Attachment 26 - RFIs - Tuscaloosa_FINAL.pdf

RFP: 36C77625R0025

Request for Information EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades

Construction – Tuscaloosa VAMC

RFQ: 36C77625R0025

04/27/2025

ITEM

NO.

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

1. Looking through the drawings it is unclear what the finishes are for building B151. Please provide a room by room finish schedule for building B151.

A/E: See finish plan on sheet A-151.5. See Finish Schedule on sheet A-601.

2. Please identify any specific company-wide certifications the VA requires for infectious Control construction for the Prime and their subcontractors. Also, please identify any specific licenses or certifications of individual workers regarding Infectious Control construction for this project.

VA: Licenses and/or Certifications for Infectious Control construction is not a requirement. The GC and subcontractors are required to meet the Infection Control Risk assessment (ICRA) requirements.

3. Are all OSP cables to be home run to the new DC?

Drawings indicate they are, but can trunk cables/splices be implemented?

A/E: Yes. Refer to sheet TG-003 for the site OSP connectivity diagram. Refer to Division 27 specifications for backbone cable routing requirements.

4. Is fiber optic splicing in OSP Maintenance holes acceptable?

A/E: Refer to sheet TG-003 for the site OSP connectivity diagram. Refer to Division 27 specifications for backbone cable routing requirements.

5. Is a sump pump or built-in sump desired for the Data Center entrance facility?

A/E: This question needs clarifying. Are you referring to the ductbank or the building entrance? Please elaborate on concern for water infiltration to building. Not required by code.

6. Does the USG desire the installation of a hard ceiling in new TRs or addition of a screen from top of existing walls to true ceiling?

A/E: See RCP on Architectural sheets.

7. Does the USG desire the removal of radiators from new TR spaces?

A/E: Yes

8. Does the USG desire that TR require windows sealed/covered, and if so what is the spec?

A/E: See note 22 on Architectural sheets.

9. How are buildings 1, 2, 63, 135, 38, and 137 fed from existing OSP? In the drawings, they do not have new OSP going to them, but can the government tell us where the current service comes in at each building?

A/E: Refer to sheets TG-004 and TG-004.A through TG- 004.F. Some buildings have conduit routed through the connecting corridors which then connect to new OSP ductbank at certain buildings.

10. Is government owned warehousing and laydown yard area available? What is the size of each?

VA: The contractor is responsible for their own storage of materials. The VA has a laydown area for all contractors to utilize and share on our facility. The contractor will be responsible for fencing a portion of the laydown area to house their materials. See attached pdf for laydown area location.

ITEM

NO.

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

11. Will contractors be able to place equipment in the buildings before work is commenced- such as panel boards and wire.

VA: No, all equipment and materials must be stored at the laydown area within the contractor’s designated space until time for install.

12. Will the VA remove existing IT infrastructure (desks, monitors, cabinets, etc.) in Rooms that are or will be converted to TR rooms?

-Is the contractor also responsible for its disposal? Will the hospital equipment administrator have a log of the equipment, so they can track its disposal?

A/E: Refer to sheet GI-003 – Installation/Construction Procedures, note #1.1.

13. Are there any hazardous work areas such as radioactive areas or infectious areas?

VA: No, there are not any hazardous work areas on our facility.

14. Is electrical splicing authorized? A/E: Yes, refer to specification 26 05 19 (2.2) for Splicing requirements.

15. Is Asbestos, PCB, Lead information available? This would be helpful in determining disposal of materials cost risk.

VA: Information will be provided.

A/E: General Contractor should be prepared to sample, mediate, and/or abate hazardous materials if encountered during demolition/construction tasks.

16. What is the ASI/Outage requirements and average timelines?

A/E: Wither electrical or data, coordinate outages with the COR.

17. Is there a requirement for conduit (both electric and telecom) re: Compression vs. set-screw, are there any specific material call outs in specs?

A/E: Refer to division 26 and 27 specifications for electrical and telecom pathway requirements in addition to the drawings.

18. Many TRs are in basement areas which are damp or show water intrusion. Is water abatement a portion of project scope? If not, will water abatement be performed before this project begins?

VA: General Contractor should be prepared to sample, mediate, and/or abate hazardous materials if encountered during demolition/construction tasks.

19. Are there specific lighting specifications in TRs and/or work areas? Many locations are below BICSI/NEC thresholds- is lighting to be upgraded in this project scope?

A/E: Refer to division 26 51 00 specifications for lighting requirements in addition to the drawings.

20. Please confirm the Superintendent shall not have any shared duties as a QCM or SSHO.

VA: Yes, that is correct. The Superintendent shall not have shared duties as a QCM or SSHO.

21. Please confirm the SSHO shall not have any shared duties as a QCM or Superintendent.

VA: Yes, that is correct. The SSHO shall not have shared duties as a QCM or Superintendent.

