts to patient care services be minimized through the use of flexible scheduling, work outside of business hours will be approved with sufficient notice. | |
| 011 | Is there a required sequence or phasing plan for the three project locations, or may the contractor propose its own installation sequence? | Falls within means and methods, awarded contractor is expected to submit a draft schedule that demonstrates logical approach to project completion. | |
| 012 | Please clarify the Government's acceptance testing requirements, including witness testing, system commissioning, and any required integration testing with existing security systems. | All requirements are communicated within the contract documents, additionally system acceptance will only take place once functionality has been demonstrated and all contractual requirements met. | |
| 013 | Will the Government provide a current access control device schedule identifying the required quantities of readers, controllers, power supplies, and associated field devices by facility? | Review specifications and documents. | |
| 014 | If discrepancies are discovered between the contract drawings and existing field conditions, what is the Government's preferred process for documenting and resolving those discrepancies? | See General Requirements 01 00 00 Part 1.7. Alterations, which requires a survey of the area prior to work. See General Notes on Drawing GI000, M000, M100, and E000. Discrepancies can be documented through the RFI process. | |
| 015 | Controlling PACS Door and Device Quantities Please provide or confirm the controlling quantities, by campus and building, for existing PACS doors, new PACS doors, credential readers, door contacts, request-to-exit motion detectors, request-to-exit push buttons, electric strikes, magnetic locks, Software House panels, eight-door controller boards, PACS power supplies, and new network drops. Please also identify which drawing schedules and EDC schedules govern if discrepancies exist among plans, schedules, and risers. Basis / Proposal Impact A verbal reference during the site visit indicated approximately 532 doors, but that quantity has not been confirmed as the controlling contract quantity. Confirmation is required for the equipment takeoff, labor, programming, and material pricing. | The Architect/Engineer will not provide quantities for this scope of work. It is the responsibility of the bidder to perform a complete review of the Contract Documents and available drawings to determine quantities required for the work. The bidder shall include all labor, materials, equipement, and associated costs necessary to complete the work identified in the Contract Documents. Any quantities developed by the bidder shall be verified prior to submission of the bid and shall be incorporated into the bidders proposal. | |
| 016 | IDS Panel Quantity Discrepancy Please confirm the total number of existing IDS panels to be removed or replaced at each campus and identify the controlling IDS panel and field-device quantities. Basis / Proposal Impact The project documents reference both 22 Honeywell Vista IDS panels and 16 Honeywell Vista panels at the main hospital. The discrepancy affects equipment, network drops, power, demolition, programming, commissioning, and labor. | There is one reference to Honeywell Vista throughout the documents (See spec 281600 Part 1.1). Quantities are per plans and are the responsibility of the contractor. It is recommended not to use Artificial Intelligence for quanities and take-offs. A.I. generated RFIs should be thoroughly vetted by the Contractor prior to submittal. | |
| 017 | CCTV Scope Boundary Please confirm that furnishing and installing new CCTV cameras, CCTV servers, video-management-system licensing, camera cabling, and camera programming are excluded from this contract except where specifically identified in the drawings or specifications. Please identify any CCTV-related interface, relocation, temporary-support, testing, or commissioning work that remains part of this contract. Basis / Proposal Impact The design narrative states that the new CCTV system will be provided by the VA under a separate project, and existing IP cameras and Avigilon servers at Fort McPherson and Trinka-Davis are to remain. | SSTV (CCTV) was removed from the contract during design. | |
| 018 | Security Network Scope Boundary Please clarify the division of responsibility between the VA/OIT and the contractor for network switches, switch ports, VLAN creation, IP addresses, network drops, patch panels, patch cords, fiber or copper backbone cabling, network configuration, cybersecurity approval, device registration, testing, troubleshooting, and final connection of PACS and IDS equipment. Basis / Proposal Impact The project documents state that a new security network will be established by the VA under a separate project. The division of responsibility affects cabling, equipment, programming, commissioning, and schedule coordination. | Review specification and documents. | |
| 019 | Software House Panel Reuse and Replacement Please identify, by location, which existing Software House enclosures, main controllers, eight-door boards, power supplies, batteries, and network interfaces are to be reused, flashed, replaced, removed, or expanded. Please confirm the required firmware version and responsibility for determining whether existing controllers are capable of being upgraded. Basis / Proposal Impact The documents indicate that selected existing Software House equipment may be reused and flashed, with new power supplies and additional controllers installed as required. | Awarded Contractor will be held strictly to FAR clause 52.246-21 warranty period for a fully/complete functional system(s) for the duration of the warranty period. | |
