36C25722B0020 0002.docx

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE

7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE

CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office.

is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30

PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243 (Type or print) (Type or print) (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (If other than Item 6) (Specify type of modification and authority) (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer) 674-19-102 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office, NCO17 Central Texas Veterans HCS 2002 Scott Blvd.

Temple

TX

76504 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office, NCO17 Central Texas Veterans HCS 2002 Scott Blvd.

Temple

TX

76504 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C25722B0020 05-25-2022

X X X

Amendment 0002 is issued to provide the attached Pre-Bid Sign in Sheet, correct the project title to read "Upgrade Fire Alarm System Phase 1, Project No. 674-19-102", and provide the responses to the RFIs/Questions.

Joyce M. Mills Contracting Officer See attached document: Pre Bid - Sign In Sheet.

Consolidated RFIs/Questions, 36C25722B0020 – Upgrade Fire Alarm System Phase 1

1. Are maglocks being replaced that tie into alarm system? If so, will there be compatibility issues?

A: If the AE design call for this yes, compatibility issues would need to be corrected.

2. What hours of contractor work are allowed? (ie hospital, clinics, admin, pharmacy)?

A: Monday to Friday 8 am to 5 pm unless work would directly interfere with hospital services where weekend work would need to be schedule with the COR and hospital staff, three or two weeks in advance.

3. Will there be any containment requirements? If so what are they?

A: All ICRA and Life and Safety measures shall be in place at all times while construction.

4. Will there be guidelines for testing system at end of project? If so, what are they? i.e., Horn strobe annunciator in active hospital A: All in AE design.

5. Will access to IT rooms and working with IT contractors be needed? If so, what is the protocol?

A: Yes, coordination with IT and COR.

6. Can existing conduit or wire, including building to building, be used?

A: All this is specified in the AE design.

7. Will any temporary alarms be required until new system is activated? If so who will provide them?

A: New fire alarm system will be tested without interrupting current alarm system.

8. What is the level of infection control?

A: ICRA level will be determine by hospital area and will be evaluated by safety at the time of construction in each area.

9. Will any existing equipment be returned? Method of disposal?

A: GC will dispose of used components except for those components the VA would like to keep, coordination with COR for this.

10. Specification Section 01 45 00, Section 3.2.B.1 states that the CQC should be an individual who reports to the Site Superintendent. We are confident that we have staff that can support both the Site Superintendent and CQC positions at once; if they meet all requirements and complete the duties of both positions, can one individual satisfy the requirements for the Site Superintendent and the CQC roles?

A: yes

11. Specification Section 01 35 26, Section 1.7.C states that the SSHO has to be a separate qualified individual from the Site Superintendent. If we provide an individual who is satisfies all requirements and can successfully complete the duties for both positions, can that one individual satisfy the requirements for the Site Superintendent and the CQC roles?

A: yes

12. We believe that the current requirements in the specifications which require three separate individuals for the roles of Site Superintendent, SSHO, and CQC are excessive and unnecessary for a project such as this. In order to provide the best value to the Government, can one individual satisfy the roles of all three of these positions, so as they are qualified for each and can successfully complete the duties of all three roles?

A: yes

13. Will all work operations be allowed to be completed during normal business hours (other than those creating excessive noise/vibration, and any necessary outages)?

A: Yes, wherever outages are required, they would need to be schedule, two to three weeks in advance with COR.

14. Where will contractor laydown / storage areas be permitted?

A: TBD after NTP

15. Will there be temporary power available for the contractor’s trailer and operations (that the contractor will be responsible for paying for all connections/disconnects)?

A: No

16. Specification section 02 41 00 – Demolition, Article 1.2.A refers to demolition and removal of roads, sidewalks, curbs, and on-grade slabs outside of buildings to be demolished; none of this work is shown or described in project drawings – please confirm this is not a part of this project’s scope of work?

A: Please follow construction documents, if not included not part of this project. It might be a generic note in the AE.

17. Specification section 02 41 00 – Demolition, Article 1.2.E and 1.2.F refer to asbestos removal and lead paint; Is any asbestos abatement or lead paint abatement expected as a part of this project?

A: Do not anticipate asbestos removal, all hot areas are identified.

18. Specification section 06 10 00, Article 3.1.H refers to plywood sheathing – we do not anticipate the need for any such work, please confirm if any plywood sheathing is expected to be necessary as a part of this project?

A: Refer to AE and VA SPECS

19. In order to provide accurate and competitive pricing, can the Government please confirm which areas have hard/drywall ceilings & which areas have ACT ceilings?

A: There is some hard/drywall ceilings 80 or more % of ceiling are acoustic ceiling tiles.

20. According to Fire Alarm General Notes on the Fire Alarm Plan Sheets, Note #3 Reads “THE NEW FIRE ALARM SYSTEM SHALL REPORT TO THE MAIN GRAPHIC ANNUNCIATOR IN BUILDING 58. A SECONDARY MONITORING STATION SHALL BE INSTALLED IN THE POLICE ROOM OF BUILDING 204. THE EXISTING CAMPUS FIRE ALARM SYSTEM WILL NOT BE REUSED AND A NEW CAMPUS WIDE SYSTEM IS TO BE PROVIDED, SEE FIRE ALARM SITE PLAN.” Can you upload this plan as part of the solicitation or is the network part on another contract?

A: It will be provided to winning offeror.

21. Are maglocks being replaced that tie into alarm system? If so, will there be compatibility issues?

A: answer # 1

22. What hours of contractor work are allowed? (ie hospital, clinics, admin, pharmacy)?

A: Answer # 2

23. Will there be any containment requirements? If so what are they?

A: Answer # 8

24. Will there be guidelines for testing system at end of project? If so, what are they? i.e., Horn strobe annunciator in active hospital A: Refer to AE design

25. Will access to IT rooms and working with IT contractors be needed? If so, what is the protocol?

A: Answer # 5

26. Can existing conduit or wire, including building to building, be used?

A: Refer to AE design

27. Will any temporary alarms be required until new system is activated? If so who will provide them?

A: Answer # 7

28. What is the level of infection control?

A: Answer # 8

29. Will any existing equipment be returned? Method of disposal?

A: Answer # 9

30. Specification Section 01 45 00, Section 3.2.B.1 states that the CQC should be an individual who reports to the Site Superintendent. We are confident that we have staff that can support both the Site Superintendent and CQC positions at once; if they meet all requirements and complete the duties of both positions, can one individual satisfy the requirements for the Site Superintendent and the CQC roles?

A: Yes

31. Specification Section 01 35 26, Section 1.7.C states that the SSHO has to be a separate qualified individual from the Site Superintendent. If we provide an individual who is satisfies all requirements and can successfully complete the duties for both positions, can that one individual satisfy the requirements for the Site Superintendent and the CQC roles?

A: Yes

32. We believe that the current requirements in the specifications which require three separate individuals for the roles of Site Superintendent, SSHO, and CQC are excessive and unnecessary for a project such as this. In order to provide the best value to the Government, can one individual satisfy the roles of all three of these positions, so as they are qualified for each and can successfully complete the duties of all three roles?

A: Yes

33. Will all work operations be allowed to be completed during normal business hours (other than those creating excessive noise/vibration, and any necessary outages)?

A: Answer # 13

34. Where will contractor laydown / storage areas be permitted?

A: Answer # 14

35. Will there be temporary power available for the contractor’s trailer and operations (that the contractor will be responsible for paying for all connections/disconnects)?

A: Answer # 15

36. Specification section 02 41 00 – Demolition, Article 1.2.A refers to demolition and removal of roads, sidewalks, curbs, and on-grade slabs outside of buildings to be demolished; none of this work is shown or described in project drawings – please confirm this is not a part of this project’s scope of work?

A: Answer # 17

37. Specification section 02 41 00 – Demolition, Article 1.2.E and 1.2.F refer to asbestos removal and lead paint; Is any asbestos abatement or lead paint abatement expected as a part of this project?

A: Answer # 17

38. Specification section 06 10 00, Article 3.1.H refers to plywood sheathing – we do not anticipate the need for any such work, please confirm if any plywood sheathing is expected to be necessary as a part of this project?

A: Answer # 18

39. In order to provide accurate and competitive pricing, can the Government please confirm which areas have hard/drywall ceilings & which areas have ACT ceilings?

A: Answer # 19

40. Are we to dispose of/abate any asbestos, lead, mold, or other hazardous material as part of this project? If so, provide appropriate hazardous material site survey report.

A: Yes, hazardous material site survey report provided for bldgs. 163, 204 and 205.

41. What will the ICRA level be for this project?

A: Answer # 8

42. Are there any proprietary subcontractors required to be used as a part of this project?

A: AE states NO Proprietary equipment to be used on this project this also includes proprietary subcontractors.

43. Would the VA consider running this project in phases with smaller buildings grouped to larger buildings, all covered by one fire alarm control panel?

A: Can be considered

44. As we complete each set of buildings tied to a particular fire alarm control panel, will the VA decommission the old fire alarm control panel so it will not interfere with the new system? Doing this at the end of the project can be very troublesome.

A: TBD with the VA and COR

45. Is the successful offeror required to decommission the old fire alarm control panels or will the Government take on this responsibility?

A: The successful offeror

46. Is the successful offeror responsible for the demolition of existing fire alarm conduit, j-boxes, devices, and wire or will the existing fire alarm conduit and j-boxes be abandoned in place with only wire and devices being removed.

A: Answer # 46

47. We know the solicitation stipulates all work is to be performed during normal duty hours. However, past experience in areas like the pharmacy and IT closets require work to be done on weekends, after-hours, and under escort. Please confirm which areas of the project will be required to be completed after-hours or on weekends and with a VA escort.

A: Area where potential work could be done during after hors will be coordinated with COR.

48. For small utility buildings not shown on the construction documents with no office space or that are not occupied, are there any of those such buildings currently connected to the existing fire alarm system? If so, does the new fire alarm system extend to cover them?

A: Only bldg. that the AE identifies.

49. Are red conduit, red j-boxes, and red cover plates required for all new work throughout the new fire alarm system.

A: As stated in AE, VA construction SPECS, and NFPA 101 Life Sate Codes latest additions.

50. In walls that are not typical sheetrock (ie. tile, vinyl) is it acceptable to allow new pull-boxes to be installed in the same opening as existing pull-boxers? When we demo the old pull-box we would install the new one in the same hole. This is especially important on tile walls or walls covered with vinyl.

A: TBD be VA and COR

51. What is the existing fire alarm control system brand/make?

A: It is proprietary Simplex.

52. Is there a required brand/make for the new fire alarm control system?

A: TBD when submittals are submitted

53. Would the VA consider extending the period of performance to 540 days? In our experience submittals, procurement lead times, and working in occupied buildings, delays are inherent and will require much longer than 240 days to complete this SOW.

A: NO

54. Will a phasing plan be stipulated by the Government for installation, or will the successful offeror be able to phase the work in the manner they deem most efficient?

A: As per submitted project schedule

55. Is the fire alarm wiring required to be Class A/X or Class B?

A: Answer # 49

56. Is there an existing fiber optic system connecting the existing fire alarm control panels and if so, can this existing fiber optic system be reused, or will the successful offeror be required to install a new fiber optic system to connect the new fire alarm control panels?

A: Existing fiber optic system connecting the existing fire alarm control panels can be reused.

57. Is the fiber optic system required to be Class A/X or Class B?

A: Answer # 49

58. How many and where will mass notification microphones be mounted (if required)?

A: Refer to AE design

59. For purposes of covering holes remaining on vinyl or tile walls after demolition of old devices can the successful offeror use stainless steel plates for covering these holes?

A: TBD by VA and COR

60. It is our understanding that the Solicitation is a Sealed Bid (IFB) design-bid-build project with the Government’s AE being responsible for the design portion (providing a full and complete set of Specifications and Plans) and the successful offeror being responsible for bidding and building the project based on the Specifications and Plans provided by the Government’s AE. Put another way, the successful offeror will not be required to perform any design-build services as part of the contract – correct?

A: Correct

61. Question - Is this project a design/build project?

A: NO

62. Question - If added devices are required by NFPA 101, VAMC design guidelines not shown on contract drawings or listed in the Specifications will a modification be provided to contractor.

A: No. Drawings are noted to be diagrammatic in nature; contractor shall provide complete system(s) in accordance with the VA Design Guide, NFPA 72 and the design documents.

63. Question - On the contract drawings the acronym AHU is shown, what is the CFM rating per AHUs in each room/building under this contract to follow the specifications per NFPA 101, 90A, VAMC design guidelines since no CFM are shown on contract drawing or listed in the specifications?

A: The VA has Air Handling Unit AHU Total CFM per building/area that can be supplied to the successful offeror.

64. Question – Per page 5 of the Design Guide (Carbon monoxide detection will be provided where required by NFPA 101 and installed per NFPA 72). Which buildings have gas fired heat units to be monitored by Carbon Monoxide detection and total quantities per building.

