Technical Question Tracker - FINAL.pdf

SOLICITATION # 36C77624R0113

PROJECT NAME: Nashville EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND VA RESPONSE TRACKING SHEET

ITEM

NO.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERE

D

QUESTION DISCIPLINE GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

1. 10/9/24

Specification 31 62 23 – Micropiles indicates there is a Geotechnical Report. This report is not available in the project files. Can you provide this report?

PM Geotech report attached.

2. 10/14/24

Which type of roofing will be installed? After review of the specifications, there are three different types of roofing represented (TPO, Hot Applied Modified Bitumen, and Spray Polyurethane Foam with a Silicone Coating). The plans do not specify which roofing system is preferred.

Architecture New Roofing shall be TPO.

3. 10/17/24 Can we get a copy of the Geo- Tech Report mentioned on S1002?

PM Duplicate.

4. 10/17/24

The contract is a Firm-Fixed- Price according to the documents. Could we get a copy of the boilerplate contract? Does it address Builders Risk and LDs?

VA

The solicitation contains the requirements for the project. A boiler plate of the contract will not be provided. The solicitation does not require Liquidated Damages. There is no requirement for Builders Risk.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERE

D

QUESTION DISCIPLINE GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

5. 10/17/24

Spec Section 02 82 11 Traditional Asbestos Abatement

1.1.1 and 1.1.2 mentioned estimated quantities, but none are shown. Is there asbestos abatement? If so, how much?

HAZMAT Section 02 82 13.19 Asbestos Floor Tile and Mastic Abatement Specification Section indicates all quantities to be removed.

6. 10/17/24

Spec Section 02 82 13.19 Asbestos Floor Tile and Mastic Abatement shows a chart with quantities. Can we assume that is all that will need to be incorporated in our proposal?

HAZMAT Yes

7. 10/17/24

Spec Section 02 82 13.21 Asbestos Roofing Abatement 1.1.B.2 mentioned estimated quantities, but none are shown.

Appendix A Hazardous Material Report mentions in the table

ASBESTOS BULK SAMPLE

DESCRIPTION & RESULTS that there isn’t any roof asbestos detected. Is there roofing asbestos abatement? If so, how much?

HAZMAT There is no roofing abatement anticipated as part of this contract.

8. 10/17/24 Spec Section 02 83 33.13 Lead- Based Paint Removal and HAZMAT No lead-based paint abatement is anticipated for this project.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERE

D

QUESTION DISCIPLINE GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

Disposal 1.1.A.1 mentions LBP located at interior locations indicated in existing condition reports. I couldn’t locate the LBP condition reports. Are those reports available? Do you anticipate LBP on this project?

9. 10/21/24

Specs list EEO minority goals % and good faith efforts. I don’t see more information on what they consider “Good Faith Efforts”. Normally for TN we post a solicitation on the local newspaper and send certified letters. Please confirm if it applies to this project and will suffice.

VA Follow the requirements of 52.222-23.

10. 10/28/24

Ref: Nashville – EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades - Technical Questions - Spec Section 28 and Drawings - Electronic Security System (ESS)

The notes on the Drawings (screenshot below) appears to say that there is existing vendor that has a support contract for installation and maintenance for the security system.

Telecom

Yes. For new TR spaces that require security equipment (Access Control, Intrusion Detection Motion sensors, etc) the components needed are to match existing equipment, and connect to existing systems. The contractor is to coordinate with the existing Security vendor for pricing and installation. The VA COR is to engage the VA Security Specialist for coordination of current Security vendors to get product information and quotes.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERE

D

QUESTION DISCIPLINE GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

Question: is this why there is no access control and video surveillance specifications?

If the ESS is required, please provide the following information:

What are the existing manufactures for access control, video surveillance, and intrusion.

o Need to know current software versions and if all systems are up to date.

Need to have specifications for access control and video surveillance. There are only intrusion specifications.

There is even not much security on the drawings. It mentions

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERE

D

QUESTION DISCIPLINE GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

swapping out card readers on telecom rooms.

Note on Drawings below. Shows that contractor need to coordinate with existing access control vendor.

11. 10/29/24

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

VA The Superintendent will not have any shared SSHO duties. The SSHO is a dedicated position.

12. 10/29/24

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

VA Correct, The SSHO is a dedicated position and will not have any shared duties.

13. 10/29/24

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

VA The QCM will not have any shared SSHO duties. The SSHO is a dedicated position.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERE

D

QUESTION DISCIPLINE GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

14. 10/29/24

Please confirm that the contractor is to supply all materials testing for the project.

Architecture Contractor to supply all materials testing for the project.

15. 10/29/24 Please confirm that the contractor is to provide third party independent inspections.

Architecture The contractor is to provide third party independent inspections.

16. 10/29/24

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

Architecture

Firestopping to be installed by UL qualified firestop contractor.

17. 10/29/24

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

Architecture Contractor to have an independent third-party inspector included in their services.

18. 10/29/24

Please confirm that firestopping installers accredited by a firestopping product manufacturer will not be approved by the VA unless they meet the FM global or UL qualifications referenced in section 07 84 00.

Architecture Meet or exceed UL or FM requirements.

19. 10/29/24

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.

Telecom Yes. Requested information will be provided to the General Contractor through Submittals.

20. 10/29/24

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.

Telecom Yes. Requested information will be provided to the General Contractor through Submittals.

21. 10/29/24

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

Telecom Yes. Requested information will be provided to the General Contractor through Submittals.

22. 10/29/24

Would the VA be willing to waive AISC certification for steel erectors? The tonnage of steel on this project is minimal and is typically waived on government projects with limited steel scopes as there are a limited number of AISC certified steel erectors who will prioritize a project of this size.

Structural

VA to provide final approval. If the AISC certification is waived, please provide erector qualifications package with a minimum of five years of experience and at least five projects of similar size and scope

23. 10/29/24

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

VA This project is not tax exempt. See the special note under 52.229-3.

24. 10/29/24 Please confirm this project must meet the buy American act requirements. VA

Confirmed. Reference FAR 52.225-12, Notice of Buy American Requirement—Construction Materials Under Trade Agreements, and FAR 52.225-11 Buy American— Construction Materials under Trade Agreements, in the solicitation.

25. 10/29/24

Please confirm contractor is to provide a Third-Party Professional Industrial Hygienist/Certified Industrial Hygienist (TPPIH/CIH) who will oversee removal, and testing of ACM.

PM Yes, the contracting team shall include a third-party professional.

26. 10/29/24 Please confirm, all existing pathways to be reused have adequate available capacity for new cable.

Telecom

Existing pathways are to support the new cabling. A data cable reduction was performed which will free up space in the existing cable tray. The contractor is to provide the method for temporarily placing the new cable in such a way that the old cable can be demolished and the new cable placed in the tray. (note, not all existing cables will be able to be demolished. It is anticipated that in wall pathways will have capacity to accommodate new cabling.

27. 10/29/24

Please confirm painting unless otherwise noted is to be (3) coats (prime, body, and finish) and will be from "seam to seam" or to a change of materials where walls are patched and refinished.

Architecture Painting to be three (3) coats and will be from seam to seam or to change of material.

28. 10/29/24

Will work in common hallways require use of the control cube method i.e. cart with plastic covering and sealed connection to work site with hepa vacuum for vacuuming prior to exit?

Architecture Follow ICRA requirements as identified. The amount of disturbance will trigger the level of requirements.

29. 10/29/24 Can the data cables be allowed to be fished in where pathways are not large enough?

Telecom

Where cable tray does not exist, and the area too small, J Hooks are the preferred way of supporting cables above the ceiling. It is anticipated that wall pathways will have capacity for new cabling. If locations are determined to be an issue, those will be reviewed during construction.

30. 10/29/24 Will flexible metal conduit be allowed? Telecom

Yes, flexible metal conduit is listed in Spec 26 05 33.

Flexible metal conduit shall only be utilized for new telecom installations in existing walls.

31. 10/29/24

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

Telecom It is anticipated that the VA will have 10 spare network switches to accommodate phasing.

32. 10/29/24

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

VA Soprema Roof Warranty; Warrantied by Collier roofing AACON roofing

33. 10/29/24 Please confirm all CAT6A-CMP cable shall be tested to 10G ANSI performance installed on this project

Telecom Yes, All Cat6A cable must be tested after install to meet 10 Gbps performance.

34. 10/29/24 Will the contractor have access to elevators in each of the areas where needed?

VA Only Service elevators that can be used for floors B-4 in building one. Acre will have to be accessed via stairs.

35. 10/29/24

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

VA

No storage or office will be provided in a building on campus. A lay down area will be provided to contractor.

36. 10/29/24

Are there phasing constraints the contractor must consider when sequencing work? Will the contractor have access to all work areas at all times, or will a certain amount of rooms be turned over to the contractor at a time?

If so, how many rooms is the contractor to anticipate being turned over at a time, for bidding purposes?

VA

See Telecom Phasing Notes for general understanding of phasing. It is anticipated that multiple areas can be worked on simultaneously.

37. 10/29/24 Is it required that infection control containments be set up during off-hours (nights / weekends)?

Architecture

Infection control containments to be set up during any hours work is being done. Barriers will be required to remain during off hours where infection risks remain outside of working hours.

38. 10/29/24

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

VA

Any work that will affect services will be required to be performed during nights and weekends. If the work does not block the hallway or affect services work can be performed during the day. Hallways need a minimum of 5 open feet during business hours. Excessive noise and debris will require nights/weekends.

39. 10/29/24 Please confirm all work in telecom rooms and main computer room can be done during normal business hours?

Architecture

Existing TR spaces are to have a protective box built around the active equipment to protect it from debris and dust until cutover. All TR spaces can be worked on during business hours as long service is not interrupted.

Cutovers must be performed outside of regular business hours to minimize disruption to staff.

40. 10/29/24

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

Telecom No. Existing pathways are to be reused.

41. 10/29/24

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

Telecom Armored fiber backbone and UTP cable are to be run in existing cable tray. Some fiber backbone is called out to be run in new conduit (service provider).

42. 10/29/24

Please confirm that the contractor is responsible for abating asbestos based exclusively on quantities listed in the specifications, and that if additional asbestos beyond quantities listed in the specifications is to be encountered, this will be handled as a change order to the contract.

HAZMAT Yes, confirmed.

43. 10/29/24

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

VA

The Post Award Contracting Officer can approve long lead items that are fully described and laid out in the approved baseline cost-loaded schedule. Approval is not automatic and requires a prior discussion.

44. 10/29/24

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

Electrical Federal Fire in Nashville currently maintains the fire alarm system at the facility.

45. 10/29/24

Are any of the existing roof systems that will be modified as part of this contract currently under warranty? If so, is the contractor responsible for maintaining the existing roof warranties?

VA Yes and yes.

46. 10/29/24

If the contractor is responsible for maintaining roof warranties, please provide the name and contact info of the company that holds the current warranty.

VA Soprema Roof Warranty; Warrantied by Collier roofing AACON roofing

47. 10/29/24

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

Architecture Contractor is responsible for costs associated with an electronic submittal documentation platform throughout the project duration.

48. 10/29/24 Is the contractor responsible for providing maxcell innerduct at all new interior backbone cable runs?

Telecom No, the Maxcell product is intended for external cable runs because of the locating wire in the product and for managing cables in long runs.

49. 10/29/24

Please confirm, are all new in-wall cable drops to be fed through conduit? Is the contractor responsible for providing new conduit at all new data drop locations?

Telecom

The contractor is to replace cables in exiting back boxes and rough ins. It is anticipated that new rough-ins will not be required. Phasing will be needed in order to keep work area outlets active during transition from existing data drop cables to new cables.

50. 10/29/24

Is the contractor responsible for watering and maintenance at any grass areas requiring restoration as part of this contract? If so, please provide a specification section detailing the duration of the watering / maintenance period as well as any further contractor responsibilities associated with the landscape restoration.

Civil Yes, I will send the VA Planting specification if it is not included in the final specifications book for this project.

51. 10/29/24

The Finish Schedule on page AI601 shows many rooms to receive new flooring / finishes, however the rest of the architectural drawings do not appear to indicate any work in these rooms. Please confirm, is the contractor responsible for providing new finishes in all rooms listed in the finish schedule? Or is the contractor only responsible for providing new finishes in rooms affected by construction?

Architecture New finishes are required wherever demolition work has taken place.

52. 10/29/24

Is phasing and sequencing left to the means and methods of the contractor, or are there any VA-implemented phasing constraints that need to be met by the contractor when scheduling work?

Architecture/Tel ecom

The contractor is to work closely with all telecom phasing to maintain minimal down time for staff. The VA will communicate to staff and send outage notifications prior to outages. Suggested phasing included within the project specifications.

53. 10/29/24

Spec section 02 82 13.21 roofing abatement does not list asbestos quantities under “extent of work” seeming to indicate there is no roofing abatement required as part of this project. Please confirm there is no roof asbestos abatement to be performed as part of this contract. If it is the VA’s intention for the contractor to include roofing asbestos abatement, please provide a means of quantifying this work for bidding purposes.

HAZMAT/Archit ecture

There is no roofing abatement anticipated as part of this contract.

54. 10/29/24

Keynote 9 is listed in legend on the architectural plans indicating slab infill is to be required, however this keynote is not called out anywhere on the architectural drawings. Please clarify where slab infill will be required.

Architecture Disregard – keynote 9 is not in use.

55. 10/29/24

Keynote 11 on the architectural drawings indicates new access panels, however this keynote is not called out anywhere on the drawings. Please clarify where new access panels will be required.

Architecture

Refer to snip it for location of floor access panel.

56. 10/29/24

Is the contractor to assume for bidding purposes that all existing cable trays have capacity for new cable? The drawings indicate the contractor is responsible for providing new cable tray where existing cable trays do not have adequate capacity. For purposes of bid levelling, please provide a quantity or percentage of existing cable tray that the contractor is to assume will not be available for reuse.

Telecom

Yes, for the sake of bidding all existing cable tray has capacity for the new cable. A data port reduction was performed, which will reduce existing drop counts down in most cases.

57. 10/29/24

Please confirm, are all surveillance cameras shown on the telecom drawings to be provided new by the contractor, or are these existing to remain? If new cameras are to be provided, please provide a specification section detailing the Video Surveillance work

Telecom

All surveillance cameras are new and will be added to an existing system. There is a contracted Security company/contractor. It is recommended that the COR contact the local Security Officer for installation procedures and preferences.

58. 10/29/24

Please confirm, is the contractor responsible for providing all new Physical access Control Devices, wiring, and integration as shown on the drawings? If so, please provide a specification section for Physical Access Control Systems

Telecom

The contractor is responsible for the installation of new Security equipment in TR spaces. It is recommended that the COR contact the local Security Officer for installation procedures and preferences. Spec section 28 13 00 Physical Access Control will be provided to the VA. It can also be downloaded from the VA TIL.

https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/spec.asp#28 Note to include a motion sensor inside each telecom room to release the telecom room door latch and notify the access control system that someone is leaving the room rather than entering.

59. 10/29/24

Please confirm, is the contractor responsible for providing all new Intrusion Detection devices, wiring, and integration as shown on the drawings? If so, please provide a specification section for Intrusion Detection Systems

Telecom

The contractor is responsible for the installation of new Intrusion Detection equipment in TR spaces. It is recommended that the COR contact the local Security Officer for installation procedures and preferences.

Spec section 28 16 00 Physical Access Control will be provided to the VA. It can also be downloaded from the VA TIL. https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/spec.asp#28

60. 10/29/24

The specifications include sections for gypsum plastering and Portland cement plastering, however it does not appear that any plaster is referenced on the drawings, and based on the wall elevation details, all wall finishes are to be drywall. Please clarify, are gypsum plastering and or cement based plaster stucco required on this project? If so, please clarify what the scope of work is associated with these spec sections.

Architecture Gypsum plaster and cement based plaster is not required in project scope.

61. 10/29/24 Is the contractor to assume all existing work areas contain lead-based paint? HAZMAT There is no lead-based paint abatement required for this contract.

62. 10/29/24

Is the contractor to anticipate contaminated soil to be encountered in the site work area? If contaminated soil is encountered, will this be addressed as a change order?

HAZMAT There is no soil abatement anticipated to be required for this project.

63. 10/29/24 Will a geotechnical engineer be required to oversee site work?

PM

The Geotech report for the site is being provided. It is up to the bidding contractor to determine if they feel a Geotech team representative is necessary.

64. 10/29/24

The location of the proposed new Main Computer Room appears to be inaccessible from the ground on all 4 sides. Does the VA have a designated crane location assigned as part of this contract for hoisting equipment and materials up to this roof for construction of the new MCR?

PM

That is correct. It is anticipated that the crane location would be located at the ED entrance area on the west side of the building. Coordination 30 days ahead of time will be required for crane days to allow the VA to coordinate ED patient entrance.

65. 10/29/24

If there is no designated crane location, does the VA have any designated method of delivering all necessary materials and equipment to the roof for construction of the new MCR?

PM See comment 64.

66. 10/29/24

If the site conditions prove to require temporary physical modifications (such as widening doorways, temporarily removing walls or finishes, etc.) as the only means of transferring materials and equipment to the new MCR work area on the roof, would the additional modifications required be considered a change order to the contract?

Architecture

Please outline proposed changes for consideration. It is not anticipated that this will be required. Crane location identified per question 64. Additional supplies can be lifted onto the roof and transported from the north. Additionally, elevator use can be coordinated on a case by case basis.

67. 10/29/24 Please confirm, is all work involving the use of a crane to be performed during nights and weekends?

PM Not necessarily. Days need to be coordinated ahead of time.

68. 10/29/24

Is there a designated crane location for hoisting materials during construction of the 4-story TR room stack addition at the south end of the building?

PM

Generally that side of the site is available. The VA would request the crane location be coordinated with them 30 days prior to arriving to site.

69. 10/29/24

During the construction of the 4-story TR stack addition, will the contractor be permitted to isolate the area contained within the building bump-outs and tramway during construction?

VA

VA employees and patient must be able to perform duties as normal. Proper PCRA/ICRA barriers and practices must be in place for patient and employee safety.

70. 10/29/24

Please provide further information / specifications on the pneumatic tube equipment to be relocated. Is there a proprietary company required to either perform this work or certify that this work has been performed adequately to maintain existing warranties? If so, please provide the company name and point of contact.

Mechanical/VA Facility’s pneumatic tube vendor is PEVCO. Facility engineering to provide contact information. (C. Hoskins, IMEG)

71. 10/29/24

Has there been any pre-determined or approved location for material handling to reach roof top level with a crane?

Where can we set a crane? How long can we have a crane setup? When can we do picks with the crane?

PM Duplicate.

72. 10/29/24 How long are we allowed to leave the crane in place for material handling?

PM

Duration shall be coordinated for each instance but ideally each crane mobilization to be limited to days and not weeks.

73. 10/29/24 Is the VA prepared to vacate the lift/swing radius during material lifts? PM See question 64.

74. 10/29/24 Is the contractor allowed to close roadways for mobilizing and demobilizing crane? as well as during material lifts?

PM Closures shall be limited to no more than a day and coordinated 30 days prior to mobilization.

75. 10/29/24 Where is parking for workers on this project allowed? VA

Parking will be on the sixth floor of the parking garage. 2 vehicles only. Unauthorized parking can result in towing.

76. 10/29/24 Is parking first come, first serve? VA Yes

77. 10/29/24

Where will the authorized layout and staging area be located? DO we have room to have an office trailer? Where can we get power for the trailer?

VA

Layout and staging area will be determined by facility at time of contract start. Power will not be provided by the

VA.

78. 10/29/24 Is there electrical provided for and at contractor job trailer location? VA Refer to question 77.

79. 10/29/24

Will access to employees and patients be allowed to be closed when working on underground electrical near South Entrance? Sheet CS102. When will this work have to take place? Weekend?

VA

A shutdown will have to be coordinated with the facility with precise duration stipulated. Must be open on weekdays.

80. 10/29/24 When is the access estimated to be open on the south, between parking ramp and hospital?

VA

Access is open 24/7.

81. 10/29/24

Sheet CJ101 note 4 calls out construction staging area, is this the only site for construction staging for the entirety of the project?

Civil Yes, this is the proposed staging area for the entire project. The precise location will be verified by the COR.

82. 10/29/24

Per the specifications in Section 01 00 00

– 8 paragraph D. Where is the site located for the storage containers and how big is the space that will be allotted to the contractor?

VA Duplicate.

83. 10/29/24 Can the Superintendent be the SSHO? VA Duplicate.

84. 10/29/24 Can the superintendent perform QCM duties? VA Duplicate.

85. 10/29/24 Is everything that needs to be demo shown on the electrical drawings? Electrical No, that is why there are limits of demolition indicated.

Demolition notes help to clarify scope.

86. 10/29/24 When will work be allowed above the x-ray room for the new MCR? PM

The contractor will need to identify a proposed schedule for work in that area so that the VA can properly plan around scope of work. Proposed disruptions shall be included in the initial master schedule and then the VA and contractor will massage schedule to best accommodate the project and ongoing patient care.

87. 10/29/24 Will there be noise restrictions about the x-ray room? PM

There could be noise restrictions. The contractor will need to communicate the severity and duration of noise so that the VA can help make decisions that best support the project and ongoing patient care. It is anticipated that negotiations will be required on behalf of both parties.

88. 10/29/24

Can the VA provide more information on the finish schedule as there is a lot of coordination with the VA after award and it is hard to provide accurate and fair pricing without all the information during bidding?

PM

Generally finishes are provided per the schedule. Final color selections will want to be coordinated with the VA at the time of install.

89. 10/29/24

Is this a design build contract? If so, we will need updated documents and solicitation that makes this a design build.

Architecture No this is not a design build project. Drawings provided are final.

90. 10/29/24 Can the QCM manager be the one to perform the special inspections? PM This is acceptable.

91. 10/29/24 Can the VA provide the documents for special inspections? Schedule of SI Temp.

and Statement of SI TEM?

PM

Provide inspections included throughout the specifications. Inspections beyond those indicated within the specifications are not anticipated. The design team will provide progress and final inspections throughout the project for the different areas.

92. 10/29/24 Can we get RFI extension? VA The response times for RFIs during construction is outlined in the specs.

93. 10/29/24 Where is the location where the GC will be allowed to place their construction trailer?

VA Duplicate.

94. 10/29/24 Where is the materials laydown area located? VA Duplicate.

95. 10/29/24

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?

Telecom Yes. Where space is limited, J Hooks are preferred for cable support. Cables are not to be run loose on equipment in the ceiling.

96. 10/29/24

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?

Telecom Where there is no room for cable tray, J Hooks are to be used. ACT height should not be adjusted.

97. 10/29/24

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

Telecom/Physic al Security

Blast rated windows are not required. Security film will be required as denoted on architectural drawings

98. 10/29/24

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?

Telecom

Yes, for singular drops. It is anticipated that data outlet locations should be existing and the existing route/conduit should be re-used for the new cabling.

For vertical pathways between floors, with multiple drops, it is preferred to recycle 12x2 ladder tray from demolished TR spaces for cable support between floors.

99. 10/29/24 l 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.

Telecom

For small periods. It should be planned to pull cabling to area of replacement and then limit outage for each device to a minimum. It is very important to coordinate closely with the VA on space use and occupancy. In many cases, outlets are being reduced from 3 or 4 drops down to 2. This allows for the demo of 2 drops and removal of cable to allow for the new cable to be run in the exiting back box and terminated. Furniture may be moved away from the way for a period of time.

100. 10/29/24

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

Telecom

Assume 30% of cutovers to be performed during non standard working hours. Other areas shall be coordinated with the VA on a weekly basis 30 days before mobilizing in each area.

101. 10/29/24

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.

Telecom It is the responsibility of the VA to purchase and install the patch cords for Work Area Outlets.

102. 10/29/24 Will the VA require every person entering a telecommunication room or data closet to have PIV badge?

Telecom All TR spaces have special access. It is up to the VA to determine if contractors will have dedicated access to the spaces. If access is provided, it would require a PIV.

103. 10/29/24 Will the VA require the use of innerduct within the interior raceways that are to be installed for the fiber optic cabling?

Telecom All cables that are routed through cable tray is to be armored. Any fiber that is not armored is to be in conduit. Therefore, innerduct is not required.

104. 10/29/24

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?

Telecom

Most of the existing pathway should be ¾ inch. The recommended OD of the new Cat6A cable is .240 or less. This allows for the new cable to fit in existing pathways.

105. 10/29/24

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

Telecom

Yes. Data drops replaced at the work area outlets is to be demoed. There may be data cables in the tray that are routed for special systems, which are to remain.

Voice cables that are active in the WAO areas are to remain as is. Any data cable demoed as a part of this project shall be removed in their entirety.

106. 10/29/24

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?

Telecom

Although it is not recommended by TIA to fill more than 40% of a cable tray, limited spacing in the corridor ceiling may play a factor. Exceeding the 40% or using J Hooks may be necessary in some situations. Since a data port reduction was performed on the entire hospital, there should be significantly less drops than are present today.

107. 10/29/24

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

Telecom Yes. Fill calculations were run on sleeves. All sleeves were calculated with at least 20% available capacity.

108. 10/29/24 Will the VA provide an asbestos and lead paint survey for every building on campus?

HAZMAT

Existing surveys can be provided to the contractor selected for this project. The project specific hazmat report has been included at the back of the specification.

109. 10/29/24 Are there any buildings designated under state or federal historic preservation laws that will impact this project?

PM We are not anticipating historic preservation laws for this project.

110. 10/29/24

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.

VA

The SSHO and CQC need to be on site at all times. The Project Superintendent can be discussed based on their role – Day to Day oversight, yes they need to be on site at all times - Sr Project Manager duties do not need to be on site every day.

111. 10/29/24 What if anything will be required for the commissioning of the Div 27 CAT 6A Cable installation.

Telecom Yes, commissioning/performance testing is required.

See spec 27 08 00.

112. 10/29/24

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

VA An archaeologist is not anticipated for this project.

113. 10/29/24 Please confirm that the VA will hire the commissioning agent for this project. VA Yes the VA will provide the Commissioning agent.

114. 10/29/24 Please confirm that the VA will provide the use of power and water to the contractor at no cost for this project.

VA Power and water will be provided for tools during work.

115. 10/29/24 Will the area underneath the new data center be vacated during construction of the data center on the roof above?

VA Duplicate.

116. 10/29/24 Who is the existing surveillance system manufacturer? VA VA COR to contact VA Security Specialist

117. 10/29/24 Please confirm that the VA will be responsible for systems furniture and personal items to be relocated.

VA VA will relocate furniture and personal items. Furniture will require a 3-week lead time.

118. 10/29/24 Will boring be allowed? If so, will the raceways still be required to be encased? Telecom Directional boring is not allowed. All duct bank conduit is to be encased in concrete.

119. 10/29/24

Should the contractor assume that all new WAO locations will be in the same location as the existing Data drop locations?

Telecom Yes

120. 10/29/24

Please confirm that new data conduit stubs (if required) are only required to be installed into the nearest accessible ceiling.

Telecom Correct. There should be very few stubs. The contractor must also patch the wall to existing conditions.

121. 10/29/24 Will the new static dissipative flooring be required to be grounded to the grounding system in the TR rooms?

Architecture Yes. There will be a SBB in every TR to ground the flooring to.

122. 10/29/24

In a Telecommunication or Server Room, will the contractor be required to ground and bond existing equipment that will remain?

Telecom

Yes. All existing TR to remain will have a rack upgrade from a 2 post to a 4 post rack, which will require grounding. Cable tray will also be upgraded from 12x2 ladder to 12x4 basket (minimum).

123. 10/29/24 Will the VA provide and install a new switch in each network rack/room? Telecom

Yes, the VA will be providing new switches to every TR.

The VA has 10 floater switches used in the phasing process. The old switches either demo or get re-programmed before being put into the float pool of switches.

124. 10/29/24

If the above ceiling space is congested so that the cable tray will not fit, will the VA consider this to be an unforeseen condition?

Telecom

Yes. The corridor ceiling space was surveyed for cable tray capacities. However, not every linear foot was examined during the survey. In congested areas, that the data port reduction does not fix, J Hooks may need to be used.

125. 10/29/24 Can a flexible metal conduit be used for a secondary pathway? Telecom

Use of flexible metal conduit is addressed in the spec 27 05 33. It is unclear what “secondary pathway” is referring to. Fiber is either armored or in conduit (by requirement).

126. 10/29/24

Can the contractor use existing, installed pathways that meet the minimum size requirement for communication cabling conduit found in Section 27 05 33, Part 2

– Products, Paragraph 2.1?

Telecom Yes

127. 10/29/24

Can the contractor take an existing data port out of use for an extended period of time in order to complete the migration and termination of the new CAT 6A cable?

Telecom

Only if the port is not active. All active ports must remain active as much as possible. New cable is to be pulled (in most cases) during business hours, but cutovers are to happen after hours (especially for active data ports). The VA is to be notified and coordinated with for all outages.

128. 10/29/24

Please confirm that the VA will enforce the 295 FT limit for the maximum distance for UTP horizontal cable installation.

Telecom

The VA standard (ISTS 4.0 manual) specifies 295 ft limit of cable between patch panel and work area outlet. The 295 limit does not include patch cords, which should not exceed 10 meters on both ends.

129. 10/29/24

Will there be day or time restrictions for coring? If the answer is “yes”, please provide the day / time restrictions for each building, floor, or area of the hospital.

VA

Yes, there will be coring restrictions coring cant occur between 9pm-7am and when the noise will affect patient care. This will be a case-by-case incident based on local areas being affected and their workloads.

130. 10/29/24 Is innerduct required, and if so, are routes/quantities available? Telecom Innerduct is not required. Demoed fiber also includes old innerduct.

131. 10/29/24 Please provide a phasing plan for roadway closures related to trenching activities.

Architecture/Civ il

The roadway must remain open at all times since it provides access to the garage entrance and exit. Any work in front of the garage should be scheduled for weekends or after working hours. If a closure is necessary, coordination with the VA will be required, and I can provide updated drawings based on their recommendations.

132. 10/29/24 Will we be able to shut down the roadways in the areas of trench excavation?

Architecture/Civ il See the comment above

133. 10/29/24 Will a 3rd party traffic control plan be required for this project?

Architecture/Civ il/VA

If the contractor determines traffic control will be an issue, a third party controller and plan shall be included.

134. 10/29/24 Will existing native soil be acceptable to use as trench backfill? Civil Trenching and backfilling per project specifications.

135. 10/29/24 Is conduit required for fiber optic pathways to be installed inside the existing buildings?

Telecom Fiber from MCR to TR will be armored, which will not require conduit. Fiber from Entrance Rooms to the MCR require conduit.

136. 10/29/24 Where, on property, will the VA allow the general contractor to set up a jobsite trailer and laydown yard?

PM Duplicate.

137. 10/29/24 Will the VA provide the HEPA Carts? VA No.

138. 10/29/24

Will the VA permit the use of Procore for the FTP file sharing system, the processing of RFIs, Submittals, and other project related functions?

PM Procore is an approved software.

139. 10/29/24 Please provide the ICRA level expected for each existing building area for new fiber optic cabling routing.

Architecture High risk Type B Level 2 for anywhere cable is being run.

High risk Type C Level 4/5 for anywhere TRs/Server rooms are.

140. 10/29/24 In what areas of the hospital, if any, will the VA require work to be performed from a HEPA Cart?

PM

ICRA requirements shall be provided per the drawings for each area of construction. Spaces with active patient interaction, patient care, or patient travel will be required to have approved ICRA protection either through barriers identified within plans or other means provided by the contractor.

141. 10/29/24 Will the VA require a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan for the exterior duct bank installation work?

Civil A SWPPP is required for construction sites that involve clearing, grading, or excavation that disturb one or more acres.

142. 10/29/24

Please confirm that where the specifications provide for a warranty over 1 year in duration that the warranty period beyond 1 year can be satisfied by a manufacturer’s issued warranty.

VA That would be acceptable.

143. 10/29/24 Does the existing Video Surveillance server have room for the cameras proposed on this project?

Telecom/Electri cal

The VA Security Specialist will coordinate communication between the existing support vendor and the contractor for detailed security questions.

144. 10/29/24 Does the existing Video Surveillance server have storage room for the cameras proposed on this project?

Telecom/Electri cal

The VA Security Specialist will coordinate communication between the existing support vendor and the contractor for detailed security questions.

145. 10/29/24 Is an additional Video Surveillance workstation needed for this project?

Telecom/Electri cal

The VA Security Specialist will coordinate communication between the existing support vendor and the contractor for detailed security questions.

146. 10/29/24 Who is providing network switches for Card Access and Video Surveillance?

Telecom/Electri cal

The VA provides all network switches for the project.

VLANs may be utilized for security and BMS systems.

147. 10/29/24

Drawings for CCTV cameras & Bid spec documents do not specify what Camera system is currently in place for this project, please answer the following questions:

a. Who is the manufacturer of the current video management system?

b. On what existing software version is the current video management system operating?

c. Are we expected to support version upgrades as part of this contract?

d. Are there sufficient existing Camera Licenses to support the new cameras?

e. Are the cameras to be 2MP pan/tilt/zoom or fixed dome?

f. Is there a current vendor/installer of this system that we can contact?

e. is there a main Video Server or are NVR’s in use?

f. What is the preferred camera brand, megapixel, stationary, PTZ, VF?

g. Will the VA provide all Network switches?

h. Is there an existing SSA in place for VIDEO, and who is vendor servicing

SSA?

i. Is there an existing interface between VIDEO & Access Control

Telecom/Electri cal

The VA Security Specialist will coordinate

148. 10/29/24

Drawings for card reader/pin pad, & Bid spec documents specify LENEL:

a. IN “Brand Name Justification: # 3., a. “Physical Access Control System”, LENEL is specified. However, also in “Brand Name Justification” # 5, b., TYCO iSTAR is specified. Does the VA want to install LENEL or TYCO iSTAR in the new TR Rooms???

b. What is the existing software version of the access control system operating?

c. Are we expected to support version updates as part of this contract?

d. Are there sufficient Access Control Software licenses to support the new doors?

e. Is there any existing integration between the access control and CCTV systems?

f. IF so, what is the base platform (Access Control or Video) that operate both?

g. Is there a current vendor/installer of this system that we can contact?

h. Is there an existing SSA in place for Access Control, and who is vendor servicing SSA?

i. Are there existing software licenses available from the VA that can be used for new reader / Controllers?

Telecom/Electri cal

The VA Security Specialist will coordinate

j. Does new access control need to be FICAM Compliant? Is there a current FICAM License?

k. Is CESIP Certification required?

l. Is there an existing interface between Access Control & Video

m. Who is the desired manufacturer of the card Readers to be installed?

149. 10/29/24

We respectfully request the RFI deadline be extended for this project with the amount of detail that is provided in the solicitation documents.

VA

The RFI deadline will not be extended. Late questions can be submitted, but we don’t guarantee they will be answered.

150. 10/29/24

REF Division 27: Will additional data drops be required? If so, what percentage of additional drops are needed?

Telecom

An allowance of 20% is allowed for cables, devices, and patch panels that were not located from the survey, and to cover cost of equipment (J Hooks, etc) for unexpected routing issues. It is anticipated that existing data rough-ins are adequate to accommodate new cabling.

151. 10/29/24

REF Division 28 Security: What is the existing PACS, IDS & CCTV manufacturer(s) installed at this facility? Are there preferred manufacturer(s) for this project?

Telecom

The VA Security Specialist will coordinate

152. 10/29/24

REF Division 28 Security: Is there a security maintenance contractor for this facility? If so, can the VA please provide the point of contact for this maintenance contractor?

Telecom

The VA Security Specialist will coordinate

153. 10/29/24

REF Division 28 Security: Will additional licenses need to be provided for additional cameras? Or are there enough licenses available?

Telecom

The VA Security Specialist will coordinate

154. 10/29/24

REF Division 28 Fire Alarm: What is the existing fire alarm manufacturer installed at this facility? Is there a preferred manufacturer for this project?

Electrical

The VA Security Specialist will coordinate

155. 10/29/24

REF Division 28 Fire Alarm: Is there a fire alarm maintenance contractor for this facility? If so, can the VA please provide the point of contact for this maintenance contractor?

Electrical Federal Fire in Nashville

156. 10/29/24

Is this project sales tax exempt? If the project is sales tax exempt can the government provide a sales tax exemption certificate?

PM Duplicate.

157. 10/29/24 Can the required SSHO positions be fulfilled by the qualified superintendent? PM Duplicate.

158. 10/29/24 Will there be a QC required to be onsite at all times along with the super/ SSHO? PM Duplicate.

159. 10/29/24

Will the Government provide comprehensive written badging requirements for the project if badging is required?

PM Yes.

160. 10/29/24 Will the Owner or GC be responsible for hiring the commissioning agent? PM Duplicate.

161. 10/29/24 Will the Owner or GC be responsible for purchasing testing and lab services? PM The GC.

162. 10/29/24 Where will the designated parking area be for workers accessing the construction site?

PM Duplicate.

163. 10/29/24

Will the Owner accept the use of the industry leading Procore Project Management software as the primary submittal and data tracking tool for this project?

PM Duplicate.

164. 10/29/24 How soon after award is NTP expected to be issued? VA

NTP will be issued either on the day of the Post Award…