Attach 2.1 - RFI Responses.pdf

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RFI #1 Responses.

Solicitation No. 36C25026B0032_1

Site Security Update No. 539-22-208

From VA:

1. Question: Dwg T110 – Building 1 Sub Basement

Answer: Update Title on dwg from Building 01 Basement Floor Plan to Building 01 Sub Basement Floor Plan so it matches what is in title block.

2. Question: Does VA have a signed ICRA permit?

Answer: Yes, See attached for the ICRA level 3 for the interior work.

3. Question: Sheet GI-101 note 12. Need to know the manufacturer, model and color of existing fence panels.

Answer: For Area #12 along Vine Street: fence along Vine Street: 6 ft. H x 8 ft. W Black Osprey Aluminum Fence Panels is the basis of design. For area #12 along Shields Street - VA does not have manufactures name of the existing. Contractor to match existing. One option is to remove one section(or sections) entirely at the end (furthest from Vine Street) and use to infill the existing fence and then provide that entire section(s) as new.

4. Question: Sheet CS-102 Detail 7/102. Footing note states size and depth to be determined by other.

What size is this to be?

Answer: Sheet CS-102, Detail 10 shows/indicates this information. Update note 1 on detail 7 to state refer to Detail 10 for concrete footing size and depth.

5. Question: Sheet CS-102-CS101N. The drawings don’t tell us how far off of the curb the planter box bollards or round bollards are to be off of the curb. The planter box is 1’10” which could take up considerable walking space depending upon where it is placed.

Answer: The long face of the planter box is to be mounted 2” off the yellow stripe (sidewalk side of stripe) which indicates the curb, which leaves a 72” wide sidewalk. Bollards are to be placed the same dimension.

6. Question: Are the OIT rooms still the correct rooms with the changes with the EHRM project?

Answer: Yes, the OIT/Telecom rooms shown on the drawings are still the correct rooms.

7. Question: For Utility drawings on drawing GI-201 and GI-202 – how accurate are they?

Answer: Drawings are fairly accurate, however, must be field verified. Refer to specification 01 35- 26 1.18 Excavation and Trenches E that states, “ Excavations will be hand dug or excavated by other similar safe and acceptable means as excavation operations approach within 3 to 5 feet of identified underground utilities. Exploratory bar or other detection equipment will be utilized as necessary to further identify the location of underground utilities. “

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8. Question: Dwg CS101N. Do the two exterior signs by Area 1 that are blocking the current pedestrian access need to be removed and discarded?

Answer: Yes, Add to coded note 13 the following: Remove and discard the two existing exterior signs, one stating “Receiving” and other stating “Employee Only” over so does not block pedestrian or vehicle gate. Provide all required items for this removal.

From IMS:

9. Question: Ref drawing CS-103- Are details 1/103 to be used for new slide gate required for area 1?

Are new foundations required for area 1? Are the sizes noted on the 3 details 1/103 the correct sizes?

Answer: That is correct. Verify with the specific fence/gate manufacturer that you are using for the correct sizes.

10. Question: Ref drawing CS-103- Will a site plan and detail drawings be provided for the new double swing gates and foundations required for area 4?

Answer: See sheet CS-101S and detail 7/102 on sheet CS-102.

11. Question: Will a site drawing be provided with dimensions for all locations of bollards from adjacent structures and surroundings?

Answer: Refer to Question/Answer #5 for area #13 and #14. Clear walking paths need to be maintained on all sidewalks. AE will make a site visit and provide exact location for all bollards.

12. Question: Ref drawing GI-101 Area 12- Can manufacture information be provided for the fence panels that are being replaced to enable a match to the existing panels that are to remain?

Answer: Refer to question/answer #3.

13. Question: Ref spec 01 35 00- Can the site superintendent cover roles of the SSHO and the QC manager?

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Answer: It is acceptable for the SSHO and the QCM and Superintendent to the be the same person if the person meets all the qualification requirements.

From TMT3

14. Question: Can the VA provide the exact make, model, firmware version, and revision level of the existing card readers, door controllers, and data gathering panels that the new 16 card readers must interface with? Would generic language be compatible with existing PACS?)

Answer: The project includes a sole source justification identifying the specified vendor as the basis of design for this system. As such, detailed product selection and configuration shall be provided by the approved vendor in accordance with project requirements.

The Contractor shall coordinate directly with the specified vendor to obtain all necessary product data, submittals, and installation requirements to support a complete and compliant installation.

Integrator of Record is Johnson Controls, Larry Johnson, larry.1.johnson@jci.com. 1-812-577-5738.

Project scope is for modifications to the access control system, and does not include any SSTV scope.

15. Question: What is the current manufacturer and software version of the facility-wide CCTV, SSTV, and VASS systems? Are there any planned or ongoing upgrades to cameras, NVRs, or storage that could affect integration testing or commissioning of the new access control points?

Answer: Camera adjustments, additions, or deletions are not in scope

16. Question: (4.24) For the new card readers and associated door hardware, what specific credential technologies are currently in use across the campus (e.g., PIV/CAC only, proximity, iClass, MIFARE DESFire, or multi-tech)? Are any biometric secondary authentication requirements in place or anticipated for these new locations?

Answer: See response to question 14 above. Card readers are dual-authentication readers: card plus PIN. The Integrator of Record has the specific RPK40 model in use at the site.

17. Question: What are the exact power and UPS requirements at each of the six new card reader locations? Do any of these points currently lack adequate emergency power backing, and will the contractor be responsible for verifying or supplementing generator/UPS capacity during demolition?

Answer: See response to question 14 above. Access control expansion(s) shall connect to power supporting the existing panels at each location

18. Question: Do the as-builts document any conduit or pathway capacity issues (fill percentage, existing cable types) that are not shown on the provided drawings? Particularly in high-traffic or historic/utility areas.

Answer: Conduit fill shall be determined by the Contractor based on the actual cables being provided and installed. Contractor shall size and install conduits in accordance with applicable codes and industry best practices, including allowable fill ratios and derating requirements to ensure proper installation and future maintainability.

19. Question: What is the exact brand, version, and patch level of the Physical Access Control System

(PACS) software managing the entire Cincinnati VA campus (including the 909/907 Vine Street clinic sites if they share the platform)? Is the system Hirsch Velocity, Lenel, or another platform?

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Answer: Refer to specification 28 13 00 1.1 that states it is Johnson Controls (JCI) CCure 9000 system. See response to question 14 above

20. Question: Will the new card readers require any PACS software licensing upgrades, database schema changes, or additional server resources? Who (VA or contractor) is responsible for any required programming, configuration, or testing of the new points in the live production system?

Answer: See response to question 14 above. Contractor is responsible for any required programming, configuration and testing of these new points in the system.

21. Question: (4.12, b, pg 62 - VA Directive 6500 does not address the following concern) What are the cybersecurity and RMF (Risk Management Framework) requirements specific to this integration? Will the new devices need to go through a full Authority to Operate (ATO) process, and what documentation/support will the VA provide versus expect from the contractor?

Answer: See response to question 14 above. This project is an extension/addition to an existing functional system.

22. Question: How does the new access control integration work with the Security Control Center (SCC) or VA Police dispatch in real time? Are there specific event-logging, alarm-prioritization, or video-pop-up rules that must be configured for these six new locations?

Answer: See response to question 14 above

23. Question: After installation and commissioning, who will perform the final acceptance testing and sign-off? Will VA require a third-party independent verification, and what performance metrics (e.g., door open/close times, alarm response, false positive rates) will be used?

Answer: Reference testing obligations and who shall perform and sign-off of in the specifications. See also response to question 14 above.

24. Question: What is the expected warranty period for the new hardware and any associated software support? Will the VA require the successful bidder (or a designated subcontractor) to provide on-site or remote support during the first 12–24 months of operation?

Answer: Reference contractual obligations for warranty in the specifications

25. Question: Are there any planned future expansions or related projects (e.g., additional readers, full

PACS migration, or integration with the new EHR rollout) in the next 2–5 years that could affect the design choices we are considering for these new installations?

Answer: Anticipation of future expansions or related projects are not part of this scope.

26. Question: For the 909/907 Vine Street clinic and outreach sites: Are they on the same PACS/CCTV platform as the main 3200 Vine campus? Does this project include any work or coordination at those downtown locations, even if not explicitly listed in the drawings?

Answer: This project is entirely at the main campus at 3200 Vine Street. There is no work at the 909/907 Vine street clinic and outreach sites. Project is limited to the scope and buildings as shown on the drawings

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27. Question: What are the current maintenance contracts (if any) for the existing security systems?

How will the new work interface with those vendors during and after construction to avoid service disruptions?

28. Question: During the 270-day performance period, what are the exact blackout or restricted work windows for behavioral health units, the pharmacy, the emergency department, and the Community Living Center to minimize impact on Veteran care?

Answer: There is no work in the behavioral health units, pharmacy or emergency department. Refer to General Project Notes on drawings GJ-101 and GJ102 that states the following, “All inside building work that is in corridors, patient areas and in public view will be done during the evening hours after 5pm (1700 Hours) or on weekends. Any work in areas #1, #4, and #5 that interrupts or blocks vehicles/persons traffic shall only be done after 5pm or on weekends. These areas cannot be closed during business hours, 7 am to 5 pm. Coordinate all work with the COR.” Project is limited to the scope and buildings as shown on the drawings

29. Question: Has the VA conducted a recent physical security risk assessment (e.g., via the Modified

Infrastructure Survey Tool – MIST) for the areas affected by this project, and can a redacted summary be shared to better understand threat basis for the new measures?

Answer: No. Project does not require providing this information. The project incorporates the assessment into the design, and does not require modification by the Contractor

30. Question: Will the contractor have access to live system programming tools or will all configuration changes need to be submitted as RFIs through the VA’s designated PACS administrator?

From R & M Fence

31. Question: Area 12 – Can you provide the make, model, and color of the damaged/missing panels in area 12.

Answer: Refer to question/answer #3.

32. Question: Area 12 – Will there be limits to the replacement of damaged panels, as it was state that more damage had occurred since the release of the solicitation?

Answer: There are approx. 10 fence segments in need of replacement on Shields Street. Contractors are responsible for replacing all segments damaged or in need of repair. This may be in excess of the ten known. Bidders must consider that a modification will not be issued for additional fence segments. During construction, contractors must document replacement fencing after installation. Also refer to question/answer #3.

From V-Line Services LLC

33. Question: Typically, existing government buildings, campuses, and facilities have specific manufacturers’ devices in service for various Division 27 and 28 systems. These are often proprietary and not interchangeable. Please provide any vendors, contractors, manufacturers, models, series, or other pertinent information for these systems. When a specific contractor, vendor, or service company is required, please provide point-of-contact information. Please provide this info for any systems that shall be a part of this project, including, but not necessarily limited to the following examples: Physical Access Control, Intrusion Detection, Surveillance, Nurse Call, Code

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Blue, Public Address, Mass Notification, Fire Alarm, and any other Division 27 & 28 proprietary elements. Additionally, please provide the Brand Name Justification and/or Single Source Justification documents for these.

Answer: Specification 28 12 00 for Physical Access Control system lists Johnson Controls as the manufacturer. There is no nurse call, code blue, public address, mass notification and fire alarm systems on this specific project.

34. Question: Sheet CS-101 North, coded note 3 where indicated on the map for provide PIV reader on concrete island, please confirm if these islands are existing or need to be provided, include dimensions and details of concrete requirements.

Answer: Island is existing.

35. Question: Sheet CS-101 North, coded note 13 where indicated on the map for PIV reader on walk up bollard for pedestrian access, shows a dark square, please confirm if that is new concrete coming off the existing sidewalk. Please provide dimensions and details of concrete requirements.

Answer: Yes it is new concrete, the width of gate and approximately 7 feet in length.

36. Question: Sheet CS-101 North, coded note 16 to sawcut concrete/asphalt for bollard installation and repair. Please provide dimensions and details of asphalt area and concrete areas. Plan does not show delineation between concrete and asphalt.

Answer: There should be no asphalt cutting/repair/striping for these areas, all will be in concrete, and some may abut asphalt.

37. Question: Sheet CS-101 North, coded note 20 sawcut of sidewalk to be coordinated with fire hydrant, please provide plans and details of work that is required, plan does not show clearly.

Answer: Contractor to verify work in field.

38. Question: Sheet CS-101 North, coded note 21 6" concrete pad for gate operator, detail 1/103. Neither the plan or the detail show dimensions or requirements for the concrete pad, please provide.

Answer: On drawing CS-103, the bottom half of 1/103 shows operator pad detail dimensions.

39. Question: Sheet CS-101 North, coded note 22 provide PIN card reader on pedestal, please provide dimensions, details, and requirements, what is the pedestal mounted on, etc.

Answer: Provide concrete foundation for card reader pedestal, minimum 18" diameter x 42" deep, 4,000 psi air-entrained concrete, top of pier 2" minimum above finished grade and sloped to drain.

Provide reinforcing and anchor bolts per pedestal manufacturer’s requirements. Coordinate conduit quantity, size, and routing with security/access control drawings.

40. Question: Sheet CS-102 South, coded note 7 extend existing mulch bed to incorporate proposed boulders, please provide dimensions of mulch bed area and requirements for mulch, i.e.. Depth, stone or hardwood, color, etc.

Answer: No existing mulch bed. No mulch required in this location.

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41. Question: Sheet CS-102 South, coded note 11 relocate sidewalk to the west 16", rework mulch bed and plantings as required. Please provide dimensions of concrete, specify if the existing concrete is to be removed and replaced with new or is the existing concrete to be relocated, provide dimensions for the mulch bed area and requirements for mulch, i.e.. Depth, stone or hardwood, color, etc. and provide planting requirements and specifications.

Answer: Provide 16" wide concrete sidewalk addition adjacent to existing walk. Sawcut existing sidewalk full depth to provide clean, straight joint. Prepare subgrade to match existing sidewalk section; compact to 95% standard proctor minimum. Provide (4) #4 epoxy-coated dowels, 12" long, drilled and epoxied into existing sidewalk at 12" o.c., with minimum 6" embedment into existing concrete. Align dowels at mid-depth of slab. New concrete to match existing thickness (minimum 4" typical, 5" at drive crossings), 4,000 psi air-entrained concrete with broom finish. Match existing slope and elevation. Provide control joints at spacing to match existing, but not exceeding 5'-0" o.c.

Tool or sawcut joints to align with existing joints where feasible. Provide expansion/isolation joint at structures and where widening abuts fixed elements. Cure concrete in accordance with ACI standards. Restore adjacent disturbed areas. Verify with COR the color of mulch. Provide mulch at a uniform depth of 2"–3".

42. Question: Sheet EP-100 and sim. Coded note 8 indicates to saw cut and patch with similar matching material, please provide existing asphalt profiles and concrete curb details.

Answer: Existing Pavement and Curb – Sawcut and Patch Work: Existing asphalt pavement sections and concrete curb profiles shall be field verified by the Contractor prior to construction. For bidding purposes, assume typical sections consisting of 2"–3" asphalt surface over aggregate base and standard concrete curb and gutter profiles. Contractor shall sawcut limits neat and straight and patch with materials matching existing in kind, thickness, and section. Final patch thicknesses and details shall be based on actual field conditions encountered. Any significant deviation from typical sections encountered in the field shall be brought to the attention of the COR prior to proceeding.

43. Question: Please provide scalable demolition plans.

Answer: Drawings in the bid set show scale on them.

44. Question: May one individual serve in a dual or multiple roles (SSHO, QCM, Superintendent) if fully qualified? If not, can any roles be a dual hat Answer: It is acceptable for the SSHO and the QCM and Superintendent to the be the same person if the person meets all the qualification requirements.

45. Question: How soon after the contract award does the Government anticipate issuing the office notice to proceed (NTP)?

Answer: Government anticipates awarding a contract 30-days after bid opening, and issuing a NTP about 30 days after that.

46. Question: Will the contractor be required to provide a site office/trailer or will space within the facility be made available?

Answer: Location within the facilities will be made available and coordinated with the COR following construction award.

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47. Question: Will the VA allow Temporary connection to existing utility infrastructure, with the contractor responsible for metered usage?

Answer: The VA will allow contractor to use VA utilities required for this project at no additional cost as long as contractor follows reasonable practices. Failure to maintain satisfactory conditions for the utilities will deprive the contractor of the privilege to use VA utilities.

48. Question: Is Brief Work Description on Dwgs GI-101 and GI02 for area #10 correct?

Answer: No. Update on dwgs GI-101 and GI-101 area #10 work description to state the following, “ Install new boulders in grass to protect building.”

49. Question: What is the quantity of boulders required for area #10 – Dwgs GI-102 and CS-101S show different quantities.

Answer: GI-102 is provided for general reference to indicate the project work area only. The specific site/civil requirements for Area #10 shall be based on Sheet CS-101S. Provide nine (9) boulders as shown on CS-101S. Contractor shall notify the design team if field conditions require adjustment prior to installation.

** End of RFI Responses **