Technical Questions Tracking Spreadsheet - 1-23-25 - 36C77624B0015 - Construct EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades Newington CT .pdf

SOLICITATION 36C77624B0015 – NEWINGTON, CT -36C77624B0015 - CONSTRUCT EHRM INFRASTRUCTURE

UPGRADES- TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND VA RESPONSE TRACKING SHEET

ITEM

NO.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

1. 12-23-24 1-6-25 We are interested in bidding as a safety services subcontractor for the GCs bidding this project. We do not see any specifications requiring a Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO).

Can you provide a link to them?

Specification Section 01 00 00 -3 1.2, H. 1. B &c 1.2, Z Section 1.7, 1.8, 1.8

1-6-25 – VA COR

2. 12-31-24 12-31-24 Will the retaining wall footing interfere with required Dominion clearances for the existing gas line?

Amendment 0001 provides an updated Attachment 19 published on sam.gov on 12- 31-24 – VA Contract Specialist.

3. 1-2-25 1-6-25 We are interested in bidding this project and attending the site visit next week but we don’t see any price references or CLIN’s to bid as referenced in the solicitation. Do you have one available?

Amendment 0002 provides Attachment 30 – as price/CLIN sheet. – VA Contract Specialist 1-6-25

4. 12-17-24 1-7-25 All of the Fire Protection drawings shows the request for Horn Strobes for Ceiling and Wall Mounted notification devices, the existing fire alarm network system is a Johnson Controls Fire Protection -Simplex 4100ES Network Voice System. The devices to be added or replaced are Speaker Visuals.

Keynotes Note 6 requires a NEW HEAT/SMOKE DETECTOR AND

FIRE ALARM STROBE/HORN, MOUNT AND SUPPORT FROM

DECK ABOVE. COORDINATE LOCATION WITH ALL OTHER

TRADES, EXISTING CONDITIONS, AND COR. SEE

ARCHITECTURAL PLANS FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

Confirmed, contractor shall provide a combination heat/smoke detector at each location. – AE – Triple C – Mat Perkins

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ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

Please confirm that the fire alarm device that is being required is a Combo Heat/Smoke for these locations shown on all Fire Protection drawings.

Please confirm the system is requiring Speaker Visuals per Note 6 of the Keynotes on all Fire Protection devices.

Confirmed, speaker/visual devices shall be specified to match and extend the existing Fire Alarm system. – AE – Triple C – Mat Perkins

5. 1-13-25 1-15-25 Video surveillance spec 28 23 00 specifies the new cameras will be managed by the existing VMS. What is the existing VMS, and do we need to purchase camera licenses or are those being provided by others?

Coordinate with VA for VMS headend information. Contractor is responsible for providing new licenses for all new cameras.

6. 1-13-25 1-15-25

Hanwha camera XNP-6320 is discontinued and replaced by XNP- 6400. Is this the model camera you would like us to use?

Camera shown is Basis of Design only.

Contractor shall submit in accordance with project specifications.

7. 1-13-25 1-15-25

On the Electrical drawings Keynotes item 15, what are the existing Access Controls and counts that are being removed?

See KN 37 Electrical Demolition drawings, R- 900 series sheets and LIDAR scans.

8. 1-13-25 1-15-25

Drawing # 01E-402, F3 Computer Rm 1C-148D has (3) Axis M5075-G on the drawing and drawing 01T-402, C5 Computer Rm 1C-148D has (3) Hanwha XNP-6320 on the drawings. Please advise which camera model we should use.

Camera shown is Basis of Design only.

Contractor shall submit in accordance with project specifications.

9. 1-13-25 1-15-25

There is no reference to Telecom Room 2W-121 on the Electrical drawings but it is present on drawing 02T-101W.

Please advise.

See Sheets 02E-101W and 02E-406.

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QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

10. 1-13-25 1-15-25

Drawing 12T-101 has no camera symbol for Telecom 12-2031 and Stair 12-206 as opposed to others similar locations in the building. Please advise if we should have a camera at these (2) locations.

No new cameras are in scope for Building 12.

11. 1-13-25 1-15-25

Please refer to drawing 65E-101 & 65E-701 – drawings call for the installation of new panelboard NP-A & EP-B. Are we installing new feeds for these panels or utilizing existing feeds?

This is typical for the other buildings as well.

“NP-A” and “EP-B” are not indicated on any of the drawings, please confirm the questions. Building 65 has new panels “B65- TR65110A” and “B65-TR65110B”. New panel boards, feeders and circuit breakers are required at all locations on this project.

12. 1-13-25 1-15-25

Can the VA provide a price schedule for this project?

Yes. Pricing Schedule was provided via Amendment 0002 posted on sam.gov on

1.6.25. – VS Contract Specialist

13. 1-13-25 1-15-25

There is work shown “NOT IN CONTRACT”. However, the contractor shall coordinate its work with work indicated as NIC. How are we going to coordinate work when it is not in contract? What work will we have to coordinate?

Please clarify the RFI with specific area(s) in question.

14. 1-13-25 1-15-25

Can you have the company contact that installed the raised flooring in 1C-148D? Can the VA provide the company or contact for the initial installation for the access floor in 1C- 148D? Or can the VA provide manufacturer detail on the access tiles?

See Specification 09 69 00.

15. 1-13-25 1-15-25

Fix drawing 01FX502 fire alarm input out matrix needs to be realigned; can the VA provide updated drawing?

See attached updated drawings.

16. 1-13-25 1-15-25

Can the VA provide ICRA Drawings for each room? See sheet 01G-011 for typical ICRA requirements at all locations.

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ANSWERED

17. 1-13-25 1-15-25

Does the VA want sealed concrete of Static Dissipative Flooring for the TR’s?

Provide Static Dissipative Coating for the prepared concrete. See Interior Finish Legend on IN101.

18. 1-13-25 1-15-25

Do we need to provide underground power from Bldg. 14 to Bldg. 12? From the site survey to new work it is showing as new work, please confirm.

New Underground Electrical Power is not required between B12 and B14.

19. 1-13-25 1-15-25

Do to the proximately to sidewalks and location of new duct banks can everything be directionally bored? With proximity to the soccer/lacrosse fields seems to make sense to bore everything to avoid open trenches near the fields.

Directional boring is not allowable. Base Bid shall be trenching with concrete encased duct bank. Existing site shall be restored to original conditions.

20. 1-13-25 1-15-25

Please provide the plumbing demo required in room 2W-121. See attached updated drawings

21. 1-13-25 1-15-25

Can the VA provide quantities for planting? Can the VA confirm any tree, brush, scrub, etc. that must be removed during trenching and what needs to be replaced? Can the VA provide an irrigation plan and landscaping plan as well?

See attached updated drawings. Contractor is responsible for returning existing landscaping affected by site trenching to the original/existing condition.

22. 1-13-25 1-15-25

Can the VA provide sheet CU501 per note 5 on sheet TS101. See updated drawings. Reference has been updated.

23. 1-13-25 1-15-25

Who is the manufacturer of the access floor? Who installed the original access floor?

See Specification 09 69 00. Coordinate with VA for original installing contractor.

24. 1-13-25 1-15-25

Does the VA have a soils report? Coordinate with VA.

25. 1-13-25 1-15-25

Can the VA provide contact for Frontier and AT&T to get pricing for their SOW?

WAN fiber scope has been removed from the project. See attached updated drawings.

26. 1-13-25 1-15-25

Can the VA confirm there is no new masonry work as there is none shown on the drawings.

New masonry scope is not included.

However, masonry repair is required at fiber

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QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

backbone exterior penetrations.

27. 1-13-25 1-15-25

Can the VA confirm there is no new structural steel work as there is none shown on the drawings.

Confirmed.

28. 1-13-25 1-23-25

Would the VA be willing to offer another site walk? A second site visit has been scheduled for February 3, 2025 @ 9:00am EST. Please see Site Visit Instructions 1.23.25. – VA Contract Specialist

29. 1-13-25 1-15-25

Will the VA be able to provide the LIDAR files? See attached links.

30. 1-13-25 1-15-25

Please provide copper riser diagrams indicating the pathways for the copper backbone.

Copper backbone is existing to remain.

Existing analog/copper backbone shall be protected in place.

31. 1-13-25 1-15-25

Are there established pathways for moving materials between buildings and floors, particularly for bulk items like cable spools and ladders (e.g., freight elevators)?

Coordinate with VA.

32. 1-13-25 1-15-25

What type of veneer or laminated does the VA want for their doors? What kind of finish does the VA want on their doors?

See Specification 08 14 00. Contractor shall submit veneer for VA approval during shops submittals.

33. 1-13-25 1-23-25

Can the VA provide pictures of the spaces that we did not get a chance to see on the site walk?

Pictures of the spaces are not available for distribution. A second site visit has been scheduled for February 3, 2025 @ 9:00am EST. Please see Site Visit Instructions

1.23.25. – VA Contracting Officer

34. 1-13-25 1-15-25

Can we get an extension on technical questions?

Additional technical questions are due 2/10/25 @ 11:00 am EST. – VA Contracting Officer

35. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Drawing 01M-101, Keynote #15 incorrectly states the new CRAC units should be integrated with the facility Automated

See Addenda 2. Keynote 15 has been removed. CRAC units report to, but not

DATE

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QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

Logic controls building management system. This note is repeated throughout the project drawings.

The existing building management system is manufactured by Siemens.

Would you please correct all of references to the existing building automation or management systems to Siemens?

controlled by, the existing BMS.

36. 1-14-25 1-15-25

From specification 23 09 23.1.1.5:

New Computer Room Air-Conditioners (CRAC) for the new MCR Building shall be provided with a packaged, stand-alone control system (Vigilent or approved equal, see Mechanical Control Drawings). Per EHRM standards, the Vigilent control system shall be stand-alone and not controlled by the VA BAS, but it shall report to the new BAS provided with this project.

Please clarify if the Vigilant system shall report to the existing Siemens building automation system or a new system.

CRAC units report to, but not controlled by, the existing BMS.

37. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Who is the VAMC current Security Vendor and Dealer of Record of the existing C-Cure 9000 System?

Coordinate with VA COR for vendor contact information.

38. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Newington Campus PACS runs on OIT provided Virtual Server, Do you require Stand Alone System?

New PACS devices shall integrate with the existing system.

39. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Should the EHRM Access Control System tie into existing JCI C- Cure System?

New PACS devices shall integrate with the

40. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Are doors to be monitored and controlled by VA Police? New PACS devices shall integrate with the

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QUESTION

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ANSWERED

41. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Spec reference Biometric PIV Card Reader, is Biometric a requirement for the EHRM project? which Biometric feature do you request (hand, face, fingers)?

Biometric Card Readers are not required.

Card Readers shall include keypad dual authentication.

42. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Per Spec Div. 28 23 cameras will integrate into existing video system. Newington Campus currently does not have a reliable video recorder and is running an obsolete inoperable DVR system for existing cameras. Do you request New NVR’s to support cameras under this project?

New NVRs shall be provided.

43. 1-14-25 1-15-25

CT VA Medical Centers currently do not use cameras manufactured by Hanwha, should the cameras manufacturer mirror what is currently installed in other CT VAMC facilities?

Camera shown is Basis of Design only.

Contractor shall submit in accordance with project specifications and station requirements.

44. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Do you require Explosion Proof Cameras? this type of camera is normally used in Flammable Gas Areas.

Explosion proof cameras are not required.

45. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Drawing 01M-101, Keynote #15 incorrectly states the new CRAC units should be integrated with the facility Automated Logic controls building management system. This note is repeated throughout the project drawings. The existing building management system is manufactured by Siemens.

Would you please correct all of references to the existing building automation or management systems to Siemens?

See Addenda 2. Keynote 15 has been removed. CRAC units report to, but not controlled by, the existing BMS.

46. 1-14-25 1-15-25

From specification 23 09 23.1.1.5: New Computer Room Air- Conditioners (CRAC) for the new MCR Building shall be provided with a packaged, stand-alone control system (Vigilant or approved equal, see Mechanical Control Drawings). Per EHRM standards, the Vigilant control system shall be stand-alone and not controlled by the VA BAS, but it shall report to the new BAS provided with this project. Please clarify if the

CRAC units report to, but not controlled by, the existing BMS.

DATE

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QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

Vigilant system shall report to the existing Siemens building automation system or a new system.

47. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Who is the manufacturer for Panel 03-G7MDP-MB? See attached updated drawings. Photos are provided for all existing electrical points of connection.

48. 1-14-25 1-15-25

What is the size of the existing Breaker for Panel 03-G7MDP-2? See attached updated drawings. Photos are

49. 1-14-25 1-15-25

What is the size of existing Breaker for Panel 03-G7MDP-3? See attached updated drawings. Photos are

50. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Who is the manufacturer for ATS -01-ATS-7-3? Coordinate with VA for station standard ATS

OEM.

51. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Who is the manufacturer and location for Busway - BUS-0279? See attached updated drawings. Photos are

52. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Could you provide a one -line diagram to show what panels are feeding Panels TR32-115A & TR32-115B in Building 32?

53. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Could you provide a one -line diagram to show what panels are feeding Panels NP-A & EP-B in Building 65?

54. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Does the 30-Day Power Load Study to Panels, do they all need to be performed simultaneously, or can this be done over 3 months?

