S06 Amendment 2_RFIs 1 to 72 Question Answer.docx

RFI Questions & Answers

Project Name: EHRM Long Beach Construction, 600-20-120

Solicitation Number: 36C26221B000

Question 1 Q: What are VA Long Beach’s procedures for opening ceiling tiles?

Is a permit required?

Is containment required?

If so, what type of containment?

A: The requirements are in the project specifications and drawings. The primary requirements can be found in specification section 01 00 00 -13 and drawing(s) GI004 and GI005, VALB requires the following permits, minimum: Above the Ceiling & Penetration, ICRA. ILSM, Utility & Service Impact Permit, and Electrical Work permits may also be required based on the nature of the work and impacts to the Medical Center. Refer to the entire bid document set for additional requirements.

Question 2 Q: Sheet T-001, Project Description #19: Indicates that “Cat 5e and greater” cables may be left in place. This conflicts with the general description of the project at the top of this section, which states that “all cables on these racks are to be replaced with Cat 6A cables and Cat 6A compliant RJ-45 jacks.” Please clarify whether any Cat 5e cables are to be left in place.

A: Both statements are true and clearly indicated on drawings as to which is applicable to specific buildings. Cables in Buildings which has imaging equipment are to be replaced with CAT6A example Building 126, etc. Cables in Buildings, with CAT5E or better cable and which does not have imaging equipment, will remain. These include Building 5C,6,8, 50, 149,165,166. However, existing cables in data racks in TR of these Buildings needs to be dressed up and VA compliant labelling installed.

Question 3 Q: Sheet T-001, Project Description #26: Is Contractor responsible for providing and installing copper patch cables or just providing them?

A: Contractor is only responsible for providing patch cables; patch cables shall be provided to VALB grouped and inventoried by length for intended application. VALB OIT will connect patch cables when activating the network ports to the network switches.

Question 4 Q: Sheet T-001: Please confirm which subcontractor is responsible for provision and installation of EZ-Path devices.

A: General Contractor means and methods.

Question 5 Q: 1.T-402, keynote #5: Which subcontractor is responsible for removal of wall?

A: General Contractor means and methods.

Question 6 Q: 1.T-402, keynote #9: Which subcontractor is responsible for removal of door?

A: General Contractor means and methods.

Question 7 Q: 1.T-402, keynote #10: Which subcontractor for support cable tray prior to removal of wall?

A: General Contractor means and methods.

Question 8 Q: 1.T-403, keynote #1, #2, #4, #6: Are the items addressed by these keynotes to remain in place?

A: Yes

Question 9 Q: 2.T-401, keynote #4: Is fiber TDU existing or new? If existing, is it to remain in place?

A: Yes, existing to remain

Question 10 Q: 8.T-401, keynote #8: Are existing 4” conduit sleeves that will be removed to be replaced by EZ-Path units?

A: No. Building 8 cabling to remain in place. Existing sleeve is through ceiling that will be removed per architectural drawings. Review all discipline/trade drawings/specifications for complete scope, and see response to Question 47 for further information.

Question 11 Q: 50.T-401, keynote #7: Are existing 4” conduit sleeves that will be removed to be replaced by EZ-Path units?

A: No. Building 50 cabling to remain in place. Existing sleeve is through ceiling that will be removed per architectural drawings. Review all discipline/trade drawings/specifications for complete scope, and see response to Question 47 for further information.

Question 12 Q: 126A.T-402A: Drawing indicates existing Cat 6 cable to be left in place – please verify that this is correct.

A: Confirmed, existing CAT6 cable shall be left in place.

Question 13 Q: 126A.T-403A: Drawing indicates existing Cat 6 cable to be left in place – please verify that this is correct.

A: Confirmed, existing CAT6 cable shall be left in place.

Question 14 Q: 165.T-401, keynote #4: Is fiber TDU existing or new? If existing, is it to remain in place?

A: Existing and yes, it is to remain in place.

Question 15 Q: 165.T-401A: Please confirm no new work to be performed in TR C135.

A: Unused Cat 3 cables to be removed from TR to EUD outlet. Also, data cables need to be dressed up and the labelling of EUD and rack needs to be updated to meet VA standards; this is indicated on the drawings. Additional work in TRs is necessary as shown on other discipline/trade drawings.

