Amendment 0003 Attachment 1 RFI Questions and Answers.pdf

RFI Questions & Answers

Project Name: EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades Project 605‐20‐420

Solicitation Number: 36C26220B0004

Question 1

Q: The drawings sheet index list off multiple Electrical sheets (E‐0.00 – E‐8.01; Pages 55‐74) that were not included in the drawings package uploaded to beta.SAM. Will the VA issue the missing Electrical drawings?

A: Additional Electrical and Plumbing drawings provided with Amendment 0001 of Solicitation 36C26220B0004.

Question 2

Q: Specification Section 00 31 26 part 1.1.B references documents an internal environmental report, will the VA please make this report available to all bidders?

A: The Mabbett report has been made available to the bidders for review as an amendment. The Mabbett report is the VA’s asbestos and lead survey report as prepared by the Mabbett agency. Areas identified as containing asbestos are listed in the executive summary, and then in greater detail as the report progresses.

Please reference the Asbestos and Lead Survey Report posted with Amendment 0002.

Question 3

Q: Does the VA Loma Linda Hospital have a proprietary manufacturer/vendor that must be used to be compatible/integrate with a campus‐wide system for HVAC Controls or any other specialty systems such as access controls, fire alarm, etc? Will the VA accept allow any alternate manufacture/vendors to the systems the hospital is already using?

A: Security and Access controls for the facility are handled by Security Solutions under existing contract by the VA police, and may not be tied into or modified without violating that contract. Fire alarms and associated system connections are under maintenance contract by Apple Valley, and HVAC is under maintenance contract by Emcor.

Question 4

Q: Specification Section 01 32 16.15 part 1.3 references the contractors scheduling consultant. Please confirm that the VA will accept a member of the project team to develop and maintain the project schedule in lieu of a 3rd party scheduler.

A: It is confirmed that the VA will accept a member of the project team to develop and maintain the schedule.

Question 5

Q: Specification Section 01 35 26 part 1.9.B requires monthly safety inspections by a Certified Safety Professional.

Will the VA be enforcing this requirement for the duration of this contract?

A: Safety will be inspected monthly and this will be enforced. Inspections will take place by the VA and there is no need for the contractor to hire an independent CSP.

Question 6

Q: Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO), Specification 01 35 26 part 1.7, assuming that the SSHO is otherwise qualified, will the SSHO be allowed to perform other duties on the project such as superintendent and quality control manager?

A: Assuming the SSHO is otherwise qualified, yes, the SSHO will be allowed to perform other duties on the project.

Question 7

Q: Part 1.13 Specification Section 01 35 26 requires Tuberculosis screening for all employees working in the hospital to include subcontractors. Will this requirement be enforced?

A: Per “VHA Directive 7715 Safety and Health During Construction” TB screening will be enforced.

Question 8

Q: Specification 01 45 00.3.4.C identifies a long list of specialty quality control staff member, such as electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, civil engineer, structural engineer, architect etc., and this specification section goes on to say that all of these people need to be directly employed by the general contractor or a specified technical company and that each of these specialty quality control staff members must be physically present at the construction site during work on the specialized personnel’s area of responsibility. If we are going to be required to have multiple specialty quality control staff member onsite whenever any trade person is working, it is going to drive the cost up substantially. As an example, the electrician is normally on the jobs site from the first day to the last day of the job with short beaks in between. To meet this specification as written we would need to have an electrical engineer on the job site every day for close to 300 days. Will the VA require these rolls to be filled or will the VA exclude part 3.4.C from the contract?

A: The VA will not require those roles to be filled, however reserves the right to have their own structural, electrical, and other engineers inspect work as it is ongoing. It should go without saying that competent qualified professionals should be working on those systems, and that site superintendents and supervisors will bear responsibility for verifying the competency and qualifications of the awardees subcontractors.

Question 9

Q: Specification Section 01 91 00 1.8.C states that the commissioning agent will be hired by the VA under a separate contract, please confirm that the hiring of the commissioning agent is the responsibility of the VA.

Please confirm there will be commissioning on this project.

A: There will NOT be a separate commissioning agent hired by the VA, nor will there be one hired by the vendor.

The VA will provide a Final commissioning plan (based on the construction documents), that includes the following:

• pre‐functional checklists

• functional performance test procedures

And the VA will witness contractor testing.

Given the above, an independent commissioning agent for what is mostly a data project will be unnecessary. The contractor will be provided a spreadsheet to fill out for testing of the new communications paths and during termination and that will be used as a part of the Vas commissioning plan

Question 10

Q: Specification Section 07 84 13 part 1.4.C requires the use of a certified, licensed and FM approved installer certified by UL as a qualified contractor to install thru penetration fire stopping systems or be certified by the manufacturer to install such product. Will the VA please confirm if this requirement is going to be enforced?

A: The VA will not enforce this requirement, however all cable penetrations, and both ends of conduit will be firestopped. Where cabling is replaced (even if there was no firestop) firestop must be applied. This will be spot checked.

Question 11

Q: Apple Valley Communications since has the maintenance contract; will there be any restrictions on subcontractors due to maintenance agreements or any proprietary systems for this project?

A: Apple Valley maintains the fire system and other companies maintain the security and HVAC system. It is not the VA’s intent to violate any existing maintenance contracts, and work on systems under contract will need to be coordinated with and agreed upon by both contracted parties.

