S02 CSS QnA 36C26226Q0417_4.docx

36C26226Q0417_4

ATTACHMENT 1: QUESTIONS & ANSWERS (Q&A)

1. Do you have any floor plans, or as-builts for this project? If so, could you send them to me?

Yes. The as-builts are attached to the solicitation as “PT-1-Layout1, PT-2-Layout1, PT-3-Layout1, and PT-4-Layout1”.

2. To support accurate pricing and ensure bidders correctly account for required construction activities, station hardware replacement, and workstation panel upgrades, can the VA provide current as-built drawings, system architecture diagrams, and station level measurements (including station dimensions, wall/ceiling construction details, and mounting configurations)? This information is especially important given the SOW requirements to replace 23 WS1 front panels, perform re-piping in the mechanical room, and complete fire rated wall penetrations.

The Pictures below show what hardware circuit cards will be changed out at each for this contract. The re-piping of the Tube System shall take place in the Blower room. All rubber boots, circuit cards, and sensors in the Diverter shall be changeout. All sensors throughout the tube system shall be changed out. The existing infrastructure shall not be changed, only in the blower room shall the infrastructure be changed by merging all three zones together.

Picture #1 The number pad and LED screen is 23WS1 (Tube System Station)

Picture #2 This is the Control Board for 23 WS1 (Tube System Station)

Picture #3 Air valve and piston (Tube System Station)

Picture #4 photo eye changeout. (Tube System Station)

3. Although the SOW states no contractor IT devices will connect to VA networks, the upgrade requires a Windows based control PC, SQL database, and remote diagnostic capabilities. The SOW also mandates installation of “AL 5000 system software” on the new Windows based computer. Can the VA confirm whether alternative, more modern, HITRUST certified software platforms may be proposed if they exceed all performance and VA Master Specification requirements? Additionally, whether any RMF/ATO review or cybersecurity documentation may ultimately be required for this system?

VA Loma Linda tube system is a closed network. The computer system is only used for tracking carriers and sending carriers. This system has nothing to do with medical information. This is only a transport system from one station to another. This system is not connected to the VA network.

4. Can the VA confirm whether all proposed software and system components must be listed as approved or pending approval in the VA Technical Reference Model (TRM)? If so, will bidders be required to demonstrate TRM compliance at the time of proposal submission, given that the SOW requires Windows based software, SQL database functionality, network ready/RFID ready hardware, and user authentication features?

VA Loma Linda Tube system is not part of the IT network. This tube system is a closed network.

5. Although this solicitation is issued open market, will the VA give consideration or evaluation credit to vendors already on a GSA Schedule for pneumatic tube system upgrades and services, since pricing, terms, and compliance are already pre negotiated and reduce procurement risk for the Government?

Contractors with current Schedules may participate and provide quotes off of their schedule.

6. The SOW claims upgraded systems will reduce downtime to “.001%” and cut transaction times by “20–30 seconds.” Can VA provide the current, measured performance baseline so bidders can verify that proposed solutions deliver measurable improvement?

For any system performance times Air link has the information any contractor needs.

7. The SOW requires re piping of system infrastructure in the mechanical room, fire rated wall penetrations (Section 07 84 00 – Firestopping), installation of UL approved fireproof material, and replacement of electronics and hardware at 23 stations. These activities typically require licensed trades such as mechanical, electrical, and drywall/partition workers. Can the VA confirm whether this project is intended to include construction related scope and whether Davis Bacon or other construction labor standards apply?

All contractors should be following all City, State, and Federal regulations.

8. The SOW specifies that the upgraded pneumatic tube system must support enhanced tracking functions such as carrier inventories for each station, empty carrier requests, SQL based transaction logging, and multiple user rights management. These elements appear to relate directly to chain of custody functionality for medication, laboratory specimens, and other critical payloads. Can the VA confirm whether chain of custody capabilities, such as RFID based carrier tracking, badge validated user authentication, and auditable handoff records are required as part of this upgrade, or if these capabilities are considered part of future phases?

Considered part of future phases.

9. Is the “Attached schedule” a sperate document or is it Page 1 of the Word Document?

The “Attached Schedule” is on page 1 of the word document listed under “Supplies/Services”.

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