S06 - Amendment 0007 Att 1 Technical questions Round 2 responses.pdf

Technical questions/responses

36C77623B0058 EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades – Construction

Chillicothe, OH

ROUND 2, due 11/30/2023 NLT 12:00 N Mountain Time

1. Architectural Drawings show Eye Wash Station and Sink in Lab 127, Bldg. 030 being relocated to Lab 130, but is not shown on Mechanical Drawings.

Existing eye wash and sink will be added to drawings.

2. Referencing Sheet CU101, TN100, TS100 Building 18 indicated that the that the Core "A" Optical/Copper duct bank exit through RM 012E Sheet CU101 indicates the Core A duct bank is to exit near Room 012A which on the end of the building. Please confirm which is correct.

The Core A ductbank exits building through Rm 012E to avoid mechanical equipment on side of building and steam piping under handicapped ramp a front of building.

3. Referencing Sheet CJ101 Grading Notes 8 indicates that the Erosion and Sediment Control is to be in accordance with the City of Chillicothe regulations. Please confirm the responsibility for the preparation of the SWPPP plan preparation and permitting requirements.

SWP3 is included.

4. Referencing the CU and CS Sheets. Many of the CU Demolition require landscape areas to be removed and replaced as a function of the installation of the new duct banks. There are no replacement plans indicated on the CS drawings to indicate what is to be returned. Please confirm the landscape replacement requirements.

All landscaped areas are to be replaced in kind in accordance with the Planting spec.

5. The specifications indicate the installation of new 2 post floor mounted racks, however, the 100% drawings issued in Amendment 002 indicate 4 post floor mounted racks. Please confirm which is correct.

The VA standard is 30” Channel style racks. P/N: OR-MM2073038-W (OR

EQUIVALENT) MIGHTY MO 20 CABLE MANAGEMENT RACK 30" CHANNEL DEPTH,

7' HIGH, WHITE FINISH OR EQUIVALENT. The current specs list the 30” deep channel racks and not 2-post standard racks.

6. Specification Section 31 20 11 paragraph 1.4.A Classification of Excavation indicates that this project is considered "Unclassified". Paragraph 1.5 supports that all measurement for excavation is part of the lump sum contract. However, there was no geothecnical reporting provided with the solicitation documents. Additionally, in Paragraph 1.6 Rock Excavation indicates that there will be payment for encountered rock. Please clarify the excavation classification for the project and provide a geotechnical report.

Standard excavation will be lump sum as related to the trenching operation. No geotechnical survey was conducted as a part of this project. Contractor to provide unit price and contingent amount of rock excavation. If more rock than budgeted for is found, contractor is to contact the COR and Engineer immediately. COR is free to add additional information to this question.

7. Specification Division 2 - Existing Conditions includes asbestos and lead paint abatement and disposal. There was no hazardous material surveys included in the solicitation documents. Please provide an Asbestos Survey and Lead Paint Survey.

Including

8. Plan 023-EP101 TR 121B has a New LP1E panel, Plan E607.23 Panel Board schedule does not show this panel. What MDP/DP is this being feed from?

See addendum #2. Panel LP1E removed from scope. Existing panels shown on floor plan.

9. Plan 024-EP101 TR 123 has 1L3 panel , plan E604.24 shows being feed from existing SWB. Need location/manufacture/model # for this SWB.

SWB located in basement electrical room GB102.

10. Plan 028-EP102 TR 201 has panel LP-2C feed from MDP. Need location of MDP.

See first floor plan. MDP is located in same room as existing panelboard BE1. Access to room from outside of building. Room 13C.

11. Plan 031-EP101 TR 1-129 panel 1CR1A feed from CRD1. Need location of CRD1.

Panelboard incorrectly labled on single line. 1CR1A to be fed from panel “31CRDP1”.

Located in sub-basement room B005.

12. Plan 035-EP101 TR 1A109 has panel E1N-2 feed from EDP-1. Need location of

EDP-1.

EDP-1 located in main electric room BB111 in basement.

13. Plan 035-EP101 TR 1A109 has panel 1N-2 feed from MDP. Need location of MDP.

MDP located in main electric room BB111 in basement.

14. Plan 000-TN500 Manhole Detail #6 shows electrical installation of devises/switch in manhole detail. (major cost impact). What locations does this detail apply too.

Will remove reference to electrical/timer switch in manhole detail.

15. Plan T502 Tech. Grounding System Detail #1 calls for a 500MCM (TBB) copper ground. (major cost impact). Need location where this detail applies.

All New Tech Rooms

16. Reference sheet CU100; do loop A and loop B run independently of one another as shown? (major cost impact)

Loop A and Loop b shall run in a common ductbank consisting of (24) 4” conduits between manholes.

17. Is there a location where site asphalt and concrete can be stored/separated? Can this material be removed from the site once per week?

No

18. Will soil testing be performed prior to construction, to determine if any soils are contaminated? (major cost impact)

Soil testing is the responsibility of the contractor. The contractor is responsible for deciding between bringing in new fill material, or testing soil for contamination prior to backfilling. Extra spoils are to be disposed of off site.

19. Is there a location where spoil dirt can be stored?

No

20. Is there a specific location that will be used as a laydown yard during construction?

Area will be determined during kickoff meeting.

21. Is there a specific area that will be used for construction trailers?

VA has an area for construction trailers.

22. Should service laterals to buildings follow backbone details (sheet TN500, detail 3 & 4)? (major cost impact)

Yes, just with a smaller number of conduits.

23. Will erosion control plans be provided? (major cost impact)

See response to question #3

24. Please provide rack layout drawings for the MCR in building 18 as well as the basement rack for voice terminations.

See attached MCR rack elevations. Basement elevations to follow.

25. The fiber counts in all of the fiber drawings and the 25 pair counts do not match up to the counts on drawing 000-TN400. There are way more fiber and 25 pairs listed to the comm rooms on the actual drawings than there are on drawing 000-TN400. Can we verify the counts to the comm rooms? Additionally, can we also verify that 25 pairs are going to all of the comm rooms? Currently the documents are only showing cabling to the B Side Comm Rooms. The other side of the building will not have phone.

Part 1 - The fiber count (TR location on TN400) are correct. A few room numbers have been revised to match Tech enlarged plans. Clarify distinction between TR for “removal’ and TR for “new work”.

Part 2 – VA Copper Backbone white paper states “non-redundant Cat5e, 25-pair copper backbone cable to each TR”. Drawings indicates a Cat5e 25-pair copper backbone cables to each TR with rack mounted surge protection in MDF of each building. Confirm with VA this is acceptable.

26. The drawings require providing integration of the new ductless split systems into an existing controls system. Spec section 230923 Direct-Digital Control System for HVAC reads like we are providing a whole new campus-wide system. Can you clarify the extent of the DDC System required for this project?

The extent of work needed for controls on the mechanical side of the project is integration into the building controls system.

27. QA# 50 States Loop A and Loop B duct banks are to be in the same trench.

Yes, a total of (24) 4” conduits between manholes for Core A and Core B combined.

Is it the intent of the VA to have a quantity of 24ea 4” ducts (Core A 17 ducts , Core B 7 ducts) between each MH? If this is not the intent please explain the intent.

The intent is for Core A fiber to use (5) conduits with (2) additional conduits as Core A spare and (10) conduits will be used for the 25-pair copper backbone cables; Core B fiber to use (5) conduits with (2) additional conduits as Core B spare;

28. QA # 51 states detail #3 and #4 will be added to site plan drawing.

DWG # 4.029 CS112 and 4.031 CS114 were included in the amendment but do not show the details. Also, there were multiple CU DWG included in the amendment that do not depict these details either.

The quantity of ducts the VA is asking for throughout the campus is very confusing to the contractors and has a significant cost impact. Can the VA provide the site plan DWG’s with the quantity of ducts identified between manholes.

(24) 4” conduits between manholes

29. QA# 153 states ductbank A and B are combined into one common duct bank.

If this is the case, why are there separate details and not just a detail of a 24 way ductbank?

Will replace Separate Core A and Core B ductbank details with a one ductbank detail with (24) 4” conduits.

30. On TA series plan general note “B” Q#1 on the data cabling within the buildings. There are shaded and bold symbols, it is unclear if this is a complete re-cable or if just the bold symbols are to be new cabling only in scope.

Complete recabling. The shaded represent existing locations to be re-cabled, the bold represent new outlet locations.