Question 16 Q: 165.T-402, keynote #4: Is fiber TDU existing or new? If existing, is it to remain in place?

A: Fiber TDU is existing and shall remain in place.

Question 17 Q: 165.T-402A: Please confirm no new work to be performed in TR C211.

A: Unused Cat 3 cables to be removed from TR to EUD outlet. Also, data cables need to be dressed up and the labelling of EUD and rack needs to be updated to meet VA standards; this is indicated on the drawings. Additional work in TRs is necessary as shown on other discipline/trade drawings.

Question 18 Q: 166.T-401A: Please confirm no new work to be performed in TR F121.

A: Unused Cat 3 cables to be removed from TR to EUD outlet. Also, data cables need to be dressed up and the labelling of EUD and rack needs to be updated to meet VA standards; this is indicated on the drawings. Additional work in TRs is necessary as shown on other discipline/trade drawings.

Question 19 Q: 166.T-402A: Please confirm no new work to be performed in TR F208.

A: Unused Cat 3 cables to be removed from TR to EUD outlet. Also, data cables need to be dressed up and the labelling of EUD and rack needs to be updated to meet VA standards; this is indicated on the drawings. Additional work in TRs is necessary as shown on other discipline/trade drawings.

Question 20 Q: General: Shall Contractor reuse existing horizontal cable managers or provide new ones?

A: Provide all new horizontal cable managers.

Question 21 Q: General: Please clarify circumstances under which Contractor is to provide/install new EZ-Path devices.

A: When installing new replacement CAT6A Cables.

Question 22 Q: Will the VA authorize an additional site visit?

A: No additional site visit.

Question 23 Q: Is this project sales tax exempt?

A: No.

Question 24 Q: Does the Government have a fire alarm servicer that they currently work with?

A: The Medical Center is standardized on the EST3 system by Engineering Systems Technology, and HCI currently holds the maintenance contract for Fire Alarm and Security. This does not limit other contractors from performing additional work or installations. Vector has previously performed security system work and Cal Builders has performed fire alarm system work; however only HCI is authorized to program the Fire Alarm System following installation.

Question 25 Q: As a result of the effect of COVID-19 throughout the U.S., and the resulting Federal, State and local governments’ responses / requirements of safe distancing and potential advocations of working remotely and/or complete organization closures, please advise how the Government intends to address delays resulting there as it pertains to the current solicitation schedule for this and all future projects.

A: Adhere to solicitation and amendment(s). The facility follows CA COVID-19 guidelines.

Question 26 Q: Who is the DDC servicer at the VA Long Beach?

A: Johnson Controls

Question 27 Q: Is there any medical equipment that is expected to be removed and reinstall that would need to be recertified once that equipment is back on? MRI/ CT Scanners, Patient lifts, patient bed service walls?

A: Medical equipment is expected to be disconnected and reconnected, but is not expected to be removed and reinstalled. Temporary network connection loss is expected when EUD outlets are replaced; however, 3rd party recertification of medical equipment is not required. Biomed/End Users need to verify equipment performance once network connection is restored.

Question 28 Q: The documents mention 2 Increments or bid item and the allowance for 2.5% for additional cabling, is there a pricing sheet or breakdown required?

A: No pricing sheet or breakdown is required.

Question 29 Q: Is there a roofing manufacturer under warranty covering the existing roof where the new CU3 will need to be installed?

A: No.

Question 30 Q: Will the site visit, sign in sheet be available?

A: Site visit sign-in sheet will be attached with RFI responses.

Question 31 Q: What is the product/ manufacturer approved for Telephone Closet 313 vinyl tile?

A: See VA Long Beach Healthcare System Materials and Finishes Schedule, V1 Nov. 2020, Code SD1

Question 32 Q: Sheet T-001, Project Description #19: Indicates that “Cat 5e and greater” cables may be left in place. This conflicts with the general description of the project at the top of this section, which states that “all cables on these racks are to be replaced with Cat 6A cables and Cat 6A compliant RJ-45 jacks.” Please clarify whether any Cat 5e cables are to be left in place.

A: Duplicate question, see response to question 2.

Question 33 Q: Sheet T-001, Project Description #26: Is Contractor responsible for providing and installing copper patch cables or just providing them?

A: Duplicate question, see response to question 3.

Question 34 Q: 1.T-403, keynote #1, #2, #4, #6: Are the items addressed by these keynotes to remain in place?

A: Duplicate question, see response to Question 8.

Question 35 Q: 2.T-401, keynote #4: Is fiber TDU existing or new? If existing, is it to remain in place?

A: Duplicate question, see response to Question 9.

Question 36 Q: 8.T-401, keynote #8: Are existing 4” conduit sleeves that will be removed to be replaced by EZ-Path units?

A: Duplicate question, see response to Question 10.

Question 37 Q: 50.T-401, keynote #7: Are existing 4” conduit sleeves that will be removed to be replaced by EZ-Path units?

A: Duplicate question, see response to Question 11.

Question 38 Q: 126A.T-402A: Drawing indicates existing Cat 6 cable to be left in place – please verify that this is correct.

A: Duplicate question, see response to Question 12.

Question 39 Q: 126A.T-403A: Drawing indicates existing Cat 6 cable to be left in place – please verify that this is correct.

A: Duplicate question, see response to Question 13.

Question 40 Q: 165.T-401, keynote #4: Is fiber TDU existing or new? If existing, is it to remain in place?

A: Duplicate question, see response to Question 14.

Question 41 Q: 165.T-401A: Please confirm no new work to be performed in TR C135.

A: Duplicate question, see response to Question 15.

Question 42 Q: 165.T-402, keynote #4: Is fiber TDU existing or new? If existing, is it to remain in place?

A: Duplicate question, see response to Question 16.

Question 43 Q: 165.T-402A: Please confirm no new work to be performed in TR C211.

A: Duplicate question, see response to Question 17.

Question 44 Q: 166.T-401A: Please confirm no new work to be performed in TR F121.

A: Duplicate question, see response to Question 18.

Question 45 Q: 166.T-402A: Please confirm no new work to be performed in TR F208.

A: Duplicate question, see response to Question 19.

Question 46 Q: General: Shall Contractor reuse existing horizontal cable managers or provide new ones?

A: Duplicate question, see response to Question 20.

Question 47 Q: General: Please clarify circumstances under which Contractor is to provide/install new EZ-Path devices.

A: Duplicate question, see response to Question 21.

Question 48 Q: How much storage space will be made available at construction site?

a. Can we drop a Conex container onsite?

A: VA Facility Planning will attempt to accommodate one (1) 40 foot maximum container; however this cannot be confirmed at this time. VA Facility Planning will consider official requests for Contractor Laydown area after contract award, and following submission of Permit Request ES Form 600-138G-3 CLAR, in accordance with ES SOP 400.3.

Question 49 Q: Are accurate “as-builts” for the existing structured cabling systems impacted by this scope to apply to the cutover process available?

A: Rack elevations on the T-400 series drawings showing the existing condition are accurate. No other “as-builts” showing structured cabling pathways are available.

Question 50 Q: How many 24 and 48 port patch panels will the process indicated on Sheet G1003 note 9 of Phase 1.3. be required?

A: General Contractor means and methods.

Question 51 Q: The cutover process described on the plans indicates that it will be “done room by room and floor by floor in close coordination with OIT” How many VA OIT resources will be available to execute cutovers?

a. Will the cutovers typically be done during normal business hours or off hours?

b. How quickly can the contractor reasonably expect to move through the cutover process that requires OIT resources as critical path to complete the process?

A: 2-3 OIT resources will be made available based on work required. Anticipated total resources (OIT & Engineering) are indicated in the Time Table for Number of Crews and Escorts on Page 6 of the Construction Duration, Appendix H of the Basis of Design.

a. Per GI003 Construction Activity Hours, switchover must occur after hours.

b. OIT resources will be provided as needed, provided contractor includes timely and detailed requests for escort in accordance with the Construction Documents.

Question 52 Q: G1003 provides a table which provides percentages of Hard Lid Ceilings. Are Reflected Ceiling Plans available for all areas in the project scope?

A: Reflected ceiling plans (RCPs) are not available for all areas in the project scope. Bid shall be based on the information given in the Construction Documents. Available RCPs will be provided to the contractor after award upon establishment of project management portal that can facilitate the required file sharing.