A: The VA bldg.’s. is heated with steam heated of electrical heat.

65. Question -Are buildings listed on page 6 through 8 of the 100% Design Narrative the only buildings included under this contract.

A: All bldg.’s listed on the AE design.

66. Is this project a design by owner and bid/build by contractor?

A: Yes

67. General Section (Page 3) – “Each building with an active fire alarm system that is not undergoing fire alarm replacement will receive a new panel that monitors and communicates the status of the existing building control panel to the new campus Fire Alarm Control Units.”

a. Question – There are numerous buildings shown on contract drawings not in this contract provide the building name and number that will require a new panel per the above specification directive to monitor the existing control panel?

A: Bldgs. 163, 202, and 204 for phase I.

68. General Section (Page 3) – “Existing system is a Simplex system.”

a. Question – In what buildings will the contractor have to monitor and communicate with the existing Simplex panels.

A: New Fire Alarm System is exactly that NEW, No “Existing Simplex system” will be used.

b. Question – If the above answer is yes, will the owner pay this fee direct to Simplex?

A: NO, NO, NO!

69. Fire Alarm Systems (Page 5) – “A secondary Fire Alarm Control Unit including a new Digital Alarm Communication Transmitter to a listed central station for monitoring purposes will be provided in the Police Dispatch area of Building 204. The secondary unit need not include a system printer.”

a. The Fire Alarm Specification Section 28 31 00 - Section 2.3 – Fire Alarm Control Unit - Item C states “Operator terminal at main control unit: There will not be Operator terminals at the individual building control units. There will be an operator terminal located at the main fire alarm system control units in Building 58 and Building 214. Operator terminal shall consist of the central processing unit, display screen, keyboard, and printer.”

A: It is not bldg. 214, it is bldg. 204, the bldg. 314 was a typo error.

b. Question – Will the owner clarify if Building 214 is required to have a printer?

A: No, and correction of bldg. number it is bldg. 204

c. Question – Will the owner clarify if the secondary building is 204 or 214?

A: 204 Specification Section 28 31 00 – Fire Detection and Alarm

70. Part 1 – 1.1 Description – Item D “Alarm signals (by device), supervisory signals (by device) and system trouble signals (by device not reporting) shall be distinctly transmitted to the main fire alarm system control unit located in the Boiler Plant Building 58 and Police Building 214.”

A: Main fire alarm system control unit located in the Boiler Plant Bldg. 58 and Police Building 204

71. Question - Since the one-line diagram on the Site drawing does not show the actual method of communication paths between each building. When will the owner supply a specification and scalable bid drawings for the intended method of communication paths from each building listed under this contract to the Operator Terminals found in Building 58 and 214?

A: First the building to be considered by the contract are Bldg. 163, 204 and 205. There is NO bldg.

214! Building fire alarm systems are intended to be networked using existing fiber networks, contractor shall coordinate with the VA for routing.

72. Question - Since the Site drawings or specifications do not say what the existing communication network is. Is the Existing communication network Copper or Fiber?

A: Fiber

73. Question – If fiber is the intended method of communication – please confirm spare fibers are available for use on the new system?

A: Some available not a 100%

74. Question – If fiber is the intended method of communication – please supply the number of existing spare fiber strands that are existing at each location?

A: Answer # 73

75. Question – If copper is the intended method of communication – please supply the number of spare copper conductors that are existing at each location?

A: Refer to AE design

76. Question – If no spare fiber or copper conductors are available, is the contractor to install new fiber or copper conductor to support the Class A loop for the network in existing conduit?

A: Yes

77. Question – If no spare fiber or copper conductors are available, are empty spare conduits between buildings?

A: NO

78. Question – If no existing Class A network loop is present, is contractor to supply new conduit and routing between buildings.

A: Yes

79. Section 2.4 – Standby Power – Item B.2 – Batteries – “Battery shall have sufficient capacity to power the fire alarm system for not less than 24 hours plus 5 minutes of alarm to an end voltage of 1.14 volts per cell, upon a normal AC power failure.”

a. Question – Is this the requirement for Standby Power for this contract of the Fire Alarm Panel?

A: What is stated in the VA SPEC and NFPA 101 Life Safety Code lattes edition.

Upgrade Fire Alarm System Phase 1, Project No. 674-19-102