Att. 1 - Technical Questions Tracker - 762-24-700.pdf

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND SOLICITATION #: 36C77626B0010

RESPONSES TRACKING SHEET PROJECT TITLE: 762-24-700 EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades

# CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

1 What is the distance from the Service Equipment to the primary bonding busbar in the data center that is shown on detail F1 on drawing T-602?

Total distance varies per individual cabinet. Distance can be approximated on sheet T-103 Grounding Pathways.

2 Will the ground wire from the service equipment to the primary bonding busbar need to be in conduit?

No, ground wire does not need to be in conduit.

3 What is the manufacturer and model number of the existing distribution panel “DP-UPS”?

DP-UPS is a Square D NF panelboard.

4 Manufacturer of existing fire alarm system? There is conflicting information on the plans versus the specifications.

Edwards EST Model IO 1000.

5 Manufacturer of existing access control system?

See specification 28 13 00 page 34, which states that all new equipment and devices shall match and be compatible with the existing Software House CCURE 9000, v3.00.2 PACS.

6 Manufacturer of the existing CCTV system? Are licenses available for additional cameras?

See specification 28 23 00 page 8, which states that all new equipment and devices shall match and be compatible with the existing Genetec Security Center, v5.12 VSS. The contractor shall include all equipment, cabling, pathways, programming and ancillary equipment (i.e. licensing) to provide a turn-key expansion of the existing electronic security systems.

7 Will armored fiber be acceptable instead of putting the backbone cabling in conduit?

No. Armored fiber is not acceptable in lieu installation in conduit.

8 Is the project tax exempt? If so, can the certificate be provided?

Please follow requirements outlined in the solicitation.

9 Is it the contractors responsibility to relocate equipment from the existing computer room racks to new or temporary racks, Or will this be completed by OIT personnel?

In coordination with the COR and OIT, the contractor is responsible for relocating infrastructure to keep the system active, to include equipment, servers, switches, cabling, etc. The contractor must handle all aspects, such as planning, coordination, removing, relocation, installing, connecting, commissioning with the A-E, and integration.

10 There appears to be an issue with sheet G-401. The sheet is visible in Bluebeam but behaves differently from the other sheets in the set. It takes longer to load, when zooming in and out there is a delay, graphics take longer to load than other pages. Will the VA double check this sheet for errors and possibly reissue?

What you’re seeing on Sheet G-401 is due to the sheet containing an embedded PDF of an existing plan, which differs from the native vector-based sheets in the set. Because of this, it may take slightly longer to render or respond during zoom/pan operations in Bluebeam.

There is no issue with the sheet content or file integrity. The sheet has been reviewed and is functioning as intended, so no reissue is required.

11 Page 17 in section 01 00 00 General Requirements, the top bullet point states “DURING NIGHTS AND OFF-HOURS, AND ONE BY ONE, NEW CABLING FOR EACH TE SERVICE AREA CAN BE INSTALLED.” Please clarify what work or percentage of work will need to be performed after work hours stated in paragraph 1.2.F

Standard working hours for the facility are generally aligned with first and second shift operations. First shift is approximately 0500 to 1530, and second shift is approximately 1330 to 0000.

Off-hours work is defined as weekends. VA cannot support overnight hours between 0000 and 0500. Work that has the potential to impact operations, including network connectivity, is expected to be performed during the weekends. Network connectivity must be fully restored not less than one hour prior to the start of production activities.

Final scheduling of all work activities, including any required off-hours work, shall be coordinated with and approved by the COR, as operating conditions, overtime, and mission requirements may require adjustments.

12 Phase one states that switches and servers will be moved to the temporary racks in RM 130. Is it the communications contractor’s responsibility to relocate the Government's switches and servers, or will the Government be relocating those?

The contractor is responsible for relocating equipment in coordination with the COR and OIT.

13 Section 01 45 00 states that the Superintendent can also fill the role of QC Manager. Section 01 35 26 states the SSHO must be a separate individual from the Superintendent and/or QC Manager. Please confirm that the awarded GC must provide 2 separate individuals to fill the roles of SSHO and Superintendent/QC.