| 020 | Existing PACS Field Wiring Please confirm whether all existing PACS field wiring serving credential readers, door contacts, REX devices, push buttons, locks, and related devices must be completely removed and replaced, or whether any existing wiring may be tested and reused. Basis / Proposal Impact Complete cable replacement materially affects labor, pathways, ceiling access, firestopping, restoration, and the construction schedule. | Awarded Contractor will be held strictly to FAR clause 52.246-21 warranty period for a fully/complete functional system(s) for the duration of the warranty period. | |
| 021 | Abandoned Cable Removal Please confirm the required limits of abandoned security and communications cable removal. Is the contractor required to remove: (1) only cable directly serving equipment being removed; (2) all accessible abandoned PACS and IDS cable within immediate work areas; or (3) all accessible abandoned low-voltage cable encountered along installation pathways? Please also clarify whether unidentified cable must be traced before removal. Basis / Proposal Impact The site visit identified substantial abandoned and congested cabling. The required removal limits are a significant labor and schedule consideration. | Proceed with the removal of all cabling that is no longer in use or required from the Physical Access Control and Intrusion Detection Systems. All identified unused cabling shall be fully removed from the associated device locations back to the point of origination. Removal shall include cable supports, terminations, labels, and abandoned components where applicable. Coordinate all removals with the COR to verify that no active or required system cabling serving operational Access Control or Intrusion Detection System devices shall remain intact and fully functional. Upon completion, leave all affected pathways, device locations, and points of orgination neat, clean, and free of abandoned cabling and associated debris. | |
| 022 | Existing Locks and New Door Hardware Please confirm the existing PACS doors at which the current lock is to remain; doors requiring new electric strikes; double doors requiring magnetic locks; doors requiring electrified panic hardware or mortise locks; required power-transfer hardware; required door and frame modifications; and responsibility for replacement of deficient existing door hardware. Basis / Proposal Impact The drawings generally indicate reuse of existing locks at existing PACS doors and new electric locking hardware at new PACS doors. A door-by-door confirmation is required for accurate pricing. | Awarded Contractor will be held strictly to FAR clause 52.246-21 warranty period for a fully/complete functional system(s) for the duration of the warranty period. | |
| 023 | Exterior and Critical Openings Please provide the final list and drawing references for the critical exterior openings requiring PACS work. For each opening, please confirm existing and new locking hardware, automatic-door operator interfaces, double-door sequencing, emergency release, fire-alarm interface, delayed-egress requirements, weatherproofing requirements, and temporary security during installation. Basis / Proposal Impact VA personnel referenced approximately eight critical exterior entrances or breach points during the site visit. These openings may require different hardware, controls, and phasing than typical interior doors. | Contractors should base proposals on the current drawings and specifications | |
| 024 | Automatic Door Operator Interfaces Please clarify the required sequence of operation and division of responsibility among the PACS, automatic-door operator, locking hardware, fire alarm, emergency release, and accessibility controls. Please identify any automatic-door vendor coordination required under this contract. Basis / Proposal Impact Several exterior or public-access openings may contain automatic operators. Interface requirements affect relays, power supplies, controls, testing, and subcontractor participation. | Review specification and documents. | |
| 025 | Rated Openings and Life-Safety Interfaces Please identify all PACS doors located in fire-rated or smoke-rated assemblies and confirm the required fail-safe or fail-secure operation, fire-alarm release, emergency-release devices, delayed-egress functions, and required hardware listings. Basis / Proposal Impact This information is required to ensure compliance with life-safety and rated-opening requirements. | Life Safety drawings can be provided by the VA as Reference Documents with a forecoming Addedum. | |
| 026 | Research-Area PACS Migration Please confirm the existing Research server location; the number of readers, panels, and doors included; whether existing field devices and cabling are replaced; required database migration; required credential and privilege migration; required temporary system during cutover; acceptable outage duration; and required testing and VA acceptance. Basis / Proposal Impact The documents indicate that the existing PACS server in the Research area is to be removed and associated panels and readers transferred to the new security network and main PACS server. | It is the responsibility of the bidder to perform a complete review of the Contract Documents and available drawings to determine quantities required for the work. The bidder shall include all labor, materials, equipement, and associated costs necessary to complete the work identified in the Contract Documents. Any quantities developed by the bidder shall be verified prior to submission of the bid and shall be incorporated into the bidders proposal. | |
| 027 | Credential-Holder Data and Programming Responsibilities Please confirm the final responsibility matrix for credential-holder database migration, credential enrollment, PIV II card compatibility, door groups, door schedules, access levels, alarm priorities, operator permissions, historical-event migration, database validation, and final acceptance testing. Basis / Proposal Impact The documents indicate that the contractor programs doors, door groups, and schedules, while the VA provides credential-holder and privilege programming. Further definition is required for the integrator's effort. | Refer to VA SME Review Specification and documents. | |