31. The fiber counts in all of the fiber drawings and the 25 pair counts do not match up to the counts on drawing 000-TN400. There are way more fiber and 25 pairs listed to the comm rooms on the actual drawings than there are on drawing 000-TN400. Can we verify the counts to the comm rooms? Additionally, can we also verify that 25 pairs are going to all of the comm rooms somehow? Currently the documents are only showing cabling to the B Side Comm Rooms. The other side of the building will not have phone.

Add 25 pair protector panel in each tr rack for single (A-side) copper backbone

Part 1 - The fiber count (TR location on TN400) are correct. A few room numbers have been revised to match Tech enlarged plans. Clarify distinction between TR for “removal’ and TR for “new work”.

. Part 2 – VA Copper Backbone white paper states “non-redundant Cat5e, 25-pair copper backbone cable to each TR”. Drawings indicates a Cat5e 25-pair copper backbone cables to each TR with rack mounted surge protection in MDF of each building. Confirm with VA this is acceptable.

32. The following buildings do not show drop locations. TR’s are moving or shifting and cables will be short. How do we need to handle these buildings? ALL outlets are being recabled. They will either be recabled to a TR that is staying in the same location, or they will be re-ccabled to the new TR being planned for that area. If all the buildings require a change order, then the 565-day deadline will need to be removed as the time frame won’t be met. It will be time consuming to walk every building and every floor to gather the needed information for the change orders.

A site survey was conducted during design to identify all known outlet locations that could be observed. The project includes the following for the contractor in the notes on each drawing sheet “CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE PRE-INSTALLATION SURVEY

OF EACH BUILDING TO VERIFY EXISTING OUTLET LOCATIONS/TYPES SHOWN

ON DRAWINGS MATCH CURRENT CONFIGURATIONS AT TIME OF

INSTALLATION. ANY DISCREPANCIES SHALL BE BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION

OF THE COR PRIOR TO WORK.” Change orders will need to be approved prior to any materials being ordered or work being performed. This will slow down the work. If we have all the information upfront a lot of change orders can be avoided, and the deadline can now be met.

B25 B26 (Basement, 1st Floor, and 2nd Floor) B60 (1st and 2nd Floors) B247 (Basement and 1st Floor)

33. The following buildings and floors have rooms that appear to have offices that should have some sort of drop in them, but they are missing. How do we handle these buildings and floors? If all these floors require a change orders, then the 565-day deadline will need to be removed as it won’t be met. It will be time consuming to walk every building and every floor to gather the needed information for the change orders.

Change orders will need to be approved prior to any materials being ordered or work being performed. This will slow down the work. If we have all the information upfront a lot of change orders can be avoided, and the deadline can now be met.

A site survey was conducted during design to identify all known outlet locations that could be observed. The project includes the following for the contractor in the notes on each drawing sheet “CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE PRE-INSTALLATION SURVEY

OF EACH BUILDING TO VERIFY EXISTIN

G OUTLET LOCATIONS/TYPES SHOWN ON DRAWINGS MATCH CURRENT

CONFIGURATIONS AT TIME OF INSTALLATION. ANY DISCREPANCIES SHALL BE

BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE COR PRIOR TO WORK.” In addition, general notes on T-001 required “CONTRACTOR TO INCLUDE COST FOR THE

COMPLETE INSTALLATION OF AN ADDITIONAL 10%

OUTLETS (3-DATA, 1-GANG BOX, 1.25" CONDUIT) FROM EACH SIGNALS

CLOSET. OUTLETS TO BE INSTALLED AS DIRECTED BY THE COR BASED UPON

EXISTING FIELD CONDITIONS. 10% ADDITIONAL TO BE OVER AND ABOVE THE

OUTLET COUNT FOR EACH TR. To help account for unknown site conditions or owner directed changes in use of spaces during construction.

B01 (Basement, 1st Floor, and 2nd Floor) B03 (Basement and 1st Floor) B07 (Basement and 1st Floor) B09 (1st Floor) B18 (Basement, 1st Floor, and 2nd Floor) B20 (1st floor and 2nd Floor?)

B21 (1st Floor) B23 (Basement, and 1st Floor) B24 (Basement, 1st Floor, and 2nd Floor) B27 (Basement, 1st Floor, and 2nd Floor) B28 (Basement and 2nd Floor) (Assuming no work on the 1st floor as the drawing is missing would be nice to have a reference of this floor to pathway to the 2nd floor from the basement) B30 (Basement, 1st Floor, and 2nd Floor) B31 (Basement, Ground Floor, 1st Floor, 2nd Floor, and 3rd Floor) What are the panel and laptop areas on the 3rd floor? Do they require drops of some kind?

B35 (Basement,1st Floor, 2nd Floor, and 3rd Floor) B36 (1st Floor) B210 (Basement, 1st Floor, and 2nd Floor) B211 (Basement, 1st Floor, and 2nd Floor) B212 (Basement, 1st Floor, and 2nd Floor) B252 (1st Floor) B259 (1st Floor and 2nd Floor) B261 (1st Floor)

34. Several drawings show a 1, 2, 3, or 6 by a triangle but do not identify what is there or needs to be at that location. (All Data, Voice, mix of data and voice) Can these drops be cleared up as to what is there or needs to be in those Locations?

All drops are data only, VA uses IP voice, so no new analog voice.

35. The following Buildings and Floors have a triangle with either a number or no number that needs to be identified what is there so it can be replaced or what needs to be installed there.

Triangle with “W” is 1-voice to be replaced with 1-data. Triangle with no marking is 2-data to be replaced with 2-data and existing voice jack to be removed.

B01 Basement level (1) Drop location.

B03 First Floor (1) Drop location.

B18 2nd Floor (1) Drop location.

B27 Basement (1) Drop location.

B30 1st Floor (1) Drop location.

B30 2nd Floor (6) Drop locations.

B31 Basement (1) Drop G345G area.

(8) Drops TR 182 area.

B31 Ground Floor (2) Drop locations G500D area.

B35 Basement (1) Drop location.

B211 Basement (1) Drop location.

36. Referencing Amendment 0005 Question 131 it was indicated that only four

(4) escorts would be provided by the Government. We will need to be working in more than four (4) locations in a single building plus in many cases multiple buildings at any one time in order to meet the 595-day period of performance. A Data Subcontractor indicated to us that they anticipate a need to 18 workers for a full 18 months to complete the project. Would it be acceptable for the GC to hire cleared escorts to supplement the Government-provided escorts?

Escorts are only needed at the active TRs and the Data Center. If additional Escorts are needed arrangements can be made.

37. Will the OSP be completed in phases, if so, who is determining the schedule?

All phasing is proposed by Contractor and approved by VA COR.

38. Do we have to follow center line of the duct bank details or can it be adjusted in the field? If adjusted who will need to be notified for field changes/approval?

The line shown on the civil plans depicts the center line of the duct bank. Notify the engineer if location differs greater than half the width of the duct bank. Specific location will need to be documented by the contractor to be kept as record.

39. Can manholes & handholes be moved? ? If adjusted who will need to be notified for field changes/approval?

The most important factor with moving the manhole is maintaining the required slope of the duct bank for drainage requirements. Contractor to record specific location.

Approval by engineer needed prior to moving manhole.

40. Details call out minimum of 24”-30” of covering, but communications detail calls out minimum of 60” covering. Which is the detail to be followed because that will change depth of the duct bank?

Civil detail to be followed.

41. What is the minimum depth of cover for runs to the building handholes from the manholes?

Same as the main duct bank.

42. Can the government confirm all ducts are to be concrete encased? Including branch ducts?

Yes.

43. Who will be locating the existing utilities? Is the contractor responsible to bring in a private locator to locate existing utilities?

Yes the contractor is responsible for doing a GPR survey prior to/during construction.

44. Is rebar require 3’ on center & placed under and around concrete encased duct banks? (Big cost impact if required.)

Duct bank cross section should follow Div 26 specification for underground duct banks.

45. Are precast pads required to be used under each base spacer for footings in the concrete encased duct banks? (Big cost impact if required.)

Duct bank cross section should follow Div 26 specification for underground duct banks.

46. Who is the Building Automation System Integrator for the VA Chillicothe Campus?

VA Chillicothe does not have a specific BAS Integrator.

47. Duct Bank

Please clarify duct bank placement.

