Amd 10_1791.19 - RFI Responses_3.11.24.pdf

RFI’s for Electronic Health Records Modernization (EHRM) Infrastructure Upgrades Construction project at the Columbus VA Medical Center (VAMC) – Columbus, Ohio

Item Question Response

Key note 2.18 states: PATCH AND REPAIR WALLS FOR PREPARATION OF NEW FINISH AFTER REMOVAL OF EXISTING EQUIPMENT. Room Finish Schedule states that the wall finishes are Existing To Remain. How far are we to go with doing any patching and repairs?

Patch and repair areas affected by the removal of existing equipment.

2 Can we use a STARC wall or similar type of wall system for temporary wall?

May be acceptable. Must comply with Final Specs Vol 1, Division 01 35 26 1.12 Infection Control and Fire Safety Requirements Section 1.14.D

3 Can you provide all of the Division 27 specifications necessary for this project? Division 27 specifications are a part of specification volume 2.

The Table of Contents for the specifications booklet does not match the specifications provided (ie it is missing some Div 26 spec sections and all of the Div 28 Security specifications). Could the architect provide a complete specifications Table of Contents for referencing on this project with any additional specifications included too?

The Table of Contents and Division 26, 27, and 28 specifications with the specification volumes match.

Refer to signed and sealed drawing and specification package.

Can you provide roofing specifications for this project? Existing roof system unknown. Provide patch of roof as needed with like materials and install.

Procedures to maintain a warrantable roof system.

Due to the instability in our current economy such as price escalations, procurement issues, and vendors unable to reasonably hold prices for more than 30 days, please change the contract type to a Fixed-Price with Economics Price Adjustments pursuant to FAR 16.203.

Contract type unchanged and remains firm fixed price.

7 Due to the instability in our current economy such as price escalations, procurement issues, and vendors unable to reasonably hold prices for more than 30 days, please reduce the price-hold period to 30 days

No change – 90 days is the standard timeframe for VA acceptance of offers.

Can a single individual serve more than one of the following roles simultaneously: CQC Manager, SSHO, and Superintendent? If so, can a single individual perform all three? If only two, which roles may be combined?

Per Final Specs Vol 1 Division 01 45 00 Quality Control section 3, CQC Manager and Superintendent need to be different personnel. Per 01 35 26 Safety Requirements section 1.7, either could serve, in addition, as SSHO as long as requirements are met.

The following specification sections are in the specification manual, but not in the table of contents.

Please update the table of contents to match the sections provided.

a. 23 21 23 Hydronic Pumps

b. 26 05 11 Requirements for Electrical Installations

c. 26 05 19 Low-Voltage Electrical Power Conductors and Cables

d. 26 05 26 Grounding and Bonding for Electrical Systems

e. 26 05 33 Raceway and Boxes for Electrical Systems

f. 26 05 73 Overcurrent Protective Device Coordination Study

g. 26 09 23 Lighting Controls

h. 26 27 26 Wiring Devices

i. 26 43 13 Surge Protective Devices

j. 28 05 00 Common Work Results for Electronic Safety and Security

k. 28 05 13 Conductors and Cables for Electronic Safety and Security

l. 28 05 26 Grounding and Bonding for Electronic Safety and Security

m. 28 13 00 Physical Access Control System

n. 28 23 00 Video Surveillance

o. 28 05 28.33 Conduits and Backboxes for Electronic Safety and Security

Each specification listed here was included in the Specification Table of Contents. Refer to signed and sealed drawing and specification package.

Divisions 27 and 28 are listed as "not used" in the table of contents. Some sections are provided for Division 28. Please review the specification manual provided and confirm existing sections and add all appropriate sections.

Divisions 27 and 28 do not say “not used” The Table of Contents and Division 27 and 28 specifications with the specification volumes match. Refer to signed and sealed drawing and specification package.

Please provide specifications for the following items called for in the drawings. At a minimum, we need specs for acoustical ceilings, static dissipative tile, framing, drywall, roofing, steel, and abatement.

Requested specifications will be provided in a follow-up addendum.

The RFI Deadline is currently only one day after the bid walk. Please extend the RFI deadline to one week after the bid walk to allow time for the generation and communication of questions by subcontractors to primes and then CO.

The RFI deadline was already extended until 11/7/2023 in response to this question.

The scope of work states that the closets need to maintain function during remodel. Drawings call to remove existing flooring and replace with a static controlling floor. The existing rack is approximately in the center of each room. To demo the floor and install the new, the old rack will need to move, but the Technology contractor doesn’t like this idea as of chance of having an outage and for two there is seismic bracing attached to the racks. Piecing the flooring in as new racks are installed and the old is removed is not an option as the freshly troweled glue will leave foot traffic impressions through the tile. Trying to tile around the existing rack and coming back to infill later will not work as the glue is part of the static control system so it will need to be spread all at the same time. Please advise on how you want to see this work performed.

Phasing plan to be discussed post award. For bidding purposes, plan to install at one time per manufacturer requirements for SDT. Static dissipative flooring will likely need to be installed in phases. Will consider acceptable solutions Post Award. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions.

14 Can knock down frames be used for the new frames and doors. Please advise. Knock down frames may not be used.

Door schedule on AE601 shows hardware set HW01 for telecom doors. The note states to use existing with a continuous hinge. Are we providing new hardware or using existing?

Existing hardware to be reused where possible. Provide new continuous hinge as shown on drawings.

16 There will be roofing repairs needed do to hvac equipment being located on the roof. There are no roofing specs. Please provide the material type & who holds the roofing warranty.

Existing roof system unknown. Provide patch of roof as needed with like materials and install.

Procedures to maintain a warrantable roof system.

What is the VA’s expectation on the commissioning? Will this be done at the end of the project or broken into phases?

Commissioning will likely be phased, schedule to be discussed Post Award. Requirements per Final Specs Vol 1, Division 01 91 00 General Commissioning Requirements and 23 08 00, COMMISSIONING OF HVAC

SYSTEMS.

18 On demo and finish drawings key notes 27.01 & 27.02 are not defined. 27.01 and 27.02 both refer to new telecom equipment. Refer to telecom drawings for more information.

19 In rooms being renovated, do we need to repaint the entire room, or just the walls that are affected by work?

Paint walls affected by work to match existing adjacent finishes.

20 Room 4A041 on finish schedule AE601 is indicated on Phase 1 and on phase 5, please clarify which phase to complete in.

Phasing relates to the order of construction related to the main server room and adjacent spaces. The Telecom rooms can run concurrent to any of the main server room phases.

During the site visit, it was mentioned that a new set of both plans and specs were uploaded to SAM; however, only new specs were uploaded in Amd02. Is there a revised set of plans to distribute as well?

Reference the most recent amendment on sam.gov for signed and sealed drawing and specification package.

All the above-ceiling areas viewed are heavily congested with HVAC and plumbing equipment within 4" above the ACT. Existing wires are not in any conduit, jay hooks, or trays. Please confirm that new cabling does not require these items as they will be impossible to install.

Telecom – Confirmed. Use existing cable tray for network cabling. Electrical – All wiring shall be in conduit.

23 The bid deadline is the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Many potential bidders may be out. In order to serve the Government's best interest of increased participation, please extend the bid date to December 6 at 3pm.

Proposal deadline extended. Reference the most recent amendment on sam.gov for the current deadline.

24 Amendment 3 drawings has no notes in the revisions block or clouds on the drawings. The architect needs to specify what has changed from the original set.

Multitude of changes from 95% drawings to Final Bid Set. Please refer to signed and sealed drawing and specification package.

Drawing E403 call out for new electrified door hardware on door 2B310, (note 56) but drawing AE601 does not have the door listed. Are we to provide new hardware for door 2b310?

Replace electrified door hardware per electrical drawings and reuse other existing hardware.

26 Drawing AE601 on the door schedule calls out for door 1A457 to use HW-01 hardware set with the note to reuse all other existing door hardware except provide new continuous hinge. On drawing E401, note 56 calls out for new electrified door hardware. Please verify we are to reuse existing door hardware except new continuous hinge.

Replace electrified door hardware or provide new electrified door hardware per electrical drawings and reuse other existing hardware. Provide new continuous door hinge where specified in drawing package.

27 Is new backbone cabling required to each IDF? If so what is the type and strand count? Telecom - No, Covered in separate project

What type of MM fiber is required for the MM fiber backbone? OM4 and OM5 are both listed in the specifications Telecom - Covered in separate project

29 Please confirm only 1 patch cord per cable installed is required per Note F on T100. Telecom - Confirmed 30 Confirm if an ICRA approved dust containment unit is required in building 1A while pulling and demoing cabling. The telecommunications narrative is contradictory as it states that it is in one part and is not in another.

Confirmed – Provide ICRA approved containment units where necessary for the removal of existing cabling and the installation of new cabling in occupied corridors.

Telecom narrative page 4 General item 6. Says to install new cable tray in hallways. There is not cable tray shown on the drawings where is the tray to be installed? Telecom - Covered in separate project

Do we need to provide new cabling for wireless, cameras, BAS, etc? nothing is shown on the drawing for these devices. Telecom - No

33 If the existing system cables are to stay and are terminated in the existing racks what are we to do with those cables? Do those cables need to be moved to the new racks? If so, how many cables are there?

Telecom - Network cabling to be replaced. If there are other system cabling in existing racks, they are to be moved to new racks or coordinate location with AHJ.

For the Zone PDU, Vertical PDU, and UPS’ shown on E-502. Just to verify for all IT rooms other than the main server room 4A201 we are moving these from the existing racks to the new racks correct? In the new server room are we providing these for the new racks and if so will we still provide 1 Zonit 60A PDU for every 3 racks even though there are 12 racks in a row?

Electrical – In the TR’s, zone PDU’s, vertical PDU’s, and UPS’s are to be reused. The new server room racks shall be fed from a power busway as indicated on plans. Busways A and B are fed from UPS Panels A and B respectively. Zone PDU's are not required for server racks. Each server rack shall be provided with (2) vertical PDU's: (1) on each side.

Refer to detail 4 on sheet E-501 for busway power connection to each PDU on the server rack. Refer to detail 3 on sheet E-502 for basis of design of PDU in server racks/cabinets

35 Are only the 10 HDA and MDA racks in the Main TR to be the Vented Server Type shown on T-402 detail #1?

Telecom - 10 MDA/HAD Network Channel racks, vented (T- 401 Detail 1). 15 vented Server Cabinets (T- 402 Detail 1).

Are all racks in the Main TR 4A201 new other than the 4 Fiber Optic Cabling racks or are some getting reused after moving?

Telecom - No, All Network racks and Server cabinets will be new.

37 Can rack elevation layouts be provided for the MTR racks/cabinets? Telecom - Example for Network Racks on T-402. Server Cabinets elevation to be coordinated with OIT and Equipment Owners.

Does the SSHO, QA/QC, and Superintendent have to be three separate persons/positions are can there be shared responsibilities?

Per Final Specs Vol 1 Division 01 45 00 Quality Control section 3, CQC Manager and Superintendent need to be different personnel. Per 01 35 26 Safety Requirements section 1.7, either could serve, in addition, as SSHO as long as requirements are met.

Drawing E-600 shows (2) SWBDs, CD1CA & C1SBEA, that have new feeders. We could not locate either the SWBDs or the 1A013 electric room to get proper lengths. Please provide information to get the needed lengths.

Electrical - Refer to attached sheet for exact location of Room 1A013

1A013 ER is adjacent (North) of 1A014 TR

The Eaton Blade UPS (5kW, 30A, 3-PH) is no longer available, does the VA have a current proposed replacement?

Electrical - Rack mounted UPS may not be required per design drawings.

Attachment 12 telecom narrative states the following “Contractor to coordinate cable cutover by VA OIT for new fiber. Once the cutover to the new fiber has been completed contractor can demolish the old fiber and associated hardware and termination equipment. Actual cutover to the new fiber will be accomplished by OIT”. Telecom drawing only depicts installation new fiber trunks in the MDA/Data center. Please confirm if it is the government’s intent for contractor to fiber backbone from the MDA/Data center to each of the TR in Bldg 106A and a 106A? If yes please provide following: location and size of telecommunication riser in building 106A, location, size and current capacity for main cable pathways

Telecom - Cabling covered in other project. Cutover is for move of Fiber cabling after installation of new racks in MCR.

General note “L” on the telecom series drawing states the following “AFTER CUT- OVER, REMOVE ALL OLD IT FIBER OPTIC CABLING FROM THE TR ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE SERVER DEMOLISH

ALL ASSOCIATED HARDWARE AND TERMINATION EQUIPMENT. ENSURE THAT ANY CABLING IN

THE CEILING AREA THAT IS FOR OTHER SYSTEMS, IS NOT DISTURBED”. Telecom drawing only depicts installation new fiber trunks in the MDA/Data center. Please confirm if it is the government’s intent for contractor to fiber backbone from the MDA/Data center to each of the TR in Bldg 106A and a 106A? If yes please provide following: location and size of telecommunication riser in building 106A, location, size and current capacity for main cable pathways

Telecom - Telecom - Covered in separate project

Drawing T305 & 306 shows the HL plan for remodel/phasing of the MCR/Data Center (4A201). Is Room 4A201 a raised floor environment? If so, what is the depth of the raised floor? Can government provide rack elevations and port maps/cable run lists for the existing systems/racks?

VA to respond. Telecom - Raised Floor is existing, to be demolished. Depth - 12". Rack elevations/port maps/ cable runs - not available

Detail2 on T305 show the relocation of “Copper Cabling” rack to new four post rack “HDA-B”. Can the government confirm that there is sufficient cable slack for the relocation? What is the is the quantity and type of connections to this rack? If the cabling can be migrated without need for re-termination, what is the expect level of testing/certification required?

Telecom - Copper cabling in question is WAO serving. Existing copper cabling to be replaced and removed after cutover. Standard CAT6A TIA testing standards apply.

Detail 3&4 on T305 show the relocation of four (4) “Fiber Optic Cabling” rack to new four post “MDA-A” racks. Can the government confirm that there is sufficient cable slack for the relocation? What is the is the quantity and type of connections to these racks? If the cabling can be migrated without need for re-termination, what is the expected level of testing/certification required?

Telecom - Confirmed cable slack. Fiber Optic Termination panels to be moved completely to new MDA Racks. OM4, OS2, LC Connectors.

Standard Fiber Optic TIA Testing Standards apply.

Sufficient cable slack - no knowledge; Quantity of connections - approx 78; Tyoe of connections - OM4, OS2, LC; Expected level of testing/cert - reference Infrastructure Standard for Telecommunications Spaces (attached)

Are the existing server racks independently supported from the raised access flooring in the Data Center? Are the existing Leibert units independently supported from the raised access flooring?

Telecom - No. Existing Server Racks are supported by the raised floor. Liebert Cooling supported by raised floor? No, but additional floor post to support?

Is the structural integrity of the data center raised access flooring dependent on the perimeter tiles being installed? If unsure, can you provide the product data or make/model of the existing system?

Cannot confirm. IT does not have the make/model of the existing system.

48 Will seismic bracing be required for the new CRAC units. Mechanical - Yes 49 Will seismic bracing be required for new Server racks? Telecom - Yes

Specification section 230923 states to "Leave existing direct-digital control system intact and in place. Provide a new ASHRAE Standard 135 BACnet-compliant ECC in the same room as the existing system’s ECC, and provide a new standalone BACnet-compliant control system serving the work in this project. No interoperability is required." Wanted to verify this is correct and we are not tying into the existing JCI DDC controls in any way.

Mechanical – This is incorrect. Tying into the existing JCI DDC controls is a requirement. It is strongly recommended to use JCI as the controls contractor as well.

We would like to request a minor bid extension to Thursday November 30th or Friday December 1st, if possible. Despite the amount of time people have to review the documents, our concern is with Thanksgiving the week before and most schools still out on Monday the 27th, that subcontractor coverage will be less than ideal.

Proposal deadline extended. Reference the most recent amendment on sam.gov for the current deadline.

52 Insulation spec not found. Can one be provided? Spec section 23 07 11 is referenced throughout the document but is not provided.

Mechanical – Specification 23 07 11 will be provided with follow-up addendum.

53 Manufactures for the equipment not found in specs. Are the only acceptable manufacturers the ones listed on the drawing equipment schedule?

Mechanical – Basis of Design is listed in the schedules. Any equivalent substitution from other manufacturers is acceptable. It is required that the condensing unit and indoor unit are from the same manufacturer.

The mechanical demo notes have us removing the existing refrigerant lines back to condensing units. Are these condensing units being abandoned in place?

Mechanical - No. Condensing unit to be demolished and removed including all controls, accessories, and piping.

55 HVAC Narrative – is this a narrative that the engineer used to create the construction design and drawings and what is shown on the drawings encompasses all that is wanted?

Mechanical - All is shown except the demolition of the existing condensing units serving the current TRs.

HVAC Narrative - This states that existing HVAC equipment to remain will be evaluated to determine if it meet the desired requirements and if upgrades are needed then they will be provided. Is this something that is going to happen by the engineering team at a later date and any work required will become a change order or a different job at a later date?

Mechanical - The equipment to remain in the drawings has been determined to meet the desired requirements.

HVAC Narrative - This speaks of modifications to duct and air devices if needed due to being within new TR rooms and not served from a dedicated AC unit. Has this been evaluated and any changes are reflected on the drawings?

Mechanical - Please verify that the thermostat for the VAV box serving the space is located within the telecom room. That is the intent of this note. If the thermostat is located elsewhere, the diffuser and ductwork serving the telecom space will need to be demolished and capped at the main. The rooms were evaluated at the beginning of design.

HVAC Narrative - This talks about demolition of existing radiators, unit heaters and their piping to be demolished. The only equipment I am seeing to be demolished are ductless splits, fan coil units, a CRAC unit and its CU. Please clarify.

Mechanical - This is a general note for this spaces. Site investigations showed that these did not exist in the current telecom rooms. Note should remain in case there is a need to remove heating equipment from the spaces.

Sheet M-406. Are the associated condensing unit for the ductless splits that are to be removed in rooms 104 and 106 to be removed? If so, where are they?

Mechanical - Yes the condensing units and associated accessories will need to be removed. The condensing unit serving 104 is on the roof above. The condensing unit serving 106 is directly outside the building on grade.

Sheet M-406. Do ENE-DA-104A and B have a branch selector? None shown.

Mechanical - Yes. They are located in the bottom right corner of the room. They are not tagged in that view, but they are shown.

61 Sheet M-406, detail 5 & 6 shown the removal and replacement of a ductless split/cu system. On sheet M-102, detail 5 coded note 4 – this states that existing system is to remain. Please clarify.

Mechanical - Keynote 4 on M-102 is incorrect and should be disregarded. Please follow what is shown on M-406 details 5 and 6.

Some UPS manufacturers are unable to meet the 240 minute battery run time requirement in 263353 2.1.B. Will a 54 minute battery run time be acceptable? If not, what is the minimum acceptable battery run time?

Electrical - 240 minutes is the maximum run time per VA specifications. The minimum run time is 15 minutes per VA specifications.

63 Where are the existing condensing units located that are associated with the ductless splits being removed?

Mechanical - They are located on the roof in the same location that the new ones are shown to be located. Please confirm which units should be demolished. At least one will be existing to remain. See Item 59 for the Engineering Building and Energy Building condenser locations.

64 Where is the condensate drain piping running to that is to be removed with the demolition of the existing splits and FCU’s?

Mechanical - This campus has its existing condensate drain lines being run to the nearest sink, mop sink, or floor drain. Roughly 600 ft of 1/4" diameter flexible piping.

65 Coded note 9 on the enlarged room mechanical plans say to run condensate drain piping off drain pans to nearest mop sink, floor drain or condensate pit. These locations are unknown.

How do you want to account for the amount of drain piping needed?

Mechanical - Estimated roughly 600 ft of 3/4" condensate drain piping, 70 90-degree elbows, and 50 tee connections to be connected to the nearest sink to each TR. This included draining TR stacks to the lowest level in the stack then routing to the nearest sink.

66 Coded note 11 on the enlarged room mechanical plans says to disable heating capabilities at VAV serving those rooms. To what extent – remove the heating element, cut the heating control wiring/remove the heating hot water connection? Can you please clarify what if the boxes are electric or hot water reheat and what you want done?

Mechanical - Ideally, the hydronic piping serving the VAV would be demolished and capped at the branch. They are all hot water reheat.

67 Is the electrician providing and installing the leak detection for the drain pans? Yes. Refer to keynote 9, sheet M-404. Refer to specifications for exact requirements.