| 028 | C•CURE 9000 Server Configuration and Licensing Please provide or confirm the required C•CURE 9000 system architecture, including physical or virtual servers, primary and redundant servers, database platform, storage requirements, operating system, server and client licenses, reader and panel licenses, IDS integration licenses, backup and disaster recovery, cybersecurity requirements, remote-support restrictions, and warranty and software-support term. Basis / Proposal Impact Server, software, and licensing costs cannot be finalized without the required architecture. | Awarded contractor will need to coordinate with current low voltage service provider, Trofholz. Any costs associated with licensing should be based on worst case scenerio to ensure funding availability. | |
| 029 | Police Dispatch Equipment Responsibilities Please clarify which party furnishes and installs video monitors, the monitor-wall mounting system, operator consoles, workstations, servers, racks and cabinets, UPS equipment, network switches, KVM equipment, patch panels, cable management, furniture, and technology-equipment anchorage. Basis / Proposal Impact The project includes renovation of the Police Dispatch/Security Control Center and interfaces with equipment being provided under other efforts. Furnishing and installation responsibilities require confirmation. | SSTV (CCTV) was removed from the contract during design. | |
| 030 | Police Dispatch Temporary Operations Please describe the required temporary Police Dispatch/Security Control Center arrangement during demolition and renovation. Please confirm whether dispatch remains in the existing room, whether a temporary dispatch room will be provided, who moves and reconnects existing operational equipment, required temporary monitor and workstation capacity, maximum permissible outage, required testing before turnover, and the required phased turnover sequence. Basis / Proposal Impact Maintaining continuous security operations may require temporary equipment, multiple moves, after-hours work, and phased commissioning. | SSTV (CCTV) was removed from the contract during design. | |
| 031 | Police Dispatch UPS Scope Please identify the existing UPS units that remain, the equipment currently served by each, and the required new UPS work under this contract. Please confirm whether the contractor must furnish new UPS equipment, relocate existing UPS equipment, replace batteries, or only provide branch circuits and connections. Basis / Proposal Impact The project background states that only one of five existing UPS systems in Police Dispatch was operational and that a new UPS was installed in July 2022. | Provisions for UPS power in the dispatch area, but the SSTV (CCTV) was removed from the contract during design phase. | |
| 032 | Dispatch Panelboard Feeder Source Please identify the intended source distribution board for the new 60A, 208Y/120V, three-phase, 18-pole panelboard and confirm available breaker space, available capacity, feeder length and route, required breaker type, shutdown requirements, short-circuit rating, coordination-study requirements, and whether the contractor must verify capacity through field investigation or an updated load study. Basis / Proposal Impact The feeder source and route directly affect electrical material, outage planning, and labor. | Source for the new panelboard is existing panel SHL-AG-1 as shown in partial single-line on sheet 1-EP401. Existing panel has breaker space available for new feeder breaker. Match existing GE (ABB) type breaker. Approximate feeder length is 150'. Exact route to be coordinated in field. Short circuit rating of panel is 10kAIC as indicated in panel schedule. This exceeds maximum available fault current from 15kVA transformer. | |
| 033 | Technology-Room Dedicated Circuits Please provide a complete list of Technology Rooms requiring new dedicated 120V, 20A circuits and identify the intended source panel for each. Please confirm whether surface raceway is acceptable where concealed pathways are unavailable. Basis / Proposal Impact The documents require one dedicated circuit in each existing Technology Room where new equipment is installed. The room and circuit count is required for takeoff. | All technology rooms requiring circuits are shown in the electrical plans. Electrical plans also indicate source panel. Raceway is to be concealed. If it is determined that a concealed pathway is not available during construction, VA shall determine if surface raceway is acceptable. | |
| 034 | Fort McPherson and Trinka-Davis Field Verification Will the VA provide a follow-up site visit or escorted access to Fort McPherson Buildings 125, 128, 129, 130, and 131 and Trinka-Davis Building 508 before proposal submission? If not, please confirm that bidders may base pricing on the drawings and available information and identify the process for addressing concealed or materially different conditions after award. Basis / Proposal Impact The organized site visit covered the main campus only. Remote-campus reader counts, panel conditions, pathways, power, and access constraints were not field verified. | Only the Decatur site was included in the walkthrough. Contractors should price using provided drawings and specifications, adding site‑specific contingency for unverified conditions at remote locations. Assume ICRA Level 4 | |
| 035 | Fort McPherson and Trinka-Davis PACS Scope Please confirm that the remote-campus scope is limited to maintaining existing PACS panels and controller hardware, replacing existing credential readers, updating programming for PIV II cards, providing required server programming at the main hospital, and providing only the network, power, and pathway modifications specifically shown. Please identify any remote-campus controllers, power supplies, field wiring, door contacts, REX devices, locks, or panels that must also be replaced. Basis / Proposal Impact The design narrative states that existing PACS hardware in Electrical Rooms and Technology Rooms will be maintained, readers replaced, and programming updated. Confirmation is required to prevent underpricing or overpricing. | Confirmed | |
