Tech Questions Tracker - Fort Harrison - Responses 1-10-23.pdf

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND SOLICITATION #: 36C77623B0001

RESPONSES TRACKING SHEET PROJECT TITLE: Fort Harrison EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades Construction Project

# RECEIVED

DATE

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

1 11/30/22 01/10/23 Can you please confirm the contractor will be hiring a Commissioning Agent (CxA) for commissioning services for this project?

Confirmed. The contractor shall hire an individual, company, or firm to act as the Commissioning Agent as required by Specification Section 01 91 00.

2 12/06/22 01/10/23 The telecom equipment schedule doesn't have horizontal cabling called out for building 170 but it does show cabling on the prints. Which is accurate?

The drawings for new work show the actual quantity of data required.

3 12/06/22 01/10/23 The telecom equipment schedule doesn't call out building 171 at all but the local building prints show new network cables. Please provide the required cable counts and fiber type and strand count.

Telecommunications cabling is routed back to Building 154 per drawing notes.

4 12/06/22 01/10/23 There are discrepancies between the cabling counts shown on print and the cabling called out in the telecom equipment schedule. Which is accurate and should be bid on?

Specifically if you could clarify comm room A148 rack 2 and the cable counts to that room. The schedule calls for 960 cables, the patch panel schedule calls for 384 and I have counted on the prints 336 cables. That’s a big difference in cable counts.

See answer to question #3.

960 indicated in the schedule is a typo. Should read 96.

336 is the correct number of cables. The additional patch panel is for future provision.

5 12/13/22 01/10/23 Please share us the Planholder List/Bidders List. We do not have a bidders list. This solicitation is open to all SDVOSB GCs under NAICS 236220. The sign-in sheet from the 11/30 site visit was posted to SAM.gov in an amendment on 12/1 and the sign-in sheet from the 12/12 site visit was posted on 12/27.

6 12/20/22 01/10/23 Will conduit in the walls need to be replaced to accommodate Cat6A?

Conduit in the walls is not required to be replaced in locations that the existing box and conduit are no longer used.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

7 12/20/22 01/10/23 Coming out of the sleeves into the hallways and office spaces, what is being used for cable management in the pathways? Cable tray?

It is the intent for the contractor to provide J-Hooks for cable pathways and field locate routing.

8 12/20/22 01/10/23 Should we bid a backboard for the fiber housing in unnamed building across from firehall

There shall be a backboard installed for mounting of new enclosure in RM 108.

9 12/20/22 01/10/23 Will the existing fiber in the fire hall be long enough to reach the new IDF

There shall only be A-side fiber taken to the Fire Hall as shown on Fiber Riser Diagram on sheet TK-033. Existing fiber is not to be re-used and shall be demolished after cutover to new fiber.

10 12/20/22 01/10/23 Pathway for the cables in the boiler room need to be identified considering space limitations

Contractor shall field verify routing and coordinate with VA COR and A/E for confirmation during construction.

11 12/20/22 01/10/23 Please confirm required OSHA certification and any special safety equipment for the crawlspace from boiler room to Madison Clinic

The contractor shall provide an OSHA “Competent Person” (CP). One who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings and working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous or dangerous to employees, and who has the authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them (see 29 CFR 1926.32(f)). For this situation, the Competent person shall identify the hazards associated with working in the crawlspace. All confined space entry shall comply with 29

CFR 1926.

12 12/20/22 01/10/23 Please identify the pathway and access over the hard deck areas in the behavioral health building.

Contractor to field verify routing and access in the field.

Provide conduit sleeves through hard lid areas to accessible ceiling spaces and/or access hatches as required for installation of required sleeving.

13 12/20/22 01/10/23 Drawing TK-033 Fiber Riser Drawing has SM OS1 SM fiber to TRs, or are we allowed to substitute the OS1 with OS2 SM fiber and eliminate all OS1 fiber.

It is acceptable to substitute OS2 SM fiber for the OS1 SM fiber.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

14 12/20/22 01/10/23 During the site visit the VA mentioned there is a break in the fiber line underground, but unsure of where it is located. Will we be responsible for repairing this break? If so, how do you want it estimated to fix it?

Prior to reuse of any existing duct banks, the construction contractor must visually scope the duct bank conduit prior to pulling new fiber optic cabling. If a broken duct bank conduit is discovered, notify the COR and Contracting Officer.

15 12/20/22 01/10/23 Will the VA be supplying the new switches for the Racks? This is not anticipated. The contractor will assist the VA with relocation of existing switches to new locations during cutover.

16 12/20/22 01/10/23 Have there been any temperature or humidity control issues in the server rooms or TRs? If so, to what extent?

Some of the TRs have been intermittently noncompliant with the HVAC standards for OIT spaces in the past.

17 12/20/22 01/10/23 Can the VA please provide ICRA assessment level and class for each impacted area on this project?

The table in SECTION 01 35 26 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS, 1.12 INFECTION CONTROL, Section K provides this information.

18 12/20/22 01/10/23 Please advise if new plenum grade cabling can be run exposed in the ceiling or wall cavities in lieu of full conduits systems.

Plenum rated copper cabling may be run exposed in all accessible ceiling spaces and run open in walls as necessary. Copper cabling through hard lid areas must be run in conduit within non-accessible ceilings. Fiber optic cabling shall be routed in innerduct within accessible/open ceiling areas but must be routed through conduit within inaccessible ceiling spaces.

19 12/20/22 01/10/23 Will Liebert Verfiv UPS's be acceptable to the VA? Liebert Vertiv UPSs is an acceptable product. Equipment will be evaluated for "as equal" during the submittal process.

20 12/20/22 01/10/23 For the building electrical load calculations page EK-004 through EK-014: Was each existing load center / panel subject to the standard 30 day load test, or calculated from size and number of breakers in each load center / panel?

Sizing is based on existing information and field observations.

21 12/20/22 01/10/23 If there was load center testing completed is a copy of that report available?

No report available.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

22 12/20/22 01/10/23 Can the VA please share its current, Fire Suppression contractors for the site?

IT&M Division, Inc. of Helena MT.

SprinkMT of Helena MT.

23 12/20/22 01/10/23 Can the VA please share its current, access control contractors / integrator for the site?

Access Control Contractor

FICO

Dan Morris, EIT | Project Manager Facility Improvement Corp. (FICO) Office: (406)-452-0009 Cell: (406)-750-3033

VA HVAC Controls Tally Armstrong HVAC Mechanic 406-447-7403

Physical Access Controls | Intrusion Detection | Security Cameras Charles (Marcus) White Security Officer/Chief 406-447-7660 Or Dale Wagner Deputy Chief of Police 406-447-7661 Or Dayne Roberts Physical Security Specialist 406-447-7586

24 12/20/22 01/10/23 Where new "Proximity Card Reader's" are shown, is GC to provide the actual PIV readers for Access control, or just the conduit to their new locations?

General Contractor’s sub-contractor is to supply all new access control hardware as shown in plans and specifications.

25 12/20/22 01/10/23 On Page EK-001, are the J boxes shown above the racks for the 208V, 20A 3 Phase with L21-20R locking receptacle mounted on the racks or on the wall?

The L21-20R receptacles can be mounted on the wall for single rack system. Do not mount directly on rack.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

26 12/20/22 01/10/23 On Page EK-001, are the 208V, 20A 3 Phase needed 2 per rack or 2 per Elevation? If its only 2 per elevation, then rooms with 3 racks would need at least 1 more receptacle top plug the UPS's into.

When there are 3 racks, there are (2) 60A hard wired connections that connected to a Zone PDU. Refer to detail 4 on Sheet EK-001.

27 12/20/22 01/10/23 In the scope of work document it mentions asbestos and lead abatement, but don’t see any hazardous material reports.

Can the VA please share the report used for this solicit?

The document “Att 5 - Fort Harrison EHRM - Specification Appendix A” that was posted with the solicitation is the Hazardous Material Survey.

28 12/20/22 01/10/23 In the scope of work document it mentions Fire Alarm upgrades, Intrusion Detection and Cameras, but don’t find any specs or Drawings from Division 28. Can the VA provide the DIV 28 specs / dwgs?

All new Fire Alarm devices, Intrusion Detection, and Camera Systems shall integrate with the existing systems.

Contractor to submit product data for review.

29 12/20/22 01/10/23 In scope of work document it mentions upgrading (BAS) equipment. Can the VA please share current BAS contractor / vendor for the site?

FICO is the vendor, Schneider Electric is the BAS supplier.

30 12/20/22 01/10/23 Sheet 00-GI-000.1, General Note #35 refers to a “Contractor Background Investigations Request” Form necessary to complete PIV Badging Requirements.

a. Please provide a copy of the Contractor Background

Investigations Request Form.

b. What will be the duration for the required “Training and

Certification” be, to allow un-escorted access to IT Closets?

c. Will there be any costs associated with the background investigation?

d. Will the VA train and certify subcontractors for PIV Badging?

Site superintendents will be expected to go through the PIV Badging process. Typical laborers (sub-contractors) are not expected to undergo this process.

a. All associated paperwork will be provided at the time of award.

b. There is no training associated. The application consists of approximately 4 documents.

c. No.

d. No. Only the prime contractor will be eligible for PIV badging.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

31 12/20/22 01/10/23 KN #13-06 on the demolition plans specifies the construction of the ICRA barriers to be “6mm Plastic Barrier Sealed Top, Bottom, And Sides”.

a. Please confirm the VA will approve 6mm Plastic ICRA

Barriers at the locations specified on the drawings.

b. Please confirm these ICRA Barriers will require a

“Vestibule Area” at each location.

c. Please confirm these ICRA Barriers will be able to remain in place for the duration of required construction.

a. Plastic critical barriers are acceptable at all locations, as long as they are effectively affixed to the ground and ceiling and secure from movement or damage.

Sheet plastic shall be Fire retardant polystyrene, 6-mil thickness.

b. As required by Specification Section 01 35 26, a vestibule is only required when working in areas designated as Class IV & V. For these spaces, provide an anteroom or double entrance openings that allow workers to remove protective clothing or vacuum off existing clothing in these areas. Construct the anteroom and require all personnel to pass through this room so they can be vacuumed using a HEPA vacuum cleaner before leaving work site or they can wear cloth or paper coveralls that are removed each time they leave work site. Negative airflow pattern must be maintained from the entry point to the anteroom and into the construction area. The airflow must cascade from outside to inside the construction area. The entire construction area must remain negatively pressurized.

c. Critical barriers must remain in place during all work involving drywall removal, creation of dust and activities beyond simple touch-up work. The barrier may not be removed until a work area cleaning has been performed. When work is started in an area, the contractor is expected to continue working diligently until that area's completion. If there will be extended periods of non-productivity in an area, the VA may request the contractor remove the critical barrier and reinstall prior to restarting construction activities.

32 12/20/22 01/10/23 Sheet CJ-00001 includes a Detail for “Outdoor Concrete Housekeeping Pad”. Please provide locations this pad detail is required.

Pad is located at Building 20. Refer to Sheets 20-MH-011 and 20-AE-201 for location of housekeeping pad.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

33 12/20/22 01/10/23 Sheet 154-AD-300 has a sheet note that states “Area Of Exterior Excavation Adjacent To New MCR, See Civil Drawings…” No work is indicated in this area on the Civil Drawings or Architectural Details.

a. Please provide updated Civil Drawings that specify

“Exterior Excavation” required.

b. Please provide “Architectural Details” of all required work adjacent to new MCR.

c. Please provide specifications for any required

“Waterproofing System”.

Exterior excavation of the MCR was descoped from the project. Therefore, the architectural note regarding excavation and waterproofing is no longer relevant.

