Big Spring EHRM - Technical Questions _ AE Responses.pdf

SOLICITATION # 36C77624B0004

PROJECT NAME: 519-21-900 EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades Construction - Big Spring

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND VA RESPONSE TRACKING SHEET

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QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

1. 05/02/2024 Spec 281300/281316: What is the existing PACS equipment manufacturer? Is there an existing Security Maintenance Contractor at this facility?

HZ Response: Existing systems are Hirsch and appear to be managed by Enertel

2. 05/02/2024 Spec 281600: What is the existing IDS Intrusion Detection System equipment manufacturer?

appear to be managed by Enertel.

3. 05/02/2024 Spec 282300: What is the existing VSS Video Surveillance System equipment manufacturer (cameras, VMS)? Will additional licenses be needed?

HZ Response: The existing video surveillance system appears to be manufactured by Pelco.

These seem to be managed by Westtechs.

4. 05/02/2024 Spec 283100: What is the existing Fire Alarm System equipment manufacturer? Is there an existing Fire Alarm Maintenance Contractor at this facility?

HZ Response: Siemens

5. 05/02/2024 05/10/2024 Missing Drawings: Can you please provide the missing Civil Drawings (CS100, CS101, CS105)?

CBDG Response: Please find attached sheets as requested and note that Sheet CS105 is not part of the civil bid set. CS105 was included on the sheet index in error. See updated sheet index GI100 also attached.

6. 05/08/2024 Specifications 270533 / ATT_11_- _RFI_Responses_2023-EHRM-Big_Spring

Previous RFI Responses # 25 indicated that innerduct will be required for indoor fiber runs.

Please confirm innerduct is required even if fiber cables that will be installed have interlocking armored jacket?

HZ Response: Armored jacketed cables to not require innerduct.

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7. 05/08/2024 ATT_11_-_RFI_Responses_2023-EHRM-Big_Spring

Previous RFI Responses # 31 & 71 indicated “Design Alert 11” has information regarding power cords.

Please provide details of where we can obtain Design Alert 11.

Is Cabling Contractor responsible for supplying these cords and if so, what quantities are to be included in bidding process. (# of switches that require cords is unknown?)

HZ Response: Design Alert 11 is not posted on TIL. VA to provide.

VA Response: See attached design alert 11

8. 05/08/2024 ATT_11_-_RFI_Responses_2023-EHRM-Big_Spring Previous RFI Responses # 47 indicated HEPA Cart requirements.

Please confirm HEPA Cart required for work on all 6 floors in Building 1.

Also, what other buildings will require work to be performed in HEPA Cart?

HEPA carts will be required in areas that cannot be sealed and managed with negative air HEPA.

Such as: hallways, entryways, and public/patient spaces. All buildings in scope could potentially require HEPA Carts.

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9. 05/08/2024 Specification 271100 / ATT_11_-_RFI_Responses_2023- EHRM-Big_Spring

Previous RFI Responses # 63 indicates vertical wire manager requirements.

-Specifications 271100 mentions vertical wire managers.

-RFI Responses indicate 10” vertical wire managers required.

-Drawing E3000 / D6 POWER ELEVATION and SCHEMATIC FOR TWO RACK TR as well as other TR ROOM Details on drawings E-101, E-102, E- 103, E-104, E-105, E-106, etc. do not indicate that vertical wire managers are to be installed.

Please confirm vertical wire managers are required and how many should be included for a typical TWO RACK

TR?

HZ Response: “MDA” and “HDA” cabinets will be provided with vertical cable management on both sides of channel rack. Two rack TRs will have vertical cable management on ends and between each channel rack.

10. 05/08/2024 Specifications 270533 / ATT_11_- _RFI_Responses_2023-EHRM-Big_Spring

Previous RFI Responses # 25 indicated that innerduct will be required for indoor fiber runs.

Please confirm innerduct is required even if fiber cables that will be installed have interlocking armored jacket?

HZ Response: No, armored, jacketed cables do not require innerduct.

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11. 05/08/2024 Will an additional site visit be allowed due to the limited access and availability of the initial site visit? Having a high quantity of contractors limited access to each server room to determine what type and the quantities of drops. Time was limited in evaluating the current infrastructure. Please note, more time will be needed to determine how to keep the existing infrastructure in place while installing new cabling and upgrading the current infrastructure.

