657-26-105 GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO SC DATACOMS RFI 3 OF 3.pdf

March 5, 2026, Project: 657-26-105, Upgrade Interior Physical Security Solicitation: 36C25526R0064 Saint Louis Veterans Medical Center, Saint Louis MO 63103 Reference Amendment 36C25526R0064 0003

Response to RFIs #3 of 3

Prebid Answers to SC Datacom’s RFIs

1. Solicitation Document, Section I.A-C and Section V Hardware Schedule, Existing LFIC Hardware Compatibility – has the government completed a site survey and determined that all existing hardware is compatible with the Basis of Design Medeco XT electronic cylinders or approved equal or must the contractor perform such survey? If incompatibilities are discovered during installation, will replacement hardware be addressed via contract modification? If field-verified cylinder quantities differ from the requested 3,200 cylinders, how will adjustments be handled?

a. The Locksmith at both locations have stated the JC location uses Corbin Russwin locksets with LFIC Cores, and JB location uses Sergeant Locksets with LFIC Cores. All extra cores will be turned over to the VA for attic stock. Upon winning the contract, the VA Lockshop will provide a quantity of each type, whether Sergeant or Corbin Russwin to equal the 3200 cylinders.

2. Solicitation Document SOW Section I.D and III.D Network Drops & Power Runs for IPD devices – can you please provide drawings identifying the nearest telecom rooms and electrical panels for IPD and IKC locations? Will the VA provide IP addresses, VLAN configuration and switch port activation? Is the contractor responsible for conduit pathways or is surface-mounted raceway acceptable?

a. Panel location floor plans and IPD/IKC location list attached

b. VA OIT will provide IP addresses, VLAN configuration and switch port activation.

c. This project is turnkey; the contractor will be responsible for conduit pathways. Conduit is preferred where practical. Where

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

VA Heartland Network 15 3450 South Fourth Street

Leavenworth, KS 66048-5055

CMU/plaster is present, surface raceway is acceptable, install in accordance with VA Project Specs and NFPA.

3. Solicitation Document SOW Section I.F.b.i Existing Fiber in Building 8A requests the contractor provide a new March NVR “utilizing the existing fiber currently in the building” – can you provide as-built documentation of the referenced existing fiber, fiber type, and confirm that the fiber has been tested and is functional? If fiber is found damaged or non-functional, is replacement within contractor scope?

a. We do not currently have as-built documentation for the existing fiber optics in Building 8A. Additionally, we cannot confirm the fiber type nor verify that the fiber has been tested and is functional. However, for the purpose of this solicitation, assume that the existing fiber is functional. In the event that the fiber is found to be damaged or non-functional, it is not within the contractor's scope to replace it. The scope of work for this project excludes any replacement of fiber optics.

4. Solicitation Document SOW Section I.F.a-b, Intrusion and Camera Equipment for Bldg 75 JB and Bldg 8A JC – can you provide answers to the following questions?

a. JB Bldg 75 – how many cameras are required for switchgear rooms 100, 101, and 102 and does the government have a manufacturer preference?

i. The contractor is required to provide a minimum of 7 cameras to cover each exit/entrance and ensure complete coverage of switchgear rooms 100, 101, and 102 in JB Building 75. The preferred cameras are March VA4 IR Dome 39367- 101 or an equivalent model. The provided cameras must be fully functional with the existing surveillance system.

b. JB Bldg 75 - SOW requires “new ceiling mount motion detectors in same locations as cameras above and wire to existing ISTAR controller” Is wall mounting acceptable considering the high ceilings in these spaces? Is there existing conduit that can be re-used?

i. Ceiling mount is preferred. For the purpose of this project, assume there is no existing conduit or pathway available. Pathways are to be in conduit where accessible and open wiring in rings allowed above drop ceilings in office areas.

c. JC Bldg 8A – SOW states “provide a new March NVR with a complete wall mount rack installed and network connection” – Will new NVR be on the VA domain? Who is responsible for programming the NVR? Is conduit required for cabling? Who is programming NVR? Conduit for cables?

i. New NVR will not be on the VA domain, awarded contractor will be responsible for programming, Pathways are to be in conduit where accessible and open wiring in rings allowed above drop ceilings in office areas.

d. JC Bldg 8A – SOW requires “Access Control on two new doors including electrification kits and door cords for the existing crash bars” What kind of access control? Strikes, electrified crash bars, REX, etc

i. Existing hardware is Von Duprin and is not currently fully functional and requires repair. Door cords and electrification kits for each crash bar required.

5. Solicitation Document SOW Section I.F; Integration with existing SWH C-Cure System – will contractor perform system programming and additional licensing for new access control equipment? Who maintains existing Access Control system?

a. Contractor will be responsible to provide a turnkey solution, including all software/hardware/cabling/programming/installation etc. Pass Fire and Security maintains the contract for the Access Control System and CCTV system.

6. Solicitation Document SOW Section I.G., Fire-Rated Door Glass Replacement –

a. Please identify door manufacturer and fire rating classification.

i. The wall at JB Building 75 between room 1C 103 Generator Bay and the Switchgear Rooms 1C 100, 1C 101, and 1C 102 is a 1-hour fire-rated wall. The winning bidder will be required to conduct an in-person inspection of the door to accurately assess its condition, ensure compliance with fire safety regulations, and identify any specific parts or repairs needed before ordering.

b. Is third-party fire door recertification required?

i. Yes

c. If full door replacement is required to maintain rating, how will this be handled?

i. If the window replacement requires a full fire door replacement to maintain the fire rating, the entire door assembly will be replaced with components that meet or exceed the required fire rating as per relevant standards. The new assembly will be verified and certified to ensure compliance with fire safety codes and VA guidelines.

