36C25718Q0766-00001006.docx

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for Distributed Antenna System Solicitation (36C25718Q0766)

1.) We would like to request another site visit; since floorplans were not available during the previous VA coordinated site visit.

Answer: Another site visit will NOT be conducted. Floor plans were available shortly after the site visit AND for all subsequent solicitations following (including the current one).

2.) Can we have a facilities PoC identify the cable pathways between floors, per building?

Answer: There will be a PoC available to identify the pathways.

3.) Is there available space for new cable runs in the pathways between floors for all areas that require DAS cabling?

Answer: The vendor might need to penetrate the firewall to run the cabling through at any given point. You will also need to fire caulk/seal the hole as per NFPA.

4.) Are HEPA carts required for the installation? If so, please provide details as to where.

Answer: Some areas of acute patient care will need to be curtained off for the installation. This is to prevent the dust and debris from spreading. This depends on the crew installing and how many ceiling tiles need to be lifted at once.

5.) What are the VA system RF performance requirements?

Answer: The SOW states all RF bands to be covered by this system.

6.) Does the VA have approval from each listed carrier to propagate their signals on this proposed DAS?

Answer: This information is stated in the SOW. “Offeror will be evaluated on past performance of at least 5 years of successfully planning and installing Neutral Host Systems DAS systems for the Major Cell Phone Carriers (Verizon, Sprint, AT&T and T-Mobile) and the ability to assist the VA in recruiting the Major Cell carriers to attach their headend equipment to the system.”

7.) Will the contractor be issued keys to the telco closets, and headend room? If not, what is the process for access?

Answer: The PoC will escort and provide access to all areas that will need to be accessed by the contractor.

8.) What are the preferred installation hours? What are the areas within the hospital that have restrictions on installation hours, and what are those hours?

Answer: This information is provided in the SOW. “The offeror must conform to normal hours of operations of 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday thru Friday. Escort as required will be provided at no additional cost to the offeror. Offeror must be available on weekends and afterhours as required to prevent disruption of patient care.”

9.) Are PDF as-built drawings acceptable for the final installation?

Answer: Yes, PDF as-built drawings are acceptable for final installation.

10.) Will the VA consider extending the submission deadline?

Answer: No, the VA will NOT consider extending the submission deadline.

11.) Where are the approved remote unit installation locations?

Answer: This would be BC106-163, BG04-204, 1G20 thru 6G20 of 204 and others in building 163 as needed will be assigned.

12.) Are Telco closets the only approved locations for the remotes or can they be installed in other locations?

Answer: Mechanical rooms if they do not need to be Temp controlled.

13.) Is core-drilling required at any location? Does the core-drilling require x-rays?

Answer: No Core Drilling is not required.

14.) An innerduct, conduit, cable tray or J-hooks required for fiber & coax runs?

Answer: J-Hooks are required if one is not already in place.

15.) Have benchmark RF tests been completed; to confirm existing coverage; per carrier?

Answer: No.

16.) Would the VA like a repeater-driven DAS, or Base Station-driven?

Answer: No Repeater, this contract is for a Backbone DAS system for the Carriers to attach their equipment onto.

17.) Are the RF sources/ per carrier to be included in our proposal?

Answer: No, the RF source must be from the carrier. Just be sure that the system will meet the requirements of each carrier.

18.) What are the permitting requirements for the cable & equipment installations?

Answer: The cables must meet the manufactures requirements for the system to be installed. Contractor will need to be aware of permits (if any) for this installation.

19.) What are the inspection and approval processes for fire-stopping of penetrations?

Answer: The VA normally uses Hilti fire caulk with two (2) hour endurance time. This will be done by VA Electronics Shop Personal on each one as it is done.

20.) What is the VA’s specific fire-stopping requirement & preferred type?

Answer: All fire wall and smoke barriers penetrations must be fire caulked on both sides.

21.) What is the VA-preferred Sectorization of this DAS?

Answer: The VA is open to suggestions.

22.) Are there any areas where RF coverage is to be excluded?

Answer: Surgery suit does not need to have the coverage.

23.) Will the contractor be allowed a secured area to store equipment and materials on-site during the installation period?

Answer: Yes, that information will be provided after award.

24.) Will the contractor have parking spots available for work trucks?

Answer: Yes, that information will be provided after award.