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Request for Information Project #: 506-21-705 – EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades – Ann Arbor, MI
RFQ/RFP: 36C77624B0025
09/17/24
| NO. |
| CONTENT |
| QUESTION |
| ANSWER |
| 1 |
| In Division 27 15 10, it appears that there should be a data port survey spreadsheet included within the solicitation. B6 |
| We do not see this spreadsheet. How are we to determine the number of cables required under this project? |
| Data Port Survey is not provided because most of the cabling is rated CAT 6 and above. Please see drawing keynotes for cable counts to be replaced. Otherwise, the existing cabling is to remain and will be re-terminated on the new equipment. |
| If a data port survey spreadsheet is provided as part of the solicitation, will it identify which rooms/WAO’s go to which TR’s? |
| See previous response. |
| 3 |
| In Division 27 15 10 – Data Ports, Paragraph 3.5, what is the expectation of “confirming all WAO locations”? There are no floor plans populated with WAO locations as a baseline. |
| Does this require a full survey of every room? If so, who dictates the outlet location and quantity of cables per location? |
| Disregard this requirement. Most of the horizontal copper cabling is rated Category 6 or above and will remain. The only horizontal copper cables that need to be replaced are noted in the sheet notes on the floorplans. Those will be a one for one replacement. |
| 4 |
| 07 54 23 Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) Roofing |
| Missing |
| Specification Section 07 54 23 has been included in the RFI response |
| 5 |
| 07 52 16.11 Cold Adhesive Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene Modified Bituminous Membrane Roofing |
26 41 00 Facility Lightning Protection
| Not listed in the Table of Contents but were included in the specifications |
| 07 52 16.11 & 26 41 00 have been added to the Table of Contents |
| 6 |
| Page ET506 note 6 from the typical rack detail notes states: 48 PORT COPPER ANGLED PATCH PANEL (1 RU), DATA. PROVIDE AS REQUIRED BY COUNTS IN DATA PORT SPECIFICATION SECTION 271510. When going to spec section 271510 section 3.5.A it states that an excel spreadsheet will be provided with a data drop count to account for data drops per area. |
| There is a significant Bid Document missing from the document set which provides the total data drop count for the project via spreadsheet. Please provide excel spreadsheet. |
| The data drop spreadsheet is not necessary for this project. The number of cables to be replaced are found in the sheet notes on the floorplans. |
| 7 |
| Blueprints: 1E.MP413 and 1E.ET472 |
| Missing Blueprints |
| This will be provided. |
| 8 |
| Presently bids are due on Monday, September 23rd at 9:00 AM. In actuality this means the subcontractor due date would be no later than Friday, September 20th. We do not believe that this is enough time to properly bid a complex project such as this. Also, Mondays’ are the worst day of the week to bid projects and early in the morning makes it even much more difficult. |
| We believe that the bid due date and time of the day should be changed. We would therefore request that the day be moved to a Wednesday or Thursday and that the time of day be changed to 1 or 2 PM. We would therefore request that the bid due date be changed to the following week on a Wednesday or Thursday at 2 PM. If this is not possible due to the VA end-of year restraints, then we request that at least the bid due date be changed to Thursday, September 26th at 2 PM. |
| We are unable to extend the bid due date and time. |
| 9 |
| Reference the post bid documents, Attachment #11 – Construction Program – Estimate Worksheet. |
| Is this document issued as a help summary? We find no requirement to use this document or that it is to be submitted with any bid documents. We understand that the project will be awarded based on the single lump sum price as submitted on the Price/Cost Schedule found on Page 6 of 86 of the Solicitation. Is that correct? |
| Bidders are not required to use the Construction Program – Estimate Worksheet. This attachment has been removed from the solicitation. |
| 10 |
| Reference Drawing A-602 – Wall Protection General Notes. We are asked to match the existing materials for corner guards, high impact wall covering and crash rails, etc. |
| Could a schedule of material types, manufacture, heights, etc. be assembled from past as-built specs and drawings? Cost of these material range greatly and we have no idea from who to seek material pricing. |
| GC shall match existing material or provide an approved equal. |
| 11 |
| Key Note 8, drawing 1E.A-413 for Telecom L133 New Work Floor Plan. |
| Please provide a material specification and a dimensioned detail of the expanded metal screen with flat bar steel security grill for the window noted |
| See attached metal screen window detail. |
| 12 |
| Temporary Use of Elevators 1.19 of Spec 01 00 00-21: |
| Paragraph states that we cannot use the existing elevators and to build exterior hoist but Paragraph B states we can use the existing elevators with certain stipulations. Can we use the existing elevators? |
| Yes existing service elevators can be used. |
| 13 |
| Reference Spec. Section 01 00 00-34 – VA Tririga CPMS |
| Can this be explained a bit more. It this a scheduling tool the same as what is described in Spec Section 01 32 16.15? |
| Tririga is a system used by VA for Facilities Management information and is not the same as the scheduling requirements in Spec Section 01 32 16.15. For additiona information please see Spec Section 1 00 00 1.34.F. |
| 14 |
| The specs call out either drywall or plywood for containment walls. |
| How do we get our ICRA Certified wall system into the specs? I have already talked to a few of the interested contractors and they would like us to bid if we can be included in the specs. |
| As long as the proposed ICRA Certified wall system meets the ICRA level of containment, inclosure height, and meets the specified fire/smoke rating of the working condition, then the A/E would accept this as a suitable substutition. |
| 15 |
| There is the specification in the DDC controls section about a master systems integrator. |
| Is there a company that the VA uses for integrating the controls in the main system? |
If so, who is that company?
Points of contact:
Siemens for Desigo building controls: Steve Simon Steve.simon@Siemens.com (734) 892-9167 Johnson Controls Inc. for Simplex fire alarm system: David Brandon David.brandon@jci.com 248-986-7991 Johnson Controls Inc. for Physical Security & Intrusion alarm: John Keith 248-789-0725 Swisslog for pneumatic tube station Rauland Responder 5 for nurse call: Soundcom Pete Lawson 616-262-6605 Physical Access Security & Video Surveillance CTC: Steve Galbraith steveg@ctctechnologies.com (734) 408-0200 x100 office (734) 395-0442 mobile TTI: Thomas P. Crowe 586-864-1004 Cell 248-789-7165 tcrowe@telecomtech.com CCTV or video surveillance - IC Realtime Physical access control - Indentiv Hirsch hardware
| 16 |
| Siemens in the existing controls in the building |
| are there other acceptable controls? |
| All card readers, door contact switches, request to exit sensors, and other door control hardware must be compatible with and integrate into the existing Hirsch Identiv system. |
| Do we need to demo equipment in closets in alpha or is the equipment going to be abandoned? |
| Demolish everything that will not have remaining active equipment after the move. |
| 18 |
| Request to extend the bid due date. |
| The bid due date falls on Monday September 23rd. Our subcontractors and suppliers are not able to respond in a timely manner on Monday. We would like to propose extending the date to September 24th or 25th. This would allow proper coverage and response to this solicitation. |
| We are unable to extend the bid due date and tim |
| 19 |
| (Reference Sheet Number A-601 Dated 02-28-2024). Please provide updated information. |
| Per BID Documents, The Fire Rating is missing on Door Schedule |
| All new TR door openings (door, frame and hardware) shall carry a 45 min fire rating. All existing openings, with new doors and/or frames, not in TR's, shall carry the same fire rating as the current listed door and frame assembly. |
| 1. Will any innerduct be required to be installed in the outside conduits? |
| No |
| 2. Will conduit be required to be installed inside of buildings to support the riser fibers? |
| Conduit is acceptable but not required. Fiber cabling must be supported and protected above ceiling and must be in conduit when rising vertically into or through a room that is not a TR. |
| 3. Will innerduct or Maxcell be required to be installed in any Inside plant conduits being installed for the riser fibers? |
| No |
| 4. Can armored fiber be utilized instead of conduit and innerduct for the fiber riser cables? |
| Armored fiber cabling can be used in liue of conduit. Fiber cabling must be supported and protected above ceiling and must be in conduit when rising vertically into or through a room that is not a TR. |
| 5. Can the government provide a quantity of CAT6 A cables that need to be installed per TR? Please provide a Drop Count Matrix that needs to be provided. |
| The only cables to be replaced are given on the floorplans. Please see the TR EXISTING CABLE MATRIX provided which shows the total number of cables per TR for cabling terminations. |
| 6. Will the government require the contractors to bid a contingency of 5-15% of additional CAT6 A cables? |
| No |
| 7. Is this project tax exempt? |
| Please see page 57 of 86 in IFB: "Special Notes regarding FAR 52.229-3: Federal, State and Local Taxes" |
| 27 |
| Spec 283100 |
| Please advise what is the existing Fire Alarm manufacturer and is there an existing maintenance contractor used at this facility? |
| Points of contact: |
Siemens for Desigo building controls: Steve Simon Steve.simon@Siemens.com (734) 892-9167 Johnson Controls Inc. for Simplex fire alarm system: David Brandon David.brandon@jci.com 248-986-7991 Johnson Controls Inc. for Physical Security & Intrusion alarm: John Keith 248-789-0725 Swisslog for pneumatic tube station Rauland Responder 5 for nurse call: Soundcom Pete Lawson 616-262-6605 Physical Access Security & Video Surveillance CTC: Steve Galbraith steveg@ctctechnologies.com (734) 408-0200 x100 office (734) 395-0442 mobile TTI: Thomas P. Crowe 586-864-1004 Cell 248-789-7165 tcrowe@telecomtech.com CCTV or video surveillance - IC Realtime Physical access control - Indentiv Hirsch hardware
| 28 |
| CAT6A copper drops |
| Do you have as-built drawings showing where the existing CAT6A copper drops reside on each floor? |
| No. This shouldn't be necessary because most of the cabling will remain. Bid the ones designated for replacement/relocation at 295' per cable. See Notes on floorplans and C STACK RECABLING MATRIX. |
| 29 |
| cut sheets |
| Are there cut sheets that show where each CAT6A copper drop resides on the floor end and at the rack? |
| No |
| 30 |
| CAT6A copper cables |
| Do you have the exact quantities of existing CAT6A copper cables in each TR closet? |
| Please see the TR EXISTING CABLE MATRIX provided which shows the total number of cables per TR for cabling terminations. |
| Do the existing CAT6A copper drops have to be re-tested when re-termination is required because of TR expansion? |
| Yes |
| If the existing CAT6A copper cabling is not long enough to reach the new rack location in a TR, then how are we to proceed? |
| Assume for bidding purposes that it's sufficiently long. |
| Is testing of any existing CAT6A cables required if they are not moved off patch panels? |
| No |
| Do we need to include parking costs for each employee working on-site? If so, how much per day? |
| See 01 00 00 Section 1.5 for parking information. Additional parking beyond that stated in the specifications is the responsibility of the contractor. Parking outside of permitted areas could result in police ticketing. |
| Will there be an area outside or inside for gang box and set-up areas? |
| Refer to G-003. Note there is a current construction project that may shift these locations furhter south in the parking lot where they are shown presently. |
| Will C-containers need to be rented for outdoor storage of materials? |
| See 01 00 00 Section 1.5 for parking information. Additional parking beyond that stated in the specifications is the responsibility of the contractor. Parking outside of permitted areas could result in police ticketing. |
| Is there an area outside for C-containers to sit? |
| Refer to G-003. Note there is a current construction project that may shift these locations furhter south in the parking lot where they are shown presently. |
| Are hospital tents needed in every area of the hospital and surrounding buildings? |
| Yes. Refer to G-005 - G-008 for specific detials and applications by area type. |
| Are there any new voice cabling requirements to TR’s or floor end stations? |
| There is a requirement to move/replace analog phone cabling in B1W, A stack. There is not a need to run new analog phone cabling from the TR to a wall jack. |
| Are all new indoor fiber cables to be plenum armored cables with no innerduct? |
| Design intent was that all cabling would be tight buffered, interlocking armor, plenum rated, indoor-outdoor premisis distribution cabling. |
| Are all the new outdoor fiber cables to be armored indoor/outdoor with no innerduct? |
| Design intent was that all cabling would be tight buffered, interlocking armor, plenum rated, indoor-outdoor premisis distribution cabling. |
| Do we know what areas of the hospital need a new pathway for the new fiber back-bone cabling? |
| Assume all new above ceiling support for fiber backbone cabling . |
| Do you have as-built drawings showing where the existing fiber pathway resides now? |
| No existing will remian as is except for the re-builidng of the a stack riser. |
| 44 |
| CAT 6A cables |
| There isn't anything that shows the locations or how many new CAT 6A cables are required to be installed. Can the government provide a quantity of new cables to be installed per TR? |
| Please see the TR EXISTING CABLE MATRIX provided which shows the total number of cables per TR for cabling terminations. |
| 45 |
| Sheet 2. A-421 – Building 2: |
| Room 210 has an existing door calling for a card reader. Confirm the existing hardware will work with the card reader or provide a hardware group. |
Confirm this door is at the bottom of the stairs as shown in the photos The photos show carpet and no flooring demo or installation of new flooring. Advise if new flooring is required.
This building is being renovated under a separate project. VA COR to coordinate the key card reader wiring and upfront coordination & installation under the other project requirements.
#2 – New Card Readers
#3 – New Fire retardant plywood and paint
#4 – New Semi-Recessed Fire Extinguisher Cabinet
#5 – New Fire Extinguisher Sign
#6 – New Room Sign
| Confirm that all Key Note items listed as under “separate contract” on the architectural drawings applies to all disciplines across all drawings – Example Building 22 Sheet 22. A-401 (key note number change from sheet to sheet) |
| There is work, in certain areas and/or buildings, that fall under a separate project that may be in construction when this EHRM starts. The VA COR and this contractor will need to coordinate associated work in these areas, to ensure that no re-work takes place. |
| 47 |
| Sheet 29. A-411 – Building 29 |
| Room AA6 has an existing door calling for a card reader. Confirm the existing hardware will work with the card reader or provide a hardware group. |
| Remove the existing HM door and frame. Install new HM door and frame and provide Hardware Set 7. |
| 48 |
| Sheet 29. A-421 – Building 29 |
| Room EPS-B2 has an existing door calling for a card reader. Confirm the existing hardware will work with the card reader or provide a hardware group. |
| Existing door has card reader. The card reader shall be upgraded to the new standard card reader that the GC shall provide. |
| 49 |
| Sheet 30. A-421 – Building 30 |
| Room EPS-B02 has an existing door calling for a card reader. Confirm the existing hardware will work with the card reader or provide a hardware group. |
| Existing door has card reader. The card reader shall be upgraded to the new standard card reader that the GC shall provide. |
| 50 |
| Sheet 30. A-441 – Building 30 |
| Room EPS-D02 has an existing door calling for a card reader. Confirm the existing hardware will work with the card reader or provide a hardware group. |
| Room is WPS-D02. Remove the existing HM door and frame. Install new HM door and frame and provide Hardware Set 7. |
| 51 |
| Sheet 1W. A-412 – Building 1W |
| Door 139 (outside room B143) has the symbol for a door operator. The door schedule has the hardware group listed as 6.0 with a surface closure. Is this door to receive an auto door operator? If so, what brand does this VA use and provide a specification section. |
| Provide the door operator as shown on the drawing. Use the VA Station standard Door Operator. |
| 52 |
| Sheet S-102 Sheet Note 2 |
| For the new structural steel mechanical platform on building 32 calls for all new steel to be hot-Dipped Galvanized and field painted. Referencing specification section 09 91 00 Section 1.1.A.5 states “Paint galvanized Ferrous Metals exposed to view”. Does the platform need to be painted, if so what kind of paint is required? |
| Hot-dipped galvanizing shall be required for all new rooftop platform steel. Painting of new rooftop platform steel is not required. |
| 53 |
| Specification section 23 65 00 for the liquid cooler section 2.1.N lists Electric Basin Heater. |
| The panel schedule on sheet 32.ET601 panel 32MH only lists a single 3 phase 20 amp breaker. Is the heater basin required? If so, what is the power requirement. |
| Disregard 23 65 00 and use 23 63 23 |
| 54 |
| Sheet S-102 adds new structural steel with an opening for the new liquid cooler. Sheet MP501 detail 7 shows the liquid cooler sitting on a concrete pad. |
| Does the new liquid cooler sit on the new structural steel or on a concrete pad on the roof? |
If the liquid cooler sits on the concrete pad provide details on the concrete pad, thickness, reinforcing, if it sits on top of the existing roofing or goes back to structure, flashing details, etc.
The liquid cooler will sit on the new structural steel.
| 55 |
| Fan Coil Unit Power |
| Where should the power come from? For Example, sheet 1E.ET413 Key Note 6 “Provide Power connection and motor rated switch for split unit”. This is typical for all FCU’s on the electrical drawings. |
| There are two types of mechanical units for TR rooms. "Cooling only Two Pipe Fan Coils" are connected into chilled water pipes and only have an interior unit, which is powered from the Electrical Panel in the TR room. "Ductless Mini-Split" units, the exterior condensing unit is powered from the electrical panel in the associated TR room and the interior evaporator in the TR room is powered through the exterior condensing unit. |
| 56 |
| Mini Split Systems |
| Where should the power come from? Can they be powered from a electrical panels in the TR rooms they are serving? For Example, sheet 1E.ET402 Key Note 6 “Provide Power connection and Motor Rated Switch for FCU”. This is typical for all FCU’s on the electrical drawings. |
| For "Ductless Mini-Split" units, the exterior condensing unit is powered from the electrical panel in the associated TR room and the interior evaporator in the TR room is powered through the exterior condensing unit. |
| 57 |
| access controls system |
| What is the existing access controls system? |
| Hirsch Identity |
| 58 |
| Sheet 28.ET411 Key Note 6 |
| What type of patch cord and length? Example LC to LC, OM4, 3 meters? |
| LC to LC, OM5, assume maximum of 3 meters for bid and provide shortest patch cord possible to fit needs. |
| 59 |
| On each Coverage plan for every floor note A & E states to take new data drops to rooms as described. |
| What are the drop counts of each coverage zone? If it is a 1 for 1 swap, how many existing drops are located in each coverage zone? |
| This only applies where new horizontal copper cabling is required and the total number is given in the key notes on the floorplans. For existing cable counts, please see the TR EXISTING CABLE MATRIX provided which shows the total number of cables per TR for cabling terminations. |
| 60 |
| On Pages 1.G-002, 1G-003, 1G-004, 1G-005, 1G-006, 1G-007, 1G-008, 1G-009 keynote 1 states to re-pull remaining cables from abandoned OIT space to closest TR. |
| What are the Quantities of each abandoned OIT space? |
| See C STACK RE-CABLING MATRIX. |
| 61 |
| Pages 1E.ET472, 1E.ET402, 1E.ET403, 1E.ET411, 1E.ET412, 1E.ET431, 1E.ET432, 1E.ET451, 1E.ET452, 1E.ET471, 1E.ET keynote 9 each state there are 9 cables originating in these locations which are below CAT6 in rating. Replace these cables in accordance with division 27 specs for a complete structured cable connection end to end. |
| Assume cables are 275 feet in length. Where do these cables come from? are we to assume to rest of the TR already has CAT 6 or higher installed? |
| These should be new cables the contractor would provide running from the new TR out to where the cable is terminated in a Work Area Outlet. We say to assume 275 feet because that is worst case scenario. Yes, assume all other cabling is rated CAT 6 and higher. |
| 62 |
| Unless the intent is the loop method utilizing the MCR and switch room running opposite directions. |
| Page ES101 shows both paths A & B fiber routes sharing an existing path/raceway, will the new B route need to be ran in a separate pathway per OIT Standard? |
| It will be in the same duct bank but a different conduit. |
| 63 |
| Page G-008 shows the contractor’s working hours. |
| They state the majority of work is from 4:30pm - 12am. Are these working hours for re-pulling cables only? Or for entire workload |
| These working hours are for the entire workload based on the higher impact of construction on staff and patient work areas and noise concerns in these areas. |
| 64 |
| new cable tray may not be utilized due to existing cable lengths within each telecom room. |
| are the existing cable lengths long enough to provide a figure 8 cable tray. |
| Assume existing cable is long enough for bidding purposes. |
| 65 |
| Page ET506 note 6 from the typical rack detail notes states: 48 PORT COPPER ANGLED PATCH PANEL (1 RU), DATA. PROVIDE AS REQUIRED BY COUNTS IN DATA PORT SPECIFICATION SECTION 271510. |
| When going to spec section 271510 section 3.5.A it states that an excel spreadsheet will be provided with a data drop count to account for data drops per area. Please provide an excel spreadsheet. |
| Please see the TR EXISTING CABLE MATRIX provided which shows the total number of cables per TR for cabling terminations. |
| 66 |
| General Sheet Note D: states "REPAIR/REPLACE CEILING TILES DURING CONSTRUCTION AT NO EXTRA COST TO THE GOVERNMENT.” |
| Please confirm this note only applies to tiles damaged during construction, and not all ceiling tiles. |
| Confirmed only relates to ceiling tiles damaged during construction. |
| 67 |
| General Keynote 1 states: "ABANDONED OIT SPACES. REPULL REMAINING CABLES TO CLOSEST TR ROOM." |
| Please provide the quantity and location of remaining cables in OIT spaces to be pulled to closest TR rooms. |
| See C STACK RE-CABLING MATRIX. |
| 68 |
| Sheet note F states “GC TO PROVIDE EQUIVALENT CFM TEMPORARY COOLING, FOR THE DURATION OF TIME THAT THE TR ROOM(S) ARE WITHOUT PERMANENT HEATING/COOLING, UNTIL THE FULL TR STACK HVAC SYSTEM IS OPERATIONAL, PRODUCING THE REQUIRED CFM LOADS, AND SIGNED OFF BY THE VA COR.” |
| Please confirm temporary cooling is not required in the spaces that do not currently have cooling capacity. |
| As the new TR rooms are brought online, they will require temporary cooling until the full TR stack HAVC system is operational. Cooling requirements are based upon the new TR room requirements and not current needs. |
| 69 |
| Analog Phone and Fax lines |
| Please confirm Analog Phone and Fax lines are excluded from the scope of this contract |
| Yes, however, there is an existing analog phone and fax trunk cable that must be relocated due to rooms expanding. See riser diagram on sheet 1.ET604 |
| 70 |
| lay down yard / equipment and material storage |
| Will an area for a lay down yard / equipment and material storage be provided? |
| Refer to G-003. Note there is a current construction project that may shift these locations furhter south in the parking lot where they are shown presently. |
| 71 |
| office space |
| Will an area for office space be provided on site? |
| Not inside the confines of any building. A/E recommends a trailer located on a portion of lot H as specified by COR. |
| Please provide height of raised flooring in MCR and confirm the basis of design unit is capable of down-draft conditions into a raised flooring cooling system. |
| Existing raised floor is 18". Existing unit is the basis of design and is being replaced like for like so it is capable of down-draft conditions. |
| 73 |
| During the site visit it was noted A921 was already remodeled under separate contract. |
| Please confirm the scope requirements for A921 under this contract. |
| The work required in this room will be the same as required by the plans and specs with two exceptions. Contractor to descope expansion of the walls of the closet. Descope the replacement of the lights in the space. |
| Please provide a list of cables being replaced vs. cables in place not needing replacement. |
| Cables that need to be replaced are noted on the floorplans. Please see the TR EXISTING CABLE MATRIX provided which shows the total number of cables per TR for cabling terminations. |
| Clarify the number and location of drops needing to be re-terminated vs drops to remain without re-termination |
| Cables that need to be replaced are noted on the floorplans. Please see the TR EXISTING CABLE MATRIX provided which shows the total number of cables per TR for cabling terminations. |
| 76 |
| Please confirm the cabling needing to be re-terminated requires testing. |
| If testing is not successful, how will the responsible party for cable replacement be determined if cable may have been damaged prior to this contract? |
| Assume cabling will pass for biding purposes. |
| Please confirm there is ample length for existing cabling to be re-terminated into angled patch panels. |
| Assume existing cable is long enough for bidding purposes. |
| 78 |
| After the site visit walk thru there seems to be an existing onsite contractor utilizing the space for the GC trailer in the drawings. |
| Will this space be available for the contractor of this project? Also, after reviewing this parking lot it seems that the GC is using for onsite storage as well as many of the subcontractors parking area. Will this be allowed for the GC of this project as well. |
| Refer to G-003. Note there is a current construction project that may shift these locations furhter south in the parking lot where they are shown presently. |
| 79 |
| Buildings1E and 1W having the most rooms. |
| What is distance from the floor to underside of the decking in the buildings. |
| Assume for bidding purposes for all stacks, other than 1E Delta and Echo Stacks that wall partitions are no greater than 13'-6". |
| 80 |
| Spec. Section 230923, page 5. |
| Who is the campus preselected Control System Integrator referenced in Spec. Section 230923, page 5 |
| Points of contact: |
Siemens for Desigo building controls: Steve Simon Steve.simon@Siemens.com (734) 892-9167 Johnson Controls Inc. for Simplex fire alarm system: David Brandon David.brandon@jci.com 248-986-7991 Johnson Controls Inc. for Physical Security & Intrusion alarm: John Keith 248-789-0725 Swisslog for pneumatic tube station Rauland Responder 5 for nurse call: Soundcom Pete Lawson 616-262-6605 Physical Access Security & Video Surveillance CTC: Steve Galbraith steveg@ctctechnologies.com (734) 408-0200 x100 office (734) 395-0442 mobile TTI: Thomas P. Crowe 586-864-1004 Cell 248-789-7165 tcrowe@telecomtech.com CCTV or video surveillance - IC Realtime Physical access control - Indentiv Hirsch hardware
| Shall the VA utilize contact vehicles outside this project award to address and resolve systems and IT network issues resulting from or occurring during this project? |
| No |
| Can the VA provide make and model product details for the video surveillance, camera, access control, nurse call devices and system panels identified in the RFP documentation? |
| Points of contact: |
Siemens for Desigo building controls: Steve Simon Steve.simon@Siemens.com (734) 892-9167 Johnson Controls Inc. for Simplex fire alarm system: David Brandon David.brandon@jci.com 248-986-7991 Johnson Controls Inc. for Physical Security & Intrusion alarm: John Keith 248-789-0725 Swisslog for pneumatic tube station Rauland Responder 5 for nurse call: Soundcom Pete Lawson 616-262-6605 Physical Access Security & Video Surveillance CTC: Steve Galbraith steveg@ctctechnologies.com (734) 408-0200 x100 office (734) 395-0442 mobile TTI: Thomas P. Crowe 586-864-1004 Cell 248-789-7165 tcrowe@telecomtech.com CCTV or video surveillance - IC Realtime Physical access control - Indentiv Hirsch hardware
| Shall the contractor relocating and handling nurse call, access control, video surveillance, and camera devices and panels be required to hold manufacturer certifications specific to each product? |
| Yes |
| Shall the contractor relocating and handling nurse call, access control, video surveillance, and camera devices and panels be required to directly diagnose, troubleshoot, test, and resolve potential issues using each systems’ specific software and hardware, in addition to the necessary connectivity and network infrastructure services? |
| Yes |
| Can the VA provide details regarding a process to address, resolve, unreachable network drops, connectivity points, and the delays or gaps in project execution that may create? |
| Assume all drops and connection points will be reached within the 275 foot channel length. |
| Can the VA provide the excel project schedule displayed and suggested during our pre-bid conference call identifying when and where contactors shall be able to operate over the project duration? |
| Refer to G-007 and G-008 |
| Can the VA provide a 1-month due date extension |
| The due date for bids has been extended to 10:00 AM Eastern Time on Tuesday, 9/24/2024. There will be an online public bid opening at 10:30 AM on 09/24/2024. Here is the bid opening information: Microsoft Teams Need help? |
Join the meeting now (https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YjMzMjljZTktMGNjOC00ZWQxLTlmYjQtZTM1YWFmZmNiNTY1%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22e95f1b23-abaf-45ee-821d-b7ab251ab3bf%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2223dfd3b7-ee34-4544-b155-9284ec00d83e%22%7d) Meeting ID: 244 106 032 662 Passcode: sVkTEu Dial in by phone +1 205-235-3524,,939007213# United States, Dora Find a local number Phone conference ID: 939 007 213#
| Can the VA provide counts of how many cables per communications room will need to be re-terminated and tested? |
| Please see the TR EXISTING CABLE MATRIX provided which shows the total number of cables per TR for cabling terminations. |
| Can the VA provide maps of existing cabling drop locations (for testing purposes)? |
| Yes, provided |
| From what we gathered at the site visit along with the plans and diagrams, will the need for temporary containment be relegated to just the telecom rooms (and expansions) in buildings 1E, 1W and 28? It looked like those buildings would essentially encompass the Alpha – Foxtrot stacks. |
| Requirements for contianment are oulined in the plans and specifications. |
| Attach 4 on drawing 1E. A-401 page 5 of 62 "TELEPHONE SWITCH ROOM CB07 NEW WORK REFLECTED CEILING PLAN” references new work. What is the NEW WORK |
| New reflected ceiling work would include a lift, repair and replace/re-install of the existing ceiling grid and tiles, as required, to access the area above the ceiling for new cabling work. |
| Attach 4 on drawing 1E. A-401 page 17 of 62 ""ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AB00 NEW WORK REFLECTED CEILING PLAN” references new work What is the NEW WORK? |
| No new reflected ceiling work is required, other than associated ceiling work that is affected from other trades. |
| Attach 4 on drawing 1E. A-401 page 17 of 62 " ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AB00 NEW WORK FLOOR PLAN" references new work. What is the NEW WORK? |
| No new general trades work is required in this space, other than assoiated new work that is affected from other trades. |
| Is there a call out for the Cube IT rack? |
| Where Telecommunications Enclosures (TE) are shown in the design, we used the Cube IT cabinet as a basis of design. Use the Cube It cabinet as an example of how to satisfy the requirements for a TE. |
| Drawing ET506 #3, typical channel rack elevation detail notes. Item #9 asks for blanking panels in a 4 post open rack, please clarify what you are looking for here. |
| It's a 4 post channel rack and yes, blanking panels are required as shown. |
| Drawing 1E.ET413, on demo of space show removing existing 4 post racks but new space shows new racks but what TR config and nothing in notes section. Please clarify the configuration. |
| The configuration is as shown. |
| Drawing 1W.ET402, 403, 404, 411,412, 421, 422, 431, 432, 441, 442, 541, 542, 461, 462 on demo of space show removing existing 4 post racks but new space shows new racks but what TR config and nothing in notes section. Please clarify its configuration. |
| The configuration is as shown. |
| You indicated that the award date of this project is 9/30/24, is that still correct? |
| The Government's intent is to award the contract by 09/30/2024 but we cannot commit to that date. |
| 1. Please confirm the superintendent shall not have any shared duties as a QCM, SSHO or any other roles on the project. |
| The onsite staff cannot cover for more than 2 roles. There needs to be at least 2 on site from the prime contractor. |
| 2. Please confirm the SSHO shall not have any shared duties as a QCM, superintendent or any other role on the project. |
| The onsite staff cannot cover for more than 2 roles. There needs to be at least 2 on site from the prime contractor. |
| 3. Please confirm the QCM shall not have any shared duties as a SSHO, superintendent or any other role on the project. |
| The onsite staff cannot cover for more than 2 roles. There needs to be at least 2 on site from the prime contractor. |
| 4. Please confirm that the contractor is to supply all materials testing for the project. |
| Yes |
| 5. Please confirm that commissioning agent (CxA) will be provided by the contractor. |
| Contractor to provide commissioning agent. |
| 6. Please confirm that the contractor is to provide third party independent inspections. |
| Contractor to provide thrid party independent inspections. |
| 7. Please confirm that all firestopping must be either installed by an FM global approved contractor, or a UL qualified firestop contractor certified. |
| That is correct. |
| 8. Please confirm that the contractor is to include the services of a third party independent firestopping inspector in their bid. |
| That is correct. |
| 9. 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. |
| That is correct. |
| 10. 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 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. |
| Yes, as described in Spec Section 28 05 00 |
| 11. 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. |
| Yes, as described in Spec Section 28 05 00 |
| 12. Please confirm cable installer must have on staff a Registered Communication Distribution Designer (RCDD) certified by Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI). |
| Yes, as described in Spec Section 28 05 00 |
| 13. Would the VA be willing to waive AISC certification for steel erectors? The tonnage of steel on this project is minimal and is typically waived on government projects with limited steel scopes as there are a limited number of AISC certified steel erectors who will prioritize a project of this size. |
| Yes |
| 14. Please confirm if this project is tax exempt. If so, will the VA provide all the documentation to the contractor post award? |
| Please see page 57 of 86 in IFB: "Special Notes regarding FAR 52.229-3: Federal, State and Local Taxes" |
| 15. Please confirm this project must meet the buy American act requirements. |
| See Section 2.21 of IFB: "52.225-11 BUY AMERICAN—CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS UNDER |
TRADE AGREEMENTS (NOV 2023) ALTERNATE I (NOV 2023)"
| 16. Please confirm contractor is to provide a Third-Party Professional Industrial Hygienist/Certified Industrial Hygienist (TPPIH/CIH) who will oversee removal, and testing of ACM. |
| Yes |
| 17. Please confirm, all exterior underground fiber cabling is to be fed through existing pathways, therefore no new exterior duct banks, manholes, or handholes are to be provided as part of this contract. |
| Yes |
| 18. Please confirm, all existing pathways to be reused have adequate available capacity for new cable. |
| Yes |
| 19. 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. |
| That is correct. |
| 20. 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? |
| Yes, where minor work is limited. Otherwise ICRA barriers will be required. |
| 21. Can the data cables be allowed to be fished in where pathways are not large enough? |
| All data cabling in walls to be run in conduit. Flexible metal conduit can be fished into the wall. |
| 22. Will flexible metal conduit be allowed? |
| Yes, for in-wall conduit. |
| 23. Does the VA have extra network equipment (switch gear, routers, UPS's) to keep the network connected during construction and cut over? |
| There will be 10 extra switches provided for cutover |
| 24. Are we required to use plenum rated cabling for all areas? Can we use riser rated cabling in non plenum spaces? |
| Riser rated cabling is acceptable in non-plenum spaces for fiber cabling. Fiber cabling must transition to plenum rated cabling when traveling through plenum. |
| 25. Please confirm all CAT6A-CMP cable shall be tested to 10G ANSI performance installed on this project |
| All CAT 6a cabling must meet 10GbE performance standards. |
| 26. Will the contractor have access to elevators in each of the buildings where needed? |
| Utilize service elevators in main building. Out building elevators will be made available. |
| 27. 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? |
| Refer to G-003. Note there is a current construction project that may shift these locations furhter south in the parking lot where they are shown presently. |
| 28. Drawing page 1E.ET472.A shows elevation photos for telecom room D718A, however no corresponding floor plan is included in the drawings. All other telecom rooms in preceding drawing pages are shown with floor plans, followed by a second page with elevations. Is page 1E.ET472A intended to have an associated page 1E.ET472 included to show floor plans? If so, please provide this missing page. |
| Floorplan will be provided. |
| 29. 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? |
| Refer to general sheet G-006 for Proposed Building Phasing, and Sheets G-007 & G-008 for proposed room by room phasing contraints. The GC is ultimately responsible for all Phasing and activity schedules, in cooperation with the VA COR, to meet the overall construction schedule. |
| 30. Is it required that infection control containments be set up during off-hours (nights / weekends)? |
| Setup of containment areas to occur during specified working hours for each area. See Sheets G-007 & G-008 for proposed hours of work. |
| 31. 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? |
| No, See sheets G-007 & G-008 for proposed hours of work. Adjacent corridor space shall be completed at the same time as the TR room w |
| 32. Please confirm all work in telecom rooms and main computer room can be done during normal business hours? |
| That is likely not false for TRs and is likely true for the MCR. However, not all of the TR work will need to be done after hours. The main work to be done after hours will be cutover to |
| 33. For bidding purposes, is the contractor to assume all new cable will require new pathways, and that no existing pathways are to be reused? |
| Yes. There is a limited number horizontal copper cable to be replaced. Please see sheet notes on floorplans. All other horizontal copper cabling shall remain and re-terminate on the new equipment inside the TR. |
| 34. 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? |
| Conduit is only required in walls. There is a limited number horizontal copper cable to be replaced. Please see sheet notes on floorplans. All other horizontal copper cabling shall remain and re-terminate on the new equipment inside the TR. |
| 35. Drawing page G-006 lists buildings 1W, 2, 3, 22, and 28 as the only buildings containing asbestos. Please confirm that no asbestos is anticipated in any buildings not included on this list, and that if asbestos is encountered in any additional work areas other than where listed, that this will be handled as a change order to the contract? |
| Based on the VA provided Asbestos Report, located in the specifications, the buildings and areas shown on the drawings are the only areas where asbestos or lead paint should be discovered. If asbestos or lead paint is encountered in additional areas other than what is listed, than the GC should notify the VA COR immediately and determine a proper cost resolution to remove the material. |
| 36. Please confirm that the contractor is responsible for abating asbestos based exclusively on quantities listed in the specifications, and that if additional asbestos beyond quantities listed in the specifications is to be encountered, this will be handled as a change order to the contract. |
| Yes, the GC is responsible for partial asbestos abatement and lead paint required for this project. The locations of hazardeous materials are based on the VA provided Asbestos Report, located in the specifications, for the buildings and areas shown on the drawings. These are the only areas where asbestos or lead paint should be encountered. If asbestos or lead paint is discovered in additional areas other than what is listed, than the GC should notify the VA COR immediately and determine a proper cost resolution to remove the material. |
| 37. 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 only one NTP, we do not do administrative NTPs. If items in the contract have long lead times that require adjustment of the period of performance, this can be discussed post-award and, if necessary, the contract can be modified to adjust the contract Period of Performance to account for those items. |
| 38. Please confirm existing sprinkler systems are to remain in all work areas. |
| Yes |
| 39. The Room Finish schedule on page A-602 shows Telecom Room AB23A to receive new finishes. This room is not shown on electrical or architectural floor plans. Please clarify whether a new telecom room AB23A is to be built out as part of this project. If so, please provide plans associated with this room. |
| Room AB23A has been removed from the project. |
| 40. Per BID Documents, The Fire Rating is missing on Door Schedule (Reference Sheet Number A-601 Dated 02-28-2024. Please provide updated information. |
| This question is a repeat from question 19 |
| 41. Is there a proprietary fire alarm contractor at the facility? If so, please provide a name and point of contact if available. |
| The existing system is Simplex 4100ES. Johnson Controls Inc. for Simplex fire alarm system: David Brandon David.brandon@jci.com 248-986-7991 |
| 42. Are any of the existing roof systems that will be modified as part of this contract currently under warranty? If so, is the contractor responsible for maintaining the existing roof warranties? |
| The GC is responsible for maintaining, and coordinating with the roofing manufacturer if possible, all existing roof warranties that are currently in place. |
B1W roof replacement - active project B1E roof - warranty expired B28 roof - Carlisle Total Roofing System - 20 Year - 55 mph; Start Date: 06/16/2023 B22 roof - Firestone Red Shield - EPDM - 20 Year - 55 mph; Start Date: 03/23/2022 Auditorium roof - Firestone Red Shield - EPDM - 20 Year - 55 mph; Start Date: 03/23/2022 B31 roof - warranty expired B32 roof - warranty expired B15 roof - warranty expired B37 roof - Firestone Red Shield - TPO - 15 Year - 55 mph; Start Date: 11/27/2020
| 43. If the contractor is responsible for maintaining roof warranties, please provide the name and contact info of the company that holds the current warranty. |
| B1W roof replacement - active project |
B1E roof - warranty expired B28 roof - Carlisle Total Roofing System - 20 Year - 55 mph; Start Date: 06/16/2023 B22 roof - Firestone Red Shield - EPDM - 20 Year - 55 mph; Start Date: 03/23/2022 Auditorium roof - Firestone Red Shield - EPDM - 20 Year - 55 mph; Start Date: 03/23/2022 B31 roof - warranty expired B32 roof - warranty expired B15 roof - warranty expired B37 roof - Firestone Red Shield - TPO - 15 Year - 55 mph; Start Date: 11/27/2020
| 44. Is the contractor responsible for costs associated with an electronic submittal documentation platform such as Submittal Exchange throughout the project duration? |
| Yes |
| 45. Is the contractor responsible for providing maxcell innerduct with all new exterior underground cable? |
| No |
| 46. Is the contractor responsible for providing maxcell innerduct at all new interior backbone cable runs? |
| No |
| 47. Please confirm, are all new in-wall cable drops to be fed through conduit? Is the contractor responsible for providing new conduit at all new data drop locations? |
| Yes |
| 48. At new data drop locations requiring wall patching and painting, is the contractor to paint all disturbed walls seam-to-seam, as opposed to painting at patch locations only? |
| Patch painting will not be allowed. Contractor shall paint, as a standard, seam to seam i.e. complete walls from floor to ceiling, covering all disturbed work. Contractor shall notify the VA COR for extreme situations that may effect the timely use of the space or fixed wall mounted equipment that cannot be easily removed |
| 49. At the site visit it was mentioned that this project does not require any asbestos abatement, and that the specifications associated with asbestos abatement may have been included by mistake. Please confirm whether asbestos abatement is required on this project and whether the current abatement specifications are accurate. |
| Yes, partial asbestos abatement and lead paint removal are required for this project. The locations of hazardeous materials are based on the VA provided Asbestos Report, located in the specifications, for the buildings and areas shown on the drawings. These are the only areas where asbestos or lead paint should be encountered. If asbestos or lead paint is discovered in additional areas other than what is listed, than the GC should notify the VA COR immediately and determine a proper cost resolution to remove the material. |
| 50. General Note A on G-series drawings states that the contractor is responsible for taking new data drops to rooms, however the E-series drawings show only telecom rooms and associated electrical / telephone switch / main computer rooms. The new data drop locations throughout campus do not seem to be shown anywhere in the drawing set. Please provide a means of quantifying and determining locations of all new data drops, outlets, etc. |
| The number of cables to be replaced are noted on the floorplan keynotes. Please see the TR EXISTING CABLE MATRIX provided which shows the total number of cables per TR for cabling terminations. |
| 51. Is the contractor to assume all ceilings to be removed for above-ceiling access as part of this project are ACT drop ceilings unless noted otherwise? Are there any rooms / room types the contractor is to assume for bidding purposes that hard lid ceilings are to be removed and replaced for above-ceiling access? |
| Ceiling types have been called out for each space. This include spaces with no ceilings and the space is open to the structure above. |
| 52. General Note D states the contractor is to repair / replace ceiling tiles. Please confirm this is only in reference to ceiling tiles that are broken or damaged during construction. If ceiling tiles are to be temporarily removed for above-ceiling access, is the intention to replace all of these ceiling tiles with new? Or is the intention to reinstall existing ceiling tiles where possible, and provide new only where existing ceiling tiles are damaged? |
| The intention, where ceilings are not being affected by new wall/room construction, is to reinstall existing ceiling tiles where possible, and provide new only where existing ceiling tiles are damaged. |
| Shall the VA utilize contact vehicles outside this project award to address and resolve systems and IT network issues resulting from or occurring during this project? |
| No |
| Can the VA provide make and model product details for the video surveillance, camera, access control, nurse call devices and system panels identified in the RFP documentation? |
| Points of contact: |
Siemens for Desigo building controls: Steve Simon Steve.simon@Siemens.com (734) 892-9167 Johnson Controls Inc. for Simplex fire alarm system: David Brandon David.brandon@jci.com 248-986-7991 Johnson Controls Inc.
This is the start of the file's text. The full file is on GovTribe.
