S05- Questions and Responses.docx

Questions

1. During the walk on 05/17/23 it was documented that an existing Real-Time Locating System was in place. Is the selected vendor to interface with this existing system? It is not the intent of this project to interface with the existing RTLS system. The system is to have the capability to interface with an RTLS system in the future.

2. If the selected vendor is to interface/connect with this system is it the selected vendor's responsibility to certify/fix/replace the existing system parts and reprogram? Are badges needed? No, see response to question 1.

3. During the walk on 05/17/23 it was documented that the only rooms with nurse call were the 5200 wings. Please confirm this is correct. All work identified in the plans for fifth floor is to be performed not just 5200 wing.

4. Please confirm that all rooms on the 5th floor, besides 5200 wings, have no nurse call and no nurse call is to be added during this project. If, nurse is requested in the other rooms is it to be high security? The plans also show work in the 5400 wing.

5. Does the existing paging system accept TAP messaging? If not, what does the existing paging system accept so the nurse call system can send the required code blue string, for overhead announcements? Yes according to the VA.

6. Confirm that the selected vendor will need to remove all existing nurse call devices and cabling during this project. All existing nurse call and code blue devices are to be removed along with all exiting cabling and some raceway systems as identified in the plans and specifications. This is called out in Miscellaneous Notes B on sheet ET111 and Miscellaneous Note A on sheets ET112 thru ET171 as well as other notes throughout the plans.

7. Incidental wall and ceiling repairs may be required for installation of the new Nurse call/ cabling/conduits. Does the VA have an existing finish schedule for the affected rooms for Contractor to match? Contractor shall take samples and shall match existing finish.

a. Confirm where the MRI Trailer is moving to.

1. Will the VA be providing replacement ceiling tiles to replace ceiling Nurse call devices being removed. In several areas there are two different sets of Nurse call domes.

a. No, See Specification section 01 00 00 Paragraph 1.10.B.

9. Please confirm that all device requirements are to be based on drawings ET211 to ET271. All work identified in the construction documents to include all plans and specifications shall be completed as part of this project.

10. Where televisions are shown on drawing, is there currently a control wire in place between television and 37 pin receptacles? There is existing wire in place. New wiring shall be provided as part of this project to ensure system compatibility.

1. The RFP requires “Remove existing cabling, conduit, and other appurtenances when the new system is fully functional. “– Please confirm that the affected rooms will be accessed twice by the contractor. 1st for installing the new system and 2nd removal of existing system after the new system is fully operational and tested. With current permit requirement for room access, this may affect duration of the project, please confirm that project duration may be adjusted by the VA due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts with room access in the facility. Miscellaneous note A and/or B on the Remodel Plans call out that the contractor will provide a new conduit and trunk system from the applicable closet location for the new connections to the rooms. When the Contractor is given a room they will disconnect from the existing trunk system, perform installation of all new devices within that room and tie to the new trunk system. There should not be any reason to re-enter a room. Once all rooms have been connected to the new system the old trunk cable and conduit system will be removed, but this is in the hallway not in the rooms.

1. Per Phasing plan, please confirm that the VA intent is to start and complete work completely prior to moving to another area? Yes

1. Please confirm no Hazardous materials present in existing walls (lead). The specifications noted Asbestos is not present and is not part of scope. Confirm that if any hazardous material is encountered by the Contractor will be evaluated as a change order.

See Specification section 01 00 00 Paragraph 1.22.

1. With the amount of work required per scope, and current condition with manufacturing and deliveries lead times, please advise if an ADMINISTRATIVE NTP can be issued for submittal/leadtime and procurement after award. An administrative NTP will be considered after award and the determination of material lead time. Also, time will be given for all pre-construction submittals, per the SOW. All details will be given and discussed with the awardee at the pre-construction conference.

1. The Specification included 18 phasing plans. Please confirm that these phasing plans encompass the whole project. Or are these just select areas that need phasing? Are we to assume that all other areas will be performed during normal work hours/weekdays?

See Specification section 01 00 00 General Requirements phasing plan.

See notes on drawings.

1. The specification allows contractor Temfacil, parking and laydown yard, dumpster in the area. As an existing contractor in the facility, please confirm if we are allowed to use the existing location of our Temfacil and laydown yard (proximity to the work area).

No, See Specification section 01 00 00 Paragraph 1.6 Operations and Storage Areas.

1. There is expected noise generated during construction such as cutting and power tools. Please confirm that this does not imply that a possible change in hours from daytime to evening /weekend work is anticipated. The contractor is basing the proposal on regular 8-hour work hours and weekend/ night hours per phasing plan noted in the specifications/Section 01 00 00 General Requirements.

See phase plan after page 010000 General Requirements - 15.

See notes on drawings.

1. With the number of questions/clarifications for this solicitation, please advise if the VA would consider extending the bid due date a couple weeks. As stated during the site visit call, the CO will give adequate time to incorporate the responses.

1. The RFP noted contractor responsibility for protection of existing finishes/FF&E, where demo and construction is being performed. - Is there any special type of protection required for FF&E (special equipment). Is it possible for the facility to remove or protect any special equipment in the work area prior to the contractor’s start of work?

See 01 35 26 1.11.J.

1. Will the VA issue card keys to successful contractor after award? Or does all access to work areas need to be always escorted by the VA?

Card keys should not be required to install new nurse call and code blue system. If the need arises the contractor can request a single card key.

1. The RFP specified a Rauland Borg Responder System. Please advise if the contractor can propose an alternate/equal product for the new Nurse Call System. Rauland Borg Responder System was the basis of design. Specification does not preclude any manufacturer that meets all of the salient characteristics, certifications, and government requirements outlined in the specifications from biding.

1. During site walk, we noticed that some bathrooms walls/tiles will need to be replaced as affected by the new nurse call system. Please advise finish information/specification for these wall tiles for contractor to match. See Spec Section 01 00 00 1.10 Restoration.

1. Can the VA advise how many restrooms will require possible tile replacement as incidental repair work? Refer to drawings.

1. Will rooms need to be renovated individually or can multiples be renovated at the same time? Refer to phasing plan.

1. During the site walk, subs were requesting information on the relocation of MRI trailers. Inquiry on exact location and details so they can price accordingly. Please provide information as the new Nurse Call System is connected to the relocated MRI unit.

See question 8.

1. During the site walk, not all rooms were allowed access by the VA. Please note that if there are differing site conditions found during construction for rooms that were not allowed access, a possible evaluation for change order may be requested. Note: the following rooms were allowed access only (ER/1416/106/123/137/3402/3403/3417/3600 Hallway/3608/3623/3rd Floor Pre-op/3rd Floor Preop /Restroom/5002/5th Floor Mesa Recovery/7th Floor Electrical Room).

1. Are Starc wall systems encouraged for ICRA barrier during construction? Or can we use 6 mil Plastic barriers.

Follow SPEC section 01 35 26.

1. Bid references VA handbook 6500. The handbook specifications note that last year’s directive updated the standards to follow Risk Management Framework (RM). Please confirm that RMF is to be followed for all aspects of this project. Please indicate if costs associated with RMF should be included as part of this proposal.

All equipment from the contractor shall comply with VA policy in VA Directive 6500.

1. Per the Contractor Work Phasing Strategy, a maximum of four (4) patient rooms will be down at any one time for installing the new nurse call. Will the Government confirm that 4 patient rooms will be made available per day for installing the new nurse call?

See phasing plan.

1. Per the TIL, the Government has stated that a maximum of four (4) patient rooms will be down at any one time and made available for installing the new nurse call per night. The Government also stated these 4 patient rooms will likely be in separate areas and units of the hospital (e.g., 1 bed in the ER, 1 bed in step down and 2 beds in ICU). Will the Government confirm that this is the proper expectation for the bidders?

See phasing plan.

1. In the patient locations where a Bed Connection to the Nurse Call System is listed as being required, what brand of beds does the facility have?

Umano, VersaTech, and Hillrom

1. Would the Government consider modifying the contract specifications to allow for optional pricing of 5-years of hardware warranty, 5-years of remote help desk technical phone support and 5-years of licensing? By modifying the contract to allow for an optional 5-year cost for these items to be included, the Government will have greater insight to the cost of ownership.

Separate contract.

1. Will the Government confirm that the new Nurse Call system application software be installed on a single server housed/located within the hospital data center? The Nurse Call supplier is to provide a new server system for the Nurse Call system.

1. Network Connection: Can the Government confirm that the new nurse call must be networked together and connected for all buildings? If so, must all these areas connect back to one central nurse call server? Drawing E501- shows a vertical fiber riser. Please confirm that the fiber is to terminate in the existing building’s IT closet as shown per the riser diagram and that all the buildings won’t be required to be “interconnected”. It is the intent of the project to have one fully networked nurse call/code blue system. E501 calls out for the contractor to provide fiber backbone and associated switches to allow this networking between building 1, 20 and 34 as well as longer runs within building 1. Additional CAT 5e cabling maybe necessary for shorter runs as necessary to ensure the system is fully networked. This cabling will be the responsibility of the contractor to ensure the system operates as one fully networked nurse call/code blue system.

1. Is any asbestos re-inspection or abatement to be included in this bid to the Government?

1. Will the Government require nurse call master console to nurse call master console calling capability? Yes, with the fully networked system, information from one nurse call master console shall also be able to be forwarded for monitoring at another nurse call master console.

1. Per VA TIL 27 52 23, the new Nurse Call pull stations in bathrooms must also provide full duplex audio. Should all bathroom areas be equipped with full duplex audio pull cord stations? All bathroom areas required to have these devices have been identified and called out on the plans and as specified in 275223 2.4.M.2.a.

1. Can the Government confirm that the new Nurse call system audio requirement is specifically requesting full duplex audio and that one way and two-way walkie talkie type voice functionality will NOT be accepted? The devices shall meet the requirements outlined in 275223 2.4.M.2.a.

1. Are all audio devices in all bathroom locations required to be full duplex audio? and also alarm in these immediate zoned areas? Pull cord emergency audio stations are required at each toilet stall locations as specified in 275223 2.4.M.2.a.

1. In the drawings and specification documents, the Government has stated that the emergency pull cord station must have audio all-in-one device. Can the Government confirm that a single nurse call device must provide audio and pull cord all-in-one is required? Yes, as specified in 275223 2.4.M.2.a.

1. Does the government require that the patient room audio stations have the capability to call room to room and staff to staff? No

1. Can existing back boxes be reused for the nurse call system? The intent is to change out the existing devices with new. The use of the exiting conduit and back boxes within each room is anticipated. If the supplier of the nurse call system cannot use the existing conduit and/or back boxes for some reason, then they will be required to provide new conduit and back boxes that will meet their needs and be responsible for materials and labor related to patching, repairing and painting incidental to that work.

1. Please confirm that the Nurse Call interconnection between buildings (e.g., building‐to‐building) will be able to utilize existing fiber or copper cable network switches? Interconnection shall be as outlined in the construction documents. The Nurse Call supplier will be required to ensure that the entire system installed is networked together to provide a seamless system. New fiber and switches are called out to be provided on sheet E501.

1. Will the Government confirm that new nurse call cabling is to be installed in ¾” conduit within the walls and ceilings? The contract documents call out that all new conduit for the new Nurse Call system shall be a minimum of ¾”. Conduit shall be increased in size as needed to not exceed NEC 40% fill. Where existing conduit is allowed to be reused it may not be ¾” but will be allowed to be reused.

1. Will the Government confirm that flex down the walls within the patient rooms be acceptable? The construction documents specifically note this will be an allowed method in certain locations. Grounding will be required for box.

1. Will the Government confirm that on-site Clinical Education Training Services are required as described in the TIL 27 52 23? Primary training requirements are outlined in paragraph 4.3 of the referenced specification. Additional training requirements shall also be met where identified in other parts this specification as well.

1. Can existing conduit be reused for the nurse call system? The intent is to change out the existing devices with new. The use of the exiting conduit and back boxes within each room is anticipated. If the supplier of the nurse call system cannot use the existing conduit and/or back boxes for some reason, then they will be required to provide new conduit and back boxes that will meet their needs and be responsible for materials and labor related to patching, repairing and painting incidental to that work. New conduit is also called out for new trunks from closets down corridors.

1. Can the Government confirm that the existing nurse call system needs to be maintained and remain fully operational and functioning during construction? Yes, as called out in Miscellaneous Note B on sheet ET211 and Miscellaneous Note on sheets ET212 thru ET271.

1. Can the Government validate that the selected vendor will be responsible for removing all old equipment? Refer to response to question 6 above.

1. The patient room shown during the site visit had a gyp. bd. ceiling. Can the government confirm whether all patient rooms have hard ceilings or if some ceilings are lay‐in?

Contractor to confirm after award.

1. Is the Government requiring that the new nurse call system must already have an Enterprise Risk Analysis (ERA) approval in place prior to providing a bid? ERA approvals can take 3 to 9 months depending on particular software coding by the nurse call manufacturer. Not having an ERA approved in advance of bidding could delay a project by 6 months or more. The Nurse Call/Code Blue system must and approved on the be TRM listed with VA National list at www.va.gov/trm.

1. Will the Government confirm that the new Nurse Call Code Blue system must also be FDA 510K Class II listed as a medical device per the FAR and VAR references to FDA? System shall be an FDA Class 1 Medical Device system.

1. Will the Government require nurse call devices to be FDA 510K registered as nurse call is identified by the FDA as a medical device? Must be an FDA Class 1 Medical Device.

1. Can the Government clarify if the nurse call system needs to be FIPS 140‐2 certified or validated? Specification 2.4 5.d. and f. indicates that the system messaging solution shall be FIPS 140-2 compliant for wireless security.

1. Please confirm whether all in‐patient rooms have a pre‐manufactured headwall currently installed. If not, what percentage of rooms do not have a pre-manufactured headwall currently in installed?

Contractor to count and confirm when contract is awarded.

1. Will the Government confirm that patient rooms light fixtures will have to be temporarily removed to access junction boxes and lighting fixtures reinstalled? This work is incidental to the work called out to be performed by the contractor and falls under means and methods to be determined by the installing contractor. Cost is part of the fixed firm contract price provided as part of the bid.

1. Can the Government confirm that nurse call manufacturer must provide firmware free of charge for a period of two (2) years from date of acceptance by the VA and can be completed remotely? Specification 2.0 F. calls out – “Manufacturer shall provide, free of charge, product firmware/software upgrades for a period of two (2) years from date of acceptance by VA for any product feature enhancements. System configuration programming changes shall not require any exchange of parts and shall be capable of being executed remotely via a modem connection.”

1. Please provide the ICRA report for this project. Additionally, please clarify if the Nurse Call System installers must install the cabling in Mobile Containment Units with Negative Air Machines?

See Safety SPEC 01 33 26.

1. Does the Nurse Call need to integrate with the VA's Active Directory? Yes, per specification 2.4 K.2.

1. Will the Government confirm that the new Nurse Call system be FCC Part 68 compliance for interface to the wireless phone switch as described in the TIL 27 52 23 and TIL referenced subparts references? Yes, per specification 1.9 S – “Nurse call system must have FCC Part 68 compliance for interface to the wireless phone switch.” However, the system will not be connected to a switch at this time.

1. Is complete HL7 integration in-scope for this project or just licensing and with future capability to be provided? Yes, per specification 2.4 D.3.a.-d. Integration is part of the scope of this project.

1. Bid states that the System may connect to a wireless nurse communication system is approved. Is this interface required to be implemented for this project? If so, please specify the manufacturer and model of wireless nurse communication system and the specific functionality required. This terminology is not found in the solicitation, offer and award documentation or in 275223. We cannot respond to made up questions of this type.

1. Will the Government confirm that current overhead paging system is capable to integrate with a nurse call system for Code overhead paging? The existing overhead paging system is interfaced with the current Nurse Call system now so it is assumed it can be by the new Nurse Call/Code Blue system.

1. Will the Government confirm if a RTLS Staff Duress nurse location system is already installed at the VA that must be integrated with immediately or is the Government asking that the nurse call just have the software include in the bid for a future RTLS nurse locator capability? RTLS is currently used for equipment tracking. The new Nurse Call/Code Blue system must support RTLS functions as outlined in the specifications but will not be actively used at this time.

1. Will the nurse call system be required to have a SIP interface for patient room call back? Per specification 1.9 V. – “Nurse call system must provide ability to support SIP enabled wireless phones with no 3rd party software needed.” Interface to wireless phones will not happen as part of this project but capability must exist without use of 3rd party software.

1. Will the Government confirm that ADT Integration, Pocket Paging, Messaging, RN to Bed Staff Assignment, EIS Logging, Reporting, and LAN Bridge software licensing and services for all of these must be included in the base bid as described in the TIL 27 52 23 and the drawings? Refer to specifications for integration requirements.

1. The TIL System Description states that the nurse call System is to consist of the following interfaces when specifically approved by the TVE 0050P3B or shown on the drawings: a. Pocket Page Interface b. Computer Interface c. Printer Interface d. Wireless telephone network Interface e. Nurse Locating System Interface. Can the Government confirm that middleware is NOT allowed for these integrations? Also, can the Government confirm that the nurse call system must include all necessary licensing and services to enable these interfaces? Per specification 1.9 V. – “Nurse call system must provide ability to support SIP enabled wireless phones with no 3rd party software needed.” Interface to wireless phones will not happen as part of this project but capability must exist without use of 3rd party software.

1. Bid states that when the System is approved to connect to LAN, WAN, Telephone, Public Address, radio paging, wireless systems, etc. that the System must meet UL 60950—1/2, FIPS 142 and FCC Part 14 and be approved by TVE‐0050P2B prior to contract bid. Is connection to LAN, WAN, Telephone, Public Address, radio paging, wireless systems, etc. required for this project? The new Nurse Call/Code Blue system needs to interface with exiting network and other systems as outlined in the specifications. It must also have the ability to interface with other systems in the future as outlined in the specifications. UL 60950 is actually an outdated standard. New standard is IEC 62368-1.

1. Is the nurse call system required to have the capability to provide a Bi‐Directional transfer of information interface for VistA CPRS or Cerner for ADT information, Patient Status, Positioning, Rounding, Wound Care, Pain Assessment, and Patient Data? Yes, per specification 1.9.D – “Nurse call system must provide a bidirectional transfer of information with the VistA CPRS and future Cerner EMR for Patient Status, Positioning, Rounding, Pain Assessment, and Patient Data.”

1. Is integration with nurse Wireless Communicators such as Vocera to be included or is only the future capability of integration required? Wireless Communication by way of Paging is required at this time. System must be capable of future integration to other wireless communicators and/or systems as specified.

1. Will the Government be responsible for temporarily removing the existing light fixtures located in many of the patient rooms so that the necessary access to the junction boxes for nurse call installation is provided to the nurse call installers? This work is incidental to the work called out to be performed by the contractor and falls under means and methods to be determined by the installing contractor. Cost is part of the fixed firm contract price provided as part of the bid. If not, will the Government require the contractor to handle the temporary removal of the existing light fixtures located in many of the patient rooms so the junction box can be accessed? This work is incidental to the work called out to be performed by the contractor and falls under means and methods to be determined by the installing contractor. Cost is part of the fixed firm contract price provided as part of the bid.

1. Are the annual reoccurring remote help desk technical support assurance/maintenance and the reoccurring license fees that are required for the out years / after the initial base contract period to be included in this solicitation response? Or will the 5-years of license and remote help desk phone support be a separate contract? Separate contract.

1. Will the Government confirm that all new Nurse Call devices installed in the mental health areas must be installed in the walls so that they are flush mount with the drywall using steal plate anti-ligature, vandal‐proof and flush mount nurse call devices? There are no devices being installed in the mental health wing (50XX wing) other than the code blue station at Nurse Station 5031.

1. In Mental Health area and patient rooms, will the Government clarify if steel band barriers are located behind the drywall? There are no devices being installed in the mental health wing (50XX wing) other than the code blue station at Nurse Station 5031.

1. Will the Government confirm that all new mental health dome lights must be flush mount to the walls using steal plate anti-ligature, vandal‐proof and flush mount nurse call dome light devices? There are no devices being installed in the mental health wing (50XX wing) other than the code blue station at Nurse Station 5031.

1. Will the Government confirm the approved use of middleware software to interconnect the new nurse call system to other systems such as Vocera, wireless nurse phones which connect to the VA Cisco PBX system, the VA Active Directory, and other VA systems such as the VA ADT system which is described in the TIL as being mandatory? The specifications do not identify or approve the use of middleware software. Per specification 1.9 V. – “Nurse call system must provide ability to support SIP enabled wireless phones with no 3rd party software needed.” Interface to wireless phones will not happen as part of this project but capability must exist without use of 3rd party software or middleware software.

1. Will the Government require databases to be hosted on existing OI&T infrastructure or will the expectation be to separately host it on the Nurse Call isolated network? OI&T infrastructure shall interface the Nurse Call server system by way of Web Browser with the Rauland Borg Responder system. No nurse call software shall be installed on OI&T computers without prior approval. OI&T computers and the Nurse Call servers shall be tied together at the headend for bi-directional sharing of data between the two systems.