Question 12

Q: Is there a preference on fiber manufacturer and cable?

A: preferred products are listed in the basis of design document for this project. When it comes to CAT6A the intent is to come as absolutely close to the diameter of CAT5e as possible in order to reuse as much of the existing conduit as possible. All CAT6A cabling MUST BE U/FTP according to attachment H.

Question 13

Q: Symbols for existing and new telecommunications cable trays on Drawings T‐1.01, 1‐2.01, T‐3.01, and T‐4.01 look exactly the same, making it difficult to tell the difference and measure correctly. Please provide revised drawings for clarification.

A: On the original drawings the symbols are clear and distinctly different. The change comes as a result of using a third‐party software to split and recompress the drawings. The original uncompressed drawings are to be uploaded as an amendment to the solicitation.

See Amendment 0003 Attachment 2 Uncompressed Project Drawings.

Question 14

Q: PDFs provided were all sized to 8.5”x11” paper – this renders the drawing scale of all drawings useless. All drawings are likely 4x (adjustment factor) smaller than they really should be. Please provide properly sized PDFs on full‐sized 30”x42” PDFs and/or provide the proper adjustment factor for us to multiply measured distances to the correct measurements.

A: On the original drawings the scale is correct. The change in size comes as a result of using a third‐party software to split and recompress the drawings, and those modified drawings were what was uploaded. The VA was unaware of the issue until the RFI period. The original uncompressed drawings are to be uploaded as an amendment to the solicitation.

Question 15

Q: Quantity of cables being added is given through Horizontal Copper Cable Distribution tables on T‐1.00, T‐2.00, T‐3.00, and T‐4.00; however, the distances of each cable is not provided. How do we measure the length of each cable?

A: The VA understands the importance of estimating cable length as this drives the number of boxes that are ordered. Unfortunately, our entire network is not mapped. The contractor will have to look at reasonable lengths using the smoke and fire barriers and estimate according to the number of cables provided in other questions.

Question 16

Q: Please provide plans of existing infrastructure between the Main building (BLDG. 1) and side buildings (BLDG.

20, 30, 31, 32) for fiber run length estimating purposes.

A: Those drawings are not in the possession of the VA and cannot be provided.

Question 17

Q: Will we encounter asbestos during construction?

A: The Mabbett report has been made available to the bidders for review as an amendment. The Mabbett report is the VA’s asbestos and lead survey report as prepared by the Mabbett agency. Areas identified as containing asbestos are listed in the executive summary, and then in greater detail as the report progresses.

Please reference Asbestos and Lead Survey Report posted as an attachment with Amendment 0002.

Question 18

Q: Attachment A, Page 10 of 207, states “A series of welded cabling support structures (“ladder racks”) around the perimeter of the telecom room to support the weight of the cable will be installed and utilized by vendor.” Does this mean each of the 40 telecom rooms need to have ladder racks/cable runways installed around the perimeter, or should we just follow the cable tray plans provided on T‐1.01, T‐2.01, T‐3.01, and T‐4.01?

A: Ladder rack diagrams for installation are on pages AE‐1.01 through AE‐8.01

Question 19

Q: What are the warranty requirements for this project?

A: Standard manufacturer’s warranty will apply, and the FAR 52.246‐21 applies for warranty as well.

Question 20

Q: Do the brands of the materials have to exactly match the brands listed on the EQUIPMENT & FURNITURE SCHEDULE, first found on Attachment C, Drawing AE‐0.03? May substitutions for these materials be made, as long as they are still American made?

A: Substitutions may be made provided that the designs are similar enough so as to not cause an issue with the construction, and the devices are compatible. For instance, if the design calls for a four‐port outlet from Tripplite, an outlet from a different manufacturer must also be four port.

The VA requires compatibility of all products. If the ladder racks (used for bracing) are from a different manufacturer than the two‐post racks, fitment and connection must be guaranteed before changes and substitutions are made. Given that, the VA requests that if a manufacturer such as Chatsworth is chosen for one piece of support in a room then all pieces of similar bracing in that room be from the same manufacturer to ease compatibility.

Question 21

Q: Key Notes on mechanical drawings, such as M‐1.01, state that replacement of existing temperature sensors with new Schneider Electric device “shall be performed by a license mechanical contractor.” May this be performed/fulfilled by electrical contractors with C‐7 and C‐10 license?

A: The VA requires that a licensed mechanical contactor perform the installation and programming of the devices.

Question 22

Q: “IS THIS PROCUREMENT 100% SET ASIDE FOR SERVICE DISABLED VETERAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESS (SDVOSB) IN ACCORDANCE WITH PUBLIC LAW (PL) 109‐461, 38 UNITED STATES CODE (USC), SECTION 8127 TO BE

ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCUREMENT.”

A: Yes, this procurement is 100% set aside for Service‐Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) in accordance with Public Law (PL) 109‐461, 38 United States Code (USC), Section 8127 to be eligible to participate in this procurement.” This is stated on page 1 and page 41 of Solicitation 36C26220B0004.

Question 23

Q: Per Attachment C’s EQUIPMENT & FURNITURE SCHEDULE, the jacks are Panduit MiniCom jacks that are unshielded and they hold a proprietary footprint to the ports that they insert into, so they won't fit in the wall plates, surface mount boxes, or patch panels that are listed. Additionally, because the jacks are unshielded and the patch panels are, the direction is unclear on whether this is a shielded or unshielded solution. Please clarify the specific materials are required, and if working American‐made substitutions would suffice.

