Amendment 0002 Attachment 1 RFI Questions and Answers.pdf

RFI Questions & Answers

Project Name: 664‐20‐501 EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades

Solicitation Number: 36C26221B0010

Question 1

Question (Q): Division 27, Raceways and Boxes for Communications Systems, Section 27 05 33, Part 3.1‐A (p 27 05 33 – 6) indicates Communications Structured Cabling indicates Conduit to Cable Tray pathways. Section 27 15 00 Part 2.3 5.a.1 and 5.b.1 (p 27 15 00 – 12) indicates conduit raceway requirement for OM4 and OS2 fiber.

Please clarify what type of pathway is required for the Category 6A and ## fiber links.

A: Existing data drops to be upgraded will use existing conduit. New cable tray will be provided as shown on the plans. New data outlets (located in telecom rooms) will require conduit to tray/ladder rack as per the specs.

OM4/OS2 is required to be in inner duct throughout the building and in the tunnel. Underground / exterior fiber feeds will use existing infrastructure.

Question 2

Q: Section 27 15 00, Part 2.1‐I indicates a stainless‐steel faceplate requirement. Please clarify if this is for ALL faceplates or specifically which systems.

A: Stainless steel faceplates are not required. Requested white, four gang, flush mount vertical classic series faceplate (model is Panduit CFPL4WHY). (Faceplate model shown on sheet T‐

00.50 shall be used in all locations).

Question 3

Q: Verify that the Owner will be responsible for removing ALL equipment, unbolted furniture, personal effects, etc from the affected areas prior to construction.

A: The scope of this project requires work in several buildings in the facility, and is expected the contractor to work around occupied spaces, and prepare workplans and schedule in coordination with COR to maintain a minimal impact in Services operations, please refer to Section B.5 of the scope of work.

Question 4

Q: Has the facilities ICRA team assigned classifications to the affected and adjacent spaces to set the level of ICRA measures to be put in place by the general contractor?

A: PRELIMINARY ICRA ASSESSMENT CAN BE FOUND ON SHEETS GI‐00.04 ‐ GI‐00.07 AND IN SPEC SECTION 01 35 26

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS. OWNER TO VERIFY FINAL ICRA PERMIT

(See Specs, 02 82 15/ 1.5 13)

Question 5

Q: Specification section 01 45 00.00 10, 3.4.3 states:

In addition to CQC personnel specified elsewhere in the contract, provide as part of the CQC organization specialized personnel to assist the CQC System Manager for the following areas: electrical, mechanical, structural, environmental, architectural, materials technician, Cx Agent/LEED Specialist. These individuals or specialized technical companies are employees of the prime or subcontractor; be responsible to the CQC System Manager; be physically present at the construction site during work on the specialized personnel's areas of responsibility; have the necessary education or experience in accordance with the experience matrix listed herein.

Is it the intent of the Government for us to budget these personnel to be on‐site during the entire duration of work in each specialty area in addition to the full time QC manager? Consequently, adding $millions to the cost of general conditions over the duration of this project.

A: The contractor will be required to have an experienced CQC System Manager who can provide Quality Control for all trades be on site. Other specialized personnel for each trade is not required to be on‐site.

Question 6

Q: Specification section 01 45 00.00 10, 3.4.2 states:

The CQC System Manager is required to be a graduate engineer, graduate architect, or a graduate of construction management, with a minimum of 10 years construction experience on construction similar to this Contract.

Does this statement require simply a bachelor's degree or a graduate degree such as a master's or a PhD?

A: The requirement is a 4‐Year degree and 10 years construction experience.

Question 7

Q: B/AE‐01.71 indicates that the existing guardrail and plexiglass is to be demolished (typical). 7/AE‐01.81 shows 4 panes of plexiglass in dark lines (typical), which would indicate new construction; however, there is no keynote indicating that there is to be new plexiglass in this location. Confirm if there is to be new plexiglass (typical) in these locations.

A: B/AE‐01.71 THE WORD TYPICAL IS NOT USED. 7/AE‐01.81 THE WORD TYPICAL IS NOT USED. REFER TO SHEET

AE‐00.00 FOR LINETYPE INFORMATION

Question 8

Q: Sheet AE‐01.87 has a keynote 115A with no description. Provide description and indicate locations.

