RFI Questions- 36C26126R0052 Answers_ 7.7.2026.pdf

RFI Questions – 36C6126R0052 - Replace Building 911 and 98 Fire and Security Alarms - McClellan VA

Question 1: What is the occupancy type and occupant load for Buildings 911 & 98?

VA Response: B911 occupancy type is storage. B98 is outpatient facility.

Question 2: Can the VA provide a copy of the VA Fire design approved manual?

VA Response: See attached Fire Protection Design Guide.

Question 3: Will EST / Edwards be accepted as an approved equal for the fire alarm system?

VA Response: No.

Question 4: Will the VA or the Contractor be responsible for the moving and/or temporary relocation of the stored items in the way of the required work? If it will be the Contractor’s responsibility, will the VA require supplemental storage containers, or any other arrangements, for the temporary storage or will storage space be VA provided?

VA Response: Will need a written plan approved by COR 30 days prior to work in area to coordinate equipment/stored items be relocated with warehouse staff.

Question 5: RFP, pages 10-17 - Statement of Work is silent on whether the Contractor may reuse existing conduit pathways for the installation of the new fire alarm, electronic security, and video surveillance systems. Will the VA clarify whether existing wiring pathways may be used where applicable for the new systems? If permitted, will the VA clarify what restrictions will be in place for partial system or device shutdowns during the system transitions?

VA Response: Contractor may reuse existing conduit pathways for the installation of the new fire alarm. Field walk with COR will be required prior for verification.

Question 6: Specifications, Table of Contents includes Section 26 41 00 – Facility Lightning Protection. A search of the drawings finds no reference in the drawings to work related to lightning protection. Will the VA clarify what the scope of work will be for lightning protection or was the Specification Section included in error?

VA Response: Lighting protection is an error we are not doing lighting in the project. We need grounding of electrical / the system.

Question 7: Specification Section 01 00 00, Part 1.3 refers to the “Design Build Contractor”. The sub-section goes on to ask for 30%, 65%, 90% & 100% design submittals requiring a stamp from a CA licensed engineer. The project appears to be fully designed by the VA’s A/E. If the VA considers this project to be “Design Build”, other than shop drawing submittals, will the VA clarify the full extend of any required design deliverables and whether the time required for the complete design development is considered included in the 365 day period of performance?

VA Response: This is not design-build. Shop drawings are expected for review. Please refer to the corrected Specifications provided with this amendment.

Question 8: Specification Section 01 00 00, Part 1.6-J requires the Contractor to erect a temporary fence around the construction area. Will the VA clarify if Buildings 911 & 98 will be required to be surrounded by temporary fencing for this project?

VA Response: No, buildings will not be required to be surrounded by fence.

Question 9: Specification Section 01 00 00, Part 1.16 requires the Contractor to install electric meters to measure the electricity used for construction activities and to furnish the VA with monthly records of electricity used plus pay for chargeable electricity used at the “prevailing rate”. Please provide clarification if this will be required for this project and if so, will the VA provide the “prevailing rate” the Contractor will be responsible for paying to the VA?

VA Response: VA will not be requiring electrical metering to measure electrical used for construction.

Question 10: Specification Section 01 00 00, Part 1.20 requires the Contractor to hire a “Commercial Photographer” to document the construction of this project. Provide clarification if the Contractor must hire a Commercial Photographer or will “in-house” photography be acceptable for this project?

VA Response: Photographer is a mistake and not required. Superintendent or designated project official is to take progress photos and installation photos for construction closeout and inspection purposes.

Question 11: Specification Section 01 35 26, Part 1.9-A indicates that the Contractor’s SSHO shall be full time and will have no other duties. Will the VA clarify whether the Contractor’s Superintendent, if duly qualified, may also serve in the role of CQC Manager or will the VA require a separate person also for the CQC role?

VA Response: VA will require separate CQC personnel qualified in fire alarm installation.

Question 12: Specification Section 01 45 00, Part 3.4-A & C requires the Contractor to retain additional specialized professional individuals who must be present at all times during work in these individual’s specific area of responsibility and expertise. For this project, this requirement would mean the Contractor must retain an Architect (or Const. Professional with 5 years’ experience), a Structural Engineer, an Electrical Engineer, and possibly an Environmental Engineer, all to be present onsite at all times during activities in their respective areas of responsibility. Provide clarification whether this will be a requirement for this project?