• SSHO – per 01 35 26, 1.9.A – minimum, (1) Full-time person/shift/project, with no other duties o 1.9.C – SSHO cannot be the Prime Contractor’s Superintendent and/or Quality Control Manager

• QCM – per 01 45 00, 3.2.A provide QC Plan with an organization chart that includes a CQC System Manager that reports to the Superintendent.

o 3.2.B.3 - The CQC System Manager has the authority to stop work if quality is not maintained.

• Superintendent – per 01 45 00, 3.1, the superintendent is responsible for the quality of work and is subject to removal by the CO or Authorized designee for non-compliance with quality requirements.

• Per 01 35 26, 1.9.C - The only collateral duties can be held by the specialized Competent Persons for the subcontractors. The Prime GC should have no collateral duties held by the Superintendent, SSHO and/or the QCM

14 Sheet AD101 contains notes about the design team having no knowledge of hazardous materials. Is there a hazmat report for this building? Is there a risk of encountering Asbestos and/or lead based paint or other hazardous materials during the course of construction?

See attached report, which indicates that no known hazardous materials are within the project areas.

15 Sheet S-101 shows Existing 28K10 steel joists. Please confirm there is no work associated with these joists.

Joists supporting new CRAC units are required to be reinforced per the structural drawings.

16 Keynote 5 on sheet A-101 makes it seem like the existing perimeter walls have been confirmed to go to the deck above to achieve 1 hour fire rating. The last sentence of the same note is also ambiguous as to the status of the perimeter walls. Can the VA confirm 100% that all of the existing walls of room 127 go to the deck above. Making the last sentence of keynote 5 unnecessary?

Per Keynote 5 on Sheet A-101, the existing rated walls shown are based on information provided by the Owner and verified through visual inspection. Destructive investigation was not permitted. The final sentence clarifies that the Contractor remains responsible for field verification of existing conditions and for ensuring that required fire-resistance ratings are properly in place.

17 Based on the text of keynote 5, does this keynote apply to telephone room 130? If so, can the VA verify if the perimeter walls go to the deck above?

See plan on sheet A-101. Rated walls (red) are shown around Computer Server Room 127, NOT around Telephone Room 130.

Walls around Telephone Room 130 do not extend to deck above and are not rated. Contractor is responsible for field verifying these existing conditions.

18 Should the new chase wall on sheet A-101 receive a corner guard, none is shown.

Yes, please install corner guard on new chase wall. See keynote #9 on sheet A-101 for basis of design.

19 Please confirm existing fire alarm system is by EST and new devices and panels shall be EST also.

Confirmed. All new fire alarm devices shall be compatible and synchronized with the existing system.

20 Keynote 7 on sheet A-101 calls for fire-retardant paint over the fire-rated plywood. I don’t see fire-retardant paint in the specification or schedule of finishes. Can the VA provide Specifications or a basis of design for the fire-retardant paint?

The requirement for fire-rated plywood backboards with painted finish is based on Infrastructure Standard for Telecommunication Spaces (ISTS) Version 4.0. ISTS v4.0 requires 4ft. X 8ft. X ¾" AC grade fire-rated plywood backboards with two coats of fire-resistant high-gloss white paint for wall-mounted equipment. This establishes a performance and finish requirement only; no specific paint manufacturer, brand, or product is prescribed. Contractor shall select any fire-resistive paint system that meets the required fire-performance criteria, color (high-gloss white), and two-coat application, and shall submit the proposed product for A/E and VA review prior to installation. Fire stamp on plywood needs to remain visible after painting.

21 The panel schedules for UPS-LB and UPS-LA show space for a shunt trip. Please confirm it is not in the scope of this project to provide any shunt trips in either of these panels.

The shunt trip is required to interlock with the clean agent suppression system to shut the breakers off and remove power to the overhead busway if the clean agent system is activated.

22 Section 01 35 26 part 1.9.C calls for a separate SSHO that has no other duties, in other words, a separate individual from the Superintendent. Please confirm this will be enforced.

Duplicate question #13

23 Section 01 45 00 part 3.4.B states that the CQC System Manager is assigned as CQC System Manager but has duties as project superintendent in addition to quality control. Please confirm that this project will require at minimum 1 Superintendent/QC Manager and 1 SSHO for a total of two separate individuals.

Duplicate question #13.

24 Please confirm new controls are by Johnson Controls, as other systems won’t work with JCI system.

The devices must be compatible with JCI Metasys, per specification 23 09 23.

25 The specified Data Center Structural Ceiling Grid system is DynaMax by Armstrong. The specifications’ part 1.2.C, states that substitutions are only permitted if submitted no later than 10 working days before the bid due date. Is this correct, or will the VA review acceptable substitutions after award? If not, what is the process to submit a substitution prior to the bid due date, regular submittal format? Will the VA issue a sole source justification for the DynaMax system?

The DynaMax Structural Aluminum Grid System is the basis of design but not the mandatory source. VA will review the proposed system in accordance with the standard submittal process after award, not pre-bid. The submittal documentation must be provided in accordance with the specifications. If a substitution or alternate are proposed, the product must meet the requirements.

26 Fire Alarm specifications reference the original fire alarm contractor installer involved with the installer of the fire alarm included in this project. See part 1.6.G. Who is the installer referenced here? Does the VA currently have a service agreement on its existing fire alarm equipment? Who is the preferred fire alarm contractor?

The original EST fire alarm installer from a sticker in-field and shop drawings provided to the Engineer by the VA dated 07/29/2004 show this as Arizona Fire & Security, Inc. The current fire alarm/sprinkler contractor is Firetrol Protection Systems, Inc. Their email is infotuc@firetrol.net, and phone is (520) 888-0640.

27 Specification Section 1.6 – Guaranty Period Services require inspection, testing, maintenance, repair services, emergency response, and overtime coverage for a period of five (5) years following acceptance. To properly understand the Owner’s intent and to allow bidders to price this work consistently, please clarify the following:

a. Intent of Requirement Please confirm whether the VA intends Section 1.6 to function as a five (5) year fire alarm maintenance and service contract, including NFPA 72 inspections, testing, preventive maintenance, repairs, emergency response, and recordkeeping, all included as part of the construction contract.

b. Contract Administration

a. Will the prime construction contract remain open/active for the full five (5) year Guaranty Period, or

b. Will the Guaranty Period Services be administered separately (e.g., through task orders, service calls, or another contractual mechanism)?

c. Pricing Structure Please clarify how the VA intends bidders to account for:

o Labor, wage escalation, and benefit increase over the five-year period, as these are not easily predictable o Material and parts cost escalation o Emergency and overtime service requirements in years

2–5 o Is the intent that all five years of service be priced as a lump sum within the base bid, or will there be an alternate method for compensation or adjustment?

d. Scope of Coverage After Year One After the one-year warranty period expires, please confirm:

o Are repairs and replacement parts (excluding abuse or misuse) expected to be included at no additional cost to the Government during years 2–5?

o Are inspections and testing to be performed at the full NFPA 72 frequency for the entire system, including existing devices?

The “Attachment+06+-+Specifications+Addendum+1” PDF document with the solicitation excluded Guaranty Period Services.

e. Service Provider Requirements Please confirm whether the same fire alarm contractor who installs the system is required to perform all five years of Guaranty Period Services, or if services may be performed by another factory-authorized contractor approved by the VA.

28 Can the VA advise on what specific tasks must be performed outside of regular business hours that are not listed in the specific phases on sheet G-101? We assume transition from the server room to room 130, then back, between phases, etc.

29 Can the VA confirm if the cabling for the office area is the be plenum rated?

Yes

30 Can the VA clarify if the UPS systems in the data cabinets are provided by the Data contractor or the VA?

Contractor

31 Is the data contractor to provide all patch cords at outlet locations, in cabinets, in the server room?

Contractor to provide for all locations.

32 Will the infection control/construction barrier need to meet any fire rating, or will the VA accept temporary walls from floor to existing ceiling grid in the corridors?

See sheets G-601 and G-602 for ICRA guidelines, plans and matrix.

This plan and matrix identify the required ICRA level 3 based on facility type and construction activity risk level. Barrier construction is to be a temporary partition appropriate for the interim measure class as noted. Specific barrier construction methods and materials are the contractor’s responsibility and shall comply with ICRA level 3 requirements and facility infection control policies.

33 Specifications section 01 91 00 Commissioning states in part 1.8.C that the VA will hire the commissioning agent. Will the VA hire a 3rd party, or conduct the commissioning internally? Are the subcontractors’ expectations for participation in either scenario different?

The Commissioning Agent is a part of the AE design team.

34 Phase 2 demolition includes the existing ceiling and raised floor in the phase 2 area. Will the ICRA barrier between phase 2 and phase 3 need to extend up past the line of the existing ceiling that remains and below the level of the raised floor, or will a hard barrier between the two phases, resting on the raised floor and abutting the bottom of the ceiling grid, be sufficient?

ICRA barrier may be installed from the raised floor to the underside of the ACT ceiling, provided all requirements of ICRA level 3 and applicable facility infection control policies are fully maintained.

Contractor remains responsible for confirming the barrier installation complies with ICRA level 3, maintains a continuous containment plane at the work area, and is acceptable to the facility’s infection control policies prior to installation.

35 Sheet G-101 shows UPS-A & UPS-B as new, electrical one-line sheet EP601 makes it appear that UPS-A and UPS-B are existing. Please verify that both UPS units are present and will be reused or confirm they are new, being provided by the electrical contractor.

UPS-A and UPS-B are new, provided by the contractor.

36 Please clarify UPS requirements, sheet EP601 states UPS-A is 200KVA, sheet EP602 states 60KW.

The existing UPS-A in the exterior conex building is 200kVA, but is being demolished. The new UPS-A in the server room is 60kW.

37 Has it been determined if existing circuits supplying power to racks in phase 3 cross under the raised floor in phase 2? Is the VA aware of any conflicts between conduit and other pathways installed under the raised flooring and the layout of the new server racks? We have photos but until the raised flooring is demolished, bidders will not be able to determine if anything that needs to stay active until phase 3 conflicts with work in phase 2. Should this be considered when pricing or will the VA handle any conflicts if discovered, through a contract change?

Every circuit installed under the raised floor system is not able to be verified. The vast majority of these branch circuits are not labeled. The AE Team is confident based on what was able to be observed during site investigation and by as built panel schedules that the cabinets in the server room are fed from the existing panelboards in UPS Room 134 on the west side of the room. A reasonable assumption is that the cabinets in the Phase 3 area are not routed to the east side of the space and then back to the panels on the west side of the space. But this is not able to be confirmed without demolition and causing outages to the server room equipment.

38 Is this project exempt from sales tax? If so, will the VA provide a tax exemption certificate for material purchases?

Duplicate question #8.

39 Will the VA permit the use of Procore or an equivalent construction management software platform for submittals and project communications?

The contract documents do not specify or require the use of any particular project management platform.

The Contractor may utilize a project management system, such as Procore, for internal project coordination; however, all required contract deliverables, including submittals, RFIs, schedules, and documentation, shall be submitted in accordance with the requirements of the contract documents and through Government-approved processes.

The system must be accessible by the VA. If the proposed system is blocked through the VA network, the contractor must change to a new one.

40 Will payment applications be accepted for materials stored on-site or in a bonded off-site warehouse?

The schedule specification provides guidance for invoicing procedures. Please review the schedule specification provided with the solicitation.

41 Will the Government consider including an Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) clause to address significant fluctuations in material pricing?

Bid will result in a firm fixed price contract.

42 If tariffs are imposed on materials (e.g., steel, wood) after bid submission but before award, will the Government allow a price escalation even if the materials remain Buy American–compliant?

Bid will result in a firm fixed price contract.

43 Will the Government provide detailed requirements for contractor badging? Please clarify the PIV process, including documentation, background checks, and estimated processing time.