VA Response: No. The site visit covered TR Rooms which comprise the bulk of the project.

Contractors were advised that TR rooms would be covered during the tour but if they required access to areas other than the TR rooms they would be escorted after the group tour and upon request.

12. 05/08/2024 In the bid solicitation, it states a spreadsheet is included to account for the existing data drops. Will this be provided with an updated count and where the existing drops will be located? The site visit did not allow for the field device locations to be determined. Quantity per location/drop will need to be determined. RFI Response for Question #76 states drawings will not be provided for data drop locations. A drawing is preferred to verify all contractors are working off of the same scope of work.

HZ Response: The horizontal cabling quantities are indicated on the “Horizontal Cable Replacement Schedule” on Sheet E-3003. The quantities indicated on this schedule were obtained from Owner’s field data and are not verified.

13. 05/08/2024 Will the existing underground cabling infrastructure be utilized to the outlying buildings or will new wire pats be required. During the site visit, it was mentioned that existing wiring paths may be utilized for new data cabling.

HZ Response: Existing underground cable pathways should be used where available and serviceable. New pathways are indicated on the plans.

14. 05/08/2024 On the RFI response #26- will CCTV cameras be required in these rooms and who is providing these cameras?

Will the cabling be required for these new cameras?

HZ Response: The Contractor is providing video surveillance cameras and necessary cabling.

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15. 05/08/2024 Question #77 on the RFI response- Will new prints and specifications be provided to reflect access control additions and security devices? Will prints be provided to reflect camera equipment and the camera locations.

HZ Response: Access control and security devices are located on the telecommunications room plans. They may not indicate every device needed for complete operational systems, however.

16. 05/08/2024 Question #28 on the RFI response- Please see question #12 above.

HZ Response: Building 25, Room 35, Telecom Room is supported by 192 useable CAT 6 patch panel ports. 54 of those ports are in use. Existing horizontal cable is CAT 6. Replacement of existing horizontal cabling is not required.

17. 05/08/2024 What means of excavation are required (mechanical/hydro/hand) for the cable runs exterior to the building?

H2B Response: Mechanical where no conflicts are shown and hand where there are nearby/crossing utilities.

HZ Response: Mechanical/hand.

18. 05/08/2024 Can a cold patch be utilized for asphalt repair?

H2B Response: Refer to sheet CS-104 for asphalt repair detail.

19. 05/08/2024 Where can an office conex be located?

VA Response: On the Hill near the water tower.

20. 05/08/2024 Can conduit and pathways be below ceiling grid and housed (panduit) if space does not permit a clean or to code install?

HZ Response: No. Pathways will be concealed above ceilings. Any necessary deviations will be evaluated as they occur.

21. 05/08/2024 Will exterior pathway scope need to include traffic control and dedicated resource for safety/traffic?

H2B Response: Conduit run between Building 77 and Building 3 will require partial closure of parking lot drive aisle. Traffic control plan shall be coordinated with VA prior to construction.

HZ Response: Yes.

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22. 05/08/2024 Is there a current CCTV camera system in place? There are cameras identified on Drawings. Please answer the following questions:

a. Who is the manufacturer of the current video platform / management system?

b. What version 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 FIPS approved Camera Licenses to support the new cameras?

Are there pre-approved, preferred Cameras (Brand & Model number) the VA would like to be installed?

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

f. Are there specifications for a “passive infrared, dual Technology Camera”, or is that a misprint?

HZ Response: The existing video surveillance system appears to be manufactured by Pelco.

These seem to be managed by Westtechs.

Other system properties will have to be determined by the Contractor in the field.

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23. 05/08/2024 It appears in the drawings that there is a card reader/pin pad. Are these to be provided as part of the contract? Is so, can you please answer the additional questions:

a. Who is the manufacturer of the current access control platform / system?

b. What version 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. Keypad Readers are to be used. Is there a specific Brand & Model the VA would like installed?

f. Do these Card Readers need to be operated Version 8.1 PIV Class Cards.

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

appear to be managed by Enertel.

Other system properties will have to be determined by the Contractor in the field.

24. 05/09/2024 Where are the OSP fiber landing from each building, to bldg. 4 room 105A or bldg. 1 room 98?

H2B Response: Please refer to MEP.

HZ Response: Backbone cables are terminated in the MDA cabinets in Building 1, Room 98 as indicated on plans. However, as part of the “Data Center” project these terminations will be relocated to the new MDAs in the new Data Center.

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25. 05/09/2024 According to the Backbone schedule only buildings 4, 17, 18 & 35 have redundant fiber in diverse paths to room 98. Is that accurate?

HZ Response: During design, these facilities were identified as not providing patient services and do not require redundant and diverse backbone cable paths.

26. 05/09/2024 Which bldg. is required HEPA carts when pulling horizontal CAT6A cable in hallways?

VA Response: All buildings in scope.

27. 05/09/2024 Is fiber fusion splicing acceptable onsite or does it has to be factory terminated?

HZ Response: Field fusion connections are not prohibited.

28. 05/09/2024 Does the fire sprinkler system need new calculations or are we to assume that just relocation need to be done?

HZ Response: Calculations of the sprinkler system are not necessary when the sprinkler head shifts location in same room (sprinkler density requirements are the same as the existing). We didn’t add any additional sprinkler heads for EHRM, only shifted the heads in the spaces to meet the room layouts.

29. 05/09/2024 How many rooms will be made available for renovations at one time?

VA Response: 2 unless there are mitigating reasons for not finishing a room. Then it will be coordinated with the COR.

30. 05/09/2024 How much of the civil work of any will need to be completed?

H2B Response: Overall civil scope is shown on sheet CS-100.

31. 05/09/2024 Will line boring be accepted instead of trenching?

H2B Response: Yes.

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32. 05/09/2024 Who is the preferred Fire Alarm contractor for this facility?

HZ Response: The existing fire alarm is manufactured by Siemens, Inc.

VA Response: Kinetix

33. 05/09/2024 Who is the preferred HVAC Controls contractor for this facility?

HZ Response: The existing building management systems is manufactured by Johnson Controls, Inc.

VA Response: Nitor

34. 05/09/2024 5/10/2024 What are the phasing requirements for this project?

CBDG Response: Contractor to discuss project phasing requirement with the VA. Since the intent is to keep the facility operational with minimal disruption, the VA may require most of the work to be conducted after hours. VA to confirm and advise further.

VA Response: There will be both during duty hours and after duty hours portions of this project. Most of the cabling will be after hours work.

35. 05/09/2024 5/101/2024 Is this project sales tax exempt? If the project is sales tax exempt can the government provide a sales tax exemption certificate?

VA Response: Yes, please see “Special Notes regarding FAR 52.229-3” on page 50 of the solicitation.

A certificate will be provided to the awardee.

36. 05/09/2024 How soon after award is NTP expected to be issued?

VA Response: 30 days unless extenuating circumstances are determined

37. 05/09/2024 Is the OS1 fiber mentioned in the schedule what is existing and needing to be removed? Or is the OS1 fiber needing to be installed alongside the 24 strand OM4 fiber?

HZ Response: The existing backbone fiber is unknown and will be removed after the new backbone cables are operational. Install both OS1 and OM4 cables as indicated on plans.

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38. 05/09/2024 The backbone Cable Pathway schedule highlights 24 strand OM4 and 12 Strand OS1 cable for each fiber pathway in many areas. Are both of these cable types required? Would the customer consider single-mode OS2 cable in place of the OS2 cable?

HZ Response: Yes, provide cables as indicated on plans.

39. 05/09/2024 ST connections are requested throughout the facility for the fiber. Can splicing cassettes be used for these terminations? Would LC connections be considered?

HZ Response: Provide fiber optic cable terminations as indicated on plans.

40. 05/09/2024 Will an RCDD be required onsite for Division 27 still?

HZ Response: Yes, the Cable installer shall have a RCDD on staff to provide consistent oversight throughout the cable installation.

41. 05/09/2024 Please confirm that all underground pathways between buildings are to be provided by the electrician or are existing?

HZ Response: Most underground pathways are existing and should be reused. Refer to plans for new underground ducts.

42. 05/09/2024 Will the innerduct running through the conduits be covered by the electrician?

HZ Response: Division of labor is the responsibility of the General Contractor

43. 05/09/2024 Will all work on this site be able to be performed during normal business hours?

VA Response: NO

44. 05/09/2024 For the Category 6A cabling, is there any preference for color?

HZ Response: No. The VA design guide does not indicate a preference for UTP color code. Follow existing local cable color code scheme.

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45. 05/09/2024 5/10/2024 Are the current wage rates listed under the David Bacon rates accurate for the project?

VA Response: Yes, the DBA wage rates attached to the solicitation are current as of 5/21/2024.

46. 05/09/2024 Reference Drawing CS-101: Enlarged Layout Plan – A

a. Please confirm the VA will contract directly with the telco service provider to connect the comm line to the power pole.

b. Please provide the telco service provider contact information.

c. Is there currently a telco service to tie-into at the existing power pole?

d. Please provide conduit size or duct bank/trench detail for new telco service.

H2B Response:

a. Will defer to the VA for their response.

b. Will defer to the VA for their response.

c. Will defer to the VA for their response.

d. Please refer to sheet CS-104 for detail.

47. 05/09/2024 CS-102 – Can the VA provide quantities of Sidewalk and Curb & Gutter that will come out? The drawings are not clear, and it is hard to get accurate quantities with drawing provided.

H2B Response: No curb and gutter or sidewalk is expected to be removed/replaced. Only typical asphalt and/or concrete pavement per details on sheet CS-104.

VA Response:

48. 05/09/2024 CS-100 – Looks like the utilities are already identified.

Was this based on as-builts or did GPRS (Ground Penetrating Radar Service) come out and do this survey?

H2B Response: Based on as-builts.

49. 05/09/2024 Specification 02 82 11 – Can the VA provide the Asbestos and Lead Paint report for this project?

VA Response: The survey is posted with the drawings

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50. 05/09/2024 05/10/2024 Division 06 – Can the VA provide specification section for the plywood in division 6 they would like to see in the TR Rooms? Fire Treated?

CBDG Response: Please find specification section attached. Yes, the plywood needs to be fire treated.

51. 05/09/2024 Division 32 – Can the VA provide an Asphalt specification for what they would like to be put back after it is removed?

H2B Response: Please see attached specification.

52. 05/09/2024 Would the VA to consider moving the bid date so that it doesn’t fall directly after Memorial Day?

VA Response: . The dates are firm so that VA milestones can be achieved.

53. 05/09/2024 5/10/2024 Note 3 on sheet AE111 says to demo all ceilings and framing. Is this note calling for removal of the existing wall framing for the room? Or is it only calling for any framing to removed that is related to the ceiling removal?

CBDG Response: Wall framing is to be removed only at locations where a portion of wall is shown demolished on demo plans. Ceiling grids and tiles to be removed as indicated on demo plans.

54. 05/09/2024 Is the existing ceiling for Building 1 room 96 a hardlid, or acoustic ceiling grid and tiles?

CBDG Response: Ceiling in building 1 room 96 is acoustic ceiling grid and tiles.

55. 05/09/2024 The current bid date of May 28th is the day directly after Memorial Day. We request that the bid date be extended a minimum of 3 days to allow for subcontractors time to provide proposals, GC review and proposal preparation.

VA Response: . The dates are firm so that VA milestones can be achieved.

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56. 05/09/2024 RFI #30 states that existing cable trays should be available for most pathways. Please confirm that the existing cable trays have capacity to accommodate the new cabling as well as the existing cabling until it is removed after cutover.

HZ Response: This is the Contractors’ responsibility based on existing cable tray type, existing cables installed, and new cable being installed.

57. 05/09/2024 5/10/2024 Spec section 09 06 00 is mentioned in other related specifications sections but has not been provided.

Please provide spec section 09 06 00.

CBDG Response: Please disregard reference to spec section 09 06 00 in other sections. 09 06 00 is not applicable to the scope of this project.

58. 05/09/2024 Sheet AE301 lists floor finish type LVT-01 for building 1 room 350, and building 7 room 18, however this finish type is not shown in the material schedule. Please provide the material schedule listing for this floor type.

CBDG Response: Contractor to pick LVT color and manufacturer that matches existing facility and submit product data and samples for VA/AE review and approval in CA phase.

59. 05/09/2024 Cutovers of existing data cabling to new CAT 6A cabling will require the general contractor to shut down access to computers and other electronic devices utilized by hospital staff, patients, and others. Will this work be required to occur after normal business hours?

HZ Response: Coordinate outages with Owner.

60. 05/09/2024 What are the normal business hours for the hospital?

VA Response: 08:00am to 4:30pm Mon-FRI.

except for federal holidays

61. 05/09/2024 Will the VA provide a geotechnical soils report for the site underground work?

H2B Response: Will defer to the VA. No geotechnical report was used for the civil scope.

VA Response: VA Response: The VA will provide what reports they have upon request. It is expected that the contractor will perform their own analysis in areas they will impact.

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62. 05/09/2024 Many of the spaces that the general contractor will be working in have government property, such as, desks, computers, file cabinets, employee personal items, etc… Who will be responsible for moving government property prior to the performance of the work?

VA Response: : The TR rooms will be empty during contractor remodel. During cat 6a installation furniture will not be removed from offices. They will be shifted in position to allow for cable/ outlet installation if needed, then moved back into place.

63. 05/09/2024 Will the VA require a cost loaded project schedule for this project?

VA Response: : a CLPS or SOV (schedule of values) will be required.

64. 05/09/2024 In what areas of the hospital, if any, will the VA require work to be performed from a HEPA Cart?

VA Response: HEPA carts will be required in areas that cannot be sealed and managed with negative air HEPA. Such as: hallways, entryways, and public/patient spaces. All buildings in scope could potentially require HEPA Carts.

65. 05/09/2024 Will the VA provide the HEPA Carts?

VA Response: No

66. 05/09/2024 Will the VA require a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan for the exterior duct bank installation work?

H2B Response: Will defer to the VA. Civil can provide SWPPP if needed.

VA Response: Yes

67. 05/09/2024 Will the VA require the general contractor to secure a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Permit from the local government agency?

H2B Response: Will defer to the VA. Civil can provide SWPPP if needed.

VA Response: Yes

68. 05/09/2024 If commissioning will be required per Section 01 91 00, please confirm that the general contractor will hire a third-party firm to act as the commissioning agent and the develop the commissioning plan for the project?

VA Response: The VA will provide commissioning

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69. 05/09/2024 If the VA is hiring the commissioning agent, please identify the name of the firm that will act as the commissioning agent?

VA Response: The VA will provide commissioning

70. 05/09/2024 Please confirm the VA will require the general contractor to provide notice to the Texas Department of State Health Services in connection with the asbestos and lead paint abatement work.

VA Response: The VA and contractor will report if these materials are found.

71. 05/09/2024 Will the VA provide a Certified Industrial Hygienist for the reporting of the asbestos and lead paint abatement or will this be the responsibility of the general contractor?

VA Response: The VA and contractor will report if these materials are found

72. 05/09/2024 The VA will require the general contractor to provide final clearance testing of those areas subject to asbestos or lead paint abatement?

VA Response: Yes

73. 05/09/2024 Please confirm that where the specifications provide for a warranty over 1 year in duration that the warranty period beyond 1 year can be satisfied by a manufacturer’s issued warranty.

VA Response: if the manufacturer’s warranty exceeds 1 year yes, but the contractor is still responsible for charges incurred during the exercise of the warranty.

74. 05/09/2024 Is the VA going to require monitoring of each UPS and PDU installed as part of this project through its Building Management System?

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75. 05/09/2024 If horizontal boring is allowed for site raceways, please confirm if they must be concrete encased.

H2B Response: Does not have to be concrete encased.

76. 05/09/2024 Will UPS load testing be required per section 26 33 23

3.2 (B)?

77. 05/09/2024 Please provide contact information for the roofing vendor that holds the current warranty.

VA Response: Wallace Roofing; Installer Hernandez Consulting; GC Soprema or Suprema roofing product

78. 05/09/2024 Please confirm that the VA intends to strictly follow the 40% fill requirement per Section 27 05 36 for cable tray installation?

H2B Response: Will defer to HZ.

79. 05/09/2024 Does the 40% fill requirement also apply to CAT 6A cable run through conduit to the data drop outlet?

H2B Response: Will defer to HZ.

80. 05/09/2024 Will the VA allow the use of J-Hooks where cable tray will not fit within an area?

81. 05/09/2024 What is the maximum number of cable the VA will permit to be installed in a J-Hook?

HZ Response: As recommended by manufacturer based on j-hook size and cable type installed.

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82. 05/09/2024 Will the Division 27 contractor or the VA be responsible for installing patch cords from the data jack to the VA provided device? Section 27 16 19 does not clear address this item:

HZ Response: Unknown.

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