VA Response: For quality control we will require a fire protection and alarm engineer to provide installation inspections and in-field review against code / life safety requirements with COR and Contractor.

Question 13: Specification Section 01 91 00, Part 1.8-C indicates that the VA will hire the Commissioning Agent (CxA) under a separate contract. Will the VA clarify if formal commissioning will be required for this project and if so, whether the CxA will be hired by the VA under a separate contract or hired by the Contractor?

VA Response: CxA is required and hired by contractor.

Question 14: The Specifications for this project do not include any sections regarding asbestos or LBP abatement. Does the VA have a current HAZMAT Survey for the two buildings involved in this project? Does the VA expect that any HAZMAT materials will be encountered during the course of this project?

VA Response: VA will provide all Hazmat reports to the selected contractor after the contract has been awarded.

Question 15: Is intrusion system detection wiring required to be in conduit from device to control panel or just above t bar ceiling?

VA Response: Intrusion alarm system wiring should be in conduit from device to control panel.

Question 16: Is video surveillance wiring required to be in conduit from camera to switch?

VA Response: Video surveillance wiring is not required to be in conduit except for penetrations.

Question 17: Where are intrusion system keypads to be located?

VA Response: For the Warehouse, Pharmacy, Pharmacy Vault and Police Armory will require keypads installed on the exterior adjacent to the door and preferably on the same side as the card reader if applicable.

Question 18: What are the video storage requirements? Length?

VA Response: The minimum standard is 30 days at 1080p and 30 fps. However, we ideally prefer 90 days at 5MP or 4K at 20 fps.

Question 19: How will intrusion cellular data costs be managed?

VA Response: Our central station monitor (Universal Security and Fire) bears those costs through our contract.

Question 20: Are 270-degree cameras allowed where three (3) cameras are indicated on plans?

VA Response: Generally, yes, this is acceptable. However, there could be outliers where casework or other objects might occlude a view and necessitate multiple cameras versus a single multi-image camera.

Question 21: Are other existing fire alarm systems approved as an alternative?

a. Is MICROM the required or mandated security alarm or may we propose an equivalent security alarm system in our bid?

VA Response: Yes, MICROM is the required security alarm.

Question 22: Are replacing missing ceiling tiles going to be required?

VA Response: Only damaged ceiling tiles by contractor will be required to replace.

Question 23: Is there a report for asbestos study? If not, will the VA be handling asbestos abatements?

VA Response: VA will not be handling asbestos abatement. All hazmat reports VA has will be provided.

Question 24: Will the contractor be required to repair existing fire insulation on piping?

VA Response: Contractor will be required to repair existing damaged fire insulation on pipe.

Question 25: Please confirm whether any asbestos-containing materials (ACM), lead-based paint (LBP), mold, PCBs, or other hazardous materials are known to be present within the project work areas.

VA Response: No hazardous materials are known to be present in building 98 or 911.

Hazmat reports that are available will be provided.

Question 26: – The specification requires devices with unique device identification per §2.2, however the drawing general notes specify exterior door contacts with integral armored flex pigtails landing in junction boxes with EMT conduit runs — consistent with hardwired zone wiring rather than an addressable loop architecture. With 14 motion sensors and 34 door contacts across two buildings (48 total points), both architectures are technically feasible. 1. Whether the intended architecture is hardwired zones home-running to expander boards at the Bosch control panels, or an addressable loop using POPIT interface modules at each device. 2. Whether the "addressable" language in spec section 28 16 00 §2.2 applies to the control panel architecture only or requires individually addressable field devices with POPIT modules throughout.

VA Response: Each device should be individually addressable, an addressable loop with POPIT modules is the preferred method.

Question 27: Drawing general notes specify magnetic contacts on exterior doors and roof hatches shall be metal-enclosed with armored flexible cable to a junction box with wiring in EMT conduit — consistent with an armored surface-mount contact assembly with integral flex pigtail (e.g. GRI 4405-A series or equivalent).

VA response: Refer to specs for equivalent.

1. Whether this contact type with integral armored flex pigtail is the required assembly for all 34 exterior door contacts and roof hatch contacts.

VA Response: Yes, all contacts require armored flex pigtails.