A: The cable requirements are for unshielded foiled twisted pair (U/FTP) cabling. The VA requires a complete solution. The equipment and furniture schedule is a guide, and not a requirement. The requirement is for inter‐ compatibility of all parts. The VA does not have a brand‐name justification associated with any parts in the structured cabling portion and would prefer shielded 6s as we are not grounding the individual patch panels.

Question 24

Q: This is not so much as an RFI and an FYI. It has come to our attention that there exist at least two different versions of the Loma Linda VA Cabling Specifications document distributed with this RFP:

a. one version specifies the provision of foiled twisted pair (U/FTP) Cat 6A cable (section 2.1.B.3, page 4).

This version was distributed with the RFP for this project.

b. another version does not specify the provision of foiled twisted pair (U/FTP) Cat 6A cable. A copy of this version was distributed earlier this year with the RFP for the 2SE & 2SN Surgical Clinic Cabling project.

We note that both versions of the spec are dated 19 June 2019 with no other discernible method of version control included.

Please confirm we are to use the version of cabling spec that was issued with this RFP which is attachment H.

A: The VA confirms that Attachment H is to be the authoritative guide for local cabling requirements, and directs vendors to section 2.1.B.3 for the U/FTP structured cabling requirements.

Question 25

Q: Attachments G and H both include what appears to be the same Loma Linda VA Cabling Specifications document. Please confirm that bidders are to use the version included as Attachment H for bidding purposes.

A: The VA confirms that Attachment H is to be the authoritative guide for local cabling requirements, and directs vendors to section 2.1.B.3 for the U/FTP structured cabling requirements.

Question 26

Q: We note that very few cable manufacturers offer a Cat 6A U/FTP product. We have only been able to identify one cable manufacturer so far that offers Cat 6A U/FTP cable in the color purple. Will VALLHS find it acceptable if we source Cat 6A cable and termination hardware from different manufacturers?

A: CAT6A cabling does NOT need to all be purchased from the same manufacturer.

Question 27

Q: The General Notes section on sheets T‐1.00, T‐2.00, T‐3.00 and T‐4.00 states “Provide a new Cat 6A single jack surface mounted box (“biscuit”) above the ceiling where existing WAPs are located.” The drawing set does not indicate quantities or mounting locations of WAPs. How shall bidder determine the total quantity of installed WAPs?

A: At the time of this writing there are 599 wireless access points at the medical facility that require cable replacements.

Question 28

Q: The architectural basis of design specifies that a separation distance of 48 inches shall be maintained between existing and new cable tray when installing new cable tray in interstitial spaces. Sheets T‐1.01, T‐2.01, T‐3.01 and T‐4.01 in the provided drawing set indicate that minimum separation distance between existing and new cable tray in the interstitial spaces is 36 inches. Please clarify the correct minimum separation distance.

A: The 48” was an artifact from an earlier discussion and should have been changed to 36”.

Question 29

Q: The symbols for existing and new cable tray on sheets T‐1.01, T‐2.01, T‐3.01 and T‐4.01 are extremely similar, if not identical. How can bidders differentiate between new and existing cable trays on the drawing sheets?

A: The symbols were changed as part of the compression and conversion process when the drawings were separated into smaller files. It is believed that the separation caused the software to reuse symbols that were present. The original uncompressed files have been sent to contracting and clearly show the different symbols.

Question 30

Q: The drawings and specifications for this project indicate bidder shall provide “lockable” fiber enclosures.

Please define “lockable” in this context.

A: Blackbox JPM400 series rackmount locking fiber enclosure is an example of what we are looking for. BlackBox item JPM406A‐R6 https://www.blackbox.com/en‐us/store/product/detail/JPM400‐Series‐Rackmount‐Locking‐ Fiber‐Enclosure‐3U/JPM406A?item=JPM406A‐R6.

The VA does not require this specific product but it may be used for estimating purposes.

Question 31

Q: Detail Note #1 on sheet T‐9.03 indicates “Provide wiring in accordance with T568B.” This conflicts with Loma Linda VA Cabling Specifications document, which specifies that T568A shall be used. Please clarify whether T568A or T568B shall be used for this installation.

A: T‐568A is the standard for the facility. We do not wish for T‐568B anywhere at Loma Linda under any circumstances, any reference calling for T‐568B is an artifact from the TIL and is an error in these documents.

Question 32

Q: The Horizontal Cable Color Coding Table on sheet T‐9.03 indicates that the following cable colors shall be provided:

c. Wireless Access Points – Purple

d. CCTV – White

e. Biomedical/Philips – Green

f. All Others – Red, White or Blue

The drawing set does not indicate installed quantities for any of these type of endpoint devices. How shall Bidder determine the quantities required for each cable color?

A: Wireless Access Points – Purple Estimate 599 WAPs CCTV – White: Estimate 400 cameras Biomedical/Philips – Green Estimate 400 (and these are NOT in the total cable count for the facility, as they are Biomedical and under contract. ) All Others – Red, Yellow or Blue = total cable count minus the WAPs and the cameras, divided by three to account for red vs yellow vs blue.

