Technical Questions and Answers - Cincinnati EHRM.pdf

36C77623B0005 EHRM Infrastructure Construction – Cincinnati Technical Questions and Answers

1) Who is the manufacturer of the existing access control system?

A. In reference to the appropriate sole source justifications, the physical access control system currently utilizes Johnson Controls

2) Who is the manufacturer of the existing video surveillance system?

A. In reference to the appropriate sole source justifications, all closed-circuit television video server cameras are manufactured by Avigilon.

3) Who is the manufacturer of the existing fire alarm system?

A. In reference to the appropriate sole source justifications, all fire alarm systems are supported via Honeywell.

4) 01 45 00 3.4 B states the CQC manage is to be a graduate engineer, graduate architect or graduate in construction management. Further in the paragraph it states the CQC manager can act as the superintendent. Our Superintendents are not graduates as listed but are experienced construction professionals. Can this person still be the CQC manager without the degree?

A. Contractor Quality Control System Manager shall be a graduate engineer, graduate architect, graduate of construction management with minimum of PM or SRE to determine qualifications based on review of project complexity over the last 5-years’ experience.

5) 01 35 26: Can the superintendent act as the SSHO?

A. “SSHO must be a separate qualified individual from Contractor’s Superintendent and/or quality control manager with duties only as the SSHO”.

6) Drawings call for new signage at various locations. I cannot find a sign layout (design) within the drawings. Please provide the drawing sheet number within the issued drawings or the sign design in amendment.

A. All drawing comments on signage are related to replacement and relocation or areas that may require signage. In the event signage is require, it should be compliant with the “Signage Design Manual” provided within the Technical Information Library, and review will be completed through the submittal process.

7) Is it implied on each overall floor plan that the 18” and 12” cable trays are to be furnished and installed or is it showing existing cable tray conditions?

A. Illustrated cable trays should be furnished and installed.

8) What information is required to request providing a different manufacturer of Cat6A cable and equipment?

A. There is not a requirement for a specific Cat6A cabling manufacturer, please abide by the Buy American Act and meet the requirements detailed by the specifications for CAT 6A cabling.

9) What is the expected deadline per IDF cutover?

A. Unable to answer this question, sheet T-000 states under abbreviations “IDF Intermediate

Distribution Frame (Not Used)”.

10) Are there any additional requirements for a low voltage subcontractor that may not be included on the blueprints?

A. All requirements should be called upon within the specifications and drawings.

11) Is security included in scope? Security is referenced in TS drawings for tech rooms only. Please clarify scope. Cabling only?

A. Division 28 “Electronic Safety and Security” is included within the specifications, and all sheets formatted to start with “TS-…” are in reference to security standards captured by this project.

12) Technology narrative referenced OIT 3.1 Standards. Please provide link to download.

A. Infrastructure Standard for Telecommunications Spaces v3.1 can be found within the technical information library at Miscellaneous Criteria - Office of Construction & Facilities Management (va.gov).

13) Is telecom contractor responsible for pathways including conduit and core drilling?

A. The selected contractor is responsible for all work called upon in the drawings and specifications.

14) Is telecom contractor responsible for network electronics such as switches?

specifications. Specific network electronics that are Government Furnished and Government Installed (GF/GI) are called out within the drawings.

15) Is telecom contractor responsible for fiber optics in buildings other than 3200 Vine?

specifications.

16) How many telecom closets are new? Our prints indicate 9 (B312D, C305, C3006, A441, A540, A643, A732A, A838, A916A). A437C does not appear to have elevations. Please elaborate on the scope for A437C.

A. There should be 28 “new” TR locations, new being defined as occupying a space that was not previously used as a TR. A brief overview of the phasing for the main computer room (A437C) is located on sheet GI-020 along with specification section 00 00 20.

https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/spclRqmts.asp#TelecomInfraStds https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/spclRqmts.asp#TelecomInfraStds

17) AD drawings state no ceiling, PD drawings state to remove plumbing above hard ceiling. Please clarify if the room has a ceiling or not.

A. Unable to answer this question without a room number included.

18) Per drawing T-001 Sheet note 1. Can Corning fiber be added to the acceptable manufacturers for Fiber Optic Connectivity? Can Commscope be added to acceptable manufacturer for Copper Connectivity?

A. “Equivalent products may be submitted for approval” via the submittal process with the chosen contractor.

19) Is Johnson Control providing the new access control panels to connect the new IT Room Doors to and is the security integrator just connecting the new doors to the access control panels?

A. Please reference the responsibility matrix located on sheet T-001 which states that new access controls equipment to be furnished and installed by the contractor.

20) Is Johnson Control programming the new access control doors into the existing PACS system?

A. The intent of the question is unclear; Johnson Controls is currently utilized for our physical access control system.

21) Are the new access control doors getting new RPK40 keypad card readers?

A. Sheets TS-000 and TS-500 provide reference on what the expectation for provision of card readers will be. Approvals on card readers will be provided via the submittal process with the chosen contractor.

22) Are the new Avigilon cameras being installed to be fixed cameras or fisheye cameras? What megapixel for the cameras are recommended?

A. Avigilon cameras are intended for Police Service-monitored CCTV throughout the facility. The teledata rooms must interface with OI&T’s existing structureware server. For reference, OI&T currently utilizes NetBotz environment monitoring devices within teledata rooms.

23) What Avigilon ACC licenses are required for the new cameras being installed?

A. Cameras will be added to the existing system, individual camera licenses may be required.

24) Is a new Avigilon ACC server required for the new cameras to record on. If so, what is the retention time?

A. A new Avigilon ACC server would likely not be required.

25) Is the new locking hardware to be installed Corbin Russwin electrified mortise locks on the new doors?

A. Please reference drawing sheet AS-700 for the hardware schedule.

26) 2.0 A 2 States “Notify COR for permission to work after hours and weekends. Standard work hours will be Monday through Friday and time of day determined by scope of work to be performed and COR approval.” This is too vague of a work hours statement for as many man hours that will be required. Please identify which areas of work will be required as night hours.

A. Working hours will be coordinated with the COR and medical staff in each area of the hospital or other building. Most work in public corridors and patient areas will have to be performed after hours or on weekends. Work in staff or industrial areas may be completed during normal working hours daily. Ceiling removals and reinstallations will need to be coordinated with COR and infection control a minimum of two weeks prior to work being performed. Noise and dust-producing work must be completed outside normal working hours, to be coordinated with affected departments through COR.

27) Is there a site drawing that can be provided that shows exterior pathways for fiber backbone from data center to out buildings?

A. Sheet GI-020 general note 7 states that the general contractor shall visit the site, verify field conditions and carefully compare such field conditions and other information known to the contractor with contract documents.

28) Can you confirm the number of CAT6A cables that are routed to each wireless access point? It is not clear if one or two (or a different number) CAT6A cables need to be run to each point.

A. One CAT6A cable connection will be required for each access point. The above ceiling support should be similar to detail 5 as shown on TN-505.

29) On drawing TS-000, there is a symbol for an access control door barbell. We are not sure what this item is, can you clarify if this is a piece of access control equipment or actual door hardware (push bar) or something else?

A. This barbell is just a symbol that notes that it is an access control door and works in conjunction with the access control details. The filled region of the barbell indicates the more secure side of the door.

30) For Demo of cabling, who is responsible for the demo of racks, and equipment. Is Div 27 only responsible for jacks, cable and patch panels?

A. Please reference the drawings for the contractor’s responsibility; coordination with the COR may be required prior to demo or removal of equipment as assistance from OI&T or others may be required. A breakdown of the division 27 requirements is provided within the specifications.

31) Who is responsible for all the cable tray? Div 26 or 27?

A. All mentions of cable tray are detailed within specification section 27.

32) Will a new conduit path for all backbone fiber be installed by Div 26?

A. Fiber conduit is shown on T drawings and specified using division 26.

33) Will all new data have a new conduit and box or are we to use the existing locations? If same location, how are we to keep existing active until cutover to new?

A. The intent of the design is for existing outlet boxes and conduits to be reused. New horizontal cable can be pulled into position prior to cutover. Once an area is ready for cutover, then the existing data cable will be removed from the outlet box and conduit. The new cable pulled into the outlet box and conduit, terminated, and tested. Once an area has been cutover, then the “old” data cable can be demolished and removed from the ceiling.

34) Will HEPA tents/carts be required for all installation and demo of cabling and cable tray? If so, is a particular model required?

A. Yes, infection control measures will be required for various spaces as defined by an ICRA level III and above. There are no sole source documents on a particular model to adhere to this standard.

35) Can Demo and installation be performed during regular business hours 7am to 5pm, or will it need to be completed after hours?

A. The design team anticipates that much of the demo and installation will be done afterhours.

The work hours will ultimately be up to the COR. Some areas of the site (clinical and patient areas specifically) will require after-hours work, some administration areas may be able to be shut down during regular business hours. The contractor shall coordinate the project schedule with the COR.