A: KEYNOTE 115A IS NOT USED

Question 9

Q: Sheet AE‐01.87, keynote 114 indicates a new fall protection system to be compliant and match existing fall protection systems. No spec is provided for this system. Provide missing spec for fall protection system.

A: No spec for Fall Protection. Follow OSHA 29CFR1926.501 under Subpart M: Duty to have fall protection.

Question 10

Q: Spec section 09 06 00 Part 2, Para 2.1 is titled "Digital Color Photos" discusses photos sized 24 x 35 mm and labelled for 1. building name and number and 2. room name and number. Provide further detail as to what this section is referring to.

A: REFER TO SPEC SECTION 01 00 00 PARAGRAPH 1.31 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Question 11

Q: Spec section 09 06 00 Part 2.5.E ‐ both items state "match existing". Provide detail of what the existing condition is.

A: Those items referred in section 09 06 00 Part 2.5.E were shown during the site visit, for more information please refer to Section B.5 of the scope of work.

Question 12

Q: Finish legends on AE‐00.61‐AE‐00.64 show SVT Solid Vinyl Tile as a Stonhard Stonkote. Stonhard is an epoxy product and not a solid vinyl tile. Spec 09 06 00 shows a resilient tile as MSF‐1 and a Tarkett product. Please clarify if SVT on the finish schedule should be MSF‐1.

A: SVT flooring to be Tarkett iQ Granit SD, Granit Raw Ivory 0719.

Question 13

Q: Finish schedule AE‐00.63 shows room 2A140 to receive SVT. Finish floor plan on the same page shows this room as existing. Please clarify.

A: EXISTING ROOM TO BE FINISHED WITH SVT, PER SCHEDULE.

Question 14

Q: Finish schedule AE‐00.63 shows room 101 Mechanical to receive SVT. This room is not shown on the finish floor plan but room 102 is shown instead and is existing. Please clarify.

A: EXISTING ROOM (101) TO BE FINISHED WITH SVT, PER SCHEDULE.

Question 15

Q: Is there a requirement for Asbestos PPE & Respirators to work in any of the interstitial spaces?

A: Yes, for Building 1, in accordance with OHSA Asbestos requirements. REFER TO SPEC SECTION 02 82 11

PARAGRAPH 1.7 ABATEMENT PROCEDURES

Question 16

Q: There are references to Access Control System (ACS) equipment on the drawings, but there has not been a specification section provided in the contract documents. Please confirm if ACS is to be included in the contract, and if so, provide a specification section for this scope.

A: Access Control Systems are part of this contract. A specification will be provided.

Question 17

Q: Specification section 28 23 00 states that digital based video management system (VMS) shall be coordinated with COR and shall be compatible with existing system. Provide manufacturer and model number of existing

VMS/NVR.

A: See Telecom drawings.

Existing video management system for Police Service is Avigilon, although manufacturers and part numbers specified are preferred. If other “or equal” substitutes are proposed them must be fully integrable with existing security systems

Question 18

Q: Please confirm if CCTV camera cabling is to be included and provided by 28 23 00 installation contractor, or if this cabling is to be provided under specification section 27 15 00.

A: CCTV cables shall be provided by division 28 installer.

Question 19

Q: Sheet T‐01.12, General Note #3 states “…Exceptions include WAPS and Biomed data outlets which are NIC.”

Please confirm that all Guest WAP and Biomed data outlet cabling are not included in this project. Please clarify why this key note is used on sheet 1.T‐111 but not on any of the other floor plan sheets.

A: Biomed data outlets and Guest Wifi outlets are not in this scope. This comment is shown as a general note on all the non‐demo floor plans for all buildings. Note also that some of these systems are physically located on racks that will be replaced. Therefore, coordination with Owner COR for these system interruptions is required.

Question 20

Q: Sheet T‐00.63, Detail A, Note # 3 states “Integration of the new cameras to the existing system including the NVR shall be provided by others.” Please confirm that all necessary integration, programming and licenses are to be provided by others and is not included in this project.

A: Licences shall be provided under this contract. All necessary integration, and programming are provided by others and not included in this project.

Question 21

Q: Specification section 28 16 00 Intrusion Detection System, on page 11 under subsection 2.5 Equipment Items, A.3, states “Ensure that IDS is fully integrated with other security subsystems as required to include, but not limited to, the CCTV, PACS, EPPS and Physical Access Control System and Database Management.” To ensure proper compatibility between all the system identified, please provide required manufacturers for each system/subsystem.