| 036 | Existing Equipment-Room Locations Please confirm the final approved location for each new or reused PACS and IDS panel, server, rack, power supply, and network connection where field conditions differ from the drawings. Please identify any rooms that will be relocated or repurposed before this contractor begins work. Basis / Proposal Impact The site visit indicated that EHRM and other telecom projects may have changed the use or configuration of rooms shown in the drawings. | Review Specification and documents. | |
| 037 | As-Built Network and Cable Information Will the VA provide any available panel schedules, network-port information, room inventories, prior survey reports, cable-test records, or Tyco survey documentation from the earlier project investigation? Basis / Proposal Impact Available records could reduce tracing, discovery, demolition, and field-verification risk. | Review Specification and documents. | |
| 038 | ICRA and PCRA Classification Please identify the anticipated ICRA activity category, patient-risk category, precaution level, and PCRA activity classification for each major work area, including Police Dispatch, Pharmacy, Research, outpatient clinics, behavioral health, telecom rooms, electrical rooms, corridors, and public areas. Please confirm whether bidders should carry Level III or Level IV containment in any identified areas. Basis / Proposal Impact Containment type, negative air, barriers, monitoring, cleaning, and inspections may materially affect labor and general-conditions pricing. | ICRA classification will be determined using the Activity Category Matrix (Table 1) and Patient Risk Category Matrix (Table 3) in the project’s ICRA documents, and bidders shall use these matrices along with the drawings to identify required containment levels. VA final approval must be obtained before work begins. | |
| 039 | Work Hours and Premium-Time Requirements Please identify work that must be performed after normal hours, at night, or on weekends, including reader and lock cutovers, server migrations, IDS cutovers, fire-alarm or sprinkler impairments, electrical shutdowns, work in Pharmacy, Research, behavioral health, and public corridors, and high-noise or dust-producing work. Basis / Proposal Impact The hospital must remain operational during system switchover. Premium labor and multiple mobilizations may be required. | Review Specification and documents. | |
| 040 | Shutdown and Cutover Notice Requirements Please confirm the required advance notice and approval periods for electrical shutdowns, network outages, PACS controller outages, reader and door outages, IDS outages, fire-alarm impairments, sprinkler impairments, and HVAC shutdowns. Please also identify maximum outage durations. Basis / Proposal Impact This information is required to develop the phasing plan and determine after-hours labor and temporary-system requirements. | See specifications. | |
| 041 | Temporary Security Requirements Please define the required temporary security measures during removal and replacement of PACS and IDS equipment, including temporary guards, temporary locks, temporary readers, temporary IDS devices, door monitoring, manual key control, security escorts, and daily restoration. Please identify whether these services are contractor-furnished or VA-furnished. Basis / Proposal Impact Temporary protection may be required in sensitive areas and during multi-day cutovers. | See specifications. | |
| 042 | Hazardous Materials Please identify all known asbestos-containing materials, lead-containing paint, or other regulated materials that may be disturbed by PACS, electrical, HVAC, architectural, and cabling work. Please confirm whether the contractor is responsible for testing, abatement, disposal, and air monitoring or whether those services will be provided separately by the VA. Basis / Proposal Impact This information is required to establish demolition methods, specialty subcontracting, schedule, and containment costs. | See specification 02 83 33.13 for instructions on lead-containing paint. All painted surfaces are assumed to contain lead unless tested (by Contractor) to show otherwise. Handle, remove, and dispose of lead-containing paint per OSHA. Handling, removal, and disposal of lead-containing paint per drawings AND where "necessary based on the means and methods of construction selected by the Contractor and visual inspection by the Contractor prior to bid" (part 3.4). Asbestos-contiaining material is not in the scope of this project. If ACM is found during construction, a Change Order will be issued or it will be handled outside of this project at the discretion of the VA. | |
| 043 | HVAC/DDC Interface Please identify the existing DDC manufacturer and front end, required controls contractor, available control-panel capacity, required graphics, required points list, communications protocol, responsibility for programming, required TAB and commissioning, required shutdowns, and intended route for refrigerant piping and condensate. Basis / Proposal Impact The Police Dispatch renovation includes a 3.5-ton split-system heat pump, central HVAC modifications, and DDC integration. | New equipment and controllers should be brought into the existing Tridium Niagara-based supervisor control system; field controllers shall be compatible for the required integration but can be by Tridium/Vykon, Johnson Controls, Siemens, Honeywell, Distech Controls or Trane. There are several existing DDC systems setup at this facility, confirm the preferred controls vendor and BAS architecture under the current BAS master planning effort with the VA. See specification 23 09 23 and dwg sheet M700 for further controls details. For remaining mechanical scope items mentioned in the RFI - refer to div23 documents. | |
| 044 | Monitor Wall and Structural Support Please confirm the final monitor quantity, size, weight, layout, and mounting system for the Police Dispatch video wall. Please identify whether structural backing or supplemental framing is shown or must be delegated-designed by the contractor. Basis / Proposal Impact This information is required for architectural, structural, mounting, power, and data pricing. | SSTV (CCTV) was removed from the contract | |
| 045 | One-Year Maintenance Scope Please define the required one-year maintenance services, including start date, preventive-maintenance frequency, emergency-response time, onsite-response requirements, 24/7 support, software support, replacement parts, batteries, reader and panel repairs, remote diagnostics, reporting, and exclusions for damage or misuse. Basis / Proposal Impact The project includes one year of security-system maintenance. The required service level affects labor, travel, spare-parts, and support pricing. | Please reference specs 01 00 00 section 1.14 Warranty Management. | |
| 046 | Testing, Commissioning, and Acceptance Please provide or confirm the required acceptance-testing procedures for PACS doors, readers, door contacts, REX devices, lock release, fire-alarm interfaces, IDS devices, alarm routing, server failover, network communications, database migration, remote-campus connectivity, Dispatch systems, electrical systems, and HVAC/DDC systems. Please identify the VA representatives and commissioning authority who must witness each test. Basis / Proposal Impact This information is required to determine testing labor, documentation, retesting, and schedule. | See specifications 019100, 270800, and 280800 for commissioning requirements. | |
| 047 | Long-Lead Equipment and 183-Day Performance Period Will the Government consider schedule relief for documented manufacturer lead times beyond the contractor's control for C•CURE servers, controllers, readers, power supplies, door hardware, panelboards, HVAC equipment, monitors, or other specified products? Please also confirm the Government's expected submittal-review duration. Basis / Proposal Impact The contract requires completion within 183 calendar days, including submittals, construction, testing, punch list, and closeout. | The 183‑day contract duration remains in effect unless formally modified by the CO. Review specification and documents. | |
| 048 | Drawing and Specification Priority Where quantities, device types, equipment descriptions, or installation requirements differ among the drawings, EDC schedules, risers, project manual, specifications, and solicitation Statement of Work, please confirm which document governs for bidding purposes. Basis / Proposal Impact A clear order of precedence is required to establish a consistent basis of estimate and avoid conflicting interpretations. | All discrepancies are to be brought to the immediate attention of the VA and Design Team. The drawings and specifications are complementary. The drawings show quantity and location. The specifications show quality. Note: The Project Manual (Attachment 8 of solicitation) is not a Contract Document. See Contract language for which takes governs when a conflict is found. | |
| 049 | Photography and Field Documentation Will the awarded contractor be permitted to take controlled construction-progress and existing-condition photographs after receiving written approval? Please identify the approval process, storage requirements, restrictions on sensitive equipment, and whether photographs may be included in RFIs, daily reports, as-builts, and closeout documentation. Basis / Proposal Impact Photography was prohibited during the site visit. Controlled documentation may be necessary to record concealed conditions, demolition, deficiencies, and progress. | The contractor may take controlled construction‑progress and existing‑condition photographs, but only after receiving explicit written approval from the COR and complying with all VA security, privacy, and site‑specific restrictions described in the SOW. | |
| 050 | Is there a set of access plan drawings? | Reference the "T" series drawings of contract documents | |
| 051 | There are approximately 530 controlled doors. Are all 530 readers to be removed and replaced? | Readers shall comply with specification 28 13 00 | |
| 052 | Is there a defined priority or sequence for progressing through the project? | Review Specification and documents. | |
| 053 | Breach doors were mentioned as the first priority. What areas, floors, or door groups follow the breach doors? | Review Specification and documents. | |
| 054 | The 4th, 5th, and 12th floors of Building A were mentioned as active work areas. Is there a planned schedule for replacing the readers on those floors? | Review Specification and documents. | |
| 055 | Can the work be scheduled at night, where possible, to reduce interference with staff, patients, and facility traffic? | The work can be scheduled at night when possible, but only with prior VA approval and in accordance with the project’s infection control, safety, and operational restrictions. Night work is explicitly permitted—and in several cases required— to minimize patient‑care impacts. | |
| 056 | How many access-control panels are expected for the project? | It is the responsibility of the bidder to perform a complete review of the Contract Documents and available drawings to determine quantities required for the work. The bidder shall include all labor, materials, equipement, and associated costs necessary to complete the work identified in the Contract Documents. Any quantities developed by the bidder shall be verified prior to submission of the bid and shall be incorporated into the bidders proposal. | |
| 057 | How many controlled doors are expected to be connected to each panel? | Riser diagram/takeoff will provide guidance with respect to serving area(s), door density, and panel locations | |