34 12/20/22 01/10/23 Sheet 20-AE-201, Key Notes 03-01 specifies “New Housekeeping Pad, Coordinate with Mechanical drawings for Size and Civil Drawings for Details.

a. Should this “New Housekeeping Pad” be constructed as shown on Sheet CJ-00001, “Outdoor Concrete Housekeeping Pad Detail”?

b. Mechanical Sheet 20-MH-011 does not specify a “Pad Size”, please provide the required “Pad Size” for 20-

CUAC-1.

Pad is located at Building 20. Refer to Sheets 20-MH-011 and 20-AE-201 for location of housekeeping pad.

a. The detail provided on sheet CJ-00001 should be followed when constructing the housekeeping pad.

b. Pad size is 52x30x6".

35 12/20/22 01/10/23 Sheet 154-AD-201, Detail 4 does not have a Key Note at the corridor wall opening shown. Is this opening a new door or an infill of an existing door?

Storage 102H existing door 154-102H.0 is to remain in place as shown in Detail 5/A154-AE-301 and Door Schedule. Hardware Schedule 15 for this door indicates replacement of lockset only.

36 12/20/22 01/10/23 Sheet 154-AD-201, Detail 3 appears to show demolition of the door into TR 109, however no Key Note is present specifying door demolition. Please provide a Key Note specifying the required work at this location.

Dashed line on door indicates this door is to be removed.

Key Note 02-03 applies to door. Replacement of door is indicated in detail 1/154-AE-301, Door Schedule, and Hardware Schedule.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

37 12/20/22 01/10/23 Sheet 154-AD-202, Storage #218B is in the OR Suite. Will construction workers be required to “Gown-Up” while working in this area?

As identified in Keynote 13-06 on Sheet 154-AD-202, The OR space, including Storage Room #218, is designated as ICRA CLASS V and subject to all applicable requirements of Specification Section 01 35 26. Personnel will be required to wear coveralls at all times during Class V work activities. Coveralls must be removed before leaving the anteroom.

38 12/20/22 01/10/23 Sheet 00-GI-002, Reflected Ceiling Plan Notes #3 Refers to the “Finish Schedule”. No Finish Schedule was provided with the Contract Documents. Please provide a complete Finish Schedule.

Finish Schedule is not provided as part of these documents. Finishes or direction of Finish concepts are indicated in specification of respective materials.

Contractor's responsibility is to provide compatible finishes as per Owner's and Architect's approval for final selection of Finishes.

39 12/20/22 01/10/23 Sheet 154-AE-303, KN #09-29 Install New Flooring To Match Existing Similar Use Room. Please provide/specify the “Match Existing Similar Use Room” flooring desired.

Selected contractor will need to submit a similar flooring for approval compatible to flooring installed in other rooms of same use.

40 12/20/22 01/10/23 Specification Section 10 14 00 Signage is included in the Specifications. Please provide a sign design and locations signs are desired.

Signage design is shown in Specification Section 10 14 00, Signage. Location of new signage is to occur at all doors receiving new materials or change of use of space.

Impacted rooms shown in plans.

41 12/20/22 01/10/23 Sheet 141-TD-0B1, General Note I, and Sheet Note 3 require us to demo existing telecom devices/cabling.

a. Does all of the existing 25 Pair telephone cabling need to be demolished?

b. If so, what will replace it, and how many pairs will be needed for POTS lines, and utility functions.

c. What would the new 25 pair be terminated to, 66 blocks, 110 blocks?

a. Existing telephone cabling shall be demolished only in areas where new is being provided as shown on sheet

TK-034.

b. See sheet TK-034.

c. New will be landed on patch panels.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

42 12/20/22 01/10/23 Sheet 141-TD-0B1, Sheet Note 1 states “leave other systems (DDC, Access Control, ETC).

a. If those systems are to be left alone, which all have a tie in to the data communications network, what will the requirement be to keep those systems connected?

b. Are they connected with copper or fiber?

c. Please confirm that VA will contract directly with the subsystem vendor on all systems that need be moved.

a. Where connections to the data network are required verify with patch panel schedules and drawings if the cabling is being replaced in the project scope.

b. Coordinate with VA staff for connections.

c. Contractor shall be responsible to relocate any system indicated in documents to be relocated.

43 12/20/22 01/10/23 Sheet 141-TD-0B1, Detail Notes 1 states “Demolish Equipment and All Cabling”, 2. “Equipment to Remain”, 3.

“Equipment to be salvaged/removed by VA.”

Please confirm the VA will complete this work for all “Other Systems” (DDC, Access Control, Nurse call, Fire Alarm, Etc.)

Contractor shall be responsible to relocate any system indicated in documents to be relocated. For any system indicated to be removed by VA, work will be performed by the VA.

44 12/20/22 01/10/23 Please confirm the VA will be working and scheduling with the subsystem vendors on scheduling network outages.

No interruption to the telecommunications infrastructure may occur until new is in place and cutover is being performed. Install the new infrastructure and keep the transitionary time to a minimum to mitigate interruption as much as possible during cutover. The contractor is required to coordinate with the COR and all vendors prior to cutover.

45 12/20/22 01/10/23 During the project walk through, the VA made mention that there would be no outages. Please confirm that there are no outages allowed?

No interruption to the telecommunications infrastructure may occur until new is in place and cutover is being performed.

46 12/20/22 01/10/23 Does the VA have extra network equipment (Switch gear, routers, UPS's) to keep the network connected during construction and cut over between the old network room and the new network room?

This is not anticipated. The contractor will assist the VA with relocation of existing switches to new locations during cutover.

47 12/20/22 01/10/23 Please confirm, that all existing conduit stubs for data communications are 3/4".

Contractor to field verify. Contractor also has the option to free cable pursuant to detail 5 on sheet TK-002.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

48 12/20/22 01/10/23 Please provide all existing locations where 1/2" conduits need to be replaced.

Contractor to field verify. There should be no 1/2" conduit existing as this is forbidden per VA requirements and standards. Contractor also has the option to free cable pursuant to detail 5 on sheet TK-002.

49 12/20/22 01/10/23 Please confirm the Site Superintendent and SSHO are to be on site full time and employees of the offeror.

The project superintendent must maintain a physical presence at the site at all times that construction is active.

The SSHO or an equally qualified Designated Representative/alternate will maintain a presence on the site during construction operations in accordance with FAR Clause 52.236-6: Superintendence by the Contractor.

The SSHO can have collateral duties as the contractor’s superintendent. The contractor may hire an individual, company, or firm to act as the as the Superintendent and

SSHO.

50 12/20/22 01/10/23 Please confirm all workers on site are to have OSHA 10 Certification.

All designated Competent Persons shall have completed the OSHA 30-hour Construction Safety course within the past 5 years. All other construction workers shall have the OSHA 10-hour Construction Safety Outreach course and any necessary safety training to be able to identify hazards within their work environment.

51 12/20/22 01/10/23 Please provide VA review time for RFI’s. 14 Calendar Days

52 12/20/22 01/10/23 01 45 00 – Refers to multiple people in QC organization to include Superintendent, Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) and the Quality Control Manager.

a. Please confirm (3) individuals need to be assigned to this project.

b. Please confirm these (3) individuals CANNOT have collateral duties and must be (3) unique individuals.

The Superintendent cannot have collateral duties. If qualified, the SSHO and QCM/CQC Systems Manager may be the same individual.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

53 12/20/22 01/10/23 Please confirm that the SSHO, Superintendent, and QCM must all be employees of the offeror.

The contractor may hire individuals, companies, or firms to act as the as the Superintendent or SSHO or

QCM/CQC.

54 12/20/22 01/10/23 Please confirm the CQC System Manager must be on site at all times and be an employee of the offeror.

The CQC will maintain a presence on the site during construction operations. The contractor may hire individuals, companies, or firms to act as the as the Superintendent or SSHO or QCM/CQC.

55 12/20/22 01/10/23 Please confirm the CQC System Manager is required to have a valid USACE CQM certificate per the VA TIL 01 45 00 requirements for CQC System Manager.

Confirmed. This is standard VA requirement.

56 12/20/22 01/10/23 PLEASE CONFIRM THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL NOT

HAVE ANY SHARED DUTIES AS A QCM OR SSHO ON

THE PROJECT.

The Superintendent cannot have collateral duties. If qualified, the SSHO and QCM/CQC Systems Manager may be the same individual.

57 12/20/22 01/10/23 PLEASE CONFIRM THE SSHO SHALL NOT HAVE ANY

SHARED DUTIES AS A QCM OR SUPERINTENDENT ON

THE PROJECT.

The Superintendent cannot have collateral duties. If qualified, the SSHO and QCM/CQC Systems Manager may be the same individual.

58 12/20/22 01/10/23 PLEASE CONFIRM THE QCM SHALL NOT HAVE ANY

SHARED DUTIES AS A SSHO OR SUPERINTENDENT.

The Superintendent cannot have collateral duties. If qualified, the SSHO and QCM/CQC Systems Manager may be the same individual.

59 12/20/22 01/10/23 PLEASE CONFIRM THAT THE CONTRACTOR IS TO

SUPPLY ALL TESTING AND INSPECTION FOR THE

PROJECT.

Confirmed.

60 12/20/22 01/10/23 PLEASE CONFIRM THAT COMMISSIONING AGENT IS BY

THE CONTRACTOR TO BE INCLUDED IN THE BID

PROPOSAL.

Confirmed. The contractor shall hire an individual, company, or firm to act as the Commissioning Agent as required by Specification Section 01 91 00.

61 12/20/22 01/10/23 PLEASE CONFIRM REQUIREMENT FOR AN ADDITIONAL

20% CAPACITY OF COMMUNICATIONS CABLING TO BE

INCLUDED IN THE BID AMOUNT.

This is confirmed per documents.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

62 12/20/22 01/10/23 WILL WORK IN COMMON HALLWAYS REQUIRE USE OF

THE CONTROL CUBE METHOD (CART WITH PLASTIC

COVERING AND SEALED CONNECTION TO WORK SITE

WITH HEPA VACUUM FOR VACUUMING PRIOR TO

EXIT)? OR WILL THE VA ALLOW THE WORK TO BE DONE

WITH PLASTIC SHEATING IF THE DUST DISTURBANCE

IS MINIMAL AND 4 OR LESS ACOUSTIC TILES ARE

REMOVED FOR THAT PARTICULAR WORK?

Work in hallways will require critical barriers such as sheetrock, plywood, plastic, to seal area from non-work area or the contractor may implement control cube method. Without implementing a critical barrier, the maximum number of acoustical ceiling tiles to be removed is four in ICRA Class 1 and 2 areas. A critical barrier will be required for working in any areas with a ICRA designation above Class 2.

63 12/20/22 01/10/23 PLEASE CONFIRM LEVEL 4 FINISH FOR ALL FINISHED

AREAS OPEN TO PUBLIC VIEW OF GYPSUM BOARD.

Confirmed. Level 4 finish for all exposed areas open to public, patient, and staff view.

64 12/20/22 01/10/23 PLEASE CONFIRM PAINTING UNLESS OTHERWISE

NOTED IS TO BE (3) COATS (PRIME, BODY, AND FINISH)

AND WILL BE FROM "SEAM TO SEAM" OR TO A CHANGE

OF MATERIALS WHERE WALLS HAVE BEEN PATCHED

AND REFINISHED.

Confirmed.

65 12/20/22 01/10/23 CAN THE DATA CABLES BE ALLOWED TO BE FISHED IN

WHERE PATHWAYS ARE NOT LARGE ENOUGH?

Yes. See detail 5 on sheet TK-002.

66 12/20/22 01/10/23 PLEASE CONFIRM THAT THE FIRESTOPPING

INSTALLER MUST BE EITHER A FM GLOBAL APPROVED

CONTRACTOR, UL QUALIFIED FIRESTOP CONTRACTOR

CERTIFIED, OR AN ACCREDITED FIRESTOP SPECIALY

CONTRACTOR BY A FIRESTOPPING PRODUCT

MANUFACTURER.

Firestopping Installer must conform with Specification section 07 84 00 as described in Part 1, Article 1.5 Quality Assurance, Paragraph B.

67 12/20/22 01/10/23 PLEASE CONFIRM THAT THE CONTRACTOR IS TO

INCLUDE THE SERVICES OF A THIRD PARTY

FIRESTOPPING INSPECTOR IN THEIR BID.

Confirmed.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

68 12/20/22 01/10/23 SHEET 141-TD-0B1, GENERAL NOTE I, AND SHEET NOTE

3: DOES ALL OF THE EXISTING 25 PAIR TELEPHONE

CABLING NEED TO BE DEMOLISHED? IF SO, WHAT WILL

REPLACE IT, AND HOW MANY PAIRS WILL BE NEEDED

FOR POTS LINES, AND UTILITY FUNCTIONS. WHAT

WOULD THE NEW 25 PAIR BE TERMINATED TO 66

BLOCKS, 110 BLOCKS?

Existing telephone cabling shall be demolished only in areas where new is being provided as shown on sheet TK-034. New shall be landed on patch panels

69 12/20/22 01/10/23 SHEET 141-TD-0B1 SHEET NOTE 1: ON THE THE DEMO

PAGES THERE IS A SHEET NOTE THAT STATES: LEAVE

OTHER SYSTEMS (DDC, ACCESS CONTROL, ETC). IF

THOSE SYSTEMS ARE TO BE LEFT ALONE, WHICH ALL

HAVE A TIE IN TO THE DATA COMMUNICATIONS

NETWORK, WHAT WILL THE REQUIREMENT BE TO

KEEP THOSE SYSTEMS CONNECTED WITH COPPER OR

FIBER? PLEASE CONFIRM THAT VA WILL CONTACT THE

SUBSYSTEM VENDOR ON SYSTEMS THAT NEED BE

MOVE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

Where connections to the data network are required, verify with patch panel schedules and drawings if the cabling is being replaced in the project scope. Coordinate cabling requirements with VA and existing conditions.

Contractor shall be responsible to relocate any system indicated in documents to be relocated.

70 12/20/22 01/10/23 CURRENT NURSE CALL SYSTEMS ARE MIXED WITH

CAT5E AND CAT6 CABLING. ARE THOSE NEEDING TO

BE MOVED, AND REWIRED TO THE CAT6A SPEC?

Any horizontal cabling indicated on plan to be replaced shall be. If it is not indicated on plan to be replaced, contractor to maintain existing cabling.

71 12/20/22 01/10/23 THE SPECIFICATION AND PRINTS CALL OUT TWO

TYPES OF FIBER. OS1, AND OM4. IS THE V.A. ASKING

FOR A HYBRID FIBER? OR IS UP TO THE CONTRACTOR

TO CHOOSE? IF HYBRID HOW MANY OF EACH STRAND

OF EACH FIBER TYPE?

Contractor may use hybrid cable at their discretion. For strand counts see Schedule on sheet TK-035.

72 12/20/22 01/10/23 WILL THERE BE ANY AREAS ON THE HOSPITAL

CAMPUS THAT ARE CURRENTLY NOT BEING USED

THAT ARE PART OF THIS UPGRADE?

Every area affected has some level of occupancy. The outbuildings are less busy but still regularly occupied.

There may be limited interior laydown space available and will need to be coordinated with the VA on a case-by-case basis.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

73 12/20/22 01/10/23 DOES THE VA HAVE EXTRA NETWORK EQUIPMENT

(SWITCH GEAR, ROUTERS, UPS'S) TO KEEP THE

NETWORK CONNECTED DURING CONSTRUCTION AND

CUT OVER BETWEEN THE OLD NETWORK ROOM AND

THE NEW NETWORK ROOM?

This is not anticipated. The contractor will assist the VA with relocation of existing switches to new locations during cutover.

74 12/20/22 01/10/23 DO THE 5KVA RACK MOUNTED UPS'S NEED TO BE 3

PHASE OR CAN THEY BE SINGLE PHASE?

UPS shall be 3 Phase.

75 12/20/22 01/10/23 ARE THE CHANNEL RACKS IN THE TR'S 2-POST OR 4-

POST? IF 4-POST, DO WE NEED TO PROVIDE THE

SECURITY DOOR AS SHOWN IN THE OIT GUIDELINES?

The security door is required, as shown in the OIT guidelines. This is to ensure systems within the TR's are secure should non-OIT personnel need access for maintenance, etc.

76 12/20/22 01/10/23 ARE WE TO SUPPLY CAT6A PATCH CORDS FOR THE

HEAD END AND STATION END?

Contractor shall supply patch cords for both workstation outlet location and patch panel locations. Contractor to supply (2) patch cords for each horizontal cabling connection with a total quantity of 50% of the project total horizontal connections.

77 12/20/22 01/10/23 TO CONFIRM MAXCELL REQUIREMENTS, EACH 4"

CONDUIT IS TO RECEIVE A TOTAL OF (3) 3" 3-CELL

PACKS FOR A TOTAL OF (9) CELLS?

That is correct.

78 12/20/22 01/10/23 SPECS MENTION THAT THE VA PREFERS COMPUTER

ROOM CABLING TO BE ALL PRE- TERMINATED COPPER

CABLING, ARE WE ALLOWED TO SWITCH THIS TO FIELD

TERMINATIONS INSTEAD SO THAT WE CAN CUSTOMIZE

LENGTHS AND MINIMIZE SERVICE LOOPS. WE BELIEVE

THIS MAY BE A QUICKER TURN-AROUND.

It is an ISTS requirement that all intrabuilding and computer room cabling be factory terminated.

79 12/20/22 01/10/23 SPECS CALL OUT TO USE OS1, CAN WE USE OS2

INSTEAD? TYPICALLY, OS1 HAS BEEN REPLACED BY

THE NEWER OS2 WHICH IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR

INDOOR APPLICATIONS AND MAY HAVE SHORTER

LEAD-TIMES.

It is acceptable to substitute OS2 SM fiber for the OS1 SM fiber

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

80 12/20/22 01/10/23 IS THE EC RESPONSIBLE FOR REMOVING THE

EXISTING BASKET TRAY?

