Tech Questions Tracker - NOLA - 8-23-23.pdf

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND SOLICITATION #: 36C77623B0038

RESPONSES TRACKING SHEET PROJECT TITLE: NOLA EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades Construction Project

# RECEIVED

DATE

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

1 07/05/23 8/8/23 There are several annotations stating that the contract should field verify telecommunications outlets and assume a cable length of 200’ average. Are we to include the cable counts identified with the cable schedules on sheets 00-TJ-002 through 00-TJ-023 as our basis for what is to be replaced?

Existing Schedules show all cables to be replaced. Note 1 on the schedules are cables we were not able to locate during our site verification. Note 1 states: “Contractor to trace cable and confirm location. Assume 200’ of cable.

Remove existing outlet, cabling, jack, and face plate and replace all with new outlet, cabling, jack, and face plate.”

2 07/05/23 8/8/23 Is the contractor to provide an allowance of additional data cables for outlets which may not be identified within the bid drawings?

No

3 07/05/23 8/8/23 Has the site had a Wi-Fi upgrade since the design has been completed which may have added WAP’s not shown or accounted for?

Active project currently under way. Documents can be provided when available.

4 07/05/23 8/8/23 Will there be a lay down area for prime contractor and subcontractor connex boxes or is offsite storage required?

Yes, but space will be limited. VA will provide at kick-off meeting for location. Contractor has option for off-site storage, but it will be required to be bonded.

5 07/10/23 8/8/23 My question is if the telecommunications (Div. 27) will bid thru GC/Electrical or straight to the VA?

Project will be bid by GC/Prime.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

6 07/26/23 08/22/23 According to Spec Section 28 05 00 Common Work Results for Electronic Safety and Security, Part 1 – General, 1.1, E., and 1.4, A. and 1.13, A., please confirm the below:

a. Part 1 – General, 1.1, E. “Software support shall include all software updates that occur during the warranty period.”

i. The current software utilized at the New Orleans VA

Medical Center is operating at the most current software version and has reached end of sale and end of support.

b. Part 1 – General, 1.4, A. “Manufacturers Qualifications:

The manufacturer shall regularly and presently produce, as one of the manufacturer's principal products, the equipment and material specified for this project, and shall have manufactured the item for at least three years.”

i. The existing Access Control equipment and material used at the New Orleans VA Medical Center is no longer manufactured. In order to deploy additional and/or new equipment and material on the current system, a software update will be required in order to enable our most current available equipment and material to be utilized to expand the New Orleans VA Medical center Access Control System.

c. Part 1 – General 1.13, A. “Materials and equipment furnished shall be of current production by manufacturers regularly engaged in the manufacture of such items, for which replacement parts shall be available. Any existing equipment or model which is no longer manufactured, a new, current, compatible model shall be provided as a replacement.”

i. In order to satisfy this requirement, the new version of equipment and material will have to be utilized which requires a complete software upgrade of the current Access Control System.

d. QUESTION:

i. Is it the governments intent, as part of this project, to update the current Access Control System Software to the latest supported version of software?

The government’s intent is to have the software and servers replaced for the PACS system. Please see attached J&A for further guidance.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

7 07/26/23 08/22/23 According to Spec Section 28 13 00 Physical Access Control System, Part 1 – General, 1.9, A., please confirm the below:

a. Part 1 – General, 1.9, A. “The expanded PACS System shall match current features and functionality.”

i. Considering the existing software and hardware can allow for expansion, expansion software is no longer available and expansion hardware is limited to availability and no longer manufactured. If we do in fact update the software platform, we will be able to utilize current manufactured software and hardware to expand the current system.

b. QUESTION:

i. Please confirm that we are to update the software platform to satisfy the specifications?

Software and servers are to be replaced through this EHRM project. The new software and server platforms need to be compatible with all existing hardware. Please see attached J&A for further guidance.

8 07/26/23 08/22/23 According to Spec Section 28 23 00 Video Surveillance, Part 1 – General, 1.1, please confirm the below:

a. Part 1 – General, 1.1, A. “Provide and install expansion equipment to the existing Video Surveillance System, which is identified as the Video Assessment and Surveillance System hereinafter referred to as the VASS System as specified in this section.”

i. Expansion equipment for the current VASS is not available due to end of sale and end of support software version. Similar to the PACS, this platform will need to be upgraded in order to expand.

b. QUESTION:

i. Please confirm that we are to upgrade the existing software in order to expand the system for this project?

