Attachment 21 - Tech Questions Tracker - 07022025.pdf

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND SOLICITATION #: 36C77625R0046

RESPONSES TRACKING SHEET PROJECT TITLE: EHRM IU Construction Project - Muskogee

# RECEIVED

Discipline

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

1 6/9/2025 ECC 6/23/2025 Drawing TN-77 – Note 7 calls to install 1 new 4” conduit adjacent to existing conduit system. There is no information in the new site plan showing the route of this new conduit. Please provide all new fiber pathways on site plan TN-

Existing and new 4” conduits follow a straight shot between Bldg. 22 & 24 crossing above the loading dock, suspended from the roof / cover. In the warehouse area of Bldg. 24 the existing and new 4” conduits are suspended from the ceiling and make a dogleg tying into “Note 12” on Drawing TN-78. New fiber pathways are provided on the building floor plans not the site plan.

2 6/9/2025 ECC 6/23/2025 Can you please clarify the fiber pathway from 201B-51 to all other locations to allow for us to get fiber lengths? Building 22, 24, and 01 do not show the pathway causing issues with getting fiber take off.

There is no room “201B-51”. This is a contractor’s means & methods, to verify cable lengths. From room “201B-52” see Drawing TN-80 – Notes 2, 4, 12, 13, & 14. For Bldg. 22 see Drawing TN-77 – Note 7. Bldg. 24 see Drawing TN-78 – Notes 11 & 12. For Bldg. 1 see Drawings TN-18 – Note 8, TN-20 – Note 2, and TN-82 Notes 16 & 17.

3 6/9/2025 Spees 6/23/2025 The fire sprinkler drawing 52F-102 for the Telephone Equipment Room 201B-52

(TELEPHONE

EQUIPMENT ROOM) in building 52 does not have a clean agent system. If a clean agent system is required provide specifications and requirements on how the system is to operate and if it is to connect back to the fire alarm system.

Clean agent not currently required for existing space; a separate project is providing a Data center.

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

4 6/9/2025 Spees 6/23/2025 General Note on Sheet EPG01 states “Any and all fire alarm work including, but not limited to, equipment relocation, extending existing cables and raceways, and equipment demolition shall be preformed by a licensed fire alarm contractor.”

There is not fire alarm devices shown on the drawings and there are no fire alarm specifications.

Identify all fire alarm work required on this project.

Expansion of existing spaces for new telecom rooms may necessitate coordination of fire alarm equipment relocation as general note states.

5 6/9/2025 DAV 6/23/2025 52EP402 shows two existing Libert units. These units are not shown on the mechanical drawings.

Confirm there is not work requried on these units. If there is work requried provide the sequence of operations and necessary information on how they are to operate.

Liebert units are existing to remain, shown for awareness and coordination only.

6 6/9/2025 DAV 6/23/2025 Sheet M-102B has 4 equipment tags for ductless split system units. The mechanical schedule on M- 401 lists one ductless split system. Confirm there are to be 4 of the same unit shown on the mechanical schedule.

The mechanical schedules on M-401 do not list quantity for any of the rooms; the floor plan drawings show how many of each unit will be in each room, and the schedules show the information for the model that will be in each room. For example, for sheet M-102B, room 201B-52 will have qty 4 of the Daikin FTXS30LVJU and room 2C50B-1 will have qty 2 of the Daikin

FTXS30LVJU.

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

7 6/9/2025 DAV 6/23/2025 Detail 1 on sheet M-502 states that the ductless split system units are to operate continuously. In room 201B-52 shows existing Libert CRAC’s. Are the units in this room running continuously or do they only turn on if the room is above a certain temperature?

Units are intended to operate and maintain required environmental conditions at all times

8 6/9/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Is there a proprietary Fire Alarm Contractor at the facility? If so, please provide the company name and point of contact

This information will be given to the winning bidder.

9 6/9/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Is there a proprietary Controls Contractor at the facility? If so, please provide the company name and point of contact.

This information will be given to the winning bidder.

10 6/9/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Is there a proprietary Cameras at the facility? If so, please provide the company name and point of contact.

This information will be given to the winning bidder.

Con11 6/9/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Is there a proprietary Access Controls at the facility? If so, please provide the company name and point of contact.

This information will be given to the winning bidder.

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

12 6/9/2025 Spees 6/23/2025 Detail 2 on 52EP402 for room 201B-52 has key note 8 is for power to these doors for access controls.

These doors are shown as existing and do not receive any new hardware. Advise if new hardware is required for the exterior doors to this room.

New door hardware is required. Reference Detail ‘2’, Sheet 52EP402 and General Note ‘3’ on Sheet EPG001 for additional Information. For additional information, reference Detail Note ‘2’ on Detail ‘2’ of Sheet EP506.

13 6/9/2025 Spees 6/23/2025 Confirm that detail 2 / EP506 for a key pad card reader applies to all TR rooms.

Detail ‘2’, Sheet EP506 applies to all TRs where called out.

14 6/9/2025 VA Provide locations where the existing access controls panels are located.

15 6/9/2025 ECC 6/23/2025 TN-120 calls for B53 TR BB-103 to get A and B side fiber. There is no TR with that room number. Please confirm if this is the correct room number or if it’s supposed to be B53 BB- 100C.

Yes, this room locations was changed. Correct location is “B53 BB-100C”.

16 6/9/2025 ECC 6/23/2025 What scope of work is required for the Telephone Equipment Room? Do we need to provide trunk cables for diverse touring cabinets to horizontal distribution area or diverse routing horizontal distribution area to main distribution area?

Refer to sheet TN-45 for demolition scope and TN-109 for scope of work. Diverse routing in compliance with project drawings and specifications, including references (section 27 05 11 Part 1.3 B.) are required.

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

17 6/9/2025 ECC 6/23/2025 TN-114 detail 6 shows space in the racks for UPS/PDUs. Is the VAs intent to install 5KVA UPS in the racks instead of 2 - 80KVA UPS per other EHRM projects?

Per coordination prior to 100%, this is not an MCR.

(SHM response: Provide electrical equipment per details called out on Detail ‘2’, sheet 52EP402. For additional information, see detail ‘1’ on sheet EP503.)

Refer to Electrical Series drawings and specifications for rack mounted UPS requirements.

18 6/9/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Sheet-61 shows new conduit being installed through what appears to be a parking lot. What material is the existing parking lot for replacement purposes?

Concrete

19 6/9/2025 ECC 6/23/2025 TN-121 provides a copper cable diagram. Please provide information on the copper pathway to allow for proper take-off.

This is a contractor’s means & methods, to verify cable lengths. Review building demolition floor plans to identify the existing conduit pathways to be reused.

20 6/9/2025 ECC 6/23/2025 TN-121 Is the pathway for all copper existing?

Proposed copper pathways are reusing existing conduit pathways.

21 6/9/2025 ECC 6/23/2025 TN-121 Building 6 200 pair copper is called to be existing that is going to be relocated. Please confirm the copper has enough length to be relocated to the new location.

Relocation is happening within Room “201B-52” this is a contractors’ means & methods. See Drawings TN-109 & TN-45.

22 6/9/2025 ECC 6/23/2025 TN-60 shows existing copper backbone running to some of these TRs.

Please confirm if the VA would like us to demo the existing copper backbone and install all new?

Yes, but not all. Existing copper backbone is to be demoed and installed new. Except for Bldg. 6 see Item #21 above and Drawing TN-121.

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

23 6/9/2025 ECC 6/23/2025 TN-121 please confirm the type of copper backbone.

Example is it UTP, OSP, ISP, PE89, Armored, etc.?

Refer to project specifications for backbone requirements.

24 6/9/2025 ECC 6/23/2025 TN-80 note 6 calls for innerduct in this pathway.

Please confirm the only pathway that needs innerduct is the exterior ductbank.

See “General Notes… A” Drawing TN-1.

25 6/9/2025 7Gen 6/23/2025 The finish schedule on sheet G-300 lists RSF-1 as a resilient sheet flooring, which is being installed in the TR rooms. Confirm that the floor is to be a VCT 12x12 static dissipative flooring system such as Armstrong Excelon SDT or approved equivalent, not a sheet flooring system?

VCT 12x12 static dissipative flooring system is correct

26 6/9/2025 7Gen 6/23/2025 Room 108-24 on sheet 24A-201 calls for LVT-1 to be installed. The extent of flooring replacement is not shown. What is the square footage of the flooring to be installed and does existing flooring need to be demoed in this room?

Existing flooring will be required to be demoed, and replaced with 165 sf ot LVT-1

27 6/9/2025 DAV 6/23/2025 M-101A drawing calls out 2 split system head units in TR 101-1 and 104A-22 but the mechanical schedule only shows 1 in these rooms. This has been found in multiple drawings.

Please confirm how many head units are needed in each space?

See response to RFI 6 above

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

28 6/9/2025 DAV 6/23/2025 M-401 mechanical schedule does not match up with the room detail drawings. Please confirm what mechanical equipment is required for each space.

See response to RFI 6 above

29 6/9/2025 DAV 6/23/2025 M-104A drawing shows the refrigerant lines running above the new 4-post racks. This is found in multiple locations. Please confirm this is acceptable.

Routing must meet all applicable codes and requirements.

30 6/9/2025 VA Please confirm no leak detection or drip pans are needed in the TRs.

31 6/9/2025 DAV 6/23/2025 M-401 The ductless split cooling unit schedule calls out Daikin units that are cooling only (RKS30LVJU).

Please confirm if these need heating or not, if heating is needed provide correct model.

Units specified per design are cooling only due to heat gain in the rooms.

32 6/9/2025 ECC 6/23/2025 TN-79 Shows new locations for data drops in areas that TN-17 don’t show existing drops. These new locations do not show any trenching and patching of walls on the architectural walls. Please confirm if these areas need trenching work or if we’re placing new drops only in existing pathways.

Contractor’s means & methods. Overhead distribution above the drop ceiling does not require trenching. There may be some patching of walls required.

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

33 6/9/2025 7Gen 6/23/2025 24A-201 The door schedule for door 112-24 is missing the HW Set.

Please provide the hardware for this door.

The Hardware set is: CE201T

34 6/9/2025 7Gen 6/23/2025 53A-203 Drawing calls for a 45 min fire rated door but the wall that’s being patched next to the door is called to be wall type A4 which isn’t fire rated.

Please confirm if TR walls need to be fire rated or not.

TR Walls are required to be one hour fire rated

35 6/9/2025 7Gen 6/23/2025 53A-201 Drawing calls for the new tr walls for 1B- 119B to be wall type A4, which is not fire rated. The door is called to be 45 min rated. Please confirm if the wall needs to be fire rated or not.

TR Walls are required to be one hour fire rated

36 6/9/2025 7Gen 6/23/2025 The drawings don’t show any fire extinguisher cabinets at TR rooms. Are fire extinguishers / cabinets required. If so, provide requirements for fire extinguishers, cabinets & locations.

A 13 Lb clean agent fire extinguisher is required in tall TR rooms. Fire extinguisher is not required to be housed in a cabinet and can utilize a wall mounted bracket

37 6/9/2025 7Gen 6/23/2025 Specification section 10 26 00 Wall & Door protection is included in the bid document. No work is shown on the documents.

Advise where each product is to be installed.

Corner guards are required at all new corners created. Please place corner guards at all new corners.

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

38 6/9/2025 DAV 6/23/2025 General Note 18 on sheet M-001 states to Restore existing fire proofing to beams. What buildings are structural steel that have existing fire proofing on beams?

Note is intended to require contractor to restore any existing fire conditions per NFPA. Contractor is required to verify existing conditions prior to work to ensure proper restoration.

39 6/9/2025 Gonzalez 6/23/2025 Structural Details 6 & 11 on S-400 show concrete sister beam supports. These detail reference building 22, but do not state what Telecom room this detail applies to, B07A or 104A?

a. Provide as built structural drawings showing locations where the concrete beams are to be installed.

b. Provide extents the new beams need installed.

c. Provide details if any existing MEP will need to be removed for installation.

The intent of structural details 6 & 11/S-400 is to strengthen any existing concrete joists supporting heavy telecom racks in room 104A. TR B07A is supported by a basement slab; therefore, it doesn’t need to be strengthened.

Joist strengthening shall occur for the entire joist length between grids 22.D and staircase wall between grids 22.E and 22.F.

Sister joist strengthening shall connect to existing concrete beam/wall per detail 6/S-400. Refer to sketch below for the extent of structural strengthening required.

Contractor shall survey existing conditions and coordinate with architectural, MEP and telecom drawings prior to construction.

40 6/9/2025 DAV 6/23/2025 What is the existing roofing where split systems are located on sheet M-107A and M-107B?

Contractor to verify existing conditions prior to commencement of work.

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

41 6/9/2025 7Gen 6/23/2025 Specification section 12 36 00 Countertops is included.

No scope is found in the documents for countertops.

Where does this apply?

This section no longer applies as there is no countertop replacement in scope.

42 6/9/2025 Who is the current Internet Service Provider (ISP) for the VA? Please provide a point of contact?

43 6/9/2025 Confirm the existing ISP is terminated in IT Room 107A-22 or current termination point?

44 6/9/2025 ECC 6/23/2025 In detail 2 / TN 48 the note states that a new data center is being built under separate contract. Please confirm there is a future project to build a new data center?

There is a separate project for the design and construction of a new data center building at the site.

45 6/9/2025 ECC 6/23/2025 In detail 2 / TN 48 states to run 96 strand OM1 Multi- Mode Fiber between 107A- 22 to 201B-52. The drawings do not indicate a route. Please provide a route for this Fiber installation.

Contractor’s means & methods. Refer to specifications for requirements of diverse routing of cabling.

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

46 6/9/2025 Spees 6/23/2025 Does feeder 24-P-05B need to go to building 46 panel “G46A”, if so can you provide a drawing for building 46? Are there existing conduits in place for this electrical run?

Feeder “24-P-05B” goes from Building 46 Switchboard “G46A” to Junction Box “JB-24-01” as indicated on 24EP611. Junction Box “JB-24-01” shall be field located in Building 46 near Generator; reference Keynote ‘6’ on Sheet 24EP611 for additional information.

Feed from Switchboard “G46A” to “ATS-24” will require new conduits and is comprised of the following new Feeders and are tagged as indicated below on sheet 24EP611 and 24EP701:

1. “24-P-05B”

2. “24-P-05C”

3. “24-P-05D”

Building 46 is a walk-in enclosure for Generator 46A and Generator 46B. See sheet G-201, gridline 22.F and 22.4 for the corner of Building 46.

47 6/9/2025 Spees 6/23/2025 Where is feeder 24-P-05E, it looks like it should be on sheet 24-EP-100B?

Conduit Tag “24-P-05C” on Sheet 24EP100B shall be revised to read as “24-P-05E”.

48 6/9/2025 Spees 6/23/2025 If the feeder is going to building 46 and being terminated on a 400A breaker, that run will be over [400’] feet long, it would need to have [6] parallel runs of 500MCM. Is feeder 24-P-05B the correct size? Confirm if the existing conduit can be reused, and provide the quantity and sizes.

The feed from Switchboard “G46A” to ATS-24 is new and comprised of the following feeders as indicated on Sheets 24EP611 and 24EP701:

1. “24-P-05B”

2. “24-P-05C”

3. “24-P-05D”

Junction Boxes “24-JB-01” and “24-JB-02” along the feed from Switchboard “G46A” to ATS-24 provide a means for terminating to the 400A ATS and Switchboard feeder breakers. Junction Box “24-JB-01” shall be field located near Switchboard “G46A” within Building 46; junction box “24-JB-02” shall be field located near ATS-24 within Building 24, Room B6-24.

Feeder “24-P-05C” is upsized for voltage drop and spans the majority of the feeder length. The total feeder length from Switchboard “G46A” to ATS-24 is not more than 300ft.

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

49 6/9/2025 Spees 6/23/2025 Is switchboard “GSHBA” from one line sheet 52EP611 actually “GSBHA” for feeder 52-P- 01? There is a “GSBHA” shown on sheet 53EP100S in room 101B-53 Generator Transfer room.

“GSHBA” on sheet 52EP611 should be Switchboard “GSBHA” as indicated on Sheet 53EP100S and on One-line diagram Sheet 53EP611.

50 6/9/2025 6/23/2025 Is this project exempt from sales tax? If so, will the VA provide a tax exemption certificate for use in material purchases?

No. See Special Note regarding FAR 52.229-3 Federal, State, and Local Taxes in the solicitation. It is solely the responsibility of the offeror to include all state and local sales or use taxes for construction materials, and all other applicable taxes, in their bid or proposal price.

51 6/9/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Will the VA permit the use of Procore or an equivalent construction management software platform for submittals and project communications?

Yes

52 6/9/2025 6/23/2025 Will payment applications be accepted for materials stored on-site or in a bonded off-site warehouse?

In accordance with contract terms and conditions, Contractors should not submit an offer assuming the Government will approve monthly progress payments for material and/or equipment procured by the Contractor and stored on the construction site, as space is available, or at a local approved location off the site. Payment of stored materials and/or equipment is at the Contracting Officer’s discretion and will be handled on a case-by-case basis during the contract and under such terms and conditions as the Contracting Officer approves.

53 6/9/2025 6/23/2025 Will the Government consider including an Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) clause in the contract to address significant fluctuations in material pricing?

In accordance with FAR 16.202 and 52.216-1, this requirement will remain a firm-fixed-price contract.

54 6/9/2025 Will the Government provide detailed written requirements for contractor badging? Please clarify the process for obtaining PIV badges, including required documentation, background checks, and estimated processing timeframes.

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

55 6/9/2025 6/23/2025 How soon after contract award does the Government anticipate issuing the official Notice to Proceed (NTP)?

The Notice to Proceed will not be issued until after the Post Award Conference has been held. This depends on the availability of the Parties, as well as an obstacles to the Contractor beginning work.

56 6/9/2025 May one individual serves in dual or multiple roles (i.e., SSHO, QCM, and Superintendent) if they meet all qualification requirements?

Clarification:

If not, is it acceptable for the Superintendent to also serve as the SSHO?

57 6/9/2025 Question 1:

Will the contractor be required to provide a temporary site office or trailer, or will space within the existing facility be made available?

Question 2:

Will the VA allow temporary connection to existing utility infrastructure, with the contractor responsible for metered usage?

58 6/9/2025 Will there be designated parking and staging areas for contractor personnel and deliveries? Will the Government provide on-site storage containers or laydown space, or must these be arranged off-site?

59 6/9/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Please confirm whether the VA will provide and hire the commissioning agent for this project.

Per Contracting discussions with previous COR, Cx was to be handled in house. Confirmed

60 6/9/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Are modular temporary wall systems such as STARC panels approved for meeting ICRA containment requirements?

Refer to project specifications

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

61 6/9/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Is abatement of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) or lead-containing materials (LCM) anticipated under this project? If so, will the VA provide recent asbestos and lead survey reports?

Reports will be available to winning bidder. There is no anticipation but abatement is generally a part of bidder packages.

62 6/9/2025 Are the existing primary and secondary pathways intended to be reused in the buildings

63 6/9/2025 6/23/2025 In addition to the FTP file sharing system, will the VA require Web-based Project Management Software?

Yes. The VA has added Attachment 20 Spec 01 31 00.01 Project Management and Coordination to the solicitation and will incorporate into the contract.

SET #2 of Questions

1 6/16/2025 6/23/2025 Please provide additional time for this procurement.

EHRM projects of this size and complexity have had significantly longer procurement durations which benefit the VA by giving sufficient time for the contractors resulting in more accurate pricing.

The due date for receipt of offers was extended via amendment 0003 posted to SAM.gov on 6/17/2025.

2 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Please confirm the superintendent shall not have any shared duties as a QCM, SSHO or any other roles on the project.

Not confirmed. Refer to project specifications

3 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Please confirm the SSHO shall not have any shared duties as a QCM, superintendent or any other role on the project.

Not confirmed. Refer to project specifications

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

4 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Please confirm the QCM shall not have any shared duties as a SSHO, superintendent or any other role on the project.

Not confirmed. Refer to project specifications

5 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Please confirm that the contractor is to supply all materials testing for the project.

Confirmed

6 6/16/2025 ECC 6/23/2025 Can it be confirmed that J-hook pathway is acceptable for fiber routing within the same building when cable tray is not viable?

No. Per specs new fiber installation shall be placed in cable tray or metallic conduit.

7 6/16/2025 Please confirm there are no requirements for the contractor to utilize or submit any files or plans in Revit.

Refer to project specifications

8 6/16/2025 7Gen 6/23/2025 Please provide wall types or assumed wall types for rooms that are being cabled and will need new fire rated sleeves. This has been problematic on many other EHRM projects as without this information the contractor has no way of knowing if coring through CMU/Masonry/Concrete is required.

Assumed wall types for rooms is metal stud construction with gypsum board on either side.

9 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 With regards to the Communications Project Manager, can this role be filled by a subcontractor’s staff?

Typically, direct communication lies with the Project Superintendent. Refer to project specifications

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

10 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Typically, the VA requires on EHRM projects that the cable installer must have on staff a Registered Communication Distribution Designer (RCDD) certified by Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI).

Please confirm this will meet the intent of having an RCDD involved in the project.

Refer to project specifications

11 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Please confirm if the VA can and will be flexible on the site phasing plan provided in this procurement.

All phasing plans will be reviewed in accordance with the rules and regulations imposed by the VA design manual and other ruling authorities.

12 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Typically on EHRM projects a “Suggested Matrix of Responsibility” is provided in the Contract Documents.

Please provided a Suggested Matrix of Responsibility” to provide a delineation of scope between Div 26, Div 27 and Div 28.

Refer to project specifications

13 6/16/2025 7Gen 6/23/2025 Please confirm that all firestopping must be either installed by an FM global approved contractor, or a UL qualified firestop contractor certified.

UL qualified firestop contractor certified

14 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Please confirm that the contractor is to include the services of a third party independent firestopping inspector in their bid.

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

15 6/16/2025 7Gen 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. Section 1.1 outlines a UL Certified Install but section 1.5 calls out an FM Global installer.

UL Qualifications

16 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 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.

There is minimal room onsite and there is no way to guarantee sufficient room for trailers, storage, or other commodities that occupy large swaths of land. A small laydown area with enough room for a roll-off dumpster will be provided.

17 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Please provide a site plan showing the contractor trailer and laydown area(s).

Site plans are provided. There is no guaranteed laydown areas.

18 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Please confirm that contractor parking will be provided on site. This directly impacts pricing.

All VA staff, including contractors park about a mile and a half away at Hatbox Field. Buses are provided by the VA for transport of personnel. One truck can also deliver any tools necessary directly onsite, then go their designated parking area.

19 6/16/2025 VA 6/23/2025 Please confirm if this project is tax exempt. If so, will the VA provide the documentation to the prime contractor after award?

No. Reference Special Notes Regarding FAR 52.229-3 Federal, State and Local Taxes in the solicitation. It is solely the responsibility of the offeror to include all state and local sales or use taxes for construction materials, and all other applicable taxes in their bid proposal

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

20 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 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.

Refer to project specifications

21 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 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.

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

22 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Please confirm cable installer must have on staff a Registered Communication Distribution Designer (RCDD) certified by Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI).

Refer to project specifications

23 6/16/2025 VA 6/23/2025 Please confirm this project must meet the buy American act requirements.

Yes, as per the contract documents, compliance with the Buy American Act is required.

24 6/16/2025 7Gen 6/23/2025 Please confirm level 4 finish for all finished gypsum board including patches.

Confirmed

25 6/16/2025 7Gen 6/23/2025 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.

Confirmed

26 6/16/2025 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.

27 6/16/2025 ECC 6/23/2025 Can the data cables be allowed to be fished in where pathways are not large enough?

No, cable between the outlet location and cable distribution support infrastructure must be routed in conduit with pull string.

Refer to Specifications section 27 05 11 Requirements for Communications Installations and Section 27 05 33 Conduits and Backboxes for Communications Systems.

28 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Does the VA have extra network equipment (switch gear, routers, UPS's) to keep the network connected during construction and cut over?

The VA is not aware of any such equipment. If it identified at the time of construction, the site superintendent can verify any such condition with the COR.

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

29 6/16/2025 ECC 6/23/2025 Are we required to use plenum rated cabling for all areas? Can we use riser rated cabling in non plenum spaces?

For horizontal and backbone cabling implementations, the VA OIT Infrastructure Standard for Telecommunications Spaces allows for the use of riser rated cabling in non-plenum spaces. Contractor will need to verify route does not pass through any plenum spaces prior to using riser rated cabling.

30 6/16/2025 ECC/Spees 6/23/2025 Will flexible metal conduit be allowed?

Reference Specifications 26 05 33, 27 05 33, and 28 05 28.33 for flexible metal conduit usage.

31 6/16/2025 ECC 6/23/2025 Please confirm, that all existing conduit stubs for data communications are 3/4".

To the best of our knowledge, yes.

32 6/16/2025 ECC/Spees 6/23/2025 Please confirm existing locations where 1/2" conduits need to be replaced.

Reference Specifications 26 05 33, 27 05 33, and 28 05 28.33 for conduit usage.

This is contractor’s means & methods.

33 6/16/2025 ECC 6/23/2025 General Note ‘A’ states we can reuse existing conduit pathway to the extent possible and shall not exceeded 40% fill on existing pathways, please confirm all pathway sizes.

No, this is contractor’s means & methods.

34 6/16/2025 ECC 6/23/2025 Existing box sizes are not shown in the documents for data outlets. Please clarify how to proceed with figuring if existing boxes will be re-used or if new boxes will need to be provided

Field survey / site review, this is a contractor’s means & methods to provide new boxes as required to comply with the requirements set forth in the project documents.

35 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Please confirm the VA will be working and scheduling with the subsystem vendors on scheduling network outages.

The VA COR will have primary communications with the contractors site superintendent.

36 6/16/2025 7Gen Please provide floor to finish heights and floor to structure heights for all buildings.

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

37 6/16/2025 Is there a current roof warranty for each building?

If so, please confirm who has the roofing warranty and provide point of contact.

38 6/16/2025 6/23/2025 Is the contractor required to provide the licensing for the new Security Cameras? Or will the VA be providing that?

Contractor shall provide everything required for fully functional security camera within a TR.

39 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Please confirm contractor include a 5% allowance per building for additional data drops beyond what are shown on the drawings.

Bidders’ prerogative.

40 6/16/2025 6/23/2025 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.

This project is set aside for SDVOSBs. The bonding requirements must be met for this project per the applicable clauses, provisions, and instructions to offerors.

41 6/16/2025 6/23/2025 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.

This project is set aside for SDVOSBs. The bonding requirements must be met for this project per the applicable clauses, provisions, and instructions to offerors

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

42 6/16/2025 6/23/2025 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.

This project is set aside for SDVOSBs. The bonding requirements must be met for this project per the applicable clauses, provisions, and instructions to offerors

43 6/16/2025 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.

44 6/16/2025 ECC 6/23/2025 Please confirm the work indicated on TN-2 is all existing and no new site work is required for this project?

Drawing TN-2 is a site Demolition print; it is all existing. However, there is new site work required for this project see Drawing

TN-61.

45 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Please confirm that the prime and subcontractors are to assume normal working hours.

Yes

46 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Please confirm all work in corridors is to occur off hours.

Unless given 2-week preauthorization by the COR or CO

47 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Please confirm all work for new TR rooms can occur during normal business hours.

Unless otherwise notified by the COR, stopped for safety reasons, or other unforeseen circumstances set by the VA

48 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Please confirm all work associated with data drops within offices, patient room, etc, need to occur during off hours?

Unless given 2-week preauthorization by the COR or CO

49 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Please define off hours, we assume off hours to be second shift work but need confirmation.

Off hours are any time outside of 0700-1600

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

50 6/16/2025 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.

51 6/16/2025 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 EHRM projects as most facilities do not have the capabilities to utilize AutoCAD.

52 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Please confirm the pre-determined intervals in which the photographic documentation is to be done.

Refer to project specifications

53 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Please provide a list of what work is to be included with the photographic documentation.

Refer to project specifications

54 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 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.

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

55 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 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.

Yes

56 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 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.

Yes

57 6/16/2025 ECC Is there any MaxCell innerduct required in the conduit pathways for Leg A and Leg B fiber runs?

58 6/16/2025 7Gen 6/23/2025 Reflected ceiling plans have not been provided for corridor areas, please identify ceiling types in corridors.

All corridor ceilings are 2x2 lay in ceiling. There are areas with Gypsum board bulkheads.

59 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Is there an incumbent CCTV provider or can everyone bid?

Bidders’ prerogative.

60 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Is there an incumbent Fire Alarm provider or can everyone bid?

Bidders’ prerogative.

61 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Is there an incumbent Access Control provider, or can everyone bid?

Current access control the VA uses is Genetec.

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

62 6/16/2025 7Gen 6/23/2025 The Architectural drawings show the removal and reinstallation of the ceilings where cable tray and conduit is to be installed.

The ceilings have sprinkler heads, HVAC diffusers, fire alarm devices, nurse call devices, lights, speakers etc. How should each trade figure for the work required but not shown.

The intent is that the whole ceiling is not to be removed but portions of ceiling tiles are removed, cable tray is installed, and cable is run. This should minimize need for trades to wholly remove ceilings and reinstall with existing equipment.

63 6/16/2025 7Gen 6/23/2025 Please confirm the ceiling types for bidding purposes in rooms with data devices.

This will have a significant impact in pricing based on potential patching and access panels in these rooms if they are hard lid versus ACT.

The assumed ceiling types are lay in ACT, with no more then 10% of rooms having gypsum board hard lid ceilings

64 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Are the existing WAP’s & cameras to be removed? If yes who is responsible for removing the WAP’s & cameras, E.C. or T.C.?

Refer to project specifications

65 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 If the existing WAP’s & cameras are to be removed who is responsible for reinstalling the WAP’s & cameras, E.C. or T.C.?

Refer to project specifications

66 6/16/2025 6/23/2025 Is the E.C. or T.C.

responsible for providing and installing the new cameras?

Installer shall be qualified to procure and install equipment. Reference Specification 28 23 00, 1.4. for additional information.

67 6/16/2025 Is the E.C. or T.C.

responsible for installing the owner provided WAP’s?

For ECC

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

68 6/16/2025 ECC and

VA

7/2/2025 Are we to assume that areas with existing data devices will not require new fire rated wall sleeves? If new sleeves are required, please provide a count so that bidders will be aligned in scope of work.

Refer to project specifications. All pathways, including existing pathways if utilized, must comply with the firestopping requirements set forth in the project specifications. Reference section 27 05 33 part 3.1, A, c. Any “fire-rated or smoke rated” wall will need sleeves.

69 6/16/2025 VA 7/2/2025 Is the DDC system for this campus proprietary? If so, please confirm the manufacturer(s) allowed.

Unclear question

SET #3 OF QUESTIONS

1 6/25/2025 Lack of Clarity in Terminal Unit Supply Duct Routing:

The drawings are unclear as to how the terminal unit supply duct is to be routed, leading to speculation and inconsistency.

2 6/25/2025 Missing Termination Details: The documents do not indicate where or how the terminal unit supple duct terminates, which is necessary for a complete and functional mechanical layout.

3 6/25/2025 Impractical Duct Routing Requirements: The current notes suggest routing each terminal unit supply duct back to the CHW unit in the referenced mechanical room. In most cases, this routing would span across the building and traverse multiple rooms—an approach that is neither practical nor operationally sound.

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

4 6/25/2025 Balancing Concerns: As currently noted in the drawings, the ductwork would not be balanceable, posing a significant risk to performance and system efficiency.

5 6/26/2025 RFI Set 1, # 4 question asks for information on existing fire alarm devices to be shown on plan sheets and for specifications to be provided for fire alarm equipment. Answer states that we may need to "coordinate fire alarm as general note states." The general note does not state that we only need to coordinate, it says we need to perform this work. Therefore, we must include its financial cost to us in our bid amount. However, it is impossible to estimate these costs without details of existing devices (type, location, manufacturer, etc.). If these details cannot be provided, for the sake of bidding, please state in a new response that any fire alarm changes that may be required will be handled by separate contract and we may need to coordinate with those efforts, or that changes will be accomplished on this contract by an owner-funded change order. In both cases, necessary increases in contract time must be allowed.

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

6 6/26/2025 6/30/2025 RFI Set 2, #33 question asks for existing conduit sizes to determine whether they are or will become filled beyond the 40% limit during the work of this contract. Answer incorrectly states this is a matter of means and methods. We have to know whether the current conduit can handle the work required by the bidding documents. If you cannot provide existing sizes, please confirm that an owner-funded change order will cover the cost of these impossible-to-foresee conditions and allow for more contract time.

Conduit sizes have been identified throughout the print set to the best of our knowledge / ability with the access provided.

Additionally, we cannot confirm that since the survey of conduits that they remain below the 40% limit and the contractor needs to field verify the conditions.

7 6/26/2025 6/30/2025 RFI set 2, #34 asks for existing box information to confirm compatibility with new plans. Response states to do a field survey or site review. This is impossible to do, as it would require entering every room, disconnecting IT cables, removing face plates, and removing jacks from the boxes to inspect them. This would be far too time consuming and extremely disruptive to VA services. For the purposes of bidding, may we assume existing boxes are sufficient to meet requirements so that if they are not the owner will fund the required change order and provide any necessary contract time?

The existing boxes are a mix-match of products, we cannot confirm 100% compatibility. The boxes, including in walls, need to be verified to be sufficient and not assumed to be sufficient.

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

8 6/26/2025 RFI Set 2, #68 asks if fire rated sleeves already exist or if they need to be provided. Response says that firestopping requirements must be met. This response is insufficient and doesn't tell us whether the sleeves are 100% existing or if they are currently missing and must be added for existing pathways. Obviously, new pathways will need new sleeves.

The sleeves are not 100% existing (there are some in place). But through the history of moves adds and changes there are missing items. We can not provide a number of missing items or an estimate quantity of existing items. Contractor needs to field verify the existing pathways and assume installation of some fire rated sleeves.

9 6/26/2025 VA 7/2/2025 The bid due date is currently the Monday after Independence Day. Many people from various companies in the bidding process from GCs to subs to vendors will be taking time off during the week of and/or the week after Independence Day. Please consider moving the bid date into the middle of the following week - any day of the week other than Monday or Friday is always best for increased engagement and response from bidders.

Answered via Amendment to the solicitation.

ANSWERED CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE