36C25718Q0604-008.docx

Q&A Regarding this provision on page 8: Management Interface

1. The system must provide a central accessible dashboard for monitoring system health, usage, configuration, logging and alerts. A cloud hosted solution is not acceptable.

Why is this provision included in the solicitation and why would a Cloud Hosted Solution not be acceptable?

The VA will later add vLans onto the system and all connection to the system must be protected from all outside sources, therefore the collection of data to meet CISPA and management of the system must be onsite without a remote connection being allowed.

The cloud based solution would only work if there is a proof that the security would prevent any third party from accessing the data. ie. if the cloud based solution was a government owned system.

1. Heat maps: Why are heat maps not included on the floor plans? I am providing you an example of other locations that we have responded to and the information that was provided as an attachment which enables us to price the solution more accurately:

There is no Design for this system, only floor plans since part of the solicitation is to design the system.

1. We are an authorized vendor with several wireless manufactures, is there a requirement on a certain manufacturer or brand. No

1. Is the contractor required to handle the configuration of AP’s? If not, who will be handling the configuration of AP’s upon installation?

The Contractor will be required to provide a fully function system, this would mean that the system is fully configured to include the AP’s, switches and all other equipment.

1. Will there be any monitoring required?

Only internal diagnostics, there will not be any external monitoring or RPC allowed on the system.

1. Is there any specific name brand equipment the VA is requesting for installation?

There is no specific name brand required, we would like to stay away from Cisco to prevent any accidental crossing between OI & T and the guest Wi-Fi equipment.

1. Does Teague VMC face any future technology or construction challenges that offerors should be aware of? What challenges face Teague VMC and/or the facility users beyond growth in users and technology?

Any future construction has no effect on the current project, any changes would be handled as need when the time arises.

1. Solicitation makes reference to Vendor requirements that may be Contractor requirements. Are Vendors/Offerors required to provide at least two copies of User and Service Manauals for Network Hardware, or post-award (Contractor) [See General Conditions, General Operations, Item 4?] Vendor or Contractor at this point is the same (The vendor is contracted for the project therefore making them the Contractor).

1. In several places, requirements are highlighted yellow. What is the purpose of the yellow highlights?

To draw attention to these items.

1. Soliciation requires one-hour safety training. Is this training conducted routinely for all location contractors? If so, when is the training conducted? Or, is it project-specific, so that Contractor can schedule on specific days as part of onsite installation?

This is a site-specific training to ensure the contractor and personal follow the local policies on safety and is done prior to the vendor beginning work.

1. What company is the Internet Service Provider?

At current we are using Spectrum but in time this can change.

1. The solicitation requires that the Contractor adhere to the standards outline by NFPA-101 Life Safety Code and refers the reader to 3.4 ("See 3.4 for further detail"). What is 3.4?

The point on this is NFPA 101. Please disregard the See 3.4 for further details.

1. The soliciation requires that the CPMP include an Operations & Maintenance Plan and references "See Section 4 for further Detail". Where is Section 4?

This is the Project Management Plan but originally was listed as Section 4

1. Do they require redundancy /failover in both design and power? No

1. Do they have the port density in the patch panels in the closets to support the additional equipment or do we need include patch panels in the design?

Vendor needs to supply the patch panels

1. Do they have racks in all locations for the additional equipment? Do we need to provide?

Racks must be provided by Vendor

1. Can they annotate on the floor plans where each wiring closet is and where the server room is that we can use for the installation? I cannot edit the Drawing, and giving I do not know the exact design of your system, the drawings show IDF rooms in Building 163 these in most cases can be used, in building 204 the D-Mark is in BG04, and the rest is 1G20, 2G20, 3G20, 4G20, 5G50 and 6G20

1. Will any of the work that we will be performing be required to be performed after normal duty hours or on weekends?

Yes, some areas of the Hospital cannot be done during normal hours.

1. . During the site visit, contractors identified that at least one proposed IT closet did not have an available electrical outlet. If an electrical outlet is unavailable, will the VA install it? Electrical outlets are supplied by the VA.

1. Is the installation of copper cat 6 patch panels and patch cables mandatory for the project? Yes No mod plugs will be accepted? No.

1. Is the installation of fiber enclosures, coupler panels and fiber patch cables mandatory for the project? Somehow, the fiber must be securely in Place.

1. The PDF drawings provided by the VA are illegible and insufficient for design and as-built drawings. Will the VA provide CAD files for this project?

Not at hand

1. Will the telecommunications wiring systems need to adhere fully to all applicable TIA/EIA Telecommunications Building Wiring Standards?

All federal laws must be followed.