7. Solicitation Document, SOW Section I.H, Wire Mesh Security Screens –

a. Please provide structural attachment details and finish requirements.

i. We do not have a structural engineer on the design team. However, wire mesh security screens should be attached in a manner that meets the VA Physical Security Requirements, VA Physical Security Design Manual and VA Technical Information Library (TIL) Master Construction Specifications. We recommend consulting with a qualified structural engineer to ensure compliance with these standards.

b. Are these interior or exterior installations?

i. These will be installed IAW VA Physical Security Design Manual (PSDM) and VA Handbook 0730

c. Are load or impact resistance standards required?

i. Yes, the wire mesh security screens must meet the load and impact resistance standards as outlined in the VA Physical Security Handbook 0730, VA Physical Security Design Manual and VA TIL Master Construction Specifications.

8. Solicitation Document, Special Notice – Guarantee Period Services; Section II; Section 28 05 00

– please identify what is included in the Guaranteed Period Services – any preventive maintenance frequency requirements, what response time is required, whether consumables and software updates are included

a. The contractor shall guarantee all materials, equipment, and labor for a term of one year including software and software updates. This does not include an added ongoing preventative maintenance service contract over and above the standard parts and labor guarantee. Any additional warranty items specified in the project specifications must also be included within this guarantee period.

9. Solicitation Document, Factor 1, page 21 of 95 – Relevant Past Performance – requires past performance to involve electronic rekey, at a hospital, as a prime, with a magnitude of >1.2M within the last 5 years. In order to allow for full and open competition among qualified SDVOSB contractors while still ensuring complexity and electronic key relevance, would the government consider revising Factor 1 to allow experience as a major subcontractor responsible for key scope to be considered (consistent with FAR 15.305). Recommended language for consideration:

a. Relevant Past Performance may include projects involving electronic keying systems, electronic core rekeying, or comparable access control modernization projects performed in medical or other occupied critical facilities. Projects performed as either prime contractor or key subcontractor may be considered. The Government may consider projects of similar scope and complexity with a dollar magnitude of $750,000 or greater.

i. The CO and COR has no concerns here, however, keep in mind this project has work other than rekeying the locksets.

10. Solicitation Document, Factor 1, page 22 of 95 – Technical Construction Experience of Prime Contractor – adds requirements that prime has past performance >1.2M under NAICS 236220, specifically involving electronic rekey. Because the electronic keying scope is highly specialized and distinct from general building construction, would the government consider evaluating experience based on similarity of technical complexity rather than strict NAICS alignment?

There are large VA Medeco re-key projects awarded under construction NAICS 238290 as well as Service NAICS 561622. It appears that only 1 prior VA Electronic Rekey project has been awarded under NAICS 236220.

i. CO and COR would have no issue, however there are other sections of this project that are not rekeying and fall under the General Contractor NAICS

11. Combined Specifications Document, Section 01 35 26, 1.4 Regulatory Requirements - Please confirm whether full compliance with USACE EM 385-1-1 (2024 edition) is required for this VA project, or whether OSHA 29 CFR 1926 compliance alone is acceptable.

a. Yes, also comply with USACE EM 385-1-1 as required in the project specifications.

12. Combined Specifications Document, Section 01 00 00, 1.15, Warranty Management & Priority Codes – please confirm whether the 4-hour onsite response requirement applies during normal business hours only, or 24/7/365. Please confirm whether remote diagnostics satisfy initial response requirement.

a. 4-hour onsite response requirement applies 24/7/365 due to the nature of an active operating hospital.

b. If the problem can be resolved virtually, that would satisfy the 4-hour requirement, if the problem requires local onsite work, remote diagnostics does not satisfy the requirement

13. Combined Specifications Document, Section 01 26, Government-Furnished Property, states “government will deliver GFP shown on drawings”. Please identify all GFP associated with this project and confirm installation responsibility.

a. This project currently has no Government Furnished Property, this project is turnkey and all materials are to be supplied by the winning contractor.

14. Combined Specifications Document, Section 01 33 23; 01 35 26 1.3, Submittal Requirements, cites multiple safety submittals requiring Government approval (G). Electronic key cylinder replacement typically does not involve radiography, critical crane lifts, or confined space entry.

Please confirm which safety submittals are applicable to this specific project scope.

a. This project extends beyond key cylinder replacement and includes multiple disciplines, such as Electrical, Data, Carpentry, and General Contracting. All sections of the safety submittals are included in the specifications to ensure comprehensive coverage of any work type or work areas that may be involved. This includes adherence to all job site safety requirements. Please follow the specifications as written.

15. Combined Specifications Document, Section 01 00 00 1.14, As-Built Drawings required to be delivered “within 15 days of each completed phase”. Please clarify anticipated phasing structure and associated as-built submission milestones.

a. As-Built Drawings will be delivered within 15 days following the completion of the entire project, rather than by individual phases.

16. Combined Specifications Document, Section 01 00 00 1.25, O&M Manuals – please confirm whether consolidated O&M manuals for grouped equipment types are acceptable.

a. Yes, consolidated O&M manuals for grouped equipment types are acceptable

17. Combined Specifications Document, Section 01 35 26, NFPA and FGI Healthcare Requirements

– please confirm whether ICRA barriers and infection control measures are required for above-ceiling work.

a. This project will fall under ICRA level 2, all measures specified in ICRA level 2 will be adhered to.

Gislaine Dorvil Contracting Officer

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS