Amendment 0003_36C77623B0064_23AUG2023.pdf

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO. 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODECODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office.is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30 PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

(Type or print) (Type or print)

(Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code)

(If other than Item 6)

(Specify type of modification and authority)

(such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

1 9

0003 671-22-700

36C776

Department of Veterans Affairs Program Contracting Activity Central

6100 Oak Tree Blvd, Suite 490 Independence OH 44131

36C776

Department of Veterans Affairs Program Contracting Activity Central

6100 Oak Tree Blvd, Suite 490 Independence OH 44131

To all Offerors/Bidders

36C77623B0064

08-23-2023

X

X X

X 1

ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD MODERNIZATION (EHRM) INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES, AUDIE L. MURPHY MEMORIAL VETERANS' HOSPITAL

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

Prospective Bidders' questions (RFIs) Q42 to Q128 and the Government's responses to these questions A42 to A128 are provided herein, starting on Page 2 of this document.

Solicitation #36C77623B0064 - EHRM San Antonio Infrastructure Upgrades Prospective Bidders’ Questions and Government’s Response to The Questions

Q42: Provide as-builts for the building(s) and surrounding site (utilities).

A42: Up to date as-builts are not available at this time.

Q43: Provide the firm and point of contact for the mechanical controls system.

A43: The firm is Entech. The POC is Brian Simmons.

Q44: Will the owner be purchasing and installing the FF & E?

A44: Refer to Government Response A26 from Amendment 0002 of the solicitation.

Q45: Verify that the Owner will be responsible for removing ALL equipment, unbolted furniture, personal effects, etc., from the affected areas prior to construction.

A45: Confirmed. Contractor is responsible for providing the VA with sufficient notice before starting work in a new area.

Q46: Has the facilities ICRA team assigned classifications to the affected and adjacent spaces to set the level of ICRA measures to be put in place by the general contractor?

A46: The ICRA has been set as a level III. Infectious Control Requirements are subject to change on a case-by-case basis.

Q47: Who does inspection and permitting of Infection Control? Is there an Infection Control Permit fee?

A47: Each construction site is inspected by a team of individuals from the VA including Engineering, Safety, and Infection Control on a weekly basis. We are unfamiliar with a requirement for an Infection Control Permit fee.

Q48: In addition to CQC personnel specified elsewhere in the contract, provide as part of the CQC organization specialized personnel to assist the CQC System Manager for the following areas: electrical, mechanical, structural, environmental, architectural, materials technician, Cx Agent/LEED Specialist. These individuals or specialized technical companies are employees of the prime or subcontractor; be responsible to the CQC System Manager; be physically present at the construction site during work on the specialized personnel's areas of responsibility; have the necessary education or experience in accordance with the experience matrix listed herein.

A48: Refer to Government Response A25 from Amendment 0002.

Q49: Is it the intent of the Government for us to budget these personnel to be on-site during the entire duration of work in each specialty area in addition to the full time QC manager?

Consequently, adding $millions to the cost of general conditions over the duration of this project."

A49: Refer to Government Response A25 from Amendment 0002.

Q50: Provide sign-in sheets for the pre-bid site walk/meeting.

A50: The Pre-Bid Site Walk Attendance Sheet was uploaded to SAM.gov.

Q51: Confirm standard / permissible work hours during construction.

A51: Refer to Government Response A33 from Amendment 0002.

Q52: The Proposal Submittal Requirements state, "Proposals shall also include a bid guarantee (FAR Clause 52.228-1) stating the Contractor has the bonding capacity available for this project" (PDF page #). Please confirm the amount of the bid guarantee by percent of bid price or dollar value.

A52: In accordance with Para 1.2 Bid Guarantee of the solicitation, the bid guarantee amount shall be either 20% of the bid price or $3 million.

Q53: Only question is, will Division 8 be responsible for electrical mortise locks for all doors?

A53: Refer specific hardware groups in Section 08 71 00, electrified lock and power supply by Div 8, 120VAC by Div 26, card reader by Div 28.

Q54: Will our conduit pathways for provide?

A54: Question is ambiguous and, thus, cannot be answered.

Q55: Who's responsible for programming?

A55: Unsure of what "programming" the contractor is referring to.

Q56: Please provide manufacturer information and part numbers of all Security Systems devices.

A56: Refer to Govt Response A14.

Q57: Please confirm the Government is responsible for temp locations within the facility.

A57: Unclear what the contractor is referring to. The VA is responsible for temporary locations for staff affected by ongoing work. The contractor is to provide a temporary trailer to house IT staff during construction of the new datacenter and IT offices. The trailer is to be complete with water storage and waste removal. Contractor is responsible for data and power hookup.

Q58: We understand that the Government intends to award a lump sum contract for this contract. The construction industry continues to experience significant cost volatility in nearly all commodities that cannot be anticipated. Subcontractors are receiving unforeseen increases in material costs from their suppliers, sometimes on a weekly basis, that can be as high as 10% or more. How is the Government going to accommodate the current price escalation being experienced in the marketplace with regards to commodities such as wood, steel, plastics, etc.?

Can an Equitable Price Adjustment (EPA) per contract length as one of the Defense FAR Supplement (DFARS) 216.203-4(1)(ii) clause be added to the RFP?

A58: DFARS clauses will not be incorporated into this VA procurement. Pursuant to the Changes clause (FAR 52.243-1 Changes - Fixed Price), the Contractor may request an equitable adjustment for changes within the general scope of the contract that may cause an increase to the contract. After the contractor asserts its right to a price adjustment, the Contracting Officer will make a determination to allow for an equitable adjustment if the facts justify it.

Q59: The facility is required to assign classifications to the affected and adjacent spaces to set the level of ICRA measures to be put in place by the general contractor. What are the ICRA classifications for the spaces within the scope of work?

A59: The ICRA has been set as a level III. Infectious Control Requirements are subject to change on a case-by-case basis.

Q60: Please provide the Reflected Ceiling Plans (RCPs) so that we can discern what ceiling finishes are required.

A60: Reflected Ceiling Plans of the affected areas are provided in the specifications.

Q61: Who is the Manufacturer of the existing Communication System?

A61: Panduit is the primary manufacturer of the existing cabling plant, however, there may be other manufacturers that are installed in some rooms. The contractor will be responsible for verifying all manufacturers throughout the facility.

Q62: Confirm that the Government will allow proposers a minimum of seven (7) business days to respond to the RFP starting from the date that the Government responds to 100% of the RFIs received.

A62: Confirmed.

Q63: Will TAB (Testing, Air & Balance) be required after the installation of each unit, and prior to the room(s) it is servicing be re-occupied, or will we be allowed to perform TAB services at the end of each phase?

A63: IMEG believes TAB is capable of being performed at the end of each phase, but the VA shall confirm.

Q64: Provide specifications for the referenced SDT STATIC Dissipative Tile Covering, as noted on Keynote, AE402/A24.

A64: Refer to Section 09 65 19/2.2.

Q65: Please provide manufacturer information and part numbers of all Security Systems devices.

A65: Contractor to coordinate with VA Security on manufacturer and integration to security system. System to be Identiv Velocity system.

Q66: Provide Specification Section 03 30 00 as noted on AE551.

A66: SECTION 32 05 23 will be provided by addendum.

Q67: Provide Specification Section 05 06 23 as noted on AE551.

A67: Maybe referring to 05 05 23? Anchors will be specified in Section 32 05 23.

Q68: Provide Specification Section 05 31 00 as noted on AE551.

A68: Note is referring to existing construction, no specification needed, if disturbed match existing.

Q69: Provide Specification Section 07 72 13 as noted on AE551.

A69: Note is referring to existing construction, no specification needed, if disturbed match existing.

Q70: Provide Specification Section 07 54 23 as noted on AE551.

A70: SECTION 07 51 00, Roof Repair will be provided by addendum; notes should be directed to this Section.

Q71: Provide Specification Section 07 60 00 as noted on AE551.

A71: SECTION 07 51 00, Roof Repair will be provided by addendum; notes should be directed to this Section.

Q72: Provide Specification Section 07 22 00 as noted on AE551.

A72: SECTION 07 51 00, Roof Repair will be provided by addendum; notes should be directed to this Section.

Q73: Please provide additional time for this procurement. EHRM projects of this size and complexity have had significantly longer procurement durations which benefit the VA by giving sufficient time for the contractors resulting in more accurate pricing.

A73: The SOW allows for 18 months (545 calendar days).

Q74: Please confirm the superintendent shall not have any shared duties as a QCM or SSHO.

A74: Confirmed.

Q75: Please confirm the SSHO shall not have any shared duties as a QCM or Superintendent.

A75: Confirmed.

Q76: Please confirm the QCM shall not have any shared duties as a SSHO or superintendent.

A76: Confirmed.

Q77: Please confirm that the contractor is to supply all materials testing for the project.

A77: Confirmed.

Q78: Please confirm that all firestopping must be either installed by an FM global approved contractor, or a UL qualified firestop contractor certified.

A78: Refer to Section 07 81 00/1.5 Quality Assurance.

Q79: Please confirm that the contractor is to include the services of a third party independent firestopping inspector in their bid.

A79: Confirmed.

Q80: 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.

A80: Confirmed. Refer to Section 07 81 00/1.5 Quality Assurance.

Q81: Please confirm that the VA will provide the contractor with a laydown area for dumpsters, toilets, and storage. We understand there is not much room onsite however without this area there will be an impact to cost and efficiency.

A81: Space for Contractor parking, laydown area and temporary facilities, such as trailers, storage sheds, and dumpsters must be acquired off-site.

Q82: Please provide a site plan showing the contractor laydown area(s). Currently, a trailer is only shown on GS101.

A82: Trailer shown on GS101 is for VA use. See Government Response A81 above.

Q83: Please confirm that contractor parking will be provided on site. This directly impacts pricing.

A83: See Government Response A81 above.

Q84: Please confirm if this project is tax exempt. If so, will the VA provide the documentation to the prime contractor after award?

A84: Yes, this project is tax exempt in Texas. In accordance with V.T.C.A., Tax Code §151.311, the purchase of tangible personal property for use in the performance of a contract for an organization exempted under Section 151.309 or 151.310 of this code is exempt if the tangible personal property is incorporated into realty in the performance of the contract.

Additionally, the purchase of tangible personal property, other than machinery or equipment and its accessories and repair and replacement parts, for use in the performance of a contract for an improvement to realty for an organization exempted under Section 151.309 or 151.310 of the code is exempt if the tangible personal property is necessary and essential for the performance of the contract and completely consumed on the job. The VA is an exempt organization.

Therefore, the contractor’s purchase of such building and construction materials within the State of Texas to be incorporated into the real property belonging to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or completely used in the performance of the contract is subject to exemption from Texas Sales and Use taxes under the code. To take advantage of the tax exemption the successful offeror under this solicitation must complete a Texas Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate when it purchases construction materials for this contract. Notwithstanding FAR 52.229-3, all bids received in response to this solicitation are presumed to reflect this tax exemption, and, therefore, should not include Texas’ Sales or Use Taxes on sales of materials for incorporation into VA real estate under this contract or used in the performance of this contract.

Q85: Please confirm the contractor will be required to submit post award the requested information that the telecommunications contractor shall be a BICSI licensed Contractor. Please confirm the qualification requirements of the BICSI.

A85: Please refer to the specifications.

Q86: Please confirm that the telecommunications contractor must submit copies of system manufacturer certification for all technicians. The Contractor shall provide proof project superintendent with BICSI Certified Commercial Installer Level 1, Level 2, or Technician to provide oversight of the project.

A86: Confirmed.

Q87: Please confirm cable installer must have on staff a Registered Communication Distribution Designer (RCDD) certified by Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI).

A87: Confirmed.

Q88: Please confirm this project must meet the Buy American Act requirements.

A88: Confirmed.

Q89: Please confirm level 4 finish for all finished gypsum board including patches.

A89: Confirmed.

Q90: 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.

A90: Confirmed.

Q91: 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.

A91: Confirmed.

Q92: Can the data cables be allowed to be fished in where pathways are not large enough?

A92: No. All cabling shall be installed in conduit.

Q93: Does the VA have extra network equipment (switch gear, routers, UPS's) to keep the network connected during construction and cut over?

A93: No extra equipment exists.

Q94: Are we required to use plenum rated cabling for all areas? Can we use riser rated cabling in non-plenum spaces?

A94: Cabling installed will be rated for the environment where it is installed from end-to-end.

Q95: Will flexible metal conduit be allowed?

A95: IMEG - FMC is acceptable and shall be UL listed.

Q96: Please confirm that all existing conduit stubs for data communications are 3/4".

A96: Conduit sizing varies based on the location and age of the area. Minimum conduit size is 3/4".

Q97: Please confirm existing locations where 1/2" conduits need to be replaced.

A97: Conduit sizing varies based on the location and age of the area. Minimum conduit size is 3/4".

Q98: Please confirm the VA will be working and scheduling with the subsystem vendors on scheduling network outages.

A98: Coordination and scheduling of network outages will be a collaboration effort between VA and the contractor.

Q99: Please provide floor to finish heights and floor to structure heights for the entire building and not just between the basement and top of level 2.

A99: Refer to Reference Building Section on sheets AE301 thru AE305.

Q100: Is there a current roof warranty for each building? If so, please confirm who has the roofing warranty and provide point of contact.

A100: The southwest portion of the 7th floor roof was replaced in 2021 and is under warranty.

The rest of the 7th floor roof is currently under construction. It is a Tremco roof. POC is Rodrick.thomas@va.gov.

Q101: Is the contractor required to provide the licensing for the new Security Cameras? Or, will the VA be providing that?

A101: Contractor shall provide licensing for the new security cameras.

Q102: Please confirm if the contractor is to include an allowance for additional data drops beyond what are shown on the drawings.

A102: No allowance for additional data drops.

Q103: 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 an 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.

A103: Confirmed.

Q104: 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.

A104: Confirmed. The company that submits the bid in response to the solicitation should be the same company that provides the payment and performance bond.

Q105: 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.

A105: Confirmed.

Q106: Outpatient and administration buildings were included in the off hours for work in the project document. Please confirm.

A106: Refer to Government Response A33.

Q107: Please define off hours; we assume off hours to be second shift work, but need confirmation.

A107: Normal work hours will be from 07:00am to 04:30 pm Monday through Friday. Any hours outside of normal ours can be considered off hours.

Q108: Please confirm if there are any pre-survey requirements prior to any alterations in which work is to be done with the COR and VA representative in attendance.

A108: A pre-survey for prospective contractors has already been performed.

Q109: Please confirm a commercial photographer/subcontractor is not required on this project.

A109: Confirmed.

Q110: Please confirm photographs with indexing and navigation in conjunction with AutoCAD is not required on this project.

A110: Confirmed.

Q111: Section 01 00 00 general requirements “Phasing” part 2: “Arrange such phasing dates to ensure accomplishment of this work in successive phases mutually agreeable to ensure accomplishment of this work in successive phases mutually agreeable to Medical Center Director, COR, and Contractor, as follows:” but nothing is listed out as follows. Please confirm.

A111: Confirmed. Omit "as follows".

Q112: Please confirm the ICRA Class and ICRA Level for this project.

A112: The ICRA has been set as a level III. Infectious Control Requirements are subject to change on a case-by-case basis.

Q113: 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.

A113: Confirmed.

Q114: Reflected ceiling plans have not been provided for corridor areas. Please identify ceiling types in corridors.

A114: For bidding purposes, all corridor ceiling are suspended acoustical tiles, 2x2 and 2x4.

Q115: The SF1442 states 365 for the period of performance (POP). Page 7 of 13 in the Statement of Work document calls out the period of performance is 545 CD. Please confirm, due to the extent of the scope and complexity of the project that the POP is 545 CD.

A115: Confirmed. The SOW allows for 18 months (545 calendar days). The POP is 545 calendar days.

Q116: Please provide the phasing requirements required to keep the current network system operational and the activate the new system.

A116: Phasing schedule will be provided by the contractor during construction. Refer to the coversheet for additional information.

Q117: Since new data cabling will run to existing boxes with existing voice, how should keeping the network online be handled during the switch from old to new?

A117: Phasing schedule will be provided by the contractor during construction. Refer to the coversheet for additional information.

Q118: For the existing campus support center, will all the cabinets be moved from positioning on sheet TN490 to positioning on sheet TN491?

A118: No, all cabinets in the new data center are new. No existing cabinets and racks will be carried over from the existing data center.

Q119: How will existing cabling on voice wall fields in closets remain connected to the network?

A119: All existing voice cabling will remain terminated at the origin location. Voice cabling at the TCO will be terminated on new jacks to fit new faceplates.

Q120: Does all closet buildouts on sheets TN480 and TN481 get demo’d by the end of the project (racks included)?

A120: No. Refer to the drawings for equipment that will be removed.

Q121: Please provide a responsibility matrix based on the disciplines for electrical and technology. We typically see a matrix outline specific requirements required by the electrical contractor and the technology contractor.

A121: Scope of work is identified by the prime contractor. Refer to General Notes on sheet GI003, specifically, notes 7 and 20.

Q122: Who is responsible for providing and installing patch cords?

A122: The contractor is responsible for all copper and fiber patch cables per specifications 27 16 19.

Q123: Confirm voice cabling will not be touched during this project.

A123: Voice cabling and closet terminations will not be touched. Voice terminations at the TCO may require new terminations based on the selected cabling manufacturer and compatibility of the jacks in the new faceplate.

Q124: Sheet TD099 notes the closet will be removed and new data routed to the new closet.

Where will the voice cables run?

A124: Voice cabling will remain in place as with all other locations. The TR will be abandoned in place.

Q125: There is no sub-level plan beyond Sheet TN 494 which only includes 2 rooms. Are there drawings for this level?

A125: Refer to the floor plans for the location of this room. The demo sheet TD099 is one of these floor plans.

Q126: What is the separation needed for the fiber backbone? Can they share cable tray on separate sides?

A126: All fiber shall be routed based on the requirements outlined in the OIT located on the TIL. Common fiber can share pathway, but redundant fiber shall route in a separate path as far away as possible.

Q127: Do conduits from the telecom outlet extend up into the interstitial space?

A127: The interstital space includes a catwalk that is accessible from above the ceiling. The contractor shall be responsible for field verifying accessibility for each outlet.

Q128: Does the existing voice cabling need to be “cleaned up” in the ceiling?

A128: Yes. All existing to remain, cabling shall be cleaned up in place.

End of Document