S06 - 0004 - Att1 - Post Deadline Vendor QA Responses 7.14.25.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 24 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- 36C77625R0055_1
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The file S06 - 0004 - Att1 - Post Deadline Vendor QA Responses 7.14.25.xlsx appears to be a vendor questions and answers document related to a VA contract opportunity. The associated solicitation (36C77625R0055_1) is for constructing EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades at the Lebanon, PA Veterans Affairs Medical Center. This is a competitive procurement set aside exclusively for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) under 38 U.S.C. 8127.
The contract requires the selected contractor to provide comprehensive project management, labor, materials, tools, supplies, and equipment to complete infrastructure upgrades for project #595-22-700. The procurement will be managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs Technology Acquisition Center in Austin, focusing on infrastructure improvements at the Lebanon VAMC. While the specific details of the vendor Q&A are not visible in the provided context, the document suggests it contains post-deadline responses from potential vendors regarding the solicitation.
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Sheet1
| # | Question | Answer |
| 1 | The architectural drawings reference wall protection, handrails, crash rails, and corner guards via Keynotes 13 and 14 on various New Work Plans. Sheet AE602 Detail A10 shows typical installation details. |
However, the following items remain unclear after review of the specifications and drawings:
| • | No specification section for wall protection, handrails, crash rails, or corner guards was found in the project manual. | ||
| • | Room finish schedules do not indicate wall protection as a finish. | ||
| • | No interior elevations are provided to show quantities, types, or exact locations of the wall protection assemblies. | ||
| • | Product types, finishes, colors, and manufacturers are not identified. | Wall protection/handrail/crashrail details have been provided to show standard mounting details where handrails/crashrails meet corners, end walls, and door jambs and where blocking is required for these elements. Wall protection/handrails/crashrails are only required where the work in this contract effects areas where these elements already exist. Where existing wall protection/handrails/crashrails are being reworked or where new wall protection/handrails/crashrails are required due to infill as part of the work in this contract)those elements shall match existing adjacent wall proection/handrails/crashrails in type,texture and color. | |
| 2 | Is there a specification section covering wall protection, handrails, crash rails, and corner guards? If so, please identify it. If not, please provide the required product information (manufacturer, type, finish, color, etc.). | Wall protection/handrail/crashrail details have been provided to show standard mounting details where handrails/crashrails meet corners, end walls, and door jambs and where blocking is required for these elements. Wall protection/handrails/crashrails are only required where the work in this contract effects areas where these elements already exist. Where existing wall protection/handrails/crashrails are being reworked or where new wall protection/handrails/crashrails are required due to infill as part of the work in this contract)those elements shall match existing adjacent wall proection/handrails/crashrails in type,texture and color. | |
| 3 | Please confirm whether the intent is to match existing wall protection in adjacent corridors, or if new product submittals are required for approval. | Match existing adjacent wall protection/handrails/crashrails, where required, per specifications. | |
| 4 | Are there additional drawings, elevations, or finish schedules that define the scope, locations, or quantities of the required wall protection? | Wall protection/handrails/crashrails are required only where the scope of work in this contract effects areas where these elements are existing. | |
| 5 | If the intent is to match existing, can the government provide photos or a description of the existing products and finishes to assist with takeoff and pricing? | All existing products and conditions will need to be confirmed by the GC, the GC shall field verify existing, per specifications. | |
| 6 | The specifications identify the use of dieletric fiber optic cable, do cables need to be installed in innerduct within the duct banks as well as within the buildings? | Yes, Maxcell fabric innerducts are required in all backbone fiber cable conduits. | |
| 7 | If innerduct is required, can you please specify the quantities, sizes and locations? | Maxcell- (3) 3-cell fabric innerduct in all 4" conduits. | |
| 8 | If innerduct is required, is MaxCell fabric innerduct permitted in outside duct banks? | Yes. | |
| 9 | If innerduct is required, the specifications identify that it should be installed in cable trays or support systems, has this been accounted for in sizing of cable raceways as the innerduct will consume quite a bit of space. | No, Maxcell innerducts are not required in cable trays, only backbone fiber conduits. | |
| 10 | Drawing 134-FX shows no sprinkler work, and I’m not seeing anything regarding sprinkler work on the drawing. Please confirm the scope of the sprinkler work within Building 134. | There is no sprinkler scope in Building 134. | |
| 11 | Please confirm the superintendent shall not have any shared duties as a QCM, SSHO or any other roles on the project. | Confirmed, the SSHO has to be a separate qualified individual from the Prime Contractor’s Superintendent and/or Quality Control Manager with duties only as the SSHO. | |
| 12 | Please confirm the SSHO shall not have any shared duties as a QCM, superintendent or any other role on the project. | Confirmed, the SSHO has to be a separate qualified individual from the Prime Contractor’s Superintendent and/or Quality Control Manager with duties only as the SSHO. | |
| 13 | Please confirm the QCM shall not have any shared duties as a SSHO, superintendent or any other role on the project. | Confirmed, the SSHO has to be a separate qualified individual from the Prime Contractor’s Superintendent and/or Quality Control Manager with duties only as the SSHO. | |
| 14 | Please confirm that the contractor is to supply all materials testing for the project. | Confirmed | |
| 15 | Please confirm that all firestopping must be either installed by an FM global approved contractor, or a UL qualified firestop contractor certified. | Confirmed. | |
| 16 | Please confirm that the contractor is to include the services of a third party independent firestopping inspector in their bid. | Confirmed. | |
| 17 | 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. | Confirmed. | |
| 18 | Please confirm that contractor parking will be provided on site. This has a direct impact on pricing. | To be coordinated with VA COR post award- VA shall provide area for jobsite trailer, laydown area, limited parking. | |
| 19 | Please confirm that the telecommunications contractor must provide proof to the project superintendent with BICSI Certified Commercial Installer Level 1, Level 2, or Technician to provide oversight of the project. | Yes. | |
| 20 | Please confirm cable installer must have on staff a Registered Communication Distribution | Yes. | |
| 21 | Please provide a site plan showing location for contractor trailers, storage, jobsite toilets and contractor delivery locations. | To be coordinated with VA COR two days post award- see site plan note on sheet AS100. See Item 18. | |
| 22 | Please confirm this project must meet the buy American act requirements. | Confirmed. | |
| 23 | Please confirm level 4 finish for all finished gypsum board including patches. | Level 4 finish at minimum. | |
| 24 | Please confirm painting unless otherwise noted is to be (3) coats (prime, body, and finish) and will be from "seam to seam" or to a change of materials where walls are patched and refinished. | Confirmed- see specs. | |
| 25 | Please confirm work in common hallways requires use of the control cube method i.e. cart with plastic covering and sealed connection to work site with HEPA vacuum for vacuuming prior to exit. | Confirmed, additionally see ICRA sheets and Section 01 35 26 PICRA and ICRA forms provided in the specifications. | |
| 26 | Please confirm due to security and patient privacy that the VA has extra network equipment (switch gear, routers, UPS's) to keep the network connected during construction and cut over? | No, the VA does not have "extra" materials and does not envision loss of service during construction or cut over. See item 35 for cut over. | |
| 27 | Please confirm the VA will be working and scheduling with the existing facility subsystem vendors on scheduling network outages. | Contractor shall coordinate outages with their subcontractors and the VA COR to ensure permits are received, routed and approved by the VA prior to any utility/services shutdowns. | |
| 28 | Please provide floor to finish heights and floor to structure heights for all buildings, where not provided. | GC shall field verify all floor to floor heights in field. | |
| 29 | Is there a current roof warranty for each building? If so, please confirm who has the roofing warranty and provide point of contact. | No. Any roof penetration or damage shall be the responsibility of the GC to immediately repair. | |
| 30 | Please confirm that a large business not part of an SBA/VA APPROVED Mentor-Protégé team under the VA Mentor-Protégé program cannot provide a Payment & Performance bond for a SDVOSB. | The requirements for surety of payment and performance bonds are outlined in 52.228-15(d) of the solicitation. | |
| 31 | Please confirm that a large business not part of an SBA/VA APPROVED Mentor-Protégé team under the VA Mentor-Protégé program cannot provide a bid guarantee for a SDVOSB. | The requirements for surety of bid guarantees are outlined in 52.228-1(b) of the solicitation. | |
| 32 | Please clarify if temporary partitions shall extend to deck or be enclosed by a 1-HR rated ceiling assembly as detailed. | See wall type T1 on sheet AE500. | |
| 33 | Are we to assume that areas with existing data devices will not require new wall sleeves? If new sleeves are required, please provide a count. | To negate any downtime a new sleeve may be required to install new Cat6A cable prior to removal of existing cables. Assume (1) new sleeve for rooms with (3) or more existing telecom outlets to be used. | |
| 34 | Are we to assume that areas with existing data devices will not require new conduit? If new conduit is required, please provide a count. | Contractor shall assume new conduit will be required for outlets with (3) or more new Cat6A cables. | |
| 35 | Are we to assume that areas with existing data devices will not require new boxes? If new boxes are required, please provide a count. | New boxes will be required at outlet locations with (3) or more new CAT6A cables to accommodate bend radius. For New TR locations, Contractor shall build out new TR with racks, fiber distribution, patch panels, switches, UPS, cable trays, etc. and test/terminate new backbone fiber cables (while keeping existing TR location fully active). Contractor shall route all new horizontal cabling served by new TR and coil Cat6A cables above ceiling at existing (re-used) outlet locations at the same time of new TR build out. Once new TR equipment and backbone cabling is active, contractor shall remove existing horizontal cables from existing outlets, install new Cat6A cables in existing outlet box, terminate on new Cat6A jacks in new faceplate and Test horizontal cables. Upgrade of outlets shall be performed ONE AT A TIME. Do not disconnect multiple outlets at same time. After outlet has been upgraded, remove existing horizontal cabling complete back to existing TR. After all outlet served by existing TR have been upgraded and existing cables removed, Demolition of existing TR can begin. For Re-used/expanded TR locations, contractor shall un-bolt existing equipment racks and shift out of way for new equipment rack line-up while keeping existing equipment racks fully active. Then, perform same task indicated above for new TR locations. Upgrade of some oulets will have to be performed after normal work hours or weekends to avoid interruption of hosptail's work operations/flow. Verify these locations with VA. | |
| 36 | After removing existing WAP devices, are we to re-install the same devices as well? | Contractor shall only remove WAP to re-connect with new CAT6A cable, then re-install at same locaation. Minimize downtime of WAPs. | |
| 37 | Are we required to use all plenum rated cabling for all areas? Or is Riser rated cabling acceptable where allowed by code? | Use Riser rated cables where allowed per code. If cable has to pass thru plenum space to reach destination, then entire cable shall be plenum rated. | |
| 38 | Is there any network equipment that needs to be removed / re-located within the IDFs? If so, how many pieces of equipment need to be removed / re-located per IDF? | See item #35. | |
| 39 | Can it be confirmed that J-hook pathway is acceptable for fiber routing within the same building when cable tray is not viable? | Backbone fiber cables shall be in conduit along entire route to new TR as indicated. | |
| 40 | Please confirm there are no requirements for the contractor to utilize or submit any files or plans in Revit. | Correct. Contractor is responsible for use of AutoCAD files for shop drawings, as required. | |
| 41 | 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. | A professional photographer who is experienced photographing construction projects. The commercial photographer or |
the subcontractor used for this work shall meet the following qualifications:
1. Demonstrable minimum experience of three (3) years in operation providing documentation and advanced indexing/navigation systems including a representative portfolio of construction projects of similar type, size, duration and complexity as the Project.
2. Demonstrable ability to service projects throughout North America, which shall be demonstrated by a representative portfolio of active projects of similar type, size, duration and complexity as the Project.
| 42 | Please confirm if this project will not require a Special Inspector of Record (SIOR) or if the VA will be satisfied with the contractor QC Manager serving this function and supervising all independent Special Inspectors required by the contract documents. | Provide as detailed in spec 01 45 35 |
| 43 | Please provide statement and schedule of special inspections. | See Special Inspection 01 45 35 section of the specs. See also Structural Sheets 01-SF002 and 17-SF002. |
| 44 | Please confirm the contracting team shall be responsible for all temporary furniture moves to allow for project work to proceed. | Contractor shall be responsible to move office furniture (desks, chairs, printers, file cabinets, etc.) within a given area for reasonable access to data cabling and outlets. Contractor to work with VA COR to coordinate furniture removal where access is unreasonable. |
| 45 | Suggested matrix of responsibility on sheet 00-TN000 states “CONDUIT SLEEVES (NOT SHOWN BUT REQUIRED FOR PROPER INSTALLATION OF SYSTEM)” Please confirm these locations or give a quantity to use as this request is conflicting with other information in the technology sheets for a scope of work. Given this is a fully designed project we would expect this to be shown on the drawings and not covered by a catch all phrase when it has not been included in the bidding documents by the designer. | Contractor shall provide (2) new 4" conduits sleeves thru corridor door headers for new cable routes thru corridors. Provide (1) new 2" sleeve for rooms (3) or more telecom outlets. |
| 46 | Please confirm the General Contractor of this project shall directly hire the Control System Integrator in a contract separate from the contract procuring the controls contractor. | Prime contractor is utlimately responsible to hire subcontactors according to diciplines. All sole source requirements shall be followed. The VA has one contract with the prime contractor. |
| 47 | Please confirm the ceiling types for bidding purposes in rooms with data devices. This will have a significant impact in pricing based on potential patching and access panels in these rooms if they are hard lid versus ACT. | Ceiling types for all rooms with data devices shall be confirmed by the GC, the GC shall field verify existing ceiling types. |
| 48 | Are we to assume that areas with existing data devices will not require new fire rated wall sleeves? If new sleeves are required, please provide a count so that bidders will be aligned in scope of work. | Where new cables will route thru fire-rated construction, contractor shall provide (2) 4" new fire rated pathways for cable routes thru corridors and (1) 4" fire-rated pathways thru rooms. |
| 49 | Please confirm the rough in required to the corridors from rooms with data outlets, is this conduit extending from the rooms into the corridors or just vertical conduit running up from the outlet? If running conduit into the fire rated sleeve, please provide a detail showing this connection. | Conduit shall be extended from room into corridor. |
| 50 | Please confirm the new conduit will be in the wall and not surface mounted. In wall will have a significant cost impact with patching/painting. | Assume all conduit is to be in wall. However, the VA would like to match existing conditions. Therefore, provide a predetermined credit amount (cost per outlet including conduit to data outlet) for surface mounted installations with bid proposal. |
| 51 | Existing box sizes are not shown in the documents for data outlets. Please clarify how to proceed with figuring if existing boxes will be re-used or if new boxes will need to be provided. | If outlet has 2 or less new Cat6A cables, assume box can be re-used. If (3) or more cables assume new box is required. See also item 35. |
| 52 | Existing conduit sizes are not shown in the documents for existing data outlets, please clarify what conduit size and fill should be assumed by the contractor for existing data outlets. If the conduit size is not sufficient to an existing outlet will the VA require a new conduit? | If conduit size is not sufficient, contractor shall provide new 1-1/4" conduit and 60% fill ratio. |
| 53 | Please provide wall types or assumed wall types for rooms that are being cabled and will need new fire rated sleeves. This has been problematic on many other EHRM projects as without this information the contractor has no way of knowing if coring through CMU/Masonry/Concrete is required. | Fire ratings are shown on Life Safety and Architectural sheets. |
| 54 | Please confirm that steel fabricator and erector must both be AISC certified. | Confirmed. |
| 55 | Please confirm work hours for this project. Will the contractor be given access to all areas during these work hours if scheduled in advance with the VA? | See Spec SECTION 01 00 00, GENERAL, 1.2 General Intention, F Contractor Work Hours. Work will be Monday-Sunday, 3-full shifts depending on Building, work required and patient hospital operational needs. Access will be available through the COR with advance schedueling. |
| 56 | Please clarify how the contractor can quantify and price the following statement from sheet 00-TN000 “the contractor is responsible for moving owner furniture to allow for existing data drops to be replaced. contractor to coordinate with the owner for dates and times that the furniture can be moved”. | See items 44. |
| 57 | Please clarify how the contractor can quantify and price the following statement from sheet 00-TN000 as none of the furniture is shown in the bid documents “contractor shall be responsible for all cable locations within furniture and shall be responsible for all furniture moves to complete the installation”. | See item 45 for furniture response. Cable locations within furniture (cubicles) shall have new Cat6A follow the current cable path. |
| 58 | Who is responsible for providing and installing the basket tray in the TR's, E.C. or T.C? Drawing 00-TN000 "Suggested Matrix of Responsibility" states that the E.C. is responsible for providing and installing the basket tray, but the basket tray in the TR's is detailed on the TN drawings. | Refer to item 46. |
| 59 | Please clarify whether (2) 3-cell MaxCell innerducts are required in all Outside Plant telecommunications conduits (including spares & SP2) or only in the core A & B conduits? | Maxcell innerducts are required in all outside plant telecom conduits including spare and SP2 conduits. (3) 3-cell innerducts are required in all outside plant telecom conduits. |
| 60 | Please clarify the number of spare conduits and core A/B conduits for the duct banks containing only 3 and 4 conduits. | (2) spare conduits are required for Core A and Core B in Campus main fiber loop. (1) spare conduit is required for each Core A and Core B Lateral run from fiber main conduit loop to builing entrance location. |
| 61 | Please confirm that any water/sewer utility work within the hatched areas on CS-Sheets is part of the respective project and not part of this contract. | No water/sanitary work is proposed except for the building 17 improvements, sheet CS113. |
| 62 | RE: RFI 17 in the RFI log – page 64 of the solicitation contradicts the previous response and states that the project is tax exempt. Please confirm that the project is in fact, tax exempt. | Taxes are exempt as outlined in 52.229-3 FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL TAXES and the Special Notes regarding FAR 52.229-3: Federal, State and Local Taxes. |
| 63 | RE: RFI 30 in the RFI log – How are we to price rock removal since no geotechnical report is available and conditions cannot be confirmed until excavation begins? i.e. will this be addressed via change order, or will the VA provide a quantity allowance for us to price? | See spec section 02 21 13.10 for geo technical report. Should you encounter unexpected subsoil conditions they will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine next steps per spec 31 20 00. |
| 64 | Key note 4 on Sheet 01-AE400a references details on Sheet AE300. That plan does not seem to be included in the documents provided. Please provide this sheet for details. | This should reference details on sheet AE600 and not AE300. |
| 65 | Please clarify the intent of Key note (typically 14) on many of the architectural plans that states "Provide and install new flooring and wall base as required. Flooring and wall base shall match existing adjacent flooring and wall base. Prep wall to receive new finishes on existing side of wall. new finishes shall match existing including wall protection, handrail and crash rail, as required see AE602 for details". | Where the work of this contract affects existing spaces with existing finishes, contractor shall provide finishes that match exisiting in those areas. See item 3. |
| 66 | The documents for Bldg 134 do not indicate any work however there are key notes on the plans. Please clarify what work is required in Bldg 134 | AE team believes this comment is referencing sheets 134-MH101 and 134-FX101 as those sheets contain floor plans but not keynotes. There is no Mechanical or Fire Protection scope of work to be performed within Building 134 as part of this contract. However, there is electrical scope within Building 134- see sheet 134-E100. Also see civil sheets for site work associated with Building 134. |
| 67 | The air sampling detectors are shown to be provided in conjunction with the clean agent system on 136-FX101N Keynote 2 but they also appear on drawing 136-E201NL. | See item 46, typically we would see them provided by the Division 28 contractor, but this remains a GC call. |
| 68 | Who is responsible for supplying these detectors Div 21 or Division 28? | See item 46, typically we would see them provided by the Division 28 contractor, but this remains a GC call. |
&"-,Bold"&14Post Deadline Vendor QA 7-7-2025
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