Technical Questions Spreadsheet - FINAL - St. Louis JB - 4-24-25.pdf

PDF 1 MB Posted

Attached to
Y1DA--EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades Data Center Construction - St. Louis JB - Project 657-21-709JB Federal contract opportunity
Solicitation number
36C77625B0008
Issued by
Department of Veterans Affairs Technology Acquisition Center Austin

About this file

This document is a Technical Questions and VA Response Tracking Sheet for the EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades Data Center project at the St. Louis (Jefferson Barracks) VAMC, solicitation number 36C77625B0008. The spreadsheet contains 87 technical questions and corresponding government responses from potential contractors, covering a wide range of project details including electrical systems, equipment installation, security systems, telecommunications infrastructure, construction logistics, and compliance requirements.

Key topics addressed include electrical switchboard specifications, physical access control systems, fire alarm systems, HVAC equipment, seismic restraints, potential Buy American Act waivers for imported equipment, contractor site access and badging, temporary facilities, infection control measures, and project phasing. The responses indicate the project is a firm fixed-price contract for relocating a data center from Building 1 to Building 56, with specific requirements for infrastructure upgrades, including electrical, communication, security, and mechanical systems. The government provided clarifications on technical specifications, drawing references, and project-specific guidelines to help potential contractors prepare their bids.

View the file

Other files for this federal contract opportunity

Show all 19

On GovTribe

Work with this file on GovTribe

  • Download the original file
  • Contacts named in this file
  • Similar government files
  • Ask GovTribe AI about this file

Text version

36C77625B0008 EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades Data Center – St. Louis (JB) VAMC Technical Questions and VA Response Tracking Sheet

ITEM

NO.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

1. 3-18-25 3-18-25 Please confirm if unarmed security guards will be required to be on site? During normal working hours?

Will they be required after-hours or weekends while the project is ongoing?

Contractor provided guards are not a requirement of this project.

2. 3-18-25 3-18-25 Will the Government consider adding an economic price adjustment (EPA) clause to the solicitation given the inflationary and erratic implementation of tariffs we are experiencing? This could have significant impact to vendor pricing from bid date submissions to actual prices once the approval for purchase is provided months later.

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

3. 3-18-25 3-18-25 Has a FAR been consider for adding an economic price adjustment clause?

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

4. 3-19-25 3-19-25 Is this project tax exempt? If the project is sales tax exempt will the government/ VA provide a sales tax exemption certificate?

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.

5. 3-19-25 3-19-25 How soon after a 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.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

6. 3-19-25 3-19-25 Will payment applications for materials 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.

7. 3-19-25 3-19-25 Will the government consider reducing the bid hold period to 90 days due to current inflation risks?

The bid hold period is currently 90 days.

Reference page one of the SF 1442 block 13 d.

8. 3-19-25 3-19-25 The solicitation requires a CLIN bid breakdown. We understand that this will be awarded as one firm fixed price contract, but please confirm the government will only issue one PO for this contract and not separate POs for each CLIN.

The government anticipates issuing one PO for this contract.

9. 3-5-25 4-24-25 Ref drawing 56A-101…. What does keynote 4 represent on detail 2?

Key Note A, is a reference from the architectural sheets denoting a temporary barrier required at this location to protect ILEAD equipment during construction activities.

10. 3-5-25 4-24-25 Ref drawing MD100…. What is the mfg., type and color of ceiling tile that we are to match in room BB102?

Original submittal for this ceiling is not available, contractor to match tile color and type.

11. 3-5-25 4-24-25 Ref drawing 56A-100… What is the deck-to-deck height in room BB102? What is the finished ceiling height from the elevated finished floor?

Deck to Deck is 20.6ft Raised floor height to RCP is 10ft

12. 3-5-25 4-24-25 Ref drawing CS100… Can a site utility plan be provided that show all underground utilities?

Available relevant CAD information has been included in the contract documents, specifically on sheet CS100.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

13. 3-5-25 4-24-25 Ref drawing CS100 Existing Site Plan…. What does notation PHH.12, PHH.11A, PHH.10 and other similar notations stand for?

PHH is Primary Hand Hole, from adjacent project placing new duct banking and fiber distribution.

This information is provided for reference.

14. 3-5-25 4-24-25 Ref drawing CS100 Detailed Civil Site Improvement Plan…A proposed fiber ductbank is shown on the west side of new fuel piping run. Is this ductbank a requirement under this project?

Fiber duct banking has been completed on an adjacent project and is not at the same elevation as the new fuel tank and piping. This has been included for reference only.

15. 3-5-25 4-24-25 Ref drawing CU500 detail E1….Under the detail name “A” Side Fusion Splice Detail” in parenthesis it states (For Reference Only, Included Under Separate Contract).

Under the general phasing of spec 01 00 00 J, 4 it appears fusion splicing is required under this contract. Is fusion splicing in building 1 required under this contract?

Yes, Fusion splicing is required under this contract to create home run fiber optic runs for the installed A-Side fiber, terminating in building 1, GC11. This new fiber is being placed by an adjacent project, this project will only fusion splice the indicated strands from GC11 to Building 56.

16. 3-5-25 4-24-25 Ref drawing 56A-110…. Is roof patching required for new mechanical equipment being placed on the roof? Is the roof under warranty and of so by who? Will a spec be provided for roof material?

Patching will be required for the existing TPO roofing when rooftop equipment is installed. See Addendum 01, specification 07-54-23 for clarification and specification for roofing repair.

Contractor will need to get a submittal approved by the AE & COR for this.

17. 3-5-25 4-24-25 Ref drawing 56A-100 keynote 3….Will a spec be provide for the cold aisle containment barrier? Is this a free standing self supportive system with framing? Or does the system mount from the building deck or does it mount from ACT ceiling? Can further details be provided?

The intent of the cold aisle containment is a retrofit that will utilize the existing drop ceiling grid to suspend the curtains above the appropriate server racks.

18. 3-5-25 4-24-25 Ref drawing CS100… What is the thickness of concrete that needs to be removed and replaced for installation of the fuel tank pad bollards and fuel line trench?

Existing slab to remain under new fuel tank, see detail C6 sheet CS500 for more information. Slab thickness to be removed for trenching of new lines is 7 inches.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

19. 3-5-25 4-24-25 Ref HA100… Is abatement work required under this project? If so, please provide asbestos report.

AE recommends providing testing results provided. No abatement is anticipated, however there is known asbestos containing materials located in the vicinity of GC11. This is not anticipated to be disturbed but is noted.

20. 3-6-25 4-24-25 Ref spec 26 05 33… Firestopping is being referenced in part 3.1 but firestopping specification 07 84 00 is not provided within the existing documents. Will spec 07 84 00 be forthcoming?

See fire stopping specification provided with addendum 1.

21. 3-6-25 4-24-25 Ref drawing P-100…Regarding floor drain replacement, is the concrete floor considered slab on grade or is there a basement under room BB102? What is the floor thickness?

This flooring is considered slab on grade, no basement present. As built documentation reflects 8” slab thickness at this location.

22. 3-6-25 4-24-25 Ref drawing FH100… Is fire protection work required in room BB121?

This is not currently in the scope of this project.

23. 3-6-25 4-24-25 Ref drawing EP401…. Is new electrified door hardware required and if so which doors? Keynote 7 indicates to see spec 08 71 00 which does not appear within the specifications. Will a door hardware schedule be provided and will specification 08 71 00 be provided?

Door and door hardware specs for BB121 provided with this response. All other doors to remain.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

24. 3-18-25 4-24-25 Drawing ED103 shows us to demo the existing racks in row 1. However, the new floor plan ET-101 shows these as existing. Is it this contractor’s responsibility to provide these 2 cabinets?

No, Contractor shall not provide the (2) racks in question. Per keynote ‘4’ on sheet ET101

“EXISTING B-SIDE FIBER TERMINATION

MDA SECTION INSTALLED PRIOR TO

SUBJECT PROJECT; CABINETS NOT IN

CONTRACT”.

25. 3-18-25 4-24-25 Drawing ET102 depicts fiber trough being installed throughout the entire room. Contractor to install drop outs to all new cabinets. Does the VA require this trough to accessed from any of the existing racks that remain? If so please identify and give quantity.

AE: Please provide fiber trough to serve all (6) rows of data cabinets/racks. Reference sheet ET102 for final cabinet/rack layout.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

26. 3-18-25 4-24-25 Can the VA provide a basis of design for the cabinets to be installed?

Contractor shall reference specification 27 11 16 for cabinet requirements. Additional references can be seen in Appendix B of the VA ISTS-v4.0 located here: cfm.va.gov/til/telecom/OIT- InfrastrucStdTelecomSpaces-AppxB-2023-06- 01.pdf

27. 3-18-25 4-24-25 Please verify that the 288 strand fiber to be installed between Bldg. 1 and Bldg. 56 is to be completed under a different contract?

The 288 strand backbone from building 1 to building 56 is completed under a separate contract

28. 3-18-25 4-24-25 Has a laydown area been designated? If so, can you provide details?

Government to confirm laydown area prior to mobilization. (Portion of 255 gravel Lot)

29. 3-18-25 4-24-25 Are power and water connections readily available in proximity to the area?

Only power for lighting is provided in the 255 lot, where the designated laydown area will be.

30. 3-18-25 4-24-25 Where will the designated parking area be for workers accessing the construction site?

Portion of 255 gravel lot

31. 3-18-25 4-24-25 Will the Government provide comprehensive written badging requirements for contractor personnel?

COR will provide the necessary information for contractor badging, only work leads will receive badges, they will need to escort other subcontractor workers throughout the work areas

32. 3-18-25 4-24-25 Will the government provide designated support for access into the data center throughout the project?

Contractor to coordinate with station COR and OI&T for access requirements and badging for construction personnel. Due to this being a sensitive area, contractor will need to provide weekly access requirements to COR and OIT, so that OIT-provided escort can be made available.

33. 3-18-25 4-24-25 Will submittal exchange be provided by owner? No, The Contractor is responsible for setting up, providing, and maintaining the electronic FTP file sharing system for the construction contract period of performance.

https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/telecom/OIT-InfrastrucStdTelecomSpaces-AppxB-2023-06-01.pdf https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/telecom/OIT-InfrastrucStdTelecomSpaces-AppxB-2023-06-01.pdf https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/telecom/OIT-InfrastrucStdTelecomSpaces-AppxB-2023-06-01.pdf

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

34. 3-18-25 4-24-25 Will the Government accept the use of the industry leading Procore Project Management software as the primary submittal and data tracking tool for this project, or equivalent?

The A/E does not take exception to this, VA for final approval of EFT. Typically, Submittal Exchange or Procore is provided by the contractor at this VAMC.

35. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Will the VA accept the use of Submittal Exchange software or equivalent as the primary submittal platform?

The A/E does not take exception to this, VA for final approval of EFT. Typically, Submittal Exchange or Procore is provided by the contractor at this VAMC.

36. 3-18-25 4-24-25 Solicitation identifies the Superintendent can also perform the duties of the Site Safety & Health Officer?

Please confirm.

The Contractor shall submit all applicable qualifications for consideration when performing multiple positions. Based off qualifications, the COR will confirm multiple role performance.

This will be submitted via the APP, which is part of spec section 01 35 26.

37. 3-18-25 4-24-25 Can the Superintendent also function as the onsite QCM with offsite oversight?

The Contractor shall submit all applicable qualifications for consideration when performing multiple positions. Based off qualifications, the COR will confirm multiple role performance.

This will be submitted via the APP, which is part of spec section 01 35 26.

38. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Can the SSHO, QCM and superintendent positions be fulfilled by the same individual, provided qualifications are met? If not, can the superintendent double as the

SSHO?

The Contractor shall submit all applicable qualifications for consideration when performing multiple positions. Based off qualifications, the COR will confirm multiple role performance.

This will be submitted via the APP, which is part of spec section 01 35 26.

39. 3-18-25 4-24-25 Does the VA have a specific agency of Certified Safety Professionals that is required to be used?

See General Specification 01 35 26 section 1.8 for requirements.

40. 3-18-25 4-24-25 Please confirm the ICRA designations for the Building 56 construction spaces?

Expected ICRA for building 56 is ICRA level II or level III due to duration of work in BB102 and BB121. Final ICRA plan will be approved by station safety team.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

41. 3-18-25 4-24-25 For ICRA control, is fire rated plastic walls a suitable substitute for drywall if installed on a frame and maintains integrity throughout project?

The A/E does not take exception to this, pending all fire rating and specs are met and maintained.

Contractor to provide assembly details for final approval to ensure compliance. Spec section 01 35 26 section 1.12 will have to be followed during the ICRA barrier approval process.

42. 3-18-25 4-24-25 Please note, the roof was not included as part of the site visit. Please confirm that is a live roof directly over the data center.

The live roof is not located directly above the data center.

43. 3-18-25 4-24-25 Does the Government expect to maintain the existing live roof following the new equipment installation?

Yes, existing live roof to remain, live roof trays will be removed to install new HVAC equipment.

Contractor to hand over all live roof trays to VA for reuse.

44. 3-18-25 4-24-25 Please provide information on both the roofing (manufacturer, age, warranty status, installer) and the specifics of the live roof?

Contractor to note no live roof trays to be reinstalled or replanted under this contract. The Building 56 roof is no longer under warranty at this time.

45. 3-18-25 4-24-25 What is currently planted up there? Can it be removed and reused? IF not, what is the details of replacing (materials, plant types, special fabrics, details of installation on the live roof, specific walking pads for a live roof) etc.?

See response to RFI 43.

46. 3-18-25 4-24-25 The project calls for core drilling through the existing roof. What is below the areas to be cored? Please provide ICRA requirements for those areas.

These spaces are considered office spaces. The A/E recommends ICRA level 1 be maintained in these spaces as the work performed should not take more then one work shift to complete. Final determination will be during the ICRA approval process, which the COR leads, up to an ICRA level III may be required.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

47. 3-18-25 4-24-25 Even low VOC mastic and sealers can get sucked into air intakes and pumped throughout the facility by the AHUs.

Please provide the locations of any outside air intakes that will need added protective measures during the roof work.

The Roof to be worked on houses only DX units supplying the existing CRAC units. It does not appear to have any additional intakes.

48. 3-18-25 4-24-25 During the site visit we were unable to access the main electrical rooms BB129 & BB129A to view the existing electrical switch gear. Please provide pictures of this existing switch gear GSB 56 and MSB 56-1, to include manufacturer, model information, location of the proposed new breakers as well as any of the existing breaker.

GSB/56 is a Square-D QED II Switchboard.

MSB/56-1 is a Square-D QED II Switchboard.

Both pieces of equipment have multiple spots for the new circuit breakers. See requested photos below.

49. 3-19-25 4-24-25 ATTACHMENT 4 – Environmental Drawings, shows abatement to building 1 room GC11, please provide quantities of materials to be abated.

Abatement is not anticipated under this contract.

Environmental report has been provided for context and to ensure these areas are not disturbed by construction activities.

50. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Seismic requirements - In the spec, it specifically calls out Section 13 05 41 “Seismic Restraint Requirements for Non-Structural Components” and that I cannot find in the specs.

Please see attached additional information for specification 13 05 41.

51. 3-19-25 4-24-25 There is a detail on M-500 to mount the VRF condensers. There isn’t one for the CRAC condensers.

Due to their weight, I wasn’t sure if it was the same method.

CRAC condensers will be installed per manufactures installation recommendations. See Addendum 1 for addition structural requirements for house keeping pads

52. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Drawing MH101 – Note 5 Calls for refrigerant sensor to be mounted 12” AFF. Please supply more information on refrigerant system. If these are to be new sensors. Or is it just a relocation of existing? Please clarify.

New units will require new sensors to be installed per the drawings.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

53. 3-19-25 4-24-25 281300 – Physical Access Control System: We are adding to the existing security system. Can the VA advise the manufacturer of the existing PACS? Is there an existing maintenance contract for the security system?

If so, can you please provide the contact information for the maintenance contractor? Will additional licenses be needed for cameras?

The existing PACS is Software House iStar Controllers; card readers are HID. This system is maintained by PASS security.

54. 3-19-25 4-24-25 283100 – Fire Detection and Alarm: We are adding to the existing fire alarm system. Can the VA advise the manufacturer of the existing fire alarm? Is there a maintenance contract for the fire alarm system? If so, can you please provide the contact information for the maintenance contractor?

The existing Fire Alarm system is Siemens, and is also maintained by Siemens.

55. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Temporary Utilities: Are there existing tie-in points for temporary power and water that the contractor can use?

See RFI 28-30

56. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Duct Banks: It appears that all duct banks except for the connection from Building 56 to Building 24 is new.

Please confirm or clarify this scope.

Duct banks have been installed by a separate contract.

57. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Generator Fuel Tank Electrical Connection: Sheet E-102 shows a new generator fuel tank installation. Can VA clarify if a new automatic transfer switch (ATS) is to be supplied by the contractor or if it will be provided by others?

Automatic Transfer Switches shall be provided by Contractor. Please see EP 402 as it shows both ATS A and ATS B.

58. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Is the new VA memorandum on bolts for steam and hot water systems applicable to this project? To our understanding A307 bolts are no longer allowed.

A307 bolts are no longer allowed for application.

Hot water and steam are not anticipated to be affected by this project.

59. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Scheduling Consultant: Is an external scheduling consultant required, or can scheduling duties be handled in-house by a qualified team member?

Provide required scheduling qualifications to the VA COR for final approval of scheduling professional, see specification 01 32 16.15.

60. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Temporary Facilities: Are contractors required to provide a temporary site office or trailer, or will space be allocated within the existing facility?

No space will be allocated within the existing facility (building 56) OR the adjacent VA employee/patient parking lots.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

61. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Will the VA allow the Contractor to have an office trailer, storage containers, or materials stored onsite?

See RFI 28-30

62. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Parking and Staging: Will there be designated parking and staging area for contractor personnel?

See RFI 28-30

63. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Fire Watch: If impairments to fire alarm systems exceed four hours, will the VA provide support for fire watch personnel, or is the contractor solely responsible?

The Contractor is responsible for work being performed, support to contractors will be coordinated through the station COR on a case-by-case basis via Interim Life Safety Measures (ILSM) protocol. Outages should be coordinated through the COR 21 days in advance (at minimum) with expected durations to mitigate this requirement.

64. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Environmental Protection Plan: Are there specific templates or guidelines required for the Environmental Protection Plan, or is a contractor-developed plan sufficient?

Contractor to develop protection plans in accordance with specifications to submit to the government for approval.

65. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Testing and Commissioning: Please confirm the VA will be hiring the commissioning agent.

Commissioning will be performed by a third-party agent.

66. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Infection Control: Please confirm the ICRA level for this project. Please confirm modular walls (such as STARC) are allowed for ICRA.

The projected ICRA classification for the data center is ICRA level II or level III. STARC systems will be considered if they meet all requirements in spec section 01 35 25, section 1.12.

67. 3-19-25 4-24-25 As-Built Drawings: Are as-built drawings available for existing conditions, or will the contractor need to verify all dimensions on-site?

Construction documents reflect available as built data and information. The contractor will need to physically confirm measurements and dimensions based off approved product selections. As built pdfs can be provided on request by the COR.

68. 3-19-25 4-24-25 What company currently services the Physical Access Control System?

The existing PACS is Software House iStar Controllers; card readers are HID. Spectrum Security Network Connection.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

69. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Drawing MP103. Where is the connection point to the existing fuel oil system?

Tie into existing day tank, as shown.

70. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Drawing MP103. Drawing references M501. I cannot find M501 in the documents. Should that be referencing M500?

Yes, M500 is correct.

71. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Drawing M500, Detail 8. Please provide information on any valving or in-line piping accessories that should be installed in the fuel oil piping.

Approximate requirements include: valves: (2) anti siphon valves, (2) fire stop valves, 1 gate valve, 5 check valves. Indicated accessories are integral to the basis of design selection, so valves must be installed per the contractor’s manufacturers recommendations per the approved selection.

72. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Is there a current asbestos survey? Reference ATTACHMENT 4 - Environmental Drawings, which were provided with the solicitation.

73. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Is the contractor required to submit material submittals (e.g., cabling, connectors, patch panels) for government approval prior to procurement?

Yes, contractors are to submit all submittals prior to procurement in accordance with specifications.

74. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Will the government provide a pre-approved labeling standard (e.g., ANSI/TIA-606) for telecommunications infrastructure?

Contractor to work with station OI&T for final confirmation of labeling requirements.

75. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Does the government require blank panels or filler panels in empty rack spaces?

Yes, filler panels shall be provided for empty rack spaces.

76. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Is the contractor required to provide and/or install fiber jumpers between core switches and patch panels?

Yes, contractor to provide fiber patch cabling

77. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Is a final as-built drawing and certification report submission required prior to government acceptance?

Red lines and reports will be required at the end of construction for the development of as built drawings by the A/E. Please see Specification 01 00 00 section 1.12 for additional information.

78. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Will government personnel be present for testing and sign off on acceptance?

Government or government representatives will be present for signing off and acceptance of all work.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

79. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Will telecommunications work be phased, and if so, what are the expected milestones?

See Specification 01 00 00 section I for general phasing requirement for this project.

80. 3-19-25 4-24-25 General Requirements, PDF pg. 14, Item 3 d. of the specification’s states “The Government may halt work at no cost if work threatens the campus network or operations.” Please clarify that this stop work will be reasonably limited to time required to mitigate the threat.

The A/E recommends: This appears appropriate;

however, the Government retains the authority to determine when the threat is mitigated to an appropriate level to continue work.

81. 3-19-25 4-24-25 The statement below appears to require the contractor to design aspects of the project or verify the design. These appear to be on nearly every drawing. Please clarify.

“ALL WORK SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH

APPLICABLE LASTEST VERSION OF THE VA FIRE

PROTECTION DESIGN GUIDE”

Contractor to follow applicable codes and regulations for installation, means and methods, and construction practices.

82. 3-19-25 4-24-25 The statement below is on drawing MH100. This statement appears to require the contractor to design aspects of the project or verify the design. These appear in most of all the drawings. Please clarify.

“ALL WORK SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH

APPILICABLE LASTES VERSION OF THE VA

HVAC DESIGN GUIDE”

Contractor to follow applicable codes and regulations for installation, means and methods, and construction practices.

83. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Please confirm that all Basis of Design items and materials that the VA has satisfied all Buy American Waivers, if applicable, and sole source requirements as needed. Please provide us any Buy American Act Waivers that would be provided under this contract. This is not currently in the plans, documents, or specifications.

No sole source justification is currently required for this procurement. All items listed in the specifications and drawings are Basis of Design.

Please reference FAR clause 52.211-6 Brand Name or Equal.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE

QUESTION

ANSWERED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

84. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Has the Contracting Officer and the A/E had the Mitsubishi Outdoor Heat Pumps and indoor fan coils on the mechanical schedule on M600 approved for an exemption to the Buy American Act? These are manufactured outside of the United States.

Under the Trade Agreements Act referenced in the Buy American Act, products from countries that are signatories to the World Trade Organization Agreement on Government Procurement (WTO GPA) are treated equally with domestic goods. Japan, being a signatory, allows for the procurement of Mitsubishi products under this exception. Mitsubishi manufactures in multiple countries such as Japan and Mexico. Mexico is known for North American production. Japan is on the WTO GPA list and Mexico has an FTA per FAR 25.402.

85. 3-19-25 4-24-25 An exemption issued by the Government will need to be made for the VRF system schedule. There are not any domestic manufacturers that produce these in the United States. Please provide an exception for the VRF System.

This cannot be bid otherwise.

See response above.

86. 3-19-25 4-24-25 Will the VA pay for the engineering and design submittals, as well as all applicable deposits required by various manufacturers to put equipment into design and/or production?

Payment engineering design submittals 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. The only expected delegated design for this project is the adjustment of the existing fire suppression. Contractor is responsible for providing all required submittals, at no additional cost to the government?

87. 3-20-25 4-24-25 After reviewing drawing FH100, it appears there is no scope of work to the actual clean agent system. Does the clean agent system have any changes to it as part of this project?

No changes anticipated under this project.

Figure 1 GBS 56-3

Figure 2 MSB-56

Figure 3 MSB 56-4

Figure 4 GSB-56-3

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .