The file's text, extracted by GovTribe without its formatting.
RFP 36C77624R0114_1 EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades - Loch Raven, MD - Construction
TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND VA RESPONSE TRACKING SHEET
ITEM
NO.
| DATE QUESTION RECEIVED |
| DATE QUESTION ANSWERED |
| QUESTION |
| GOVERNMENT RESPONSE |
| 1. |
| 12/6 |
| 12/27 |
| Sheet 1-AE301 shows art pieces and letters on the walls. Is the contractor responsible for providing these? If so, please provide additional information, specs, basis of design, etc. |
Hallway art will be provided by the VA after project completion.
Will this project be tax exempt? If so, will the government provide a certificate?
Please refer to section 1.5 on page 7 of the solicitation for tax exempt language.
| 1. |
| 12/18 |
| 12/27 |
| Drawing scale sizes are not correct. Can the VA provide drawings with accurate scale sizes? |
| Yes – CO should have provided a link to updated drawing packages. |
| 1. |
| 12/18 |
| 1/6 |
| Division 26: |
•262416 - The existing panelboards shown on the One Line and Feeder Schedule are not labeled on the floor plans. Can you provide the locations of the existing panelboards?
Existing panelboard locations are indicated on the riser diagram and panel schedules.
| 1. |
| 12/18 |
| 1/6 |
| No Feeder Schedule was included in the drawings. Can a feeder schedule be provided? |
| Yes, a feeder schedule can be provided. |
| 1. |
| 12/18 |
| 1/6 |
| 263353 – Static UPS specifications were included in the project manual, but there were none shown on the plans. Are Static UPS(s) to be provided for this project? If so, can the VA provide updated drawings to show the UPS details? |
| UPS(s) are integrated into the data racks. This section is to outline the requirements that must be satisfied by the integrated UPS(s). |
| 1. |
| 12/18 |
| 1/6 |
| On Drawing EJ2 Detail 1 shows busway, but no busway is shown on the floor plans? Is busway to be provided for this project? If so, can the VA provide specifications and updated drawings to show the busway details? |
| Yes, busway is to be provided in accordance with details 4, 5 or 6 on EJ2. |
| 1. |
| 12/18 |
| 1/6 |
| Are the in-building fiber optic cables “A” and “B” to be installed in a cable tray, conduit, or J-Hooks? |
| In-building fiber optic cables shall be installed in conduits as shown in the drawings. Horizontal Cat-6A cable is to be run in cable tray where it is existing and J-Hooks where cable tray is not |
| 1. |
| 12/18 |
| Duplicate |
| No Feeder Schedule was included with the drawings. Can a feeder schedule be provided? |
| Duplicate to #5 |
| 10 |
| 12/18 |
| 12/23/2024 |
| 281300, 281600, 282300 – We are expanding the current security systems installed. Can the VA advise the manufacturer of the existing PACS, IDS and Video Surveillance? Is there an existing maintenance contract for this system? If so, can you please advise who has this maintenance contract? Will additional software licenses be needed? |
| Cahoon and Associates handles all security items – install and maintenance – on campus. |
| 283100 – We are expanding the current fire detection and alarm system installed. Can the VA advise the manufacturer of the existing Fire Detection and Alarm System? Is there an existing maintenance contract for this system? If so, can you please advise who has this maintenance contract? |
| Existing Fire Detection and Alarm system is a Cerberus Pro System. Maintenance contract is held with the Facilities Team at Loch Raven. |
| 12 |
| 12/19 |
| 12/23/2024 |
| I am requesting an extension of the bid due date. I am noticing that there is a significant lack of response and/or commitment from subcontractors. This can possibly be attributed to personnel traveling or being generally out of the office for the Holidays, causing staff shortages and constraints on abilities to commit to preparing bids. |
| Bid date will be extended to January 17th, 2025 (1/17/2025). |
| 13 |
| 12/20 |
| 12/23/2024 |
| Are there CAD drawings that can be shared? |
| Yes |
| 14 |
| 12/20 |
| 1/6 |
| States cabinet colors shall be white. Please confirm that all cabinets are white in color 27 11 16 -02 2.1.E |
| Confirmed. |
| 15 |
| 12/20 |
| 1/6 |
| 2nd Floor overall level on plan between grid lines 19 and 66 show an area where network drops are not installed. Please confirm there are no network drops being installed in that area. 01-TN102 Overall Level 02 Technology |
| Refer to forthcoming addendum 1 for additional information. These rooms will need field verification of drop locations, assume two dual drop locations per room. |
| Section is calling for a 1U 48 port copper patch panel. Please confirm. 27 11 19- 2 2.2 |
| 48 port angled patch panels shall be 1U per 271119-2.1-A, B.C and D1 and 2. |
| The link provided to obtain copies of the Standard Form 24 takes me to an error page on the GSA.gov website. Can you please provide a new link or provide the Standard Form 24 in as a direct file download? The link given is below for reference. http://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/type/TOP |
| Added Attachment 02- SF24 Bid Bond to amendment 0004 |
| 18 |
| 12/23 |
| 12/23/2024 |
| Attachment+7+-+EHRM+Infra+Upgrade+Drawings+1+of+2+Dated+12.10.24 and Attachment+8+-+EHRM+Infra+Upgrade+Drawings+2+of+2+Dated+12.10.24 are dated 03/22/2024 and are sized at 42x30. All other Drawing attachments are dated 2/14/2024 and are sized at 11x8.5. Please clarify which drawings are to be used for this bid and if there is any purpose for the two different sets with two different dates and sizes. |
| Will be provided with accurately sized drawings. |
| 19 |
| 12/23 |
| 12/27 |
| Please advise of the existing automatic temperature control/energy management contractor |
| JCI handles the Metasys Building Management System (BMS) |
| 20 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Can the roles of superintendent, QCM, and SSHO be shared by one individual? Or must separate individuals fill each of these roles? |
| There is nothing prohibiting one individual from having both roles but, they must be fully qualified to meet both roles and it is strongly suggested that these roles are fulfilled by two separate individuals. |
| 21 |
| 12/23 |
| 12/23 |
| Please confirm, is all work for this entire project to take place during off hours? |
| No, work is to be completed during standard working hours with off hours work to be scheduled on an as-needed basis. |
| 22 |
| 12/23 |
| Duplicate |
| Please confirm, is this project sales tax exempt? |
| Duplicate of RFI #2 |
| 23 |
| 12/23 |
| 12/27 |
| Is there an existing roof warranty applicable to roof areas requiring modification as part of this contract? If so, please provide a point of contact for the company that holds the existing warranty. |
| VA holds all warranties for on-campus building roofs and can provide information as needed. |
| 24 |
| 12/23 |
| Duplicate |
| Is there a proprietary fire alarm contractor at the facility? If so, please provide a point of contact for the fire alarm contractor. |
| Duplicate of RFI #11 |
| 25 |
| 12/23 |
| Duplicate |
| Is there a proprietary DDC controls contractor at the facility? If so, please provide a point of contact for the controls contractor. |
| Duplicate of RFI #19 |
| 26 |
| 12/23 |
| 12/27 |
| Is there a designated location for material staging? If so, where is it? |
| Lay down/staging area will be discussed between VA and contractor awarded the PO during the first post-award site visit. |
| 27 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Is the contractor responsible for costs associated with electronic document control software throughout the duration of the project? |
| Contractor is responsible for management cost of the project and electronic document control is a requirement. |
| 28 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Is the contractor responsible for providing new conduit at all new cable drop locations? |
| The contractor is responsible for providing new conduit at all drop locations where conduit does not exist or is too small to meet the 40% max fill requirement. |
| 29 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Is the contractor responsible for providing new sleeves at all rooms receiving new data drops, or are there existing sleeves that can be reused? |
| The contractor is responsible for providing sleeves at all rooms where required. Existing sleeves may be utilized if all sleeve sealing requirements are met. |
| 30 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Please confirm that all firestopping must be either installed by an FM global approved contractor, or a UL qualified firestop contractor certified. |
| FM global is an insurance certification of certified fireproofing installers. UL certified qualified firestop contractor should be engaged for the required work. |
| 31 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Please confirm that the contractor is to provide third party independent inspections. |
| Contractor shall provide third-party inspections where required in the scope/drawings/specs. |
| 32 |
| 12/23 |
| Duplicate |
| 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. |
| Duplicate of RFI #30 |
| 33 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| 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. |
| GC to submit contractor’s qualifications for review. |
| 34 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| 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. |
| Per VA specification 01 45 00, Section 3.4-B & C, the CQC System Manager (can be a superintendant or team lead) must hold the required certification. Laborers are required to demonstrate they have the specific skillset and experience related to the work but are not required to hold a certification. |
| 35 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Please confirm cable installer must have on staff a Registered Communication Distribution Designer (RCDD) certified by Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI). |
| This is confirmed per 270511 1.10-E and Division 1. |
| 36 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| 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. |
| AISC certification for the steel erectors can be waived but, the shop drawings and fabrication must be done by an AISC certified shop. |
| 37 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Please confirm this project must meet the buy American act requirements. |
| Buy America is in place for all VA projects, this project shall comply. |
| 38 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| 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. |
| Correct, for area of paint touch up – otherwise painting is to be in conformance with the paint specification. |
| 39 |
| 12/23 |
| 12/23 |
| 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? |
| Dust generating work completed in patient areas that cannot be done inside of an ICRA barrier must utilize a HEPA cart. |
| 40 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Can the data cables be allowed to be fished in where pathways are not large enough? |
| Conduit fill ratios requirement must be adhered to. In nearly all locations less cables are being installed than are being removed. Open cable in wall (ring and string) is not allowed. |
| 41 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Will flexible metal conduit be allowed? |
| Yes, but it may only be used for connection to motors, electrical equipment subject to movement, vibration, misalignment, cramped quarters, or noise transmission, and lighting fixtures. Installation shall comply with NFPA 70. For data cabling, flex conduit will only be allowed where specifically called out on the drawings. Where flex conduit is called out as allowable increase the conduit by 1 full trade size. |
| 42 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Does the VA have extra network equipment (switch gear, routers, UPS's) to keep the network connected during construction and cut over? |
| Yes – National OIT for the VA can provide up to 10 switches to assist the phased approach. Contractor to provide VA with three (3) months notice before cut over so VA can procure additional equipment. |
| 43 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Please confirm all CAT6A-CMP cable shall be tested to 10G ANSI performance installed on this project |
| This is confirmed |
| 44 |
| 12/23 |
| 12/23/2024 |
| Will the contractor have access to elevators in each of the areas where needed? |
| Yes |
| 45 |
| 12/23 |
| 12/27 |
| 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? |
| Work will be done in phases and contractor should refer to phasing plan provided with contract documents for bidding purposes. |
| 46 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| For bidding purposes, is the contractor to assume all new cable will require new pathways, and that no existing pathways are to be reused? |
| Existing pathways may be reused provided they meet the requirements of 270533 and 270536. |
| 47 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| 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? |
| Cat6A horizontal cable in corridors shall be run in cable trays and conduit where indicated on the drawings. Backbone fiber optic cable is to be run in conduit. |
| 48 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Is the contractor responsible for providing maxcell innerduct at all new interior backbone cable runs? |
| Maxcell innerduct is not required for interior backbone fiber runs. |
| 49 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Is the contractor responsible for providing maxcell innerduct at all new exterior backbone cable runs? |
| Yes, Maxcell fabric innerduct shall be provided for all exterior backbone runs, provide innerduct packs sufficient to provide one cell per cable with two spare cells per conduit run. |
| 50 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| 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? |
| All in wall cable drops are to be fed through conduit. |
Existing conduit that is sized to meet the 40% max fill requirement may be re-used where new drops are replacing existing drops, for new drop locations where conduit does not exist the contractor is responsible for providing conduit and back box to serve the drop.
| 51 |
| 12/23 |
| 12/27 |
| Is The contractor responsible for furnishing and/or installing any furniture or equipment shown on drawing page 1-AQ101? |
| Furniture will be provided by the VA after project completion. |
| 52 |
| 12/23 |
| 12/27 |
| Civil drawings CD101, CD102, and CD103 show a scale of 1’’ = 500’, however this does not seem to be accurate. Please clarify what the correct scale is on these pages? |
| Appropriate drawings will be provided. |
| 53 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Is grass area to be restored using seed or sod? |
| Seed is acceptable. |
| 54 |
| 12/23 |
| 12/27 |
| The specifications indicate the contractor is responsible for watering and maintenance of all new plants, grass, and landscape work. For how long after acceptance is the contractor responsible for continuous watering and maintenance as part of this contract? |
| Once landscaping work is completed, approved, and turned over to the government, the contractor will not longer be responsible for maintenance and watering. |
| 55 |
| 12/23 |
| 12/27 |
| Is the contractor to provide new fire extinguisher cabinets and associated signage at all new TRs, TEs, and MCR? |
| Yes, contractor to provide fire extinguishers in appropriate storage along with all new signage. |
| 56 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Please confirm, is the contractor required to hire an acoustic specialist to provide a noise and vibration control plan? |
| Acoustical specialist and reports are required and at the discretion of the VA for when to be engaged. Recommend carrying the cost for work at Building One |
| 57 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Will temporary structural shoring be required at Building 1 where exterior walls are being demolished for the new addition to be built? |
| Means and methods are by the GC. Shoring should be assumed for any new structural work and at any location where the existing construction is opened for new addition work. Provide a shoring cost line itemed for review in case the shoring is not required for VA to review. |
| 58 |
| 12/23 |
| Duplicate |
| Please confirm that all cabinets are to be white in color, per 27 11 16 – 02 2.1.E |
| Duplicate of RFI #14 |
| 59 |
| 12/23 |
| 12/23/2024 |
| Are there any existing CAD drawings available to be shared? |
| Yes |
| 60 |
| 12/23 |
| Duplicate |
| Please confirm there are no network drops being installed in the area shown on the 2nd floor overall level between grid lines 19 and 66, per 01-TN102. |
| Duplicate of RFI #15. |
| 61 |
| 12/23 |
| Duplicate |
| Please confirm 1u 48 port copper patch panels are required per 27 11 19 – 2 2.2? |
| Duplicate of RFI #16. |
| 62 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Drawing EJ2 Note 1 depicts a Typical Power Busway Components for Server Rows. However, |
this detail is shown as NTS, and based on review of the documents, we haven’t located another detail depicting this information. Detail also advises “for server rows”. Please provide the following information to accurately provide pricing:
. Quantity of Server Rows . Quantity of Power Busway(s) requested & a Basis of Design/Part #’s etc.
. Length of typical Power Busway(s) . Amperage & Voltage for each Power Busway(s) . AIC and quantities of all taps for each run Refer to details 4, 5 or 6 on EJ2 for additional information regarding amperage and voltage for each busway. The AIC rating for each tap should be 10,000. The installing contractor is responsible to determine quantity and length.
| 63 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Please confirm if any new Door Holders are/will be required, relative to the Fire Alarm System, as none were identified within the Electrical Drawings, where the FA System is depicted |
| No new door holders will be required. |
| 64 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Please provide specification for 3rd Party Electrical Acceptance Testing. |
. Requirements for Testing of the Electrical Equipment are needed i.e. Panelboard, Circuit Breakers, Transformers, Feeder cables, etc. i.e. what specific sizes are required to be 3rd Party Tested?
Specification section will be provided.
| 65 |
| 12/23 |
| Duplicate |
| Owner/Building Maintenance Team, please provide the manufacturer and the preferred FA Vendor/Contractor for Servicing and new installation of the existing system. |
| Duplicate of RFI #11 |
| 66 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Owner/Building Maintenance Team, please provide a picture and/or manufacturer of the Existing Panels and Breakers below: |
H1 . RP1-Sect 2 . RP2-Sect 3
. RP-1S1
. RP-1N
. RP-2W
. MP
Manufacturer of most panels/breakers at the Loch Raven campus is Square D.
| 67 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Spec Section 262200 reads as the Spec for LV Transformers. However, the Spec section under that number isn’t for |
LV Transformers. Is/Will a transformer specification be provided for the dry-type transformers?
The version of spec section 262200 provided with the bid documents submission is correctly edited to contain information regarding dry-type transformers.
| 68 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Drawing E2 Schedule doesn’t include a manufacturer, model number/, wattage, etc. for the Type EM1 fixture. Please provide this information. |
| Manufacturer: Lithonia Lighting |
Model: ELM4L BAA Wattage: 3.5W Lumens: 640 Color Temp.: N/A Finish: White
| 69 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Will a detail for Telecomm, Security, and WAPs Rough-In be provided i.e. illustrating conduit sizes to utilize? If not, please advise conduit size and any other requirements for each system. |
| Existing cables to devices are being replaced, maintain existing pathways and mounting. |
| 70 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Will cable tray only be required within Comm Rooms and not leave those areas? |
| Cable tray will be required within new and renovated communication rooms, existing corridor pathways will be re-used. |
| 71 |
| 12/23 |
| 12/23 |
| Please advise on any Shutdown Requirements-Hours, Days, and Timeframes allowed for tying in new panels, breakers, wire, etc. during normal hours and/or off hours. |
| All shut downs will be scheduled on an as-needed basis. Standard VA practice is to schedule a shut down with two (2) weeks notice for the rest of the campus. That is when the shut down must be finalized, so it is requested contractors submit shut down requests to CORs with three (3) weeks notice. |
| 72 |
| 12/23 |
| Duplicate |
| Will a Feeder Schedule be provided? |
| Duplicate from RFI #5 |
| 73 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Regarding the Rack-Mount UPS’ – Is there a preferred UPS manufacturer? |
Please provide Basis of Design Model # Confirm it is a 3 phase 5kW rack mount UPS as indicated on EJ-2 Details 4, 5, and 6.
Manufacturer: APC by Schneider Electric Model: SRT6KRMXLT
| 74 |
| 12/23 |
| 12/23 |
| What is the Period of Performance, Anticipated Start/Finish Dates? |
| 540 days from NTP. |
| 75 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Who is responsible for the new conduits in and between the buildings? |
| Refer to the Civil drawings and suggested matrix of responsibility on sheet TN000. |
| 76 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/3 |
| Is there a color preference for cabling and jacks? |
| a.All cables, at a minimum, will be Unshielded Twisted 4-Pair (UTP) rated Cat 6 or higher, or meet specific manufacturer specifications. |
b.Data-1 cable sheath shall be “Orange” in color.
c.Data-2 cable sheath shall be “Yellow” in color.
d.Date-3 cable sheath shall be “Orange” in color.
e.Voice cable sheath shall be “White” in color f.Wireless Network cable sheath shall be “Bright Green” in color g.Nurse Call System cable sheath shall be “Light Green” in color h.Get Well Network cable sheath shall be “Bright Orange” in color i.Biomedical Systems and Badge Access System cable sheath shall be “Purple” in color j.All cables must be one continuous run between workstation and communications closet – NO SPLICES.
k.All cables will be installed in conduit from wall jack to ceiling and stubbed out above false ceiling and run -in cable trays or other designated cable support to telecom closets
| 77 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Will this project require a permit? |
| Project does not require any permits from an authority having jurisdiction. |
| 78 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| What are the required fiber connector type? |
| Per 271323-12i, 3.1.A LC adapters required. |
| 79 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| What manufactures are acceptable for this install? |
| Refer to Technology Equipment Schedule on Sheet TN600. |
| 80 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Who is responsible for demoing the exiting cabling? |
| Existing data cabling and equipment to be removed shall be removed under the supervision of the Division 27 provider. |
| 81 |
| 12/23 |
| 1/6 |
| Is there any existing cabling to remain if so do you have a current print with this information? |
| Cabling for information outlets not shown on the demolition sheets shall remain, any systems cabling not shown on the demolition sheets or noted in the specifications shall remain. Refer to technology demolition notes on sheet TN000 for additional information. Existing security and nurse call systems shall remain and be kept operational during the project. |
| 82 |
| 12/23 |
| 12/27 |
| Could you please advise on crane/hoisting access for the steel at the north side of building 1? |
| Crane/hoist access plans will be drafted up by the contractor 4-6 weeks before use. The plan will be reviewed by the VA before advising Police and staff of any road closures needed. |
On drawing 1-MH 1 detail 1,2,4 and 5. Drawing 5-MH 1 detail 1 all mention PVC for the condensate drain piping. (1-MH 2 no condensate drain piping shown on the drawings) Drawing 7-MH 1 mentions copper condensate drain piping. In the spec book 3 of 4 (page 167) 23 23 00-4, 2.1 B mentioned below.
B. Water and Drain Piping: Copper water tube, ASTM B88M, Type B or C (ASTM B88, Type M or L). Optional drain piping material: Schedule 80 flame retardant Polypropylene plastic.
Can you please clarify which pipe material is required for this project There should be no PVC piping. It should all be what is in the spec. Optional piping is only to be considered if the specified pipe is not available and it needs to be prior authorized by the VA and the design team.
| 84 |
| 1/3 |
| 1/6 |
| SECTION 28 05 00 |
Manufacturers Qualifications: The manufacturer shall regularly and presently produce, as one of the manufacturer's principal products, the equipment and material specified for this project, and shall have manufactured the item for at least three years. The Prime Contractor is required to use Calhoon and Associates as a subcontractor for all Physical Security work. Police Services has existing active contract with Calhoon and Associates for security work on campus.
Could you please provide the contact information for Calhoon and Associates? I was unable to locate it in the documents.
Samuel Cahoon samj@callcus.com 571-366-0798