Contractors working more than 15 days must be badged. The PIV badging requirements can be found at:

https://www.osp.va.gov/How_To_Get_A_VA_ID_Badge.asp.

Immediately after the bonds are provided to the Government, the contractor shall immediately start working with the identified COR at the site to commence the VA PIV process for all known contractor personnel that will be working on the project for more than 15 days.

The on-site superintendent must be badged and will be responsible for managing and escorting contractors. If an individual does not require badging, they must have an ID and log their time in and out of the facility.

The process can take 30-90 days depending on the applicant. It is initiated by VA when the contractor completes the necessary forms with proof of ID. VA will provide the forms post award.

The cost is the responsibility of the contractor.

44 Will the Government consider reducing the required bid validity period (e.g., to 120 days) to account for inflation and contractor pricing risk?

The Government does not anticipate amending the acceptance period.

45 May one individual serve in dual or multiple roles (SSHO, QCM, Superintendent) if fully qualified? If not, may the Superintendent also serve as SSHO?

46 Will the VA accept a designated alternate SSHO or QCM during off-hours/night shifts to satisfy continuous presence requirements?

Yes, alternates are acceptable for off-hours. Ultimate responsibility falls on the primary Superintendent, SSHO, and QSM.

https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.osp.va.gov%2FHow_To_Get_A_VA_ID_Badge.asp&data=05%7C02%7C%7Ca161741650ed4b22218208de6008203d%7Ce95f1b23abaf45ee821db7ab251ab3bf%7C0%7C0%7C639053785169652282%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=bOyRo4yD6UcMOZ261M7rEERPQ4zyMuZo1ibLTo%2BidoM%3D&reserved=0

47 The documents reference VA/VBA security procedures (badging, inspections, vehicle access restrictions). Can the VA provide a point of contact for coordinating subcontractor clearances?

See question # 43. The VA point of contact is the COR post award.

48 Will the contractor be required to provide a site office/trailer, or will space within the facility be made available?

An office/trailer. No office space is available in the facility.

49 Will the VA allow temporary connection to existing utility infrastructure, with the contractor responsible for metered usage?

Yes, please review specification 01_00_00_1.22.

50 Will designated parking and staging areas be provided for contractor personnel and deliveries? Will the VA provide laydown space or containers, or must these be arranged off-site?

Limited space will be provided in the north parking lot of the CMOP.

See attached map with notes.

51 Will the VA provide and hire the commissioning agent, or is the contractor responsible?

Duplicate question #33

52 What ICRA level is required for the project? See sheets G-601 and G-602 for ICRA guidelines, plans and matrix.

This plan and matrix identify the required ICRA level 3 based on facility type and construction activity risk level. Barrier construction is to be a temporary partition appropriate for the interim measure class as noted. Specific barrier construction methods and materials are the contractor’s responsibility and shall comply with ICRA level 3 requirements and facility infection control policies.

53 Will the VA provide recent asbestos and lead survey reports?

Duplicate question #14

54 Does the existing roof have an active warranty? If so, who holds it and who is the manufacturer?

No existing warranty.

55 Does the VA have an existing fire alarm/security service provider? If so, please provide contact information for required coordination.

56 Will demolition of major systems (e.g., AHUs, utilities) require after-hours or phased work to minimize disruption?

Yes.

57 Will the VA provide temporary cooling/heating during system cutovers? If not, should the contractor include them?

No, Contractor must provide if needed during cutovers.

58 Are existing primary and secondary cable pathways intended to be reused?

No. Intent is to provide new primary and secondary pathways for the new equipment cabinets on the processing floor. Refer to sheet T-102 Conduit pathways.

59 Will existing brand-specific equipment require a J&A?

No, VA is requiring that proposed equipment is compatible with existing infrastructure.

60 Must the PACS integrate with other security systems (e.g., CCTV)? Negative, the PACS scope must be integrated with the existing CCURE system.

61 Will the system reside on the VA Network? Not clear which system is being referenced. All systems, except for fire alarm, are on the VA network. Access control and CCTV are existing systems that are not being replaced as part of this project.