| 058 | Are there doors or areas that must remain operational until replacement work in another area is completed? | Several doors and areas must remain fully operational until replacement or new PACS/IDS work in adjacent or dependent areas is completed. This is required by life safety, emergency egress, clinical operations, and PACS/IDS sequencing dependencies described in the SOW. | |
| 059 | Is temporary access-control operation or temporary locking required while individual doors or panels are being converted? | Temporary access‑control operation and/or temporary locking will be required during door‑by‑door or panel‑by‑panel conversions, because all building systems—including security, life safety, and clinical access—must remain in full operation until the new PACS/IDS hardware is commissioned, tested, and accepted. | |
| 060 | Can the majority of the work be scheduled at night to reduce interference with patients, staff, and normal facility traffic? | The work can be scheduled at night when possible, but only with prior VA approval and in accordance with the project’s infection control, safety, and operational restrictions. Night work is explicitly permitted—and in several cases required—to minimize patient‑care impacts. | |
| 061 | What are the approved daytime, evening, overnight, and weekend working hours? | Review the SOW where the hours are specified. | |
| 062 | Will escorts, security personnel, infection-control measures, or special access approvals be required for after-hours work? | After‑hours work will require escorts, security coordination, infection‑control measures, and special access approvals, as specified in multiple sections of the SOW. |
These requirements apply to every work zone and are mandatory before any evening, overnight, or weekend work begins
| 063 | Are there any occupied, clinical, secure, or restricted areas where work must be performed during specific windows? | The SOW identifies multiple occupied, clinical, secure, and restricted areas where work must be performed only during specific windows due to patient care, sterility, safety, and operational constraints. |
| 064 | How many controlled doors will be connected to each panel? | Duplicate question. Reference RFI 57. |
| 065 | Is an equipment BOM available? | It is the responsibility of the bidder to perform a complete review of the Contract Documents and available drawings to determine quantities required for the work. The bidder shall include all labor, materials, equipement, and associated costs necessary to complete the work identified in the Contract Documents. Any quantities developed by the bidder shall be verified prior to submission of the bid and shall be incorporated into the bidders proposal. |
| 066 | Is all existing access control equipment to remain operational until cutover? | It is the intent to minimize access control system downtime. Coordinate with the VA COR. Overall answer is Yes. |
| 067 | Who is responsible for programming the C•CURE 9000 system? | Review Statement of Work. |
| 068 | Will the VA provide database integration and badge programming, or is this included in the contractor's scope? | Review specification and documents. |
| 069 | Is Software House factory certification required for programming personnel? | 28 13 00 1.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE OUTLINES CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED. |
| 070 | Will the VA provide all IP addresses, VLANs, switch ports, and network drops? | Review specification and documents. |
| 071 | Is the contractor responsible for network switch installation or configuration? Are all existing doors and frames suitable for new electrified hardware, or should repairs be anticipated? | VA OIT TO PROVIDE SWITCH AND CONFIGURATION |
| 072 | Are dedicated electrical circuits available at each controller location? | Dedicated circuits are available as indicated on the electrical plans. |
| 073 | Who is responsible for providing new 120V power to controller and power supply cabinets? | Div 26 contractor is responsible for all 120V power. |
| 074 | Are existing conduits available and suitable for reuse? | Assume all conduits are to be new. |
| 075 | If existing conduits are obstructed, will new conduit installation be treated as additional work? | Assume all conduits are to be new. |
| 076 | What MOP required for the intrusion detection system for test and passing? | See specification 27 08 00 and 28 08 00 for Commissioning of systems. |
| 077 | What are the allowable shutdown windows for secure entrances? | All shutdowns must maintain continuous egress, continuous security, and temporary locking/monitoring until the PACS/IDS work is complete. |
| 078 | What infection control (ICRA/PCRA) level applies to each work area? | ICRA classification will be determined using the Activity Category Matrix (Table 1) and Patient Risk Category Matrix (Table 3) in the project’s ICRA documents, and bidders shall use these matrices along with the drawings to identify required containment levels. VA final approval must be obtained before work begins. |
| 079 | Will concealed conditions requiring wall repair or ceiling replacement be considered change-order work? | No, all walls and ceilings are to be patched and repaired per section 01 10 00 Part 1.10. |
| 080 | Are asbestos or lead-containing materials anticipated where penetration is required? | See specification 02 83 33.13 for instructions on lead-containing paint. All painted surfaces are assumed to contain lead unless tested (by Contractor) to show otherwise. Handle, remove, and dispose of lead-containing paint per OSHA. Handling, removal, and disposal of lead-containing paint per drawings AND where "necessary based on the means and methods of construction selected by the Contractor and visual inspection by the Contractor prior to bid" (part 3.4). Asbestos-contiaining material is not in the scope of this project. If ACM is found during construction, a Change Order will be issued or it will be handled outside of this project at the discretion of the VA. ASBESTOS CITIED IN 01 35 26 jpg |