The VASS and SA platforms (servers and software) will be upgraded at a later date outside of the EHRM projects.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

9 07/26/23 08/22/23 According to Spec Section 28 23 00 Video Surveillance, Part 1 – General, 1.1, please confirm the below:

a. Part 1 – General, 1.1, C. “Video surveillance system

Video assessment & surveillance system shall be integrated with monitoring and control system specified in Division 28 Section PHYSICAL ACCESS CONTROL that specifies systems integration.”

i. The existing integration between the PACS and the

VASS is done through a “PSIM” Situational Awareness (SA) platform. As previously discussed and questioned in other RFI’s, it is critical at address all integrated systems associated with the SA in order to expand and support the existing systems.

b. QUESTION:

i. Please confirm that the intent of this project is to ensure these systems are upgraded to their most current version in order to satisfy the specifications for access control and video surveillance?

The PACS system will be upgraded within this EHRM project. The VASS and SA platforms (servers and software) will be upgraded at a later date outside of the EHRM projects.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

10 07/26/23 08/22/23 Considering the critical nature of the Situational Awareness platform at the New Orleans VA Medical Center, there are multiple options as it relates to software upgrades. The existing system does have the capability of upgrading to the latest version, but if the PACS and the VASS is to be upgraded, the new version of the PACS has the same capabilities being used today as the SA platform. If the VA approves, the PACS and VASS integration can be accomplished without the use of the SA system if the PACS, VASS and Intercommunication software platforms are upgraded.

a. QUESTION:

i. Please confirm if the VA will approve the use of the updated software for the PACS, VASS and intercommunication system for the purpose of integrating?

ii. If the VA would like to continue using the SA integration platform currently in place, that system will also require a software upgrade. Please confirm if we are to upgrade SA integration software to the latest version in order to maintain current operational functionality and expand the system as required as part of this project?

The VASS and SA platforms (servers and software) will be upgraded at a later date outside of the EHRM projects.

11 07/26/23 8/9/23 Considering the critical nature of this project and the complexities of working within an operational healthcare facility, will the VA consider extending the Q&A deadline by two weeks? Additionally, will the VA consider extending the bid due date accordingly?

Amendment 0004 issued on 8/9/23 extends the bid due date to 8/24/23 at 1:00 PM ET. The due date for questions has not been extended. We will attempt to review any additional questions received, but do not guarantee answers will be provided. It is critical that the VA awards this project in Fiscal Year 2023.

12 07/26/23 8/9/23 Can you provide the hazardous materials report/environmental survey for the project?

Currently there is no hazardous materials or environmental concerns to report due to the scope, because this is a new facility within the last 7 years.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

13 07/26/23 8/8/23 The sample submittal log shows submittals for a Cold Aisle Containment System, but there is no specification. If a Cold Aisle Containment System is required, can you provide a specification?

Division 13 Special Construction:

GDM has removed all references to Hot/Cold Isle containment. This is not part of this project. A new Specification section is provided in Addendum No 2.

14 07/26/23 8/8/23 Specification states to provide an SSHO, can the project superintendent have dual duties as the superintendent and

SSHO?

Dual roles is fine

15 07/26/23 8/8/23 Specification states to provide a CQC System Manager, can the project superintendent have dual duties as the superintendent and CQC System Manager?

Should be independent

16 07/26/23 8/8/23 If the superintendent is able to provide combined SSHO and CQC System Manager capabilities, will they be able to perform all three positions in tandem?

No

17 07/26/23 8/8/23 Drawings 01-TD-051, 01-TN-051, 02-TN-052, 11-TD-011, 11- TN-011, 01-ED-051, 01-EP-051, and 02-EP-052 are listed in the Table of Contents of drawings, but are not in the drawings provided—are these drawings needed on the project? Was the fifth floor of Building 01 descoped from project?

These sheets were removed from the set, but not the sheet index. A new sheet index is provided in Addendum No 2.

18 07/26/23 8/8/23 Drawings 04-TN-012/013/014 are mislabeled in the Table of Contents of drawings but are labeled as -021/-031/-041.

Same with 05-TN-021/031/041 (not necessarily a question, just for reference…).

Sheet Index was mislabeled. The correct sheets are 04-TN-021/-031/-041 and 05-TN-021/031/041. A new sheet index is provided in Addendum No 2.

19 07/31/23 08/22/23 Division 27 of the project specifications are manufacturer agnostic, however in the plans on sheet 00-TJ-004 & 00-TJ- 005 it lists Leviton for the connectivity and Berk-Tek for cable.

In previous VA projects Hubbell has been an accepted manufacturer. Do we need to submit a formal prior approval request for this project, or do the specifications supersede the drawings. In which case division 27 is open to all manufacturers that meet the performance specifications?

As long as the Cat6a requirements are met and patch panels are equivalent, any manufacturer is acceptable. No formal approval request is necessary.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

20 08/04/23 08/22/23 RE: chemical treatment for hydronic systems (the “New chilled water and heating hot water systems”) – please confirm volume / GPM requirements to be treated / tested for this project.

The total estimated volume of hydronic system drain & refill (including fill of new systems) is 3400 gallons.

21 07/26/23 08/22/23 Please provide two (2) pictures of each of the following panels: PNL ‘EIT1214,’ PNL ‘EIT2211,’ PNL ‘L3411,’ PNL

‘R421A,’ PNL ‘EQP5212,’ PNL ‘L6411,’ PNL ‘L741,’ PNL

‘EIT821,’ & PNL ‘L941’

a. One picture of the overall panel including what breakers are in it

b. One picture of the nameplate which specifies the panel’s manufacturer, voltage, amperage, AIC rating etc.

The site staff will collect the requested pictures and they will be distributed in an amendment as soon as possible.

22 07/26/23 08/22/23 Does this job hav3e any “By American” or “By America” requirements?

Yes, the Build America / Buy America Act – Public Law 117-58 is a requirement for this project.

23 07/26/23 08/22/23 Specification section 01-00-00 page 19 states “Contractor will not have access of use of existing elevators.” We need elevators to bring materials to the higher floors. Please allow scheduling of elevators to allow contractors to transport material

Elevator use will be limited and will have to be scheduled with the facilities Contracting Officer for the project.

(Outside of high patient use hours)

24 07/26/23 08/22/23 Are the lighting controls required to tie into the existing system? If so what lighting control system is currently on the campus?

Any lights being added are required to tie into the existing ControlKeeper lighting relay. System model is unknown as they can vary between buildings. Lighting relay fed from closest L panel in same electrical room.

25 07/26/23 08/22/23 Please provide pictures of all panels that are to be relocated.

These pictures should show all conduits going into and out of the panel.

The VA is unable to accommodate this request. The panel schedules in the drawings should provide sufficient information.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

26 07/26/23 08/22/23 One of the Demolition General Notes on the ED drawings states, “existing rack mounted receptacles being utilized to remain.” Please take a picture of all receptacles being utilized.

The VA is unable to accommodate this request as there are IT closets scattered across the campus. Any receptacles mounted on cable tray that currently have something plugged into them are to remain, unless otherwise indicated on the drawings.

27 07/26/23 08/22/23 Note 6 on drawing 03-EP-031 says the fixture is to be returned to the owner. Was this note supposed to reflect note 6 on 03-ED-031 that states the fixture was relocated?

This note pertains to the conference room that is being split into a TR addition. By owner request, one of the light fixtures is going to be relocated to the new conference room and the other is going to be demolished and returned to the VA.

28 07/26/23 08/22/23 On 00-EG-001 note 35 states the contractor is responsible for moving the furniture out of spaces required to complete each day’s work; however, specification section 01-00-00p11 says that furniture will be removed by the government.

The contractor will be responsible for removal and replacement of furniture.

29 07/26/23 08/22/23 General Note 8 on 00-TN-041 discussed the need for plywood. Is this plywood supposed to go to the ceiling of 8’ up as a standard sheet of plywood would?

The plywood sheets are 4' x 8' mounted vertically 6" above the floor. The mounting height would be 8'-6" above finished floor.

30 07/26/23 08/22/23 Can you clarify the Mold Remediation requirements for workers? Do these requirements apply to all workers or just those performing demolition?

Mold remediation is only in a few specific locations for this project. After the demo and cleaning phase of each room is complete, all other workers will not need to meet mold remediation requirements.

31 07/26/23 08/22/23 Are mobile HEPA carts required by contractors to access the ceiling in hospital/patient rooms?

Do not see in the scope of work where ceilings in hospital/patient rooms will be affected. Only if ceilings are needing to be accessed and the room is occupied would HEPA carts be required.

32 07/26/23 08/22/23 We would like to verify a storage area will be provided for our materials. Where will this area be located?

Yes, but space will be limited. VA will provide at kick-off meeting for location. Contractor has option for off-site storage, but it will be required to be bonded.

33 07/26/23 08/22/23 If the majority of the work will take place after hours will there be more on-site parking available to workers?

There will be limited parking in Visitor Parking.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

34 07/26/23 08/22/23 Specifications provide Basis of Design product part numbers for Backbone Fiber, Cat 6A, Connectivity, or states equal.

The Basis of design products do not match the existing infrastructure. Are bidders to price the Basis of Design or match existing infrastructure?

Bidders to price per Basis of Design or approved equal.

35 07/26/23 08/22/23 Product Specifications say or Approved Equal? Is there a required form that needs to be filled out to send in for approval of product equals?

No formal request is necessary for approval of product equals.

36 07/26/23 08/22/23 Will equal products need to be approved before bid date? No formal request is necessary for approval of product equals.

37 07/26/23 08/22/23 The plan notes for the new TR’s state to “provide a new camera and to refer to spec section 27 11 00 for additional information”. There is no spec section 27 11 00 included in the job specifications. What are the camera specifications?

Refer to spec section 282300 Video Surveillance, the existing camera system is NICE Vision.

38 07/26/23 08/22/23 What is the existing access control system? HID

39 07/26/23 08/22/23 The plan notes state that the removal of existing cabling cannot be done until new cabling is in place. What will the Cut Over process for the existing system to the new system?

New Cabling cannot use existing stub ups with existing cabling in place.

Build the new infrastructure, coordinate cut over with the COR, demolish the abandoned infrastructure.

40 08/04/23 08/22/23 Which fire alarm vendor is in the buildings? Johnson Controls system with an IFC2-640 Fire Alarm Control Panel.

41 08/04/23 08/22/23 On sheet 03-EJ-003 MI cable is shown for the grounding of Transformer ‘T6.’ Additionally, the existing panels fed from the transformer’s room are fed using MI Cable. However, the new panels that are to be put in are fed using regular copper wire. Should the new panels be fed using MI cable as well?

MI cable should be used for the new panels being added.

ANSWERED

DATE CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS VA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS

42 08/10/23 08/22/23 On sheet 02-TN-011 and 09-TN-011, the drawings describe using the connecting hallway. However, I do not see this hallway in any of the drawings for measurement. Will lengths of this hallway and others like it be provided in another drawing.

Telecom site plans show connecting hallways and can be used to measure them.

43 08/10/23 08/22/23 Sheet 00-TJ-007 specifies wire sizing for the grounding will be found on 00-TJ-008 through 00-TJ-010. The wire sizing is not found on these sheets. Can more information concerning the grounding wire size be provided?

Sizes for bonding conductors inside the TR’s are on sheet 00-TJ-007. Refer to applicable electrical codes and standards for sizing of Grounding conductors.

44 08/15/23 08/22/23 Our fire protection subcontractor asked if BIM coordinated drawings will be required as submittals? And if they are, what level will be required?

BIM drawings will be required for the project limits only.

45 08/17/23 08/22/23 Can you please provide additional information concerning the routing of the grounding connections? Where do these ground cables end?

All grounding cables go to a grounding triad which are spaced out throughout the main campus. Each building has its own grounding triad.

46 08/22/23 08/22/23 I just received an email from our Eaton contact who said, “With the variables and the unknowns, I don’t know how anyone is going to be able to price a [coordination] study.”

Unfortunately, Section 26 05 73 Subsection 1.3B states, “The study shall be prepared by the local Eaton representative to the project site.” Do you want us to exclude the study for the time being?

It was not the A-E’s nor the VA’s intention to have Eaton perform the coordination study. This is open to any qualified vendor. Our position is that there is more than sufficient information within the construction documents to perform the coordination study. All pertinent information is in the one-line drawings and panel schedules of the new work being performed.