2. Whether these contacts are intended to be hardwired to zone inputs at the Bosch panel or expanders, or addressable via POPIT modules on a signaling loop.

VA Response: Addressable loop with POPIT modules.

3. Acceptable manufacturer and model series given Bosch as basis of design for the IDS.

VA Response: The GRI 4460 Series from George Risk Industries, Inc. has been used on other projects and is acceptable.

4. Whether overhead doors and roof hatches are included in the 34-contact count per SOW §3.20 or represent additional devices outside that count.

VA Response: All exterior doors are included in the count, subject to field verification.

5. Whether door contacts are required to meet UL Level 2 Balanced Magnetic Switch (BMS) standards to resist defeat by external magnets — as is common at other federal facilities — or whether standard magnetic contacts as specified by UL 609 and UL 634 are acceptable. UL Level 2 BMS contacts represent a material cost difference from standard magnetic contact assemblies and must be confirmed prior to finalizing hardware selection and pricing.

VA Response: All door contacts are required to meet UL Level 2 BMS.

Question 28: Drawing general notes specify dual-technology motion detectors. The specification requires PIR motion detectors with anti-masking capability, SIA PIR-01- 00 compliance, and compatibility with the Bosch IDS platform. Contractor proposes the following standard models:

- Bosch DS9370 Panoramic TriTech 360° ceiling-mount detector for open area and ceiling mount locations.

- Bosch ISC-PDL1-WA18G Professional Series TriTech+ with anti-mask, 60 ft range, for all wall-mount locations.

VA Response: Both are acceptable.

Question 29: - The SOW specifies Avigilon as basis of design but does not reference a VA Police approved equipment list or security standards document. VA Police facilities typically maintain a comprehensive approved product specification for security equipment. Please provide:

1. The applicable VA Police or VANCHCS security equipment standards document governing camera specifications for this project.

VA Response: The VA Police are currently transitioning to Avigilon throughout NCHCS.

There is no formal standards document.

2. Minimum resolution, compression format, and frame rate requirements per camera type and location.

VA Response: Exterior cameras should be 4K resolution (3840x2160) at 20 fps and H.264 or H.265 (preferred) capable with IR illumination. Interior cameras should be a minimum of 1080p with 4MP or 5MP preferable. According to the Pharmacy Design Guide, 1080p at 30 fps is the minimum standard. H.265 is also the desirable compression standard. IR illumination for areas were extended after hours darkness such as the Police Armory or Pharmacy Vault is necessary.

3. Any VA Police-specific Avigilon model approvals or restrictions. Contractor will conform proposed equipment to the applicable standards document upon receipt.

VA Response: Avigilon H6 series and varifocal lenses are preferred for single imager applications and the H5A for multi-imager applications.

Question 30: SOW §4.1 notes that VANCHCS requires consideration for patients and staff during construction. Building 98 is an active outpatient clinic. Please confirm:

1. Whether an Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) is required for above-ceiling and wall penetration work in Building 98.

VA Response: Yes, ICRA is required for above celling and wall penetration.

2. Whether HEPA filtration or containment barriers are required in any specific work areas.

VA Response: Yes, review ICRA for all requirements involving filtration.

3. Whether any work areas require phased access or restricted work windows.

This information is needed to accurately account for any required infection control measures in labor and equipment pricing.

VA Response: Some areas will require phased access/restricted work windows.

(pharmacy, pharmacy vault, police armory)

Question 31: SOW §3.17 specifies two Avigilon Unity NVRs in B911 room 49 and B98 room 2T09A. Please confirm:

1. Whether PoE network switches for the camera network are contractor-furnished or VA/government-furnished equipment.

VA Response: The government will furnish PoE switches. However, mid-spans for multi-imager cameras with higher PoE wattage draw will be contractor-furnished.

2. Whether existing rack space is available and sufficient in both NVR rooms to accommodate contractor-installed equipment, or whether new racks or enclosures are required.

VA Response: No new rack space is required.

3. The designated VLAN ID or network segment for the camera system.

VA Response: Designated VLAN ID/networks will be provided in RFI at start of project.

4. Preferred cable jacket color for camera network cabling to distinguish from other low voltage systems.

VA Response: Cabel details will be answered in RFI at start of project.

5. Whether the existing network infrastructure in both buildings includes any active pathways that can be reused for camera network uplinks between switch locations and NVR rooms.

VA Response: There is no active cabling currently dedicated to any existing cameras.

All new cameras will require home runs to switch locations.

Question 32: Division 27 Section 27 15 00 states "use existing signal duct, cable duct, and cable tray, when identified and accepted by COR." Drawing general notes confirm contractor responsibility for all tele/data conduit and cabling. Please confirm:

1. Whether existing cable tray in Buildings 911 and 98 may be reused for camera and IDS cabling where sufficient space is available, subject to COR acceptance.

VA Response: Field walk with COR will be required to identify cable tray condition.

2. Whether existing firestop sleeves at wall and floor penetrations may be reused where conduit routing follows existing pathways, or whether all penetrations require new sleeves regardless.

VA Response: Field walk with COR will be required to identify firestop penetrations.

3. Whether a joint field walk with the COR is required prior to installation to identify and accept existing tray and sleeve reuse locations.

VA Response: Yes, field walk with COR will be required prior to installation of trays and sleeve reuse locations.

4. Whether plenum-rated cable is required throughout both buildings or only in designated plenum ceiling areas — contractor will assume CMP throughout pending confirmation.

VA Response: Throughout both buildings.

Question 33: Above-ceiling and in-wall work is required throughout Buildings 911 and 98 for camera and IDS device installation, conduit runs, and cable tray utilization.

Please confirm:

1. Whether a hazardous materials survey has been completed for both buildings.

VA Response: Hazardous materials survey has been completed for building 98. All hazmat report/surveys conducted will be provided.

2.Whether asbestos-containing materials (ACM), lead paint, or other regulated hazardous materials are present in areas where above-ceiling or in-wall work is required.

VA Response: VA will provide available hazmat reports to contractor.

3. Whether a hazmat abatement contractor will be engaged prior to or concurrent with security system installation.

VA Response: Hazmat abatement contractor shall be engaged prior to security system installation.

4. Whether any work areas are restricted pending hazmat clearance.

VA Response: Only hazardous abatement personnel allowed in hazardous areas.

Contractor cannot perform above-ceiling or in-wall work in areas with known or suspected ACM without appropriate abatement and clearance documentation.

Question 34: Drawing ES-201 shows camera coverage inside the pharmacy (room 1G00, 1,200 SF) but no intrusion detection devices at the pharmacy, vault rooms (1F26, 1G05), flammable storage (1F28A), or cylinder storage (1F28B). Please confirm:

1. Whether the pharmacy is intended to be a separate IDS partition on the Bosch control panel.

VA Response: Yes.

2. What level of perimeter and interior protection is required for the pharmacy — specifically whether door contacts are required on pharmacy entry points and whether interior motion or seismic/vibration detection is required for controlled substance storage or vault areas.

VA Response: Yes, to all.

3. Whether the absence of IDS devices at the pharmacy, vaults, and hazardous storage rooms on ES-201 is intentional or represents a design gap requiring resolution before bid.

VA Response: Yes.

4. Whether flammable storage room 1F28A and cylinder storage room 1F28B require door contacts or monitoring.

VA Response: Yes.

If additional devices are required beyond those currently shown on ES-201, contractor requests written direction prior to finalizing scope and pricing, as any additional devices, wiring, and panel programming represent costs outside the current SOW device counts in §3.19 and §3.20.

Question 35: Drawings show clusters of 3 and 4 individual wall-mount cameras at corridor intersections and open areas throughout both buildings. Contractor proposes substituting camera clusters with Avigilon multisensor units as follows: - 3-camera clusters: Avigilon 24C-H5A-3MH-DP1 - 4-camera clusters: Avigilon 32C-H5A-4MH-DP1

- Both units to be mounted via wall or pendant bracket as required per location, using the DP1 pendant PN with mount accessories as needed. Please confirm:

1. Whether multi-sensor unit substitution is acceptable at cluster locations shown on drawings.

VA Response: Multi-sensor unit substitutions are acceptable. Any midspans or PoE injectors necessary to power the units will be the responsibility of the contractor.

2. Whether the SOW camera count of 62 represents physical camera units or individual sensor channels/heads.

VA Response: 62 can be individual imagers/heads.

3. Acceptable single-sensor camera model series for non-cluster locations.

VA Response: 5.0C-H6SL-DO1-IR is acceptable.

4. Whether mounting infrastructure including pendant stems, ceiling backing plates, and junction boxes at multi-sensor locations is within contractor scope.

VA Response: All mounting accessories and hardware including but not limited to brackets, pendant caps, wall mounts, corner mounts, and NPT adapters will be contractor scope.

Question 36: The specification references "individually protected portals" but does not address wiring configuration for double door assemblies. Please confirm whether double door openings require individual zone inputs per leaf, or whether both contacts on a double door assembly may be wired in series on a single zone input. This determination affects panel zone count, expander configuration, and wire quantities.

VA Response: No need for two (2) zones.

Question 36: SOW §3.16 specifies 36 cameras for Building 98 and 26 for Building 911.

The drawings show multi-sensor camera clusters at multiple locations, each containing multiple individual sensor heads. Please confirm whether the SOW camera counts represent the number of physical camera units to be installed, or the total number of individual sensor channels including each head on multi-sensor units. This determination directly affects equipment quantities and pricing.

VA Response: Number of physical camera units to be installed.

Question 37: Field verification identified three automatic sliding door assemblies across the project — two in Building 911 and one at the main entrance of Building 98.

Please confirm: There are two (2) sliding doors in B98 as well.

1. Whether automatic sliding doors are equipped with existing door position switches that can be monitored by the Bosch IDS panel.

VA Response: Please include additional equipment as needed.

2. If existing switches are present, whether reuse is acceptable or new contacts are required.

VA Response: Replace with new contacts.

3. If new contacts are required, the approved mounting method and acceptable contact type for sliding door applications where surface-mount armored contacts are not applicable.

VA Response: Surface-mounted is acceptable.

4. Whether the three automatic sliding doors are included in the 34-contact count per SOW §3.20 or represent additional devices outside that count.

VA Response: Total of four (4) automatic doors. The count is 35-contact, subject to field verification.

Question 38: The drawings and SOW do not indicate duress or holdup button devices at any location in Building 98 or Building 911. Building 98 is an active outpatient VA medical facility containing a pharmacy, clinical reception areas, and financial transaction points where duress protection is typically required under VA security standards.

Please confirm:

1. Whether duress/holdup buttons are required as part of this scope.

2. If required, which locations in Buildings 98 and 911 require duress devices.

VA Response: None.

3. Whether duress devices report as a dedicated zone on the Bosch panel or through a separate pathway.

4. Whether duress activation triggers CCTV recording or other integrated responses.

Any duress devices and associated wiring represent scope outside the current SOW device counts.

Question 39: The drawings and SOW do not indicate keypad or arm/disarm station locations for the Bosch intrusion detection system in either building. Please confirm:

1. Required keypad locations in Building 911 and Building 98.

VA Response: Need four (4) for B911, and four (4) for B98.

2. Keypad model or series acceptable for this application.

VA Response: See specs.

3. Whether keypads require proximity card readers, PIN only, or combined card/PIN credential.

VA Response: Alarm keypad should be PIN only.

4. Whether any keypads are required at interior locations beyond the primary entry.

Keypad quantities, locations, and credential type affect panel programming, wiring runs, and hardware costs.

Since the system reports to Mather VAMC VA Police via cellular, please also confirm whether local audible annunciation is required at all or whether silent monitoring is the preferred approach.

VA Response: Keypads will be required at the Pharmacy, Warehouse and Police vault.

These should be installed outside the room and adjacent to the room entrance door frame.

Audible annunciation is required to dissuade an illegal entrant from a burglary attempt.

Question 40: The drawings and spec do not specify mounting heights for security devices beyond fire alarm notification appliance heights in Section 28 31 00. Please confirm required mounting heights above finished floor (AFF) for:

1. Wall-mount security cameras.

VA Response: See revised specifications for the specific heights.

2. Wall-mount motion detectors (ISC-PDL1-WA18G).

VA Response: See revised specifications for the specific heights.

3. Ceiling-mount motion detectors (DS9370).

VA Response: See revised specifications for the specific heights.

4. Door contact junction boxes at exterior doors.

VA Response: See revised specifications for the specific heights.

5. Keypads/arm-disarm stations. 6. Exterior sirens/bells.

VA Response: See revised specifications for the specific heights.

Mounting heights affect conduit stub locations, backbox rough-in, and coordination with other trades during construction.

Question 41: SOW §3.17 specifies two Avigilon Unity NVRs but does not identify a model number, storage capacity, or minimum video retention period. The spec section 28 23 00 does not state a required recording retention duration. Please confirm:

1. The required Avigilon Unity NVR model number or minimum hardware specification for each building.

VA Response: AI NVR 2 Premium Plus Form H, AI NVR 2 Standard Form D, and in limited applications such as mentioned below, the ENVR2 Plus. Avigilon Unity 8 – Enterprise licenses are required. (UNITY8-ENT).

2. The minimum video retention period required in days at full camera count and specified resolution.

VA Response: The minimum standard is 30 days at 1080p and 30 fps. However, we ideally prefer 90 days at 5MP or 4K at 20 fps.

3. Whether continuous recording is required at all cameras or motion-triggered recording is acceptable at any locations.

VA Response: Assume continuous recording as a combination of both will be configured by the end user.

4. Whether redundant storage or RAID configuration is required.

VA Response: This is required; however, if building 911, due to the size, requires a secondary recorder near the front of the facility in the current telecommunications enclosure, an Avigilon appliance can be utilized.

5. Whether the NVR must support remote access by Mather VAMC VA Police over the existing VA network or a dedicated connection.

VA Response: Yes, via VA network.

6. Whether Avigilon Unity software licenses are contractor-furnished or VA/government furnished, and if contractor-furnished, what license tier is required per camera (Base, Standard, Advanced, or Enterprise) — noting that license tier determines available analytics, AI-based detection, and integration capabilities with the IDS and VA Police monitoring systems.

License type and quantity must be confirmed prior to finalizing system pricing.

VA Response: Enterprise tier licenses will be contractor-furnished.

Storage capacity and NVR model selection cannot be finalized without retention period and recording mode confirmation.

Question 42: The drawings and SOW do not indicate video intercom devices at any location in Buildings 911 or 98. Given the VA Police monitoring capability at Mather VAMC and the presence of controlled access points, pharmacy, and clinical reception areas in Building 98, please confirm:

1. Whether video intercoms are required at any exterior entry points or interior access control locations in either building.

VA Response: Video intercom will not be required.

2. If required, preferred manufacturer and model compatible with the Avigilon Unity platform.

VA Response: Video intercom will not be required.

3. Whether video intercom integration with the NVR for recording of intercom events is required.

VA Response: Video intercom will not be required.

4. Whether any video intercom scope would fall within this contract or is addressed under a separate contract. Any video intercom devices, cabling, and programming represent scope outside the current SOW.

VA Response: Video intercom will not be required.

Question 43: Specification section 28 05 00 requires tamper switches on all enclosures, cabinets, housings, pull boxes, and junction boxes containing security system circuits, with detailed requirements for switch placement, defeat time, concealment, and Torx-Post security hardware. Section 28 16 00 §2.1.D extends this requirement to detection devices, controllers, and all system components. Please confirm:

1. Whether tamper switches are required at every junction box installed at exterior door contact locations, or only at enclosures exceeding the 102mm² single-gang exemption threshold stated in §5 of 28 05 00.

VA Response: Single gang junction boxes are exempt from the tamper switch requirement.

2. Whether the Bosch panel enclosures in B911 room 49 and B98 room 1A20B include factory-installed tamper switches acceptable under this specification or require supplemental tamper devices.

VA Response: Factory-installed tamper switches integrated into enclosures are acceptable.

3. Whether motion detector housings (Bosch DS9370 and ISC-PDL1-WA18G) include integral tamper switches meeting the 1-second defeat time and concealment requirements.

VA Response: Factory-installed tamper switches integrated into sensors are acceptable.

4. Whether Torx-Post security screws are required at all device mounting locations or only at enclosures.

VA Response: Torx pin/post or another security alternative such as Tri-Wing o Spanner for keypads and enclosures (if not key-operated) will be required.

Question 43: Specification section 28 05 00 appears to be standard VA master specification language dated 04-01-2018 and contains several requirements that may not have been tailored to this specific project scope. As a subcontractor providing IDS (Bosch) and VASS (Avigilon) scope only with PACS explicitly excluded, please clarify the following:

1. Whether the "authorized regional representative of the SMS/PACS manufacturer" requirement applies to the IDS/VASS subcontractor given PACS is outside subcontractor scope.

VA Response: No PACS scope for this project.

2. Whether the BICSI Certified Commercial Installer and RCDD on-staff requirements apply to the IDS/VASS subcontractor or are satisfied at the prime contractor level.

VA Response: Apply to IDS/VASS subcontractor. It is ideal for the Prime contractor to be certified as well but not required.

3. Whether the 5-year minimum experience requirement applies at the subcontractor company level or individual technician level.

VA Response: 5-year minimum experience is at technician level or the subcontractor company level.

4. Whether the local facility distance threshold — currently shown as "[60] miles" with an unfilled template placeholder — has been finalized, and if so what the confirmed distance requirement is, noting subcontractor's facility is located in Clovis, CA approximately 170 miles from the project site.

VA Response: The threshold is 250 miles.

5. Whether the four reference projects requirement applies to the IDS/VASS subcontractor or the prime.

VA Response: The VA will require the Prime Contractor to have the four reference projects.

6. Whether any qualification requirements in §1.4 have been updated or superseded since the 04-01-2018 master spec date to reflect current VA security standards.

VA Response: N/A

Subcontractor requests confirmation of which specific §1.4 requirements apply to the IDS/VASS scope prior to finalizing subcontract agreement and qualification documentation.

Question 44: Section 27 15 00 §1.3.B requires cable certification to COR prior to proof of performance testing. Section 01 00 00 §1.12 establishes warranty response priorities including Code 1 life safety response (on-site within 4 hours, work initiated within 6 hours). Please confirm:

1. Whether cable certification applies to VASS Cat6 camera cabling only, or whether IDS signal wiring is also subject to certification testing — noting that IDS signal wire (low voltage control wire, 18/2, 22/4, etc.) is not structured cabling and has no TIA-568 channel performance specification against which it can be certified; standard IDS wiring acceptance is verified through continuity, supervision, and functional system testing rather than link certification.

VA Response: The testing standard is specific to CAT6.

2. Whether a manufacturer channel partner certification program is required for the VASS Cat6 installation to obtain an extended system warranty, and if so which program applies.

VA Response: n/a

3. Whether a factory-certified Avigilon representative witness is required at interim inspection for the VASS scope.

VA Response: Subcontractor must be a Certified Avigilon Partner/Installer

4. Whether the Code 1 warranty response requirement (on-site within 4 hours) applies to the IDS/VASS subcontractor directly or is managed through the prime contractor.

VA Response: Requirement should be able to be managed through the prime contractor.

5. Whether the warranty service point of contact local area requirement applies to the subcontractor or is satisfied at the prime level.

VA Response: Can be satisfied at prime level.

Question 45: Can you please send me a copy of the VA Fire design approved manual?

VA Response: See attached Fire Protection Design Guide.

Question 46: Avigilon Unity- DVR system storage capacity?

VA Response: Each facility will require 2TB per camera head of storage.

Artificial Intelligence Network Video Recorder 2X (AI NVR 2X) is the preferred model.

Question 47: Type of cameras indoor and outdoor models?

VA Response: See specs and sole source memo.

Question 48: Are the drawings 100% complete and issued for construction? Or do we need to include designer for any changes required?

VA Response:100% complete.

Question 49: Please confirm the Asphalt work location and how much?

VA Response: No asphalt work.

Question 50: Please confirm Gypsum Board, framing and paint work?

VA Response: VA will provide interior standards to contractor.

Question 51: Will a Triple HAT will be allowed on this project or 2 personnel SSHO and QC are required?

VA Response: Triple hat is not allowed for this project.

Question 52: Is there any Access clearance required for crew?

VA Response: No access clearance required for crew.

Question 53: Does Note 1 on ES-202 apply to video surveillance camera wiring?

VA Response: Yes, all wiring to devices.

Question 54: Are the patch panels, rack, and switches for the video surveillance system supplied by others? If not, are there required manufacturers?

VA Response: See revised specifications for requirements.

Question 55: Is the Avigilon NVR6-FIPS NVR required at this site?

VA Response: AI NVR 2 Premium Plus Form H, AI NVR 2 Standard Form D, and in limited applications such as mentioned below, the ENVR2 Plus. Avigilon Unity 8 – Enterprise licenses are required. (UNITY8-ENT)

Question 56: What are the NVR retention requirements? FPS? Number of days?

VA Response: The minimum standard is 30 days at 1080p and 30 fps. However, we ideally prefer 90 days at 5MP or 4K at 20 fps.

Question 57: Reference: Section 28.23.00 - Video Surveillance System - Please provide the NVR Camera Recording “Frame Per Second” Rate (FPS) and how many days of video archive storage are required.

VA Response: Exterior cameras should be 4K resolution (3840x2160) at 20 fps and H.264 or H.265 (preferred) capable with IR illumination. Interior cameras should be a minimum of 1080p with 4MP or 5MP preferable. According to the Pharmacy Design Guide, 1080p at 30 fps is the minimum standard

Question 58: Reference: Section 28.23.00 - Please provide the NVR Camera Recording “Motion/Continuous Recording Frame Per Second” rate(s) (FPS).

VA Response: Exterior cameras should be 4K resolution (3840x2160) at 20 fps and H.264 or H.265 (preferred) capable with IR illumination. Interior cameras should be a minimum of 1080p with 4MP or 5MP preferable. According to the Pharmacy Design Guide, 1080p at 30 fps is the minimum standard

Question 59: Reference: Section 28.23.00 - Please provide the requested PoE switch model types, part numbers, and or port/power requirements.

VA Response: The government will furnish PoE switches. However, mid-spans for multi-imager cameras with higher PoE wattage draw will be contractor-furnished.

Question 60: Reference: Section 28.23.00 - Please provide the requested PoE switch model types, part numbers, and port/power requirements.

VA Response: The government will furnish PoE switches. However, mid-spans for multi-imager cameras with higher PoE wattage draw will be contractor-furnished.

Question 61: Reference: Section 28.23.00 - Page 620 – 28.23.00-6 details to provide UPS battery back unit for the network switches. What duration of back battery time shall be provided?

VA Response: Refer to specifications on UPS battery.

Question 62: Reference: Section 28.23.00 - Please provide how many workstations and monitors are to be included. Please identify workstation locations.

VA Response: Workstation locations will be confirmed at beginning of project.

Question 63: Reference: 28 13 00 - Access Control - Is Access Control required for this work scope? If so, please provide the updated plans that detail the associated work scopes.

VA Response: Access control is required with card readers. See plans that were provided.

Question 63: The drawings and SOW do not indicate exterior siren, bell, or interior audible FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY notification device locations for the Bosch intrusion detection system. Please confirm:

1. Whether exterior sirens or bells are required at Buildings 911 and 98.

VA Response: Interior bells/sirens are required.

2. If required, quantity and locations.

VA Response: Locations will be shown to contractor at beginning of project.

3. Whether interior audible devices are required in addition to or in lieu of exterior sirens.

VA Response: Yes, see above.

4. Acceptable manufacturer and model.

VA Response: Bosch D116 has proven to be effective in other VA Northern California applications.

5. Whether audible devices are within contractor scope or provided by others.

VA Response: This will be part of the contractor’s scope.

6. Since the system reports to Mather VAMC VA Police via cellular, please also confirm whether local audible annunciation is required at all or whether silent monitoring is the preferred approach.

VA Response: Local audible annunciation is required

Question 64: Will the contractor need to demo all back boxes from the existing fire alarm system, or will cover plates be an acceptable method after removing the device and cable?

VA Response: Demo back boxes.

Question 65: Will the contractor need to demo in-wall fire alarm conduit from the existing fire alarm system, or will capping and leaving in wall raceway be an acceptable method?

VA Response: Demo conduit.

Question 66: For new in-wall fire alarm raceways, will metal flex conduit to new device inside a wall be an acceptable method?

VA Response: See revised specifications for in-wall fire alarm raceways.

Question 67: Will the new fire alarm system have to be 100% installed and operational before demo of existing system devices, cable & raceways? Or will the contractor be able to utilize existing raceways for new system where practical?

VA Response: New fire alarm will have to be 100% installed and operational.

Question 68: Is the superintendent able to perform dual roles? As a superintendent & Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) or a superintendent and a Competent Person

(CP)?

VA Response: Contractor’s Site Supt. can also serve as SSHO. CQC needs to be a separate individual for the roles.