ATTACHMENT XIII - RFI Questions AND Answers.docx

RFI QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS – Data and Power IDC

1. The price/cost schedule table on pages 6-33 contains language in the description of supplies/services for multiple CLINS (0001, 0002, 0003, 0004, 0005, 10001, 10002, 10003, 10004, 10005, 20001, 20002, 20003, 20004, 20005, 30001, 30002, 30003, 30004, and 30005) that directly conflicts with Statement of Work on pages 37-46. Pages 6-33 reference Cat6A blue cables with 10' patch cords while the cabling scope paragraph A on page 37 references Cat3 gray cable and Cat6 green cable with 7' patch cords and paragraph B on page 37 stipulates green jacks and splitting terminations for voice cables. Please advise if we are to follow language stipulated in pages 6-33 and disregard the conflicting statements made on pages 37-46.

ANSWER:

The Price/Cost Schedule statements within CLINs 0001-0004, 10001-10004, 20001-20004, 30001-30004, and 40001-40004, say to use 2 blue patch cords “up to 10 feet”. Follow the statements within these CLINs. The Price/Cost Schedule and the SOW have been modified to reflect these changes. See Attachments XI – Price Cost Schedule UPDATED and XII UPDATED SOW.

2. The price/cost schedule table on pages 6-33 contains language in the description of supplies/services for multiple CLINS(0016, 0017, 0018, 10016, 10017, 10018, 20016, 20017, 20018, 30016, 30017, and 30018) "The contractor shall provide a concrete penetration up to 2” in diameter through up to 10” thick concrete. This task shall include concrete scanning, sleeve, and firestop.". However, page 39 paragraph P states that any new penetration greater than 1" shall be provided by RLRVAMC. Which statement is correct and should be followed?

ANSWER:

Please follow the verbiage with the Price/Cost Schedule and the SOW. The Price/Cost Schedule and the SOW have been updated. See Attachments XI – Price Cost Schedule UPDATED and XII UPDATED SOW.

3. The price/cost schedule table on pages 6-33 contains language in the description of supplies/services for multiple CLINS(0006, 0007, 0008, 10006, 10007, 10008, 20006, 20007, 20008, 30006, 30007, and 30008) to provide patch panel that accepts Cat6A. However, page 38 paragraph F states to provide patch panels with a Cat6 rating or higher. Please clarify if a Cat6 or a Cat6A patch panel is acceptable as Cat6 patch panels will not facilitate passing Cat6A rating.

ANSWER:

Cat6A patch panel is acceptable.

4. The price/cost schedule table on pages 6-33 contains language in the description of supplies/services for multiple CLINS(0030, 10030, 20030, and 30030) to provide a "complete 84" data rack". Data cabling specs call for height and width, but racks come in 19"x84" in 2 set ups either a 2 post rack or 4 post rack, which is preferred?

Please provide a 4-post rack. The SOW has been updated to reflect this change. See Attachment - XII UPDATED SOW.

5. The Statement of work page 41 paragraph dd. only specifies a 1 year warranty. This document doesn't mention any required manufacturers. The Data specs don't mention any required manufacturers either. Are we required to provide any specific manufacturer's products? Are we required to provide cabling, connectivity, and patch panels from the same manufacturer or can multiple manufacturers be used? If you at least specify that a contractor use 1 manufacturer's solution regardless of who that manufacturer is you would be able to get a 20-year warranty for free.

The SOW has been changed to reflect a minimum 15-year warranty. See Attachment - XII UPDATED SOW.

6. Regarding CLIN 0021a, 10021a, 20021a, 30021a, and 40021a when a new branch circuit is required how will hot work permit be handled for final connection to electrical panel within electrical distribution closet?

ANSWER: No hot work permit will be needed. Please install a 4 square junction box in the electrical closet with the new circuit waiting in the box. The VA will then come back later to finish installing the conduit to the panel and land the circuit.

7. Regarding CLIN 00023, 10023, 20023, 30023, and 40023 when a removal or isolation of HVAC is required per the ICRA permit what is expected to be done? No details on this are given in the Statement of Work.

ANSWER: The removal of the HVAC system involves the contractor covering the return air ducts in each room to prevent dust from getting sucked into the HVAC system and/or notifying the COR to have the air shut off to a specific location.

8. On page 47 of the solicitation the paragraph regarding offer submission lists required documents to return with our response to the RFP. However, pages 48-49 state that a payment bond shall be required for task orders awarded over $30,000.00 and payment bond and performance bond shall be required for tasks orders awarded over $150,000.00. We don't expect any single CLIN to be over those amounts. Are we required to submit a bid bond with our response?

ANSWER: A bid bond is not a requirement with an offeror’s submission.

9. Is there a requirement for negative air containment?

ANSWER: I do not anticipate having to use negative air for this project. I do expect to use containment carts, zipper/starc wall barriers.

10. Please verify if working on Operating rooms will be require negative air containment?

ANSWER: I do not anticipate having to use negative air for this project. I do expect to use containment carts, zipper/starc wall barriers.

11. During the site Visit the COR stated that there will be no Power panel shut down required for in this contract to energize circuits. The contractor will pull the wire and leave the circuit in a pull / Junction box located in the appropriate electrical closet. The electrical maintenance staff will make and complete all final connection and energize the new circuits.

ANSWER: Correct, see the answer to RFI #6.

12. Please verify if all data runs will be home runs.

ANSWER: All data runs shall be home runs unless we need to move an existing cable that is already Blue Cat6A.

13. Please verify for electrical connections to existing circuits can be installed in the walls using flexible metal conduit and EMT can be use in the ceilings.

ANSWER: EMT shall be used above ceiling and in electrical closets. Flexible Metallic Conduit may be used in-wall.