Question 33

Q: The Patch Cable Color Coding Table on sheet T‐9.03 indicates that the following patch cable colors shall be provided:

g. Wireless Access Points – Purple

h. CCTV – White

i. Biomedical/Philips – Green

j. Printers – Black

k. Life Safety/Critical Equipment ‐ Red

l. All Other: Blue

The drawing set does not indicate installed quantities for any of these type of endpoint devices. How shall Bidder determine the quantities required for each patch cable color

A: CCTV and WAP numbers are above in question 32. Printers may be ignored as OIT has recently changed their standard. Life‐safety/critical equipment may be estimated at 500 total, as well.

Question 34

Q: Bullet # 12 in the Copper section of the Telecommunications Basis of Design reads:

All cabling to all wireless access points will be replaced with CAT6A cabling and terminated to single‐jack surface‐mounted drops (colloquially called “biscuits”) in the drop‐ceiling nearest the access point. No wireless access points will be replaced. All cabling for wireless access points will be labeled in accordance with LLVAMC Cabling Specifications Dated 19 June 2019 (specification section 27 15 00.

The drawing set indicates neither how many wireless access points are installed nor how many existing cables run to each WAP.

Has VALLHS considering installing two (2) Cat 6A cables to each WAP as part of this project? This will enable the cabling system being installed now to fully support the next‐generation 802.11 standard, which will offer per‐AP throughput starting at 10 Gbps and increasing from there over the life of the standard.

A: The counts for the WAPs were answered above in question 32 and do NOT include the 133 currently being installed as those are out of the scope of this project (a question asked during the walkthrough that was not submitted as an RFI; relevant because WAP installation is currently ongoing).

The facility has not considered running the dual cable solution as proposed by the vendor, as the cabling to these WAPs is dictated by National VA who is not moving to the next‐gen standard at this time.

Question 35

Q: Drawing sheet T‐9.03 specifies the use of Panduit PUFP6X04BU‐UG Cat 6A cable (plenum, U/FTP). Drawing sheet AE‐0.03 specifies the use of Panduit CJ6X88xxxx Cat 6A unshielded RJ45 jack modules. Please verify that the intent is to use unshielded data outlets with shielded cable.

A: The cable requirements are for unshielded foiled twisted pair (U/FTP) cabling. The VA requires a complete solution. The equipment and furniture schedule is a guide, and not a requirement. The requirement is for inter‐ compatibility of all parts. The VA does not have a brand‐name justification associated with any parts in the structured cabling portion and would prefer shielded keystones as we are not grounding the individual patch panels.

Question 36

Q: The VA has indicated the scale of the drawings on each page, example 1” = 40’ on interstitial space sheets, however no actual scale was provided for measurement. In order for communication contractors to figure cable footages can the VA provide an actual scale on drawings?

A: Scale on the drawings is currently compromised due to compression issues. A set of uncompressed original drawings has been provided to the contracting officer for upload as an amendment.

Question 37

Q: The Basis of Design (2.3 Design Objectives and Provisions) indicates that a projected 15% increase for power and data should be included in the bid. Is this data 15% for the consideration of short existing Cat6‐6a horizontal cables that are required in the scope of work to be relocated in the TC’s?

A: The reason for this 15% increase of data and power is to leave room for contingencies

Question 38

Q: The Basis of Design refers to the Loma Linda VA Cabling Specification dated June 19, 2019 (Attachment H Cable Specification) when the specification conflicts with (Attachment G Specification “Infrastructure Upgrades” dated 7/10/2020) which takes precedence?

A: As answered in questions above, Attachment H takes precedence.

Question 39

Q: The scope of work includes relocating existing Cat6 horizontal cables. If the existing cables are short are these cables replaced on a change order basis?

A: Yes. Though all new installations for the past year have left a service loop to avoid the need for replacement.

Question 40

Q: Spec sections dated 6/19/19 and 7/10/20 have conflicting information regarding patch cords. Are patch cords to be provided for the workstation outlet?

A: Patch cords ARE to be provided for the workstation outlet. Standard where a phone and a PC are connected is that the PC connects to the phone, which in turn connects to the wall. This is relevant because there are two devices sharing one line.

Question 41

Q: Spec sections dated 6/19/19 and 7/10/20 have conflicting information regarding fiber connectors. Are the fiber connectors “LC” or “ST”?

A: The existing connections are ST and we want to move to LC. By the completion of this project there should be no ST connectors left in the facility.

Question 42

Q: The Basis of Design dated 7/10/20 indicate 50% spare strand requirement for fiber optic cables. Do the provided drawings consider the 50% spare requirement in the call outs for cable size/strand count?

A: Yes they do. The cabling infrastructure was doubled to account for it.

Question 43

Q: The Attachment H Cable Specification dated 6/19/19 (2.3 Distribution Equipment and Systems, B,4,(a),) indicates Data cable shall be shielded. Attachment G Specification “Infrastructure Upgrades” dated 7/10/2020) indicates unshielded, foiled twisted pair. Is there an updated Cat6a required manufacturer cable construction description? Please confirm Cat6a construction requirements.

A: Attachment H takes priority. It is the local standard and exceeds the requirements in attachment G which were a part of the TIL. The facility reserves the right to go with a more stringent standard, and in this case the choice for U/FTP cable was made specifically to allow that cable to pass through the existing conduit. Cabling will be U/FTP cabling throughout the facility.

Question 44

Q: Is it a requirement that existing Cat6 jack inserts be replaced with Cat6a jack inserts?

A: YES. When removing the cabling and upgrading said cables, the keystones must also be upgraded.

Question 45

Q: Are the system cutovers to be conducted during normal business hours?

A: The intent (to be discussed in greater detail upon award) is that cutover happen gradually as existing conduit is to be reused where absolutely possible. This negates the idea of a “one‐and‐done” cutover for a telecommunications room as we are not layering a second set of conduit upon the first set in the facility. This also prevents opening up walls for installation of EMT and flex throughout the hospital.

Question 46

Q: Drawing GI‐1.02 (Phasing Notes #8) indicates 3rd shift labor is expected in any patient care area. Is there any other area that may require working outside of the normal business hours?

A: Cutover for outlying buildings may take place outside standard business hours to avoid disruption as much as possible, though that will largely apply to electrical work for those areas.

Question 47

Q: Are system cutovers to be performed during normal business hours?

A: The intent (to be discussed in greater detail upon award) is that cutover happen gradually as existing conduit is to be reused where absolutely possible. This negates the idea of a “one‐and‐done” cutover for a telecommunications room as we are not layering a second set of conduit upon the first set in the facility. This also prevents opening up walls for installation of EMT and flex throughout the hospital.

Question 48

Q: New electric temperature and humidity sensors at telecom rooms are to be installed and connected to the existing DDC control panels.

Please let me know the contact information of the current DDC system maintenance contractor.

A:

EMCOR Services Mesa Energy Systems, Inc 2 Cromwell, Irvine CA 92618‐1816 Mobile: (949) 408 ‐ 8518

Question 49

Q: Loma Linda VA Cabling Specifications Dated 19 June 2019 ‐ SPEC SECTION 2.2.K CALLS OUT AIR BLOWN FIBER CABLING. PLEASE CONFIRM IF AND WHERE

AIR BLOWN FIBER CABLE IS REQUIRED?

A: Section 2.2K discusses the requirements IF airblown fiber is to be used. The facility is not asking for it. Given the requirement for microduct installation where airblown fiber is concerned, the VA would prefer it not be used.

Question 50

Q: Who is responsible for disposing of the demoed cabling? During bid walk it was mentioned that GEMS recycling would dispose of the demoed cables, please confirm. If GEMS is responsible will they provide a recycle bin for the contractor to discard his waste or is it on the contractor to deliver the demoed cables to GEMS recycling? If so, please provide address of GEMS recycling.

A: After clarifying with GEMS, the GEMS coordinator agrees that the vendor may recycle all materials provided that tonnage reports for the materials come in with the progress reports. The VA has a commitment to recycling and these reports will be used in furtherance of that commitment. The VA is willing to provide carts for the recycling of cable if the vendor does not wish to recycle it themselves, but the vendor must then empty those carts on site in our facility recycle area. If the vendor chooses to recycle the cabling themselves then they are responsible for all aspects, including the tonnage reports that must be provided to the VA so we can account for where our cabling went.

Question 51

Q: Based on drawings, contractor is responsible to mount new equipment racks using an installation that meets the California seismic requirements. Are these installations requiring a deputy inspector to provide inspection reports?

A: no. The facility likes to follow OSHPOD where possible, but as the federal government our construction requirements supersede state construction guidelines. We’ll follow OSHPOD but we’re not providing inspection reports to the state.

Question 52

Q: Based on cable tray trapeze detail, if installed in seismic area, will these also need a deputy inspection reports?

A: no. The facility likes to follow OSHPOD where possible, but as the federal government our construction requirements supersede state construction guidelines. We’ll follow OSHPOD but we’re not providing inspection reports to the state.

Question 53

Q: Drawings T‐1.01, T‐2.01, T‐3.01, and T‐4.01 indicate symbols for existing and new cable tray.

These symbols are extremely similar, if not identical, and difficult to determine which tray is new. Please be more transparent and highlight the new cable tray or provide a symbol, for the new tray, not like the existing cable tray.

A: On the original drawings the symbols are clear and distinctly different. The change comes as a result of using a third‐party software to split and recompress the drawings. The original uncompressed drawings are to be uploaded as an amendment to the solicitation.

Question 54

Q: As per the ‘Part 2 – Telecommunication ‐ Basis of Design’ document, (Section 2.3) ‘Design Objectives and Provisions’, (General Section) bullet point #6 indicates Network Equipment will be provided by owner and installed by contractor. Please provide a specific list of owner provided equipment.

A: All Cisco switches, routers, and serial‐numbered equipment currently in the areas. GBICs (SFP connectors), as well as PCs servers and wireless controllers are the responsibility of the VA.

Question 55

Q: Drawings T‐1.00, T‐2.00, T‐3.00, and T‐4.00 provide a Horizontal Copper Cable Distribution Chart which indicates the cables to be removed and to be installed per each floors server room area, denoted by the server room number. Please provide the UOM (Unit of Measure) for each cable total represented next to each server room identification number. Are these totals in linear feet or the number of drops in that area of service?

4 ‐ SB8 0% 0 drops

4 ‐ SB7 100% 432 drops

4 ‐ SB6 100% 384 drops

4 ‐ SB5 100% 528 drops

4 ‐ SB4 100% 528 drops

4 ‐ SB3 100% 576 drops

4 ‐ SB2 100% 480 drops

4 ‐ SB1 100% 336 drops

3 ‐ SB8 100% 336 drops

3 ‐ SB7 100% 624 drops

3 ‐ SB6 100% 624 drops

3 ‐ SB5 100% 528 drops

3 ‐ SB4 100% 576 drops

3 ‐ SB3 100% 576 drops

3 ‐ SB2 100% 720 drops

3 ‐ SB1 100% 528 drops

2 ‐ SB8 0% 0 Drops

2 ‐ SB7 0% 0 Drops

2 ‐ SB6 100% 192 drops

2 ‐ SB5 100% 480 drops

2 ‐ SB4 100% 384 drops

2 ‐ SB3 100% 576 drops

2 ‐ SB2 100% 336 drops

2 ‐ SB1 100% 912 drops

1 ‐ SB8 100% 432 drops

1 ‐ SB7 100% 624 drops

1 ‐ SB6 100% 288 drops

1 ‐ SB5 100% 624 drops

1 ‐ SB4 100% 546 drops

1 ‐ SB3 100% 768 drops

1 ‐ SB2 100% 672 drops

1 ‐ SB1 100% 960 drops

1E75 100% 384 drops

CLC1 100% 240 drops

CLC2 100% 228 drops

20 100% 768 drops

30 100% 144 drops

31 100% 336 drops

32‐1 100% 240 drops

32‐2 100% 288 drops

Total of 81,981 cables. Vendor is to use blueprints and cable counts to estimate the cable lengths and associated costs. The VA does not have an official cable length estimate.

Question 56

Q: If the answer to the above question (#5) is linear feet, please provide identify the number of drops for each service area identified on drawings T‐1.00, T‐2.00, T‐3.00, and T‐4.00.

A: See answer to 56 for counts by location.

Question 57

Q: Drawing T‐0.01 indicates new F.O. cable from Main computer room MDF, in main hospital, to each outlying building. Since we were not allowed to walk these areas can we be provide, in better detail, the locations of each stub up, as it relates to that particular building and the corresponding stub up location, for that particular building at the main building; or simply provide us the total distance from each outlying building to the main building MDF location for purposes of estimating linear footages of fiber optic cable needed.

A:

MDF 1 to CLC1 = approx. 605’ MDF 1 to CLC2 = approx. 415’ MDF 1 to B30 = approx. 560’ MDF 1 to B31 = approx. 590’ MDF 1 to B32 = approx. 712’ MDF 1 to B20 = approx. 838’

Question 58

Q: As per the ‘Part 2 – Telecommunication ‐ Basis of Design’ document, (Section 2.3) ‘Design Objectives and Provisions’, (Copper Section) bullet point #12 indicates “All cabling to all wireless access points will be replaced with CAT6A and terminated to single‐jack surface mounted drops in the drop ceiling nearest the access point”. Please provide the locations of each WAP on each floor, which is needing new cable. Also provide a detail if these are to be daisy chained together or each WAP will be one cable back to the server room in that specific area.

A: WAPs will NOT be daisy‐chained. Previous questions have addressed the number of WAPs (question 32) in the facility that are to be replaced. Drawings of the WAP locations will be provided post award, and the facility asks that the contractor use best effort when estimating cable lengths.

Question 59

Q: Please provide the distance from the hard ceiling, which is accessible in the interstices areas between the floors, to the soft ceiling for each floor in which work will be done.

A: The gap between the drop ceiling and the bottom of the interstitial space is not uniform throughout the facility and varies from 12‐24”

Question 60

Q: Are the existing 12” tile ceilings asbestos free?

A: The existing 12” tile ceilings are asbestos free.

See Asbestos and Lead Survey Report

Question 61

Q: The drawings that indicate new racks being installed; can we have confirmation that the areas identified for the rack installation is free of any obstruction that would allow for installation of the rack prior to cutover or removal of existing racks and/or equipment?

A: The current racks are the obstruction in the majority of the cases. There is no non‐telecommunication equipment causing an obstruction.

Question 62

Q: During the site visit it was mentioned that all the new work associated with all the new racks in Equipment room 1C‐04E must be completely installed before the existing equipment in the existing racks are taken off line and the crossover completed and that at no time can anything be taken offline. How does the VA want the work in this room to be phased?

A: The VA requires a “next‐to‐no‐downtime” cutover, and will not dictate how the general contractor phases their work. Were the VA proposing to do this work themselves here is the proposed phasing we would start with:

Step 1: Install new tray in the interstitial spaces (not in the TR), and stub out copper for electrical in the TRs Step 2: mount existing racks to walls using current hardware or shift them so that they are out of the way Step 3: install two‐post racks and ladder racks, installing electrical at same time Step 4: install patch panels and fiber enclosures Step 5: install new fiber then replace existing fiber, coordinating with IT to ensure that switches remain connected (will require having dual fiber on switches temporarily, will also require moving switches to new racks) Step 6: install new copper in new racks and terminate to patch panels and cut over rooms to new copper one room at a time Step 7: demo existing copper, recycling in accordance with GEMS program.

Question 63

Q: On sheet AE‐1.06 detail 01 appears to show a fence of some kind around the existing server racks. Will this fence need to be removed in its entirety? If removed will the fence need to be reinstalled once work is complete?

A: This fence is modular, and will require removal and reinstallation

Question 64

Q: The Basis of Design (2.3 Design Objectives and Provisions) indicates that a projected 15% increase for power and data should be included in the bid. Is this data 15% for the consideration of short existing Cat6‐6a horizontal cables that are required in the scope of work to be relocated in the TC’s?

A: The 15% is for contingencies

Question 65

Q: The scope of work includes relocating existing Cat6 horizontal cables. If the existing cables are short are these cables replaced on a change order basis?

A: That is correct, though all recent installations have included service loops to accommodate for the extra necessary length.

Question 66

Q: Spec sections dated 6/19/19 and 7/10/20 have conflicting information regarding patch cords. Are patch cords to be provided for the workstation outlet?

A: Yes, see above for a discussion on daisy chaining ethernet devices (not WAPs).

Question 67

Q: The Attachment H Cable Specification dated 6/19/19 indicates data jack inserts shall be Lucent Technologies, with no substitutions. Can an equal be substituted?

A: An equal can be substituted. Please see above questions about shielded vs unshielded as well as questions about American‐made substitutions and the furniture schedule.

Question 68

Q: Drawing GI‐1.02 (Phasing Notes #8) indicates 3rd shift labor is expected in any patient care area. The plans do not indicate which floor or what areas of the hospital, or how many areas in the hospital will require 3rd shift work. For bidding purposes will the VA provide a quantity of rooms or a percentage of the work that will require off hours work?

A: The estimated percentage of third‐shift labor is approximately 10‐15%. The VA expects the majority of the cabling above patient care areas to be staged and then simply dropped in during after‐hours cutover.

Question 69

Q: Are system cutovers in the individual telecom rooms to be performed during normal business hours?

A: System cutovers should be conducted after hours, however the VA wishes to express that rooms should be cut over one at a time so as to spread out the impact on the hospital. Scheduling to be coordinated with the COR.

Question 70

Q: In the Basis of Design part 2.3 states that fiber will be smoke‐rated OM4, please clarify if this is OFNP or LSZH Fiber?

A: The VA requests OFNP fiber. It does us no good to demand plenum‐rated copper and then use flammable fiber.

Question 71

Q: Will there be any conduits, pathways, j‐hooks ladder rack or basket tray that is not specifically called out on the plans that will need to be removed or is the intent to reuse as much existing pathways as possible and only demo if specifically shown on the plans?

A: The intent is to reuse as much as possible.

Question 72

Q: Loma Linda Cable Specifications in part 2.2.K.1 reference air blown fiber, are there any specific manufacturer requirements of specific installation certification requirement, spec only states installer is trained?

A: The air‐blown fiber section is taken directly form the TIL and is to be used in the event that air‐blown fiber is approved. It is boilerplate. We do not particularly want air‐blown fiber, but if it comes those are the requirements for it.

Question 73

Q: Since the VA issued the Design Narrative along with the plans and specifications for this project, where conflicts arise which document are we to follow?

A: Follow the Drawing Plans and Specifications where conflicts arise.

Question 74

Q: Since the VA issued the local cabling specifications along with the plans and specifications, where conflicts arise which document are we to follow?

A: The local cabling specifications are authoritative for this project. Where a question is not covered by the local cabling specifications (e.g.: shielding on keystones) refer to the RFIs for the answer.

Question 75

Q: In the Design Narrative part 2.3 under the section Copper (page 13 of 207) it states that where there is no ability to use existing pathway the contractor is to provide flex‐conduit or EMT. Will the VA please advise on how bidders are to quantify this for bidding purposes?

A: EMT or flex conduit should only be used in cases where we cannot re‐use the existing pathway. At this point the VA has managed to fit three CAT6A cables through 3/4” conduit with a 90% bend, and if U/FTP cable is used that will be even easier. IF the contractor is UNABLE to reuse the existing pathway (EMT and FLEX) then they will have to provide new.

The VA does not know how to determine all areas where the contractor will find themselves unable to reuse the conduit and thus cannot answer in a more specific manner.

Question 76

Q: During the site visit the group was taken to a communications closet on the second floor that had a raised floor. No raised floor is shown on the second‐floor plans. Detail 17 on sheet S‐5.00 shows anchoring for a 2‐post rack, however this detail is not called out on any other floors other than 1 location on the 3rd floor. Detail 20 is similar but with a 4‐post rack and it is shown only in one location on the 1st floor. Can the VA confirm that these two locations are the only telecom rooms in the hospital with a raised floor?

A: Please See Amendment 0003 Attachment 3 Racks and Flooring Chart.

Question 77

Q: Is there any known asbestos in the interstitial areas or any area where work will be performed, that will need to be addressed at all before or during the performance of the scope of this project? “Appendix B” Haz Mat Figures, seems to be missing information, will the building asbestos & lead survey report be provided?

A: As of the time of this writing the Mabbett Report has already been included as an amendment to the solicitation (though it was posted after the RFI questions were submitted). There is NO KNOWN asbestos in the interstitial areas where work is to be performed. No VA workers in the spaces are required to utilize containment for asbestos and or wear protective outer garments. If asbestos is discovered (and none has been yet) then the COR is to be notified immediately.

Question 78

Q: The 2” conduit shown on sheet T‐1.00 that contains fiber optic cable, is this conduit existing or will this conduit be installed new under this project?

A: Those conduits are existing.

Question 79

Q: There are several areas on the drawings that show conduit, that does not specify if the conduit is to be a new install or existing. (For example T‐1.01 shows several 2” conduits with fiber optic cable, but does not state if the conduit is new or existing.) are we to assume these conduits are existing?

A: Those conduits are existing.

Question 80

Q: During the site visit it was mentioned that we are to reuse as much of the existing conduit and raceways as possible, and to mitigate the amount of new conduit installed, is there anywhere known that reuse of conduit will not be possible?