36) Per Sheets TN-601 & TN-602, Primary & Redundant Backbone cabling is shown to be installed from Building 1 to other buildings. There is no Technology Site Plan to identify existing or new conduit ductbank. Please confirm if new primary & redundant backbone cabling is in scope of work.

A. If so, please provide a scaled site plan showing the backbone pathways.

B. If so, please identify if pathways are new or existing. If existing, please confirm how existingbackbone shall remain operational during the installation of new backbone.

C. If new, please confirm quantity & size of each new conduit.

D. Please confirm if innerduct is required to be installed in new conduits. If so, please confirm quantity & size of innerduct required in each conduit.

A. The original intent of the design was to use existing pathways as is for primary and redundant backbone. Underground construction was excluded from the original design scope of work.

37) The Electrical narrative outlined in Attachment 17 requires TR Rooms & Server Rooms to be provided with tamper and flow switches. Please confirm if each room shall include a dedicated tamper & flow switch (dedicated zone). If so, the fire alarm system will require addressable point modules to monitor & supervise the fire sprinkler riser tamper & flow switches. Please update the fire alarm design to comply with the interface requirements at each TR & server room.

A. Only the Data Center requires tamper and flow switches; the TR rooms do not.

38) Please confirm if a clean agent suppression system is required to be installed in the Server Room. If so, please provide fire alarm design & sequence of operations for the detection & alarm signaling of the fire alarm system for the Server Room.

A. FP-205-C.1.4 breaks down the requirements around the clean agent plan. Read specifications and drawings for details on the clean agent suppression system required in the server room (data center).

39) Please confirm if the contractor is responsible to furnish Video Management System IP camera licensing for the Avigilon video surveillance system. If so, please confirm license level (Basic, Standard, Enterprise, etc.) and confirm OS system version software (Rev 5.1, Rev 6.5, Rev 7.3, etc.).

A. Avigilon IP Camera licensing will likely not be required outside of what is defined within the drawings and specifications.

40) Please confirm if the existing Avigilon storage server requires upgrades. If so, please provide model numbers for upgraded equipment.

A. Avigilon storage server will not require upgrades outside of what is defined within the drawings and specifications.

41) Please confirm the Avigilon Camera Model # to be installed in each TR Room.

Example: Please confirm model # for the Avigilon camera (Keyed Note #1) shown on Sheet TS-400-C.1.B in each Telecom Room.

A. Specific model number shall be reviewed and approved through traditional submittal process.

42) Honeywell manufacturers several Fire Alarm Control Panels. Please confirm the Model # of the existing Honeywell Fire Alarm Control Panel (example: Notifier by Honeywell, Silent Knight by Honeywell, Gamewell-FCI by Honeywell, Honeywell Building Solutions, etc.). To confirm compatibility & to maintain UL certification, please confirm which Honeywell system is to be installed.

A. Currently, buildings 1/2/8/15/16/PG utilize EST (Edward System Technology) by Honeywell, buildings 14/64/117/trailers use Notifier by Honeywell, and building 3 uses FS-90 by Honeywell.

The facility is currently in the process of transitioning from EST to Notifier by Honeywell where applicable, so devices placed as part of this project should ideally uphold function between the two systems.

43) Please confirm that the existing SLC device circuits on the Honeywell Fire Alarm system can support the additional devices being added to the system without upgrades (Please note that the fire alarm system can only handle “X” number of devices per circuit (depending on panel model number). If the circuit will exceed the limit of devices being added, a new SLC board will be required to be added to the existing fire alarm control panel.

A. There should be no issues with supporting additional fire alarm devices.

44) Attachment 20 – Brand Name Justification specifies that the fire alarm system must display every fire alarm device on the floorplans to the existing graphical command center located in Campus Security Office. Please confirm if the contractor is required to upgrade the fire alarm floorplans to display on the existing command center workstation.

A. The question quotes the second page of attachment 20. For full context, this section states that

“the software [Honeywell] allows for a graphics package, which displays the floor plans of the entire facility depicting each and every fire alarm device”. This is simply stating that there is value in having a single fire alarm system rather than multiple manufacturers. Please reference the drawings regarding the requirements for the fire alarm system.

45) Please confirm the Model # of the new Johnson Control Access Control Panels. There are several different model numbers offered. To ensure compatibility for interface with the existing Johnson Control Access Control System, please provide the Model # for each added control panel.