62 If yes, are virtual servers required, or are standard servers acceptable?

Access control and CCTV are existing systems that are not being replaced as part of this project. No new servers required.

63 Are new conduits required within wall cavities versus surface mounting? Refer to general note E on T-101 and detail B3 on T-502.

64 Is the contractor responsible for providing/installing all electrical power requirements for new PACS devices?

Yes. The two doors with access controls devices are existing to remain.

65 Will the PACS connect to the internet for integration with national databases?

Access control is an existing system. Contractor does not need to provide new network connection for existing system.

66 Must the system integrate with equipment installed under the EHRM program?

No, Access control is an existing system.

67 Is American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) certification required for fabrication and/or erection of structural steel?

Yes, see specification section 05 12 00.

68 Referencing drawing T-414 and other TR rack elevation drawings. The drawing calls out the FPP as fiber enclosure with 12 HDX cassettes for 144 strands. Per Drawing T-601 HC-9 will only get 72 total strands of fiber to it from the MCR.

Question: Does the VA require cassettes for all 144 strands as described or just what is being installed?

Provide enough cassettes for 72 strands and provide blanks for remaining.

69 Can the contractor us a hybrid SM/MM fiber construction cable?

No. Separate single mode and multi-mode fiber cables shall be provided as indicated.

70 The only specification for a UPS is for the 5kW. Is this the size of UPS the VA would like installed in all of the TR/TE Cabinets at the facility? Is the a drawing that I may not be seeing that describes better the UPS requirements?

UPS in TE cabinets to be 2880VA, 2RU, metered UPS. Basis of design: #APC SMX3000RMLV2U.

71 The specifications for the PDU’s seem to be describing vertical PDU’s.

Can the VA verify that the specifications of 26 33 53 2.3 D2 is accurate?

The PDU’s mounted in the telecommunications cabinets are vertical.

In telecommunications enclosures, PDUs are rack mounted.

Specification section 26 33 53 pertains to the UPS units. PDUs can be found in Specification 27 11 26.

72 Is the contractor required to price a contingency amount of CAT6A cable drops. If so what percentage?

There is no requirement to price a certain contingency amount of cabling drops.

73 Is the contractor required to use the Leviton Copper and Fiber patch panels as described in the rack elevation drawings?

Leviton patch panels described in elevation drawings are to be considered basis of design from VA. Any patch panels that meet spec 27 11 19i and basis of design product characteristics will be approved as equal.

74 Please indicate if 1 personnel can wear 2 hats (Super/SSHO and QCM). Duplicate question #13.

75 Please confirm KTR is to provide a 3rd party QFPE. See specifications 21 13 13 and 28 31 00.

76 Will KTR be required to have a special inspector observe welding procedures.

See addendum to include specification 01 45 35 Special Inspections.

77 Due to scope please indicate what percentage of work will be off-hours or weekend work in order for KTR’s to bid equally.

Duplicate question #11.

78 Please indicate if KTR is to have a commissioning agent for the commissioning of the project.

Duplicate question #33.

79 Please Indicate if roof is currently under warranty and contractor who installed the roof?

Duplicate question #54.

80 Please provide manufacturer that holds the roof warranty. Duplicate question #54.

81 Per note in top right corner of M-601 it indicates that Building DDC system is being installed at the time of design, has this system been completed and is it functional?

The system is nearing completion with connection to the VA network.

82 Please provide As-builts of the existing DDC system.

As-builts will be provided post award when they are completed.

83 Please confirm KTR is to install new computer raised flooring at room 127?

Incorrect. There will be no raised flooring in the new Computer Server Room 127. See finish schedule on sheet A-601 for new floor basis of design. 12”x12” ESD Conductive Static Control Resilient Floor tile, Roppe ESD #701 Neutron. Also, see specification section 09 65 33 Conductive Resilient Flooring. For clarity, Contractor is responsible for the work described.

84 If all computer raised flooring is to be demoed is KTR to install only ESD tile on slab?

Correct. There will be no raised flooring in the new Computer Server Room 127. See finish schedule on sheet A-601 for new floor basis of design. 12”x12” ESD Conductive Static Control Resilient Floor tile, Roppe ESD #701 Neutron. Also, see specification section 09 65 33 Conductive Resilient Flooring. For clarity, Contractor is responsible for the work described.

85 Per pg. T-101 keynote 4, it calls out for 1” conduit to be routed to access control panel. Does each KALISH needs its own designated 1” conduit run or are they allowed to be combined and routed through a larger conduit once they reach the ceiling?

Conduits may be combined with other access control conduits.

86 Is KTR responsible for providing air tightness tests within room 127? Yes.

87 Please confirm KTR is to complete all cabling throughout the building as indicated on T-101.

Confirm all horizontal cabling for all existing outlets is being replaced.

88 Please indicate if KTR is to furnish and install WAP’s or if Gov’t will provide WAPS to KTR for installation.

WAPs will be provided by VA. Only cabling and termination to be provided by contractor.

89 Please provide manufacturer of existing security system. See questions #5 and #6.

90 With current lead times of mechanical equipment of upwards of 1 year will Gov’t extend POP date to account for the lead time of equipment?

The Government does not anticipate extending period of performance.

91 Is the cabling in the office area to be plenum rated? Yes.

92 Will the Gov’t provide the UPS systems for the cabinet or is KTR to provide these?

Contractor to provide rack mounted UPS. Refer to section 2.2 of Spec 271126i.

93 Is KTR responsible for providing all patch cords at outlet locations, cabinets, and data center?

Yes. Contractor to provide patch cable for cabinets, data center, and outlets. Refer to section 2.3 of Spec 271619i.

94 Please indicate if KTR will need to provide stamped fire protection drawings?

Yes, all fire protection shop drawings (fire alarm and suppression) must be stamped by the appropriately NICET Level certified technician, per Division 21 and 28 Specifications.

95 Please confirm there is no acoustical testing requirement for room 127. The Infrastructure Standard for Telecommunications Spaces (ISTS) does not include acoustical performance criteria or acoustical testing requirements for data centers or telecommunications spaces. No acoustical testing is required by ISTS for this project.

96 Please clarify whether the contractor is responsible only for coordination with National OIT for active equipment moves, or whether the contractor is also responsible for physically disconnecting, moving, reconnecting, patching, testing, and validating all live IT equipment and services.

Reason: The documents require coordination with National OIT and state that OIT must be contacted before equipment moves, but they do not clearly define whether OIT, VA staff, a separate vendor, or the GC/telecom subcontractor performs the live cutover work.

Contractor is responsible for everything in Division 27 specs and drawings except for physically unracking, moving, and re-racking switches and servers. UPSs are part of Contractor scope.

97 Confirm whether the two temporary racks required in Room 130 are contractor-furnished and contractor-installed, including all accessories, ladder rack, grounding, PDU/power strips, patch panels, and cable management, or whether any of these items are owner-furnished.

Reason: The phasing narrative requires temporary racks in Room 130 but does not fully define rack procurement basis, size, manufacturer, accessories, or responsibility split.

Contractor is responsible for all racks, including temporary racks, accessories, patch panels, cable management, etc. Follow specifications for temporary racks.

98 Please confirm the exact temporary power scope for the temporary racks in Room 130, including circuit quantity, voltage, redundancy requirements, receptacle/device types, and whether UPS-backed temporary power is required during interim operation.

Reason: The documents refer to temporary power, but they do not fully define the performance criteria for temporary operation of live equipment.

The outlets serving the two temporary racks are fed from panel TR which is backed up by the existing 60KW UPS until it is removed.

Panel TR will then be fed from existing ‘SWBD-UPS’ after the new UPS units are installed in the server room. The outlet device type, voltage, amperage, and circuit information is provided on the drawings. These cabinets will function as they currently do in the temporary condition.

99 Clarify who is responsible for post-move testing, certification, and validation of all relocated server, switch, voice, fiber, copper, and security connections during each phase and at final cutover.

Reason: The phasing notes describe temporary cabling and equipment moves, but acceptance testing responsibility for live systems is not clearly assigned.

