S06 - Amendment 0004 - Technical Questions and VA Responses - EHRM IU - Butler VAMC.pdf

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND SOLICITATION #: 36C77625R0057

RESPONSES TRACKING SHEET PROJECT TITLE: 529-22-700 EHRM Construct Infrastructure Upgrades – Butler VAMC

# CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

1 Who is the manufacturer of the current video management system? Hexagon

2 On what existing software version is the current video management system operating? 6.0.1.5

3 Regarding video storage what is desired frame rate, days of storage, % Motion, 9 FPS 180 Day Min Constant and 90% motion

4 Are the cameras to be 2MP pan/tilt/zoom or fixed dome? Shown on drawings and in specifications 4 Mp min

5 Is there a main Video Server or are NVR’s in use? Both

6 What is the preferred camera brand, megapixel, stationary, PTZ, VF? Axis, 4 Mp min and shown on drawings

7 Will the VA provide all Network switches? Switches which are part of the VA OIT network will be provided. Switches which are part of FMS network (BAS, security, video, etc..) will need to be provided as part of this project.

8 Is there an existing SSA in place for VIDEO, and who is vendor servicing SSA JCI

9 Is there an existing interface between VIDEO & Access Control? Yes

10 What is the brand of Access Control? JCI Software house (Sole source in specifications)

11 Does the VA want to expand the current brand of Access Control? No

12 What is the existing software version of the access control system operating? N/A

13 How many Card Readers are currently being operated? N/A

14 Are we expected to support version updates as part of this contract? Unsure what this is in reference to as it does not refer to a system.

15 Are we expected to support version updates as part of this contract? Unsure what this is in reference to as it does not refer to a system.

16 Are there sufficient Access Control Software licenses to support the new doors? N/A as this is a sole source item

17 Is there any existing integration between the access control and CCTV systems? IF so, what is the base platform (Access Control or Video) that operate both?

Yes CCure (JCI)

18 Is there an existing SSA in place for Access Control, and who is vendor servicing SSA? N/A as this is a sole source item

19 Are there existing software licenses available from the VA that can be used for new reader/ Controllers?

N/A as this is a sole source item

20 Does new access control need to be FICAM Compliant? Is there a current FICAM License? N/A as this is access control related which falls under JCIs sole source

21 Is CESIP Certification required? No

22 Who is the desired manufacturer of the card Readers to be installed? N/A as this is a sole source item

23 Which buildings and rooms require HEPA carts? All cabling work will require the use of HEPA carts. All telecommunication room construction will require a minimum of a level three ICRA with buildings 2,4,7,20,21,47, and 48 requiring a level four.

24 May we have a three-week extension after the answers are released? At time bids are extended to July 25, 2025

25 262300 Low-Voltage Switchgear, 262413 Distribution Switchboards, and 262911 Motor Control Centers: We are working on existing MCC’s and power distribution equipment. Can the VA please confirm the manufacturer and model numbers for the MCC’s and Switchgear?

See S06 – Amendment 0004 – RFI Q 25 - Electrical Equipment List - Equipment Evaluation

26 281600 Intrusion Detection System & 282300 Video Surveillance: We are adding to the existing IDS and Video Surveillance systems. Are there existing maintenance contractors for these systems? If so, can you please provide the contact information for the maintenance contractors? Will additional licenses be needed for cameras?

Yes to first (JCI), unknown on second.

27 283100 – Fire Alarm & Detection: We are adding to the existing fire alarm system. Is there an existing maintenance contractor for the fire alarm system? If so, can you please provide the contact information for the maintenance contractor?

This is a sole source item to JCI Simplex

28 Is all work to be performed during regular business hours? Means and methods of contractor

29 If an existing Access Control Panel location is already in a NEW telecommunications room, is all NEW wiring to be run to the existing field devise (card reader, electric locks, RQE, door contacts) and connected?

If an existing Access Control Panel location is NOT in a NEW telecommunications room, is all NEW wiring to be run to the existing field devise (card reader, electric locks, RQE, door contacts) and connected?

Yes to both questions.

30 Are buildings 22, 23, 24 and 25 NOT included in this project?

If buildings 22, 23, 24 and 25 NOT included in this project are we to still to upgrade the Access Control Panels to meet new VA IT requirements?

No buildings 22,23,24,and 25 are not in scope and no work is included in those buildings.

31 After the new VA Data Center is completed, is it the Security vendors (JCI) responsibility to reprogram (IP) all existing cameras?

All devices must work as designed upon project completion; it should also be noted that the existing data center (Bldg 131) will be taking offline during this project. With this in mind all services required to achieve this task are required as part of this project’s scope.

32 REF. Drawing 21EP102:

The roof Lightning Protection cable on the ridge line is shown in heavy line weight. The air terminals are also shown to be replaced.

a) Is it the intent for the LP Contractor to replace all roof cable and air terminals on building #21?

b) If not, what is the actual scope for the Lightning on Building #21?

c) Will UL certification be required on Building #21?

d) This building would require a minimum of (5) down conductorsonly (2) are shown.

Were they left off as a convenience? or do they not exist?

Yes the intent is for a new LPS for bldg 21 to be installed.

33 REF. Drawing 137ELP101:

On building 30:

a) Is the existing Lightning Protection System to be left as is with no work other than the bond to the breezeway as shown on key note No.2? If so, will UL inspection be required on building 30?

Correct, the breezeway shall be considered part of building 137 and all LPS work for this area is confined to Bldg 137

34 REF. Drawing 137ELP101:

The Lightning Protection roof system is drawn for a flat roof condition, UL and NFPA only require ridge air terminals and cable on sloped roofs. If the system were installed as shown the cross conductors would go against the standing seams creating snow and ice blocks. Perimeter eave cable at the gutter line also creates a potential snow and ice block.

a) Can we eliminate all roof conductors with the exception of the ridge cable and appropriate rake conductors as per UL and NFPA regulations?

All systems shall be installed per UL and NFPA standards.

35 Structural General Notes, Drawing S -001 refers to Geotechnical Report “Proposed VA Butler Healthcare Structures” By Joseph Fagan, PE Dated 8 May 2023. Please provide.

See S06 – Amendment 0004 – RFI Q 35 Attachments

36 Please clarify Architectural Note 12 on Drawing A-002 “Contractor to add a CO2 This appears to actually be referencing Note A 15 on sheet A-002 which states Contractor to add a CO2 fire extinguisher within 10’ of the new TR TE space. Existing fire extinguishers shall not be moved or replaced.

Unsure if further Clarification is needed.

37 Is this project tax-exempt, if so, will a certificate be provided? Special Notes regarding FAR 52.229-3:

Federal, State and Local Taxes:

Offerors are hereby notified that under Pennsylvania Code 61 –31.11 – 31.16, a construction contractor may claim an exemption on property qualifying as “building machinery and equipment,” as defined under72 P.S. § 7201(pp), that will be transferred pursuant to a construction contract with an exempt entity such as a purely public charity or a government entity. Therefore, the contractor’s purchase of such building and construction materials within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to be incorporated into the real property belonging to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is subject to the exemption from Pennsylvania Sales and Use Tax. To take advantage of the tax exemption the successful offeror under this solicitation must complete REV- 1220 “Pennsylvania Exemption Certificate” when it purchases construction materials for this contract and keep on file as required by Pennsylvania Tax Law.

38 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

Hexagon, 6.0.1.5,no,unknown,4Mp and shown on drawings, and JCI

39 Is there an allowance for Cat 6A cables should be carried within the Div.27 pricing? Some previous requirements on other projects requested 5-10% additional Cat 6A cables to cover what may have been missed during design.

Means and methods

40 Existing Fire Alarm System.

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

This is a sole source item to JCI Simplex

41 Existing Nurse Call System.

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

Please provide contact information

Nurse call system is out of scope of this project.

42 Is conduit required for grounding conductors running/installed ceiling & risers? Yes

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

Yes

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

No

45 Will soil testing be performed prior to construction, to determine if any soils are contaminated? This is

46 Is there a location where spoil dirt can be stored? Yes, E and S controls will be required

47 Is there a specific location that will be used as a laydown yard during construction? Yes

48 Will erosion control plans be provided? Please see Sheet CG101 and CG 150. Plans are not provided for the duct banks as the exact routing is a contractor means and methods decision.

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

No, the exact routing is a contractor means and methods decision which will require route investigation by the contractor.

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

See Telecommunications sheets for required WAO’s

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

See Telecommunications sheets for required WAO’s

52 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.

See Telecommunications sheets for required WAO’s

53 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?

See Telecommunications sheets for required WAO’s

54 Is there a count and length for Cat6A patch cords? As shown on drawings

55 Are we to provide one patch cable for each station and closet end? Yes

56 Is there a count and length for Fiber Patch cords? As shown on drawings

57 Are we to provide patch cables for each pair of strands at each end? Yes

58 Is there any copper backbone (25-pair or larger) needed? No copper backbone is out of scope on this project

See legend, the black symbol if for a two jack WAO. The red with a single line is for a one jack WAO and a red with an X signifies that WAO is to be omitted.

60 Is there an allowance for 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% 1 1/4” data rough-in to cover what may have missed during design TN series plan General Note#7 (see below) states new installation of WAO.

Means and methods

1. TN series plan show (2) different symbols for WAO (see below) that has the same note#1 typical.

<<same note#1for both red & blk symbol

Q-This looks like a 1 for 1 WAO. Please advise

61 Q-There are NO symbols indicating new WAO and/or shown on any of the TN series plans.

Please advise.

See Telecommunications sheets for required WAO’s

62 TN series plan shows A/B fiber backbone route but does not indicate to be installed in cable tray or conduit (EMT) pathways.

Fiber shall be installed per specifications

63 Q-Please advise whether the fiber needs to be installed in a dedicated pathway and/or Micro duct as per Civil plan CU505 details.

The fiber bundles shall be installed in microtubes within conduit as shown on CU 505

64 Are pre-insulated linesets with 1in insulation and UV coating acceptable to use for the mini-split refrigeration piping?

Means and methods, as long as line sets and insulation are installed undamaged it is acceptable.

65 The spec does not mention copper propress for hot and chilled water piping. Is it acceptable to use copper propress fittings for heating and chilled water pipe less than or equal to 2” in diameter? Or does small bore pipe have to be sweat?

Propress is not permitted, all lines shall be brazed per specifications. If something is not mentioned in the specifications it is not permitted.

66 The spec does not mention grooved fittings for hot and chilled water piping. Is it acceptable to use grooved fittings on steel pipe for heating and chilled water pipe 2-1/2” and up? Or does the whole system have to be welded?

Grooved fittings are not permitted all fittings shall be welded or threaded (size dependent) If something is not mentioned in the specifications it is not permitted.

67 Can we get a schematic of the fuel oil system including vent piping, supply and returning piping to polishing system, piping to generator (all piping valves, specialties, control system wiring diagram, etc.)?

Please see sheet 137M-402

68 Are there any tank vents required on the fuel oil tank? Please see sheet 137M-401

69 Should a fill station be provided with the fuel oil tank system? No fill station is shown on the plan view drawings.

a. If it is to be provided, where should it be installed?

Yes, locate on western end on generator room south of double doors.

70 Please provide a duct insulation specification. The HVAC insulation spec only references HVAC pipe insulation.

a. The duct spec says that all SA/RA/OA is to be double wall. Is this correct?

i. We interpret this to mean all FCU duct is double wall, all AHU duct

(supply air above VAV box, supply air below VAV box, return air) is to be double wall.

ii. We interpret that the CRAC plenum and “hot air return” branch across the data hall are to be double wall. The generator OA/SA is to be double wall. Please confirm this is correct?

b. We interpret this to mean that all EA & relief air is single wall uninsulated. Is this correct?

iii. We interpret the generator radiator exhaust duct to be single wall uninsulated. Please confirm this is correct.

iv. What insulation/construction is the bypass duct for the generator radiator exhaust/intake supposed to be?

v. We interpret the exhaust drops to the data racks in the data hall to be single wall uninsulated. Is this correct? Please confirm.

vi. Please confirm relief air off the AHU to the gravity hood is single wall uninsulated.

vii. Please continue the pressure relief system in the data hall is uninsulated.

Part A is correct. Part B III. Correct Iv. Uninsulated

v. This is part of the Hot Air return for the CRACs so they should also be double wall

vi. As long as this only goes through conditioned spaces this is correct.

viii. As long as this only goes through conditioned spaces this is correct.

Generally speaking if there will be no dew point change on the duct and no chance of condensation than the duct can stay uninsulated.

71 Specifications indicate all duct work to be low pressure duct. Should the ductwork between the AHU and the VAVs be medium pressure duct?

Generally speaking, yes, it is also unknown where this was found in the specifications.

72 Master System Integrator RFIs The Division 23 ATC specs mention a pre-selected master systems integrator that is a separate contract to the general contractor. The VA indicated that no master systems integrator has been selected.

The intent behind the Master System Integrator (MSI) on this project is to ensure that the multiple systems that are being installed on this project communicate and work together. This includes but is not limited to HVAC, lighting, generator, UPS, fuel oil, existing BAS systems, and other items. All of these items that interface with the elements of this project need to be accessible in a single interface and under a single POC, that can be the BAS vendor or a MSI.

a. Is the master systems integrator to be procured under the data center project?

i. If so, has the integrator actually been pre-selected?

ii. If the integrator has NOT been selected, please provide Division 25 master system integrator specs so the master integrator portion of this project can be bid.

b. Please confirm the intent is for the master systems integration to work directly for the General and the HVAC sub-contractor is only to provide HVAC controls for the data center and mini-split upgrades only?

c. Automated Logic provides controls for several buildings on campus.

i. Is the cost associated with opening, and providing access, to their existing controls systems for the master integration system to be provided in the scope of the master sys tems integrator? Has this cost been negotiated, or agreed upon, between ALC and the VA?

d. JCI Metasys provides controls for two buildings on campus.

i. Is the cost associated with opening, and providing access, to their existing controls systems for the master integration system to be provided in the scope of the master sys tems integrator? Has this cost been negotiated, or agreed upon, between JCI and the VA?

e. JCI FX provides controls for one building on campus.

i. Is the cost associated with opening, and providing access, to their existing controls system for the master integration system to be provided in the scope of the master sys tems integrator? Has this cost been negotiated, or agreed upon, between JCI/OZ and the VA?

f. The aforementioned controls vendors indicated that if they were not selected to provide the new data center and mini-split controls , there would be costs associated with providing access to their existing controls on campus. Obviously, only one, or potentially none, may be selected to provide the HVAC controls for the data center. Does the master system integrator bear the associated cost with obtaining access to the existing control systems on campus?

73 Drawings M708 shows controls diagrams for the telecommunications rooms. It shows a new DDC controller that says “tie into existing BMS.” Please confirm that the “existing BMS” is the new BMS system in the data center. If so, please confirm that an IP drop/network switch/IP address will be provided by Teledata/others, and the HVAC contractor only owns providing cable/controller into the network switch, and that the intent is NOT to tie the controller into the existing distributed (ALC/JCI/JCI FX) existing control system. If the intent is to put these into the existing control systems at each building, this would require partial project work from all three existing control system vendors, as well as the new work for the new data center (potentially a fourth vendor).

Correct the intent is for that to be the new BAS that is off of the VA OIT Network but on a spare pair of fiber provided by this project, the DIV 23 BAS contractor owns the IT connection for their system, who makes the terminations is between them and the GC.

74 Will the sign-in sheet from site visit be available in addendum? Site Visit Sign -In is listed as S06 – Amendment 0002 - Attachment 1 – Site Visit Sign In – Butler EHRM on SAM.gov

75 Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of SSHO?

If no, to the question above, will the SSHO need to be full-time for this project?

No per the requirements of 01 35 26 1.7 this shall be two separate people

76 Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of QA/QC?

If no, to the question above, will the QA/QC need to be full time for this project?

No, per the requirements of 01 45 00 3.4 B are in effect on this project and will be enforced

77 Can a superintendent be a triple hat to cover the requirements of SSHO and QA/QC? No

78 Please confirm if tax should be included in our proposal? Special Notes regarding FAR 52.229-3:

Federal, State and Local Taxes:

Offerors are hereby notified that under Pennsylvania Code 61 –31.11 – 31.16, a construction contractor may claim an exemption on property qualifying as “building machinery and equipment,” as defined under72 P.S. § 7201(pp), that will be transferred pursuant to a construction contract with an exempt entity such as a purely public charity or a government entity. Therefore, the contractor’s purchase of such building and construction materials within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to be incorporated into the real property belonging to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is subject to the exemption from Pennsylvania Sales and Use Tax. To take advantage of the tax exemption the successful offeror under this solicitation must complete REV- 1220 “Pennsylvania Exemption Certificate” when it purchases construction materials for this contract and keep on file as required by Pennsylvania Tax Law.

79 Please provide the latest wage determination for this project’s county. Latest WD is S02 – Attachment 18 - Butler EHRM

IU - WD - PA20250079 3.28.2025

80 Please confirm if the current prevailing wages will be consistent for the life of the project with no escalation?

The most up-to-date wage rate will be used in the contract and will not change.

81 Who is responsible for contracting the commissioning agent? This is under the A/E’s contract

82 Please advise how much time we should carry for initial safety training of employees working on site. Also, is training good for the contract duration or will they need to be retrained annually?

All training must be in place by start of work and must remain current through the life of the project.

83 Is the use of temporary plastic wall panels (such as STARC panels) acceptable to meet ICRA requirements?

Starc panels or equivalent will be allowed, ICRA plastic will not be allowed expect on case by case basis.

84 Will shutdowns be required to be done during off hours or weekends? Generally speaking this is correct, this will however be further discussed at the NTP

85 Will work areas, mechanical rooms, etc. be cleared of all stored items prior to the contractor entering those areas?

To the greatest extent possible, some areas will need to remain operational.

86 Will a full-time fire watch be required during activities such as cutting, brazing, and welding?

How long after such activities are completed?

A minimum of one hour.

87 Will any existing glycol be required to be removed and disposed of by the contractor? If so, can the total volume of glycol be provided?

Only one glycol system will be interacted with, this is the FCU in building 2 basement. This system shall be tied into with as little loss to the glycol as possible with a verification of levels after the new FCU is in place.

88 Is there a particular vendor or contractor currently servicing and maintaining the Building Automation System or Temperature Controls System?

The intent of this project is to be separate from the three existing systems. However the three systems are JCI Facility exploeror (bldg 30) JCI Metasys (Bldg 2 and 4) and Automated Logic remainder of buildings with controls.

89 With regards to underground utility work how much open trenching be allowed at a time? In open areas as much as can be safely fenced and contained. In paved and occupied areas no more than needed so as to not impact operations and life safety.

90 After backfilling, topsoil and seed have been applied who is responsible for watering? If the contractor is responsible will water be provided by the facility?

Contractor will be responsible, facility will provide water however, the contractor must provide hose, backflow connection, and dechlornator.

91 On all underground utility work please confirm if excavated material is acceptable for re-use as backfill?

This is material dependent.

92 Please confirm if the contractor is responsible for any rock removal that is encountered. If so, what is the assumed elevations and quantity of rock material?

This would be the contractor’s reasonability, quantity unknown however not expected.

93 Please confirm if a unit price can be established for rock removal as opposed to carrying in bid? No, it is the contractor’s reasonability to include in bid price.

94 Please confirm if there is a separate staging area onsite for fill material to be stockpiled for re-use?

Yes, E and S controls will be required.

95 Please advise if the site contains any contaminated soil that needs to be removed Unknown

96 Please confirm if an onsite arborist is required for any tree removal or tree protection? No

97 Please confirm if we will be allowed to keep a locked storage container or conex box within the grounds.

Yes, VA reserves the right to inspect at anytime.

98 To allow sufficient time to review responses and prepare our bid we kindly request that you please extend the bid date.

Bids are extended to July 25, 2025

99 Will there be any need to bypass sanitary sewer lines or provide temporary water supply for the fire sprinkler system during construction?

There should not be.

100 Is AAF micro tubes and air blown fiber required on this project, or can we use standard fiber optic interlocking armored fiber optic cable of the appropriate Mode and fiber counts required?

Any means and methods that meet the specifications and code are acceptable to the VA.

101 Please confirm if the existing data network on the Butler VA campus is one, cohesive network.

a. For instance, the ATC contractor plugs into network switch A in Building 2 and a network switch B in Building 7. Will he then be able to log onto the network in a third building on the campus and be able to discover the control panels from network switch A and B?

The overarching intent of this project is to provide a completely new network infrastructure for the Butler VAMC New Castle Road Campus, as such the concept mentioned is the ideal but the execution shall be the responsibility of the BAS contractor utilizing strands of the A and B fiber loop.