Where shown to be demolished in rooms, the contractor is responsible to remove.

81 12/20/22 01/10/23 AFTER REMOVING EXISTING WAP DEVICES, ARE WE TO

RE-INSTALL THE SAME DEVICES AS WELL?

That is correct.

82 12/20/22 01/10/23 PER PATCH PANEL SCHEDULE SHOWN ON PAGE TK-

007 AND TK-028, STATES CABLES WITHIN BUILDING 150

AND 154B. ARE WE TO REMOVE THESE CABLES AS

WELL? THERE ARE NO DEMO DRAWINGS REFLECTING

BUILDINGS 150 AND 154B

Demolition plans for 154B are captured within the Telecom Demolition Plan for Building 154B. See 154-TD- 011 for an example. Building 150 is captured on the Telecom Demolition Plan for Building 154 - Basement.

See drawing 154-TD-0B1.

83 12/20/22 01/10/23 ARE WE REQUIRED TO USE ALL PLENUM RATED

CABLING FOR ALL AREAS? OR CAN WE USE RISER

RATED CABLING?

Plenum rated copper cabling is required.

84 12/20/22 01/10/23 DO ALL WORKSTATION FACEPLATES NEED TO BE

STAINLESS STEEL AS SHOWN ON PAGE TK-002, DETAIL

#6?

Yes, all faceplates shall be stainless steel.

85 12/20/22 01/10/23 JUST TO CONFIRM, THE PATCH PANEL SCHEDULES ON

PAGES TK-004 THROUGH TK-032 REPRESENT THE

EXISTING PATCH PANELS THAT NEED TO BE DEMOED,

CORRECT?

They indicate existing conditions. Contractor to coordinate with all plans for exact quantities of cables to be demolished. Also reference TK-035 schedule.

86 12/20/22 01/10/23 FIBER BACKBONE "A AND B" PATHWAY IS BEING

SHOWN FROM BLDG. 169 TR 224 TO BLDG. 154 AND

ENDS ON PAGE 169-TN-011. NONE OF THE FLOOR

PLANS FOR BLDG. 154 REFLECT THE PATHWAY INTO

BLDG. 154 FROM BLDG. 169. HOW IS THIS FIBER

ROUTING COMPLETELY FROM BLDG. 169 TO BLDG. 154?

Contractor to utilize connecting corridor for routing of fiber.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

87 12/20/22 01/10/23 WHERE IS THE EXISTING TR ROOM LOCATED WITHIN

BLDG. 47? OS2 CABLING IS REQUIRED FROM MCR B-09

TO THE EXISTING TR AND WE'LL NEED TO KNOW HOW

MUCH CABLE IS REQUIRED WITHIN THE BLDG. AND

HOW IT'LL BE ROUTED TO GET ACCURATE CABLE

FOOTAGE.

Contractor to field verify lengths and location.

88 12/20/22 01/10/23 WHERE IS THE EXISTING TR ROOM LOCATED WITHIN

BLDG. 17? OS2 CABLING IS REQUIRED FROM MCR B-09

TO THE EXISTING TR AND WE'LL NEED TO KNOW HOW

MUCH CABLE IS REQUIRED WITHIN THE BLDG. AND

HOW IT'LL BE ROUTED TO GET ACCURATE CABLE

FOOTAGE.

Contractor to field verify lengths and location.

89 12/20/22 01/10/23 WHERE IS THE EXISTING TR ROOM LOCATED WITHIN

BLDG. 168? OS2 CABLING IS REQUIRED FROM MCR B-

09 TO THE EXISTING TR AND WE'LL NEED TO KNOW

HOW MUCH CABLE IS REQUIRED WITHIN THE BLDG.

AND HOW IT'LL BE ROUTED TO GET ACCURATE CABLE

FOOTAGE.

Contractor to field verify lengths and location.

90 12/20/22 01/10/23 PER THE FIBER RISER DIAGRAM ON PAGE TK-033, ALL

THE OS2 FIBER CABLING IS TAGGED AS "2A - A-SIDE

OS2 FIBER" BUT THE ONLY ROUTE SHOWN TO THE

FIRST MANHOLE FROM BLDG. 154A IS STATING IT’S

FOR THE "B-SIDE FIBER ROUTING". ARE WE TO USE

THE "B-SIDE FIBER ROUTING" LINE SHOWN FOR THE

PATHWAY TAKEN TO INSTALL ALL "2A - A-SIDE OS2

FIBER"? CAN YOU PROVIDE A SCALE FOR PAGE TS-001

FIBER SITE PLAN SO THAT WE CAN GET ACCURATE

FOOTAGE FOR ALL OSP FIBER REQUIRED?

Contractor to use existing pathways to route A-side fiber.

A-side and B-side fiber are not to share pathways per ISTS requirements.

91 12/20/22 01/10/23 ARE WE TO ASSUME THAT CONTAINMENT IS NOT

REQUIRED FOR INSTALLING CABLING WITHIN BLDG.

16?

Plan to follow the ICRA Class 1 requirements for Building 16.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

92 12/20/22 01/10/23 ON PAGE 16-TN-011, SHEET NOTES #4 AND #5 STATE

TO PULL A CABLE TO EACH LOCATION. ARE THESE

CAT6A CABLES REQUIRED FOR BOTH LOCATIONS? OR

ARE THESE SECURITY CABLES REQUIRED?

Verify cable type necessary with door hardware and existing access control system. This is for security access control.

93 12/20/22 01/10/23 ON PAGE 154-TN-0B1.12, DETAIL #01 VA MCR DIVERSE

PATHWAY DETAIL - NEW CABLING, YOU CAN’T TELL A

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE "24 DUPLEX LC OM4 - B-

SIDE" LINE VERSUS THE "48 CAT 6A - B-SIDE" LINE. CAN

YOU CLARIFY THE DIFFERENCE IN THE LINES?

Cabling is a mirror of A-Side requirements. Please reference this for cabling.

94 12/20/22 01/10/23 IS THERE ANY EXISTING FIBER / COPPER BACKBONE

CABLING THAT NEEDS TO BE REMOVED? IF SO, HOW

MANY CABLES ARE WE REMOVING? DO THEY ALL

ORIGINATE FROM THE EXISTING B1A DMARC? ALL

THAT IS SHOWN IS REMOVING COPPER PANELS AND

FIBER ENCLOSURES BUT NO ADDITIONAL

INFORMATION AS TO WHERE EACH FIBER / COPPER IS

RUNNING TO AND FROM. COULD YOU PROVIDE A

DEMOLITION ONE-LINE DIAGRAM?

Contractor to remove all existing fiber scheduled to be replaced. All existing copper backbone cabling shown to be new shall have existing removed after replacement.

Contractor to field verify.

95 12/20/22 01/10/23 CAN YOU PROVIDE A RACK ELEVATION PLAN FOR THE

EXISTING RACKS WITHIN B1A?

Existing rack elevations are not available. The selected construction contractor will need to as-built theses racks and submit them as part of the shop drawings.

96 12/20/22 01/10/23 WILL CONTRACTOR PARKING AVAILABLE ON SITE? Contractor parking is available onsite. Due to limited parking, campus size, and multiple ongoing construction projects, the contractor shall limit the number of contractor vehicles on site to an appropriate level. Parking to be coordinated with the COR.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

97 12/20/22 01/10/23 ON PAGE 154-TN-0B1, THE "A-SIDE FIBER ROUTING"

LINE FROM THE "4 INCH SLEEVE TO FLOOR ABOVE"

BACK TO THE MCR IS COMING INTO THE MCR TO THE

LEFT OF THE DOUBLE DOOR OPENING, BUT WHEN

YOU SWITCH PAGES TO THE MCR LAYOUT ON PAGE

154-TN-0B1.11, THERE’S ONLY ONE BASKET TRAY

ENTRY ABOVE THE DOUBLE DOOR FOR THE B-SIDE

FIBER ENTRY. SHOULD THERE BE ANOTHER ENTRY

POINT FOR THE A SIDE FIBER?

Provide basket tray from penetration location shown on 0B1 to Basket tray above MDAs.

98 12/20/22 01/10/23 WHAT IS THE PATHWAY FOR THE A-SIDE FIBER FROM

THE MCR TO TR 109 ON PAGE 154-TN- 011? THERE IS

NO A-SIDE LINE BEING SHOWN FROM THE CORE HOLE

TO TR109, ONLY TO TR 115-3.

Fiber for A-side comes up through floor in 154A rm A148 and then routes as shown to TR 109.

99 12/20/22 01/10/23 HOW AND WHERE IS THE A-SIDE FIBER CABLING

RUNNING INTO THE DMARC B1A ROOM? WHAT

EXISTING RACK IS IT TERMINATING INTO SO THAT WE

CAN ACCURATELY DETERMINE LENGTH?

A-Side fiber is not required in room B1A. All existing drops here are being relocated to B30.

100 12/20/22 01/10/23 THE SPECIFICATIONS DON’T TOUCH ON WHAT CABLING

MANUFACTURER IS ACCEPTABLE FOR THE VA, BUT ON

PAGE TK-002, DETAIL #6 SHOWS SPECIFICALLY AN

ORTRONICS FACEPLATE, ARE WE ALLOWED TO

INSTALL AN ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION TO ORTRONICS?

It is acceptable to use a different manufacturer and the product will be evaluated as an approved equal product during the submittal process.

101 12/20/22 01/10/23 ON PAGE 179 OF THE "ATT 9 - INFRASTRUCTURE

STANDARD FOR TELECOM SPACES V3.1", IT SHOWS

THE RECOMMENDED UTP MEDIA COPPER TRUNKS TO

BE BERK-TEK LEVITON, CAN THIS BE SWITCHED TO A

SIMILAR SOLUTION BY A DIFFERENT MANUFACTURER?

It is acceptable to use a different manufacturer and the product will be evaluated as an approved equal product during the submittal process.

102 12/20/22 01/10/23 IS IT SAFE TO ASSUME THAT ALL THE HEADEND OSP

CABLING WITHIN MCR B-09 WILL BE TERMINATING

WITHIN THE MDA A 3 CABINET?

See schedule on sheet TK-035.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

103 12/20/22 01/10/23 THE CURRENT DRAWING SETS DO NOT REPRESENT AN

ELEVATION PLAN FOR EACH BUILDING. PLEASE

PROVIDE CEILING HEIGHTS AND HEIGHTS TO DECK

FOR EACH BUILDING.

Ceiling heights are noted on applicable rooms in Reflected Ceiling Plan details. TR spaces are open to existing structure. Contractor is responsible to fully inform themselves of all existing conditions which will affect their work as per Item 1 under General Project Notes in Sheet

00-GI-000.1.

104 12/20/22 01/10/23 JUST TO CONFIRM, FRONT AND REAR DOORS ARE

NEEDED FOR ALL CHANNEL RACKS BEING INSTALLED?

THE DIVISION 27 SPECS CALL IT OUT, BUT ON PAGE

187 OF THE ATT 9 – INFRASTRUCTURE STANDARD FOR

TELECOM SPACES V3.1, DETAIL #1 STATES THAT IT’S

“OPTIONAL”.

Each of the TR's IT racks shall be required to be fully secured. This is to ensure systems within the TR's are secure should non-OIT personnel need access for maintenance, etc.

105 12/20/22 01/10/23 ON PAGE TK-047, DETAILS #1 AND #2 SHOW A 2RU

RACK MOUNT UPS DEVICE BEING INSTALLED. THE

DIV.27 SPECS AND THE ATT 9 – INFRASTRUCTURE

STANDARD FOR TELECOM SPACES V3.1 DO NOT HAVE

ANY DETAILS ON A 2RU RACK MOUNT UPS. CAN YOU

PROVIDE A SPEC ON WHAT TYPE OF 2RU RACK MOUNT

UPS YOU ARE WANTING?

See schedule on sheet TK-035.