Question 53 Q: Are stainless steel wall plates required for all data outlets in scope for this project? If not, please indicate areas where they are NOT required, and where typical plastic wall plates can be used.

A: Etched stainless steel face plate to meet copper cable manufacture’s requirements shall be provided, with four (4) data port holes, and two (2) rectangular identification IP address labels.

Question 54 Q: Is a Pan/Gen Cat6A cabling and connectivity solution either preferred, or required, for this project?

A: VA Long Beach Medical Center has standardized copper cabling utilizing Panduit/General Cable. Since existing network is Panduit/General, it is preferred, as long as it meets project requirements, including IT-SOP 07-013 Cable Installation, Labelling and Testing.

Question 55 Q: 1.E-131: Confirm that Keynote 2 should reference CU on 1st Floor, not 5th Floor.

A: Confirmed.

Question 56 Q: 1/150.E-101: Elec panel/closet to feed new TR circuits not shown.

A: New electrical circuit(s) in TR shall excluded from project.

Question 57 Q: 1/150.E-111: Elec panel/closet to feed new TR circuits not shown.

A: New electrical circuit(s) in TR shall excluded from project.

Question 58 Q: 3/150.E-401: New electrical outlets not referenced to panel-circuit number.

A: New electrical circuit(s) in TR shall excluded from project.

Question 59 Q: 6/150.E-401: New electrical outlets not referenced to panel-circuit number.

A: New electrical circuit(s) in TR shall excluded from project.

Question 60 Q: 3/150.E-402: New electrical outlets not referenced to panel-circuit number.

A: New electrical circuit(s) in TR shall excluded from project.

Question 61 Q: 1/164.E-111: Elec panel/closet (137 pr 192?) to feed new TR circuits not shown.

A: Connect new quad to existing circuit ECP2112-24 in the same TR 189.

Question 62 Q: 1/164.T-111: Confirm Exam Room 142 Bed #9 has three EUD locations similar to adjacent exam rooms.

A: Confirmed.

Question 63 Q: 2/164.E-401: New electrical outlets not referenced to panel-circuit number.

A: Connect new quad to existing circuit ECP2112-24 in the same TR 189.

Question 64 Q: 1/166.E-111 & 1/166.E-121: Elec panel on both floors has same ID, is this correct?

A: Yes. That is correct.

Question 65 Q: 2/166.E-401 & 4/166.E-401: Elec panel on both floors has same ID, is this correct?

A: Yes. That is correct.

Question 66 Q: E-601 thru E-607: Elec single line diagrams do not show B161, B164, or B166; however, these buildings do have electrical work connecting to existing panels.

A: Record drawings of existing single-line drawings provided with response. The contractor shall include tracing of panels to source to facilitate the project scope of work where information is unavailable or incomplete.

Question 67 Q: 126.T-171: Main bundle from IDF 727 branches north and south, then west to SPS; within SPS the copper pathways appear to reconnect from the north and south, clarify intent.

A: Pathway should be discontinuous outside Room 718A, separated to North and South.

Question 68 Q: Telecom drawings do not show any copper pathways to biomed closets, e.g. 326A, 416, W520B, 813B, E1013B

A: Pathway shall be same as non-biomed cable pathways. A different color cable is specified for biomed.

Question 69 Q: Please confirm the new fiber installed must be Sumitomo.

A: Confirmed.

Question 70 Q: Do conduit pathways exist between buildings?

A: Fiber backbone tube cells exist between building. Pathways for copper for between buildings exist where Telecom Room (TR) serves multiple buildings; most copper pathways are open air, except where penetrating fire rated enclosures or smoke barriers. New pathways required as shown on drawings.

Question 71 Q: Please confirm HCI is the security and fire alarm contractor for VA Long Beach.

A: See response to question 24.

Question 72 Q: On page 232 of the specs: New 48 strand single mode air blown fiber to be installed between MDF Room W50 to Server Room E221 in existing Tube Cell. The new fiber will be as manufactured by Sumitomo. Can we use an equivalent such as AFL or Corning instead of Sumitomo?

A: New fiber must be Sumitomo Air Blown Fiber and Tube Cell System