Attachment 38 - Technical Questions and Answers Volume 2.pdf

Hines VA EHRM Infrastructure Design Sollicitation Responses Volume 01 www.specializedeng.com

Date: 08/10/2023

Project Name: VA Hines EHRM Infrastructure Design Project #: 21081.001

Re: Solicitation Responses

Specialized Engineering Solutions is submitting a solicitation response for the EHRM Infrastructure Design Project at the Hines VA in Chicago, IL. Refer to the following information:

1. There appear to be a total of twenty-four (24) buildings impacted by this project. Please confirm this is the correct quantity.

Response:

The total buildings impacted by this project include Buildings 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 20, 33, 45, 48, 100, 113, 128, 200, 205, 217, 220, 221, 228, and 230 on the VA Hines Campus and the Joliet CBOC.

2. It only appears that we have mechanical schedules on twenty-two (22) buildings. For example, Building 100 seems to be missing the mechanical schedule, controls sequences and points list required to design the system.

Please provide all building mechanical schedules and controls sequences.

Response:

The plans are correct as provided. Building 100 does not have any new HVAC equipment requiring a controls sequence. The same goes for Buildings 20, 33, and 230. Building 205 has a new control sequence but will utilize existing equipment.

3. DDC System Requirements - Does the existing Edward Hines, Jr. VA SOW Requirements for A/C Shop which applies to all “New Building Automation Controls and Integration to BAS Supervisor” apply to this project? A copy of this SOW is provided.

Response:

Yes

4. Rack Monitoring System - On every VA EHRM project across the country, Rack Monitoring Systems tied back to the BAS System for monitoring and alarms have been a requirement. However, we cannot seem to locate this requirement on this project. Does this project include Rack Monitoring Systems including temperature sensors and humidity sensors located within each TR and on each individual server rack – see below diagram for clarification?

Response:

This will need to be added in an addendum.

5. Rack Monitoring System - If Rack Monitoring Systems (for measuring equipment temperatures and humidity) are required, what are the specifications for the sensors and the overall system?

Response:

This will be clarified by addendum in coordination with response to question 4.

6. Existing Server Room Control Upgrades (CRAC) - Attachment 19 - Drawings - 578-701.M.20230531_2 (M501) - We have found CRAC unit flow schematics in the provided documents. However, we have not been able to find the CRAC units in the mechanical schedule and floor plans. Where are they located?

Response:

There are no new CRAC units just update to controls of existing CRAC units. Plan layout of updates to existing Server Room with location of existing CRAC units can be found on sheet B01-M401.

7. When integrating to the CRAC units serving ANY TR Room, should the Contractor assume that the CRACs will have a BACnet network interface card (NIC) provided with the CRAC, or should we put in all new sensors, cabling and conduits to each CRAC unit? Please provide a drawing showing how many and what type sensors are required.

Response:

The Sequence of controls for TR rooms is located on sheet M501. The sequence calls for a room thermostat that is monitored by the DDC. The split system units are not required to be BACnet; however, when there are two or more cooling units serving a space, there needs to be the capability to automatically reset the temperature setpoint of each split system on a weekly basis. A means to provide this capability needs to be provided. Noted in the review, is lack of a room humidistat on the control diagram for rooms without humidifiers, this will need to be added by addendum. addendum.

8. Control Schematics M501 - As per the plans, it’s noted that master mechanical controls schematic is applicable for Building 1, but we have a total of 24 buildings. Is this master control schematic applicable to just Building 1, or all twenty-four (24) buildings?

All 24 buildings.

9. Control Schematics - If the master control schematic drawings are applicable for only Building 1, please provide the master mechanical controls schematics/drawings for all the other buildings.

Response:

Per 27 15 13 – 2.1.G – Communications Multipurpose Cable, Plenum (CMP) shall be specified if any portion of the cable passes through an NEC-defined plenum. Communications Multipurpose Cable, Riser (CMR) shall be specified for all other applications. CMP may be used as a substitute for CMR.

10. As per the mechanical point list, the FCU requires a heating coil control valve, but the control schematic and sequence of operation call for a cooling coil. Are we to provide a valve for a cooling coil or a heating coil?

Cooling only, no heat.

11. Are the UPS’s required to be monitored by the Building Automation System?

Response:

Yes, temperatures of the UPS rooms are to be monitored by the Building Automation System.

12. If the UPS’s are required to be monitored, what points are to be monitored?

Response:

Temperature, water bugs where provided.

13. See drawing B01-M101D Note 12 - There are notes on the drawings regarding relocating existing pneumatic thermostats. Is the Contractor responsible for removing all pneumatic thermostats in the spaces and replacing them with new DDC t-stats or are they to reuse the pneumatic t-stats and pneumatic tubing?

Response:

Reuse existing as noted. At contractors option, if the contractor wishes to update to DDC and update the associated terminal box controls, that is acceptable.

14. What mechanical equipment requires controls upgrades?

Response:

Existing mechanical equipment, such as the existing server room CRAC units, is provided in the contract documents.

15. Are the control contractors to provide BAS System t-stats for the Samsung Mini-Split Systems or is the VA expecting the contractor to provide and install Samsung factory t-stats with a BACnet interface installed to each unit in order to pick up all the Samsung points?

Response:

Contractor not required to pick up all Samsung Mini-split points. Room thermostats as indicated in TR room controls are to be monitored and alarmed. Refer to response to question 7 for additional information.

16. Are the Humidifiers to be integrated to the BAS or is the control contractor required to provide controls for them?

Response:

Stand alone humidifiers are to be integrated to the BAS but are provided with integral controls. Humidifiers where plant steam is used (Building 200 for instance), will require controls by control contractor.

17. Architectural Drawings call for removal of existing signage to be reinstalled (Note 17) AE400 Series, and for reinstallation of salvaged signage (note 25). Please advise on the type of signage. I went through the pictures of the existing site but did not see pictures of the signage.

Attached photos show existing signage in B217 for relocation; Rooms 1A118 and 2A26.

18. Note 17, and Note 25 are mentioned in the key, but there is no correlation of them on the plans for the enlarged room sections. Please advise on the locations of this relocated signage.

Response:

Relocated signs are in B217. Notes 17 and 25 are shown on the Enlarged Plans Sheets B217-AE400.

19. Advise if you will be purchasing exterior traffic signage with site contractor?

Response:

It would be anticipated that site signage is provided by the awarded bidding contractor for this project.

Contractor shall provide signage as needed to accommodate the different phases of site work throughout the course of the project.

20. Provide a picture of the interior signage to be removed and reinstalled.

Response:

Refer to signage photos provided for question 17.

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

Response:

The project specifications outline the requirements for the project. The Contracting team shall provide a means to fulfill each duty. Requirements typically indicate that project roles are not shared by the project Superintendent but instead a separate qualified individual.

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

Response:

The project specifications outline the requirements for the project. The Contracting team shall provide a means to fulfill each duty. Requirements typically indicate that project roles are not shared by the project Superintendent but instead a separate qualified individual.

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

Response:

The project specifications outline the requirements for the project. The Contracting team shall provide a means to fulfill each duty. Requirements typically indicate that project roles are not shared by the project Superintendent but instead a separate qualified individual.

24. Please confirm that the contractor is to supply all materials testing for the project.

Response:

The Contractor shall provide all materials and labor to complete the testing requirements as identified within the contract documents.

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

Response:

The firestop itself shall be provided as a UL listed assembly. The specifications indicate that the installer is to be certified with the solution type they are providing. The Contractor will be responsible of ensuring the final installation is a UL listed or equal assembly.

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

Response:

The project will require verification and confirmation that all fire stopping is in place. The party must be a third party testing agent.

27. 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.

The VA is requiring the Installer Qualifications include FM or UL approval for this project.

28. Please confirm that contractor parking will be provided on site. This has a direct impact on pricing.

Contractor parking will be made available on site.

29. Please confirm that the telecommunications contractor must provide proof to the project superintendent with

BICSI Certified Commercial Installer Level 1, Level 2, or Technician to provide oversight of the project.

Response:

The current EHRM Division 27 specifications do not include a requirement for BICSI certified installers. BICSI certified installers are certainly recommended but not a requirement.

30. Please confirm cable installer must have on staff a Registered Communication Distribution Designer (RCDD) certified by Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI).

Response:

The current EHRM Division 27 specifications do not include a requirement for a RCDD to be on staff with the contractor. For a quality installation that meets all of the standards, it is highly recommended to have an RCDD team member but not a requirement.

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

Response:

The exact location will be determined after award during preconstruction meeting due to unknown amount of trailers winning bidder will be requesting. However, response to question 28 and attachment 12 of the SOW gives bidding contractors a general understanding of possible trailer locations. Plan on installing conduit and wire from trailer to a nearby VA power source, approximate length of 300’.

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

Response:

As outlined in the Solicitation, FAR 52.225-2, 52.225-4, 52.225-11, 52.225-12 apply to this Solicitation.

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

Response:

This is confirmed.

34. 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.

Response:

This is confirmed.

35. Please confirm work in common hallways requires 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.

Where applicable, GC to comply with all ICRA standards.

36. Please confirm due to security and patience privacy that the VA has extra network equipment (switch gear, routers, UPS's) to keep the network connected during construction and cut over?

Response:

The VA will provide network electronic components to allow for the phasing of network components. The contractor will coordinate schedule with the VA per the specifications to allow for the VA to accommodate project cutovers.

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

Response:

The Contracting team will be required to lead weekly phasing meetings to coordinate outage impacts with the VA so that the VA can plan and accommodate each outage. The VA will be working in conjunction with the Contracting team to support phasing. Subsystems would need to be further identified to ensure the exact division of labor.

38. Please provide floor to finish heights and floor to structure heights for all buildings.

Response:

Where this is primarily a cabling project, measurements requested have not been documented in all cases. It was anticipated that exact dimensions would be gained and coordinated with during the construction process.

39. Is there a current roof warranty for each building? If so, please confirm who has the roofing warranty and provide point of contact.

Response:

The VA Station holds the roof warranties for the Hines Campus. Roof warranties exist for the following buildings:

1, 7, 12, 13, 18, 20, 48, 100, 200 Tower Level, 221. The campus has planned roof projects for 2024 for the following buildings: 113, 128, and 220..

40. Is the contractor required to provide the licensing for the new Security Cameras? Or will the VA be providing that?

Response:

Costs for the licensing and the process to obtain the licensing shall be included within the submitted bid for the project. Contractor can work with the VA at the time of licensing to complete the process.

41. Please confirm contractor to include an allowance for 10 additional 2-ports cat 6a information outlets in their proposal per technical drawing floor plan.

Response:

This is confirmed.

42. Please confirm that this project is a competitive Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside project and that any bonding provided by a contractor must be through a SDVOSB or SBA/VA APPROVED Mentor-Protege partnership under the SBA/VA Mentor-Protégé program in which the partnership has been approved prior to the bid date.

Response:

Please See paragraphs 2.3 SDVOSB Set-Aside and Para. 4.20 VAAR 852.219-73 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SET-ASIDE FOR CERTIFIED SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES (JAN 2023)(DEVIATION) of the Solicitation.

43. Please confirm that a large business not part of an SBA/VA APPROVED Mentor-Protégé team under the VA Mentor-Protégé program cannot provide a Payment & Performance bond for a SDVOSB.

Response:

Bonds must be submitted by the Prime contractor who will be evaluated for and ultimately receive award.

44. Please confirm that a large business not part of an SBA/VA APPROVED Mentor-Protégé team under the VA Mentor-Protégé program cannot provide a bid guarantee for a SDVOSB.

Response:

Bonds must be submitted by the Prime contractor who will be evaluated for and ultimately receive award.

45. Please confirm contractor must provide a dust-tight 1-hour rated temporary construction wall with locking door to isolate the area of work when altering rated walls in the facility.

Response:

This is confirmed.

46. Please provide a current soils report for the campus.

A new Geotech report was not completed for the project. An existing report could be obtained from the campus.

47. Please provide a plan showing the existing landscape with existing materials called out including grass, rock, shrubs/bushes, trees, and sizes of trees.

Response:

It is intended that routing is avoiding landscaping as much as possible. For the minimal locations landscaping is impacted, it is recommended for the contractor to walk the site as means and methods could impact the amount of scope. Permanent grass seeding is shown on the erosion control plans where needed to restore grass surfaces.

Full campus landscape plans would be a large scope add to the project at this phase and would be a significant effort for the minimal landscape affected.

48. Are we to assume that areas with existing data devices will not require new wall sleeves? If new sleeves are required, please provide a count.

Response:

Contractor to provide and install new sleeves as required. Assume every corridor wall/door assembly and building separation will have walls to deck and will require a listed fire sleeve assembly. Data device rough-ins shall extend to corridors.

49. Are we to assume that areas with existing data devices will not require new conduit? If new conduit is required, please provide a count.

Response:

a. Design team is unable to determine existing conduit sizes at every outlet location as conduits could not be viewed without destruction of the building. Contractor should assume for bidding purposes that existing communications roughins have ½” conduit which can accommodate 2 cables. Locations with more than 2 cables will likely require an additional outlet location.

b. SCOPE OF WORK INCLUDES RE-USE OF EXISTING TELECOMMUNICATIONS OUTLET ROUGH-IN FOR NEW CATEGORY 6A CABLING. NEW CATEGORY 6A CABLING AT EXISTING OUTLET LOCATIONS SHALL BE AS

FOLLOWS BASED ON 0.230” O.D. REDUCED DIAMETER CAT 6A CABLE:

i. EXISTING ½” CONDUIT ROUGH-IN LOCATIONS TO RECEIVE A MAXIMUM OF TWO (2) CAT 6A CABLES.

ii. EXISTING ¾” CONDUIT ROUGH-IN LOCATIONS TO RECEIVE A MAXIMUM OF FOUR (4) CAT 6A CABLES.

iii. EXISTING 1” CONDUIT ROUGH-IN LOCATIONS TO RECEIVE A MAXIMUM OF SEVEN (7) CAT 6A CABLES.

iv. PROVIDE NEW CONDUIT AND BACKBOX AT LOCATIONS EXCEEDING THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE.

NEW CONDUIT SIZE SHALL BE BASED ON 40% FILL, TALING INTO CONSIDERATION THE DERATING OF THE

CONDUIT CAPACITY FOR EACH 90 DEGREE BEND.

v. FOR BIDDING PURPOSES AT ALL LOCATIONS WITH (3) OR MORE CABLES AS INDICATED ON THE PLAN THE CONTRACTOR SHALL ASSUME ½” EXISTING CONDUIT AND WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE NEW ¾ “ OR

LARGER RACEWAY.

50. Are we to assume that areas with existing data devices will not require new boxes? If new boxes are required, please provide a count.

Response:

Refer to Technology Installation Note 14 on sheet TI000.

51. 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.

Response:

Provide fiber per specifications.

52. After removing existing WAP devices, are we to re-install the same devices as well?

Response:

Where possible, remove existing WAP data device and cabling without removing WAP. Where existing connection requires removal of WAP, contractor shall reinstall WAP in existing location. New data device and cabling are required within the scope of this project.

53. Are we required to use all plenum rated cabling for all areas? Or can we use Riser rated cabling?

Response:

Per 27 15 13 – 2.1.G – Communications Multipurpose Cable, Plenum (CMP) shall be specified if any portion of the cable passes through an NEC-defined plenum. Communications Multipurpose Cable, Riser (CMR) shall be specified for all other applications. CMP may be used as a substitute for CMR.

54. Are we to install the patch cords at the workstation end as well as the headend within each IDF?

Response:

The VA has requested patch cables to only be provided at the Telecom Room. Workstation cords are not in contract.

55. Is there any network equipment that needs to be removed / re-located within the IDFs? If so, how many pieces of equipment need to be removed / re-located per IDF?

Response:

Network Electronics will be removed/relocated by the VA. The Contracting Team shall include time to coordinate phasing with the VA for this process to take place.

56. Can it be confirmed that J-hook pathway is acceptable for fiber routing within the same building when cable tray is not viable?

Response:

All fiber that is not armored shall be installed in conduit. Horizontal cabling shall utilize jhook supports where not in conduit or cable tray.

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

Response:

The As-built section does indicate handwritten scanned to PDF. The design team will convert As-built drawings to CAD/Revit.

58. Please confirm per section 01 00 00 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. This requirement has been waived on the majority of EHRM infrastructure projects.

Response:

Requirement will be waived.

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

Response:

The pre-determined conditions are outlined within specification paragraphs 010000 1.30.B.3 thru .15 but not less than every 30 days.

60. Please provide a list of what work is to be included with the photographic documentation.

Response:

Refer to specification 010000 paragraphs 1.30.B.1 through .15.

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

Response:

This is confirmed.

62. Can the contractor QC manager serve as the photographer if they meet the requirement of having experience photographing construction projects. The term “Commercial Photographer” is vague, has no licensing requirements or any other information required.

Response:

If requirements are met this would not be an issue. It should be noted that the two positions could not be active at the same time.

63. Please confirm if this project will require a Special Inspector of Record (SIOR) or if the VA will be satisfied with the contractor QC Manager serving this function and supervising all independent Special Inspectors required by the contract documents.

Response:

The QC Manager serving this function is acceptable.

64. No statement of special inspections or schedule of special inspection has been provided. Please confirm if any third-party special inspection is required. If so, please provide a list of inspections required, the statement of special inspections, and the schedule of special inspections.

Response:

Special Inspections are identified within paragraph 014535, table 1.4.L under the “Area” heading.

65. Please confirm the contracting team shall be responsible for all temporary furniture moves to allow for project work to proceed.

It is intended that the Contracting Team will be responsible for furniture moves, disassembly and reassembly.

66. Suggested matrix of responsibility on sheet T1000 states “CONDUIT SLEEVES (NOT SHOWN BUT REQUIRED FOR PROPER INSTALLATION OF SYSTEM)” Please confirm these locations or give a quantity to use as this request is conflicting with other information in the technology sheets for a scope of work. Given this is a fully designed project we would expect this to be shown on the drawings and not covered by a catch all phrase when it has not been included in the bidding documents by the designer.

Response:

Contractor to provide and install new sleeves as required. Assume every corridor wall/door assembly and building separation will have walls to deck and will require a listed fire sleeve assembly. Data device rough-ins shall extend to corridors.

67. Please provide an alternative to the SC-UPS-1 Eaton BladeUPS that will be considered an equal for bidding purposes. Due to manufacturing and availability issues, the Eaton BladeUPS may not be available for this project.

Response:

It has been communicated to us by the VA to bid the current proposed Eaton BladeUPS as specified. There is a current shortage but the VA in working with Eaton has determined that the shortage will subside and will be available again. The awarded contractor will reconfirm availability during the submittal review phase. If at that time the Eaton BladeUPS component is still not available, and alternate will be proposed and negotiated with the VA at that time.

68. Please confirm the General Contractor of this project shall directly hire the Control System Integrator in a contract separate from the contract procuring the controls contractor.

Response:

Yes, this is required.

69. Please provide contact information for the Fire Alarm vendor for this project.

Response:

The fire alarm system in Simplex. We do not have a specific contact to provide. Their website does have a central line that can direct you to a local rep.

70. Please provide contact information for Electronic Safety and Security vendor (video surveillance Access Control) Response:

a. The existing Access Control vendor is eNorman. The access control system headend is manufacturer OnGuard version 7.6.

b. The existing video surveillance vendor is eNorman. Older cameras are manufacturer Truevision version 8.0 and newer cameras are manufacturer Milestone version 20.2.

c. eNorman Security Systems Inc. – 1075 Shore Rd, Naperville, IL 60563, 630-364-3600

71. Fixture XM1 does not appear on the fixture schedule. Please provide manufacturer and model for this fixture.

The XM1 Emergency light will be model Lithonia ELM 6L or equal by Sure-Lites or McPhilben.