68 Plans T-100 & T-101 show TRs with stated counts of WAO’s (see example for 2B003 below) which does not match the count of the WAO symbols ( ) in the area that TR is serving.

a. Are these new WAO’s to be installed?

b. If so, confirm that per Spec 27 05 33-8 C.1, the minimum conduit size ¾” at 40% fill (two Cat6A) for each, with complete conduit installation to the cable tray. Symbols ( ) total count is approximately 2,061 which would be a MAJOR COST IMPACT to the bid.

c. Plans T-100 & T-101 show TRs with WAO’s stated counts totaling 3,797. Which is the correct quantity?

Telecom - WAO counts are an approximation based on existing patch panel density and previous As- Builts.

a. No new WAO's are planned.

All existing WAO locations are to be reused whenever possible. Replacing cables, Jacks & Faceplates.

If existing WAO location is not able to be reused, drop new WAO location near existing WAO location to be replaced. Cut-over network devices to new WAO. Remove cabling jacks and faceplate from old WAO and cover with Blank faceplate.

c. Site contains approximately 3,797 network cables in total. Existing WAO's contain various cable counts. EHRM Standard WAO is 2 cables. Match existing WAO cable counts. (WAO Cable counts were not listed on As-Builts, only WAO Locations).

69 Seismic Bracing required for electrical conduit racks, transformer, panel & UPS. Is engineered stamped plans required or can it be installed per noted details on plan?

Electrical - Refer to manufacturer requirements for exact seismic bracing requirements.

70 Telecom faceplates detailed in T-401 and referenced Telecom specs do not specify color/finish.

Could you please provide if these are to be similar to wallplates for Electrical as called out in 26 27 26 WIRING DEVICES section 2.3

Match Telecom faceplates with Electrical Spec 26 27 26

71 Amendment 06 included two different versions of spec section 23 07 11. Which is applicable?

The versions are substantially different in Parts 1, 2, & 3.

Mechanical - Concerning the 23 07 11 HVAC and Boiler Plant Insulation specification version. The correct version is the one that totals 18 pages. Given that this project only covers refrigerant piping insulation, there were many sections that did not pertain to this project. In the "Amendment 6 All Files.zip" published Jan 30, 2024, disregard the version of 23 07 11 that is found within the "Addendum 02 Combined.pdf". The additional file within the .zip titled "23 07 11 HVAC and Boiler Plant Insulation2.pdf" and is 18 pages in length is the correct and final version of this specification.

This file will again be posted with these RFI responses for clarity.

72 The Division 27 specs provided are 100% functionally identical to those provided in Amendment 02 (blank pages removed, and 27 11 26 footer corrected). Why were they provided again? Considering the errors in documents provided in the past, can the VA confirm that the Division 27 specs, as provided in both Amendment 02 and Amendment 07 are intentionally identical?

Telecom - Maybe Andy since it's specifications? This is an old Spec that is no longer on the VA TIL. It may be a duplicate of an electrical Spec, and was removed from the TIL after the design on this project was complete.

73 Question 22 asked “Existing wires are not in any conduit, jay hooks, or trays. Please confirm that new cabling does not require these items as they will be impossible to install” due to heavy congestion above ceilings. Answer stated “confirmed” and then contradicted itself with “use existing cable tray.” The questioner stated that nothing is in any cable tray, and asked to confirm cable tray is not required. Please clarify.

Telecom - For Installation of New cable, use existing cable tray where possible, otherwise install appropriate cable pathway (Cable Tray, "J-Hooks", Cable Straps, Free hang) Cable may be free hung if distance is less than 5'. In areas of extreme congestion where cable pathway cannot be installed, make every attempt to adhere to BICSI standards for horizontal pathway installation.

74 Various questions discuss cabling that remains or is replaced. Please confirm there is no new fiber in this project (backbone is existing to remain, cables in data center are to be reused and the VA confirms they are suitable to reuse, including necessary length).

Telecom -There is no Fiber Optic Cabling in EHRM Columbus Tier 2. Fiber Optic cabling was installed under other project at this site. Fiber optic cabling in the MCR has extra service loop to move within the MCR to the new locations of the MDAs.

75 Question 32 asked if we “need to provide new cabling for wireless cameras, BAS, etc?”

(emphasis added). This question is vague and would seem to include all possible cable. The answer simply states “no”. Please clarify what cabling is and is not required to be provided for this contract.

Telecom - EHRM Div 27 Scope does not include WiFi System (separate from Network), BAS system device cabling, or Security Camera cabling. Note: Div 28 may require installation of new cabling and Cameras that are in scope.

76 Several data drop locations are indicated on T-100 and T-101. a. Are these existing locations that need only new cables pulled and terminated? b. Please confirm there are existing conduits, raceways, and boxes at all of these locations that can be reused. c. Please also confirm that each drop location does not require new data drops operational before pulling old (i.e., we would like to coil cabling for drops in the ceilings above, pull old, drop new, and terminate, in that order).d. The quantities of WAO’s listed does not match the number of WAO symbols shown (e.g., “178 WAO’s” is shown for Telecom 2A018, but there are 127 of the symbols representing WAOs).

Telecom -WAO counts are an approximation based on existing patch panel density and previous As- Builts.

a. These are existing locations (from previous As-Builts) that require installation of new Cat6A cabling, termination, and testing, cut-over, and removal of existing cable.

b. Reuse of existing conduits, raceways, and boxes at some locations maybe possible. However, due to the need to maintain hospital operations, please provide bids that assume new drops will be required prior to demo/removal of existing.

c. New data drops need to be operational at cutover. Majority of data drops are currently in use, therefore new drop will need to be added, terminated, tested, and cutover before demo of existing will be allowed. In addition, see AE response to RFI 68.

d. WAO numbers listed on plans is based on information gathered on site. Drop locations are from previous As-Builts. There are WAO locations that exist that are not documented.

77 Question 40 states that the specified UPS is not commercially available and asked for suitable replacement. Answer stated, “UPS may not be required”. Are UPS required or not on this project? If they are required, please advise on a suitable replacement for the discontinued product specified.

UPS is required. Refer to sheet, E-600 for ups location in the electrical distribution system. Rack mounted UPS is not required in racks located in Server/Main Telcom room. AE is referring to UPS needs within Server/Main Telecom room. Rack-mounted UPS's are utilized in Telecom Rooms (TR closets) and were added during recent EHRM Tier 1 project. If any additional rack-mounted UPS's are found to be needed, contractor to supply. Updated VA telecom spec (ISTS v4.0 App B) contains guidance for equivalent.

78 Question 45 asked for the government to confirm there is sufficient slack to relocate fiber racks. Answer stated both, “confirmed cable slack” and “sufficient cable slack – no knowledge”.

Please confirm that the existing fiber has sufficient slack for relocations or advise all bidders to include the necessary cost to replace in their bids so we are all bidding the same requirements.

Upon review by VA staff, sufficient slack available for moves within current MDR. However, racks moved outside current room during phased construction will likely require additional cabling provided by contractor.

79 Since the access floor is being replaced, and most access floors require the perimeter walls to support them, and the racks are currently supported by the floor, we will have to support the racks from the ceiling structure temporarily to rip-and-replace flooring. Can the VA confirm the structural components of the existing ceiling or deck? Is it just concrete, are their bar joist, is there any steel?

Ceiling is not sufficient to support racks. Upon review of raised floor by VA staff, concern is noted with phased demolition of raised floor and weight of racks required to be supported. Contractor shall develop acceptable process to secure racks and flooring during phased removal/construction of flooring.

80 We cannot locate a definition, spec, or schedule that defines “1A-TAC” in 4A203 shown on E- 407 & E-408.

1A-TAC' is a temporary AC unit. Provide wall-mounted L16-20R in room 4A203 fed from 3-pole, 20A breaker within new panelboard 'EQ'. Feeders shall be (3) #12 AWG, (1) #12G in 3/4” conduit. These electrical requirements are based on mechanical basis-of-design. Verify exact selection, location, and electrical requirements with mechanical contractor prior to rough-in. In addition, internal discussions for the temporary air-conditioning unit were sprouted after the discussion of its missing power. We wanted to clear up the basis of design for the unit shown. Our basis was a MovinCool Climate Pro K63. The ductwork entering and leaving the building are specifically for the condenser. Supply and return are routed with flex duct within the room. 460V/3ph power is to come from the panel feeding the existing CRAC units.