The contractor may phase the work

55. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Do Containment carts have to used when working in the hallways?

ICRA shall be in accordance with Specification 01 35 26. All spaces are either Class III or Class IV.

56. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Security Access Control vendor will be adding card readers and door hardware to certain doors in each building. As I

New door hardware shall integrate with existing Fire Alarm system per Specifications

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understand this the Access Controller Card Reader Controllers will be relocated and/or additional controllers will be added.

Does the VA want to add a fire alarm relay modules to each door or a relay to the added access control door controllers to drop power upon a general fire alarm event? These devices are not shown on the Electrical or Fire Suppression Drawings.

08 71 00 and Division 28.

57. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Rack sensor locations and quantities are not shown on the plans. Please prov

See Sheet 01M-401C Key Note 17 for all required locations.

58. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Does the Vigilant system require control panels to be located in the data rooms. Please show locations and power require

The Vigilent system requires a rack-mounted local server located in the MCR.

59. 1-14-25 1-15-25

The specified BACnet/IP protocol is different than the Procon module RS-485 protocol shown on drawing 01M-90

Which protocol and therefore wiring is to be used to communicate with the Mitsubishi systems?

New equipment shall integrate with existing BACNet BMS. Contractor shall provide all required modules/gateways for full reporting, alarms and control by the existing system.

60. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Is each workstation location 2 Data 2 Voice? See T-700 series sheets for cable quantity at each location. Locations with 3 and 4 existing cables shall be reduced to 2. Owner shall review all proposed cable reductions and will identify locations that require 4 cables.

61. 1-14-25 1-15-25

What is the Jack color scheme? See Specification 27 15 00. Jacks are black, typical.

62. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Does the Telecom Schedules supersede prints? Prints and schedules shall be used in concert.

63. 1-14-25 1-15-25

01T-500 Shows WAP locations get 2 CAT6a. 01T-001 shows

WAP locations getting 1 Cat6a. Which is correct?

Existing WAPs shall receive 1 new Cat 6A cable at each location.

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64. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Most prints have rooms with multiple WAP locations next to each other. Are these locations correct? (example: 01T-104

RM 1-423, 01T-105 RM 1-531, 02T-102C RM 2C-C2-6)

Confirmed, see updated drawings.

65. 1-14-25 1-15-25

What is the existing VMS equipment? Does it have Licenses to add new cameras? Is there enough space to add new cameras?

Contractor shall provide new licenses for all new cameras.

66. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Is the tray in MCR and TRs Ladder tray or basket tray? Basket tray shall be used for all horizontal applications, including the MCR. Ladder style is only allowable for vertical support.

67. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Spec Section 270536 2.2 part 2 of products calls for 4x4 PVC raceway for fiber. There is nothing on the prints showing this.

Is there going to be 4x4 PVC raceway for the fiber?

Confirmed, follow specification 27 05 36.

68. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Is the narrow tray on prints for fiber? Is Fiber to be run in same tray as data cables? print 02T-101C corridor 2C-C1-17 shows narrow connect to wider tray.

See Specification 27 05 36 Part 2.2. for Fiber Optic Cable Raceway.

69. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Need more details on fiber riser to get accurate counts and measurements. Print 01T-504 shows what looks like each building leg is daisy chained closet to closet. Print T-101 shows multiple runs to each building. Is every closet getting A and B homeruns?

Each TR receives A and B fiber cables on diverse paths, home run to the renovated

MCR.

70. 1-14-25 1-23-25

Where will the Contractor onsite staging/storage area be located? Parking?

Coordinate with VA.

71. 1-14-25 1-23-25

Please provide average frost depth details for the campus. But the average frost depth in Connecticut is 42 inches according to the state building code, although I seldom see it that way. VA COR

72. 1-14-25 1-15-25

It is unclear if the Computer Room 1C148D on Drawing 01H- 101 requires abatement or not.

Abatement is not required in 1C-148D.

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Please clarify.

73. 1-14-25 1-23-25

Much work will need to be performed o¯ hours and on weekends. Will the VA continue snow plowing and/or similar to provide access to this work?

The VA does snow plow, and snow blow and keeps the area clear. The contractor still is have to be expected to dig out their Connex boxes and participate in some snow removal in their areas. We would focus our level of effort will be to patient care areas first. – VA COR

74. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Attachment 9 shows multiple manholes full of water at the time of survey. In the Scope of Work narrative page 6 of 13 we find: “Contractor responsible for site dewatering.”

The VA apparently has significant water issues onsite. Please describe these issues, the extent of the problems, and what can be done onsite so that the Contractor can understand what is necessary to perform the Work.

Contractor is only responsible for dewatering in the project area of work, i.e.

at new underground concrete ductbank.

75. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Keynote 6 on Architectural drawings calls out for “provide a new fire extinguisher cabinet with a type 2A-10B-C Clean Agent Fire Extinguisher…”

Is the Contractor to provide the Clean Agent fire extinguisher?

If so, which Clean Agent?

Contractor shall provide a Fire Extinguisher and Cabinet at the locations indicated.

76. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Please provide copper riser diagrams indicating the pathways for the copper backbone. – Drawings – Not Found

Existing copper backbone is to remain.

Analog/voice cabling is not part of the scope.

77. 1-14-25 1-23-25

Are there established pathways for moving materials between buildings and floors, particularly for bulk items like cable

Coordinate with VA. – VA COR

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spools and ladders (e.g., freight elevators)? - Attachment 1 - 689A4-22-700 Construction SOW - EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades - Newington 20. Commissioning 10 of 13

78. 1-14-25 1-15-25

These are our observations:

• The backbone cabling as (40) ISP- 24F OM4/12F OS1 Hybrid cables including A and B sides, (6) OSP - 24 stand OS2 cables, and no copper backbone cabling.

o Please confirm our conclusion

• Buildings 2W, 2C, 2E, 3, and 42 are interconnected via standard interstitial areas and accessible pathways, with no non-standard methods required to traverse between buildings.

o Please confirm our conclusion

• Buildings 12, 33, and 65 are single mode 24 stand OS2 cables.- Attachment 14 Drawings – Keynotes – Page T-60

See attached updated drawings Sheet T- 603, KN 3 identifies ISP routes, KN 2 identifies OSP routes.

79. 1-14-25 1-15-25

“FIBER PATH A

(5) 24F OM4/12F OS1

BLDG 2C (4) OS1 CABLE

BLDG 2W (1) OS1 CABLE”

Please confirm that you require a total of 5 cables as described above. – Attachment 14 – Quadrant 4D – Page 3 of 57

See attached updated drawings Sheet T- 603, KN 3 identifies ISP routes, KN 2 identifies OSP routes.

80. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Does the contractor have responsibility before MCR in Room 142 – Drawings

A new TR is being provided in 1C-142, see drawings for all required scope.

81. 1-14-25 1-15-25

In Attachment 14, drawing 01T-504 shows fiber cabling from one HDA to one ED. Based on our experience, HDA distribution typically includes fiber connections to all ED cabinets.

Additionally, the zoomed or scrolled view displays a hidden

Structured cabling shall be provided in accordance with the ISTS. See Sheet 01T- 505 for structured cabling detail. See updated drawings.

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drawing with a more standard solution, but this does not align with the cabinet layout shown.

Please confirm the proper layout of Diverse Routing Horizontal Distribution the MCR showing detail of each – Attachment 14 – Page 01T-504

82. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Please confirm, are new underground conduit / duct banks to be installed with a concrete encasement? If so, please provide details regarding the concrete encasement

Confirmed. See Specification 26 05 41 and Detail B3/T-501 in the Site drawing package.

83. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Is the contractor to directionally bore all new conduit where new conduit runs are to be installed below asphalt or concrete hardscapes?

Directional boring is not allowable.

Contractor shall trench and provide concrete encased duct bank. Repair asphalt, concrete and landscaping.

84. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Will any pavement or sidewalks be subject to removal and replacement as part of this project?

Directional boring is not allowable.

Contractor shall trench and provide concrete encased duct bank. Repair asphalt, concrete and landscaping.

85. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Please confirm, are all underground cable runs indicated as orange “service provider A” and purple “service provider B” to be installed as part of a separate contract with the VA, meaning that the contractor is only to include the construction of the pathways / infrastructure as part of this contract?

New service provider fiber is no longer being provided with this project. See attached updated drawings.

86. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Is grass / landscape disturbed during construction to be restored using see or sod?

Contractor is responsible for returning existing landscaping affected by site trenching to the original/existing condition.

87. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Is maxcell innderduct required on all exterior fiber? Innerduct is required for fiber pathways in accordance with ISTS.

88. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Is maxcell innderduct required for any interior fiber? Innerduct is required for fiber pathways in accordance with ISTS.

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89. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Is the contractor responsible for replacement or modification of the existing lawn irrigation system as part of this contract? If so, please clarify the scope of work associated with this.

Contractor is responsible for returning existing irrigation system affected by site

90. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Is the landscape contractor responsible for watering / maintenance of new landscape restoration for an establishment period after approval of new work? If so, what is the duration of the establishment period?

Contractor is responsible for returning existing landscaping affected by site

91. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Is the contractor responsible for abating and removing asbestos / hazardous material only where shown on the drawings and as indicated in the specifications? If additional ACM is encountered other than what is quantifiable based on the drawings and specs, will this be addressed through a change order to the contract?

Hazardous material abatement scope is indicated on the contract drawings and specifications.

92. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Is the third party Certified Industrial Hygienist required to be directly hired by the General contractor as opposed to being hired by the abatement contractor?

Yes, the General Contractor shall provide a third-party Industrial Hygienist.

93. 1-14-25 1-15-25

No data outlets are shown to be removed on any of the T-drawings. Are there no existing data outlets to be removed / modified / relocated as part of this contract? Or are existing data outlets to be replaced one-for-one with new data outlets?

Yes. Pricing Schedule was provided via Amendment 0002 posted on sam.gov on

1.6.25. – VS Contract Specialist

94. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Are all new data drops to require new conduit, stub-ups, and backboxes unless noted otherwise? Or is it the intend to reuse existing conduit / stub-ups / backboxes at all locations unless noted otherwise?

No, existing drops will be reused.

95. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Is flexible conduit permitted to be used at all new data drops? No, existing drops will be reused.

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96. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Are fire sleeves required at all through-wall cat6a cable penetrations at work areas receiving new data drops?

Fire speed sleeves are required at each TR penetration and all rated partitions.

97. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Is the contractor to provide new conduit pathways for all new interior fiber backbone cable runs?

Yes, new pathways shall be provided for all new structured cabling.

98. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Please confirm the superintendent shall not have any shared duties as a QCM, SSHO or any other roles on the project.

99. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Please confirm the SSHO shall not have any shared duties as a QCM, superintendent or any other role on the project.

100. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Please confirm the QCM shall not have any shared duties as a SSHO, superintendent or any other role on the project.

101. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Please confirm that commissioning agent (CxA) will be provided by the contractor.

See Specification 01 91 00. The VA will provide a third-party CxA under a separate contract.

102. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Please confirm that the contractor is to provide third party independent inspections.

103. 1-14-25 1-15-25

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

104. 1-14-25 1-15-25

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

105. 1-14-25 1-15-25

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.

106. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Please confirm the contractor will be required to submit post award the requested information that the telecommunications contractor shall be a BICSI licensed Contractor with a minimum of five (5) years’ experience installing and servicing systems of

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similar scope and complexity. The Contractor shall provide four (4) current references from clients with systems of similar scope and complexity which became operational in the past three (3) years. At least three (3) of the references shall be utilizing the same system components, in a similar configuration as the proposed system. The references must include a current point of contact, company or agency name, address, telephone number, complete system description, date of completion, and approximate cost of the project.

107. 1-14-25 1-15-25

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

108. 1-14-25 1-15-25

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

Confirmed. Further, the RCDD must be on site at all times and responsible for Communications installations.

109. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Please confirm if this project is tax exempt. If so, will the VA provide all the documentation to the contractor post award?

Please see 1.4 Taxes in published solicitation.

110. 1-14-25 1-23-25

Please confirm this project must meet the buy American act

For manufactured end products, the Buy American statute does apply. – VA Contracting Officer

111. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Please confirm, all existing pathways to be reused have adequate available capacity for new cable.

Cable shall be run in accordance with 27 05

33. The only pathways to be reused are in-wall drops. Existing in-wall drops will be reused.

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112. 1-14-25 1-15-25

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.

113. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Will work in common hallways require 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?

ICRA requirements vary by space, typically Class II or Class IV.

114. 1-14-25 1-15-25

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

Cable shall be run in accordance with 27 05

33. The only pathways to be reused are in-wall drops. Existing in-wall drops will be reused.

115. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Will flexible metal conduit be allowed? Flexible metal conduit is only allowable with special VA approval.

116. 1-14-25 1-15-25

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

We do not have spare UPS’s. VA COR

117. 1-14-25 1-15-25

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

Plenum cabling shall be used in all locations.

See Division 27 specifications.

118. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Is there a current roof warranty for each building requiring roof work as part of this contract? If so, please confirm who has the roofing warranty and provide point of contact.

Building 2E, 6th floor roof is “Garland” – VA

COR

119. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Please confirm all CAT6A-CMP cable shall be tested to 10G ANSI performance installed on this project

See Specification 27 08 00. All CAT 6A-CMP cable shall be tested and commissioned to 10G ANSI performance.

120. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Will the contractor have access to elevators in each of the buildings where needed?

Yes. Coordinate with COR. – VA COR

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121. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Will the contractor be allowed a space for on-site trailers and staging? If not, will the contractor be permitted to set up a temporary office and storage area within a building on campus?

See question 71. No space in the building. –

VA COR

122. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Are there phasing constraints the contractor must consider when sequencing work? Will the contractor have access to all work areas at all times, or will a certain amount of rooms be turned over to the contractor at a time? If so, how many rooms is the contractor to anticipate being turned over at a time, for bidding purposes?

All cabling work shall be performed after hours and the contractor shall ensure all spaces are returned to the VA prior to the start of Medical Center business hours.

123. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Is it required that infection control containments be set up during off-hours (nights / weekends)?

Yes.

124. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Is it required that all work in corridors or outside of primary work areas (such as telecom rooms or main computer rooms), be completed during nights / weekends?

All cabling activities outside TRs and MCR shall be completed during nights/weekends.

125. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Please confirm all work in telecom rooms and main computer room can be done during normal business hours?

Confirmed. However, all network cutovers shall be afterhours.

126. 1-14-25 1-15-25

For bidding purposes, is the contractor to assume all new cable will require new pathways, and that no existing pathways are to be reused?

New pathways will be required from the TR up to each WAO drop. Existing in-wall drops will be retained and reused.

127. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Please confirm, is all cable in corridors to be run through conduit? Would j-hooks be acceptable for cable runs outside of primary work areas?

Contractor shall follow Specification 27 05

33. All Structured Cabling shall be conduit to cable tray.

128. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Would the VA allow for an administrative NTP to provide the contractor time to submit on long lead items prior to mobilization and construction? This would allow for better cost / scheduling efficiency and better allocation of resources during construction.

There is no current consideration to issue an administrative NTP. This decision is specifically at the discretion of the Post Award Contracting Officer. – VA Contracting Officer

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129. 1-14-25 1-15-25 out as part of this project. If so, please provide plans associated with this room.

Please clarify question.

130. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Is there a proprietary fire alarm contractor at the facility? If so, please provide a name and point of contact if available.

Coordinate with the VA for vendor contact information.

131. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Is the contractor responsible for costs associated with an electronic submittal documentation platform such as Submittal Exchange throughout the project duration?

Please refer to Attachment 2 under section 01 00 00-3 U for the reference to this question. VA Contract Specialist

132. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Where new data drop locations require wall patching and painting, is the contractor to paint all disturbed walls seam-to-seam, as opposed to painting at patch locations only?

Existing data drops shall be reused, in-wall conduit will not be replaced.

133. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Architectural drawings show wall types “J2” in the MCR, however no detail for this wall type is shown. Please clarify what wall types are to be provided where indicated as “J2”.

Walls are incorrectly tagged and shall be M type at furring wall locations.

134. 1-14-25 1-15-25

What is the deck height in each of the telecom rooms and work areas? If the deck height varies or in unknown, please provide a height to be assumed for bidding purposes.

Please reference LIDAR scans.

135. 1-14-25 1-15-25

Structural steel specifications are included but no new structural steel appears to be shown in the drawings. Please clarify what the structural steel scope is on this project?

New structural steel is not required for this project.

136. 1-14-25 1-15-25

If structural steel is required, would the VA consider waiving the AISC requirement, as the amount of work associated with steel seems to be minimal.

New structural steel is not required for this project.

137.

1-14-25 1-15-25

Please clarify if the Level of Infection Prevention and Control Precautions is Level III or Level IV. (since Category C and High risk is to be considered LEVEL IV) - Attachment 6 - Page 20 VHA Infection Control Risk Assessment for Construction, Renovation and Maintenance.

ICRA Level will be III or IV. ICRA Level is dependent on the space and type of work being performed. ICRA level shall be determined in accordance with VA

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138. 1-17-25 1-23-25

Due to the size of this project, we’re requesting a 3 week bid extension. Would you guys be able to push the bid date 3 weeks out?

Bid opening will take place February 18, 2025 @11:00 am EST. – VA Contracting Officer

139. 1-20-25 1-22-25 01GC101 – Phase 4 - COLD AISLE CONTAINMENT SYSTEM. Not seeing any specifications or drawings shown what this is, can the VA provide additional information?

A cold aisle containment system is not required.