A: The reuse of conduit will largely depend upon the cable chosen and approved. There is at this time nowhere known to the VA where the existing pathway cannot be reused.

Question 81

Q: Is it permitted to reuse flex conduits that are installed where the total length of flex exceeds 6 feet?

A: Flex conduit may be reused where possible without regard to length.

Question 82

Q: Can you explain the shutdown dates listed on the phasing plan and what they entail? Do you anticipate shutting down entire areas to perform area cutovers? Or just one room at a time?

A: Though the POP is 300 days, the facility is still set with an end date of July 29th. Estimating the work to be performed and the time it takes, those dates were selected to meet congressional requirements for completion. If those dates are to slip to the right the contractor will be notified immediately. There should be no complete shutdown of any TR save to add power. All shutdowns should be considered “rolling shutdowns” where we cut over one end user location at a time.

Question 83

Q: During the site visit it was mentioned to remove existing fiber and replace with new in existing pathway.

Cabling Specifications (19/June/2019) Section 27 15 00 ‐ 2.2 K 2 mentions to install Indoor Microducts for air blown fiber system. Will Microducts be required to be installed?

A: The microducts and air blown fiber are specifications in case that is ever installed. We do not have air blown fiber, but IF IT WERE TO BE INSTALLED, those would be the requirements.

Please do not use air blown fiber.

Question 84

Q: Is the grounding system currently in place and we are to bond the new racks to the existing TGB, or does this scope include new TGB’s with all new grounding conductors as shown on detail 4 sheet T‐9.04?

A: All new grounding. The Vas current grounding system at LLVAMC is patchwork and needs to be installed properly or reinstalled completely in almost all telecommunications spaces within the main building (save 4SB8, 2SB7, 2SB8 and the CLCs).

Question 85

Q: There are 2” conduits mentioned being installed between the floors at each (most) of the IDF rooms (Key Note #3 T‐2.03 for example), is there an existing pathway that can be utilized instead of installing new conduits, and floor coring in these locations?

A: no. This is an explicitly stated requirement for new pathway, you cannot use existing pathway in this case to replace the requirement for new.

Question 86

Q: Is it permissible to mount any new cable tray in the same fashion as the existing? (mounted directly to the beams in lieu of mounting on a trapeze where ever possible).

A: As the new type is basket, the weight of the cable has the strong potential to bend the basket, which is why trapeze mount was chosen. If the vendor can guarantee a better way to mount or product that will hold up under the weight of the cable, then the VA will look at it as part of the products. If the vendor cannot find a way to mount basket‐type cable trays to the beams without the weight of the cabling bending them then trapeze style should be used.

Question 87

Q: What is the average length for each cable that is being replaced throughout?

A: The VA does not have an average cable length documented.

Question 88

Q: Detail #1 on sheet T‐9.03 shows a pull can for a wire management loop, is this wire management loop needed at each floor in this run? This can would need to be fairly large to accommodate multiple fiber rings. Please advise.

A: The wire management loop is needed; however the size of the loop may be reduced according to the architect.

Question 89

Q: Noted on GI‐0.01 under Clean Attire note #2, “Cutting of holes through concrete shall be by diamond core drill or pneumatic hammer. Impact electric manual hammer type drills will not be allowed”. Does this apply to the mounting holes drilled for standard anchors and the anchors and through holes needed for bracing at each new rack per all notes shown on S‐5.00?

A: No. That applies specifically to coring new holes through the interstitial spaces for new cable pathway (conduit from the 3FL server room is a good example). This does not apply to anchors and mounting.

Question 90

Q: Will there be a designated area or container provided for the deposit of cable removed from the building?

A: See above question regarding GEMS concerning the disposal of cable. If the contractor wishes to recycle the cable themselves then they shall be responsible for the removal of the cabling, including all transportation through the facility.

Question 91

Q: GI‐0.01 note 17 under Clean Attire, can you please identify the location where sound attenuating blankets will be required? This note seems a little vague considering the magnitude of the area where work is being performed.

A: Anywhere where a room does not have a hard gypsum lid (the interstitial space). This should apply to maybe 1% of the hospital.

Question 92

Q: The Division 27 specification for the Solicitation calls out a Category 6A U/FTP, Unshielded Foiled Twisted Pair.

However, in the OEHRM SITE INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIREMENTS, November 19, 2019 | Version 1.1; specifies under the Requirements Section:

2.2 Local Area Networking (LAN)

Category 6A cable (CAT6A) unshielded twisted pair (UTP), with additional slack, as required, to relocate if telecommunications room (TR) wiring closet pending move.

I support the VA Account and this is first time I have seen an FTP cable called out for a EHRM Infrastructure Upgrade project. Our partners want to know if Cat 6A UTP is approved for bidding and installation purposes for this solicitation?

A: Cat6A UTP is not approved for bidding. As stated in the solicitation (Attachment H.) as well as elsewhere in this document (Ref. questions 12, 23‐26, 35, 43, 44, 70, and 82), U/FTP was chosen specifically for its narrow size and the likelihood that we can reuse existing conduit and flex. If CAT6A UTP is used, it’s typically at a size that is 1.3‐ 1.5x the size of the existing CAT5 and CAT5e, and has the serious potential to overwhelm the available space in our conduit, requiring additional conduit at significant cost (and renovation to the walls in the rooms).