A: CCTV: Avigilon, PACS: AGFA Enterprise, Physical Access Control: Hirsch Velocity

Question 22

Q: Please confirm there is no specified manufacturers or VA SD required manufacturers as applicable to the copper and fiber optic cabling.

A: VA specific manufacturers for cables and devices are located on sheet T‐ 00.50. No specific brand of copper or fiber cable is required.

Question 23

Q: How is the VA going to accommodate the current price escalation being experienced in the marketplace with regards to commodities such as wood, steel, plastics, etc?

A: This procurement is “Firm‐Fixed‐Price” and is not subject to any adjustment on the basis of the contractor’s cost experience in performing the contract.

Question 24

Q: How is the VA going to accommodate the current extended lead times and material manufacturing and delivery delays that are occurring in the construction industry?

A: Extended lead times, material manufacturing, and delivery delays will be evaluated on a case‐by‐case basis if any arise during the project.

Question 25

Q: Has a Limited Source Justification (FAR 6.302‐1(c), 6.303) been prepared for any materials identified under this solicitation? If so, identify which systems to which they apply and provide all related documentation, including any required Approval (FAR 6.304) or Certification (FAR 6.303(b)(12)).

A: No, manufacturers and part numbers specified are preferred. If other “or equal” substitutes are proposed they must be fully integrable with existing systems.

Question 26

Q: Please confirm that the Government will allow proposers a minimum of seven (7) days to respond to the RFP starting from the date that the Government responds to 100% of the RFIs received.

A: Yes.

Question 27

Q: Will subcontractor require to have asbestos certification to work on site? If so, what level asbestos certification is required?

A: Yes, asbestos certification in accordance with OHSA and County of San Diego APCD requirements.

(CP 02 82 11‐12 / 1.5.2 / 1.5.9)

Question 28

Q: Confirm whether existing conduits has enough space to pull all necessary backbone fiber throughout the campus? Or does the campus have spare conduits?

A: Based on field survey and as‐builts, it is believed that the existing infrastructure has spare space for pulling.

However, this must be field verified prior to construction by the Contractor.

Question 29

Q: Will VA provide current As‐builts telecommunication plans to verify data drops on site?

A: The project AE performed existing conditions assessment/survey before designing, and this information was incorporated in project drawings, Specs, and used for design decisions. VA will provide existing As‐builts plans as necessary once project is awarded, however existing conditions must be field verified prior to construction, and bring up any discrepancy in a timely manner to the COR. Please refer to Section B.5 of the scope of work.

Question 30

Q: T‐00.00, In general note section #20 states where the term “data drop” is used throughout this package, this term is inclusive of data and phone connections. However, T.00.52 Drawing 2 (Telecom Outlet Detail) shows three cable on a four port faceplate. Confirm data drop consist of 1 cable or 2 cables or 3 cables.

A: There are data drops for several systems. Wifi, cameras, outlets in the wall. Outlets in the wall are considered to have three cat6A cable pulled to them (Three cables (gray, blue, white) on a four gang faceplate). The other systems consider one cat6A.

Question 31

Q: T‐01.10, Horizontal Distribution Demolition Chart where it states quantity of new data jacks (end user location), confirm how much of the data jacks will be CAT 6 jacks and CAT 6A jacks. This applies to all plans throughout the plan set.

A: All data jacks in this scope are to be upgraded to cat6A type. CAT6 cable is acceptable to stay in place, but jacks are to be upgraded. The table reflects 100% cat6A data jacks.

Question 32

Q: T11.10 , confirm whether BB102 area will need work done.

A: Work is required in this area. Tables and plans will be updated, (Fiber rack will be installed and all fiber terminated in BB102).

Question 33

Q: T11.12, confirm whether 1I area will need work done.

A: yes, the work required in this area (the tables) are shown on T‐11.13 due to the telecom room being located in the interstitial of Bldg. 11.

Question 34

Q: Would VA accept Hubbell as an equal for fiber, copper, and telecommunication equipment?

A: There are no brand name requirements as long as the technical specifications are met.

Question 35

Q: Can the prime contractor’s SSHO also be the project superintendent?

A: No

Question 36

Q: Can the prime contractor’s super also be the QCM?

A: No

Question 37

Q: Specification 01 45 35 Special Inspections Paragraph 1.1 C refers you to Drawing SE 00.00 which states “Special Inspectors shall be employed by the Owner”. Please confirm VA is retaining the special inspector.