140. 1-20-25 1-22-25 01GC101 – Phase 3 - DECOMMISSION AND ABATE LEGACY

RACKS, CABINETS, LADDER RACK, POWER, AND

TELECOMMUNICATIONS DISTRIBUTION. What is to be abated on the legacy rack?

Contractor shall coordinate with OIT/deployment team.

141. 1-20-25 1-22-25 Between Attachment 14, Drawings T-100 and between T-106 (Sixth floor Overall floor plan) and 01T-101 (Telecommunications Plan – First Level)

There is not a Telecommunications plan drawing for the basement level of Building 2W. There is a drawing of 2C with no WAO identified. Would you confirm Building 2W and 2C Basement Levels have no WAP or WAO drops? If so, would you provide a drawing with WAO and WAP identified?

Confirmed. 2W and 2C do not have WAO or WAPs on the basement level/crawl space.

142. 1-20-25 1-22-25 Attachment 14, Drawing 01T-603 - Page 41 of 57 - 10C

In between buildings 2W, 2C, 2E, 3, and 42 - fiber risers indicate ISP installations. Through what medium do the cables transition between buildings?

Contractor shall provide conduit and cable tray for ISP fiber routed between connected buildings. See Specifications for all

143. 1-20-25 1-22-25 Drawings Fiber shall be provided per Specification 27

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Could you confirm whether these runs should use OS2 single-mode fiber, as OS1 is not aligned with current industry standards for modern fiber installations? We recommend OS2 to ensure compliance with updated specifications and future scalability

13 23.

144. 1-20-25 1-22-25 Drawings

Is there a defined phasing plan for the work in room 1C-242, including construction and telecommunications installation timelines or sequencing? If so, could you provide the details?

See Drawing T-601 for Typical TR/Backbone fiber phasing.

145. 1-20-25 1-22-25 Attachment 14, Drawing 01T-504 - Quadrant 1A - Page 37 of

In Attachment 14, drawing 01T-504 shows fiber cabling from one HDA to one ED. Based on our experience, HDA distribution typically includes fiber connections to all ED cabinets.

Additionally, the zoomed or scrolled view displays a hidden drawing with a more standard solution, but this does not align with the cabinet layout shown. Please confirm what drawing should be used for quotation.

See updated drawings. Main Computer Room structured cabling shall be provided per 01T-505 and Specifications 27 10 00, 27 13 13 and 27 13 23.

146. 1-20-25 1-22-25 Specifications - Does the ISP fiber installation require conduit or innerduct, or can it be installed directly in the existing pathways?

New pathways shall be provided for new ISP fiber.

147. 1-20-25 1-22-25 Specifications - Does the contractor have any responsibility to run service provider A entrance cable to the MCR and service provider B entrance cable to Room 142? Is so, please explain.

Service provider/WAN fiber has been removed from the scope of work. See updated drawings.

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148. 1-20-25 1-22-25 Attachment 14, Drawing 02T-101E - Quadrant 2F - Page 19 of

Attachment 25, Drawing TS-101 - Quadrant 4G - Page 7 of 15

We noticed a discrepancy regarding the service provider entrance between Attachment 25 (Drawing TS-100) and Attachment 14 (Drawing 02T-101E). Would you clarify where the service provider cables enter the building?

Service provider/WAN fiber has been removed from the scope of work. See updated drawings.

149. 1-20-25 1-22-25 Drawings - Where are the primary entry points for cabling to each building, and are these accessible for installation teams?

See Site drawings and Building Telecommunications Plans with proposed schematic routing. Contractor shall field coordinate all cabling routes and submit proposed routing via coordination drawing submittals.

150. 1-20-25 1-22-25 Drawings - Does the OSP enter Building 2C on the first level, or is another entry point specified?

ISP Fiber serving Building 02 is routed internally from Building 01 via the connecting corridor. Contractor shall field coordinate all cabling routes and submit proposed routing via coordination drawing submittals.

151. 1-20-25 1-22-25 Specifications - Are there restricted zones requiring additional approvals or escorts for access?

See Specification 01 00 00 Part 1.2.Q.

Coordinate with VA OIT for additional local requirements.

152. 1-20-25 1-22-25 Attachment 2 - Quadrant 2D - Page 213 Attachment 2 - Quadrant 4D - Page 214

Contractor shall follow the Infrastructure Standard for Telecommunications Spaces

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Attachment 14, Drawing 01T-502 - Quadrant 4G - Page 35 of 57

Attachment 2 - shows 2 different vertical PDU's one from Chatworth and one from APC - which one is required for TR racks and which one is required for the MCR racks?

included with Specification 01 00 00.A.