36C25019B0046-0001002.pdf

RFIs with Answers As of 20190823

Project: 541-19-201 Upgrade Smart Building System Solicitation: 3614018B0046 Louis Stokes VA Medical Center (Cleveland, Ohio)

Contractor Questions = Black VA Responses = Purple

1. Does integration of the Andover system only include what has already been integrated or does it include additional controllers like VAV boxes? This was a huge point of contention in the first go round.

Response: It would be helpful if this question was directed to a specific item of the documents.

There is no requirement to add VAV boxes to the SBS network. The SBS network is to be extended per the documents and all existing Andover network devices will be reconnected to the extended SBS network.

2. Who will work with the Andover system if needed to make any necessary communications configuration changes?

Response: The VA intends to utilize an existing service contract for communication configuration changes.

3. Are the existing AHU graphics from the Andover system to be reused?

Response: Again, it would be helpful if the question was directed to specific items on the documents. There are no new AHU graphics required for the existing Andover system on this project.

4. Is there any requirement to calculate total system energy use in the case for instance of an AHU where BTUs/hr for the total system is calculated? No

Response: No.

5. What is to be done with the existing VAV boxes currently controlled by Cypress? (wireless pneumatic stats)

Response: Please reference the solicitation documents.

6. Are the new FOTPs to include power from emergency circuits and/or UPSs?

Response: Each new FOTP is required to have a emergency duplex receptacle connected to the identified 120v essential emergency circuit. Please refer to the solicitation documents for further details. The 120V connection is shown on the T1.* series floor plans. For instance, refer to drawing T1.8 for the 120V connection for new FOTP 15. Also, a stand-alone UPS is required for each new FOTP as specified on drawing T3.2, FOTP Component Schedule.

7. Can we assume the FOTPs can be in enclosures similar to existing?

Response: The requirements for new FOTP enclosures is stated on drawing T3.1, Note 1. The new FOTP’s are listed on drawing T3.2. The existing FOTP’s do not require new enclosures.

8. The original project was installed before Tridium changed its licensing structure. Back then you got a

BACnet driver and could add as many points as would fit. Now the licensing structure is built around number of devices and points (whichever is exceeded first). That being said it may be worth considering reducing the number of points integrated from things such as electric meters. The existing system mapped approximately 70 points from each ION meter when in fact what is actually needed is just a handful.

Response: The VA intends to limit the integrated points per electric meter to approximately 25 points per meter.

9. I saw no mention of the Eaton meters or the Eaton metering system. This includes the meters in the main transformer vault. There were some known issues with the modbus gateways on the vault gear.

Also, the PXM 4000 Eaton meters are capable of a direct IP interface to a built-in web GUI. This is not in a standard protocol but does provide a wealth of diagnostic fault data.

Response: The Eaton meters on the RADUSS1, RADUSS2 & LAB WAREHOUSE USS are to be connected to the extended SBS network. Refer to drawing T3.6 for further details.

10. The scope indicates the Andover system is to be placed on a separate subnet. Has there been any consideration of developing additional segregation i.e. Electric vs gas vs water vs boilers etc..)? It appears when all said and done we may be pushing the 253 device limit for multiple subnets.

Response: There are multiple ways of dealing with the 253 device limit that will not be expounded on in this response. However, please note the requirement for an approve master system integrator in specification 25 01 11, paragraph 1.2. And the individual personnel requirement for a Cisco Certified Design Professional with 5 years or greater of network design and installation experience.

11. Is the contractor to develop a BACnet addressing schema and if so will existing controllers be reconfigured to conform to the new Schema?

Response: Please reference the solicitation documents.

12. The existing Andover system currently has connectivity to the EUL building and its Alerton BACnet devices. Is this connectivity to remain?

Response: Yes.

13. The existing Andover system also includes many third-party devices currently visible on the network.

It is unclear whether all of these have been located on the contract documents. Are these to be included and should we include some sort of allowance per device?

Response: We are unsure of the exact nature of this question. There is no intent to integrate the existing Andover system into the Tridium system under this project scope. All existing Andover network devices have been identified and are to be connected to the new extended SBS network as described on the documents.

14. The contract documents indicate integrating Schneider meters and sub meters. Many of these are already integrated from Modbus RTU to BACnet/IP. Each of the major substations includes a panel with all the sub-meter displays. The original project added a Modbus RTU to BACnet/IP gateway to each of these controllers and an IP drop to the nearest FTOP. Can we assume these are to remain?

Again, this is where a significant point count reduction could occur to control licensing costs.

Response: Yes, they remain. However, the Schneider meters from the Pilot Metering project are shown on the documents to be connected directly to the extended SBS network to eliminate unnecessary bridges and routers.

15. Are the Flexum BTU meters added in the original project to be left on the same subnet as the

Andover controls? They are not used by any of the Andover programs and were originally placed on this subnet as a convenience. With the new system you would be able to move them onto the same subnet as the other BTU meters making mapping easier and reducing the loading on any BBMDs required.

Response: The contractor is to retain a Network Designer/Engineer under the Master System Integrator(MSI). The MSI network designed shall submit their designs for review by the VA after award of this contract.

16. Are the boiler room controls to have their own subnet like they currently do or are these to be connected to the extended SBS network? Currently there is an EthernetIP to BACnet/IP gateway in the boiler room main control enclosure.

Response: The Boiler Room is to be connected to the extended SBS network. Refer to drawing T1.7 for additional details.

17. Can you please provide details for communication protocols in use as well as device counts and/or point counts for the following devices:

a. Existing 7 AX JACEs

b. Existing 4 N4 JACE 8000s

c. Existing 4 BBMDs

Response: Please refer to specification 01 00 05 for a listing of the existing Tridium Niagra AX information available to all bidders and the proposed new upgrade intent.