A: Note in drawing SE 00.00 stating: “Special Inspectors shall be employed by the Owner” is wrong, “Special Inspector (SI) – “, Shall be, “a qualified person retained by the contractor and approved by the Contracting Officer as having the competence necessary to inspect a particular type of construction requiring Special Inspections. The SI must be an independent third party hired directly by the Prime Contractor”. (spec section 01 45 35‐2 1.4 E)

Question 38

Q: The plumbing sheets call for new condensate line to existing sinks which would require the walls to be opened, patched, painted. The sinks or any cabinets are not shown on the architectural floor plans or elevations to indicate this work is needed for the finishes. Please clarify scope for the architectural drawings.

A: PATCH AND REPAIR AS NEEDED TO MATCH EXISTING.

Question 39

Q: Drawing sheet T‐00.50, Telecommunications and Security Equipment table: Are the manufacturers and part numbers specified in this table required for use or are “or equal” substitutions permissible?

A: Manufacturers and part numbers specified are preferred. If other “or equal” substitutes are proposed them must be fully integrable with existing security systems.

Question 40

Q: Drawing sheet T‐00.50, General Notes: What are preferred lengths for Cat 6A patch cables?

A: Sufficient to make cross connect with no more than 1’ of slack

Question 41

Q: Who is responsible for patching switches to new cabling, Contractor or VA?

A: Contractor

Question 42

Q: Detail drawing #5 on drawing sheet T‐00.52 appears to show the 72‐strand and 96‐strand FOCs (detail notes #2 and #3) misrouted. Please confirm correct cable routing between fiber patch panels.

A: This diagrammatic detail will be updated to show 72 strand FOC connected to the 72 strand fiber patch panel.

This detail is not intended to show specific connections between buildings. Refer to the plan sheets and risers for this information. As the note on the detail indicates, the intent is to show general connections.

Question 43

Q: For any given floor in Bldg. 1, what is the reasoning behind displaying some of the demo quantities on the main floor plan and some of the demo quantities on the interstitial floor plan?

a. i.e., some demo quantities for TRs 1NW/1NE/1SW/1SE are shown on sheet TD‐01.12 and some are shown on sheet TD‐01.13.

A: The demo work related to items in the telecom rooms/areas are shown on the level that those rooms are on. If patch cable and horizontal cable are established/located in the interstitial, the tables are shown on the interstitial plans. The jacks and faceplates are on the 1st floor, so those tables reflect quantities on that floor. This was done especially for building 1 due to the asbestos in the interstitial to help determine the time needed in a hazardous location.

Question 44

Q: Do the cable/data jack/faceplate counts in the “new work” tables on sheets T‐xx.xx reflect the additional 15% requirement?

A: No, 15% spare capacity is reflected on the rack layout sheets. The spare capacity is implemented in the quantity of patch panels.

Question 45

Q: Is this project sales tax exempt?

A: No.

Question 46

Q: Will the site visit, Sign in sheet be released?

A: Site Visit Sign‐In Sheet was posted to Beta.Sam website on 7/19/21 for this project as an attachment to Solicitation Amendment 0001 of Solicitation 36C26221B0010.

Question 47

Q: Plans says those are provided by others, but we do have the Signage 10140 Spec. Is signage under this contract? If so, what is the, what are the dimensions to get those priced out?

A: SPECS INCLUDED FOR QUALITY INFORMATION ONLY. SIGNAGE PRODUCT AND INSTALLATION IS UNDER THIS CONTRACT. DESIGN STANDARDS PROVIDED BY OWNER. PREFERRED SIGNAGE SUBCONTRACTOR IS NATIONAL

VISUAL SYSTEMS.

Question 48

Q: Will there be any additional Abatement testing that are expected to be done to confirm any material in question?

A: No, it is mandatory to the contractor to confirm that there are no hazardous materials in question. Refer to Spec section 08 82 11.

Question 49

Q: Do vendors have to be GSA approved to bid on this project, specifically for the asbestos/lead testing?

A: To Bid on this project, 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 per VAAR 852.219‐10. There is no GSA approval required. (See Question 15)

Question 50

Q: Are those roofs that will be affected by the new Mech equipment or the addition of the IT tower, under warranty? Who is the manufacturer for those that will be affected?

A: Roof is under warranty; the manufacturer is Johns Manville (JM)

(END OF RFI QUESTIONS)