Technical Questions - FINAL - San Juan - 6-28-24.pdf

Solicitation #36C77624B0012 EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades – San Juan VAMC Technical Questions and VA Response Tracking Sheet

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1. 5-28-24 5-28-24 Will an applicable, specific Davis Bacon or SCA wage be released for the trades on this project?

Construction Wage Rates are not applicable (see ATTACHMENT 15 - DOL Prevailing Wage Resource Book) for confirmation.

2. 5-28-24 5-28-24 Since this project is a Davis Bacon Act, we are required to use the federal minimum rate of $17.20. If this rate is increased by the Federal Government, can we submit a change order for the difference? Please Specify.

DBA is not applicable, so no change order would apply.

3. 5-28-24 5-28-24 Please confirm if there are any tax exemptions for this project.

Reference Special Notes Regarding FAR 52.229- 3, Offerors are hereby notified that all state and local sales or use taxes for construction materials must be included in their bid or proposal price. It is solely the responsibility of the offeror to include all other applicable taxes in their bid or proposal price as well.

4. 5-28-24 5-28-24 This contract for this project would have an escalation clause.

This is a general statement, not a question. No response can be provided.

5. 5-28-24 5-28-24 Material On site can be invoice in this project? Please reference VAAR 852.232-70 Payments Under Fixed-Price Construction Contracts, contained in the solicitation.

6. 5-28-24 5-28-24 For this project are there any liquidated damages? No

7. 5-28-24 5-28-24 What are the payment terms for this project? See response to question #5

8. 5-28-24 5-28-24 We understand that this project is a Buy American Act.

Please confirm.

Yes

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9. 5-28-24 5-28-24 Please confirm that this project is a competitive Service- Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside project and that any bonding provided by a contractor must be through a SDVOSB or SBA/VA APPROVED Mentor-Protege partnership under the SBA/VA Mentor- Protégé program in which the partnership has been approved prior to the bid date.

This is an SDVOSB project. The bonding requirements must be met for this project, per the applicable clauses, provisions, and instructions to offerors.

10. 5-28-24 5-28-24 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.

This is an SDVOSB project. The bonding requirements must be met for this project, per the applicable clauses, provisions, and instructions to offerors.

11. 5-28-24 5-28-24 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.

This is an SDVOSB project. The bonding requirements must be met for this project, per the applicable clauses, provisions, and instructions to offerors.

12. 5-28-24 5-28-24 What is the required time for submittals and response by the agency?

Reference specification Section 01 33 23 Shop Drawings, Product Data, and Samples - 1.10 VA Review of Submittals and RFIs.

13. 5-28-24 5-28-24 Due to material availability concerns and many items not readily available through local PR suppliers, will the VA agree to pay for Materials Stored following FAR regulations for Firmed Fixed Price Contracts.

In accordance with contract terms and conditions, Contractors should not bid assuming the Government will approve payment for material and/or equipment procured by the Contractor and stored on the construction site, as space is available, or at a local approved location off the site. Payment of stored materials and/or equipment is at the Contracting Officer’s discretion and will be handled on a case-by-case basis during the contract and under such terms and conditions as the Contracting Officer approves.

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14. 5-28-24 5-28-24 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.

In accordance with FAR 52.216-1, this requirement will remain as a Firm Fixed Price contract.

15. 5-28-24 6-26-24 SC-MMP-1 on the Rack Elevations Detail on drawings TN300 through TN328 - all rack details have (6) 48-port angled 1U modular patch panels for a total of 288 cables.

Are we to provide that quantity shown on the rack details even if they are not required?

Quantity of SC-MPP-1 will be based on the total number of ports plus spares

16. 5-28-24 6-26-24 SC-FDC-1 on Rack Elevations Detail on drawings TN300 through TN328 - the TRs with more than one rack have an SC-FDC-1 in each rack. Are we to provide the quantity shown on the rack/TR details even if not required?

One SC-FDC-1 per TR is required

17. 5-28-24 6-26-24 TE-50-1 shown on drawing TN324 - is this typical of all TEs in trailers 50-53? Please clarify as there are no TE drawings provided for these TEs.

Yes, TN324 is typical for all trailers. Refer to 50- TN101 for more information

18. 5-28-24 6-26-24 SC-ER-1 – the manufacturer part number provided in the equipment schedule is for a vertical wire manager. Can the VA provide a part number for the rack?

Ortronics MM2073038-W or pre-approved equal

19. 5-28-24 6-26-24 It describes in specification section 27 11 19-2, 2.2 Fiber Optic Distribution Cabinets. C. Door. “Cabinet shall be supplied with a locking front cover.” However, a 1U angled FDC does not come with front locking covers/doors? If a locking cover/door is required, can this be changed to a flat FDC?

Provide angled FDC without locking front cover

20. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Will another camera manufacturer be allowed other than the three that are listed?

Cameras should match existing manufacturer on-site

21. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please provide details about the existing video management system. Name, storage, number of servers, location in the hospital.

Please refers to responses from 270 - 287

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22. 5-28-24 6-26-24 On drawing EP503 (One Line Diagram—BLDG 40), the electrical contractor has to provide and install the following Distribution Panels: 40-DP-N-P and 40-DP-E- P. However, the drawing does not say if the Contractor must provide a new breaker or if it is already present for that point of connection. Please clarify.

Refer to updated drawings issued as part of addendum 01.

23. 5-28-24 6-26-24 We need to know if any Data room has a raised floor. New Telecomm Room for Building 2 “Laundry” shall be raised.

24. 5-28-24 6-26-24 On drawing EP501 (One Line Diagram), the electrical contractor has to provide and install the following Distribution Panels: 10-NTR-1, 10-NTR-2, 20-NTR-1, 26-CTR-1, 30-CTR-1-1, 30-CTR-6-1, 30-NTR-1-1, and 30-NTR-2-1. However, the drawing does not say if the Contractor must provide a new breaker or if it is already existing for that point of connection. Please clarify.

Refer to updated drawings issued as part of addendum 01.

25. 5-28-24 6-26-24 The Electrical Contractor has to provide and install new Panelboards. But the drawings do not have information for those points of connection. The factory needs all the information for that equipment to be able to quote. They need the Brand, Model VIN Number, KAIC, & etc. The following equipment needs that information:

a. Panel 40-DP-N-P (BLDG 40)

b. Panel 40-DP-E-P (BLDG 40)

c. Substation SSB (BLDG 40)

d. Panel PQD (BLDG 40)

e. Normal Switchgear “SB1” (BLDG 29)

f. Emergency Switchboard at C39 (BLDG 01)

g. MDSWB (BLDG 10)

h. MDP (BLDG 20)

i. RP-2 (BLDG 26)

j. Panel NL1A (BLDG 30)

k. Panel NL2A (BLDG 30)

l. Panel NL3A (BLDG 30)

m. Panel NL4A (BLDG 30)

n. Panel NL5A (BLDG 30)

o. Panel NL6A (BLDG 30)

p. Panel MDPCAL (BLDG 30)

q. BUSDUCT 600AMP-120/208V (BLDG 30)

r. Panel BDC1 (BLDG 19)

s. SUBSTATION SSA (BLDG 19)

t. Panel 1NL1 (BLDG 19)

u. Panel 1NL3 (BLDG 19)

v. Panel 1CH1 (BLDG 19)

w. Panel 1CL5 (BLDG 19)

x. Panel 1NL6 (BLDG 19)

y. Panel 1NL4 (BLDG 19)

z. Panel 1CL4 (BLDG 19)

aa. Panel 2CL2 (BLDG 19)

bb. Panel 1NL2 (BLDG 19)

cc. Panel 1NL6 (BLDG 19)

dd. Panel 2NL1 (BLDG 19)

Refer to updated drawings issued as part of addendum 01.

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ee. Panel 2CH1 (BLDG 19)

ff. Panel 2NL2 (BLDG 19)

gg. Panel 2CH2 (BLDG 19)

hh. Panel 2NL3 (BLDG 19)

ii. Panel 2CH3 (BLDG 19)

jj. Panel 2NL4 (BLDG 19)

kk. Panel 2CL4 (BLDG 19)

ll. Panel 2NL5 (BLDG 19)

mm. Panel 2CL5 (BLDG 19)

26. 5-28-24 6-26-24 The Electrical Contractor needs to connect new devices to existing special systems. Since the systems exist, to connect and program the system, we need to know who the VA's preferred vendor is for the following systems:

Fire Alarm, CCTV, Tel/data, and Access Control.

The existing fire alarm manufacturer is Notifier by Honeywell.

27. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Typically, within telecommunications rooms and data centers, ladder trays are used. However, the drawings show wire mesh trays for all rooms. Please confirm the type of cable tray that will be used in both the MCR and the other Telecom Rooms.

VA standard is basket tray (wire mesh). Ladder rack shall be used for vertical runs only.

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28. 5-28-24 6-26-24 As per drawing 0-TN001 (Sheet Index), the Technology set has 318 drawings, but the sum of the tree attachments (#8, #9 & #10) has 292 drawings. The following drawings are missing from the drawing sets Volume 2:

a. 01-TD009

b. 01-TD009A

c. 01-TD009B

d. 01-TD009C

e. 01-TD009D

f. 01-TD009E

g. 01-TD009F

h. 01-TN009A

i. 01-TN009B

j. 01-TN009C

k. 01-TN009D

l. 01-TN009E

m. 01-TN009F

n. 19-TD203

o. 19-TD-203A

p. 19-TD-203B

q. 19-TD-203C

r. 19-TD-203D

s. 19-TD-203E

t. 19-TD-203F

u. 19-TN203A

v. 19-TN203B

w. 19-TN203C

x. 19-TN203D

y. 19-TN203E

z. 19-TN203F

Please find attached sheets as requested and note that Sheet 01-TD009 to 01-TN009F and 19- TD203 to 19-TN203F are now part of the telecom set in GI103. Missing sheets will be issued as part of an addendum

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29. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm that within the scope of work of this project there are no connections to bring service providers to the new MCR. We also do not see the wiring diagrams showing any type of connection for this purpose.

Provide 48 strand SM from existing MCR to new MCR. Provide 2” conduit pathway from main telephone room to new MCR for service provider

30. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please specify type of cable to use for horizontal structured cable. For example: Cat. 6A UTP (Shielded/No Shielded), (Plenum/Riser) ……

Reduced diameter Cat 6A. Riser rated unless passing through an NEC-defined plenum. Refer to 27 15 13.

31. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm that the Telecommunication Bonding Conductor for the cable tray and ladder tray system will be #6 AWG.

Refer to Technology Bonding Riser diagram for each building for bonding conductor sizing schedule.

32. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please verify and confirm that the amount of fiber legs connecting each TR of the project will be 2. (1) A Leg and (1) B Leg. If correct confirm that we have a total of 63 TR connected through the buildings up to New MCR located in BLDG. 1 third floor for a total of (63 A Legs and 63 B Legs). The grand total of fiber cables will be 126 going up to the MCR. Please revise the amount and size for the conduits taking in considerations the number of cables running in the different areas of the project including the critical ones where the cable meets before going up to the MCR. Also please keep in mind that since the fiber changes from conduits to j-hooks constantly the requested fiber optic cable is Armored, and the cable diameter can be larger.

Refer to 01-TN203 for multiple riser conduit sleeves. Note that A & B leg fibers are routed diversely. Armored fiber is acceptable

33. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Drawing sheet 20-TN204 show TR-20-1 on fourth level but riser diagram for Bldg. 20 on sheet TN-505 show the TR on first level. Please confirm.

The TR is located on the 4th level. The riser diagram will be updated on the addendum. Levels 1 & 2 are below grade.

34. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Keynote 4 on sheet TN514 does not specify type of fiber optic cable (MM, SM, OM4, OS1, OS2,etc….) Please specify.

Keynote # 4 fiber is OM4

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35. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Drawing 26-TN201 shows an additional Telecom Room (TR-1H138) but Bldg. 26 only have 1 Telecom Room showed on the riser diagram that is TR-26-1H-140.

Please confirm.

Fiber only passes through this room, 1H-138 is not a TR

36. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please clarify if the grounding, bonding, and seismic restraint systems requirements will only apply to the new scope of work or if they would also apply to existing cable trays?

Only new work

37. 5-28-24 6-26-24 For the project, conduits, wires, and fiber optics will be installed above the ceiling running through the hallways.

Please clarify if ICRA barriers will be required in the hallway areas, and if barriers are required, please provide the type of barrier.

Yes, an ICRA barrier will be required in the hallway. Being that the barrier is temporary. We suggest using a barrier as shown in the image. VA is to approve if this type of barrier is sufficient.

On corridors identified with asbestos ICRA barriers shall contain Air Scrubber with HEPA filter.

The link below shows new barrier technology used on healthcare facilities.

https://starcsystems.com/project-types/healthcare/gallery/ https://starcsystems.com/project-types/healthcare/gallery/ https://starcsystems.com/project-types/healthcare/gallery/

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38. 5-28-24 6-26-24 During the review of all the documentation provided for the BID we have noticed that the project specifications mentioned the different functions and characteristics that the products must have without mentioning brands or models. However, technology schedule sheets mentioned brands and models suggested for this project. Please confirm which document supersedes the other. Please confirm if the specification document. Please confirm whether the specification document predominates over the drawings.

Items listed on TN600 meet the design criteria and are listed only as a Basis of Design.

Equivalent material from other manufacturers may be submitted for evaluation

39. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Drawing TN600 Technology Equipment Schedule request that AC-SCP-1 (Access Control) be a Johnson Controls P2000 and No Approved Alternate. Consulting with Johnson Controls P2000 is discontinued. They suggest using instead one (1) Kantech KT-1 per Telecommunication Room Door. Please confirm.

Existing Access control is Software House

40. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm what active equipment’s will be supplied by the owner and the contractor.

All electronic equipment including network switches and wireless access points are by the owner

41. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please specify your required logistic (hours of operation, procedure, requirements etc.) of transferring the existing infrastructure to the new infrastructure (Telecom, Electric, HVAC, and personnel relocation.

To be coordinated with the VA after award has been made. All disciplines will be based on a case-by-case scenario.

42. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Who is responsible for the personnel relocation? To be coordinated with the VA

43. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please clarify the hours of operation for the construction of this project including the Telecommunication portion.

There are some areas of the facility that work can be done during normal hours like exterior construction work and some internal areas due to the type of healthcare provided, but in some areas is impossible to do it due to the impact to the service, this type of work shall be done after hours or weekends. All work shall be coordinated with the Project Manager (COR).

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44. 5-28-24 6-26-24 In some cases, we would need to use the existing cables to do the wiring to pull the new cable. At what hours these can be done because this will interrupt the telecommunication services.

To be coordinated with the VA

45. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Employees parking spaces will be provided. Where? There is no parking on site for all contractor staff, only a few on the staging area.

46. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Construction office, equipment and storage trailers spaces will be provided. Where?

There is no area inside the facility for massive storage, only a limited staging area for one or 2 trailers with limit storage will be provided.

47. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm that PACS Scope of work for this project only includes the following for each TR listed on the drawing sheet TN600 CSS Type Schedule

i. Card Reader

ii. Request to Exit (Motion detector type)

iii. Monitor Door Positioning Switch

Correct

48. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm that Electronic Locking Hardware will be provided by others.

Correct

49. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm if an Access Control panel is needed for each TR or if there is an existing panel to be re-utilized.

Please provide this information per TR.

An existing access control panel, with spare capacity may be used for a new TR card reader

50. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm if the cable needs to be new or will be re-utilized.

All new cable unless noted otherwise

51. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm that the scope of work for video surveillance only include:

i. Camera installation per TR.

ii. Cat. 6A Cabling for the camera.

iii. Patch Panel and Connectors

iv. Patch Cord to network switch.

Correct

52. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm if Existing NVR’s, Servers, and VMS will be reused.

Existing NVR’s, servers, and VMS are to be reused

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53. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm if Network Switches for this system will be provided by the owner.

Network switches are owner provided

54. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm if air balance of modified areas must be done “as found” first and final balance after construction works are completed.

Intent is that a pre-balance of modified systems take place prior to construction and that areas are returned to the pre-construction values after system modification.

55. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm or indicate if VA will provide connection point for temporary extraction of HEPPA filtered areas as indicated on ICRA notes in drawing 01-GC400.

Contractor will need to coordinate with the VA COR to indicate a connection point for temporary extraction of HEPPA filter area.

56. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please provide the name of the preferred vendor for HVAC Controls or the Controls Contractor that maintains the system.

MASE is the maintenance contractor for the BAS. In all buildings the Controls are Trane Ensemble except on South Bed Tower building # 30 that the controls are Johnson Controls.

57. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please provide a detail for the Condensing Units CU-1 to CU-4 structural bases at Building 01 Data Center shown on drawing 01-MH203.

Refer to 5/MH400 detail for the Condensing Units CU-1 to CU-2 structural bases. (IMEG)

58. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm the superintendent shall not have any shared duties as a QCM, SSHO or any other roles on the project.

Yes, shall not have any shared duties.

59. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm the SSHO shall not have any shared duties as a QCM, superintendent or any other role on the project.

Yes, shall not have any shared duties.

60. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm the QCM shall not have any shared duties as a SSHO, superintendent or any other role on the project.

Yes, shall not have any shared duties.

61. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm that the contractor is to supply all materials testing for the project.

Yes, Contractor shall supply all the material for testing.

62. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm that all firestopping must be either installed by an FM global approved contractor, or a UL qualified firestop contractor certified.

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63. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm that the contractor is to include the services of a third party independent firestopping inspector in their bid.

Yes.

64. 5-28-24 6-26-24 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.

Yes.

65. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm that contractor parking will be provided on site. This has a direct impact on pricing.

There is no parking on site for all contractor staff, only a few on the staging area.

66. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm that the telecommunications contractor must provide proof to the project superintendent with BICSI Certified Commercial Installer Level 1, Level 2, or Technician to provide oversight of the project.

Correct

67. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm cable installer must have on staff a Registered Communication Distribution Designer (RCDD) certified by Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI).

Correct

68. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please provide a site plan showing location for contractor trailers, storage, jobsite toilets and contractor delivery locations.

There is no area inside the facility for massive

69. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm level 4 finish for all finished gypsum board including patches.

Yes.

70. 5-28-24 6-26-24 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.

Yes.

71. 5-28-24 6-26-24 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.

Yes.

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72. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm due to security and patience privacy that the VA has extra network equipment (switch gear, routers, UPS's) to keep the network connected during construction and cut over?

All work that compromises the network shall be coordinate with the Project Manager (COR) at least 2 weeks before in order to coordinate with VA IT personnel and the services affected. If network equipment is required VA IT shall provide it.

73. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm the VA will be working and scheduling with the existing facility subsystem vendors on scheduling network outages.

All work that compromises the network shall be coordinate with the Project Manager (COR) at least 2 weeks before in order to coordinate with VA IT personnel.

74. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please provide floor to finish heights and floor to structure heights for all buildings.

There is no finish height, for the TR rooms. The TR rooms have open ceiling to the underside of the floor or roof above. Unless noted in the construction documents that there is a finish ceiling height, the ceiling height should match what is existing. Floor to structure height varies in each building.

75. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Is there a current roof warranty for each building? If so, please confirm who has the roofing warranty and provide point of contact.

Yes, Contractor: Project Management Solution, LLC (PROMASOL), Contact: Victor A. Morales Birriel, Sub-Contractor: JGR Eco-Logical Group, LLC, Contact: Ingrid Rodriguez. Building.

76. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Is the contractor required to provide the licensing for the new Security Cameras? Or will the VA be providing that?

Contractor

77. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm contractor to include an allowance for 10 additional 2-ports cat 6a information outlets in their proposal per technical drawing floor plan or if the contractor shall account for additional cables required.

contractor shall account for an additional 20% of cables, devices, and patch panels indicated on drawings in order to accommodate the full scope of the project within base bid.

Correct

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78. 5-28-24 6-26-24 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.

Yes.

79. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please provide a current soils report for the campus. A report has been added to the RFI Reponses.

80. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please provide a plan showing the existing landscape with existing materials called out including grass, rock, shrubs/bushes, trees, and sizes of trees.

Refer to sheet CD101 for existing conditions, including existing vegetation conditions. The provided images on the plans in tandem with the plan view show all the existing vegetation. An additional image below is provided to show the existing shrubs/vegetation associated with area D.

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81. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Are we to assume that areas with existing data devices will not require new wall sleeves? If new sleeves are required, please provide a count.

The design intent is to re-use existing

82. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Are we to assume that areas with existing data devices will not require new conduit? If new conduit is required, please provide a count.

The design intent is to re-use existing conduits.

83. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Are we to assume that areas with existing data devices will not require new boxes? If new boxes are required, please provide a count.

New conduit and backboxes may be required based on fill capacity. Refer to addendum 1 technology installation notes.

84. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Specs call out to use OS1, can we use OS2 instead?

Typically, OS1 has been replaced by the newer OS2 which is also available for indoor applications and may have shorter lead-times.

VA spec is for OS1.

85. 5-28-24 6-26-24 After removing existing WAP devices, are we to re-install the same devices as well?

Yes

86. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Are we required to use all plenum rated cabling for all areas? Or is Riser rated cabling acceptable where allowed by code?

Riser rated unless passing through an NEC-defined plenum. Refer to 27 15 13.

87. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Are we to install the patch cords at the workstation end as well as the headend within each IDF?

Patch cords, provided by the contractor will be installed by the VA

88. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Is there any network equipment that needs to be removed / re-located within the IDFs? If so, how many pieces of equipment need to be removed / re-located per IDF?

Network equipment moves will be by the VA.

89. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Can it be confirmed that J-hook pathway is acceptable for fiber routing within the same building when cable tray is not viable?

J-hook pathways are acceptable for fiber routing.

90. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm there are no requirements for the contractor to utilize or submit any files or plans in Revit.

CAD files only.

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91. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Can the contractor QC manager serve as the photographer if they meet the requirement of having experience photographing construction projects. The term “Commercial Photographer” is vague, has no licensing requirements or any other information required.

Yes

92. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm if this project will require a Special Inspector of Record (SIOR) or if the VA will be satisfied with the contractor QC Manager serving this function and supervising all independent Special Inspectors required by the contract documents.

VA will require a SIOR

93. 5-28-24 6-26-24 No statement of special inspections or schedule of special inspection has been provided. Please confirm if any third-party special inspection is required. If so, please provide a list of inspections required, the statement of special inspections, and the schedule of special inspections.

See sheet S001 for structural requirements.

94. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm the contracting team shall be responsible for all temporary furniture moves to allow for project work to proceed.

Correct

95. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Suggested matrix of responsibility on sheet T1000 states

“CONDUIT SLEEVES (NOT SHOWN BUT

REQUIRED FOR PROPER INSTALLATION OF

SYSTEM)” Please confirm these locations or give a quantity to use as this request is conflicting with other information in the technology sheets for a scope of work.

Given this is a fully designed project we would expect this to be shown on the drawings and not covered by a catch all phrase when it has not been included in the bidding documents by the designer.

Refer to Technology Installation notes on 0-

TN000.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

96. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm the General Contractor of this project shall directly hire the Control System Integrator in a contract separate from the contract procuring the controls contractor.

Control system contractor shall be a sub to the low voltage contractor.

97. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm which allowances listed on sheet TN000 are accurate and to be included by the contractor in their base bid. There are differing quantities listed in multiple locations.

Correct

98. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm the ceiling types for bidding purposes in rooms with data devices. This will have a significant impact in pricing based on potential patching and access panels in these rooms if they are hard lid versus ACT.

There is no finish ceiling in the data device rooms. The rooms have open ceilings. There may be a couple of non-data device rooms that will need finish ceiling replacement, which is indicated in the contract documents.

99. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Are we to assume that areas with existing data devices will not require new fire rated wall sleeves? If new sleeves are required, please provide a count so that bidders will be aligned in scope of work.

This shall not be assumed, provide fire rated wall sleeves as required.

100. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Suggested matrix of responsibility on sheet TN000 states

“CONDUIT SLEEVES (NOT SHOWN BUT

REQUIRED FOR PROPER INSTALLATION OF

SYSTEM)” Please confirm these locations or give a quantity to use as this request is conflicting with other information in the technology sheets for a scope of work.

Given this is supposed to be a fully designed project we would expect this to be shown on the drawings and not covered by a catch all phrase when it has not been included in the bidding documents.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

101. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm the rough in required to the corridors from rooms with data outlets, is this conduit extending from the rooms into the corridors or just vertical conduit running up from the outlet? If running conduit into the fire rated sleeve, please provide a detail showing this connection.

All wall penetrations require a sleeve. On rated wall provide a fire rated sleeve.

102. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm the new conduit will be in the wall and not surface mounted. In wall will have a significant cost impact with patching/painting.

New conduit shall be installed in the wall always that could be possible.

103. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Are we to assume that areas with existing data devices will not require new boxes beyond the 20% allowance for new backbox locations on sheet TN-000?

Refer to Technology Installation notes on 0-

TN000.

104. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Existing box sizes are not shown in the documents for data outlets. Please clarify how to proceed with figuring if existing boxes will be re-used or if new boxes will need to be provided.

Refer to Technology Installation notes on 0-

TN000.

105. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Existing conduit sizes are not shown in the documents for existing data outlets, please clarify what conduit size and fill should be assumed by the contractor for existing data outlets. If the conduit size is not sufficient to an existing outlet will the VA require a new conduit?

Refer to Technology Installation notes on 0-

TN000.

106. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please provide wall types or assumed wall types for rooms that are being cabled and will need new fire rated sleeves. This has been problematic on many other EHRM projects as without this information the contractor has no way of knowing if coring through CMU/Masonry/Concrete is required.

Wall types for new construction are indicated in the construction documents. Existing walls that are being cored may need a new fire rated sleeve, do to being an existing condition, the scope of work requires the contractor to verify each wall rating prior to adding penetrations.

107. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm that steel fabricator and erector must both be AISC certified.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

108. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm work hours for this project. Will the contractor be given access to all areas during these work hours if scheduled in advance with the VA?

There are some areas of the facility that work can be done during normal hours like exterior construction work and some internal areas due to the type of healthcare provided, but in some areas is impossible to do it due to the impact to the service, this type of work shall be done after hours or weekends. All work shall be coordinated with the Project Manager (COR).

109. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please clarify how the contractor can quantify and price the following statement from sheet TN000 “the contractor is responsible for moving owner furniture to allow for existing data drops to be replaced. contractor to coordinate with the owner for dates and times that the furniture can be moved”.

Furniture moves are the responsibility of the contractor.

110. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please clarify how the contractor can quantify and price the following statement from sheet TN000 as none of the furniture is shown in the bid documents “contractor shall be responsible for all cable locations within furniture and shall be responsible for all furniture moves to complete the installation”.

Furniture moves are the responsibility of the contractor.

111. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please clarify how the contractor can quantify and price the following statement from sheet TN000 as not all existing openings are shown in the bid documents

“CONTRACTOR SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR

ALL OPENINGS REQUIRED IN WALLS. ALL

OPENINGS SHALL BE REPAIRED TO MATCH

EXISTING BY A QUALIFIED CONTRACTOR AT

THE EXPENSE OF THIS CONTRACTOR. ALL

CONDUITS THROUGH WALLS SHALL BE

GROUTED OR SEALED INTO OPENINGS”.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

112. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm if the contractor is to provide local permits for this project. We understand that the PR government can require several permits in which the contractor does not have the standing to get an accurate price at the time of bid. Would the VA be willing to carry an allowance for permit costs?

Contractor is responsible of all permit’s costs.

113. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Is the DDC system for the San Juan campus proprietary?

If so, please confirm the manufacturer(s) allowed.

MASE is the maintenance contractor for the BAS.

In all buildings the Controls are Trane Ensemble except on South Bed Tower building # 30 that the controls are Johnson Controls.

114. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm if existing ceiling spaces are plenum rated.

We do not know if the existing ceiling space is plenum rated. The new TR rooms do require the open ceiling space to be rated as indicated in the contract documents.

115. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm the existing FA system is Notifier. Confirmed, the existing fire alarm system is Notifier.

116. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm the existing Access Control System is Software House.

Correct

117. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm ICRA requirements for rough cabling scope of work.

Yes, where patient health could be compromised.

118. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm Cat 6A OD of .245” is acceptable. Yes

119. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm that the access control panels can support multiple IDF Telecom Rooms or if a dedicated access control panel is required in every IDF telecom room.

Access control panels may support multiple IDF rooms.

120. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm the manufacturer of the existing video surveillance management system.

TYCO VIDEO SYSTEMS/ EXACQVISION

VMS/VICTOR VMS

121. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm if contractor is required to provide camera licenses. If so, please confirm VMS camera licensing model number & OS version.

Yes

122. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm that the VA OIT is responsible for all cable cutovers from the existing/abandoned IDF equipment racks to the new equipment racks.

Contractor is responsible of all cutovers, but every work shall be coordinate with the COR and the OIT personnel.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

123. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Please confirm if contractor is responsible for all rack-to-rack cabling identified & shown in the MCR shown in Attachment 10 - Volume 2 – Part 3, Sheet TN514. If confirmed, please provide confirmation where the (48) pre-terminated CAT6A cable assemblies are installed to from HDA A-1A, MDA A-2, MDA B-4, HDA B-1A, HDA A-1B, & HDA B-1B

Contractor is responsible for all rack-to-rack cabling within the MCR.

(48) pre-terminated Cat 6A from MDA A-2 to each HDA A-1A and HDA B-1A (48) pre-terminated Cat 6A from MDA B-4 to each HDA A-1B and HDA B-1B.

124. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Related to cable trays for laying Data and CCTV wiring.

1. Shall existing cable tray be removed or reused?

2. Is cable trays required for the whole project or on partial conditions?

3. Specify cable tray minimum sized and materials?

1. Re-use existing cable trays. Existing cable trays should not be removed.

2. No, only where shown.

3. Basket tray, 12”x4”

125. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Related to existing HVAC ductwork and piping.

1. Removal of facilities are part of the demolition?

2. If required reposition is part of this project SOW?

Demolition of systems indicated on plans and as required for the installation of the new work are part of the scope of work. System reconfiguration to support new system installation as indicated is part of the project scope of work. Design documents show anticipated scope of demolition and reconfiguration. Minor variations due to unforeseen existing conditions are to be anticipated.

126. 5-28-24 6-26-24 What are acceptable working hours and dates? Also, under what conditions?

There are some areas of the facility that work can be done during normal hours like exterior construction work and some internal areas due to the type of healthcare provided, but in some areas is impossible to do it due to the impact to the service, this type of work shall be done after hours or weekends. All work shall be coordinated with the Project Manager (COR).

127. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Will the government allow off the shelve prefabricated equipment pads to be used for the split AC units or do the pads need to be formed and poured?

Majority of systems are intended to be wall mounted. When ground mounded provide with a formed and poured pad.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

128. 5-28-24 6-26-24 In all the plumbing/fire protections drawings it states to remove all existing sprinklers and piping. By removing these items, other areas outside of the scope will not have fire protection. Is the Government providing temporary services for those areas? In-leu of removing said piping, can fire protection modification be made to provide adequate coverage for areas of work?

The government is not providing temporary service for these locations. The intent is that the existing system remain in place until the new piping can be connected with minimal downtime.

Contractor to coordinate all system downtime with government prior to any system shutdown.

Provide all temporary connections as required to maintain system operations and provide a fire watch as required for downtime. Refer to Sheet 00-PL-000 Mechanical Renovation Notes 8, 9, and 10.

129. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Are there existing isolation vales at the locations of existing CWS and CWR piping to be removed? Is it the governments expectation to have the contractor install ne isolation valves for the CWS and CWR lines?

The existing condition varies. The intention is to use the existing isolation valves where currently installed and to install new isolation valves for new equipment where not installed per sheet

3/MH400.

130. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Section 01 00 00 1.6 There will be no staging area provided for this project within the VA facility or their premises. The contractor shall be responsible to provide a staging area outside the VA premise. This will cause wasted time daily having to run offsite to get materials and equipment. Please advise.

There is no area inside the facility for massive

131. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Section 01 00 00 1.14 As-built drawings. Do these have to be paper plans or can they be digital?

As per Section 01 00 00 1.14

132. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Section 01 33 23 1.6 E is it the responsibility of the contractor to provide FTP File sharing system or can ORACLE Primavera Submittal Exchange be used?

Contractor responsibility to provide File Sharing system like BIM 360 for big files, smaller files by email.

133. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Section 01 33 23 1.6 F Are hard copies actually going to be a requirement? It seems this is an old requirement as previous work used electronic transfer for submittals.

Yes

134. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Section 01 35 26 1.9 B is a CSP or CSHT going to be enforced? Over 90% of the work is interior remodel.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

135. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Section 01 35 26 1.13 Is tuberculin screen a requirement considering the work is mostly after hours?

Yes, there area that work 24/7.

136. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Section 01 74 19 1.3 G Is the Government providing location for placement of waste and recycling bins?

Yes, but recycling bens are contractor’s responsibility.

137. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Section 0191 00 Is it the responsibility of the contractor to provide the commissioning agent? Past history this was the Governments responsibility. Please advise.

Yes, is contractor responsibility.

138. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Section 28 31 00 2.11 Fire Detection and Alarm. Spare and Replacement Parts. In the past the shops did not want these to be provided. Are these actually required?

1. Manual pull stations - 5

2. Fire alarm strobes - 5

3. Smoke detectors - 20

4. Duct smoke detectors with all appurtenances - 1

5. Sprinkler system water flow switch - 1 of each size

6. Sprinkler system water pressure switch - 1 of each type

7. Sprinkler valve tamper switch - 1 of each type

8. Control equipment utility locksets - 5

9. Control equipment keys - 25

10. 2.55 oz containers aerosol smoke - 12

11. Monitor modules - 3

12. Control modules – 3

These spare parts are not required; this has been removed from the specifications.

139. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Section 28 13 00 CAD as-built drawings will be provided by the government? Please advise.

CAD Files will be provided for contractor submittals

140. 5-28-24 6-26-24 In multiple Spec Sections Shop drawing are called out, most of which would be required if this was a design build. What shop drawing are required by the government on this project?

Refer to specifications.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

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ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

141. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Will the VA allow HEPA air scrubbers to re-circulate clean discharge air into the workspace? Many rooms are central within the floor plan and difficult to impossible to discharge air to the exterior. Please confirm this method is acceptable.

Yes, this method is acceptable

142. 5-28-24 6-26-24 What work areas or work discipline will not be allowed to be completed during normal business hours?

There are some areas of the facility that work can be done during normal hours like exterior construction work and some internal areas due to the type of healthcare provided, but in some areas is impossible to do it due to the impact to the service, this type of work shall be done after hours or weekends. All work shall be coordinated with the Project Manager (COR).

143. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Can the Superintendent or SSHO have multiple roles on this project?

Due to the magnitude of the project VA no recommend multiple roles.

144. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Is there access to the design 3D walkthrough/animations from the design team (Architect or MEP Consultants)?

Can it be directly exported from Revit/Naviswork?

Not available

145. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Is there a preliminary VA master project schedule depicting the 1,129 calendar days? How did the simulation come up with 1,129?

VA have an expected date to implement the new Electronic Health Record in all the facilities.

146. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Section 01 00 00 1.5 B-2 Security Procedures.

1. What are badging requirements?

2. Duration/Lead time to get badging for workers?

Contractor shall fill a form with the employees’ information to proceed with the background investigation, once received the employee can request their badging. This process could take from 1 to 2 weeks, depending badging availability.

147. 5-28-24 6-26-24 What are the security requirements for exterior above ground duct bank or building feeds?

Provide additional information for this question.

148. 5-28-24 6-26-24 How is the contractor to address buildings where conduit/Cabling cannot run in existing walls? Can cabling run in wall mounted raceways?

Exposed wall mounted raceways are acceptable pending COR approval on a per location basis.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

149. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Specifications 01 91 00, section 1.8 Commissioning Team, paragraph C states that the General Contractor will engage the CxA under a separate contract. However, in section 1.9 VA’s commissioning responsibilities, paragraph A states that it is the VA’s responsibility to appoint an individual, company, or firm to act as the Commissioning Agent. Please clarify who is responsible for the hiring of commissioning agents.

Is contractor’s responsibility.

150. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Are the risers for the new IDF locations stacked? Where possible, risers are stacked.

151. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Will shift differentials and night work be expected and priced as such?

Refers to Executive Order 14026

152. 5-28-24 6-26-24 How many floors/buildings can the contractor occupy simultaneously during construction?

Depending on how this work affect the Healthcare services and the contractor work plan, also, the project has been designed in 2 phases.

153. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Will the Wireless AP devices (DEMO) need to be inventoried and returned to the VA, or disposed of?

Return to VA

154. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Delivery, Storage on site, and handling on site? What are the proscribed means and methods?

There is no area inside the facility for massive

155. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Will the VA provide a location/laydown area to store materials on-site prior to the start of work, and will this location be available for the full length of the project?

There is no area inside the facility for massive

156. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Will the Government provide VA Badges/PIV cards for the Contractors to eliminate the need for escorts?

Contractor shall fill a form with the employees’ information to proceed with the background investigation, once received the employee can request their badging. This process could take from 1 to 2 weeks, depending badging availability.

157. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Where will the designated parking area be for workers accessing the construction site?

There is no parking on site for all contractor staff, only a few on the staging area.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

158. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Will HEPA Cart(s) be required? Yes, there are areas that have asbestos on the corridors.

159. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Is a BICSI RCDD required to be onsite consistently, or can the RCDD make periodic inspection/site visits?

Refer to Technology Installation notes on 0-

TN000.

160. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Will the TC contractor be given keys/access unescorted to the work areas and TR’s?

The COR will coordinate the access with OIT and Police Service.

161. 5-28-24 6-26-24 If TC contractor cannot be given keys for access, is the government going to provide dedicated personnel for this project daily to escort and access the areas without delay?

The COR will coordinate the access with OIT and Police Service.

162. 5-28-24 6-26-24 What about 4% Excise Taxes, or import duties on Materials?

https://customsandinternationaltradelaw.com/2022/02/01 /importing-into-puerto-rico-dont-forget-about-paying-use-tax/ Please advise.

Contractor shall comply with all Federal and Local taxes policies.

163. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Are any of the buildings on the campus designated as historical?

No.

164. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Any restriction on pumping of Manholes, wastewater or hand holes?

Contractor shall comply with all EPA regulations.

165. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Any local special requirement on MOT (Maintenance of traffic) for OSP work?

All work that affects the traffic shall be coordinate at least with 2 weeks of anticipation to be evaluated.

166. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Is an OSHA 30 required apart from the OSHA 10 requirement for all personnel working?

Yes.

167. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Will Waste Disposal containers be provided by whom? The contractor will provide their own disposal container.

168. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Will this be a LEADs project for materials? Based on the New TR’s location VA don’t expect to deal with Lead material.

https://customsandinternationaltradelaw.com/2022/02/01/importing-into-puerto-rico-dont-forget-about-paying-use-tax/ https://customsandinternationaltradelaw.com/2022/02/01/importing-into-puerto-rico-dont-forget-about-paying-use-tax/ https://customsandinternationaltradelaw.com/2022/02/01/importing-into-puerto-rico-dont-forget-about-paying-use-tax/

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

169. 5-28-24 6-26-24 Bldg. #1 - ICRA Notes – IG2 states “DOORS IN ICRA

PARTITIONS SHALL HAVE CLOSERS, PANIC

DEVICES, STOREROOM FUNCTION LOCKS, AND

ALARMS. DOORS SHALL AUTOMATICALLY

LOCK UPON CLOSURE.” What type of alarm is required for ICRA Doors?