106 12/20/22 01/10/23 ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AN END TO END

MANUFACTURER WARRANTY? CURRENTLY THE

DRAWINGS AND ATT-9 INFRASTRUCTURE STANDARD

ARE STATING TO USE BERK-TEK / LEVITON PATCH

PANELS WITH ORTRONICS JACKS AND FACEPLATES

FOR THE COPPER SIDE. SEE DETAIL #6 AND #9 ON

PAGE TK-002 FOR CLARIFICATION.

Yes, we are looking for an end-to-end solution. Patch panels should be unpopulated.

107 12/20/22 01/10/23 SHEET 141-TD-0B1: IN DETAIL NOTES 1. DEMOLISH

EQUIPMENT AND CABLING, 2. EQUIPMENT TO

REMAIN, 3. EQUIPMENT TO BE SALVAGED/REMOVED

BY VA. DOES THIS INCLUDE OTHER SYSTEMS AS

WELL?

This only includes systems as shown in the contract documents.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

108 12/20/22 01/10/23 PLEASE CONFIRM THE VA WILL BE WORKING AND

SCHEDULING WITH THE SUBSYSTEM VENDORS ON

SCHEDULING NETWORK OUTAGES.

No interruption to the telecommunications infrastructure may occur until new is in place and cutover is being performed. Install the new infrastructure and keep the transitionary time to a minimum to mitigate interruption as much as possible during cutover. The contractor is required to coordinate with the COR and all vendors prior to cutover.

109 12/20/22 01/10/23 DURING THE PROJECT WALK THROUGH, THE VA MADE

MENTION THAT THERE WOULD BE NO OUTAGES. CAN

WE CONFIRM THAT THERE ARE NO OUTAGES

ALLOWED?

No interruption to the telecommunications infrastructure may occur until new is in place and cutover is being performed. Install the new infrastructure and keep the transitionary time to a minimum to mitigate interruption as much as possible during cutover.

110 12/20/22 01/10/23 PLEASE CONFIRM, THAT ALL EXISTING CONDUIT STUBS

FOR DATA COMMUNICATIONS ARE 3/4".

Contractor to field verify. Contractor also has the option to free cable pursuant to detail 5 on sheet TK-002.

111 12/20/22 01/10/23 PLEASE CONFIRM EXISTING LOCATIONS WHERE 1/2"

CONDUITS NEED TO BE REPLACED.

Contractor to field verify. There should be no 1/2" conduit existing as this is forbidden per VA requirements and standards. Contractor also has the option to free cable pursuant to detail 5 on sheet TK-002.

112 12/20/22 01/10/23 PLEASE CONFIRM IF THIS PROJECT IS TAX EXEMPT. IF

SO, WILL THE VA PROVIDE ALL THE DOCUMENTATION

TO THE CONTRACTOR POST AWARD?

Contractor is responsible to include all applicable taxes in bid.

113 12/20/22 01/10/23 PLEASE CONFIRM THAT FIRE RATED 6MM PLASTIC

ICRA TEMPORARY BARRIER IS ACCEPTABLE FOR

CLASS IV AND V AREAS AND THAT A HARD BARRIER

WILL NOT BE REQUIRED BY THE VA. THERE IS A

DISCREPENCY BETWEEN THE PLANS AND

SPECIFICATIONS PROVIDED.

Plastic critical barriers are acceptable at all locations, as long as they are effectively affixed to the ground and ceiling and secure from movement or damage. Sheet plastic shall be Fire retardant polystyrene, 6-mil thickness.

If any plastic critical barrier fails inspections more than twice, the contractor may be required to install and maintain a hard barrier at their expense.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

114 12/20/22 01/10/23 WILL FLEXIBLE METAL CONDUIT BE ALLOWED IN

AREAS WHERE THE PLANS NOTE “CONTRACTOR TO

ROUTE CONDUIT IN LEAST DESTRUCTIVE MANNER TO

LOCATIONS AS INDICATED IN TELECOMMUNICATION

DRAWINGS”?

FMC will be allowed on a case-by-case basis. Contractor to submit RFI detailing and clearly identifying locations where desired to be used.

115 12/20/22 01/10/23 PLEASE CONFIRM THERE ARE NO REQUIREMENTS FOR

THE CONTRACTOR TO UTILIZE OR SUBMIT ANY FILES

OR PLANS IN REVIT

No, the contractor will not be required to utilize Revit.

However, Specification Section 01 00 00 requires that the contractor maintain two full size sets of as-built drawings which will be kept current during construction of the project, to include all contract changes, modifications, and clarifications. The contractor shall deliver two approved completed sets of as-built drawings in the electronic version (scanned PDF) to the COR within 15 calendar days after each completed phase and after the acceptance of the project by the COR.

116 12/20/22 01/10/23 The AISC requirement in the Structural Steel Framing Specification 05 12 00 will severely limit the available steel contractors in the area. The structural steel scope is limited to new door opening supports and mechanical supports which any qualified steel contractor can perform. Can the AISC requirement be waived for this project?

This requirement will not be enforced.

117 12/21/22 01/10/23 The Brand Name Justification document indicates Schneider Electric Building Management is to provide the HVAC controls. Schneider has requested existing system information – Product Type (Andover Continuum, TAC-IA, Invensys, etc.) and System Extent (are Schneider Controls used throughout the campus? Just for the buildings in this project? etc). Can you please provide this information?

You can contact the vendor for existing system information.

Dan Morris, EIT | Project Manager Facility Improvement Corp. (FICO) Office: (406)-452-0009 Cell: (406)-750-3033

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

118 12/21/22 01/10/23 Can you provide the existing fire protection drawings for the project?

The construction contractor is required to modify the existing fire sprinkler systems according to the new TR wall layouts and ceiling heights. The construction contractor is required to submit shop drawings with the proposed fire sprinkler modifications to the VA for review and approval.

119 12/30/22 01/10/23 Are they allowing equals on lighting products for this project? It is acceptable to use a different manufacturer and the product will be evaluated as an approved equal product during the submittal process.