Does the design intend to have:

Scenario A

Core A (17 conduit duct bank) solely occupies the trench for the Loop A Backbone defined on CU101 through CU108

And

Core B (7 conduit duct bank) solely occupies the trench for the Loop B Backbone defined on CU109 through CU116

Or

Scenario B

Core A (17 conduit duct bank) and Core B(7 conduit duct bank) coexist in both trenches (Loop A backbone and Loop B Backbone as defined above)

(17) Core A 4” conduits and (7) Core B 4” conduits shall co-exist in one ductbank (with no separation) in a common trench.

or ?????

If Scenario B is the intent, then the potential disturbance to ground level improvements, existing underground utilities, and structural foundations increases substantially. If there is to be no separation between the Core A and Core B duct banks, then combine into one 24 conduit duct bank. This combination would likely minimize some of the potential disturbances described and simplify manhole connections.

Combine into one ductbank with 24 conduits.

48. Keynotes 1 thru 3 Folder

000-TS100 Keynotes # 1 and #2 discuss approximate locations of fiber optic feeds adjacent Bldg 18. Sheet Note #1 states “Refer to civil drawings for exact routing and quantities. So, 000-TS100 locations and routes are meaningless (?) and point back to civil drawings CU101 and CU109. These two drawings show no crossing of existing fiber optic cable on plan views however conflict with fiber is shown within 10 feet of building entrance in CU101 Depth Profile.

Line indicated with T is telecommunications, labeled as fiber in profile.

000-TS100 Keynote #3 states: “Contractor shall provide new telecom duct bank from existing SP2 manhole indicated and route below grade as shown to provide diverse pathway into Building B18.”

Need clarification regarding conflict in Plan vs Depth Profile CU101.

IMEG civil believes plan indicates no conflicts. Question is vague and needs clarification.

Need clarification on new duct bank routing, depth profile, conflict with existing utilities, conduit number/dimensions, etc.

Question is vague and needs clarification.

Similar question was asked before and Addendum 5, Question 56 response was “Bldg 18 Services can be seen on CS101, CS107, and CU101, Cu109.”

49. Keynote #6 Folder

000-TS100 Keynote 6 states “ route duct bank under existing stairs”.

Unaware of stairs at noted location, please clarify.

Field verify no stairs at this location. Deleted reference to route below stairs.

50. Keynote # 8 Folder

DWG 000-TS100 Keynote #8 states: “ROUTE CONDUIT DUCTBANKS UNDER

OUTDOOR PATIO AND CRAWL SPACE OF BUILDING ADDITION

Addendum 2 drawings CS104, CS105, CU204, and CU205 show the handholes and conduit entrances on the western exterior wall of the building addition with demolition and replacement of two segments of sidewalk only.

Performing the work as outlined in Addendum 2 drawings will likely include removal and replacement of significant portions of courtyard wall and patio (not shown in CD 104 or CD105) to accommodate bringing conduit duct banks to western exterior wall of the building addition.

Performing the work as outlined in Addendum 5 Keynote #8 suggests extending both duct banks an additional 60+ feet each through the addition and entering the original building envelope.

Both of the above scenarios will involve extraordinary measures to avoid compromising structural integrity and worker safety.

As an alternative, note that the western wing walls are not encumbered by courtyard walls or patios and provide direct access to the crawlspace likely more in line with the original (Addendum 2) design.

Additionally, a 2015 Google Earth view shows concrete structures in the footprint of the future building addition. Any remnant concrete would be difficult to deal with in a cramped crawl space.

Please clarify how you would like to proceed.

Will revise route to enter crawl space of building at west wall.

51. Electrical Conduit and Box Replacement

On the last set of answers to RFI’s the following statement was made regarding existing outlets.

THE SCOPE OF WORK REQUIRES EXISTING OUTLETS TO BE REPLACED WITH A

NEW OUTLET

BOX/CONDUIT, DIRECTLY ADJACENT TO EXISTING OUTLET. EXISTING

CONDUITS WILL NOT BE RE-USED.

REFER TO REVISED DETAIL SHEETS IN FORTHCOMING ADDENDUM.

Please advise if it the intent for all existing conduits are to be abandoned in place and replaced with new conduit and boxes or only the added drops for the project. If so, can flexible conduit be used or is it required that the drywall be removed, and hard pipe be installed, and drywall replaced? Please note that there are approximately 4000 new drops being installed in the scope of this project and replacing all conduits to new will have a significant impact on the price.

All existing outlets are replaced with new box/conduit adjacent. Use of flex conduit is acceptable.

52. Plan 023-EP101 TR 121B has a New LP1E panel, Plan E607.23 Panel Board schedule does not show this panel. What MDP/DP is this being feed from?

See response to question #8.

53. Plan 024-EP101 TR 123 has 1L3 panel, plan E604.24 shows being feed from existing SWB. Need location/manufacture/model # for this SWB.

See response to question #9.

54. Plan 028-EP102 TR 201 has panel LP-2C feed from MDP. Need location of MDP.

See response to question #10.

55. Plan 031-EP101 TR 1-129 panel 1CR1A feed from CRD1. Need location of CRD1.

See response to question #11.

56. Plan 035-EP101 TR 1A109 has panel E1N-2 feed from EDP-1. Need location of

EDP-1.

See response to question #12.

57. Plan 035-EP101 TR 1A109 has panel 1N-2 feed from MDP. Need location of MDP.

See response to question #13.

58. Plan T502 Tech. Grounding System Detail #1 calls for a 500MCM (TBB) copper ground. (major cost impact). Need location where this detail applies. All NEW TRs.

a. 59. ET series drawings for CCTV camera. Bid spec documents do not specified what system are currently in place for this project, please answer the following questions: What is the manufacturer of the current video management system?

b. What version/existing is the current video management system operating?

c. Are we expected to support version upgrades as part of this contract?

d. Are there sufficient existing licenses to support the new cameras?

e. Are the cameras to be 2MP pan/tilt/zoom or fixed dome?

f. Is there a current vendor/installer of this system that we can contact?

Currently TRs utilize NetBotz Wall Monitor 355.

Contractor is required to verify operation and replace as necessary.

60. ET series drawings for card reader/pin pad. Bid spec documents do not specified what system are currently in place for this project, please answer the following questions:

a. What is the manufacturer of the current access control system?

b. What version/existing software is the access control system operating?

c. Are we expected to support version updates as part of the contract?

d. Are the sufficient licenses to support the new doors?

e. Is there any existing integration between the access control and CCTV systems?

f. Is there a current vendor/installer of this system that we can contact?

AMAG Access Control System; SCDatacom currently handles maintenance.

61. Patch cable clarification. Are we to provide (2) Cat6A patch cables per cable installed? Are we to provide (1) duplex fiber patch cable per every 2 fibers installed?

CAT 6A patch cable at each end for each outlet jack. Duplex fiber jumper for each duplex port in the bulkhead.

62. Please provide rack layout drawings for the MCR in building 18 as well as the basement rack for voice terminations

See response to question #24

63. Can OSP rated cable be used instead of indoor/outdoor cable for the interbuilding cabling?

VA OIT standards call for 9/125 indoor/outdoor rated OS2 SM fiber in all inter-building cabiling.

64. Amendment#5 RFI response #3 States as follows:

ALL OUTLETS SHOWN IN LIGHT GRAY ARE TO BE REPLACED. ALL OUTLETS

SHOWN IN BOLD ARE NEW OUTLETS IN NEW LOCATIONS WHICH DO NOT

INCLUDE RE-CABLING. SCOPE WILL CLARIFY THE FOLLOWING: EXISTING

VOICE/DATA OUTLETS WILL HAVE THE EXISTING CABLING AND FACEPLATE

REMOVED. A NEW BLANK FACEPLATE WILL BE PROVIDED TO COVER THE

EXISTING BOX. A NEW DATA OUTLET WILL BE PROVIDED ADJACENT TO THE

EXISTING OUTLET WITH NEW CATEGORY 6A. CABLING TO MATCH THE EXISTING

DATA CONFIGURATION. EXISTING VOICE ONLY CABLES WILL NOT BE

REPLACED.

If new data rough in (box & conduit drop) install is required adjustment to each existing data location, this will be a major cost impact. What is standard for this situation is new cable rolled up above ceiling for a schedule change over which would be included in what the industry calls a standard change over install?

No, new outlet is required adjacent to existing so that the new system can be installed and tested and minimizes cut-over.