Technical Questions Spreadsheet - Lee County - Final 04.08.25.pdf

36C77625B0007 EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades – Lee County VAMC Technical Questions and VA Response Tracking Sheet

ITEM

NO.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

1. 3/20/2025 How soon after contract award is the NTP expected to be issued?

Approximately three weeks after contractor receives the Notice of Award. At this point in time, we cannot provide a definitive answer.

2. 3/20/2025 The solicitation specifies (FAR 52.229-3) that this is not a tax-exempt project. Please confirm this is the case.

Reference Special Notes Regarding FAR 52.229- 3, Offerors are hereby notified that all state and local sales or use taxes for construction materials must be included in their bid or proposal price. It is solely the responsibility of the offeror to include all other applicable taxes in their bid or proposal price as well.

3. 3/20/2025 Will the government provide call-in details and instructions for the bid opening to ensure transparency for all bidders?

Yes, reference specifications section 2.8 BID SUBMISSION Item C Bid Opening.

4. 3/20/2025 Will payment applications for materials be stored on site or in a bonded warehouse be approved?

In accordance with contract terms and conditions, Contractors should not bid assuming the Government will approve payment 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.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

5. 3/20/2025 Current market volatility for materials and equipment due to erratic tariff implementation as well as inflation is affecting pricing. Based on the time required to proceed through award, approval and ordering is the VA including or adding the FAR clause to this solicitation to address changes in pricing from bid date to order date?

In accordance with FAR 52.216-1, this requirement will remain as a Firm Fixed Price contract.

6. 3/20/2025 Will the government include an Economic Price Adjustment Clause in the contract to address price fluctuations in materials?

In accordance with FAR 52.216-1, this requirement will remain as a Firm Fixed Price contract.

7. 3/20/2025 May we receive a two-week extension to be able to respond appropriately after receiving answers to the following questions.

Bids will be due seven days after the responses have been posted via solicitation amendment.

There is a possibility that we will provide ten days after responses have been posted.

8. 3/20/2025 In the event of contract modifications, should bond premiums be applied to the individual modification or wait until the end of the job, when a final modification is issued, to reimburse the contractor for all bond overruns for all mods? We ask this because there is a particular clause that states bond premium overruns are to be invoiced at the end of the project for all modifications.

The clause that I believe being referenced is VAAR 852.236-88 which said, “(4) Bond premium adjustment, consequent upon changes ordered, will be made as elsewhere specified at the time of final settlement under the contract and will not be included in the individual change.”

The clause has been removed from the VAAR and was replaced by VAAR 852.243-70 which no longer says that. Because of this, bond premium adjustments are to be applied to the individual modifications.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

9. 3/20/2025 01 00 00 - 1.5 CONSTRUCTION SECURITY

REQUIREMENTS A. Security Plan: 1. The security plan defines both physical and administrative security procedures that will remain effective for the entire duration of the project. Will the Contracting Officer require submission of the security plan, inclusive of each subsection in this section, in writing by email prior to mobilization? What is the review and approval period?

Per Contract Specification Section 01 33 23, 1.2, the security plan is considered a “preconstruction submittal”. Preconstruction submittals are required prior to issuing contract notice to proceed or starting construction. For example, Certificates of insurance; Surety bonds; Site-specific safety plan; Construction progress schedule; Schedule of values; Submittal register;

List of proposed subcontractors. The security plan submittal is to be complete and in sufficient detail to allow ready determination of compliance with contract requirements. For information regarding the submittal preparation and review period, please review Contract Specification Section 01

33 23 “SHOP DRAWINGS, PRODUCT DATA,

AND SAMPLES”.

10. 3/20/2025 In Section 01 00 00, I.1 – will the phasing plan and schedule be required to be submitted prior to mobilization to the Contracting Officer? 1.5

CONSTRUCTION SECURITY REQUIREMENTS A.

Security Plan: 1. The security plan defines both physical and administrative security procedures that will remain effective for the entire duration of the project. Some areas of the facility will require after hours work to maintain optimum operational capacity for the medical center – should those be reflected as well in the phasing plan? What is the Contracting Officer’s preference on schedule updates and look aheads – weekly or biweekly?

Per Contract Specification Section 01 32 16.15, within 45 calendar days after receipt of Notice to Proceed, the Contractor shall submit for the Contracting Officer's review; three blue line copies of the interim schedule on sheets of paper 765 x 1070 mm (30 x 42 inches) and an electronic file in the previously approved CPM schedule program. The schedule shall reflect the Contractor's approach to scheduling the complete project in accordance with contract requirements.

Contract shall comply with Contract Specification Section 01 32 16.15 “PROJECT SCHEDULES”.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

11. 3/20/2025 If a Prime Contractor is awarded multiple projects at the same VA Medical Center location: Can the Superintendent be shared across multiple projects at the same site/location, or should they only be dedicated full-time to this project?

Per 52.236-6, “At all times during performance of this contract and until the work is completed and accepted, the Contractor shall directly superintend the work or assign and have on the worksite a competent superintendent who is satisfactory to the Contracting Officer and has authority to act for the Contractor.” The super cannot meet the requirement of “at all times” if they are managing other projects.

12. 3/20/2025 Please confirm that per 01 45 00 3.4 B, the Superintendent can also fulfill the Quality Control Manager (QCM) role.

Reference response to Question 114

13. 3/20/2025 If the Super cannot fulfill this role, the average

ADDITIONAL cost for a dedicated QCM is approximately $26,500 per month (salary, labor burden, per diem, housing, company vehicle, monthly return trips home, company phone, etc). We expect this project to be 12 months long, and the bid is expected to increase by $318,000. Please confirm a dedicated QCM is still required.

14. 3/20/2025 If the Super can’t be the QCM, is the QCM required to be onsite full-time, or can they make site visits as required for inspections?

15. 3/20/2025 If the Super can’t be the QCM and the QCM is required to be onsite full-time, should they be assigned to this project only, or can they be assigned to another project as well on the same property?

16. 3/20/2025 If the Super can’t be the QCM, can a subcontractor (e.g., Terracon or a similar testing firm) fulfill the QCM role?

No, a subcontractor cannot be in this role. It must be a member of the prime GC.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

17. 3/20/2025 Please confirm that the Superintendent is not allowed to be the Site Safety & Health Officer (SSHO).

If the superintendent is the QCM, he/she therefore cannot also be the SSHO. If the superintendent is NOT the QCM, he/she may serve in this role provided the requirements are fulfilled as outlined in 1.7 “SITE SAFETY AND HEALTH

OFFICER”

18. 3/20/2025 If the Super can’t be the SSHO, the average ADDITIONAL cost for a dedicated SSHO is approximately $26,500 per month (salary, labor burden, per diem, housing, company vehicle, monthly return trips home, company phone, etc). We expect this project to be 12 months long, and the bid is expected to increase by $318,000. Please confirm a dedicated SSHO is still required.

Reference response to Question 17

19. 3/20/2025 If the Super can’t be the SSHO, can a subcontractor fulfill the SSHO role?

No, also reference response to Question 17.

20. 3/20/2025 Is badging required for the project? All contractors will require a badge at security as done in the site visit.

21. 3/20/2025 Will background checks and fingerprinting be required for any scope of work related to this project?

Yes, background checks and fingerprinting are likely required for construction personnel on this VA project per VA policy (e.g., VA Handbook 0710). Contractors accessing LCHCC facilities, especially for EHRM upgrades, typically need vetting via eQIP and fingerprinting for security clearance, ensuring no disqualifying records.

22. 3/20/2025 If required, how long is the turnaround time for background check results?

Processing time is dependent on the Cape Coral Police department or Lee County Sheriff’s office conducting the fingerprinting.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

23. 3/20/2025 How many hours should the prime contractor and subcontractors budget for on-site badging, safety training, orientation, etc.?

The first day of work the contractor should plan on 3 hours for badging, safety training, and orientation. Daily badging on day 2 to will completion is estimated at 45 minutes each morning.

24. 3/20/2025 Please confirm if tuberculosis testing is required before contractors can commence work onsite.

Yes, contractors will be in clinical and non-clinical areas and should have documentation of negative PPD or QuantiFERON

CONSTRUCTION SAFETY PROGRAM

SOP 516-138S-22-01

(8) Ensuring that if contracted construction worker(s) have been determined to be at risk for transmission of tuberculosis (TB) based upon the TB Preconstruction Risk Assessment, the contractor must provide written certification that all contract employees assigned to the work site have had a pre-placement tuberculin screening within 90 days prior to assignment to the worksite and been found to be with negative screening reactions. This can be the CDC two-step skin testing or a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved blood test. Contract employees manifesting positive screening reactions to the tuberculin must be examined according to current CDC guidelines prior to working on VHA property. Subsequently, if the contract employee is found without evidence of active (infectious) pulmonary TB, a statement documenting examination by a physician must be on file with the employer (construction contractor), noting that the contract employee with a positive tuberculin screening test is without evidence of active (infectious) pulmonary TB. If the contract employee is found with evidence of active (infectious) pulmonary TB, the employee would require treatment

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

and documentation of treatment by the physician before being allowed to return to work on VHA property.

25. 3/20/2025 Please confirm if influenza vaccines are required for all contractors and subcontractors employees who work on the site or if masks will be required.

Contractors are subject to VHA Directive 1192.01, Flu season generally defined December 1st-March 31st)

p. VA Contracting Officers. Contracting Officers shall ensure the flu vaccination requirements outlined in this directive are expected in all HCP contracts. VA contracting officers responsible for on-site HCP contract will inform the contractors about this directive and its requirements.

b. Health Care Personnel (HCP). HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities

d. New HCP whose entry on duty date fall between the date the vaccine becomes available and the end of the influenza season (See Section 3.c) are required to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program. New HCP should wear a face mask until they are vaccinated during influenza season unless they have been given an exemption. New HCP shall be vaccinated within two weeks of beginning employment.

26. 3/20/2025 Please provide the point of contact information for the BMS integration contractor.

Daniel Zumbo HVAC TB Service Controls Manager Johnson Controls – Tampa, FL Cell: 719-217-7206 Daniel.Zumbo@jci.com

27. 3/20/2025 Please provide the point of contact information for the Fire Alarm integration contractor.

IFSS

John Carter (service manager) jcarter@ifssi.com mailto:Daniel.Zumbo@jci.com mailto:jcarter@ifssi.com

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

28. 3/20/2025 Will the VA allow a Temp Wall System (i.e., Starc Wall, Edge Guard, etc) instead of a rigid wall IRCA system?

This usually provides substantial cost savings to the VA.

Yes, if the barrier contains all construction activity/contaminates in a way that eliminates cross contamination to the adjacent areas.

29. 3/20/2025 If fire-rated walls are required, can we use one-hour-rated temp walls, which are ASTMcertified?

Yes. There are no known one-hour walls - only smoke tight walls and 2-hour walls.

30. 3/20/2025 Will the government accept ICRA Walls / Fire Rated Walls to the drop ceiling and fire retardant plastic from the drop ceiling to the deck above?

Yes, as stated it is acceptable.

31. 3/20/2025 If necessary, will negative air machines be permitted to exhaust though HEPA filter into the occupied space?

Yes

32. 3/20/2025 If not, please provide locations where negative air machines can be exhausted.

Reference response to Question 31

33. 3/20/2025 Is any scope of work in this project required to be performed outside of regular work hours?

Yes.

34. 3/20/2025 If so, what trades or scopes will be required to be performed outside of regular work hours?

Electric and HVAC. IT depends on contractor’s work plan and schedule.

35. 3/20/2025 And if so, what will the work hours and days be for scopes required to be performed outside of regular work hours?

The contractor will provide the phasing plan.

36. 3/20/2025 If no temp power is available, a generator will be required, which usually adds significant cost to rent and fuel. Please confirm this is necessary if no temp power is available.

There is no anticipated power loss. Any need for additional cost items will be submitted and reviewed to be approved by the CO.

37. 3/20/2025 Where is the designated contractors' and subcontractors' parking area?

Contractors may park in the back of the building where the loading dock is located.

38. 3/20/2025 Is parking available for 2-3 vehicles for the prime contractor and each subcontractor?

Yes.

39. 3/20/2025 Where shall these people park if the VA cannot make 2-3 spaces available for the prime contractor and each of the subs?

The parking lot.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

40. 3/20/2025 Will the VA provide space for the Prime Contractor’s Superintendent to set up, or should we add costs to our bid for a mobile office?

Yes, in a trailer if you need it. Not within the facility.

41. 3/20/2025 Where can the mobile office be located? Back of building in loading dock area

42. 3/20/2025 Where is the electrical connection for power to the mobile office?

Bulk oxygen yard within 100’

43. 3/20/2025 Are contractors required to set a pole and meter electric usage for the mobile office?

See general specs for metering utilities.

44. 3/20/2025 Is space available for a 8’ x 40’ temporary ground-level office near the electrical connection?

We can provide an 8,941sqft space that includes trailer space, dumpster and laydown utilization.

45. 3/20/2025 Will the VA provide space for a 20-yard dumpster? Yes

46. 3/20/2025 Where shall contractor dumpsters be located? Back of the building.

47. 3/20/2025 Can the VA accommodate a dumpster near the job site? Yes

48. 3/20/2025 Can contractors perform crane lifts during regular hours? Yes, with approved lift plan

49. 3/20/2025 Can utility tie-ins be performed during regular hours? Yes, if there is no affect on utilities needed for daily operation. If such an interruption is anticipated, off hours tie in will be planned with COR. Major tie-ins require two weeks notice.

50. 3/20/2025 Can system commissioning activities be performed during regular hours?

Yes

51. 3/20/2025 Will the VA allow for stored material so that we can procure and lay down long lead items and/or critical path material/equipment?

Stored materials is at the discretion of the contractor for offsite and as room is available onsite. The VA would only be involved if we are allowing contractor to submit for payment.

52. 3/20/2025 Please confirm that the current design documents meet current VA TIL guidelines.

Confirmed

53. 3/20/2025 Is there any work not included in the drawings or contract documents that will need to be performed under the contract?

All documents provided with the solicitation are for the work related to this project.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

54. 3/20/2025 Please confirm that 6’ tall temporary construction fencing is acceptable. We ask this because the standard VA specification is a minimum of 2.1m (seven feet) tall, which is not an industry standard height and would require a custom fence to be made at that height.

Alternatively, an 8’ high fence generally tends to blow over even with sandbags on the bases when the fabric is required to be fastened to the fence, since 8’ tall panels with fabric have to potential to cause damage to property and injury to personal, we strongly recommend using 6’ tall temporary construction fencing.

A 8’ (foot) temporary construction fence is required.

55. 3/20/2025 Where will the condensate drain from the condensate pumps drain to?

Piped away towards nearest drain, typically.

56. 3/20/2025 Please provide a Reflective Ceiling Plan indicating which types of ceilings will be affected by the work.

(ACT with size or Gypsum Board).

The ceiling system will be all drop ceiling.

57. 3/20/2025 If a Reflective Ceiling Plan is not available, which areas and types of ceilings will be affected by the work?

The ceiling system will be all drop ceiling.

58. 3/20/2025 Will a laydown area be provided? Reference response to Question 44

59. 3/20/2025 Please provide the location of the laydown area. Back of building by loading dock.

60. 3/20/2025 Is electrical and water service accessible from the lay down area?

Yes electrical. Don’t know what you’re looking for as of water. There are spickets around the facility.

61. 3/20/2025 What is the size of the laydown area, if provided? Reference response to Question 44

62. 3/20/2025 Will dumpsters required to be in the laydown area? Yes

63. 3/20/2025 Will the VA accept the use of Procure Project

Management software or equivalent as the primary submittal platform?

If you mean Procore, yes.

64. 3/20/2025 Can the SSHO, QCM, and superintendent positions be fulfilled by the same individual, provided qualifications are met?

Reference response to Question 17

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

65. 3/20/2025 If previous question is a No, can the superintendent double as the SSHO?

Reference response to Question 17

66. 3/20/2025 Are contractors required to provide a temporary site office or trailer, or will space be allocated within the existing facility?

Not required but a space is available for this.

67. 3/20/2025 Will the govt allow the contractor to tap into the existing utility infrastructure for temporary utilities?

See 1.17 of general specs

68. 3/20/2025 Is the contractor required to pay for metered utility usage?

The contract is firm fixed price.

69. 3/20/2025 Will there be designated parking and staging area for contractor personnel?

Reference response to Question 44

70. 3/20/2025 Can the govt clarify the process for obtaining PIV badges including estimated processing times?

PIV cards are allocated to the Prime Contractor onsite supervisors. Estimated processing time is 30 days.

71. 3/20/2025 Please confirm the VA will be hiring the commissioning agent or if that is a prime contractor provided service?

See 1.18 of general specs

72. 3/20/2025 Infection Control- please confirm if modular walls (such as STARC) are allowed for IRCA.

Yes, if the barrier contains all construction activity/contaminates in a way that eliminates cross contamination to the adjacent areas.

73. 3/20/2025 Infection Control- please confirm if fire retardant plastic over a frame, provided it maintains integrity and negative pressure if required, as well as provide atrium containment, are allowed for IRCA?

See attachment “LCHCC RFI EHRM”.

74. 3/20/2025 Please confirm the ICRA level of the data center? See attachment “LCHCC RFI EHRM”.

75. 3/20/2025 Will the site require Pedestrian Control for the work in public areas? If so, please provide direction on what is required?

Contractor shall barricade area in public spaces.

LCHC will provide oversight to ensure pedestrian traffic flows through the public area.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

76. 3/20/2025 Will VA please clarify how much time the QC management personnel need to be on site?

Where as the specs do not state how much time QC personnel needs to be there, the expectation is there is a sufficient presence so as to maintain and ensure compliance to all standards.

77. 3/20/2025 Will the VA confirm that most of this project will be performed during normal working hours and what those hours will be?

Most should be performed during normal hours, however, due to patient care/operational need, work may be coordinated off normal hours. This is to be coordinated with the COR and accounted for in the phasing plan.

78. 3/20/2025 Will X-rays be required before saw cutting or coring? Yes

79. 3/20/2025 Does this facility require fire caulking to be installed by a

“certified or licensed installer”?

All skilled trade work is to be done by qualified personnel.

80. 3/20/2025 Confirm that the VA will be responsible for moving out all existing FFE furniture and Equipment that can be moved, in all areas, prior to construction?

There will no need to move furniture

81. 3/20/2025 Who is currently providing / servicing the HVAC controls at the site - Please provide their company or contact information?

Johnson Controls. We service in house.

82. 3/20/2025 1.23 PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION of the specifications states certain work progressions to be photographed a specific number of times. This will require weekly visits by the photographer at significantly added costs. Is the government expecting to have a professional photographer onsite weekly shooting minimum quantities of minimum 6 Megapixels photos of progression of fiber installation, duct work and electrical upgrades?

Section 1.23.B.13 requires up to 21 weekly site progressions with 6-megapixel photos by a professional photographer, capturing stages like underground utilities and excavation. Costs are contractor-borne unless adjusted per FAR directive and only under the approval of the CO.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

83. 3/20/2025 Is it correct that the VA requires ALL photos must have BIM interface capabilities for the final record?

Yes, per Section 1.23.G (Page 01 00 00-36), the VA requires the final “Permanent Record” of photographic documentation to BIM interface capabilities. This applies to all photos included in the electronic media (DVD or hard drive) delivered upon project completion. Online photos during construction don’t need BIM, but the final record does.

84. 3/20/2025 Is Procore Project Management software an acceptable platform for cataloging and accessing all project photographs? If not, please identify the expected software or service to be utilized?

Yes

85. 3/20/2025 Specifications direct there will be deductive changes to the contract if photo quantities are not met, is this standard to be strictly adhered to?

It will be adhered to as closely as possible.

86. 3/20/2025 Specifications indicate a professional photographer must be utilized for photo documentation of ongoing work.

This will add significant cost to the project to have a photographer onsite. Will the VA accept high resolution images of work progress taken by the superintendent?

Reference response to Question 82

87. 3/20/2025 Does the VA require three paper copies (32x40) of the interim project schedule?

Digital is fine if not best

88. 3/20/2025 Does the VA require three paper copies (32x40) of the final project schedule?

Digital is fine if not best

89. 3/20/2025 How many TRs will be available for concurrent work throughout the project?

This should be submitted in the phasing plan. All I can say at this point is that it will depend on how many workers are on this job, how much interference there will be to patient care, how many TRs on a given floor. If a floor at a time can be done, then we can try for that. This needs the phasing plan, plus coordination with departments.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

90. 3/20/2025 Beyond the phasing plan identified in the mechanical drawings, is any other phasing plan required besides the project schedule?

Phasing beyond what is provided – if needed – will be coordinated with COR.

91. 3/20/2025 Please confirm the amount of notice required for a system shutdown at this station.

2 weeks

92. 3/20/2025 Are there existing tie-in points for temporary power and water that the contractor can use?

Yes

93. 3/20/2025 Will the government provide a detailed badging and access protocol for contractor personnel?

The LCHC facility daily badging procedure is:

each contractor member signs in on the VA Police Department log renders their license and the VA Police will issue the contractor worker a daily badge.

94. 3/20/2025 Please confirm the ICRA level for the project.

Please confirm modular walls (such as STARC) are allowed for ICRA.

Please see attachment “VHA IRCA-1.3"

95. 3/20/2025 What specific areas of which buildings require ICRA measures?

All areas. One building.

96. 3/20/2025 Are there restricted zones requiring additional approvals or escorts for access?

Yes, Imaging, Surgical, Exam Rooms.

97. 3/20/2025 We see existing trays and needed trays. The keynotes state 1- Fiber Duct Run Circuit A and 2 - Fiber Duct Run Circuit B. Has fiber been run in these paths?

Or is this indicating where fiber needs to be run?

This indicated where fiber NEEDS to be run. There is some existing OM3 fiber in orange innerduct in cable tray but that will not be reused.

98. 3/20/2025 Does Keynote 1 intend to require one each of 24 Strand OM4 and one each of 12 Stand OS1 Cable for both the A and B sides?

YES

99. 3/20/2025 Is OS2 an acceptable substitute for OS1 in this application?

NO - OS2 is not acceptable

100. 3/20/2025 Please confirm there is no Data Center room (MCR) to Data Center Room copper cabling.

CORRECT, demarcation occurs at MCA - 4A-

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

101. 3/20/2025 Do we need to provide any Fiber patch cables for the Data Center Room?

YES

102. 3/20/2025 Please confirm the current connectivity and contents within the MDA rack to be moved.

Existing OM3/OS1 Fiber and patch panels in existing rack marked "A" FIBER LIU/PP and FO patch cables to be removed and replaced with new OM4/OS1 in phase II of installation. Empty rack to be moved and populated with "B" FO Path LIU/PP in Phase I of install. Rack array may be required to move slightly plan W to maintain door clearance. See specific instructions in General and Key Notes TA4.01.

103. 3/20/2025 Keynote 2 states - In the MDA, Path A and Path B are in separate Racks with one FO Cabinet for each TR (9 each per side.) Since there will only be 36 strands from each TR room to each Data Center Room rack, may we terminate more than 1 TR room per 144 strand panel?

NO - one TR per panel.

104. 3/20/2025 Bay Pines VA Healthcare System Preconstruction Risk Assessment and Exposure Control Checklist – Life Safety Section. b. Will any work create major breaches in fire or smoke walls?

No major breaches-only wall and floor penetrations with rated conduit or firestopping.

See General Note #2 at Floor Plans TA1.01, TA1.02, TA1.03, TA1.04.

105. 3/20/2025 Will temporary “safing” of penetrations suffice in smoke and fire walls or is it the VA’s preference for a penetration to be made and permanently fire caulked immediately before the end of a shift.

Section 07 84 00 (Firestopping, 02-16) of the specifications (Project No. 516-21-107) requires permanent firestopping for penetrations in smoke and fire walls but doesn’t prohibit temporary safing during construction. VA policy and NFPA 101 prioritize immediate safety, so temporary safing (e.g., mineral wool) is acceptable if secure until permanent fire caulking is applied.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

106. 3/20/2025 In Section 2.15 BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS AND SPECIAL AGREEMENT CHECKS, it states that the contractor will bear costs of background checks. Are there additional costs for badging at the VA Medical Center, if so – how much are they?

Contractor background checks and cost are the contractor’s responsibility. There are no additional costs for daily badging issuance at the

LCHC.

107. 3/20/2025 Has the VA facility determined a location on-site for lay-down, offices, storage and dumpsters for the duration of this project?

Reference response to Question 44

108. 3/20/2025 01 00 00, 1.11. C & D – the as-built drawings mentioned

– can they be hand drawn redlines or will they be required to be CAD based drawings? If the requirement is CAD based, will CAD or similar drawings be released to the successful contractor for completion of this requirement.

Relevant and available CAD drawings will be shared. Method of delivery will be redlined both physical and digital. VA practice often favors CAD for clarity.

109. 3/20/2025 1.12.A Will the warranty management plan, integrated with the “Construction Warranty Service Priority List” need to be submitted prior to mobilization? What is the review and approval period?

Must be submitted 30 days before the pre-warranty conference, not prior to mobilization.

Standard VA practice suggests a 14-30 business day review.

110. 3/20/2025 01 00 00.1.18. Will the commissioning plan need to be submitted prior to the commencement of each phase or over all mobilization? What is the review and approval period?

Before overall mobilization, not per phase.

111. 3/20/2025 01 00 00.1.23 details a photographic record for a larger scale project. Should we assume that this section will apply to each particular phase of the project, where applicable?

Each work section and Milestone will require photographic records.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

112. 3/20/2025 01 32 16.15 will the project require the use of Primavera P6 for project scheduling and updates? Will the project schedule need to be submitted prior to the commencement of each phase or over all mobilization?

What is the review and approval period?

Base schedule submitted, reviewed and approved prior to work commencing. LCHC and Prime Contractor will hold monthly schedule reviews.

The initial review and approval period is 30 days per specs.

113. 3/20/2025 01 35 26 will the site-specific safety plan (SSSP) need to be submitted prior to the commencement of each phase or overall mobilization? What is the review and approval period?

Yes, the SSSP is required prior to work on site.

Complete review by LCHC is 14 business after submission.

114. 3/20/2025 01 35 26 will the on-site contractor’s representative/superintendent/project manager be acceptable as the safety and health manager/site-specific safety officer (SSO) for this project?

It is acceptable for the Superintendent to act as the on-site Safety (SSO). Superintendent shall be onsite during all work-days and work hours.

Project Manager may preform Quality Control duties (CQC) and shall be onsite during all work-days and work hours.

115. 3/20/2025 01 45 00 will the CQC plan (SSSP) need to be submitted prior to the commencement of each phase or over all mobilization? What is the review and approval period?

CQC, Safety Plan, and Schedule shall be submitted and reviewed by LCHC prior to work commencing onsite. LCHC review time is 15 business days.

116. 3/20/2025 01 45 00 will the on-site contractor’s representative/superintendent/project manager be acceptable as the site-specific CQC officer (SSO) for this project?

Reference response to Question 114

117. 3/20/2025 Please confirm that all .75" plywood panels in the electrical/communications rooms do have an intumescent coating applied.

Existing plywood backboard in MDA and TRs will remain in place. No new plywood backboards are anticipated by the design. If any new boards are used, use intumescent paint on exposed wood.

118. 3/20/2025 Some walls were marked with their fire rating in the electrical/communications rooms, while others were not.

Is it the intent of the contracting officer that all walls be marked properly to indicate the fire rating?

Some walls have 2-hour ratings indicated on the drawings. All new penetrations will be treated as smoke wall penetrations at a minimum and 2-hour fire penetrations at a maximum.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

119. 3/20/2025 There is no EP402 in the drawing package but is listed in the Specifications. Please advise.

It is in the drawing package.

120. 3/20/2025 EP403 in the drawing package is titled “ENLARGED ELECTRICAL ROOMS,” but EP403 in the Specifications drawing list is titled “ENLARGED DATA CENTER PLANS.” Please advise.

EP402 is Enlarged Electrical Rooms in both the current specs and drawings.

121. 3/20/2025 EP404 does not exist in the drawing package but is listed in the Specifications as “ENLARGED DATA CENTER PLANS.” Please advise.

That sheet was renumbered EP403.

122. 3/20/2025 TA-802 “MM20 CHANNEL RACK DETAILS” is crossed out and marked “deleted” specifications but is included in the drawing package; confirm if it is deleted.

It is. You should have the package that has REV.

08-27-24 in the Issue Date box on the cover sheet and the sheets with an asterisk in the List of Drawings of 8-27-24.

123. 3/20/2025 The drawing package does not include any revised drawings. The drawings below are noted in the Specifications as having been revised on 08-27-2024;

please provide revised drawings.

You should have the package that has REV. 08- 27-24 in the Issue Date box on the cover sheet and the sheets with asterisks. The Index of Drawings in the specs should align with the Cover Sheet of the Drawings.

124. 3/20/2025 The drawing page between E-700 and TA-101-A is missing the Drawing Number (Sheet Number). Please advise.

The sheet that should be numbered TA101 is in the set.