589A5-21-700_Topeka KS_EHRM_Tech Q2_20241210.docx

589A5-21-700 | Topeka, KS | EHRM IU | Contractor Technical Questions 2

1. Please provide scope of work and sheet note descriptions for drawing E-B19-702.

Response: Drawing E-B19-702 depicts an existing Emergency Power System that includes a 1,250KW generator. Our scope is to also use this generator to provide Emergency Power to BLDG 19. This work is shown on Drawings EP-B19-100.4 and EP-B19-103. Also follow Feeder Schedule on Drawing E-B19-600. When working inside the generator enclosure, coordinate the work with the Manufacturer. The following work steps are involved:

· Install new SWBD EM GEN on new pad next to the existing Emergency Generator,

· Disconnect feeder that presently feeds BLDG 1 from generator breaker, and re-feed BLDG 1 from new outdoor SWBD EM GEN,

· Run a 1,600A feeder from the generator breaker to the new outdoor SWBD EM GEN,

· Install a Unistrut mounted Disconnect Switch for Roll-Up Generator near SWBD EM GEN,

· Run new feeder from SWBD EM GEN to BLDG 19 SWBD MSB ATS.

2. The manholes shown on drawing EP-B19-102 (key note 3, 4 & 5) and TT-00-002 (detail 2) show tier 22 manholes but no size. There is no size listed in the project manual specifications either. Can the VA provide the dimensions required for the manholes?

Response:

2.a ICT – Handholes to be 24”w x 36”l x 30”d

- Details #3 and #4 on TT-00-002 both have handhole sizes shown 2.b Electrical – See new Drawing E-B19-504 for Electrical Manhole details. Details for Electric power manholes are shown on drawing E-B19-504. Note that manhole details are typical and will be adjusted by installing contractor based on field conditions.

3. Please confirm the Commissioning Agent (CxA) will be contracted by the VA.

Response: AE to provide Commissioning for Building 19 Mechanical Equipment and Commissioning Instruction for Mechanical Equipment at new Telecommunication Rooms (TRs)

4. Please confirm the Contractor is responsible to have a Commissioning Manager (CxM).

Response: Refer to solicitation Attachment 11 -589A5-21-700_Topeka EHRM_IFBR2_Spec-VOL1_032224.pdf. The VA has contracted through the A/E to provide the third-party commissioning

5. Please confirm if contaminated soils are encountered, a change order will be issued to the contractor to properly haul and dispose of contaminated soils.

Response: If the contractor encounters contaminated soil, this will be considered an unforeseen site condition and handled through a modification to the contract per the specifications.

6. Please confirm the Superintendent shall not have any shared duties as a QCM or SSHO.

Response: Refer to solicitation Attachment 11 -589A5-21-700_Topeka EHRM_IFBR2_Spec-VOL1_032224.pdf. The Superintendent and QCM cannot be the same individual, but the Superintendent can be the SSHO.

7. Please confirm the QCM shall not have any shared duties as the SSHO or Superintendent.

Response: Refer to solicitation Attachment 11 -589A5-21-700_Topeka EHRM_IFBR2_Spec-VOL1_032224.pdf. The CQC system manager cannot have collateral duties.

8. Please confirm the SSHO shall not have any shared duties as a QCM or Superintendent.

Response: See Response to TQ2 questions 6 and 7.

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

Response: The requirements of the contract specifications will be enforced by the COR and CO.

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

Response: The requirements of the contract specifications will be enforced by the COR and CO.

11. 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.

Response: The requirements of the contract specifications will be enforced by the COR and CO.

12. Please confirm the contractor can utilize a portion of the vacant property for additional contractor laydown and parking areas.

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.

13. Please confirm that contractor parking will be provided on site. This directly impacts pricing.

Response: See response for question 12.

14. Please confirm that the VA will provide the contractor with a laydown area for dumpsters, toilets, storage, and trailers. We understand there is not much room onsite however without this area there will be an impact to cost and efficiency.

Response: See response for question 12.

15. 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.

Response: The requirements of the contract specifications will be enforced by the COR and CO.

16. 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.

Response: The requirements of the contract specifications will be enforced by the COR and CO.

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

Response: The requirements of the contract specifications will be enforced by the COR and CO.

18. Please confirm this project must meet the buy American act requirements.

Response: Yes, this construction solicitation incudes Clause FAR 52.225-11 and Provision FAR 52.225-12.

19. Please confirm level 4 finish for all finished gypsum board including patches.

Response: Yes, per 09 29 00 Part 3.5 A., at all locations exposed to view.

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

Response: Plenum rated cable is preferred installation. Riser rated cabling is acceptable for cabling that is installed entirely in non-plenum spaces.

21. Will flexible metal conduit be allowed?

Response: Flexible conduit will only be authorized in the locations specified in the contract specifications. All other conduits must be rigid.

22. Please confirm the VA will be working and scheduling with the subsystem vendors on scheduling network outages.

Response: The contractor is required to provide an updated schedule monthly that includes a 2 and a 4-week look ahead to allow outages to be coordinated and scheduled a minimum of two weeks in advance.

23. Please confirm the mock-up is required to be a stand-alone wall area and this mock-up should not be incorporated into the overall of the construction of the facility.

Response: Mock-ups may be part of an initial installation within the Area of Work and, if approved, incorporated into the overall construction.

24. Please confirm that one mock-up wall panel can be utilized for the required masonry conditions, cast stone, window assembly, store fronts, and elastomeric joint sealants.

Response: Yes. See also response to RFI item 23 above.

25. Is the contractor required to provide the licensing for the new Security Cameras? Or will the VA be providing that?

Response: The contractor is required to provide the licensing.

26. Please confirm if the contractor include a 5% allowance for additional data drops beyond what are shown on the drawings.

Response: Documents identify an estimate of cables to be installed from each TR based on VA self-assessment report. Contractor to provide 5% contingency for estimated number of data drops.

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

Response: Please refer to section 2.9 (L) Bid Submission section of the solicitation

28. Please confirm that a large business not part of an SBA/VA APPROVED Mentor-Protégé team under the VA Mentor-Protégé program cannot provide a Payment & Performance bond for a SDVOSB.

Response: Please refer to section 2.9 (L) Bid Submission section of the solicitation

29. Please confirm that a large business not part of an SBA/VA APPROVED Mentor-Protégé team under the VA Mentor-Protégé program cannot provide a bid guarantee for a SDVOSB.

Response: Please refer to section 2.9 (L) Bid Submission section of the solicitation

30. Please define off hours, we assume off hours to be second shift work but need confirmation.

Response: Off hours are from 5:00 pm to 7:00 am, Saturdays and Sundays. Any work scheduled during off hours must be approved by the COR.

31. Please confirm the normal working hours of this contract are to be assumed as normal working hours; 7:00 am-5:00 pm Response: Normal working hours for construction contractors is 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.

32. Please confirm if there are any requirements to work off hours and define those definable features of work that the Facility or COR will require the contractor to work during off hours.

Response: Refer to contract specifications to answer this question.

01 00 00 General Requirements, Paragraph 1.6 Operations and Storage Areas, Subparagraphs G and L.

01 35 26 Safety Requirements 01 57 19 Temporary Environmental Controls

33. Section 01 00 00 general requirements “alterations includes that the GC will provide a thorough survey of areas in which work is to be done with the COR and VA representative in attendance”. Please confirm that the VA staff will schedule and have the time to do these surveys without delaying the contractor as these thorough surveys are extremely time-consuming.

Response: The VA Project Engineering Team will be present as necessary with advance notice.

34. Please confirm per section 01 00 00 that contractor is to provide a commercial photographer/subcontractor with 3 years’ experience and that indexing/navigation will use AutoCAD drawings to be interactive online. Typically this has been waived on most other VA projects as most facilities do not have the capabilities to utilize AutoCAD.

Response: There are two references to photographers in Specification Section 01 00 00.

The first is in paragraph 1.31 Photographic Documentation.

The second is in paragraph 3.9 Operation and Maintenance Training Requirements. Subparagraph C requires the contractor to “Engage a qualified commercial photographer to record demonstration and training.” and Subparagraph D Quality Assurance defines what a professional photographer is. This requirement will be enforced.

The Colmery-O'Neil VAMC Engineering team has both AutoCAD and REVIT software and AutoDesk has a free on-line view for accessing both current and past AutoDesk file formats as well as Bently file formats. Accessing and view AutoCAD files will not be an issue.

35. Please confirm the pre-determined intervals in which the photographic documentation is to be done.

Response: Refer to solicitation specification 01 00 00 general requirements. Photographic documentation will be updated every 30 days. The taking of photographs is an ongoing task that is based on contractor progress as defined in the specification.

36. Please provide a list of what work is to be included with the photographic documentation.

Response: Refer to solicitation specification 01 00 00 general requirements.

37. Please confirm that contractor is to provide online hosting, security measures and redundant server back-up of the photographic documentation for the duration of the project Response: Refer to solicitation specification 01 00 00 general requirements.

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

Response: See response to TQ1 Question 34.

39. Can the QC manager serve as the photographer for the demonstration and training recordings? The term “Commercial Photographer” is vague, has no licensing requirements or any other information required.

Response: See response to TQ1 Question 34.

40. Please consider waiving the requirement for AISC certification for steel erection or steel fabrication. There is a very limited subcontractor pool who are both an AISC Streel Erector and Fabricator within the areas Response: The government will not waive AISC certification for steel erection or steel fabrication particularly for new Building 19 work.

41. Please confirm the General Contractor is to have two separate and direct contract with the DDC Contractor and the Systems Integrator.

Response: Confirmed

42. If system integration is required for this contract, please provide a set of specs for this scope of work.

Response: The offeror is not required to perform systems. The VAMC’s OIT team will handle this.

43. Please confirm no advanced utility metering system is required for this scope of work.

Response: Metering is not in scope.

44. Please provide floor to finish heights and floor to structure heights for all buildings.

Response:

Building 1: Floor to underside structure: 11’11 ¼” Building 2: Floor to structure: 11’11 ¼” Building 3: Floor to structure: 11’11 ¼” Building 4: Floor to structure: 11’11 ¼” Building 5: Floor to structure: 11’11 ¼” Building 6: Floor to structure: 11’11 ¼” Building 9: Floor to structure: 11’11 ¼” Building 19: See Drawings Building 20: Floor to structure: 11’11 ¼” Building 21: Floor to structure: 12’5” Floor to Ceiling: 10’-0” Building 22:

Building 23: Floor to structure: 12’3” Building 24: Floor to structure: 11’10 ¾” Building 25: Floor to Structure: 22’-0” Building 40: Finish floor to mezzanine: 11’-7” mezzanine to roof structure: 15’-9 ¼” Building 41: Floor to Structure: 11’8 ¼” Building 42:

Building 43: Floor to structure: 10’7” Building 44: Floor to structure: 9’8” Building 45: Floor to Structure: 9’7 ½” Building 48:

Building 49: Floor to Structure: 9’7 ½” Building 50: Floor to Structure: 18’-0” Building 51: Floor to Structure: 8’-0” Building 53:

Building 54: Floor to Structure: 10’ 3/8” Building 55: Floor to Structure: 10’ 3/8” Building 56: Floor to Structure: 10’ 3/8” Building 57: Floor to Structure: 10’ 3/8” Building 58: Floor to Structure: 10’ 3/8” Building 273:

45. Please provide a current soils report for the campus.

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

46. Please confirm the Testing Laboratory qualified person is sufficient on-site during earthwork and excavation operations as outlined in spec section 01 45 29.

Response: Follow the Specification

47. Please confirm who is responsible for the cost of additional excavation and import where unsuitable soils are found? Unsuitable soil locations should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis post contract award during construction.

Response: Refer to specification section 01 45 29 Testing Laboratory Services and SECTION 31 20 00 Earthwork for how unsuitable material is handled.

48. Please confirm if Submittal Exchange can be used on this project.

Response: Submittal exchange is acceptable. Procore and Neuforma are other FTP sites that the VA has experience with.

49. Please confirm all beams, columns and deck are to receive two fire fire proofing.

Response: Provide and install fire proofing to match existing assembly where damaged due to construction activities.

50. For cable to run outdoor and underground: is the use of OSP with home run cable acceptable or is indoor/outdoor rated plenum cable preferred?

Response: Use Indoor/Outdoor rated plenum cable

51. Please confirm contractor to provide (3) maxcell 3-pocket fabric innerducts (mxe86383) in each 4" conduit.

Response: Confirmed

52. Please confirm Room A201 does not require any new work once the telecommunications and associated electrical work has been removed. No New work plan has been provided for this room.

Response: Confirmed. Room to remain as is other than work described in construction documents.

53. Please provide drawing A-B40-411 as referenced in drawing A-B40-101.

Response: Typo. See revised drawing A-B40-101 in Addendum #1.

54. Please confirm that door C135 is to receive an aluminum door with a hollow metal door frame as referenced in the door schedule.

Response: There is no door C135 indicated on door schedule. See revised drawing A-601 in Addendum #1.

55. Please confirm all cable tray finish to be “white powder coat” as indicated on TT-500-002.

Response: White powder coat is not required finish.

Aluminum cable tray with clear coat preferred. Zinc coating required for steel cable trays.

56. Please confirm a white powder coat tray insert is also required as called out in the Floor Plan Legend on all Cable Tray Plan, TT-Bxx-1xx Series Drawings Response: Solid bottom insert is not required.

57. Confirm one spare set of C14-C15 power cords per TR is required in addition to the minimum of one set of power cords per set of rack mounted PDU’s and one set per rack Response: Confirmed

58. Confirm the Contractor is to locate lighting fixtures to provide optimal lighting to racks and any TR lighting locations shown on drawings are not exact.

Response: Confirmed – Note: Contractor to confirm location on site with COR before installation.

59. Confirm any and all system interruptions are to be requested at least 21 days or 45 days in advance Response: System Interruption request to be provided in writing at least 21 days in advance of date of shutdown

60. Confirm the are no areas where work is to be performed on weekends only.

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.

61. Should drawing TT-500-002 and TT-500-003 be different? They appear to be the same page.

Response: TT-500-003 is a duplicate sheet, please disregard.

62. Drawing Series TT-Bxx-6xx series of drawings indicates in writing how many Total CAT6a drops are required for each Rack at Each Room. Please clarify the quantity of drops that are required in each room. This information is needed to anticipate all of the finish work including but not limited to drywall removal, drywall patching and seam to seam paint at a level 4 finish.

Response: Requirements of drops per room shall be field verified by the contractor. New CAT6a data drops are to be installed within existing in-wall conduit.

63. Please confirm how each data drop is to go into each room coming from a specific TR Room. Should the contractor plan to use new conduit and data outlet in each room?

Response: New Cat 6A Data drops are to be installed within existing in-wall conduit. New Cat 6A data jacks to be installed in existing backbox. If existing faceplate is in good condition, it may be reused. If damaged in any way, contractor shall replace faceplate.

64. Will the use of wire mold be allowed to run new data drops into all of the rooms where new data drops are required.

Response: No. Use of metal wiremold will only be allowed with VA approval. Installation of metal wiremold will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the VA.

65. Please confirm all existing data outlets are to remain active until the new TR Rooms are online and all CAT6a cable has been pulled and terminated to the Data Rack and at each room where new data cables are being pulled to.

Response: Temporary Construction Partitions must meet the contract specification section 01 35 26 Safety Requirements paragraph 1.14 Fire Safety. The level of fire rating must be equal to or greater than the adjoining wall. Doorways through the temporary construction partitions mu.st be lockable. IRCA Barriers must meet the requirements of paragraph 1.12 Infection Control.

66. Please confirm contractor must provide a dust-tight 1-hour rated temporary construction wall with locking door to isolate the area of work when altering rated walls in the facility.

Response: Confirmed

67. Please provide a sole source justification report for any systems required.

Response: The contracting officer determined that a sole source justification was not required for this project.

68. Please confirm if the DDC controls is a Proprietary System at the facility? If so, please provide company and point of contact.

Response: See response to TQ2 question 73.

69. Please confirm if the Fire Alarm System is a Proprietary System at the facility? If so, please provide company and point of contact.

Response: The fire alarm system is proprietary. See response to TQ2 question 72 for additional information.

70. Please confirm work in common hallways requires use of the control cube method i.e. cart with plastic covering and sealed connection to work site with HEPA vacuum for vacuuming prior to exit.

Response: The level of Infection Control measures required will depend upon the location where the work to be performed, the type of work and when the work is being performed. In areas of patient care, such as buildings 1, 2 and 6, will require a higher level of protection than administration areas and vacant areas. The contractor must develop an infection control plan to support each building.

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

Response: No. Utilize existing conduit to the extent possible. VA will evaluate on case-by-case basis if new conduit is to be installed or use of metal wiremold is appropriate.

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

Response: Ten (10) additional switch gear to be made available for this project.

73. For all of the hallways that are having ceilings removed and stored is there a quantification of miscellaneous mech, electrical, and low voltage devices to be removed / stored / re-installed? Even an estimate of x-number of devices per 50 linear feet of hallway would be appreciated to be able to include the proper about of labor in our bid for the ceilings.

Response: Means and Methods – Contractor to determine

74. On the Telecom 600 series sheets it gives the quantity of Cat6a cables to be installed per Rack Room, but there are no quantities of conduit rough-in locations shown to be provided. Can we get some sort of quantification of how many cables on average are in each conduit rough-in location? Also are we to provide all new conduit rough-in’s for all cabling or is the plan to try and re-use existing where we can? If you want us to re-use existing, can we get some sort of percentage you want us to provide for conduit rough-in’s. For example do you want us to assume 3 Cat 6a cables per conduit rough-in and provide 50% of these as new conduit rough-in’s?

Response: Project is a 1-for-1 replacement with new Cat 6A cabling. Assume existing conduit pathways are re-usable. ¾” conduit and larger are acceptable pathways. J-Hooks are not allowed without prior approval from the VA, which will evaluate on a case-by-case basis.

75. Without floor plans showing where the cables in each TR are terminating on the station end it is not possible to due a proper take off on cable footages. Is there an average CAT6a cable length that we should use for bidding purposes?

Response: From previous projects of this type, average lengths have been less than 180’. Erroring on the safe side of 200’ average should be sufficient.

76. Will new conduit and/or surface mounted raceway be required for running the cable from the ceiling to the faceplate location.

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

77. Are fiber patch cords required on both ends of the fiber?

Response: Yes

78. Are Cat6a patch cords required on both ends or only TR side?

Response: Both

79. No cable tray sizes are given. What size should be used for bidding purposes?

Response: 4" deep x 12" wide is minimum cable tray size. Contractor shall size cable tray based on actual number of cables being installed in area. 20% cable tray fill maximum for Day One calculations.

80. When going through fire rated walls while running new Cat6a fiber, is EZ path sleeves required, or can we use EMT conduit with caulk and putty?

Response: EZ Path sleeves are required – Quantity to be determined by quantity of cables to each TR – to be field verified. 40% fill per sleeve. Install one empty sleeve per 2 filled sleeves. Minimum of one (1) empty spare sleeve is required at all locations.

81. UPS A & B for building 19: One Line drawing E-B19-701 information/requirements/load/KVA size/breakers/etc, doesn’t match the equipment schedule on E-B19-601. Please confirm which drawing is correct?

Response: Single Line Drawing E-B19-701 depicts the configuration of the electrical system, provided for information. Utilize Plan Drawings, Schedules, and Panel Drawings for construction. Near completion, the Single Line Drawing will be updated from “as-builts” and run to provide data for Short Circuit Currents and Arc Flash labels.

82. 41. Busway Spec 26 25 11 (2.1, C, 2), short circuit AIC rating calls for 42kaic, equipment schedule on E-B19-601 indicates 22kaic. Which is correct?

Response: Purchase 42 kaic rated Busways

83. 42. Busway spec 26 25 11 (2.1, C, 3), calls for 150% rated neutral and busway and oversized to handle 200% neutral. However, (2.1, C, 4) calls for 50% rated internal ground bus bar and (2.2, A) calls for a “standard housing ground connection” . Is the 200% rated neutral and internal ground bar required?

Response: The 200% Neutral and ground bar are required. The 3rd Harmonic current from all the switching power supplies in the cabinets can produce a neutral current twice as large as the phase currents. The ground is required as it conducts the 3rd Harmonic from IT equipment to the power neutral.

Informaon corrected. 22Ksc is the required value to withstand design fault currents. STARLINE Busway is designed to 22Ksc. The 44 Ksc was a standard design for a Busway that will not be used. – See revised drawings E-B19-601 / E-B19-602.

84. The plans and specifications are silent regarding the use of J-Hooks. Will the VA permit the use of J-Hooks where the above ceiling space is not adequate to allow for the installation of cable tray?

Response: Conduit is preferred alternative if cable tray cannot be used. J-Hooks are not preferred and are to be replaced by other means of support, such as conduit or cable tray. Only as a last resort will the use of J-hooks, in any location, be approved by the VA (approval will be on a case-by-case basis).

85. If there is not adequate room above ceiling for the installation of cable tray, will the VA allow the ACT system to be removed and dropped (height above finished floor) to accommodate the installation of cable tray?

Response: The adjustment of the existing ACT down is an option but should be considered a last resort. At no time will the height above finished floor by less that 8’-0”.

86. Many of the rooms being converted to telecommunications rooms have windows. Does the VA expect these windows to be blast rated?

Response: The design criteria for Blast Resistance of existing windows to remain within existing/new Telecommunication Rooms (TRs) is based on blast resistant criteria outlined in the VA PSRDM and per a Blast Evaluation Report provided by a certified 3rd party Physical Security Consultant.

87. If there are areas within the hospital that will receive new vertical pathways to a data port, will the VA permit the use of surfaced mounted pathways in those areas where it is a masonry, brick, or concrete substrate?

Response: See response TQ2, 76

88. Will the VA permit end user devices to be taken out of use prior to the cutover/termination of new CAT 6A cabling to the new patch panels/racks.

Response: Only for the limited time of the cross over and must be well coordinated in advance with the VA

89. Will the VA require cutovers/termination/migration of new CAT 6A Cable to be completed during off hours or on weekends?

Response: See response TQ2, 30 & 32

90. Will the VA take responsibility for installing patch cords from the data port to the end user device? If “no”, is the VA expecting the general contractor to install patch cords.

Response: Contractor to provide patch cords to the VA (for VA installation) in the following quantities:

5 ft length 1,000 ea 7 ft length 1,000 ea 10 ft length 1,000 ea 15 ft length 200 ea

91. Will the VA require every person entering a telecommunication room or data closet to have PIV badge?

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.

92. Will the VA require the use of innerduct within the interior raceways that are to be installed for the fiber optic cabling?

Response: Armored fiber is preferred installation.

93. As long as an existing pathway is ¾ inch or larger is the general contractor allowed to reuse the pathway for CAT 6A Cable installation?

Response: Yes – if pathway is rigid conduit or cable tray.

94. Is the VA going to require existing communication cable to be demoed and removed from the data port back to the telecommunication room?

Response: Existing data cabling to be removed in entirety after no longer in use.

95. Per, 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 subcontractor's tradesmen on this project. Several subcontractors will not provide bids if the PLA is enforced, can the PLA be waived?

Response: This is the contractor’s responsibility. The contracting requirements contained with the Federal Acquisition Regulations must be followed.

96. How will the owner direct or deal with scopes or trades without union representation in the area?

Response: The government will enforce contract requirements with the successful offeror. It is the successful offeror’s responsibility to execute the contract and manage their subcontractors.

97. There is a floor finish labeled SC which doesn't show up on the Room Finish Legend. Please provide. Will there be spec provided for this finish?

Response: SC is Sealed Concrete – See concrete Spec 03 30 00

98. In the sheet index for the Data Center (G-012), Sheet TT-B19-500 is referenced but seems to be missing from the set. Will this page be provided?

Response: In reviewing of Vol 3 drawing index, sheets were renumbered.

99. In the sheet index for the Data Center (G-012), Sheets M-B19-001 & M-500-B19 is referenced but seems to be missing from the set. Will these page be provided?

Response: See Addendum 1.

100. In the sheet index for the Data Center (G-012), Sheets C-B19-101 & C-B19-102 is referenced but seems to be missing from the set. Will these page be provided?

Response: These drawings are not listed on drawing G-012. All civil drawings provided as part of Volume 3.

101. On the interior elevations (A-B19-411), details 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, show PT-1 on the wall, but this is not found on the schedule (AF-B19-611). Please advise.

Response: Finish on schedule calls for paint/ceramic tile. Paint is noted on finish schedule. Provide PT-1 as indicated on elevations and paint remainder of wall as noted on finish schedule.

102. The Door Hardware Sets are not shown on the schedule on page A-B19-601. Will those be provided?

Response: See updated door schedule in Addendum #1.

103. Partition type B & D, on A-501, both reference sheet A400. Will this sheet be provided?

Response: See revised note drawing A-501 to read, “See Enlarged Plans”. See Addendum #1 Drawing A-501.

104. Details 3 & 6, on page A-601, references AF-602 for floor finish transitions. Will these pages be provided?

Response: See revised references to detail 7/A-601 & AF-601 on drawing A-601 in Addendum #1.

105. Will there be a window schedule provided? Details 3 & 4 on AW-602 seem to indicate window removal and replacement.

Response: Assume 3‘x5’ window openings for each insulated aluminum panel for bidding purposes. Contractor to Verify in Field all dimensions before ordering as per details on AW-602.

106. Detail 5 on A-B01-441, indicates "provide insulated aluminum panel within window system to replace previous glass panel. Aluminum finish shall match window system. See detail 3 & 4/AW-602." There appear to be no dimensions and existing finishes for the windows, will a schedule be provided?

Response: See response to TQ2, 105.

107. Note N under Electrical General Notes, states to install lighting fixtures per lighting schedule. Will a lighting schedule be provided?

Response: Lighting Schedule for TR’s is shown on updated Drawing E-003. Lighting Schedule for B19 is for B19.

108. Page E-003 details show example lighting plans, will a schedule be provided?

Response: See No# 107 response.

109. Detail 2 on A-B02-100 has wall type A2. That wall type is not found on the wall type schedule (A501), please advise.

Response: Typo provide Wall type ‘A’. See revision Sheet A-B02-100 as per Addendum #1

110. Detail 2 on A-B04-421. The north wall shows wall type D1, the south wall shows Type B. What wall type should the west wall be, there is no wall type label?

Response: Provide type D1 for west wall. See revision Sheet A-B04-421 as per Addendum #1

111. Detail 2 on A-B05-102.There is a 3 foot section of wall on the north part of the room that doesn't have a wall type tag. Please advise.

Response: See Detail [2], Sheet A-B05-102 and Sheet A501 as per Addendum #1

112. What is the thickness of the concrete slab on deck for building 19? The plans list concrete, but do not provide the thickness or type of concrete required.

Response: Concrete slab on deck as defined on Detail 1, Sheet S-B19-702.

113. Roof plan Keynote AR3 on sheet A-B19-102 says that there are protruding structural columns for a future expansion. How are these columns to be treated? No finish details have been provided.

Response: Note refers to Detail 5, Sheet A-B19-521.

114. The door hardware schedule on sheet A-B19-601 does not list the hardware sets. Please provide a revised door schedule for Building 19 Response: See updated door schedule in Addendum #1.

115. Is the VA going to allow a contractor to fill a raceway with new or existing cable that is in excess of 40% of the cable tray capacity?

Response: Limit fill capacity to 40%. To achieve 50% spare capacity:

1. Fill sleeves to 40% capacity, installing one (1) empty sleeves for every two (2) filled sleeves.

2. Note: A minimum of 1 empty spare sleeve is required at all locations.

116. Is the general contractor required to follow the fill capacity mandated by the manufacturer of the fire sleeving to be utilized on this project?

Response: Limit fill to 40%. If manufacturer allows higher ratios, please submit RFI and mechanical fire sleeve cut sheet for verification. VA and AE shall evaluate at that time.

117. Will the VA provide an asbestos and lead paint survey for every building on campus?

Response: Yes. An updated supplemental drawing markup to be provided that aligns with Asbestos and Lead Paint Survey Report identifying all locations tested and for locations still requiring testing contractor to price for similar abatement required as similar spaces surveyed on the same floor and/or the same building.

118. The current federal acquisition regulation provides exceptions for the use of project labor agreements and gives the VA the discretion to implement these exceptions. Is the VA going to require the use of a project labor agreement in the event the construction estimate exceeds $35 million?

Response: The PLA is applicable to all bids received at $35M or higher. However, if the bid(s) received are under $35M, a PLA will NOT be required.

119. Are there any buildings designated under state or federal historic preservation laws that will impact this project?

Response: No (WM)

120. Specification 01 35 26 states the infection control classification for this project is Class V. The infection control requirements in Specification 01 35 26 only go as high as Class IV. Was the reference to Class V a typo? If so, please provide a revised infection control classification.

Response: Provide Class IV ICRA classification.

121. Please confirm that the general contractor is required to have more than one person onsite at all times that the work is underway to provide Project Superintendence, SSHO, and CQC Manager services.

Response: The requirements of the contract specifications will be enforced by the COR and CO. Also reference the responses to questions 6 and 7 above.

122. Please confirm that the VA intends to enforce the requirements set forth in the Schedule of Special Inspections found in 01 45 35.

Response: The contractor is responsible for following all contract requirements in the specifications. This includes all inspections in section 01 45 35 Special Inspections.

123. What if anything will be required for the commissioning of the Div 27 CAT 6A Cable installation.

Response: Refer to spec section 27 08 00.01 – DVA/USACE PROJECTS COMMISSIONING OF COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS.

124. Please confirm that the contractor is not required to provide archaeological monitoring or any costs related to a professional archaeologist for this project.

Response: This solicitation does not have a requirement for the contractor to have an archeologist on staff. The Reference Specification section 01 00 00 paragraph 1.33 Historical Preservation.

125. Please confirm that the VA will hire the commissioning agent for this project.

Response: See response TQ2, 3

126. Please provide a spec section for the EPDM membrane roofing that is shown on sheet A-B19-301.

Response: Reference revised from EPDM to TPO. TPO roofing specificaon provided in original bid documents. See Addendum #1 for revised note on drawing A-B19-301.

127. Please confirm that the VA will provide the use of power and water to the contractor at no cost for this project.

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

128. Section 08 56 53 for BLAST RESISTANT FAÇADE SYSTEMS has been provided, but the plans do not show a blast resistant facade. Please provide details for this scope.

Response: The design of the exterior façade and building structure is based on blast resistant criteria outlined in the VA PSRDM and per a Blast Evaluation Report provided by a certified 3rd party Physical Security Consultant

129. Section 08 56 53 lists the following: “PART 1 – GENERAL 1.1 SUMMARY

a. Section Includes:

The exterior façade systems and supporting substrates are required to provide specified resistances as indicated on Contract Drawings and as specified in this Section 08 56 53.

This specification section is applicable to new façade wall systems at the new Data Center.” The plans do not provide and information regarding blast requirements or specified resistances. Please provide blast calculations and revised plans the show the blast design and requirements.

Response: See response TQ2, 128

130. Section 08 56 53 says that it is the contractor’s responsibility to provide an engineer for the design of a blast façade. This project is Design Bid Build and not a design build project. Please confirm that the VA will provide engineering for the blast façade and all related components.

Response: See response TQ2, 128

131. If the VA is requiring the contractor to design a blast façade, we request that the VA set an allowance to be used as a bid CLIN item.

Response: See response TQ2, 128

132. The VA has not provided a Blast window specification or a blast design for aluminum curtain walls, blast window suppliers are unable to provide pricing at bid time without a design. Please provide the design and a blast window spec for all exterior windows and curtain walls required in this solicitation.

Spec 08 56 53 2.2 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS:

a. Delegated Design: Engage a qualified Professional Engineer, to design glazed aluminum curtain walls.

Response: Only location in the project where there is design for exterior aluminum framed windows is at the connecting corridor between existing Building 21 and new Building 19. As per the Blast Report and how the connection is designed, “New Connecting Corridor is Exempt from Blast Requirements”.

133. The VA has not provided a blast design for 05 40 00 cold formed framing. A blast design and plans will be required to be able provide bid pricing for this solicitation.

Cold Formed Metal Stud (CFMS) Design: CFMS at the new Data Center shall be designed to resist the GP2 loading as defined in the Physical Security and Resiliency Design Standard Data Definition document.

Response: Response: See response TQ2, 128

134. Please provide blast requirements, plans and specifications for 08 90 00 exterior louvers and vents.

Response: See Specification 08 56 53 – Blast Resistant Façade Systems.

135. Please provide blast requirements, plans and specifications for 08 71 00 doors and hardware.

Response: See Specification 08 56 53 – Blast Resistant Façade Systems.

136. Please provide blast requirements, plans and specifications for 05 12 00 structural steel framing.

Response: Requirements are defined within the structural drawings.

137. Section 09 06 00 is referenced in the specifications but has not been provided. Please provide section 09 6 00 Schedule For Finishes.

Response: No 09 06 00 Schedule for Finishes as part Contract Documents. Omit all references to such. See Finish Schedule provided as part of the architectural Contract Drawings.

138. Please provide a color and basis of design for the B19 brick facing. The plans only say to match adjacent existing brick.

Response. The existing brick facade is a combination of three colors of brick referred to as “Concordia Blend”

139. What is the size and material type for the chilled water lines that are to be relocated as shown on sheet C-B19-C400? How long will the lines be able to be shut down for? Please provide a list of affected buildings.

Response: This chilled water lines were installed in 2018. It is a 10” Perma Pipe. (pipe is 10” plus the thickness of the insulation). Attached to this response are the submittals from the project for the pipe and fittings that were install. The contractor will not be permitted to reuse the existing pipe that is removed. Specification SECTION 23 21 13 HYDRONIC PIPING will be updated to include the chilled water lines and added by amendment to the solicitation.

140. Are there drawings showing specific drop locations in addition to the notes calling out multiple drops?

Response: No

141. Is there material storage options available on site, within a building for climate controlled storage.

Response: No. Contractor shall be responsible for providing means and methods for climate control where necessary. VA will provide utilities at no cost to the contractor to power any climate-controlled structure. (WM)

142. It appears that some of the OM4 multimode fiber runs might be over the 1600’ max length for 10G, if these runs are over length do, they need to be changed to single mode fiber?

Response: Yes.

143. Once fibers enter each building, can side A and B run in the same cable tray/pathway?

Response: Upon entering the building, within conduits, can be installed in parallel conduits within close proximity until above ceiling, but not within same conduit. Once above ceiling, diverse routes required by VA Standards. Within cable tray, armored fiber on opposite sides of cable tray. Side A and Side B are to be run from different direction.

144. Is there cable tray running through the steam tunnels?

Response: There is no existing cable tray in the steam tunnels. (WM)

145. It was mentioned in the walkthrough that all ancillary buildings will receive a wall rack, but we did not walk through those buildings, are you able to provide building numbers that will receive a wall rack?

Response: Refer to drawings.

146. Drawing #TT-B25-101, Keynote 11 calls for a 5375 pair cable, is that a correct pair count?

Response: This is a typo. Correct number is 375-pair. See Addendum #1.

147. Most of the Drawing Attachments are not scalable for takeoffs. Note also that within an individual Attachment, one section may work, next section does not (for example: Civil drawings scale, Architectural drawings do not scale); Please provide drawings that allow measurement.

Response: A new set of drawings was posted.

148. There are numerous Drawing references to Geotechnical Reports for duct bank and foundation requirements and existing condition information. The Geotech reports could not be found in the Drawings or Specifications, please provide.

Response: Any soils determined to be unsuitable or deemed excess from excavations shall become the contractor’s responsibility to dispose of of the VAMC campus.

149. After receiving and reviewing the Geotechnical Reports mentioned above, we might expect to find large volumes of excavated duct bank and foundation soil will be unsuitable as backfill. Is there a need onsite for this otherwise unsuitable material or will the unsuitable soils need to be disposed offsite?

Response: Contractor to dispose offsite.

150. Architectural TR Enlarged Plans Floor Plan Keynote 10: “ Fire extinguisher Cabinet and Clean Agent Type Fire extinguisher mounted 48 “ AFF to centerline of handle. See Detail1/A502. Patch surrounding walls.” And Architectural Level Plans (full floor) Floor Plan Key Notes 1 “Replace existing A,B, & C type fire extinguisher with Clean Agent a, B, & C type fire extinguisher.” However, these full floor plans have this keynote in the plan legend but apparently there are no Keynote # 1 seen applied to any rooms shown on any of these drawings.

Response: Disregard Key note 1 on Architectural Level Plans. All locations of Clean Agent fire extinguishers are indicated on enlarged plans with keynote 10.

151. Is the Contractor providing and installing the fire extinguisher cabinet only? If the Contractor is responsible for providing the fire extinguisher also, which Clean Agent will be specified ?

Response: Contractors are responsible for FE cabinets only, VA Safety department will provide Fire Extinguishers. (WM)

152. A-B42 -101 Details 1 & 2, A-B44-101 Details 1-4, A B50-101 Details 1-4 – Floor Plan Keynote 2 “Provide and install bracket mounted fire extinguisher cabinet mounted 48….” Is the intent to “provide and install a fire extinguisher wall bracket.”?

If yes, is the Contractor providing and installing the fire extinguisher bracket only? If the Contractor is responsible for providing the fire extinguisher also, which Clean Agent will be specified ? If no, please clarify what cabinet is needed.

Response: Contractors are responsible for FE bracket only.

153. Architectural Finish Schedule and Legend, Drawing AF-601 – Notes 5. GC to Note: Roof insulation above is delaminating from roof structure. Reinstall or replace for an industry acceptable continuous insulation barrier. Coordinate as required to provide insulation tight to partitions extending to underside of roof structure. AND Architectural Enlarged Plans for TRs all have Ceiling Plan Keynote C4” Exposed Ceiling” applied. Considering the “C4” Keynotes outnumber the “5” Note and comparing other EHRM designs, the A/E industry acceptable consensus is “exposed to structure”. Please clarify and/or specify what is required.

Response: This note is intended for all TR's located on the top floor of a building. When modifying or creating wall to build a TR the insulation on the opposite side of the new wall needs to have continuous insulation

154. 7A-B01-422 – Demolition Plan Note #9:”Remove all existing telecommunications and associated electrical equipment within existing Data Center upon completion of infrastructure upgrades outlined within these documents. Return all equipment to the VA unless otherwise noted.