22. Please confirm the QCM shall not have any shared duties as the SSHO or Superintendent.

VA: Yes, that is correct. The QCM shall not have shared duties as the SSHO or Superintendent.

23. Please confirm that all firestopping must be either installed by an FM global approved contractor, or a UL qualified firestop contractor certified.

VA: Yes, that is correct.

A/E: Refer to the specifications.

24. Please confirm that the contractor is to include the services of a third party independent firestopping inspector in their bid

VA: Yes, that is correct.

A/E: Refer to the specifications.

ITEM

NO.

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

25. 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.

A/E: Refer to the specifications.

26. Please confirm if there are any phase constraints between the tasks or work areas outlined in the RFP document. Will there be any facility-mandated constraints the contractor will have to take into account when sequencing work? Will the contractor be limited In the amount of rooms isolated simultaneously? If so, please provide an approximation of the amount of rooms the contract will be able to access at a time.

A/E: See Phasing Plan on sheet GI-003. This design phasing plan is not intended to replace a detailed means and methods of the General Contractor. It does provide a feasible overall plan that minimizes downtime for the

VA.

VA: The facility operates 24/7 and all construction work must have minimum impact to the operations of the facility.

27. If rooms are required to be isolated in phases, will there be any downtime in the schedule between phases to allow the VA time for relocation of staff / equipment / devices.

VA: The VA has plans to have all affected staff, equipment, and belongings relocated prior to work within the new telecom rooms.

28. Please confirm that contractor parking will be provided on site. This directly impacts pricing.

VA: The contractor is allowed to park in any of the designated parking lots across the facility but cannot parking any of the handicap, Veteran-only parking spaces, or Government-only parking spaces.

29. Please confirm if this project is tax exempt. If so, will the VA provide the documentation to the prime contractor after award?

VA: This project is not tax exempt.

30. 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.

A/E: The contractor shall comply with any and all requirements called out in the specifications.

ITEM

NO.

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

31. 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.

A/E: The contractor shall comply with any and all requirements called out in the specifications.

32. Please confirm cable installer must have on staff a Registered Communication Distribution Designer (RCDD) certified by Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI).

A/E: The contractor shall comply with any and all requirements called out in the specifications.

33. Please confirm this project must meet the buy American act requirements.

VA: Yes, the contractor is required to ensure all materials, equipment, and product purchased abides by the Buy American Act requirements.

34. Please confirm level 4 finish for all finished gypsum board including patches.

A/E: Use level 4 finish for all Gypsum Board, including patches.

35. Are we required to use plenum rated cabling for all areas? Can we use riser rated cabling in non plenum spaces?

A/E: Refer to division 27 specifications for telecom cabling and pathway requirements in addition to the drawings.

36. Will flexible metal conduit be allowed? A/E: Refer to division 26 and 27 specifications for electrical and telecom pathway requirements in addition to the drawings.

37. Please confirm the VA will be working and scheduling with the subsystem vendors on scheduling network outages.

VA: The VA is the lead for coordination of relocating equipment (leased/owned) from the existing data center to the new data center following commissioning of the new data center. The GC is required to have representatives present during the VA-led relocation meetings with the VA IPTs.

38. Please define off hours, we assume off hours to be second shift work but need confirmation.

VA: Off hours are considered to be times after 4:30 pm on Monday thru Friday, weekends, and Federal holidays.

39. Please confirm the normal working hours of this contract are to be assumed as normal working hours; 7:00 am-5:00 pm

VA: Normal working hours are Monday thru Friday, 7:00am – 4:30pm.

40. Please confirm if there are any requirements to work off hours and define those definable features of work that the Facility or COR will require the contractor to work during off hours.

VA: Weekends and after hours work requires a 2-week notification and permission/approval from the VA COR to perform this work. The notification must have detailed information of the type of work being performed, how long the work is estimated to take, and who will be performing this work.

41. Please confirm per section 01 00 00 that contractor is to provide a commercial photographer/subcontractor and that indexing/navigation will use AutoCAD drawings to be interactive online. Typically, this has been waived on most other VA projects as most facilities do not have the capabilities to utilize AutoCAD.

A/E: Per 01 00 00, photographic documentation is required for Building 151.

ITEM

NO.

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

42. Please confirm the pre-determined intervals in which the photographic documentation is to be done.

A/E: Per 01 00 00 and coordinate with the COR.

43. Can the contractor QC manager serve as the photographer if they meet the requirement of having experience photographing construction projects. The term “Commercial Photographer” is vague, has no licensing requirements or any other information required.

VA: Yes, it is fine for the QC Manager to serve as photographer as long as they meet the requirements.

44. Can the QC manager serve as the photographer for the demonstration and training recordings? The term “Commercial Photographer” is vague, has no licensing requirements or any other information required.

VA: Yes, it is fine for the QC Manager to serve as photographer for the demonstration and training recordings.

45. Will the VA consider allowing another site visit, as the original site visit was held very shortly after the release of the solicitation and many subcontractors are requesting another opportunity to look at the site.

VA: No, there will not be another site visit.

46. Is there a proprietary fire alarm contractor at the facility? If so, please provide the company name and point of contact.

VA: Yes, Johnson Controls Inc.

47. Is there a proprietary controls contractor at the facility? If so, please provide the company name and point of contact

VA: Yes, Johnson Controls Inc.

48. Is there a proprietary security contractor at the facility? If so, please provide the company name and point of contact

VA: Yes, Johnson Controls Inc.

49. For any grass or landscaping requiring restoration, will the contractor be responsible for watering and maintenance for a certain period of time after approval? If so, what is the length of the establishment / maintenance period?

A/E: Per 31 20 11, the contractor is responsible for landscaping maintenance until site stabilization and final acceptance by the COR. VA is responsible after acceptance.

50. Is there an existing roof warranty for the roof system requiring modification as part of this project? If so, is the contractor required to uphold the existing warranty? If so, please provide the point of contact for the company that holds the existing warranty?

VA: No, there is not an existing roof warranty.

51. Is it anticipated that unsuitable soil will be encountered on this project? If so, is the contractor responsible for removal and disposal of any unsuitable soils?

A/E: The contractor is responsible for removal and disposal of unsuitable soils if encountered.

ITEM

NO.

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

52. Asbestos quantities are not given in the specs and don’t seem to be shown on the drawings. Please confirm, is asbestos abatement required as part of this contract? If so, please provide indication of the quantities, types, and locations of ACM to be abated and removed.

VA: Information will be provided.

A/E: General Contractor should be prepared to sample, mediate, and/or abate hazardous materials if encountered during demolition/construction tasks.

53. Is lead based paint to be abated and removed as part of this project? If so, please provide indication of the quantities and locations lead-based paint is assumed to be existing within the work areas to be removed

VA: Information will be provided.

A/E: General Contractor should be prepared to sample, mediate, and/or abate hazardous materials if encountered during demolition/construction tasks.

54. Please confirm, where new data drops are to be provided at new wall area outlet locations, is the contractor responsible for providing all new backboxes, conduit, and associated pathways? Or can existing backboxes and conduit at drop locations be reused?

A/E: Refer to drawing sheet GI-003 for phasing notes and installation/construction procedures in addition to the Project manual.

55. Please confirm, are all walls calling for new paint assumed to be required to be painted with 3 coats, seam-to-seam?

A/E: Paint per Finish Schedule and specifications.

56. Please confirm, will all exterior underground cable runs require new maxcell 3-cell innerduct at pathways?

A/E: Innerduct is required for all exterior conduit runs.

See drawing sheet TG-502 for more information.

57. Are all exterior duct bank pathways to be provided as new? Are there any exterior duct bank pathways intended to be reused in place?

A/E: No existing exterior duct banks are intended to be reused for this project.

58. Please confirm, is the prime contractor required to directly hire the controls system integrator?

VA: Yes, the GC is required to hire a controls system integrator.

59. Is there a proprietary controls systems integrator at the facility? If so, please provide the company and point of contact

VA: See response for question 47.

60. Please confirm, are HEPA carts sufficient for infection control when working above ceilings in hallways?

VA: Yes, this is sufficient.

61. Ceilings in hallways are not shown. Is the contractor to assume all ceilings in hallways are ACT drop ceiling systems that can be removed and reinstalled for above-ceiling access as needed? If gypsum, plaster, or any alternative type of ceiling is anticipated to be present in the hallway and require removal and reinstallation for above-ceiling access, please provide a means of quantifying how much of each ceiling type to assume for bidding purposes.

A/E: Bidders are responsible for verifying existing conditions as part of their due diligence during the bidding process. If the condition observed differs materially from what is shown in the documents and could impact pricing or scope, please provide specific observations and supporting documentation (e.g., photos or measurements) so that we can evaluate the condition and determine if an addendum or clarification is warranted. At this time, bidders should base their proposals on the documents as issued, incorporating any conditions verified during their site visit.

ITEM

NO.

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

62. Please confirm, is the contractor responsible for providing all new conduit and cable fire sleeves where new cable is fed into work areas?

A/E: See responsibility matrices on drawing sheet TG- 001.

63. Is flexible conduit allowed for new cable pathways where entering into work areas?

A/E: Refer to divisions 26 and 27 specifications for electrical and telecom pathway requirements in addition to the drawings.

64. Telecom drawings (TD-Series) reference a “phasing narrative”. Where can this phasing narrative be found?

A/E: See drawing sheet GI-003.

65. Please confirm, are all interior horizontal pathways to be removed and replaced with new? Is the contractor permitted to reuse any of the existing interior horizontal pathways for new fiber runs?

A/E: Provide new backbone and horizontal pathways as indicated on the Telecom drawings. Existing pathways shall be demolished as called out in the drawings.

66. Please confirm, is all new interior horizontal cable to be provided with new cable trays or conduit in hallways?

A/E: Provide new backbone and horizontal pathways as indicated on the Telecom drawings. Existing pathways shall be demolished as called out in the drawings.

67. Please confirm, is all horizontal cat6a cable from telecom rooms to data drops permitted to be installed using J-hooks rather than conduit or cable trays (with exception of vertical conduit required at drop locations).

A/E: Provide new backbone and horizontal pathways as indicated on the Telecom drawings. Existing pathways shall be demolished as called out in the drawings.

68. Is maxcell innerduct require for interior backbone cable within conduit?

A/E: Refer to drawing sheet TG-001 General Note #21.

69. Telecom drawings seem to be contradictory. A general note on page TG001 says that the contractor is to remove cable and jacks, but allow horizontal conduit to remain for reuse. TD-Series drawings all seem to indicate all horizontal pathways to be removed in entirety. Please clarify.

A/E: The only existing horizontal pathways that can be reused if possible are the existing WAO backboxes and WAO conduit stub-ups. All other horizontal and backbone pathways shall be new.

70. Wall type B13 is shown throughout the new Data Center on page A-151.2, but now wall detail is shown for type B13. Please provide partition wall details for all wall types.

A/E: See attached detail for wall type B13 to be used in the Data Center only.

71. Are new TR rooms to receive new room identification signage as part of this contract?

A/E: TR signage by VA.

VA: New TRs that are taking the place of existing offices will reutilize existing signage. New signage will be needed for new TRs that are splitting an existing space.

72. Are new Fire extinguisher cabinets to be provided near all new TR rooms as part of this contract?

A/E: No, the TR should be more than 75’ away from a carbon dioxide or clean agent fire extinguisher. No extinguisher should be inside a telecom room.

73. Is the contractor to provide new floor finish in room 116A and 200? If so, what type?

A/E: No.

ITEM

NO.

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

74. “Alternate No. 1” is indicated on plumbing drawing P-151.2 and P-151.3, however no alternative option line items are included in the CLIN schedule. Please clarify what this note on P-151.3 and P-151.2 is intended to indicate.

A/E: Base bid to be gravity drain. Refer to civil plans for base bid. If forced main is required due to building construction price Alternate No.1.

VA: The solicitation will be amended to include the alternate.

75. Buildings 1, 3, and 137 will require roof modifications to accommodate new roof-mounted condensing units, however no details regarding the existing roof system appear to be included in the documents. Please provide further details regarding the type of roof that exists on each of these buildings.

A/E: Buildings 1, 3, and 137 have flat roofs. Details for roof mounted equipment can be found on drawing sheet M-001.

76. Is there a current roof warranty that the contractor will be required to maintain (specifically for buildings 1, 3, and 137)? If so, please provide the company name and point of contact that holds the existing warranty.

VA: See response for question 50.

77. Schedule of Special Inspections is referenced in the specifications but does not seem to be included in the contract docs. Please provide a schedule of special inspections.

A/E: See attached Schedule of Special Inspections.

78. Key note (1) says REMOVE ALL HORIZONTAL

PATHWAYS, CONDUIT, CABLE TRAY, CABLING,

OUTLET BOXES, FACEPLATES, JACKS, PATCH PANELS,

AND EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT THIS

LEVEL. CABLE SHALL BE REMOVED FROM END TO

END TO INCLUDE ALL TERMINATIONS. NO

ABANDONED CABLE SHALL BE LEFT IN PLACE. ALL

EXISTING END USER EQUIPMENT CONNECTED TO

EXISTING HORIZONTAL INFRASTRUCTURE

(COMPUTERS, PHONES, WIRELESS ACCESS POINTS,

ETC.) SHALL REMAIN IN PLACE AND BE CONNECTED

TO THE NEW HORIZONTAL PERMANENT LINK AT

THE TIME OF CUTOVER PRIOR TO DEMOLITION. The keynote is shown in the hallways in the drawing, but it does not show what is in those areas-Can you confirm we are only demoing what is down in dark lettering.

A/E: In addition to the WAOs shown on the TD sheets, the contractor shall also remove all pathways, conduit, cable tray, etc. As indicated in the keynote.

79. Please confirm that all face plate will be 4 port with blanks.

A/E: Refer to drawing sheet TG-504 and division 27 specifications for faceplate requirements.

80. Drawings show cable tray with no additional information- Is the cable tray new? If so is there a size preference?

A/E: Cable tray shall be sized in accordance with the drawings and specification section 27 05 36: 2.1.

ITEM

NO.

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

81. Is there a requirement for fiber tray in the MCR to separated the back bone fiber and production fiber- If you can details be provided

A/E: The OSP backbone fiber that is routed to the TRs is to be installed in the 18” x 4” cable tray. The fiber routed within the MCR (MDA-HDA-Server) shall be installed in the 4” x 4” fiber optic cable tray.

82. The sheet note says to provide a diverse path- The drawings do not identify the preferred path. Please identify the A and B path in the buildings.

A/E: Pathways indicated comprise of both the A and B pathways. It is the contractor’s responsibility to install the cabling in a manner that meets the diversity and survivability requirements.

83. The specification includes integrating electronic security systems into the existing systems- In prior projects the security systems where to be provided by the existing integrator. Is that the case on this project as well?

VA: It is the contractor’s responsibility to integrate the new security equipment into the VA’s existing security system. Coordinate with the COR and VA Police for access to the existing security system.

84. The specification includes integrating electronic security systems into the existing systems. Can you provide the names of the existing electronic security equipment manufacturers? Is there existing space on the NVR for the addition of cameras?

A/E: Existing video surveillance system is Avigilon.

Existing access control and intrusion detection systems are Software House iStar CCURE.

VA: Contractor is responsible for the procurement of a new NVR. The NVR make is Avigilon.

85. Please confirm, are underground duct banks to be concrete encased in entirety? Or only when crossing roadways or driveways?

A/E: All exterior duct banks shall be constructed of reinforced concrete. See Telecom T333-3 for construction detail. Refer to sheet TG-501.

86. Are there any historical areas or obstacles that we need to be aware of?

A/E: Much of the campus is in a historical zone. The new data center building is not.

87. Are there any sensitive environmental areas that need to be protected?

VA: All disturbed environmental areas need to be restored back to previous conditions.

88. Any outside areas off limits to crews? A/E: Memorial Garden shall be protected from damage/disturbance during all phases of construction.

Use caution when demolishing the Greenhouse building adjacent to protect garden walls and plants from damage or debris.

89. Will there be any permitting requirements? A/E: Disturbed area of project is over 1-acre, so an Alabama Erosion and Sediment Control permit will be required.

VA: Permits must be obtained from VA Safety for any confined space, trenching, and hot work being done in this project.

90. What are the workdays/hours? Monday thru Friday, 7:00am – 4:30pm. VA is closed on all Federal Holidays and if the federal holiday falls on a weekend, then the day proceeding or falling after the holiday is an off day. Weekends and after hours work requires a 2-week notification and permission/approval from the VA COR to perform this work.

91. Any noise restrictions? A/E: Noise restrictions included in specifications.

ITEM

NO.

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

92. What are the Base Standards for Softscape Restoration? Seed and Straw?

A/E: See the Landscaping Sheet CS104 and accompanying specifications for permanent site stabilization (seed, sod, plantings). See sheet C-503 and C-504 for typical ADEM details. See erosion control notes and details, general notes, and site notes for more information.

93. Base Standards on Hardscape Replacement

- Concreate – Patch and Replace Section?

- Asphalt – Patch or Repave in entirety.

A/E: Remove and replace full sections of concrete paving/curb and gutter/road between joints.

Asphalt demolition in full sections, sawcut clean/straight and remove full sections for duct bank/utility construction. Asphalt roads should be fully repaved entirely. Asphalt trails should also be fully repaved entirely. Roadways constructed to Alabama DOT standards for rigid and flexible pavement. Soil compaction, asphalt and concrete, aggregate shall meet Alabama DOT standards for roadway construction.

94. Are there any requirements for storing equipment or material while not in use on the property?

A/E: Requirements for storage are included in the specifications.

95. Are there any specific requirements around safety besides the standard practice?

A/E: Contractor shall observe all standard protections, including but not limited to, utility construction, utility locates, work around active utilities (electrical/sanitary/water lines/storm/etc.), trenching protections for construction of the duct bank and other underground utilities: exits, trench boxes, setback excavated soil from edge of open trenches, control access to any open trench at all times, mark and enclose trenches inside construction fence, etc. Safety of workers, visitors, and staff is paramount for all exterior excavations and utilities work.

ITEM

NO.

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

96. ET series drawings for CCTV camera. Bid spec documents do not specify what system is currently in place for this project, please answer the following questions:

-What is the manufacturer of the current video management system?

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

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

-Are there sufficient existing licenses to support the new cameras?

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

-Is there a current vendor/installer of this system that we can contact Please provide contact information

A/E: Existing video surveillance system is Avigilon. It is the contractor’s responsibility to provide new licenses for any new device shown.

VA: The current Avigilon version that the VA is 7.3. The cameras are to be dome. The vendor/installer is Johnson Control, Inc.

97. ET series drawings for card reader/pin pad. Bid spec documents do not specify what system is currently in place for this project, please answer the following questions:

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

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

-Are we expected to support the version?

updates as part of the contract?

-Are the licenses sufficient to support the new doors?

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

-Is there a current vendor/installer of this system that we can contact? Please provide contact information

A/E: Existing access control and intrusion detection systems are Software House iStar CCure. It is the contractor’s responsibility to provide new licenses for any new device shown.

VA: There is no existing integration between the access control and CCTV systems. The current version for access control is 2.8. Contractor is responsible for procuring the latest license version of the Software House iStar CCure system. The vendor/installer is Johnson Control, Inc.

ITEM

NO.

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

98. Is there an allowance of Cat 6A cables & 1 1/4” 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 and 1 ¼” data rough-in cover what may have been missed during design. Please advise.

A/E: This project includes a one for one replacement of the existing horizontal cabling infrastructure from the telecom rooms to the work area outlets. The contractor shall assume an additional 10% (above and beyond what is currently shown on the drawings) for horizontal cabling and horizontal cabling connections (faceplates, jacks, patch panel ports, conduit, backboxes, etc.). The contractor is also required to perform their own site survey sometime after award but before installation to determine the final horizontal cabling counts from each telecom room.

99. Existing Fire Alarm System

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

VA: Yes, Johnson Controls, Inc.

100. Existing Nurse Call System.

- Q: Is there a current maintenance vendor/installer that we can contact? Please provide contact information.

VA: No, there is not. Not sure how the Nurse call system has anything to do with this EHRM project.

101. Is conduit required for grounding conductors running/installed ceiling & risers?

A/E: Refer to division 27 specifications for pathway requirements.

102. Spec. 27 05 33 D calls for Rigid or IMC in wall & above ceiling installation.

- Q1: Clarification are all new WAO to be installed in rigid/IMC?

-Q2: Can EMT be expected for installation for all

WOA above ceiling/in walls?

A/E: Pathways shall be provided as required in the specifications.

103. TN-plan calls for 4” pathway for A&B backbone, plan notes does not state if it is EMT, Rigid or IMC. Spec.

27 05 33 D calls for Rigid or IMC in wall & above ceiling installation.

- Q1-Clarification are all A&B backbone pathway to be installed rigid/IMC.

- Q2-Can EMT be expected for installation of all A&B backbone above ceiling/in walls

A/E: Pathways shall be provided as required in the specifications.

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

A/E: Refer to the specifications.

ITEM

NO.

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

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

A/E: Laydown area can provide storage for demolished asphalt and concrete. Coordinate access and available space with COR.

VA: Location of laydown area is being provided. The contractor’s spoil pile shall be contained within the contractor’s designated spot. Spoil pile may be removed from the site once per week but shall not exceed a month without removal of unsuitable.

106. Will soil testing be performed prior to construction, to determine if any soils are contaminated?

A/E: A geotechnical investigation was conducted during design and contaminated soils were not located.

107. Is there a location where spoil dirt can be stored? VA: See response for question 105.

108. Is there a specific location that will be used as a laydown yard during construction?

VA: See response for question 10.

109. Will erosion control plans be provided? A/E: Erosion and sediment control plans are provided as part of civil site plan for duct banks and datacenter building. See sheet C-503 and C-504 for erosion control and stabilization details.

110. Has there been any boring samples/test made for duct bank pathway/trench to determine subsurface condition?

A/E: Soil borings and geotechnical reports are provided in the project specifications.

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

A/E: New WAOs are shown on the TN series sheets.

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

A/E: New WAOs are shown on the TN series sheets.

113. 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.

A/E: This information is shown on the TN series sheets.

114. 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?

A/E: New WAOs are shown on the TN series sheets.

115. Is there a count and length for Cat6A patch cords? A/E: The contractor shall provide (1) patch cord for every wired port within each rack/cabinet. For example, if there is a 48-port fiber patch panel in a rack/cabinet the contractor shall provide a patch cord to cover all 48-ports. If there is a 48-port copper patch panel, the contractor shall project 48 copper patch cords.

Contractor shall assume that every patch needs to reach any location with the associated cabinet. There will be no patch cords that leave one rack/cabinet to go to another rack/cabinet.

ITEM

NO.

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

116. Are we to provide one patch cable for each station and closet end?

A/E: See response for question 115.

117. Is there a count and length for Fiber Patch cords? A/E: See response for question 115.

118. Are we to provide patch cables for each pair of strands at each end?

A/E: See response for question 115.

119. Is there any copper backbone (25-pair or larger) needed?

A/E: New backbone cable information is shown on the TN series sheets.

120. Please provide Hazardous Materials Survey. A/E: No known hazardous materials were identified.

121. Please clarify details for Column 1 on S-151.100.

Please confirm how the column is attached to the slab.

A/E: The columns are not anchored to the slab. The columns are anchored to the footing as indicated in details B3 and B5 on drawing sheet S-151.401.

122. Drawings show cable tray with no additional information- Is the cable tray new? If so, is there a size preference?

VA: See response for question 80.

123. Can you confirm that all face plates will be 4 ports with blanks.

VA: See response for question 79.

124. It appears that the cameras are existing in the TRs and are just being moved. Can you confirm they are new or existing?

A/E: If a device on the TN sheets is not noted as existing or shown as half-tone, then it is new.

125. Is there a requirement for fiber tray in the MCR to separate the backbone fiber and production fiber-If you can details be provided.

VA: See response for question 81.

126. TN149.1A - Sheet note says to provide a diverse path. The drawings do not identify the preferred path. Can you identify the A and B path in all buildings.

VA: See response for question 82.

127. Access Control, Video and IDS equipment

- During the walk through the question was asked about existing security equipment. It was stated that you must match the existing site equipment. Can you provide the existing equipment already in place on-site?

A/E: Existing Access Control and Intrusion Detection Systems are Software House iStar CCURE. New licenses shall be provided for any new device shown.

128. Existing security network rooms

- There are several locations listed as a dual use space. That would be IT and Security.

There are switches for each system in those rooms. Where the IT switches are moving to another location. Is it the intent to leave the security switches in place?

A/E: Relocating existing security switches are not in the scope of this project.

ITEM

NO.

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

129. Existing security network rooms

- Along with switches in those same rooms, there is access and control equipment. Will that equipment stay in place or be moved to an additional location?

A/E: New electronic security scope is shown on the TN series drawings.

130. Existing security network rooms

- If current security equipment lines/equipment are damaged/removed during construction, would that be considered part of this project to replace?

A/E: Yes, the contractor is responsible for replacing any equipment that they damage.

VA: At no cost to the government.

131. Would the department owner of the security systems be available to go over system availability and connections prior to project starting?

A/E: This information is not required as part of the bidding process. It will be provided by the VA after award.

VA: Coordinate with VA COR for a meeting with VA Police.

132. Can you supply information on existing panel capacity for Access and Video systems?

A/E: Existing Access Control and Intrusion Detection Systems are Software House iStar CCURE. Existing Video Surveillance System is Avigilon. New licenses shall be provided for any new device shown.

133. If any security system capacity has been reached or would be reached in some areas, would mitigation be considered part of this project?

A/E: Existing Access Control and Intrusion Detection Systems are Software House iStar CCURE. Existing Video Surveillance System is Avigilon. New licenses shall be provided for any new device shown.

134. Based on initial design, will changes in pathways be considered if it is found to be more advantageous to the security systems layout and possibly be more cost effective?

A/E: This will be considered on a case-by-case basis. For bidding purposes what is shown on the IFC documents shall be provided.

135. LAN network

- In section 28 13 00 and 28 23 00, it mentions that new equipment is to be placed on existing LAN. Can you provide the network map that indicates where that network is established?

A/E: This information is not required as part of the bidding process. It will be provided by the VA after award.

VA: Coordinate with VA COR for a meeting with VA Police.

136. LAN network

- Is all security equipment on a stand-alone

LAN network? If so, can you list the components of that network and available expansion?

A/E: This information is not required as part of the bidding process. It will be provided by the VA after award.

VA: Coordinate with VA COR for a meeting with VA Police.

137. Video server

- Would a new video server be needed to support the additional cameras for the project?

A/E: Existing video surveillance system is Avigilon. New licenses shall be provided for any new device shown.

VA: Contractor is responsible for the procurement of a new NVR. The NVR make is Avigilon.

ITEM

NO.

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

138. Network switches

- Will any new network switches be required for any of the new security products?

A/E: New electronic security scope is shown on the TN series drawings.

VA: For buildings without existing network switches, contractor is responsible for procurement.

139. Network switches

- If they are required, can you supply the exact model number of the switches needed?

A/E: Refer to division 27 and 28 specifications and the TN series drawings for new equipment.

VA: Network switch model: Cisco 9300

140. Drawing TD149.1

Key note (1) says REMOVE ALL HORIZONTAL

PATHWAYS, CONDUIT, CABLE TRAY, CABLING,

OUTLET BOXES, FACEPLATES, JACKS, PATCH PANELS,

AND EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT THIS LEVEL. CABLE

SHALL BE REMOVED FROM END TO END TO

INCLUDE ALL TERMINATIONS. NO ABANDONED

CABLE SHALL BE LEFT IN PLACE. ALL EXISTING END

USER EQUIPMENT CONNECTED TO EXISTING

HORIZONTAL INFRASTRUCTURE

(COMPUTERS, PHONES, WIRELESS ACCESS POINTS,

ETC.) SHALL REMAIN IN PLACE AND BE CONNECTED

TO THE NEW HORIZONTAL PERMANENT LINK AT

THE TIME OF CUTOVER PRIOR TO DEMOLITION.-

The keynote is shown in the hallways in the drawing, but it does not show what is in those areas-Can you confirm we are only demoing what is down in dark lettering.

VA: See response for question 78.

141. Drawing TN149.1A

Can you confirm that all face plate will be 4 port with blanks.

VA: See response for question 79.

142. Drawing TN149.1A

Drawings show cable tray with no additional information- Is the cable tray new? If so is there a size preference?

VA: See response for question 80.

143. Drawing TN149.1A

It appears that maybe the cameras are existing in the TRs and are just being moved. Can you confirm they are new or existing? If the camera are to be moved and need to be reprogrammed or adjusted can you confirm whose scope that is?

VA: See response for question 124.

144. Drawing TN149.1A

Is there a requirement for fiber tray in the MCR to separated the back bone fiber and production fiber-

If you can details be provided?

VA: See response for question 125.

ITEM

NO.

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

145. Drawing TN149.1A

The sheet note says to provide a diverse path- The drawings do not identify the preferred path. Can you identify the A and B path in the buildings?

VA: See response for question 126.

146. Specification Div 28

The specification includes integrating electronic security systems into the existing systems- In prior projects the security systems where to be provided by the existing integrator. Is that the case here as well?

VA: See response for question 83.

147. Specification Div 28

The specification includes integrating electronic security systems into the existing systems. Can you provide the names of the existing electronic security equipment manufacturers? Is there existing space on the NVR for the addition of cameras?

VA: See response for question 84.

148. ET series drawings for CCTV camera. Bid spec documents do not specified 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 provide contact information

VA: See response for question 96.

ITEM

NO.

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

149. ET series drawings for card reader/pin pad. Bid spec documents do not specified 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 provide contact information

VA: See response for question 97.

150. Existing Fire Alarm System.

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

VA: See response for question 99.

151. Existing Nurse Call System.

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

VA: See response for question 100.

152. Is conduit required for grounding conductors running/installed ceiling & risers?

VA: See response for question 101.

153. Spec. 27 05 33 D calls for Rigid or IMC in wall & above ceiling installation.

Q1-Clarification all new WAO to be installed in rigid/IMC

Q2-Can EMT be expected for installation for all WOA above ceiling/in walls.

VA: See response for question 102.

154. TN-plan calls for 4” pathway for A&B backbone, plan notes does not state if it is EMT, Rigid or IMC.

Spec. 27 05 33 D calls for Rigid or IMC in wall & above ceiling installation.

Q1-Clarification on all A&B backbone pathway to be installed rigid/IMC.

Q2-Can EMT be expected for installation of all A&B backbone above ceiling/in walls.

VA: See response for question 103.

ITEM

NO.

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

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

VA: See response for question 104.

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

VA: See response for question 105.

157. Will soil testing be performed prior to construction, to determine if any soils are contaminated?

VA: See response for question 106.

158. Is there a location where spoil dirt can be stored? VA: See response for question 107.

159. Is there a specific location that will be used as a laydown yard during construction?

VA: See response for question 108.

160. Will erosion control plans be provided? VA: See response for question 109.

161. Has there been any boring samples/test made for duct bank pathway/trench to determine subsurface condition?

VA: See response for question 110.

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

VA: See response for question 111.

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

VA: See response for question 112.

164. 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.

VA: See response for question 113.

165. What is the drop counts of each coverage zone? If it is a 1 for 1 swap, how many existing drops are located in each coverage zone?

VA: See response for question 114.

166. Is there a count and length for Cat6A patch cords? VA: See response for question 115.

167. Are we to provide one patch cable for each station and closet end?

VA: See response for question 116.

168. Is there a count and length for Fiber Patch cords? VA: See response for question 117.

169. Are we to provide patch cables for each pair of strand at each end?

VA: See response for question 118.

170. Is there any copper backbone (25-pair or larger) needed?

VA: See response for question 119.

171. Is cable tray shown as new or existing? A/E: All devices, equipment and pathways shown on the TN series drawings are new unless noted otherwise.

VA: See response for question 80.

172. Cable tray sizing is not shown. A/E: Cable tray shall be sized in accordance with the drawings and specification section 270536 2.1.

173. Is there any existing cable tray to be removed/reused?

A/E: See TD series sheets keynote #1.

ITEM

NO.

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

174. Please confirm that the VA will provide the use of power and water to the contractor at no cost for this project.

A/E: Refer to the specifications.

175. Please confirm that the VA will require an SSHO be present for each shift if multiple shifts are worked in a day.

VA: Yes, the SSHO is required to be present.

176. If the drawings do not identify new control panels for the PAC devices, should the contractor assume a new standalone control panel will be required to support each new PAC device.

A/E: Existing connections and new PAC devices are shown on the TN series sheets.

177. Will the VA require escorts for all work to be performed within a Telecommunication Room? If so, does the VA have a sufficient number of escorts available to allow for the work to be performed and completed by the contract completion date?

VA: Yes, the VA requires escort for work in all existing telecom rooms that are getting renovated. Any new telecom rooms will not require escort until equipment is moved into the new space.

178. Will the VA allow workers to be in a

Telecommunication Room or Server Room without an escort if the individual has passed the VA OIT background check and has a badge?

VA: No, escorts are required will working in telecommunication rooms and/or server rooms.

179. Because the work is being performed throughout multiple buildings and areas on campus the level / classification infection control parameters will vary.

For bidding purposes, please share the level/classification for each area or building or alternatively provide a baseline assumption…