36C77625R0015 0003 - Technical Questions and Answers.pdf

SOLICITATION # 36C77625R0015

PROJECT NAME: 503-22-700 EHRM ALTOONA PA

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND VA RESPONSE TRACKING SHEET

ITEM

NO.

DATE QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE QUESTION

ANSWERED QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

1. 02/07/2025 02/10/2025 I recently received an automated notification from SAM.gov regarding updates to Notice ID 36C77625R0015. It appears that solicitation documents have been added; however, the project is still listed under presolicitation status.

Could you please confirm whether this project will transition to solicitation status under a new Notice ID, or if future document uploads, such as amendments, will continue to be posted under the existing Notice ID? I ask because, in many instances, when a project moves from presolicitation to solicitation, the Notice ID changes, and I no longer receive automatic email updates unless I manually follow the new solicitation.

The pre-solicitation notice was updated, and the solicitation was posted on 02/07/2025. Please see the below link to solicitation 36C77625R0015.

https://sam.gov/opp/1bfd586613804bb3b7a257e1f1a c15a3/view

2. 2/7/2025 3/12/2025 We are reviewing Solicitation 36C77625R0015 and seeking clarification regarding the file size limitations for proposal submissions. The solicitation specifies that each email submission, up to three emails, must not exceed 5MB per email.

Given recent improvements in email systems and past experiences where larger file sizes have been accepted by VA staff, can you confirm whether the 5MB limit is still in effect, or if there is an updated file size allowance for submissions?

Your clarification on this matter would be greatly appreciated to ensure compliance with submission requirements.

Please follow the guidance issued in 36C77625R0015.

https://sam.gov/opp/1bfd586613804bb3b7a257e1f1ac15a3/view

DATE QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE QUESTION

ANSWERED QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

3. 2/7/2025 3/12/2025 The specified time in block 13 (Additional Solicitation Requirements) states the bid is due at 1400 CST.

Please verify that the bid is due at 3PM EST on 03-07-2025.

Please see solicitation 36C77625R0015 amendment 0003 for the updated date and time proposals are due.

4. 2/10/2025 2/28/2025

Good afternoon, I am writing to inquire about the subject RFP. The documents at SAM.GOG are all noted as “Deleted”;

please see snippet below. This is different from how these documents appeared on Friday of last week. Can you please provide an explanation? Thank you for your attention to this issue.

The pre-solicitation notice was updated, and the solicitation was posted on 02/07/2025. Please see the below link to solicitation 36C77625R0015.

5. 2/12/2025 3/12/2025 1. DOOR SCHEDULE SAYS DOOR 3BO1A IS ASSIGNED TO SET

HW-01. THIS SET IS NOT PROVIDED. HARDWARE SCHEDULE

SAYS IT IS ASSIGNED TO HW-05. PLEASE CONFIRM.

2. DOOR SCHEDULE SAYS DOOR 102 IS ASSIGNED TO SET HW-

5D. HARDWARE SCHEDULE SAYS IT IS ASSIGNED TO HW-02.

PLEASE CONFIRM.

3. DOOR SCHEDULE SAYS DOOR 100D IS ASSIGNED TO SET HW-

E5D.THIS SET IS NOT PROVIDED. PLEASE CONFIRM.

4. DOOR SCHEDULE SAYS DOOR 100 IS ASSIGNED TO SET HW-

11. HARDWARE SCHEDULE SAYS IT IS ASSIGNED TO HW-02.

PLEASE CONFIRM.

5. IS MAPLE ACCEPTABLE AS THE DOOR SPECIES?

1. Door 3B01A shall use hardware set HW-05

2. Door 102 shall use hardware set HW-05

3. Hardware set E5D has been added to the specification

4. Door 100 shall use hardware set HW-11

Please see attached reissued sheet in solicitation 36C77625R0015 amendment 0003:

00-AE601

Please see reissued specification section in solicitation 36C77625R0015 amendment 0003:

08 71 00 – DOOR HARDWARE

5. Maple is not acceptable. Building standard is Red

Oak, Grade A. Stain to match adjacent doors.

DATE QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE QUESTION

ANSWERED QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

6. 02/12/2025 2/28/2025 1) 11-MH101 States that in Phase One Demo, the Clean Agent is to be removed from Room 100 and 100A.

Phase One New Work states that a new clean agent system is to be installed in Computer Room 100A.

Will there be no Clean Agent for Room 100?

2) Does Room 100 in Building 11 have a subfloor and is it a common subfloor to Room 100A mean the wall between rooms does not go to the concrete in the subfloor?

The design intent is that the new clean agent system will cover both Computer Room 100A and Computer Room 100. Provide additional devices, signage, etc. as required to provide full coverage of both rooms.

Both rooms contain a raised floor that is continuous between the rooms. Walls observed appear to continue to concrete floor below.

7. 2/14/2025 Factor 1 Qualifications (Technical):

The minimum requirements for an Acceptable Rating include all the following:

Acceptability is determined when the offeror possesses Project manager(s) with a minimum of 5 years of construction project management experience and one (1) completed IT infrastructure upgrades and/or data center project between $10M and $30M.

Acceptability is determined when the offeror possesses Superintendent(s) with a minimum of 5 years of construction supervision experience and one (1) completed major IT infrastructure upgrades and/or data center project between $10M and $30M.

We understand that this Solicitation relates uniquely to the IT infrastructure updates. However, as is the case with all General Construction projects, the Prime Contractor is ultimately responsible for overall construction of the project, regardless of any unique characteristics of any specific trade.

General Contractors engage the appropriate professionals and subcontractors that are trained and experienced in those tasks unique to their specific trade - not only unique to IT infrastructure upgrades - but all trades required by the Project.

From a General Contractor project management and site supervision perspective, however, specific tasks for individual trades do not require unique training or experience to oversee. Therefore, the requirements that the General Contractor’s Project Manager and Site Superintendent both have “one (1) completed major IT infrastructure upgrades and/or data center project between $10M and $30M” is unnecessary and restricts competition.

Recommends that the Project Manager and Site Superintendent each possess a minimum of five (5) years of construction experience, so as not to be overly restrictive by requiring such unreasonable IT infrastructure upgrade experience.

Please see solicitation 36C77625R0015 amendment 0001 for updated evaluation criteria and evaluation methodology.

DATE QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE QUESTION

ANSWERED QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

Recasting acceptability in this way will ensure that the project is satisfactorily executed while also ensuring maximum competition.

8. 2/18/2025 2/19/2025 In regard to the Altoona EHRM solicitation. It would appear that the pre-solicitation has been closed but I am unable to find the actual solicitation and I wanted to see if it has been released yet.

The pre-solicitation notice was updated, and the solicitation was posted on 02/07/2025. Please see the below link to solicitation 36C77625R0015.

9. 2/19/2024 3/12/2025 The video surveillance spec is calling for an analog solution.

Could you please confirm if you are looking for an IP or analog solution?

See revised specification in solicitation 36C77625R0015 amendment 0003. The solution is an IP based system.

10. 2/13/2025 2/13/2025 We just saw this solicitation today and noticed there was a site visit scheduled for today that unfortunately we missed. We are a local SDVOSB based in Altoona and would welcome the opportunity to bid on this. Would it be possible to arrange another site visit?

Will you be posting the attendee list from today's site visit?

In accordance with page one of the solicitation, there is only one (1) site visit that was held. Please continue to monitor sam.gov for updates to this opportunity.

A copy of the site visit attendee list will be posted as an attachment to the amended solicitation document.

11. 2/19/2025 2/28/2025 The attached drawing sheet 01-TN111B is cut off at the top. Can you please provide a revised drawing?

ATTACHMENT 03 -

FINAL Combined Draw

Please see reissued sheets in solicitation 36C77625R0015 amendment 0003:

1-TN111C

1-TN111B

1-TN111E

12. 2/21/2025 3/12/2025 How much of this project is required to be self-performed by the set-aside?

Contracting: See Solicitation Attachment #5

DATE QUESTION

RECEIVED

DATE QUESTION

ANSWERED QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

13. 2/20/2025 Is this project tax-exempt, if so, will a certificate be provided Contractor must take into account FAR 52.229-3;

“Federal, State and Local Taxes” and its Special Note in their pricing.

The FAR clause 52.229-3 and its Special Note are provided in solicitation 36C77625R0015.

14.

2/28/2025 ET series drawings for CCTV camera. Bid spec documents do not specify what system are currently in place for this project, please answer the following questions:

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

b. What version/existing is the current video management system operating?

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

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

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

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

Please confirm contractor is in receipt of security (‘TY’) drawings. Vendor contact and system information included in security drawings.

a. The manufacturer of the VMS is Avigilon, see sole source information with the solicitation.

b. The NVR4X-PRM is running Avigilon server version 7.14.32.12 on Windows Server 2016 Standard.

c. The bidder is expected to support version upgrades only if the current version is no longer supported by the manufacturer as part of this contract.

d. There are not sufficient existing licenses to support the new cameras.

e. The cameras shall be fixed camera, pan/tilt/zoom, passive infrared camera – dual technology per the VA ISTS.

f. The original installer of this system went out of business.

15.

2/28/2025 ET series drawings for card reader/pin pad. Bid spec documents do not specify what system are.

currently in place for this project, please answer the following questions:

a. What is the manufacturer of the current access control system.

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

c. Are we expected to support the version?

updates as part of the contract?

d. Are the sufficient licenses to support the new doors?

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

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

Please confirm contractor is in receipt of security (‘TY’) drawings. Vendor contact and system information included in security drawings.

a. The manufacturer of the existing system is C- Cure 9000

b. Current version is 3.00, build 586.586.

c. The bidder is expected to support version upgrades only if the current version is no longer supported by the manufacturer as part of this contract.

d. There are not sufficient existing licenses to support new doors.

e. No

f. See TY drawings.

16.

2/28/2025 Is there an allowance of Cat 6A cables & 1 ¼” data rough-in that should be carried within the Div.26&27 pricing?

Some previous requirements on other projects requested 5- 10% additional Cat 6A cables & 1 ¼” data rough-in to cover what may have missed during design.

COVER SHEET 00-TN000

TECHNOLOGY INSTALLATION NOTES:

12. G,C. TO PROVIDE COST PER BUILDING FOR AN

ADDITIONAL 5% OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF

REPLACED OUTLETS/FIXTURES/DEVICES AS SHOWN

PER THE TECHNOLOGY DRAWINGS.

17. 2/28/2025

Existing Fire Alarm System.

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

Please see attachment 4 in solicitation 36C77625R0015

18. 2/25/2025 Existing Nurse Call System.

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

No nurse call scope in project

19. 2/25/2025 Is conduit required for grounding conductors running/installed ceiling & risers?

Provide as specified.

20. 3/12/2025 Is there a requirement for x-ray scanning of concrete floor slabs prior to core drilling for floor-to-floor sleeves/conduits?

GC should be prepared to perform x-rays per specification 27 05 11:

“Investigate existing conditions in vicinity of required opening prior to coring, including an x-ray of floor if determined necessary by competent person or COR.”

21. 2/28/2025 Is there a location where site asphalt and concrete can be stored/separated? Can this material be removed from the site once per week?

Contractor to coordinate with the Station for optimal staging area after award.

22.

3/12/2025 Will soil testing be performed prior to construction, to determine if any soils are contaminated?

Soil testing will not be performed prior to construction. Specification section 312317,3.3,B lists all trenching and excavation as unclassified.

23.

2/28/2025 Is there a location where spoil dirt can be stored? Contractor to coordinate with the Station for optimal

24.

2/28/2025 Is there a specific location that will be used as a laydown yard during construction?

Contractor to coordinate with the Station for optimal

25.

3/12/2025 Will erosion control plans be provided? Plans have been updated to show erosion and sedimentation controls on the site plans. See solicitation 36C77625R0015 amendment 0003.

26.

3/12/2025 Has there been any boring samples/test made for duct bank pathway/trench to determine subsurface condition?

Subsurface Utility Engineering Investigation Report was completed but no test holes were conducted.

27.

2/28/2025 WAO-There are no prints that indicate new locations. Is this a 1 for 1 replacement for existing cables?

YES. All new work is shown on the TN series drawings.

28.

2/28/2025 Is there required a full survey of every room/above ceiling? If so, who dictates the outlet location and quantity of cables per location?

All new work is shown on the TN series drawings.

29.

2/28/2025 Can the government provide a quantity of CAT6 A cables that need to be installed by TR? Please provide a Drop Count Matrix that needs to be provided.

Quantities are the responsibility of the offeror. All new work is clearly shown on drawings.

30.

2/28/2025 What is the drop count of each coverage zone? If it is a 1 for 1 swap, how many existing drops are in each coverage zone?

Quantities are the responsibility of the offeror. All coverage zones and new work is clearly shown on drawings.

31.

2/28/2025 Is there a count and length for Cat6A patch cords? Patch cords shall be provided for 100% of new WAO.

Coordinate length with the station after award.

32.

2/28/2025 Are we to provide one patch cable for each station and closet end?

YES

33.

2/28/2025 Is there a count and length for Fiber Patch cords? Patch cords shall be provided for 100% of new WAO.

34.

2/28/2025 Are we to provide patch cables for each pair of strands at each end?

Patch cords shall be provided for 100% of new WAO and fiber strands per specifications and riser diagrams.

Coordinate length with the station after award.

35.

2/28/2025 Is there any copper backbone (25-pair or larger) needed? No.

36.

3/12/2025 Please provide Soil Reports relating to this project. A Geotechnical Report was not completed for this project.

37.

3/12/2025 What duct bank depths for the various lengths of duct are anticipated by the Project Designers? Are trench profiles available showing designed depths and expected underground interferences? Please provide any information available which would help inform the Contractor of the challenges and associated cost impacts on this site.

The drawings have been updated to call out utility crossings. Please see solicitation 36C77625R0015 amendment 0003.

38.

2/28/2025 Can the government clarify if patch cords (fiber & copper) should be included, or if they will be supplied separately? If included, amounts and lengths for each fiber & copper?

All patch cables are to be included in the proposal.

Requirements are defined in specifications and project riser diagrams.

39.

2/28/2025 Will any specialized cable labeling format be required beyond TIA-606-C standards?

Labeling shall be per TIA-606-C per the VA Infrastructure Standard for Telecommunications Spaces.

40.

2/28/2025 Are there any restrictions on work hours due to medical center operations?

Contractor to coordinate with the Station for optimal work hours and any after-hour restrictions after award.

41.

2/28/2025 What is the installation sequence—should TRs be fully built and certified before running cabling, or can it be done in parallel?

Refer to Drawing 00-TN000, Technology Phasing Notes.

42.

2/28/2025 What is the expected government approval process for installed infrastructure, including testing and certification sign-off?

The installation shall be fully tested to Cat 6A requirements as indicated in specifications. Test reports for each cable shall be submitted for approval.

43.

2/28/2025 Can the government provide a list of security camera locations and required mounting heights?

Locations are shown on the drawings.

44.

2/28/2025 Should all security cameras be directly connected to the nearest TR, or will they be routed through an intermediary network?

NEAREST TR, SEE TN SHEETS IN DRAWING SET.

45.

2/28/2025 Request for Clarification on Triangle with “R” Symbol in Drawings

a. Definition of the Symbol?

b. Does it indicate relocation of an existing telecommunications device (e.g., WAPs, cameras, or outlets)?

c. Are there specific guidelines for cabling adjustments of rerouting associated with these relocations?

These are data outlets for Salto access control device.

One Cat 6A ceiling mount, similar to wireless access point.

46. 3/12/2025 1. The following rooms are listed on the room finish schedule but cannot be located on the plans: BB06A, 1E40, 2BXXX, 3F19, and 4B02B. Could you please confirm their locations or provide additional information?

2. Please confirm that the only flooring and wall base finishes required are those explicitly shown on the room finish schedule.

1. Please see revised 00-AE602 provided in solicitation 36C77625R0015 amendment 0003 reflecting updated rooms.

2. Painting, flooring, wall base, ACT, and associated finishes will be required for areas outside of the telecom rooms where new rooms are slated to be constructed to match the existing adjacent finishes.

47. 3/7/2025 3/12/2025 Have there been any addendums pertaining to this project? All solicitation information will be published to

SAM.GOV.

48. 3/7/2025 3/12/2025 Drawing 01-TN111B the top of the drawing is cut off. Will a new drawing be provided?

Yes. Please see solicitation 36C77625R0015 amendment 0003.

49. 3/7/2025 3/12/2025 On Drawing 00-GI006, the sequencing notes indicate ‘Contractor Shall Complete Each Telecom Scope Within 10- Calendar Days Or Receive Approval From VA To Extend Construction Timeline.’ Is the scope to be completed in 10 Calendar Days only the finishes and FP/MEP rough in? 10 Calendar Days does not appear to be feasible for the full scope of work listed in Sequencing Note 5. Please advise.

See revised drawing sheet provided in solicitation 36C77625R0015 amendment 0003.

50. 3/7/2025 3/12/2025 Is the work to be performed on 2nd shift? Follow the guidance specifications and drawings.

51. 3/7/2025 3/12/2025 Will the project be performed in phases? Yes.

52. 3/7/2025 3/12/2025 We previously submitted drawing 01-TN111B, which depicted 1st Floor Area B but was cut off. Upon review, we have noticed a similar issue with drawing 01-TN11C for 1st Floor Area C. It appears that a portion of Area D is included on the same page, rather than the intended continuation of Area C.

Thank you for bringing that to our attention. Please see updated drawings in 36C77625R0015 amendment 0003.

53. 3/7/2025 3/12/2025 Factor 2, Key Subcontractors (Technical) on page 11 of 70 of the solicitation, says to provide a list of proposed key subcontractors to include at a minimum, communications installations in accordance with Specification 27 05 11.

Specification 27 05 11 is missing from the solicitation documents, please advise.

Specification 27 05 11 is included with the solicitation on SAM.GOV.

54. 3/7/2025 3/12/2025 The following rooms are listed on the room finish schedule but cannot be located on the plans: BB06A, 1E40, 2BXXX, 3F19, and 4B02B. Could you please confirm their locations or provide additional information?

Please see revised 00-AE602 in solicitation 36C77625R0015 amendment 0003 reflecting updated rooms.

55. 3/7/2025 3/12/2025 Please confirm that the only flooring and wall base finishes required are those explicitly shown on the room finish schedule.

Painting, flooring, wall base, ACT, and associated finishes will be required for areas outside of the telecom rooms where new rooms are slated to be constructed to match the existing adjacent finishes.

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