589A5-21-700_Topeka KS_EHRM_Tech Q1_20241210.docx

589A5-21-700 | Topeka, KS | EHRM IU | Contractor Technical Questions 1

1) It appears a complete volume 3 drawing set was not issued. There seems to be missing at least 45 pages. Please reissue all of the Drawing Set for Volume 3 in its entirety.

Response: Based on a review of the attachments on Sam.gov the following attachments make a complete set for drawing set volume 3.

Attachment 8 -589A5-21-700_Topeka EHRM_IFB R2 Drawings_Vol 3_1-90.pdf Attachment 10 -589A5-21-700_Topeka EHRM_IFB R2 Drawings_Vol 91-129.pdf

2) will this require any work on security control room renovations, operator consoles or technology tables? I reviewed the drawings and didn’t see them specifically called out but saw the Security Consoles in the specifications. I wasn’t sure if those were listed more as a guideline or as a need for this project.

Response: No work is planned within the security control room.

3) Who is responsible for raceway for data drops? (Div. 26 or Div. 27) Response: Means & Methods – Contractor to determine

4) Who is responsible for cable tray in hallways (Div. 26, probably) and telecom room (Div. 27, probably).

Response: Means & Methods – Contractor to determine

5) Who is responsible for the Grounding/Bonding Backbone? (Electricians or Telecommunication Contractors) Response: Means & Methods – Contractor to determine

6) Who is responsible for Zone PDUs, Vertical PDUs and 3K/5K UPS? (Electricians or Telecommunication Contractors) Response: Means & Methods – Contractor to determine

7) If we (TC) are responsible for the Zone PDUs who is responsible for hard wiring UPS back to Electrical Panel and from L21-20 receptacle to Zone PDU.

Response: Means & Methods – Contractor to determine

8) Does demo of existing network cable occur after cut-over?

Response: Existing network cable is to be removed in entirety in phases as switches & servers are moved from existing location to the new locations.

9) If new data drop does not use existing location who is responsible for blank cover?

Response: Contractor.

10) Is the building to building fiber the Sumitomo Blown Fiber like they currently have now?

Response: Yes, if contractor decides on air blown fiber solution, this will be solution for all optical fiber cabling installed.

11) Can we install the armorlite version of the fiber optic cables instead of regular fiber inside an innerduct. I see some of both types on Campus now.

Response: Armored fiber required in OSP applications, such as ductbank installations, and areas where cable may be exposed to damage. Armored fiber preferred installation for ISP applications.

12) Will the owner accept Procore Project Management software as the primary submittal and data tracking tool for this project?

Response: Yes. PROCORE is an authorized project Management software option.

13) Will the owner accept the “Out-Build Scheduling Software” for schedule submission and monthly updates?

Response: Schedule submissions must be importable into MS Project.

14) Is this project tax-exempt, and will the CO/COR provide the necessary tax-exempt certificates?

Government Answer: Please refer to Special Notes regarding FAR 52.229-3 located in solicitation for tax-exempt information. (COS)

15) Because of COVID-19 throughout the U.S. and the resulting Federal, State and local governments’ responses/requirements, are there any new work requirements or mandates that will be required by the VA on this project?

Governments Responses/requirements, are there any new work requirements or mandates that will be required by the VA on this project?

16) Many VA campuses are beginning to address tuberculosis protocols on VA campus projects, including the 90-day screening before assignment to the worksite. This requirement will limit the amount of personnel who can immediately perform work right after the award. Will this project be required to follow 01 35 26 1.13 for TB-required protocols and a requirement to follow the 90-day screening before beginning work on the project?

Response: At this time there are no enhanced TB Protocols in effect at the Colmery-O'Neil VAMC. Therefore, the contract will not be required to follow 01 35 26 paragraph 1.13.

17) How many calendar days should be included in the critical-path method schedule for the owner and A/E to review and respond to RFIs?

Response: Refer to solicitation Attachment 11 -589A5-21-700_Topeka EHRM_IFBR2_Spec-VOL1_032224.pdf for VA review of submittal and RFI requirements.

18) How many calendar days should be included in the critical-path method schedule for owner and A/E submittal review?

Response: Refer to solicitation Attachment 11 -589A5-21-700_Topeka EHRM_IFBR2_Spec-VOL1_032224.pdf for VA review of submittal and RFI requirements.

19) Will the Government provide the 3-D REVIT Design model in native file format for the creation of coordination drawings and use by contractor?

Response: Yes and No. The REVIT model for building 19 will be provided one the NTP is issued. There is not a REVIT model for the rest of the project

20) Please confirm that the project scope will be completed during normal working hours, not nights and weekends.

Response: The project scoped for normal working hours, but this does not alter any requirements imposed by the contract specifications requiring work outside of normal working hours.

21) The project scope is widespread across the building and performed in and around numerous existing building systems that will need coordination. How many site visits do owner consultants have for MEP and systems coordination with GC, and will the VA have a designated MEP representative available on site?

Response: During normal business hours Colmery-O'Neil VAMC Engineering and Maintenance personnel are available to assist with coordination efforts. All requests for assistance must be submitted to the COR.

22) Knowing that the campus is limited on space and parking, it is critical that the contactor project superintendent have freedom of access and close proximity to the work. Can the VA/Owner provide a designated parking spot for the contractor project superintendent?

Response: The Colmery-O'Neil VAMC campus is not limited on parking space. There are certain parking lots that are reserved for patients and staff only, mostly on the west side of campus. Contractor will be provided an area to use as a laydown yard and location to install am office trailer. Parking for work vehicles and construction dumpsters at each of the buildings will be coordinated with the COR as you perform the work.

23) Has the facility Operation & Maintenance team reviewed the Contract Documents for operability to avoid change orders?

Response: The Colmery-O'Neil VAMC Engineering Team which includes the maintenance teams were involved in the design review process for this project. All attempts were made to review the drawings and specifications during the design process to deconflict drawings and specifications and ensure constructability.

24) Can the contractor use an existing office inside the building for a temporary construction office during construction instead of setting up a temporary trailer?

Response: No. The contractor will not be provided with space within the VAMC facility to utilize as office space for this project.

25) Can the contractor use the existing restroom facilities in the work area or adjacent ones nearby?

Response: The contractor will be authorized to use the existing restrooms within the hospital as long as the contractor’s personnel are mindful of the hospital staff and patients and keep them clean. If complaints are received, then further use of the restrooms will be denied.

26) Can the contractor use the existing on-site utilities for temporary electrical and water free of charge?

Response: The VA will provide electrical power and water to the contractor at no cost. The contractor is responsible for all costs to connect to the VA electrical and water utilities.

27) Will Hazardous Materials Drawings be provided?

Response: A Hazardous Materials Report and related drawing are provided as an attachment document to Addendum 1.

28) GI-001 states “Contractors must be escorted by VA Personnel” Is someone available for all shifts/spaces?

Response: Until successful bidder’s personnel are cleared and issued a contractor PIV card, a VA escort is required to enter existing IT Closets and Rooms. After contract award, the successful bidder will submit applications for contractor badges for key personnel of the prime contractor and subcontractor. This will include photographs, fingerprints, and a background investigation. Once badges are issues, the contractor is authorized to enter IT closets and rooms without a VA escort. This is at no cost to the contractor.

29) For this project/contract, can the GC site superintendent also hold the responsibilities/roles of CQC system manager and SSHO?

Response: The Superintendent and QCM cannot be the same individual, but the Superintendent can be the SSHO. The QCM cannot perform any additional duties.

30) On sheet M-B19-101 (attachment 8) there are no ductwork sizes, equipment tags or notes on the mechanical floor plan. Could we get some clarification on this so we know what to bid?

Response: See updated sheet M-B19-101 with notes and dimension layers turned on

31) Many of the walls in the older buildings of this VA Medical Center are clay tile and to run the conduit for the cabling a trench will be created in the wall for conduit. This is very expensive considering the number of drops that are involved for the clay tile demo, drywall patching and wall painting. During the walk thru it was observed wire moulding was used in many locations including corridors. When this happens inside of a room and in hallways will wire moulding be acceptable?

Response: When new cabling cannot be run within existing conduit it is acceptable to utilize metal surface mounted wire mold – VA shall verify and approve on case-by-case basis of existing condition.

32) TT sheets show cable tray routed over head in the above ceiling connecting all TRs. It is known that existing site conditions will prohibit cable tray installations , and that the use of cable tray will be much more impactful to the 24/7 operations of this facility vs the use of j-hooks for primary and secondary pathways. Please confirm that we are to include the cost of cable tray as shown in our bid day pricing, and after award the use of J-hooks in lieu of cable tray will be evaluated and priced as accordingly.

Response: Price out cable tray as shown on documents. Evaluation to be made on case-by-case basis for alternative pathways. Conduit is preferred alternative. J-Hooks are not to be installed unless expressly approved by the VA, which will be on a case-by-case basis only.

33) A Grounding Riser is not provided. Should we assume bid day that all TBBs, TGB, PBB, SBB, TSGB, TMGBs are existing and the only grounding should be from the TGB/SSB to the telecom equipment racks and basket trays.

Response: For new TR locations, provide full grounding system. Re-route/extend existing TBB as required to provide complete grounding system.

For existing TR’s to be renovated, assume existing grounding TBB is present. Provide required grounding within TR to be connected to existing TBB/grounding busbar.

· The contractor shall provide a standards compliant telecommunications grounding system for all TR’s/TE’s included within this project.

· Contractor shall verify grounding system integrity for existing TR’s/TE’s and for any telecommunications grounding system being extended to new locations.

Refer to sheet TT-500-001 for additional Grounding System Notes

34) No sub metering requirements are indicated on the oneline diagrams for the new panelboards provided under this contract. Please confirm none are required. If they are required, please advise what type, and who is responsible for integration.

Response: Metering is not required, and not in scope for this project.

35) Should we include any provisions for overtime or off hours work in any of these buildings?

Response: Any requirements to work off hours are defined in the project specifications.

36) When constructing the new TRs with no ceilings, please advise what other systems (if any) such as chilled water, electrical not serving the comm rooms, duct work, etc. will require to be relocated out of that space. If so, please identify those systems.

Response: The design does not include modifications to the existing utilities that may pass through the location of either the existing TRs called to remain or the new ones being constructed beyond those already noted in the plan sheets.

37) There are no telecom/data rough ins (detail 7 on TT-500-001) indicated in plan. Should we assume all rough ins are existing and that detail is only for new WAOs?

Response: Correct – Project is to replace cabling to existing WAO locations.

38) Confirm all conduit/back box rough in for data outlets (WAOs) and secondary pathways (conduit / boxes / sleeves / jhooks) to the corridor are existing to be re-utilized for new CAT 6A cabling. If not please provide location, pathway, and quantity.

Response: Confirmed. Exception to question is that J-Hooks are not preferred and to be replaced by other means of support. Use of J-hooks in any location must be approved by the VA (approval will be on a case-by-case basis). ISTS 4.4.10 Work Area Outlets Typical in-wall work boxes shall be a single-gang telecommunications-rated work box with rigid conduit extending to the horizontal pathway (cable tray).

39) Reference TT sheets general note D. Please confirm that this note only applies to the new/reconfigured TRs and not to the entire building. If it does apply to the entire building please identify location and quantity of existing penetrations to be sealed.

Response: Applies to any penetration contractor re-uses, installs new or abandons.

40) Confirm what should be included in our bid for power, fire alarm, communications, security, etc for existing devices not indicated in plan that will require new conduit, wiring, connections, etc.. as a result of the construction of the new/expanded TRs. Example reference are demolition key notes 5, 9, and 10 on sheet A-B01-401.

Response:

Electrical Response – When wall is relocated, existing demolished and a new one constructed, to construct new TR’s, any circuits that are feeding equipment on the opposite side of the wall from the TR shall be moved to a similar location on the new wall. The COR will approve the new locations of all receptacles. If a new wall is being constructed to create the TR then the new wall must mirror the receptacles on the existing wall it is now in front of. Example of this is Building 1, Floor 3, Room A348 where a waiting room is being divided in half. The side of the new wall towards the area remaining as a waiting area shall mirror the receptables of the wall behind it. So that the number of receptacles in the room does not change. This is also covered in General Notes, for example: P. FOR LOCATIONS WHERE WALLS ARE MOVED OR MODIFIED, CONTRACTOR TO REMOVE ALL POWER, DATA AND FIRE ALARM COMPONENTS TO CLOSEST JUNCTION BOX OR PANEL. IF ANY EQUIPMENT IS CONNECTED TO THESE RECEPTACLES, THE RECEPTACLES SHALL BE MOVED TO ADJOINING WALL, AND EQUIPMENT RE-TERMINATED TO THE NEW RECEPTACLES. FIRE ALARM COMPONENTS SHALL BE RELOCATED SUCH THAT THEY SERVE THEIR ORIGINAL FUNCTION Fire Alarm and Detection - needs to remain operational outside of project boundaries. New TR’s do not have Smoke Detectors or Fire Alarms.

ICT Response - Any ICT outlet demolished when walls are demolished / moved will be removed back to source and replaced, if needed, from the source with new cabling and pathways as required.

Security devices affected by demolition work shall remain is service as possible. Those that must be removed shall be stored for re-installation in a similar location.

41) Statement of work references renovations in buildings 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 48, 49, 50, 51, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, and 58 but the plans also include buildings 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 273. Please confirm the scope that should be included in our bid.

Response: The full scope of the project is set forth in the plans and specifications. The SOW is a brief overview and not all-inclusive of the entire project.

42) No fire alarm plans are provided other than building 19. Please confirm if fire alarm work in the other buildings should be included in our bid.

Electrical Response: With the exception of the note in NO. 40, there is no new Fire Alarm or Smoke Detection in new TR’s.

43) C601 provides several duct bank details which reference geo tech information on C100. C100 reference a geo tech report dated September 14, 2023, but that report was not provided as part of the contract document package. Please provide geo tech report with boring logs along the duct bank paths / construction extents so soil conditions can be accounted for in our bid.

Response: See Geo Tech Report as an attachment to this response.

44) Confirm the E-621 equipment deficiency corrections noted as "required" and "recommended" should be included in this contract. Also, there are equipment designation discrepancies between the riser diagrams and the E-621 evaluation report. (e.g. MSB B, DP-1B, MSB A) are not found in the electrical drawings with those names.

Response: All Deficiencies listed, weather listed as recommended or required, must be corrected as part of this solicitation. Deficiencies are shown on Drawing Series E-700-00-1, E-700-01-1, E-700-03, E-700-09, and E-700-20.

45) Generator Tap Box is indicated on the one line for building 19 but not indicated in plan. Please advise on the location.

Electrical Response: Please see Drawing One Line E-B19-701. Disconnect also noted in 2nd line of BLDG 19 FEEDER SCHEDULE, on Drawing E-B19-600. Bae Updated Drawing EP-B19-100.4 to show location of disconnect and Drawing E-B19-602 with purchasing information.

46) A fixture and control schedule was not included in the V2 set of drawings. Please provide types for TR room fixtures.

Electrical Response: See drawing E-003 for Lighting and Control details for TR Rooms with 1 – 4 Racks. Lighting Schedule added to drawing.

47) Please provide basket tray size / type for the primary cable pathways through the steam tunnel and covered walk way.

Response: Min cable tray size is 4” min. depth x 12” min. width – contractor to verify total cable area and size cable tray as appropriate with 20% initial fill (Day One).

48) Please complete instructions in detail 2 on B01-101.

Response: See Addendum #1 plan sheet A-B01-101 for completed instructions.

49) Will building 1 new work one line / riser diagrams be issued indicating new work or should we just follow the equipment schedules on E-622 and plan note sheets.

Response: Please incorporate information on drawing E-622. Single line drawings are not provided for every new item. Single line drawings are provided for the more complicated installations so that the electricians can understand the electrical configuration and impact of the new work.

50) Confirm the purpose of the E700-00, 01, 03, 09, 20 are simply to highlight (think black box outline) the equipment noted on E-610 and no other new work is shown on those sheets.

Response: The Single Lines are provided “for information” to explain the configuration of more complicated electrical installations. The Single Lines do not require any work. Work is in Plan, Wiring and Schedule drawings.

51) Refer to sheet TT-500-001_ICT detail 3 which references sheet 00-ET-TD5 for EZ path details and also references us to plans for quantity. The plans do not clearly show quantities other than the enlarged view which only shows 1 in each TR, which doesn’t seem sufficient. Please show quantity of EZ Paths and provide sheet 00-ET-TD5 or equivalent.

Response: Enlarged view indicates approximate location only – Quantity to be determined by quantity of cables to each TR – to be field verified. A minimum of 1 empty spare is required.

52) Some of the EHRM panel feeders have been increased in size to account for voltage drop. Example is feeder from DP1-B to 1-3-N-EHRM is 100A with 300MCM phase conductors. Please advise the method of terminating 300MCM wire onto a 100A breaker lug that us maxes out at 1/0AWG.

Response: The contractor needs to replace the breaker with one that has appropriately sized lugs or an adjustable amp breaker with the correct size lugs .

53) Reference feeder schedule on EP-B01-100 and equipment schedule on E-622. Please confirm the "from" room for conduit EM6 should be B22E and route, length and feeder size should be adjusted accordingly.

Response: Contractor is correct. Conduit EM6 originates in Room B22E, Panel ECR1-B. Feeder length and size corrected on schedule on drawing EP-B01-100.

54) Reference sheet EP-B01-100 and confirm route for NORM 7 conduit is shown incorrectly and feeder length and size should be adjusted accordingly.

Response: Feeder length and size corrected on FEEDER SCHEDULE.

55) Feeder lengths shown on the feeder schedules appear to be significantly different then what we are seeing in plan. Wanted to confirm 1) that the drawing scales are correct at 1/16th in = 1' and if we should use the length shown in the schedule or the scaled length for our estimate. Example is conduit NORM1. We are scaling that in excess of 550' (including ups/downs) and the schedule on EPB-01-100 indicates 465'.

Response: We do not know in what size the drawings are printed, so please use the “Physical” scale instead of the Architectural scale; i.e. 1/16 or 1/8 = 1 IN. Per Contractor comments we updated the FEEDER SCHEDULE, so please use the updated FEEDER SCHEDULE for your estimates. Lengths on drawing are “Engineering Estimates” measured by AUTOCAD Software. Contractor to adjust lengths based on field conditions to account for Ducts, Piping, IT Trays, etc. This note is also on Feeder Schedule.

56) Reference feeder schedule on B-19-600. Confirm the intent of the note that states "keep separate from other wiring, 3/0 Neutral" associated with each UPS to busway feeder Response: Note removed, as not needed with STARLINE Busway.

57) Multiple instances where wire size on E-B19-600 schedule do not match E-B19-701. Please confirm which drawing is correct. Examples: 1. SWBD EM GEN to SWBD MSB ATS - #400 shown on schedule #350 shown on one-line. 2. UPS B to BUS-B3 -#250 shown on schedule #1/0 shown on one-line. 3. SWBD MSB ATS to ACCU's - #8 shown on schedule #10 shown on one-line.

Response: Wiring sizes on Schedules, Feeder Schedules and Panel Schedules takes precedence over Single Line diagrams. Single lines are provided for the contractor to understand the configuraon of the system.

1. Drawing E700 was removed, and Not Used.

2. Single lines for the EHRM project (all campus buildings) were provided for Informaon Only, to help the electricians understand the electrical interconnections when working on electrical equipment. These Single lines are copies of existing design and may not reflect new Feeder and Branch wiring sizes.

3. The feeder schedule and Single Line on sheet E-B19-600 updated to reflect common information.

58) TT keynotes say to provide sleeves assuming 40% fill and 50% spare. Also, say to provide sleeves to accommodate day one cabling plus 40% spare. Confirm which sleeve fill to use for calculations. Reference TT-B01-100RP Keynote 1 and TT-B01-101 Keynote 1.

Response: Fill capacity limited to 40%. To achieve 50% spare capacity:

1. Fill sleeves to 40% capacity, installing 1 empty sleeve for every 2 filled sleeves.

2. A minimum of 1 empty spare sleeve is required at every location.

59) TT-B01-701 Fiber Optic Notes refer to the cable tray plan for routing throughout buildings. Cable tray plans Keynote 1 says to provide cable tray to support optical fiber backbone and new cat6a cabling. Confirm the intent to run A leg and B leg fiber in the same cable tray.

Response: Correct – Side ‘A’ and side ‘B’ to be routed for opposite directions.

60) It was observed during the site visit that the ceiling space in the walkway corridors where the primary pathways from building 19 all TRs is only a couple of inches from the concrete roof deck. Conduit or cable tray will not fit. Confirm if we are to bid as shown, and work out means and methods or alternate routing post award via the change order process.

Response: See drawing A-101 and A-B01-101 in addendum 1 for notes and additional detail.

61) Section 27 05 36.2.1. design and finish are not clear. Please confirm the insert required in 2.1.a design is requiring a solid bottom insert, and that the 2.1.b finish is standard zinc coating. Details call for white powder coated cable tray, which is not industry standard.

Response: Solid bottom insert is not required. White powder coat is not required finish. Aluminum cable tray with clear coat preferred. Zinc coating required for steel cable trays.

62) Confirm if any new or relocation fire alarm work is required for the new TRs. This is shown in building 19, but no other building plans indicate any fire alarm work.

Response: See response TQ1, 42.

63) Section 2.8 Project Labor Agreement of the solicitation states that the use of a PLA is required and goes on to includes FAR 52.222-33 and 52.222-34. If the successful offeror's bid is $35M or higher, please confirm it is the responsibility of the successful offeror to engage local labor organizations to negotiate and enter into a PLA for its own tradesmen and their subcontractors tradesmen on this project.

Response: This is the contractor’s responsibility.

64) The POP is listed as 486 calendar days. Supply chain lead times on some equipment such as the medium voltage pad mount transformer for building 19 will not allow the contract to be completed in that amount of time. Please confirm the COR will work with the successful offeror to extend the POP as needed to allow for equipment procurement, and proper sequencing of the work.

Response: The POP will be extended on a case-by-case basis for the procurement of materials and equipment on actual delivery schedules. The lead times and submittal requirements must be incorporated into the successful offeror’s approved construction schedule.

65) Mechanical Equipment power for all the TRs are do not always align with the mechanical equipment list. For example TR AC160 has an outdoor ACCU-B1-AC160 and indoor DX-B1-AC160 but the electrical plan sheet EP-B01-101.4 does not show ACCU power. Please advise if we should follow the mechanical schedules or the electrical plans for mechanical equipment power requirements.

Response: For powering TR Split Units, contractor should follow electrical drawings for identifying the circuits and General and Key Notes, and Detail on drawing E501 for routing the power wiring.

66) Are there any as-built drawings for this building to use for pricing and understanding of existing conditions?

Response: Yes – Can be provided upon request for a specific location.

67) When VA escorts are required to perform work in TR/Data rooms, (knowing that there a multiple rooms and floors) will the VA have adequate staff available to support the contractor's scheduled requests for work in multiple areas at the same time? The contractor will work with the COR to minimize these situations, however, there will be a need for work in multiple TR/Data rooms to meet the schedule POP.

Response: See the response to Question 27.

68) When VA escorts are needed for work performed in TR/Data rooms, can the contractor supply and certify an OIT staff technician with training and background investigation if needed to perform this escort duty?

Response: Yes, see the response to Question 27.

69) Will the owner provide the fire watch during the period that the fire suppression and/or fire alarm system is not in service?

Response: No – Fire watch personnel to be provided by the contractor

70) Can you confirm that the owner will be contracting directly with a third-party commissioning agent for commissioning the project and that the Contractor is only to include participation/coordination with the Commissioning Agent?

Response: The VA has contracted through the A/E to provide the third-party commissioning

71) Will you confirm there is no work required for adding or altering the existing nurse call system? This includes data runs, system equipment movement, and pathways in current and exciting locations where the EHRM IT data fiber and copper are run.

Response: Altering the existing nurse call system is not part of this project.

72) Who is the owner's service provider for the Fire Alarm System? Can you please provide contract information?

Response: The VAMC has a service contract with Veterans Fire and Life Safety for maintaining the fire suppression systems on campus. VAMC has a service contract with Simplex for maintaining the fire alarm systems. In both cases, communication with our contracts must go through the VAMC safety office as they are responsible for managing the service contracts.

73) Who is the owner's service provider for the HVAC Control system? Can you please provide contract information?

Response: The VAMC has a service contract with Johnson Controls. The contract is managed by the HVAC Maintenance Supervisor.

74) Who is the owner's service provider for the PACS/Video/Security system? Can you please provide contract information?

Response: The VAMC has a service contract with CAHOON & ASSOCIATES LLC

571.366.0798. The contract is managed by the VA Police Physical Security Office.

75) Can the existing service and/or public elevators be used for construction activities? Are there any restrictions or time constraints?

Response: Specific elevators within each building will be designated for use by the contractor. This must be coordinated with the COR.

76) Where will the designated contractor job site trailers and laydown staging area be?

Response: The contractor’s primary lay down area for storage of materials and locating their office trailers is the parking lot 28A. Contractor personnel are authorized to park personnel vehicles in parking lots 30. (See attached VAMC campus map.) Siting for construction dumpsters close to the site of construction must be coordinate with and approved by the COR. Contractor will coordinate with and receive approval to park work vehicles necessary for construction near each of the work sites

77) Where is the designated contractor area for trash dumspters?

See response to question 75 above.

78) Typically the existing overhead ceilings in this building are filled and maxed out on space. This scope of work will install new work into the ceiling space. Can you confirm that the contractor is not required to move, relocate, or modify any existing structures, fire alarm, PACS, nurse call, HVAC duct, med gases, or any system? Should there be an impact or situation where RFP contract drawings can not be installed under pre-existing conditions, this would be considered pre-existing conditions?

Response: The intent of the project is to not re-locate existing utilities to accommodate new work – if alternative solutions are not found and it becomes necessary to re-locate existing utility it can be addressed as an unforeseen site condition through a contract modification on a case-by-case basis.

79) How much replacement grid and/or tile should be added as a percentage in the bid for repair of broken or damaged pieces?

Response: Means and Methods – Contractor to determine

80) There is a reference to C001 in the demolition legend. Will you be able to provide sheet C001?

Response: Typo, note should reference C100.

81) There are no prints that indicate drop locations. Is this a 1 for 1 replacement of existing cables?

Response: Yes

82) How many locations will require the installation of new 1 ¼” conduits in the walls?

Response: The intent of project is to replace telecommunications cabling on a 1-to-1 basis. The following situations may require new backbox/conduit to be installed:

a) If existing outlet cabling has been fished through wall

b) Conduit is found to not be re-usable

c) New wall that may require telecommunications outlet Note: ¾” conduit is appropriate for telecom outlets – See Addendum #1 drawings TT-500-001 for revised notes

83) The plans note how many cables are to be installed from each TR. Are these counts estimates? Do these counts include contingencies for additional locations?

Response: Documents identify an estimate based on VA self-assessment report. Contractor to provide 10% contingency for estimated length of cabling.

84) how many contingent locations will require new pathways to be installed with 1 ¼” conduit?

Response: No contingency needed for installation of new pathway. Re-use of existing conduit is the intent of the project. Note: ¾” conduit is appropriate for telecom outlets – See Addendum #1 drawings TT-500-001 for revised detail.

85) If in-wall pathways are being reused, what methods are acceptable when the existing in-wall pathway is too small to accommodate the new wire?

Response: Assume existing conduit adequate in diameter for installation of new cabling. Special situations will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

86) If in-wall pathways are being reused, what methods are acceptable when the existing-in wall pathway is not up to the VA standard, i.e., run in flex conduit or run freely through the wall cavity?

Response: Assume existing pathways are adequate for installation of new cabling. Special situations will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

87) Is it acceptable to pre-wire and roll cable up at the location then swap out the old cable for the new at time of cutover?

Response: Yes

88) TT sheets show cable tray routed over head in the above ceiling connecting all TRs. It is known that existing site conditions will prohibit cable tray installations , and that the use of cable tray will be much more impactful to the 24/7 operations of this facility vs the use of j-hooks for primary and secondary pathways. Please confirm that we are to include the cost of cable tray as shown in our bid day pricing, and after award the use of J-hooks in lieu of cable tray will be evaluated and priced as accordingly.

Response: Confirmed – cable tray is VA/OIT requirement for horizontal pathways and is to be priced as being installed in all areas shown. Conduit is an acceptable alternative to cable tray in congested areas, with VA approval. J-Hooks are NOT a recommended option and will only be allowed in extreme situations and with VA/OIT approval. Eash situation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

89) Where existing pathways are to be used both indoors and underground, have these pathways been verified as being viable with adequate capacity to support the installation?

Response: Yes

90) The prints are calling for visqueen to be used as the method to protect exist IT equipment in the rooms during construction. We have found this method causes heat build up and can overheat the equipment. Will the VA be providing the method in which to keep this equipment within operating temperatures?

Response: The VAMC will not provide means to keep the equipment within operating temperature. This is the contractor’s responsibility to determine a means and methods to protect the IT equipment and keep it within operating temperatures.

91) How many patch panel ports are required to accommodate future growth?

Response: None

92) Where TRs calls for both 12 strand OS2 and 24 strand OM4 is hybrid cable acceptable?

Response: No

93) Where TRs call for indoor fiber can indoor/outdoor be used?

Response: Yes

94) The specs, 27 05 11 calls for a Communications Project Manager, can this person be also be the Superintendent, QA/QC or Project Manager?

Response: The Communications Project Manager is a separate duty position subordinate to the overall Project Manager. Neither the Superintendent, QA/QC nor Project Manager are permitted to concurrently fill this position.

95) Is fusion splicing of fiber an acceptable way to distribute fiber connection throughout the campus?

Response: Yes, fusion splicing is only acceptable means of optical fiber splicing.

96) TT-600-001, COPPER RISER, Key note 11 says the copper backbone link from Building 19 to TR B3 is 5375 pair Cat5e. Is this correct?

Response: No, 5375 is a typo. Correct pair count is 375-pair Cat 5e. See sheet TT-600-001 for revised note.

97) TT-600-002 COPPER RISER, does not show the cable types for building 24 TRs, are these to be 25 pr ISP ARMM?

Response: Yes, 25-pr ISP within building. No ISP cabling within duct bank or steam tunnel.

OSP Cat 5e copper cabling from Bldg 19 shall be distributed through duct bank to building on site and into steam tunnel. Within both duct bank and steam tunnel, BAE recommends OSP cabling, transitioned to ISP once entering respective building. Refer to General Notes on sheets TT-600- 001, 002, and 003.

98) A Grounding Riser is not provided. Should we assume bid day that all TBBs, TGB, PBB, SBB, TSGB, TMGBs are existing and the only grounding should be from the TGB/SSB to the telecom equipment racks and basket trays.

Response: See response TQ1, 33

99) No sub metering requirements are indicated on the oneline diagrams for the new panelboards provided under this contract. Please confirm none are required. If they are required, please advise what type, and who is responsible for integration.

Response: See response TQ1, 34

100) Should we include any provisions for overtime or off hours work in any of these buildings?

Response: See response TQ1, 35

101) When constructing the new TRs with no ceilings, please advise what other systems (if any) such as chilled water, electrical not serving the comm rooms, duct work, etc. will require to be relocated out of that space. If so, please identify those systems Response: See response to TQ1, 36

102) There are no telecom/data rough ins (detail 7 on TT-500-001) indicated in plan. Should we assume all rough ins are existing and that detail is only for new WAOs?

Response: See response TQ1, 37

103) Confirm all conduit/back box rough in for data outlets (WAOs) and secondary pathways (conduit / boxes / sleeves / jhooks) to the corridor are existing to be re-utilized for new CAT 6A cabling. If not please provide location, pathway, and quantity.

Response: See response TQ1, 38

104) Reference TT sheets general note D. Please confirm that this note only applies to the new/reconfigured TRs and not to the entire building. If it does apply to the entire building please identify location and quantity of existing penetrations to be sealed.

Response: See response TQ1, 39

105) Confirm what should be included in our bid for power, fire alarm, communications, security, etc for existing devices not indicated in plan that will require new conduit, wiring, connections, etc.. as a result of the construction of the new/expanded TRs. Example reference are demolition key notes 5, 9, and 10 on sheet A-B01-401.

Response: See response TQ1, 40

106) No fire alarm plans are provided other than building 19. Please confirm if fire alarm work in the other buildings should be included in our bid Response: See response to TQ1, 42

107) C601 provides several duct bank details which reference geo tech information on C100. C100 reference a geo tech report dated September 14, 2023, but that report was not provided as part of the contract document package. Please provide geo tech report with boring logs along the duct bank paths / construction extents so soil conditions can be accounted for in our bid.

Response: See response to TQ1, 43

108) Confirm the E-621 equipment deficiency corrections noted as "required" and "recommended" should be included in this contract. Also there are equipment designation discrepancies between the riser diagrams and the E-621 evaluation report. (e.g. MSB B, DP-1B, MSB A) are not found in the electrical drawings with those names.

Response: See response to TQ1, 44

109) Generator Tap Box is indicated on the one line for building 19 but not indicated in plan. Please advise on the location.

Response: See response to TQ1, 45

110) Will building 1 new work one line / riser diagrams be issued indicating new work or should we just follow the equipment schedules on E-622 and plan note sheets.

Response: See response to TQ1, 49

111) Confirm the purpose of the E700-00, 01, 03, 09, 20 are simply to highlight (think black box outline) the equipment noted on E-610 and no other new work is shown on those sheets.

Response: See response to TQ1, 50

112) Please provide conduit size, type, quantity, and encasement requirements for the new 13.8 KV feeders routed from existing manhole to B19 Pad Mounted Transformer.

Response: The 13.8KV Feeder Schedule is shown on the upper portion of Sheet EP-B19-102. Drawing E-B19-504 was missing in Submittal to the VA. Details and sizes of Duct Bank and Manholes are shown on Dwg E-B19-504

113) Refer to sheet TT-500-001_ICT detail 3 which references sheet 00-ET-TD5 for EZ path details and also references us to plans for quantity. The plans do not clearly show quantities other than the enlarged view which only shows 1 in each TR, which doesn’t seem sufficient. Please show quantity of EZ Paths and provide sheet 00-ET-TD5 or equivalent.

Response: See response to TQ1, 51

114) Some of the EHRM panel feeders have been increased in size to account for voltage drop. Example is feeder from DP1-B to 1-3-N-EHRM is 100A with 300MCM phase conductors. Please advise the method of terminating 300MCM wire onto a 100A breaker lug that us maxes out at 1/0AWG.

Response: See response to TQ1, 52

115) Reference feeder schedule on EP-B01-100 and equipment schedule on E-622. Please confirm the "from" room for conduit EM6 should be B22E and route, length and feeder size should be adjusted accordingly.

Response: See response to TQ1, 53

116) Reference sheet EP-B01-100 and confirm route for NORM 7 conduit is shown incorrectly and feeder length and size should be adjusted accordingly.

Response: See response to TQ1, 54

117) Feeder lengths shown on the feeder schedules appear to be significantly different then what we are seeing in plan. Wanted to confirm 1) that the drawing scales are correct at 1/16th in = 1' and if we should use the length shown in the schedule or the scaled length for our estimate. Example is conduit NORM1. We are scaling that in excess of 550' (including ups/downs) and the schedule on EPB-01-100 indicates 465'.

Response: See response to TQ1, 55

118) Reference feeder schedule on B-19-600. Confirm the intent of the note that states "keep separate from other wiring, 3/0 Neutral" associated with each UPS to busway feeder Response: See response to TQ1, 56

119) Multiple instances where wire size on E-B19-600 schedule do not match E-B19-701. Please confirm which drawing is correct. Examples: 1. SWBD EM GEN to SWBD MSB ATS - #400 shown on schedule #350 shown on one-line. 2. UPS B to BUS-B3 -#250 shown on schedule #1/0 shown on one-line. 3. SWBD MSB ATS to ACCU's - #8 shown on schedule #10 shown on one-line.

Response: See response to TQ1, 57

120) TT keynotes say to provide sleeves assuming 40% fill and 50% spare. Also, say to provide sleeves to accommodate day one cabling plus 40% spare. Confirm which sleeve fill to use for calculations. Reference TT-B01-100RP Keynote 1 and TT-B01-101 Keynote 1.

Response: See response to TQ1, 58

121) TT-B01-701 Fiber Optic Notes refer to the cable tray plan for routing throughout buildings. Cable tray plans Keynote 1 says to provide cable tray to support optical fiber backbone and new cat6a cabling. Confirm the intent to run A leg and B leg fiber in the same cable tray.

Response: See response to TQ1, 59

122) It was observed during the site visit that the ceiling space in the walkway corridors where the primary pathways from building 19 all TRs is only a couple of inches from the concrete roof deck. Conduit or cable tray will not fit. Confirm if we are to bid as shown, and work out means and methods or alternate routing post award via the change order process.

Response: See response TQ1, 60

123) Section 27 05 36.2.1. design and finish are not clear. Please confirm the insert required in 2.1.a design is requiring a solid bottom insert, and that the 2.1.b finish is standard zinc coating. Details call for white powder coated cable tray, which is not industry standard.

Response: See response TQ1, 61

124) TT sheets show cable tray routed over head in the above ceiling connecting all TRs. It is known that existing site conditions will prohibit cable tray installations , and that the use of cable tray will be much more impactful to the 24/7 operations of this facility vs the use of j-hooks for primary and secondary pathways. Please confirm that we are to include the cost of cable tray as shown in our bid day pricing, and after award the use of J-hooks in lieu of cable tray will be evaluated and priced as accordingly.

Response: See response TQ1, 32

125) A Grounding Riser is not provided. Should we assume bid day that all TBBs, TGB, PBB, SBB, TSGB, TMGBs are existing and the only grounding should be from the TGB/SSB to the telecom equipment racks and basket trays.

Response: See response TQ1, 33

126) No sub metering requirements are indicated on the oneline diagrams for the new panelboards provided under this contract. Please confirm none are required. If they are required, please advise what type, and who is responsible for integration.

Response: See response TQ1, 34

127) Should we include any provisions for overtime or off hours work in any of these buildings?

Response: See response TQ1, 35

128) When constructing the new TRs with no ceilings, please advise what other systems (if any) such as chilled water, electrical not serving the comm rooms, duct work, etc. will require to be relocated out of that space. If so, please identify those systems Response: See response to TQ1, 36

129) There are no telecom/data rough ins (detail 7 on TT-500-001) indicated in plan. Should we assume all rough ins are existing and that detail is only for new WAOs?

Response: See response TQ1, 37

130) Confirm all conduit/back box rough in for data outlets (WAOs) and secondary pathways (conduit / boxes / sleeves / jhooks) to the corridor are existing to be re-utilized for new CAT 6A cabling. If not please provide location, pathway, and quantity.

Response: See response TQ1, 38

131) Reference TT sheets general note D. Please confirm that this note only applies to the new/reconfigured TRs and not to the entire building. If it does apply to the entire building please identify location and quantity of existing penetrations to be sealed.

Response: See response TQ1, 39

132) Confirm what should be included in our bid for power, fire alarm, communications, security, etc for existing devices not indicated in plan that will require new conduit, wiring, connections, etc.. as a result of the construction of the new/expanded TRs. Example reference are demolition key notes 5, 9, and 10 on sheet A-B01-401.

Response: See response TQ1, 40

133) No fire alarm plans are provided other than building 19. Please confirm if fire alarm work in the other buildings should be included in our bid.

Response: See response TQ1, 42

134) C601 provides several duct bank details which reference geo tech information on C100. C100 reference a geo tech report dated September 14, 2023, but that report was not provided as part of the contract document package. Please provide geo tech report with boring logs along the duct bank paths / construction extents so soil conditions can be accounted for in our bid.

Response: See response to TQ1, 43

135) Confirm the E-621 equipment deficiency corrections noted as "required" and "recommended" should be included in this contract. Also there are equipment designation discrepancies between the riser diagrams and the E-621 evaluation report. (e.g. MSB B, DP-1B, MSB A) are not found in the electrical drawings with those names.

Response: See response to TQ1, 44

136) Generator Tap Box is indicated on the one line for building 19 but not indicated in plan. Please advise on the location.

Response: See response to TQ1, 45

137) Please complete instructions in detail 2 on B01-101.

Response: See response to TQ1, 48

138) Will building 1 new work one line / riser diagrams be issued indicating new work or should we just follow the equipment schedules on E-622 and plan note sheets.

Response: See response to TQ1, 49

139) Confirm the purpose of the E700-00, 01, 03, 09, 20 are simply to highlight (think black box outline) the equipment noted on E-610 and no other new work is shown on those sheets.

Response: See response to TQ1, 50

140) Refer to sheet TT-500-001_ICT detail 3 which references sheet 00-ET-TD5 for EZ path details and also references us to plans for quantity. The plans do not clearly show quantities other than the enlarged view which only shows 1 in each TR, which doesn’t seem sufficient. Please show quantity of EZ Paths and provide sheet 00-ET-TD5 or equivalent.

Response: See response to TQ1, 51

141) Some of the EHRM panel feeders have been increased in size to account for voltage drop. Example is feeder from DP1-B to 1-3-N-EHRM is 100A with 300MCM phase conductors. Please advise the method of terminating 300MCM wire onto a 100A breaker lug that us maxes out at 1/0AWG.

Response: See response to TQ1, 52

142) Reference feeder schedule on EP-B01-100 and equipment schedule on E-622. Please confirm the "from" room for conduit EM6 should be B22E and route, length and feeder size should be adjusted accordingly.

Response: See response to TQ1, 53

143) Reference sheet EP-B01-100 and confirm route for NORM 7 conduit is shown incorrectly and feeder length and size should be adjusted accordingly.

Response: See response to TQ1, 54

144) Feeder lengths shown on the feeder schedules appear to be significantly different then what we are seeing in plan. Wanted to confirm 1) that the drawing scales are correct at 1/16th in = 1' and if we should use the length shown in the schedule or the scaled length for our estimate. Example is conduit NORM1. We are scaling that in excess of 550' (including ups/downs) and the schedule on EPB-01-100 indicates 465'.

Response: See response to TQ1, 55

145) Reference feeder schedule on…