| 081 | Who will witness final acceptance testing? | Review Statement of Work. |
| 082 | Are electronic as-built drawings required in AutoCAD format or PDF only? | The SOW requires the contractor to submit PDF and DWG formats, with DWGs compatible with the latest AutoCAD version. |
| 083 | Will staging and material storage areas be provided? | The SOW explicitly states that no on‑site staging area and no on‑site storage will be provided. All materials must be delivered just‑in‑time and can only be staged inside each active work zone with COR approval. |
| 084 | Are lifts permitted inside occupied buildings? | Review specifications and documents. |
| 085 | Are there any restrictions on parking, loading docks, or material deliveries? | Review specifications and documents. |
| 086 | Where drilling, penetrations, pathway work, or demolition is required, who is responsible for testing, abatement, containment, and clearance? | The contractor is responsible for testing if suspected asbestos containing materials are discovered during disturbance of existing assemblies or materials. |
| 087 | Has the VA completed an asbestos survey for all areas affected by the PACS installation, and will the contractor receive the asbestos-containing material drawings or report before work begins? | The most recent survey report will be made available. |
| 088 | The Project Manual states the project includes UPS systems to replace non-operational units in the Dispatch Center. However, no technical specification for UPS hardware exists in the Division 26 or 28 specifications. Please provide a specification or Basis of Design (make/model/runtime) for the required UPS systems. | The Project Manual (Attachment 8 of solicitation) is not a Contract Document. For reference only. |
| 089 | Does the Atlanta VAMC currently maintain an Enterprise-level C·CURE license that this project will append to, or is the contractor required to provide a new standalone server and system-wide licensing? | The SOW specifies that this project will provide new C•CURE servers, establish a new security network, and migrate all existing hardware to a new unified PACS system. |
| 090 | There are a quantity of four (4) symbols in the ET112 Security Plans - Level 1 drawings that are listed as Security Motion Sensor. There is no other mention of an existing Intrusion system (type, manufacturer, etc.) that exists for connection to. Can the government confirm if there is an existing system, if there is a requirement to connect any door contacts and/or security motion detectors from this solicitation, and if so, can the location for IDS control panel terminations of these devices be supplied for calculating cable amounts and pathway requirements? | IDS panels are indicated on the Technology Drawings for each area within the construction documents. |
| 091 | There is intrusion devices shown throughout the plans but no intrusion keypads. Can the customer confirm the reason for this? | 28 16 00 1.1 Description, B System shall be a direct software integration (via API or SDK as required) with the new SoftwareHouse CCURE 9000 PACS system, such that all alarms, monitoring and interface can be accomplished via the PACS (28 13 00)User Interface. |
| 092 | The plans show Data Cabling Color Code as RED cable for SECURITY. Can the customer confirm this coding is for only security data or does all composite cabling for Access Control need to be RED also? | See specifications. |
| 093 | The specs state on page 771, under P. Number of Points "1. PACS shall support multiple autonomous regional servers that can connect to a master command and controller server. 2. Unlimited number of access control readers, unlimited number of inputs or outputs, unlimited number of client workstations, unlimited number of cardholders. 3. Total system solution to enable enterprise-wide, networked, multiuser access to all system resources via a wide range of options for connectivity with the customer’s existing LAN and WAN." Due to the possible extreme licensing cost for "unlimited" equipment numbers as stated, would the government accept license limitations of equipment numbers that would cover the project but also leave room for future additions? | Base system shall be Enterprise level and add licensing sufficient to support current and future operations to the extent practicable. Licensing expansion beyond what is initially planned will be reconciled at a later date. |
| 094 | The concern I recognized is in reference to NFPA-13 A9.4.2.5 the position of Quick Response sprinkler heads and their distance from a heat source being diffusers associated with HVAC. The plans show upgrades to HVAC . The newer efficient units have the capability of generating a higher temperature output . Sprinkler heads following today’s standards shall be two feet six inches away from the diffusers . The three heads in the control room are all twelve inches away from a diffuser . Control rooms and rooms similar require additional air flow validating the number of diffusers to remain. This would require per NFPA-13 the heads be intermittent temperature heads a temperature of 175 degrees . The existing heads are 155 degree. It is something your project manager may want to bring to the VA Hospitals attention . I noticed when walking the facility areas where prior remodeling may have taken place and the conflict with diffusers not considered. I apologize for being over informative or as my wife describes a blabber mouth . I only want to clarify what was not specified . It specified 155 degree in all areas with ceiling and 200 degree in exposed areas or mechanical rooms . This could be a grey area to some but the code I reference is self explanatory. | Per Plan Note #2 on FX100, modifications to the existing sprinkler system, including replacement of sprinklers, are part of the scope to meet the applicable requirements. |
| 095 | The Job Walk only went to the Decatur, GA location. On the cover sheet of the plans there are other locations as part of this solicitation. Are there going to be other job walks to the Fort McPherson location and Trinka Davis Village location ? | Only the Decatur site was included in the walkthrough. Contractors should price using provided drawings and specifications, adding site‑specific contingency for unverified conditions at remote locations. Assume ICRA Level 4 |
| 096 | The PSRDM for the Dispatch Room is given in the plans / specs. Could you please give us the project specific Appendix B PSRDM audit for PACS and IDS List ? | Contractors should base proposals on the current drawings and specifications and include reasonable contingency for device‑level adjustments. |
| 097 | In the supplied plans at pages TN600 through TN606 labeled "EDC SCHEDULES", there is a column under CONTROL and EAC titled "TOD". Can the government explain the term "TOD" as it relates to the EDC schedule, it doesn't appear to clearly define it anywhere in the plans or specifications? | TOD = Time Of Day. It is meant to be a part of an evaluation of whether access is allowed (or not) based on specific factors, e.g., Card Credential, Personal Identification Number (PIN), TOD. |
| 098 | On the plans where it is stated "LOCATION OF EXISTING IDS PANEL TO BE REMOVED INCLUDING ALL EXISTING WIRING TO IDS DEVICES. LOCATION OF NEW IDS PANEL WITH WIRING TO NEW DEVICES", and the plans show all new devices for IDS, is there a record of where the existing devices and locations are per panel that have to be removed so the contractor can properly quote the demo of each? | Review specification and documents. |
| 099 | As there will be multiple locations as part of this project and multipile buildings how many people do we need wearing the hats of QC / SSHO / Site Supervisor ? | If work will occur simultaneously at multiple locations (Decatur, Fort McPherson, Trinka‑Davis), then each active site must have its own onsite SSHO and Supervisor, while the QC Manager may oversee multiple sites if coverage is continuous. |
| 100 | Please confirm how long the overall time to obtain a badge should take as described in spec section 01 00 00 form the time the initial paperwork is submitted until the time the badge is in the employees hands. And will separate badges need to be applied for at the three different sites that are part of this solicitation ? | Badge processing timelines can vary and may take several days or longer depending on VA security workload and vetting steps. A single VA badge is generally expected to cover all sites, though specific access procedures may differ by campus. |
| 101 | Please confirm that any Testing Laboratory Services will be covered by the VA and not the awarded contractor. | Review specification and documents. |
| 102 | Please confirm any Special Inspections will be covered by the VA and not the awarded contractor. | Review specification and documents. |
| 103 | Will any obstructions / furniture be removed prior to start of work on the interior of the buildings that might be in the way of the work? | The contractor is responsible for clearing and managing obstructions within the work zone, in coordination with the COR, Safety, and Infection Control. All removal must comply with Infection Control (ICRA), Safety, and Life‑Safety Measures. |
| 104 | Missing door schedules - The plans show EDC 282–296, 300, 302–311, 443, 510, and 530, but these 29 EDC numbers are not included in schedules TN600–TN607. Please confirm they are included and provide the reader, lock, REX, door-contact, IDS-interface, and serving-panel requirements. - References: 1-TN111A1, 1-TN121A1, 1-TN151A, 1-TN161A, 1-TN163C, 1-TN412, 1-TN413, 1-TN414; TN600–TN607. | Will require review and inclusion in an addendum… |
| 105 | New locks - Schedule Note 2 marks 142 EDC entries as requiring new locking hardware, but every entry has a lock quantity of zero and 94 entries do not identify the lock type. G000 says to provide new electric locks, while TN000 says maglocks and their installation are by others. Please identify who furnishes and installs each lock and correct the lock type and quantity columns. - References: G000 project summary; TN000 security legend; TN600–TN607, Schedule Note 2. | Awarded Contractor will be held strictly to FAR clause 52.246-21 warranty period for a fully/complete functional system(s) for the duration of the warranty period. |
| 106 | Access-control panels - Please provide a final panel-by-panel list showing which controllers, panel hubs, power supplies, and lock power supplies are new, reused, expanded, or removed, along with the doors served by each panel. - References: G000; 1-TN500–1-TN503 show new controllers/panel hubs; 1-TN504 shows 35 existing panel locations; TN600–TN607 assign doors under 40 schedule-room headings. | 28 13 00 1.1 A. This section specifies the finishing, installation, connection, testing and certification of a complete and full operating Physical Access Control System, hereinafter referred to as the PACS. The existing system is SoftwareHouse CCure 9000. |
| 107 | Remote-site equipment schedules - G000 requires replacement of PACS field devices, wiring, remote controllers, and door power supplies at all campuses. The Ft. McPherson and Trinka Davis drawings identify 174 readers and existing panel locations but do not provide door-device or controller schedules. Please provide the required devices and serving panel for each remote-site door. - References: G000; Ft. McPherson sheets 125-EY100 through 131-E102; Trinka Davis sheets 508C-EY101.A through 508C-EY101.F. | Devices are shown on the doors and access control panel locations have been provided. Door hardware specification has been provided. Bid drawings and specs. |
This is the start of the file's text. The full file is on GovTribe.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .