Technical Questions Responses.docx

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND

I know much of the work is reserved for the Service-Disabled Veteran Owned businesses. Can you assist me in finding opportunities open to other qualified contractors?

This contract is 100% set-aside for Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses.

The purpose of this email is to confirm that there are a total of 13 attachments to go along with solicitation 36C77625R0058 – EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades in Houston, Texas, and that all intended drawings and documents were included in those attachments.

13 attachments were originally posted with solicitation. Drawings and other documents have since been added via amendment. Please check the SAM.gov posting for the most up to date drawings and documents relevant to this solicitation.

I’m reaching out about the special inspection requirement for fire resistive joints and penetrations at the upcoming Houston EHRM project. These are the firestop inspections required by IBC 1705.17 (2018) and performed under ASTM E2393 and E2174. We are looking to find out if the VA will be hiring directly the firm responsible for performing these inspections? If so, has such a firm already been selected?

This will be the responsibility of the contractor. Please follow solicitation requirements.

We couldn't find any information on preferred manufacturers for Division 27 and 28

Can you please provide the following information?

Division 27 Preferred Manufacturers for the following:

1. Horizontal Cabling

1. Backbone Cabling (Fiber)

1. Telecom Closet Buildout (Racks and Wire Managers)

Division 28 Preferred Manufacturers for the following:

1. Security Cameras

1. Access Control System

There are no preferred manufacturers for equipment. Equipment must meet performance requirements of the specifications.

Cameras and access controls must be compatible with overall systems. Existing systems are: Camera systems are Avigilon by Motorola, Access Controls are Acre Security DNA Fusion.

Access Flooring is called for in the Specs, however we were unable to locate it on the plans. Is this scope needed on this project?

There is no access flooring called out for this project.

It has come to our attention that the provided drawing documents are non-searchable PDFs. Is it possible to resolve this issue to facilitate our bidding and review efforts?

PDFs cannot be converted to searchable format.

Is the phasing shown on C-001 applied to all work, or just civil/exterior work? Will the tower additions have to be fully constructed in Phase A before civil work can move on to Phase B?

C-001 phasing is only for civil work. Phasing of civil must fit with the overall phasing reflected in the rest of the package. Fundamentally all Telecommuncations rooms must have at least one source of fiber available before completing cut-overs of horizontal cabling and the horizontal cabling for all areas needs to be working at the completion of each shift.

Is there a required Access Control equipment manufacturer? Are there any restrictions on manufacturers?

Existing access control system is Acre Security DNA Fusion Access Controls and maintained by DAC (Digital Air Control, Inc). Systems must integrate with existing systems.

Will traffic flaggers be required at all times? Do they need to be police officers directing traffic?

Flaggers will be required at all times that an open trench is in a roadway. Solicitation specifications must be followed.

Will there be any projects in progress that will conflict with the schedule of this project?

Proposal should be based on specifications and drawings provided in the solicitation.

Can the Soils Report be provided?

See Amendment 0003 for Geotechnical Reports

Will Elevators be accessible during work in building 100, or will an exterior hoist and trash chute be required?

Contractor will have access to service elevators in building 100.

Templates for Schedules of Special Instructions are shown on page 161 of the specs, however they are just images of icons and not links. Can these be provided?

See Amendment 0003 for Special Inspection Templates

The specifications state that a Limited number of parking permits shall be issued for the GC and its employees. How many spots will be allotted?

VA to coordinate with contractor on parking after award. We will try to accommodate to the greatest extent possible.

Will there be a dedicated lay down site through out the project? Will the area be large enough to accommodate material lay down, equipment and vehicle storage, dumpsters, toilets, and an office trailer?

VA to coordinate with contractor on lay down area after award. We will try to accommodate to the greatest extent possible.

Per Section 1.20, it is stated that the Government will provide utilities from existing outlets as specified. It also states that the contractor shall pay for "chargeable electrical services" at prevailing VA rates. A subsequent paragraph indicates that the contractor shall meter and pay for electricity used by electric cranes, hoisting devices, welding devices, and temporary heaters. All other electrical usage is stated to be at no cost to the contractor.

1. To ensure there is no ambiguity during project execution and cost tracking, please confirm the following:

0. Will the contractor be required to pay for any electrical usage other than for electric cranes, welding equipment, or temporary heating devices?

0. Are we permitted to use VA power at no cost for general construction-related needs such as job trailers, small tools, lighting, and equipment not listed as chargeable?

0. Does the VA require meters to be installed on all temporary electric connections, or only for those feeding the chargeable equipment types listed?

a. Will the contractor be required to pay for any electrical usage other than for electric cranes, welding equipment, or temporary heating devices? No

b. Are we permitted to use VA power at no cost for general construction-related needs such as job trailers, small tools, lighting, and equipment not listed as chargeable? Yes

c. Does the VA require meters to be installed on all temporary electric connections, or only for those feeding the chargeable equipment types listed? Only for those feeding the chargeable equipment types listed.

We propose to use Cupix 360° photo documentation system for compliance with Section 1.28 – Photographic Documentation. The system provides time-stamped, remotely accessible, indexed visual records of all construction areas. We will provide full archive exports at project closeout. Please confirm acceptability.

Yes this system is an acceptable system to meet the photograph requirements of the project.

Please confirm the site superintendent for the contractor cannot be the designated SSHO for the project.

Please follow solicitation specifications.

Please confirm a cost loaded scheduling software will be needed for this project.

Please follow solicitation specifications. Pay particular attention to the the requirements for the submittal lead times. Each material submittal needs to have a scheduled lead time connected to the first instance where that material will be used in the schedule. This allows tracking of submittals for long lead items and prioritization of submittal reviews based on timing needed to maintain the project schedule.

Please confirm CQC Manager has to be an employee of the Contractor and not a third party subcontractor.

Please follow solicitation specifications.

Please confirm CQC Manager must have a Bachelor's degree in addition to having 3 years experience on similar sized projects.

Please follow solicitation specifications.

Section 01 45 00, Paragraph "CQC Personnel" specifies that specialized personnel (e.g., electrical, mechanical, structural, etc.) may be either direct employees or technical companies working under the CQC System Manager, and must be physically present during relevant work. Section 01 45 35 outlines requirements for special inspections for certain construction activities.

1. To properly staff and budget our quality control program, we are requesting clarification on the following:

a. Can a single qualified individual or technical company serve both roles — as CQC specialized personnel under Section 01 45 00 and as the Special Inspector under Section 01 45 35 — provided they meet all experience and certification requirements for both scopes of responsibility?

b. Or, does the VA require separate individuals or entities to fulfill the CQC specialized personnel role and the independent Special Inspector role, even if the areas of work (e.g., structural steel, fireproofing, soils, etc.) overlap?

Per Specification 01 45 34, Special Inspections are to be performed by an independent third party and are intended to ensure that the work of the prime contractor is in accordance with the Contract Documents and applicable building codes. Special inspections do not take the place of the three phases of control inspections performed by the Contractor's QC Manager or any testing and inspections required by other sections of the specifications.

The specifications reference a Commissioning Agent/LEED specialist and include Section 01 81 13 – Sustainable Construction Requirements. Please confirm whether this project is required to obtain LEED certification, and if so, what rating level is targeted (e.g., Certified, Silver, Gold). Additionally, please confirm if the contractor is responsible for LEED documentation submittals or just implementation of sustainable construction practices.

Project is not required to meet LEED.

Section 2.1 of the commissioning specifications states that the contractor shall provide all standard and specialized testing equipment and data logging software required for Systems Functional Performance Testing, based on procedures to be prepared by the Commissioning Agent (CxA). However, no equipment list have been provided. Please confirm if the VA or the Commissioning Agent can provide a list of required testing tools, software, or data loggers?

Tests for start-up are defined for each material and device under the individual division spec sections. The specific equipment is not specifically defined but can be determined by way of the test parameters required to be fulfilled.

Will the sign-in sheet from site visit be available in addendum?

See Amendment #0002 for the site visit sign-in sheet.

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

No. Please follow solicitation specifications.

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

Please follow solicitation specifications.

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

Yes, as long as they meet requirements outlined in solicitation specifications

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

Please see response to RFI #30.

Can a superintendent be a triple hat to cover the requirements of SSHO and QA/QC?

No. Please see solicitation specifications

Please confirm if tax should be included in our proposal?

The contractor’s purchase of such building and construction materials within the State of Texas to be incorporated into the real property belonging to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or completely used in the performance of the contract is subject to exemption from Texas Sales and Use taxes under the code. To take advantage of the tax exemption the successful offeror under this solicitation must complete a Texas Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate when it purchases construction materials for this contract. See solicitation for details.

Please consider updating the wage determination to "General Decision Number: TX20250253 07/04/2025

See amendment 0003 for updated wage determination.

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

DBA wage rates may be updated until award if DOL posts updated DBA wage rates. Updates to DBA wage rates will be provided via amendment.

Will shutdowns be required to be done during off hours or weekends?

Review general conditions sheets particularly the phasing matrix by department for working hours constraints as there is not a singular answer to that question.

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

No.

Who is the vendor or contractor currently servicing and maintaining the Building Automation System or Temperature Controls System?

Johnson Controls

Who is the vendor or contractor currently servicing and maintaining the Fire Alarm System?

Current vendor servicing and maintaining the Fire Alarm System is: Hurtvet Subcontracting LLC.

Who is the vendor or contractor currently servicing and maintaining the Telecommunications System?

Telecommuncations systems are maintained by the VA.

With regards to underground utility work how much open trenching will be allowed at a time?

There is not a limit, however, through traffic on roads and into parking lots must be maintained as well as provisions specified in civil plans for traffic control and safety.

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?

Follow solicitation specifications.

On all underground utility work please confirm if excavated material is acceptable for re-use as backfill other than that required by pipe manufacturers?

No see 000 C-500 for duct bank requirements including backfill.

Please confirm if all excess fill materials, including broken concrete and asphalt will be allowed to stay on property or shall be hauled offsite?

Will need to be hauled off site. Disposal will be the responsibility of the contractor.

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?

Contractor must carry costs for rock removal. Quantity is not available.

Please confirm if a unit price can be established for rock removal as opposed to carrying in bid?

This is a firm fixed price contract. Please complete the price schedule provided in the solicitation.

If an extreme amount of rock is encountered/removed, please confirm if extra time will be added to the contract completion date?

Propose based on information provided in the solicitation documents.

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

Fill material is not anticipated to be re-used.

If all reusable fill material can stay on property, is it expected that the area will need erosion controls and to be topsoil, raked, and seeded at end of project?

See above response.

Please confirm if an onsite arborist is required for any tree removal or tree protection?

Not required.

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

No contaminated soil is anticipated.

If the underground site package requires removal of contaminated soils. Will the site contractor be required to have operators trained and certified in all various levels of contamination handling?

Since this is not anticipated, specific mitigation requirements and measures will not be discussed at this time.

Will all contaminated soils be delivered to a location on site, turned over to Owner for disposal?

Since this is not anticipated, specific mitigation requirements and measures will not be discussed at this time.

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

The VA will accommodate to the greatest extent possible.

Will a guard / escort be required at all work areas including but not limited to buildings, outside areas?

VA Office of Information Technology requires Authorized Employee escorts while accessing their department’s restricted areas, such as Telecommunication Closets and Server Rooms.

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

Please follow solicitation specifications.

Please advise volume of fuel that needs to be pumped out from fuel tanks that are called out to be removed. If unknown, could the VA provide an allowance.

No fuel tanks are called for removal in this project.

Confirm specifics of existing data cabling. (ie – manufacturer, thickness, jacket, etc)

Many different generations of cabling exist within the facility. Where these parameters affect bidding the most stringent assumption to apply.

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

Any updates to the solicitation closing date will be posted to SAM.gov

Can you confirm that no hazardous material encountered or need abatement?

Hazardous material does existing at some out buildings. See amendment 0003 for ACM Report

The towers in scope require base reinforcement from foundation floor.

We wanted to confirm whether there is a basement or any form of lower-level access beneath the first floor. This information is critical, as the current design requires steel angle connection that is to be installed from below (See attached). The current design in the drawings do not show any form of space underneath the floor.

Please confirm that we will have clear access to install our material.

All three towers are located over underground tunnels at the basement level. Reference all 100T.A drawings.

There is a requirement for the communications installer to provide reference for 3 projects over $10 Million. If this is not provided, will it count as disqualification for the GC?

Is this a total project value of at least $10 Million, or is that value for just the communications scope?

Submit three installations of similar size and complexity furnished and installed by installer. Size is defined as a completed project over 10 million dollars. Complexity is outlined in division 27 specifications. Please see the solicitation for submission instructions.

Which division will supply and install the cable tray in the tr (it) rooms?

General contractor to coordinate scope delineation with all trades.

Light fixture "d" is missing from the luminaire schedule.

Light Fixture “D” basis of design is Lithonia CSS L24 2000LM MVOLT 40K 80CRI.

WILL THE RENOVATED TR ROOMS THAT ARE NOT PART OF THE TYPICALS INCLUDE THE VERTICAL LADDER TRAY AS SHOWN ON 4/100T ET320 KEY NOTE 14? DRAWING 100T ET320 STATES TO ONLY APPLY TO THE TYPICAL TR ROOMS ON FLOORS 2-5. OTHER TR ROOMS DO NOT HAVE A SECTION PAGE DESCRIBING THIS DETAIL, FOR EXAMPLE: 100 ET401, 100 ET402, 100 ET403, 100 ET404, 100 ET405, OR 100 ET406.

No.

CLARIFICATION ON KEY NOTE #6 ON 100 ET404. UPS TO BE ADDED IS NOT SHOWN ON THE ONE LINE DIAGRAM. PLEASE CLARIFY SCOPE OF WORK FOR THIS ITEM.

Provide new ups fed from panel ‘MBPACD1’ and feeding ‘UPS-DP’.

CLARIFICATION ON PANEL UPS - DP. SHOWN NEXT TO NEW UPS ON 100 ET404 & REFERENCE KEYED NOTE 6. THIS PANEL IS NOT SHOWN ON THE ONE LINE / POWER DIAGRAM. PLEASE CLARIFY IF THIS PANEL IS EXISTING OR NEW. IF NEW, PANEL SCHEDULE AND A REVISION TO THE ONE LINE IS

NEEDED.

Provide new UPS fed from panel ‘MBPACD1’ and feeding existing panel ‘UPS-DP’.

CLARIFICATION ON PANEL MBPACD1. SHOWN NEXT TO NEW UPS ON 100 ET404 & REFERENCE KEYED NOTE 6. THIS PANEL IS NOT SHOWN ON THE ONE LINE / POWER DIAGRAM. PLEASE CLARIFY IF THIS PANEL IS EXISTING OR

NEW. IF NEW, PANEL SCHEDULE AND A REVISION TO THE ONE LINE IS

NEEDED.

Panel ‘MBPACD1’ is existing.

CLARIFICATION ON HOW MANY MAXCELL INNERDUCT SYSTEMS AND WHAT NUMBER OF CELLS WILL BE REQUIRED FOR EACH RACEWAY PER KEYED NOTE #2 ON 000 ES101.

Maxcell in all raceways. Bid 4 cells per raceway.

PLEASE CLARIFY IF KEYED NOTE #1 AND KEYED NOTE #2 ON 000 ES101 INDICATE NEW DUCT BANK. KEYED NOTE #3 INDICATES DUCT BANK IS

EXISTING.

Reference civil drawings for exterior pathway scoping. Assume all new pathways except for sections noted as existing

CLARIFICATION ON WHAT IS EXPECTED OF DIVISION 26 WHERE SHEET 000 ES101 DOES NOT SHOW ANY KEYED NOTES FOR CERTAIN FIBER INSTALLATIONS? THE CIVIL DRAWINGS INDICATE A NEW FIBER LOOP WILL BE PROVIDED. IS THIS RACEWAY EXISTING OR NEW TO BE ADDED?

Civil drawing detail the conduit pathways outdoors required to be installed. If not noted as existing all raceway and duct bank is new. Reference civil drawings for scoping of inground work.

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