1. Does the government have an existing firewall/Layer-3 switch between the isolated UL-1069 Nurse Call network and the OI&T network?

No. The two systems do not communicate with each other.

1. Will the Government confirm that the new Nurse Call System must be networked together or will the Government all each building to be installed as a stand-alone nurse call in each building or unit? The Nurse Call/Code Blue system is to be a single system that serves all nurse call devices called out to be installed as part of this project. Stand-alone nurse call in each building will not be accepted.

1. Will nurse call pillow speakers be required to operate both the patient room lighting and televisions in all patient rooms? Lights will not be controlled at this time. The function capability is to be provided for future interface with lighting relays that will also need to be installed in the future.

1. Will the Government allow Nurse call system in patient room devices that utilize legacy dip-switch type programming, or will the Government require the in-patient room devices be self-programming dip-switched technology? Yes, dip-switch type programming is acceptable and matches the basis of design equipment.

1. Will the Government confirm that managed services and 12-week onsite visits must be included as described in the TIL 27 52 23? Yes per 4.2 B.4.b.1) – “The Contractor shall visit, on-site, for a minimum of eight (8) hours, once every 12 weeks, during the guaranty period, to perform system preventive maintenance, equipment cleaning, and operational adjustments to maintain the System according the descriptions identified in this document.”

1. Can the Government confirm that the Nurse Call System Corridor Lights must be capable of continuous supervision with status indication when controller or associated room devices are not operating properly? Patient Stations are called out to have continuous supervision per 2.4.M.5.a.1)h) – “Continuous supervision.” The Nurse Call and Code Blue systems are integrated and as such, the corridor lights are to be supervised as outlined in paragraph 2.1 K. – “Each Code Blue System shall be designed to provide continuous electrical supervision of the complete and entire system (i.e. dome light bulbs [each light will be considered supervised if they use any one or a combination of (UL) approved electrical supervision alternates, as identified in UL-1069, 1992 revision], wires, contact switch connections, circuit boards, data, audio, and communication busses, main and UPS power, etc.)”.

1. Can the Government confirm that the Nurse Call system must include real-time visibility of all events including date, time, unit, event type, recipients, status, delivery history, and action taken? Yes, per specification 1.9 AA. – “Nurse call system must include real-time visibility of the all events including date, time, unit, event type, recipients, status, delivery history, and action taken.”

1. Please confirm in which room the new vendor provided nurse call servers are to be installed? Computer 105. Addendum will be issued to clarify.

1. Will the Government be providing virtual servers for the nurse call system software to be in installed on? No, server(s) for the Nurse Call System software are to be provided by the Nurse Call/Code Blue System supplier.

1. Does the contractor need to provide physical servers to support the Nurse Call platform or will virtual servers be provided by the government? Server(s) are to be provided for the Nurse Call/Code Blue software/platform. If yes, does the contractor need to provide a UPS to support the physical servers? How long does the UPS need to maintain uptime? UPS requirements outlined 2.4 N.3.

1. Will the Government confirm that the Nurse Call Manufacturer must provide certification that they have all hardware equipment that this bid is requesting be readily available to ship within 30-days of an order being approved by the VA for installation? Refer to SOW and SPEC section 01 00 00 G.

1. Will the Government confirm that the nurse call software, which provides unit level nurse to bed assignment controls and nursing reports, be installed on the existing VA PCs that are already running in the nursing units and that adding new standalone, single use PC’s for just the nurse call is NOT acceptable? Based on the Basis of Design Rauland Borg Responder System, VA PC’s will interface nurse call server by way of Web Browser they will not have nurse call software installed on them. Access by way of the Web Browser is user name and password access only. If another system requires that software be installed in order to access this information from the Nurse Call Servers, then the supplier will need to get OI&T approval to install their software on local VA PC’s to accomplish those tasks.

1. Does each Staff Terminal Station require the capability to display up to 990 workflows configurations? Yes, per specification 2.4 M.5.d. – “Staff terminal shall have 990 possible unique facility defined call priorities.” Page 48.

1. Will the Government confirm that each bidder must include offsite certified and environmentally controlled secure storage costs included in the bid cost or will on-site storage space be provided?

See SPC 01 00 00 1.6.

1. Can the Government confirm that all Nurse Call system equipment must be manufactured in the USA or TAA? Project equipment must be Buy American Act compliant. Per specification 1.9 Q. – “Nurse call system must provide equipment manufactured in the USA.” Reference to TAA is not found in the specifications.

1. Is the nurse call system software required to be One ‐VA Technical Reference Model (TRM) (www.va.gov/trm) approved for installation within the Government? Yes, per specification 1.9 E. – “Nurse call system must be One-VA Technical Reference Model (TRM) approved. More information can be found at: www.va.gov/trm”

1. Is wire mold (surface mounted wire molding) acceptable for installation of new nurse call equipment or will all new nurse call equipment be required to be installed in the walls? This is noted on the drawings on a case-by-case basis.

1. Where wire mold is currently installed, does all of this existing wire mold need to be replaced with new wire mold or can existing wire mold be reused? Existing wire mold maybe reused as long as it is not damaged during removal and reinstallation. Even then it will likely need to be re-painted as existing paint will likely be damaged in the process. If wire mold is damaged it will need to be replaced and painted as outlined in painting specification.

1. Can the Government confirm that the Nurse call system must be VoIP based and Analog nurse call systems will not be accepted? Specifications do not call out every type of equipment that will not be acceptable. Contractor needs to provide systems that meet the contract requirements.

1. Will the Government confirm that the Pullcord and Pushbutton Shower Station devices must be Waterproof (IP68) as described in the TIL 27 52 23? Pullcords in showers and other wet location areas shall be IP68 rated minimum. Pullcords with audio at toilet locations, not in wet areas, are not required to be IP68.

1. Will the Government require waterproof IP68 nurse call patent pull cord station, as described in the TIL 27 52 23, be installed in bathrooms and showers where power washing is done by environmental services? If so, will the Government require each bidder to provide a written letter from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) as proof that the nurse call system waterproof pull cords are IP68 or equivalent as rated by the IEC? Pullcords in showers and other wet location areas shall be IP68 rated minimum. Pullcords with audio at toilet locations, not in wet areas, are not required to be IP68.

1. Will the Government confirm the "waterproof" referenced in the specs is referring to the IP68 waterproof emergency pull cord for the showers and bathrooms? Pullcords in showers and other wet location areas shall be IP68 rated minimum. Pullcords with audio at toilet locations, not in wet areas, are not required to be IP68.

1. Can the Government confirm that the Nurse Call must allow for custom WAV files to be used for setting different sounds/tones? Specification do not call out a requirement for custom WAV wave files to be used nor call out that the Nurse Call must allow for custom WAV files to be used.

1. Will the Government require nurse calls and service calls to be displayed on a PC dashboard/whiteboard? (Set service reminders for staff tasks (i.e., RN needed is a set service). Based on the Basis of Design Rauland Borg Responder System, VA PC’s will interface nurse call server by way of Web Browser they will not have nurse call software installed on them. Access by way of the Web Browser is user name and password access only. If another system requires that software be installed in order to access this information from the Nurse Call Servers, then the supplier will need to get OI&T approval to install their software on local VA PC’s to accomplish those tasks.

1. Please confirm the reference in the TIL and spec bid documentation that all work will be during the 2nd and 3rd shifts minus the areas referenced as day work?

See phase plan after page 010000 General Requirements - 15.

See notes on drawings.

1. Are alarms from all patient bathrooms in public or private rooms required to illuminate a zone light in the immediate area or will it be required that a bathroom nurse call alarm illuminate the area zone light and send an alarm to a nurse console? Each bathroom will be assigned to a Primary and Secondary Master Nurse Console location for annunciation. Local lights and zone lights assigned to each bathroom shall also annunciate.

1. Will the Government confirm that bidders must provide the latest nurse call software release and version? The latest version that has been evaluated and approved as part of TRM shall be installed. Specification 2.0 F. also calls out – “Manufacturer shall provide, free of charge, product firmware/software upgrades for a period of two (2) years from date of acceptance by VA for any product feature enhancements. System configuration programming changes shall not require any exchange of parts and shall be capable of being executed remotely via a modem connection.”

1. The RFP noted magnitude of construction is 1M-2M, however on the Pre-bid site visit meeting, the listed Construction Range is 2M-5M. Please confirm official price range. The correct construction magnitude is 1M – 2M. The corrected site visit form will be posted.

1. Can we only bid on the middleware portion? The bidders must submit a complete bid for all items list per the instruction to bidders in the solicitation. If any requested elements or items are missing the bid will be determined non-responsive and will not be considered for award.

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