36C26119Q0811-001.pdf

VA Sierra Nevada Healthcare System, 800 MHz Bi-Directional Amplifier Technical Specifications and Statement of Work

The following document and attachments describe the technical specifications and statement of work for the VA Sierra Nevada Healthcare System (VA) Public Safety radio signal enhancement in areas of the main building. The background, technical requirements, installation information, final testing and acceptance as well as other information are presented within this document.

VA management would like to move forward with implementing a technical resolution to the Washoe County Regional Communications System (800 MHz Radio System WCRCS) two-way radio communications issues within the facility. The radio system is a vital tool in the day to day operations of Police, Fire and other local Public Safety agencies. Poor two-way radio communication or inconsistent operation could present a life safety issue for officers and other first responders in the VA facility.

Implementation of the Public Safety radio signal enhancement will be performed by the contractor. Additionally, the contractor will provide project management, implementation oversight, technical review, and participate in acceptance testing on behalf of the VA.

The contractor will help assure that local state and federal code and ordinance compliance is met for this project. All pertinent sections of the 2018 International Fire Code (IFC) and NFPA 1221 will be met by the design and implementation as described by this document. The Veterans Affairs Sierra Nevada Health Care System (VASNHCS) will have complete oversight and approval on this project for the length and term of this contract.

BACKGROUND AND EXISTING PUBLIC SAFETY RADIO SYSTEM

Background Previously, the VA contracted with the Galena Group, Inc. (GGI) to review reports that WCRCS radios were experiencing a very weak signal, and a related lack of WCRCS radio communication capability. These issues were identified as primarily within the main floor of much of the facility, as well as some other locations in the building. VA law enforcement personnel asked Galena Group, Inc. to provide recommendations and validate and address the concerns.

GGI took measurements of the radio signal strength of the primary WCRCS radio sites at various locations inside and outside the main floor as well as some additional areas within the building. The issues reported were validated by the research and signal strength testing.

Based on this testing, GGI presented a report of findings and recommendations.

Included in the recommendations was engaging the services of an equipment vendor to engineer and implement one or more bi-directional amplifiers (BDA) to enhance radio coverage for the 800 MHz Washoe County Regional Communication System (WCRCS) for use inside the VA. The area addressed by this specification is the main (1st) floor and the second (2nd) floor. These are the areas of the weakest radio coverage and are of the most immediate concern. The third floor was identified as marginally usable with some weak areas.

Attached is a diagram of the VA floor plan. Specific detail related to the areas needing enhanced coverage were provided in the form of a “walk-through” of the building.

Existing Public Safety Radio System Public Safety-first responders, responding to calls for service to the VA use the regional 800 MHz trunked radio system “Washoe County Regional Communications System” (WCRCS). The radio system is an analog multi-channel trunked radio system, manufactured by M/A-Com (Now Harris Corp) Enhanced Digital Access Communications System (EDACS) and operated as a combined Multicast and Simulcast system. There are 9 radio sites that comprise the system. The two WCRCS sites that are primarily used by the VA, are Metro and Slide Mountain. Metro is a 15-channel simulcast site comprised of Red Peak and Peavine Peak, which are both north of the VA. Slide Mt. is a 12-channel multicast site located Southwest of the VA. The channels are a combination of National Public Safety Planning Advisory Committee (NPSPAC) and Interleaved channels. The current radio system is designed to provide clear, intelligible communication from portable radios with area coverage reliability of 95% or better. The system was originally designed to operate sufficiently to work within a building with -21dBm of loss from street level (outdoor) signal strength within the coverage area. In the case of the VA facility, radio signal penetration is insufficient to provide a consistent, adequate level of communication performance. The provision of a Bi-directional Radio Amplifier (BDA) system within the VA, corrects for this condition within the areas of implementation.

Future Radio System The EDACS system has received an end of life notification by the manufacturer, Harris Corporation, and the WCRCS is in the process of starting the replacement of the existing system within the next few years. This will result in a change of frequencies (as noted in the Description of Requirements section below) and a move to the digital format, P25 Phase II.

DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENTS

Design The BDA system shall be of current design, and the system designed and furnished to operate in the Public Safety 800 MHz band, the Interleaved Public Safety and Non-public Safety segment of the band, and future use in the Public safety 700 MHz portion of that band. Specifically, on 799-816MHz; 851-861 MHz. It shall be also capable of operation on 769-775 MHz (700 MHz Band) frequencies by readjustment only, without component change. The requested BDA system shall be designed to provide a minimum -85 dBm RF signal level, or a minimum of 10 dB above the RF noise floor, at any point within the areas addressed by this RFP, and within 3 feet of equipment that is known to radiate RF interference. The final result will be designed to meet or exceed sections 510.4.1 through 510.4.1.3 of the 2018 IFC.

Installation shall be designed to prevent feedback oscillation. During final optimization and testing, isolation between donor antenna and facility DAS is to be measured and the system is optimized for a minimum isolation level of 20dbm plus the system gain (typical isolation is 80dbm or greater). Said test is measured in both directions.

The proposed design and equipment shall comply with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 47 CFR 90.219 “USE OF SIGNAL BOOSTERS”. The Code of Federal Regulations part 47 section 90.7 and 90.219 details the definitions and limits for the use of RF signal boosters in Land Mobile Radio networks. Please see “Standards, Codes, Permits” section of this specification for additional information on this requirement.

The BDA system shall be capable of accurately and properly amplifying and distributing radio signals without causing any sort of radio system degradation. It shall be capable of using, and accurately retransmitting, the following modulation techniques and formats, at a minimum:

Analog FM Digital FM

EDACS

TDMA

CDMA

P25 Phase I P25 Phase II

GSM

Encrypted Formats

The system will re-transmit any channel within the listed frequencies regardless of channel bandwidth. The BDA system shall be FCC type accepted and labeled as such prior to placing it into operation.

The contractor shall install a class B bidirectional system which uses a pass-through device amplification which does not strip or compress the modulation impressed on a carrier and will accurately amplify all analog and digital modulation schemes. The BDA system shall be capable of amplifying all signals within the specified frequencies.

Standards, Codes, Permits, Licenses The contractor shall be responsible for all permits, licenses, certificates and inspections and fees, to accomplish this implementation. This may include Federal, State, City and County requirements.

The contractor will perform all work in compliance with all applicable local, State and federal laws and codes. The contractor will observe “best practices” for installation of equipment that emits Radio Frequencies.

The design of all equipment and materials, as well as the installation, shall, as applicable, and at a minimum, conform to the following codes, rules and orders:

International Building Code (IBC), National Electrical Safety Code Most current edition of National Fire Protection Association 1221 2018 edition of the International Fire Code City of Reno Fire Code:

o With the adoption of a recent ordnance, the City of Reno amended the Reno Municipal Code (RMC), Title 16, by repealing RMC 16.01.011 and adopting the

2018 International Fire Code, and related amendments, for the purpose of establishing Reno Municipal Code 16.01.012. Among other things, the 2018 International Fire Code and related amendments will include, but not be limited to:

Requiring the installation or modification of emergency responder radio coverage in existing high-rise buildings, below grade buildings, or other buildings due to location or construction type that do not have approved radio coverage in critical communication areas or where an existing wired communication system cannot be repaired or is being replaced. (Section 510.2, as amended) (Please see IFC 2018 Section 510 and section

1103.2 for information on these changes)

Nevada, Washoe County and City of Reno electrical codes Federal Communications Commission Rules and Regulations 47 Code Federal

Regulations. In particular: 90.7 and 90.219 “USE OF SIGNAL BOOSTERS” National Public Safety Planning Advisory Committee (NPSPAC) Requirements, Nevada Region 27 NPSPAC Plan.

The following standards shall apply to the design work:

o Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) o Technical Systems Bulletin TSB 88-A o Applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Environmental

Protection Agency.

o American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Institute of Electrical and

Electronics Engineers (IEEE) o National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC)

American National Standards Institute publishes consensus standards on Radio Frequency exposures and measurements. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety (ICES) sets safety standards across frequencies 0 to 300 GHz. Also, the IEEE Committee on Man and Radiation (COMAR) publishes position papers on human exposure to electromagnetic fields.

(please check for the most recent version of these position papers)

Drawings and Manuals The contractor will submit detailed design information as required for review and approval. If requested by the VA, a Design Review Meeting shall be held to present the design submittal.

The contractor will provide drawings including rack layouts or wall mount layouts, equipment interconnection diagrams, equipment and material lists, manufacturer's descriptive and technical literature, catalog cuts, and installation instructions.

POWER, BACKUP POWER, GROUNDING

Power It is the VA’s understanding that the BDA has three power amplifiers each drawing 4 amps max at 13.6 volts, 55 watts per, 160 watts total. 2 amps max on a 115 VAC line.

The BDA system shall be powered by the building's electrical distribution system. A transient voltage surge suppressor shall be provided as part of the bidirectional amplifier design and protect the incoming power line from transients.

Backup Power A backup electrical power supply shall be provided for the BDA system. It shall be designed to meet local code and ordnance with a minimum of 12 hours of BDA operation. A power supply/charger shall be furnished to maintain the batteries at the manufacturer's recommended float level and shall also recharge the batteries should the charge be depleted. All proposed batteries shall be of a sealed design and manufactured for indoor use and in an enclosed room. The identified equipment location within the VA is supplied backup power from the existing building Uninterruptable Power System (UPS).

Grounding System components such as the antenna system, antenna mast, coaxial cable, and surge suppressor shall be properly grounded. The contractor will install the system to Motorola R56 standards. Said ground system are dependent upon existing ground systems and the availability of said ground points that are in close proximity to the new installation. A detailed design is attached. Grounding requirements, specifications and design, may be reviewed and changed by the VA facility personnel and engineers prior to final contract.

Test Points A 40dbm isolated coupler would be installed at the BDA equipment cabinet on the donor antenna port and the distributed antenna system port for testing. It is understood that there are some tests that require the system to be off line in order to perform (e.g., antenna sweeps). It is also noted that the public safety radio system is very active and that there are radio RF signals on the down-link to the BDA almost continually. This activity may necessitate that the system be isolated from the county radio network during said maintenance and testing.

MOUNTING SPECIFICATIONS, INSTALLATION, SYSTEM MONITORING AND FINAL

TESTING

Exterior Antenna The exterior antenna system shall consist of a directional gain antenna, an antenna mount, coaxial lightning surge suppressor, and a low loss coaxial cable feed to the BDA. The specific size of the feed line coaxial cable shall depend on the system design. A short super flexible cable may be used to connect the antenna to the RF feed line cable. The exterior antenna shall be configured to mount on or near the building rooftop at a location affording the best view towards the nearest radio repeater site and in compliance with VA restrictions or guidance. The antenna shall be oriented towards a system repeater site (Metro) as described in the “Existing Trunked Radio System” section of this document.

Building penetration for RF feed line cabling shall be protected with a waterproof/UV stabilized cable boot suitable for the installation.

Exterior and interior wall penetration, location, size, and process must be approved by the VA before any work is accomplished.

The antenna installation shall be suitable for operation with wind loading of 120 mph in no ice conditions. All components shall be suitable for outdoor installation. All outdoor RF connections and coaxial cable grounding kits shall be covered in weatherproof connector boot coverings.

Indoor Antenna The in-building antenna system shall consist of design within the building to conform to the codes, rules and orders as listed above. Specifically meeting the City of Reno RMC

16.01.012 and applicable 2018 IFC.

All indoor cabling shall meet applicable codes related to “plenum ratings” and fire/electrical as meeting UL or other testing standards.

Indoor antennas will be internal to the ceiling or flush mount, and as visually unobtrusive as possible. An exception would be to provide coverage to an area adjacent to the antenna needing extended coverage or wall penetration. In these cases, a “High Gain” antenna may be used. The use of a high gain antenna is to be approved on a case by case basis by the

VA.

Installation and Labeling The BDA unit shall be wall mounted. The equipment will be placed in a NEMA 4 cabinet.

The cabinet shall have a front door that is provided with either a locking handle or lock hasp. Adequate space inside the cabinet shall be provided for servicing the unit. The unit shall be labeled with an exterior nameplate stating, "Radio Amplifier". Other labeling will be provided based on current VA, City of Reno and IFC specifications.

System Monitoring A system monitor, and alarm panel will be installed meeting or exceeding 2018 IFC section

510.4.2.5. Additionally, the contractor will work with the VA to help implement a direct Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) interface for BDA alarms.

Final Testing Final Testing and acceptance will meet the City of Reno RMC 16.01.012 and applicable 2018 IFC requirements.

The contractor shall make all final adjustments to the installed BDA system and will confirm to the VA that it is adjusted to the level of desired signal and will avoid inter-modulation, interference and is ready for final testing. At that time a 30-day test will commence. The 30-day test will certify the reliability and functionality of the installed system.

The installed system must operate without failure during the 30-day period. The installed system will be randomly tested by the contractor and VA over that period for:

Indoor and outdoor signal strength

Transmission quality Battery operation / voltage and power / failover to backup

Additionally, the system may be considered failed if it produces any radio frequency interference (RFI) with any existing system. (Note: design of existing equipment and proximity to new radiating components, will be taken into consideration in determining cause if interference)

Any outage of the system, significant degradation of transmission quality, RFI, or other parameter (signal strength, battery performance, etc.) will result in a restart of the 30-day test period. The VA will notify the contractor of any such degradation or failure and Sierra Electronics will resolve the problem before the test restarts.

The contractor will perform all work necessary to plan, schedule, and conduct tests, and to complete the required documentation as specified in the City of Reno RMC 16.01.012 and applicable 2018 IFC.

The contractor will verify that the BDA system has been installed in accordance with these specifications, the Contract Drawings and the system performance criteria. This includes inspection, test and measurements of the DC power, the BDA gain, and the signal levels within and outside of the building. Record all test measurements. Provide diagrams showing equipment placement and routing for antennas, coaxial cables and AC power to the VA, prior to acceptance testing.

As part of this acceptance test, we note: 1) communications outside the facility is dependent upon the Washoe County radio system (if portable to portable communications is poor, the new BDA system will reflect said poor communications. 2) Sierra Electronics would work to resolve RFI issues, however it is understood that there exists some equipment for which there may be no solution. Radio transmissions (portables) can cause RFI to adjacent equipment.

As defined , a successful 30 day test period would require that the signal levels be consistent throughout the coverage area during the test window (as referenced to baseline test levels). This would be exclusive of any possible WCRCS performance issues.

Proposed Equipment, Design

Proposed Equipment A complete material list of all equipment proposed and descriptive literature on each piece of equipment. Including drawings and block diagrams of the equipment supplied, is attached.

Manuals provided by equipment manufacture will be provided. It is understood that said manuals are for trouble shooting, alignment and module replacement.

Design

The equipment shall be designed for continuous-duty service in a fixed environment; be of the latest design consistent with the present state-of the-art; be of all solid-state design; and be engineered for a service life of not less than 10 years.

It is understood that: 1) Equipment guarantees are at the discretion of the equipment manufacturer. 2)There are no critical proprietary components used through-out the system and substitute components are available. 3)The majority of installed components are passive, only 2 active components are installed. The power supply and BDA amplifiers.

The BDA and power supply are designed for continuous use. It is noted that all electronic component designs evolve and change. The active components used are not considered an exclusive propriety design and in the event of a failure (lightning), replacement components from the manufacturer should be available (original or replacement upgrade).

The system may be expanded. Additional antennas can be added to the DAS system (limited to available power output). A fiber linked front-end OMU can be added to the BDA and connected via fiber cable to any area requiring expansion. A remote head-end and BDA would be installed at the new location. A new distributed antenna system (DAS) would also be installed to provide radio coverage within the expanded area.

The Contractor (SOW)

The Veterans Affairs Sierra Nevada Healthcare System (VASNHCS) will have complete oversight and approval of this project for the length of the contract. On behalf of the VA, the contractor will provide Project Management and project oversight assistance for the VA Sierra Nevada Healthcare System Public Safety radio signal enhancement project as described in this document, inclusive of the following tasks:

Implementation adherence to the Technical Specifications for a Washoe County Regional Communications System (WCRCS) compatible radio repeater system including all equipment, installation services and maintenance.

o VASNHCS is to Meet with vendor for design concurrence and associated costs o VASNHCS is to Review and gain the approval for the new system by WCRCS management within Washoe County.

Meet with City of Reno Fire Department management for review and approval of the project design, implementation and system acceptance.

o Specifications/design will be based on functional requirements of the use of the WCRCS, the radio system users and the VA Sierra Nevada Healthcare System and will include assurance that the system will work with the proposed technical upgrades to the WCRCS. Design will address VA Sierra Nevada Healthcare System radio interoperability and first responder life safety in the areas applicable to this contract.

The contractor will work with VA Sierra Nevada Healthcare System personnel and assist in management of implementation.

Manage resolution to any radio system design issues during implementation Act on behalf of the VA Sierra Nevada Healthcare System as the Project

Manager and be a point of contact during implementation.

Track any change orders related to this project Issue project status reports with appropriate detail Monitor the vendors' adherence to contractual obligations Review, respond and manage correspondence and activities of the project as required Follow-up on assigned activities Conduct/schedule status meeting (as needed) with Project Team Update overall schedule as needed Meet with Project Manager(s) as necessary.

Initiate and participate in acceptance testing.

Notify the project team of the start of the testing Schedule participate and document periodic testing of system functionality and signal strength prior to and during the 30-day test period Provide final acceptance documentation as applicable.

Work with the City of Reno or other agencies for final acceptance