Example: Please confirm model # for the Access Control Panels (Keyed Note #2) shown on Sheet TS-400-C.1.B in each Telecom Room.

A. Per Johnson Controls, “a standard Johnson Controls reader module is a RDR2SA. It needs to be known that these reader modules will not work independently from the main controller which is a CK721-A.”

46) Please confirm that a 208V, 5KW UPS is required in every new equipment rack.

Example: Reference Detail 7, Sheet TN-416-C1.3

A. Technology sheets call out a keyed note for each location that requires “rack-mounted, 5 kW, 208V, UPS with NEMA 20A, L21-20P Input and L21-20R Output” for various teledata rooms.

47) Please confirm that a 208V, 30A, 3-Phase Zone PDU is required for each set of 3-equipment racks (1 ZPDU required for each 3 equipment racks within each TR Room).

Example: Reference Detail 7, Sheet TN-416-C.1.3 A. Technology sheets call out a keyed note for each location that requires “30 A, 208V, 3-Phasese, ZPDU…. Or Approved Equal”.

48) Please confirm the superintendent shall not have any shared duties as a QCM, SSHO or any other roles on the project.

A. This requirement is stated within the specifications.

49) Please confirm the SSHO shall not have any shared duties as a QCM, superintendent or any other role on the project.

50) Please confirm the QCM shall not have any shared duties as a SSHO, superintendent or any other role on the project.

51) Please confirm that the contractor is to supply all testing and inspection for the project.

A. Intent on testing and certification is broken down within the specifications; this applies to several divisions.

52) Please confirm that commissioning agent (CxA) will be provided by the VA.

A. Per direction from the Deputy CAM, the EHRM Project will not receive commissioning.

53) Please confirm requirement for an additional 20% capacity of communications cabling to be included in the bid amount.

A. The additional 20% capacity is for outlets that were not accounted for due to cases where walls were not visible and where rooms were inaccessible or locked during site surveys.

54) Will work in common hallways require use of the control cube method i.e. cart with plastic covering and sealed connection to work site with hepa vacuum for vacuuming prior to exit?

A. ICRA requirements will vary on location, there is a possibility this will be a requirement for particular areas.

55) Please confirm level 4 finish for all finished gypsum board including patches.

A. Specification section 09 29 00 Part 3.5 calls for level 4 finish to gypsum board, wall paint to be eggshell finish (MPI Glass Level 3) interior latex.

56) 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 are patched and refinished.

A. Requirements on paint application and execution are provided within the specifications and drawings.

57) Can the data cables be allowed to be fished in where pathways are not large enough?

A. In the cases where the wall conduit is only half-inch, and the number of CAT-6A cables will not fit in the existing conduit, additional conduit shall be installed to support cabling.

58) Please confirm that all firestopping must be either installed by an FM global approved contractor, or a UL qualified firestop contractor certified.

A. This requirement is stated within specification 07 84 00 Section 1.5 Part B.

59) Please confirm that the contractor is to include the services of a third party independent firestopping inspector in their bid.

A. Please reference the specifications on the requirements for firestopping inspection.

60) Please confirm that firestopping installers accredited by a firestopping product manufacturer will not be approved by the VA unless they meet the FM global, or UL qualifications referenced in section 07 84 00.

A. Specification 07 84 00 calls out the requirements for the installer qualifications within section

1.5 part B.

61) Does the VA have extra network equipment (switch gear, routers, UPS's) to keep the network connected during construction and cut over?

A. Please reference the phasing intent expressed within the drawings, there should be no liability on the VA to maintain operation, rather that is the responsibility of the contractor.

62) Are we required to use plenum rated cabling for all areas? Can we use riser rated cabling in non plenum spaces?

A. It is the intent of the design to utilize cable UL Listed for use in plenum air spaces and riser spaces. Backbone cable is routed through plenum and riser spaces and shall meet the plenum space requirements; UL Listed OFNP, OFCP. Horizontal category cable, such as Category 6A shall be UL Listed CMP.

63) Please confirm that general contractor parking will be provided on site but no subcontractor parking will be available on site.

A. General contractor parking will not be provided within the Cincinnati VAMC site.

64) Please confirm the VA will be working and scheduling with the subsystem vendors on scheduling network outages.

A. Any outage will operate as a formal shutdown, proper notice per the specifications and drawings shall be provided. The COR will coordinate intended outages with local OI&T staff whom will provide background on whether the VA can/will coordinate with subsystem vendors.

65) Please confirm, that all existing conduit stubs for data communications are 3/4".

A. Please reference the specifications for requirements; the standard is ¾” conduit.

66) Please confirm existing locations where 1/2" conduits need to be replaced.

A. The intent of the design is to utilize existing outlet boxes and conduit. Where the installer encounters conduits that will not provide sufficient capacity for the cables required for that location, the installer shall coordinate with the COR on a case-by-case basis.

67) Please confirm if this project is tax exempt. If so, will the VA provide all the documentation to the contractor post award?

A. Confirmed. The VA will provide the contractor with the data elements required for a valid certificate.

68) Please confirm that fire rated 6mm plastic ICRA temporary barrier is acceptable for class III and IV areas and that a hard barrier will not be required by the VA.

A. ICRA requirements will vary by location; the VA cannot commit to solely fire rated 6mm plastic temporary barriers as the only form of barrier for this project.

69) Will flexible metal conduit be allowed?

A. Flexible metal conduit is only permitted from junction boxes to electrical devices within 6’ (with intent tailored towards light fixtures, speakers, etc.). For this project, flex conduit should generally not apply.

70) Please confirm there are no requirements for the contractor to utilize or submit any files or plans in Revit.

A. Specification section 01 00 00 section 1.24 part F states that “Upon project’s completion, final copies of documentation (“Permanen Record”) with indexing and navigation system embedded (and active) shall be provided in an electronic media format, typically a DVD or external hard drive. Permanent Record shall have Building Information Modeling (BIM) interface capabilities.”

71) Please provide section 01 91 00, it was not issued with the documents however it has multiple references in the bidding documents.

A. Please reference RFI 52, this project will not receive commissioning.

72) Will the VA accept modifications to the phasing plan in section 00 00 20 phasing after award?

A. There is flexibility to the phasing plan but must follow the formal submittal process and receive approval.

73) Section 01 00 00 general requirements 1.7 alterations includes that the GC will provide a thorough survey of areas in which work is to be done with the COR and VA representative in attendance.

Please confirm that the VA staff will have the time to do these surveys without delaying the contractor as these thorough surveys are extremely time consuming.

A. VA shall support the requirements detailed in this section within a reasonable amount of time as to avoid significant delays to the project.

74) Please confirm per section 01 00 00 1.12 that the contractor is to provide a temporary field office not less than 720 GSF, furniture, and 2” deep gravel surfaced area for the COR’s use.

A. Specification 01 00 00 section 1.12 “Resident Engineer’s Field Office” states that “contractor shall, within 15-days after receipt of Notice to Proceed, provide as shown on the drawings a temporary field office,…”. Please reference the drawings on whether this is illustrated, if not, the section is not applicable to this project.

75) Please confirm per section 01 00 00 1.24 that contractor is to provide a commercial photographer/subcontractor with 3 years’ experience and that indexing/navigation will use AutoCAD drawings to be interactive online.

A. Please omit this requirement as this section is tailored greatly towards Minor projects or those with which have exterior and site prep work.

76) Please confirm the pre-determined intervals in which the photographic documentation is to be done.

A. Please reference response to RFI 75.

77) Please confirm that contractor is to provide online hosting, security measures and redundant server back-up of the photographic documentation for the duration of the project.

A. Please reference response to RFI 75.

78) Please confirm per section 01-00 00 1.25 contractor is procure Tririga access and all costs associated with that access are part of this contract.

A. Although Tririga is called upon specifically, other construction management software may be accepted but shall be provided by the contractor and receive approval from the COR.

79) Please provide a site plan showing location for contractor trailers, storage, jobsite toilets and contractor delivery locations.

A. There have been no lay-down spaces outlined for trailers, storage, jobsite toilets as part of this project.

80) Third party inspections are referenced in numerous documents. However, section 01 45 35, statement of special inspections, and schedule of special inspections have not been provided with the bid documents. Please advise as this has a large cost variance impact without enough information provided.

A. All applicable inspections are called out within the drawings and specifications.

81) Please confirm this project must meet the buy American act requirements.

A. This solicitation includes FAR 52.225-11 Buy American-Construction Materials under Trade Agreements and FAR 52.225-12 Notice of Buy American Requirements-Construction Materials Under Trade Agreements which cover the requirements of construction materials for this project.

82) Please provide additional time for this procurement. EHRM projects of this size have had significantly longer durations which benefit the VA by giving sufficient time for the contractors resulting in more accurate pricing.

A. The original bid due date for this project was 2/21/23 and it has been extended to 3/3/23.