RFI for Update Secuity Camera Responses.pdf

Please confirm the total number of Security Operations Centers (SOC) and monitoring locations. Is it correct that there are three (3) rooms total: one (1) primary SOC at the Roseburg campus, one (1) at Brookings, and one (1) at North Bend? 5 Total:

• Two main SOCs at Roseburg campus; One at Building 57 - Police Station, One at Building 1 – Dispatch Center Room,

• Up to 10 sub SOCs viewing selected cameras only – One at Building 1AC – Authority on Duty Station (AOD), Building 81, Building 85, Building 88, etc.

• One at North Bend

• One at Brookings

Regarding remote capabilities, will VA IT be responsible for opening and configuring the required network ports to allow for multi-site remote viewing?

• No, that is the responsibility of the contractors on this project.

Please confirm that all SOC hardware (servers, displays, workstations, and cabling) will be provided by the VA as GFE.

• Computers/laptops will be provided by the VA however the Awarded Contractor will provide all other hardware.

Is it the government’s intent for the SOC that the contractor provides no hardware for this installation, or are there specific components the contractor is expected to procure?

• Computers/laptops will be provided by the VA however the Awarded Contractor will provide all other hardware.

Will the VA Medical Center IT department provide all necessary rack space, dedicated power, and environmental cooling for the new server infrastructure at all sites?

• Racks will need to be provided by the contractor, however space, power and cooling will be provided by the facility.

Please confirm the requirement for new Avigilon servers and full system programming at the Roseburg location.

• Yes, this is a requirement.

Should the new server capacity be scaled to account for future camera expansions?

If so, please provide the projected camera count for these future additions.

• Yes, account for a 15% expansion capacity.

Please confirm if the scope for Brookings includes the installation of new Avigilon cameras, cabling, and servers.

• Yes

Please confirm the requirement for new Avigilon servers and system programming at North Bend.

• Just programming

Please confirm that VA IT will maintain sole responsibility for network management, including firewall rules and port access control.

• Yes

Can the VA provide current "as-built" mapping and precise physical locations for all existing cameras at Roseburg and North Bend to assist in the programming phase?

• See attached “CUI” drawings

Are all existing cameras to be replaced on a "like-for-like" basis with Avigilon hardware based on the provided Camera Capability Summary Matrix, or is there a specific quantity of new-location cameras required?

• See attached “CUI” drawings. All cameras need to be interchangeable/compatible with Avigilon.

Please clarify the significance of "dark" vs. "greyed-out" camera icons in the provided drawings. Do these represent existing-to-remain, future, or decommissioned units?

• I am not really sure on this one I the Need AE input.

Does the VA have a preferred mounting matrix or standard detail package for various environments (e.g., indoor recessed vs. outdoor parapet/pole mounts)? If not, should the contractor include all necessary mounting hardware (wall arms, pendant brackets, etc.) based on field verification?

• Include all necessary mounting hardware based on field verification.

For LPR-designated cameras, does the VA intend for these to be mounted on existing light poles, or is the contractor required to provide and install new dedicated poles, including the necessary trenching and power/data pathways?

• Confirm location or LPR. Requirement of a new pole will be dependent on the approved location. Refer to the Drawings.

To ensure the system meets the VA NVR storage requirements, please provide the required recording parameters:

Required frames per second (FPS) and retention period (days)?

• See specification 282300 for minimum requirements.

Estimated motion-detection percentage per day for storage calculations?

• See specification 282300 for minimum requirements.

Will the VA accept Avigilon "Object Detection" in lieu of standard motion detection for storage optimization?

• Not at this time

Are the POE switches shown in the drawings to be Government Furnished Equipment (GFE), or is the contractor responsible for furnishing and installing all network switching hardware?

• No, they are contract furnished.

The drawings specify an Avigilon AiNVR. Given the "High security impact" classification, please confirm if the VA requires FIPS-compliant servers, as standard AiNVR units may not carry that specific designation.

• Yes, they need FIPS-compliance.

What is the expectation for the North Bend and Brookings CBOCs? Is the contractor required to furnish new NVRs and licenses for these sites, and do they need to be integrated into the centralized Roseburg VAMC management system?

• Yes they need to be centralized.

o NVRs and cameras and licenses need to be purchased for Brookings o Licenses need to be renewed/purchased for North Bend o NVRs and cameras and licenses need to be purchased for Roseburg

Is the VA standardizing on Avigilon Unity software? If so, are "Enterprise" level licenses required for all new cameras?

• We are using enterprise level software. There is a push for unity level software, however we are not there yet.

If the VA intends to re-use any non-Avigilon cameras, please confirm if those units will also require Enterprise-level licenses for integration into the new NVR environment.

• Yes

The SOW mentions a phased removal of existing NVRs. To assist with bid accuracy, can the VA provide a schedule of existing camera licenses currently assigned to each NVR?

• Currently not required to have licenses on existing cameras.

To allow for a comprehensive engineering review of bandwidth, storage requirements, and UPS loads following the response to these RFIs, we respectfully request a 5-day extension to the proposal due date following the release of responses to these questions. This will ensure all offerors can provide a well-engineered, turnkey solution that minimizes risk to the Government.

• Okay – with contracting concurrence

We request approval to substitute the specified Avigilon Network Video Recorders (NVRs) with BCD NVRs. BCD Network Video Recorders meet the basis of design. Please let us know if we need to submit a product sheet.

We request approval to substitute the specified cameras with Hanwha cameras.

Hanwha cameras meet basis of design (see remarks below).

We are requesting consideration to push the proposal due date to allow sufficient time for OEM partners to provide adequate quotes that reflect all RFI answers and appropriate BOMs.

• No, I do not believe this will work. Avigilon is on our Enterprise Risk Assessment (ERA) approved list. We are trying to match currently existing hardware and software for this project and future camera projects.

Hanwha Cameras

NDAA Compliance: Hanwha Vision produces NDAA-compliant surveillance systems.

Manufacturing Origin: Products are made in South Korea and Vietnam, avoiding Chinese manufacturing restrictions.

Security Standards: Many products feature UL CAP certification, indicating high cybersecurity standards. These cameras meet the US security regulations for government and defense use, while Chinese brands like Hikvision and Dahua are banned.

Company Rebranding: Formerly Samsung Techwin, Hanwha Vision is a reputable non-Chinese alternative.

• Hanwha products will not be utilized for this procurement.

RFI 1 – Network Video Recorder (NVR) Product Substitution

Request: The proposer respectfully requests approval to substitute the specified Avigilon Network Video Recorders (NVRs) with Vigilant NVRs.

Basis: The proposed Vigilant NVRs are equal to or exceed the basis of design, meeting or surpassing the required technical specifications, performance capabilities, scalability, and compatibility with VA security and IT standards.

Question: Will the VA approve the substitution of Vigilant NVRs in lieu of Avigilon NVRs, provided all functional, performance, and compliance requirements are met or exceeded?

• No, I do not believe this will work. Avigilon is on our Enterprise Risk Assessment (ERA) approved list. We are trying to match currently existing hardware and software for this project and future camera projects.

RFI 2 – Camera Product Substitution

Request: The Proposer respectfully requests approval to substitute the specified cameras with Hanwha cameras.

Basis: Hanwha cameras are equal to or exceed the basis of design, offering comparable or superior image quality, cybersecurity compliance, analytics capabilities, durability, and integration with the proposed Video Management System.

Question: Will the VA approve the substitution of Hanwha cameras as an acceptable equal to the specified cameras?

• No, I do not believe this will work. Avigilon is on our Enterprise Risk Assessment (ERA) approved list. We are trying to match currently existing hardware and software for this project and future camera projects.

RFI 3 – Video Management System (VMS) Substitution

Request: The Proposer respectfully requests approval to substitute the specified VMS with SiVeillance VMS.

Basis: SiVeillance VMS is equal to or exceeds the basis of design and is already installed and operational at the VA facility in Marion, Illinois, providing demonstrated compatibility with VA environments and operational requirements.

Question: Will the VA approve the substitution of SiVeillance VMS based on its existing deployment at a VA facility and its ability to meet or exceed all solicitation requirements?

• No, I do not believe this will work. Avigilon is on our Enterprise Risk Assessment (ERA) approved list. We are trying to match currently existing hardware and software for this project and future camera projects.

RFI 4 – Security Clearance and Escort / Chaperone Requirements

Request for Clarification: Please clarify the security requirements for contractor personnel performing installation, testing, programming, and commissioning activities.

Questions:

1. Are any additional security clearances beyond standard VA background investigations required for on-site work?

• No, VA escort will be required for IT room access, or To qualify for unescorted - all individuals on the unescorted list have to undergo the appropriate background screening, which should typically align with a T-2 background check requirement. They will also need a PIV which can be obtained through the PIV office.

2. Will contractor personnel require a VA-provided escort or chaperone while on-site?

• Yes, when working in IT/Data rooms.

3. If escorts are required, will they be provided by the VA, or should contractors include escort labor and coordination in their proposals?

• To qualify for unescorted - all individuals on the unescorted list have to undergo the appropriate background screening, which should typically align with a T-2 background check requirement. They will also need a PIV which can be obtained through the PIV office.

RFI 5 – Proposal Due Date Extension

Request: The Proposer respectfully requests consideration of a proposal due date extension to allow adequate time for manufacturers to provide formal compliance documentation for the proposed substitutions and to incorporate Government responses to RFIs.

• One week with Contracting’s concurrence

Question: Will the VA consider extending the proposal submission deadline to accommodate resolution of RFIs and ensure Offerors can submit fully compliant proposals?

• One week with Contracting’s concurrence