36C26025R0017 0005.pdf

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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

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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.

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AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

1 17

0005 08-27-2025

663-21-101

36C260

Network Contracting Office 20

ATTN: V4CONT

1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd

Bldg.17, Suite B428

Vancouver WA 98661

To all Offerors/Bidders

36C26025R0017

X

X X

X one

Project Number: 663-21-101

Project Title: Seattle Nurse Call Replacement

Location: VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle WA.

See Continuation Page for details of this amendment.

Susan Howe

Contracting Officer

36C26025R0017 0005

SF30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE(S)

This amendment is issued to provide the Government’s responses to Requests for Information

(RFIs) received to date.

• Some of the questions included here have been submitted previously. If a question is repeated in this amendment, the response provided here may or may not be the same as the response issued earlier. The response in this amendment shall preside.

• Some responses reflect only minor clarifications, while others may include substantive changes.

• Not every question submitted to date may appear in this amendment.

For ease of reference, the questions are presented in table format, with one column showing the

Government’s previous response and another column showing the A/E designer’s response. In cases where the two responses differ, the A/E designer’s response shall take precedence and is the correct response to follow. If an RFI is not repeated here, the previous Government answer is in effect.

If you have submitted an RFI and do not see it addressed in this amendment, nor any other amendment, please notify the Contracting Officer at susan.howe2@va.gov immediately.

AMENDMENT 0001 RFIs 1-6

RFI

Contractor Question Government Preliminary Comment

A/E Response

1a Considering this project is titled “Nurse Call Replacement” and the SF 1442 states “This project does not require any specific brands of any items, equipment, fixtures, etc. Any reference of a brand name shall be interpreted as “brand name or equal.”

Based on this statement, will the government revise the specifications and remove the following statements from the specifications?

Yes, this can be removed.

A/E defers to government response.

Page 292 of the specifications, in section 1.5 Qualifications, B., “The OEM shall have at least one (1) operating, functional Nurse Call system on the VAMC Seattle, WA that is of current manufacture and can be used as the base for extending the system to areas of replacement.”

1b Considering this project is titled “Nurse Call Replacement” and the SF 1442 states “This project does not require any specific brands of any items, equipment, fixtures, etc. Any reference of a brand name specifications and remove the following statements from the

Page 282 Section 1.1 Section Summary, A., “This project extends the existing nurse call systems in the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Seattle, WA.”

Yes, can be re-worded to:

- This project replaces the existing nurse call system in the Veterans medical Center (VAMC) in Seattle, WA.’’

A/E defers to government response.

1c Considering this project is titled “Nurse Call Replacement” and the SF 1442 states “This project does not require any specific brands of any items, equipment, fixtures, etc. Any reference of a brand name

Yes, this can be removed. This Paragraph is to remain. Other manufacturers will be considered only if they meet all requirements of the Basis of Design.

Other manufacturers will be considered only after pre-approval during the bid process by the Engineer of Record (EOR) and acceptance of pre-the government revise the specifications and remove the

Page 301 Section 2.3 Manufacturers, A. “The OEM basis of design is Rauland- Borg Responder V using the Enterprise platform software and is designed as an extension to existing Responder V systems currently in use at the VAMC Seattle, WA.”

approval by the Owner.

Other manufacturers shall provide product data of all devices for review by the EOR and Owner. Manufacturers shall provide information on their software platform showing it is equivalent to the Basis of Design.

Provide all information requested by the EOR and Owner to allow for approval.

1d Considering this project is titled “Nurse Call Replacement” and the SF 1442 states “This project does not require any specific brands of any items, equipment, fixtures, etc. Any reference of a brand name specifications and remove the

Attachment 8, page 2, “This project expands the existing Rauland Responder V Nurse Call systems in the Seattle Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in Seattle, Washington, a part of the Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care system.”

This can be re-worded to:

- This project is a replacement of the existing nurse call system in the Seattle VAMC.

A/E defers to government response.

1e Considering this project is titled “Nurse Call Replacement” and the SF 1442 states “This project does not require any specific

Yes, this can be removed. A/E defers to brands of any items, equipment, fixtures, etc. Any reference of a brand name specifications and remove the

Attachment 8, Page 3, “VAMC existing nurse call system is primarily a Rauland-Borg Responder IV system with portions of the system still using Responder III devices and components. Some areas of the building have been equipped with Rauland-Borg Responder V systems. To provide the least disruption to the campus and to keep from replacing those systems already equipped with Responder V systems, the basis of design and proprietary specification will be to expand the Responder V systems to all areas of the campus receiving new Nurse Call systems.”

2 The statement on page 292 of the specifications, Section 1.5 Qualifications, B., states “The OEM shall have at least one

(1) operating, functional Nurse Call system on the VAMC Seattle, WA that is of current manufacture and can be used as the base for extending the system to areas of replacement.”

Will the government clarify that the entire system is being replaced? This statement

The entire system is getting replaced per the drawings. The only area that won’t be replaced is in Building 37 since there are already upgraded devices in that area. This OEM requirement cannot be removed.

If another manufacturer is chosen, either Building 37 becomes stand alone and is maintained by a vendor different from the rest of the campus, or the Building 37 system will need to be replaced.

directs a Rauland only purchase. This RFI needs to be addressed immediately as it limits competition to a select vendor, and others need to book travel immediately.

3 The specifications 27523 mention expansion of the existing system in sections 1.1 Section Summary, A (page 282), Section 1.5 Qualifications, B (page 292), and Section

2.3 Manufacturers A (page

301). However, there is no reference to tying into an existing Nurse Call system in the drawings. This is also not mentioned in Attachment 13, Salient Characteristics of the Nurse Call System. Will the government confirm this is a full facility replacement, not an extension to the existing system?

This is a full facility replacement with new installation in some areas per the drawings.

Building 37 is shown existing to remain.

4 On the SF1442, section 10, it states that the bid is due 09/02/25 @ 0800. Lower down in section 13-b, it says bids are due 09/01/25 @ 0800. Can you please clarify the bid deadline?

The due date is clarified as 8:00am, Tuesday, September 2, 2025 as September 1 is a Holiday.

A/E defers to government response.

5 On RFP Page 89, the second paragraph under Factor 3 Past Performance states that if the Offeror is a Joint Venture (JV) and the JV does not have relevant projects, such projects shall be submitted for each JV partner. We believe this should not apply to an SBA approved All Small Mentor-Protégé Joint-Venture as the purpose of this program is for the mentor to help the protégé develop their capabilities and experience.

We respectfully request the Government allow projects submitted by the mentor only

As stated in the solicitation, projects shall be submitted for each JV partner.

of a Mentor-Protégé JV to satisfy the requirements for Past Performance/Relevant Experience.

6 SF1442 Block 13.a. indicates bids are due 09/01/2025 at 8:00 AM. On RFP Page 81 under General Submission Requirements it states that proposals are due September 2, 2025 at 9:00 AM. If possible, we request proposals due September 2nd as it can be very difficult to secure subcontractor pricing on a Monday morning with enough time to thoroughly review bids. Please advise.

The due date is clarified as 8:00am, Tuesday, September 2, 2025 as September 1 is a Holiday.

A/E defers to government response.

AMENDMENT 2 RFIs 7-10

RFI

Contractor Question Government Preliminary Comment Preliminary A/E Response

7 Are PPQs or CPARS from the Mentor in an SBA Mentor-Protégé arrangement acceptable for evaluating the past performance of the Protégé?

As stated in the solicitation, projects shall be submitted for each JV partner.

A/E defers to government response.

8 If acceptable, are there specific guidelines or limitations for including the Mentor’s past performance in our proposal?

Not anything further than what is in the solicitation documents.

A/E defers to government response.

9 Could you clarify if the Site Superintendent can also serve as the Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) and Quality Control Manager (QCM), or if these roles must be filled by three separate individuals?

The Superintendent, Quality Control Manager (QC), and Site Safety and Health Officer (SHHO) shall be three separate individuals. Requests to combine roles will not be considered.

A/E defers to government response.

10 Additionally, are all three positions required to be on the project full-time?

The Superintendent is expected to be on the onsite full time throughout the duration of the project. The QC and SHHO shall be present during all

A/E defers to government response.

construction activities and whenever their responsibilities are being performed. Both of these positions must be independent from the Superintendent.

AMENDMENT 3 RFIs 11-43

RFI

Contractor Question Government Preliminary Comment

Preliminary A/E Response

11 Specifications 27 52 23-17 section 2.2 System Description I. say 7 minutes of battery back up and specification 27 52 23 -22 section 2.4 Products E.

Telecommunications 2. Headend Equipment C. it states 30 minutes. Can the government confirm if the minimum battery back-up to all system components should be 7 minutes or 30 minutes?

Head end equipment for telecommunications require 30 minutes of battery back -up. All other system components require 7 minutes of battery back-up.

A/E defers to government response.

12 Specifications 27 52 23 – 27 section G.

4 states provide two-way voice communication between a master and patient, staff, duty and each remote station. Can the government confirm that two-way audio is required for Mental Health Unit on drawing number 100NT- 107b-N?

I reached out to the Mental Health nurse managers and there is currently not two-way communication. I am waiting to hear back if this is something they want.

Per specification, two-way audio is required unless VA confirms exclusion. Awaiting final direction from VA Mental Health.

13 Specification 27 52 23 -34 section 2.

Security Rooms: a. states provide security rooms in mental health unit with an emergency wall station containing a key activated switch.

Provide four (4) emergency pushbutton stations and a four-inch flush mounted ceiling microphone/speaker. The drawings do not show a key switch or ceiling microphone/speaker as part of the design will the government confirm that these are required?

The behavioral health service line would not like a ceiling microphone or speaker. Currently, there is not two-way communication between the patient rooms and the master nurse call station in 7W and the service line would like to keep it that way.

14 Specification 27 52 23 -34 section 2.

Security Rooms: a. states provide security rooms in mental health unit with an emergency wall station containing a key activated switch.

Provide four (4) emergency pushbutton stations and a four-inch flush mounted

Government is pending a response from technical experts. An answer will be provided as soon as available.

Acceptable if functionally equivalent and meets anti-ligature and audio requirements. Submit for VA approval.

ceiling microphone/speaker. If the contractor provides flush mounted anti-ligature full-duplex audio call in stations will that be acceptable in lieu of a flush mounted ceiling microphone/speaker?

15 Will the government confirm that the dome lights used in behavioral health units such as Building 100-Nurse Tower – Level 07 – West & Core Floor Plan drawing number 100NT- 107b-N must be anti-ligature?

Yes the dome lights must be anti-ligature. It is our mental health ward and devices must be anti-ligature. From Specs 01 00 00 1.3A: In Behavioral Health areas, nurse call devices will be ligature-resistant, hard-use type devices. Also, refer to page 6 of the basis of design.

A/E defers to government response.

16 Will the government confirm dome lights used in behavioral health unites must be stainless steel flush mounted anti-ligature, and that plastic coverings overtop are not acceptable?

Yes, it is confirmed that behavioral health units are flush mounted stainless steel anti- ligature and not plastic overtop.

Refer to page 6 of the basis of design.

A/E defers to government response.

17 Per specification section 27 52 23 section 1.1 3b. Four auxiliary jacks or connections for medical devices (Pads, IV, Bed Exit, etc.) monitoring located in the patient station or in the patient headwall. Where possible existing backboxes will be reused then section

2.4 H. 2 on page 309 contradicts by

stating, provide a minimum of two (2) alarm jacks at each patient station.

Will the government confirm that an auxiliary jack on the patient station plus an additional 2 alarm jacks will be acceptable per specification section 27 52 23 2.4 H.2 on page 309?

Government is pending a response from technical experts. An answer will be provided as soon as available.

Both auxiliary and alarm jacks are required. Recommend providing 4 auxiliary jacks and 2 alarm jacks unless VA clarifies otherwise.

18 Specification 27 52 23 -15 section 2.2 System Description B. states the Contractor is responsible for interfacing the Public Address (PA), Master Antenna (MATV), Radio Entertainment (RED), Patient Bed Service Walls, and Get Well systems with the Nurse Call and Code Blue System. Will the

Government is pending a response from technical experts. An answer will be provided as soon as available.

Integration is required per spec. Contractor should field verify existing systems and coordinate with VA for model identification.

government confirm if a Public Address (PA), Master Antenna (MATV), Radio Entertainment (RED), Patient Bed Service Walls, and Get Well systems integration is required and if so, what is the make and model of these current systems?

These systems are existing

19 Specification 27 52 23 – 17 section 2.2 System Description 1. 1) lists the Telephone/PBX Operator Room as the additional remote enunciation point for the Nurse Call and Code Blue System.

Will the government confirm the Building, Floor, and Room Number of this location?

Telephone operators room – located in Building 100 – Basement Floor – Room number BB112

A/E defers to government response.

20 Will the government confirm that Mental Health specs say it requires audio? Drawings say it does not.

Currently, the patient rooms just have a push button without a mic and speaker so the design is a like-for-like replacement.

A/E defers to government response.

21 Specs page 285, section 27-52-23-4, 1.1, G, states connect the existing 167 system and the Z-Tron system to the nurse call systems. Would the VA clarify what these systems are in relation to the project?

I’m not sure if Seattle has this system or if this was something based on the Portland campus.

These may be legacy references.

Recommend confirming with VA whether Seattle VAMC uses these systems.

SGI: Agree with A/E Response.

22 Specifications 27 52 23 – 32 section 3.

UPS b. states see specification section 26 33 53 for UPS requirements. There is no specification 26 33 53 included will the government clarify the requirements or provide a 26 33 53?

Yes, we can provide a copy of Section 26 33 53

– Static Uninterruptible Power Supply upon request.

23 Per attachment 8 – BOD 663-21-101- Va Seattle_Nurse_Call_100_CD_Submittal please confirm That the statement on page 6 of 9 (second bullet point) which states, patient call cords will be listed as an add alternate because they could be provided by VAMC if budget is

Yes, patient call cord refers to “Pillow Speakers”.

exceeded. That patient call cords is referring to Pillow Speakers.

24 Per attachment 8 – BOD 663-21-101- Va Seattle_Nurse_Call_100_CD_Submittal please confirm that the statement is accurate on page 6 of 9 (second bullet point) which states, patient call cords will be listed as an add alternate because they could be provided by VAMC if budget is exceeded?

Yes, it is confirmed that the call cords can be provided by VAMC if the budget is exceeded.

A/E defers to government response.

25 Per attachment 8 – BOD 663-21-101- Va Seattle_Nurse_Call_100_CD_Submittal would the government confirm that the push buttons for Building 101 MHR areas 1 West, 2 West, and 2 East toilets should be flush mounted stainless steel anti-ligature stations?

Yes, this is confirmed that Building 101 MHR will be flush-mounted stainless steel, anti- ligature push buttons for the toilets.

A/E defers to government response.

26 Per attachment 8 – BOD 663-21-101- Va Seattle_Nurse_Call_100_CD_Submittal page 7. Phasing Section would the government confirm that the contractor is to provide a temporary wireless nurse call system as part of the bid? It is also listed in Attachment 1 – SOW 663- 21-101 Nurse Call Construction REV 7. Part 3 Detailed Project Scope of Work

Yes, it is confirmed that a temporary nurse call system method needs to be implemented by the contractor as part of the bid to prevent downtime and meet the UL 1069 requirement.

A/E defers to government response.

27 Per attachment 8 – BOD 663-21-101- Va Seattle_Nurse_Call_100_CD_Submittal page 7. Phasing Section: would the government confirm the number of beds to be covered by a temporary wireless system? It is also listed in Attachment 1 – SOW 663-21-101 Nurse Call Construction REV 7. Part 3 Detailed Project Scope of Work

In a preferred scenario,

(1) one to (4) four patient rooms will be given over at once for construction. A patient room can consist of (1) one to (4) beds so in total a maximum of

(16) sixteen beds may need to be covered at one time.

A/E defers to government response.

28 Per attachment 8 – BOD 663-21-101- Va Seattle_Nurse_Call_100_CD_Submittal page 7. Phasing Section if the systems are intended to remain functional until the final cut over does the contractor need to provide a temporary wireless nurse call system? It is also listed in Attachment 1 – SOW 663-21-101

Yes, it is confirmed that a temporary nurse call system method needs to be implemented by the contractor to prevent downtime and meet the UL 1069 requirement and that the existing Nurse call system must remain fully

Nurse Call Construction REV 7. Part 3 Detailed Project Scope of Work operational until completion of the new system.

29 Will the government confirm that the Nurse Call system must adhere to the Buy American Act and provide certification? If so, will the government require a signed affidavit from the manufacturer to confirm the product is manufactured AND assembled in the United States and meets the percentage required to be considered BAA compliant?

Yes. Companies must be compliant with BAA and have the signed affidavit available.

A/E defers to government response.

30 If wall tiles need to be removed does the VA have a model number to order new tiles or attic stock, that can be used to replace the tiles?

Tile is specific to location

– Maintenance and Operation and Interior Design staff can support tile identification. If said tile is not market available, we recommend full tile replacement.

Spec- location dependent

- TBD.

Resinous/VCT flooring is preferred.

A/E defers to government response.

31 If patching and painting is required can the government confirm the paint brand and color to be used to match existing conditions?

M&O uses VA Seattle standard patch and paint products. Detailed information will be provided upon request as needed. paint standard for Seattle VA - Sherwin Williams, sheen & color -location dependent - TBD.

A/E defers to government response.

32 Please confirm that every Staff Terminal and/or Duty Stations are required to have audio.

I think this is related to the mental health questions (#2–4, 10)

Per spec, audio is required unless VA confirms exclusion.

Recommend including audio capability.

33 Where should the servers for the Nurse Call system be located?

The main servers for nurse call system will be in Building 1 Room B70 which is the facility’s central server room.

Refer to Drawing VA-NC- E04-N

34 Specification 27 52 23 – 3 section 1.1 Section Summary on page 3, C, states The Nurse Call systems shall be able to support pagers, currently run through the Emergency System which is being phased out. New Middleware will be SPOK, can the government confirm that the SPOK middleware is provided by the VA and new SPOK middleware is not be provided by the contractor as part of this project?

Government is pending a response from technical experts. An answer will be provided as soon as available.

SPOK middleware is VA-provided.

Contractor must ensure compatibility but does not need to supply

SPOK.

SGI: Agree with A/E Response.

35 Specification 27 52 23 – 3 F. States This system shall integrate with CERNER electronic health records and be required to have DOD security clearance. Can the government clarify what/who must have a DoD security clearance?

I am reaching out to Portland about this. I am not sure this is necessary.

Awaiting VA clarification.

Recommend assuming system must meet DOD telecom security standards.

SGI: The Nurse Call System attaches (interfaces) to the DOD IT systems and therefore requires DOD security clearance for this attachment (interface). All Nurse Call systems currently in use in VA Hospital settings have this clearance and the manufacturers will be aware how to go about getting it. .

36 Per the solicitation document 36C26025R0017 page 82 of 93 (c) Bid Guarantee states The Offeror must furnish a bid guarantee (see FAR 52.228-1). The bid guarantee must be provided on Standard Form 24. Will the government confirm the Bid Bond (%) percentage requirement? Bid bond % requirement?

20% but no more than $3M

A/E defers to government response.

37 Flexible conduit should be used for installation where new components are being installed, and no existing conduit is available for reuse. Is conduit required, or is flex cabling acceptable?

Conduit is required by fire code, and flexible conduit is permissible in this solicitation. Flex cabling is not allowed. The

Confirmed. EMT is required for horizontal runs. Flexible conduit allowed only where

The spec says all conduit is supposed to be taken out, so are we reusing it still?

specification indicates that flexible conduit should be used for new installations where no existing conduit is available for reuse. If existing conduit is available, it will be reused.

Do not take out existing and present conduit.

existing conduit cannot be reused.

SGI: Agree with A/E Response.

38 Is flex conduit only allowed from the dome lights into the room to devices?

VA Puget Sound received a design deviation that allows flexible conduit in the following conditions:

1.Additional Clarification Regarding Facility Infrastructure: The facility has provided further detail on the scope of the project and the scope of the request. The request to allow the use of flexible conduit is for installations where new components are being installed and no existing conduit is available for reuse, which would therefore require opening a wall to install conduit, specifically for the new the Staff Terminals, Low Voltage Lighting, and 37-pin connector (new in 320 locations). For other components that are existing and will be replaced, the existing conduit will be reused to the extent possible.

Similarly, if new equipment is being installed in a location that existing conduit can be used, it will be.

2.Assessment of Request, Flexible Conduit: The committee acknowledges the disruption that would occur within the facility if

Confirmed. Flexible conduit allowed only within walls and rooms where reuse is not possible. Must transition to EMT above ceiling.

SGI: Agree with A/E Response.

EMT were required to be installed in existing walls for all new conduit required for the nurse call system replacement. The committee accepts the use of flexible conduit for the new nurse call system components where there is no existing conduit and a wall would need to be opened to install it: the staff terminal, low voltage lighting, and 37-pin connector where the facility noted flexible conduit was required.

Flexible conduit is acceptable only when existing conduit cannot be used, only within walls and within rooms, and must be terminated above the ceiling at the top of the wall in a junction box and transition to EMT for all horizontal runs. Above ceiling installations, including homeruns, must be installed in EMT as required. This method is in accordance with NFPA 70 517.31(C)(3) for Mechanical Protection of the Essential Electrical System, including connected systems that utilize (5) Cables for Class 2 or Class 3 power limited systems as permitted.

3.Length of Conduit Installation: Note that NEC 250.118(5)(d) requires flexible metal conduit that are exceeding 1.8m (6ft) to include an equipment grounding conductor in the conduit grounded at both ends to the main telecom grounding system.

39 All of the life-safety components of the advanced nurse call system must be purpose built and not contain any servers, Microsoft software, or external network components will the government confirm whether or not this is asking for the system to run without software?

Government is pending a response from technical experts. An answer will be provided as soon as available.

Life-safety components must be standalone and not rely on commercial OS or external servers.

Middleware may use software.

40 Before placement and installation of work subject to tests by testing laboratory retained by Department of Veterans Affairs, the Contractor shall notify the COR in sufficient time to enable testing laboratory personnel to be present at the site in time for proper taking and testing of specimens and field inspection. Such prior notice shall be not less than three workdays unless otherwise designated by the COR.

Will the government please clarify what this refers to?

I think this was accidentally put in the specifications.

Likely a general spec clause. Recommend confirming with VA if applicable to nurse call scope.

41 Limitations on subcontracting. 85% to SDVOSB/VOSB. How does the government intend to provide oversight and accountability to ensure this is adhered to?

See FAR 52.219-14 and

VAAR 852.219-75

42 Nurse Stations and other monitor locations; Please confirm it is acceptable to deploy Staff Terminals and/or Duty Stations without audio.

I think this is related to the mental health questions (#2–4, 10)

Audio is required unless VA confirms exclusion. Recommend including audio capability.

43 Spec page 285/332 - provide wireless TV signaling as part of the patient call cords. include any transmitting and receive equipment required to accomplish - wire TV signaling will not be provided for Patient Call Cords

All I know about this is that Electrocom suggested the Curbell Gen4 Pillow Speakers, but I’m not sure specifically about wire TV signaling and can’t find it in cutsheets I have. I think any Rauland, Hill-Rom, or Jeron system should have the cabling necessary.

Recommend using Curbell Gen4 or equivalent. Contractor to verify compatibility and submit for approval.

Does the government have a basis of design for this or a preferred manufacturer brand to accomplish this?

Provided via email RFIs 44-46

44 I am currently reviewing the VA Seattle nurse call drawings and was hoping you could assist me with identifying where the behavioral health units are located if there is any.

7W of Building 100 (in-patient behavioral health) and all of Building 101 (out-patient behavioral health).

100NT-107b-N

101-101-N

101-102-N

A/E defers to government response.

45 Do you happen to have HEPA carts that can be used on site or prefer that we provide our own?

Since this is a long term project, we expect contractors to provide their own HEPA cart.

response.

46 Will the GC need to adhere to a specific government contract (Sourcewell, NASPO, GSA, etc.) and if so, do you have a copy of what those contracts look like?

This is not stated in the specifications.

response.