Contractor is responsible for testing, certification, and validation on voice, fiber, & copper cabling as well as security equipment connections. VA is only responsible for testing rack mounted active IT & network equipment.

100 Please provide approved allowable outage windows for electrical, telecommunications, security, fire alarm, and fire suppression work, including any maximum allowable downtime by system.

Reason: The specs state the facility must remain operational and after-hours work may be required, but the bid documents do not define specific shutdown windows or outage durations for pricing.

See question #11.

101 Please identify the exact telecom enclosures and backbone pathways that are included in the required assessment and upgrade of the fiber infrastructure backbone and confirm whether all backbone deficiencies discovered in the field are part of base bid.

Reason: The specifications call for assessment and upgrade of the backbone, but the full extent of that corrective work is not clearly bound.

Telecom enclosures and backbone cabling to be upgraded are clearly shown on the drawings.

102 Will the Government provide existing as-built telecom, security, and fire alarm records sufficient for bidding, or is the contractor expected to absorb full field-verification and undocumented existing condition risk in the base bid?

Reason: Much of the work depends on existing racks, live cabling, and existing systems that must remain operational, but the package heavily relies on contractor field verification.

Available as-builts will be provided post award.

103 The specifications state that security equipment in TR 130 shall remain.

Please identify all security devices, panels, terminations, and pathways in TR 130 and clarify whether any modification, relocation, temporary support, or retermination of these systems is included in base bid.

Reason: The specs say security equipment shall remain, while the phasing narrative also describes temporary security fiber and copper retermination. That creates scope ambiguity.

Wall mounted security panels and equipment in TR 130 are existing to remain. They do not require any relocation, retermination, or temporary support.

Rack mounted CCTV security equipment within Computer Sever Room 127 will require temporary fiber and copper retermination as stated in drawings and phasing plan.

104 Please confirm whether the clean agent system is fully performance-specified or delegated design, or whether the quantities and layout shown are prescriptive bid requirements.

Specifically confirm whether the cylinders shown are mandatory or are subject to contractor design calculations and manufacturer listing requirements.

Reason: The drawings appear prescriptive, while the clean agent specification also requires contractor design calculations and specialty preparation.

Prescriptive bid requirements. Cylinders shown are mandatory.

105 Please confirm whether the reserve clean agent cylinders are part of the base bid and intended for immediate turnover at project completion, or whether reserve capacity may be addressed through refill or service agreements instead.

Reason: The reserve cylinder requirement is a major item of cost and should be explicitly confirmed.

Yes, the reserve clean agent cylinders are part of the base bid.

106 Please provide the required room integrity or enclosure integrity test acceptance criteria for the server room and clarify whether the contractor is responsible for air sealing only at its own penetrations or for achieving full room compliance regardless of pre-existing leakage conditions.

Reason: The fire suppression notes place air-tightness responsibility on the contractor for installed conditions, but they do not clearly allocate responsibility for pre-existing leakage conditions in the room envelope.

Refer to Specification 212200, Section 3.3.B(k), Section 3.3.E(c) and Section 3.3(d).

The contractor is responsible for complying with Specification 212200 and NFPA 2001 that is referenced in the Design Document FA101.

The contractor is responsible for all installed final conditions and this contractor shall coordinate with other discipline contractors for other systems installed that may affect the tightness of the room (e.g., refer to architecture, HVAC, Plumbing plans and general contractor responsibilities as an example of other interfacing systems that may affect the tightness of the room).

107 Please provide the exact make/model, software revision, and available spare capacity of the existing fire alarm systems and confirm that the existing system can accept all new devices, interfaces, and programming required under this project without a broader panel replacement.

Reason: The revised fire alarm section requires compatibility, but capacity and upgrade implications are not established in the bid set.

The existing fire alarm system is an Edwards EST Model IO 1000.

Coordinate all other information with the VA and their current fire alarm vendor.

108 Clarify whether the contractor must retain the existing fire alarm manufacturer’s authorized local representative for programming, tie-in, testing, and final acceptance, and whether that work is included in base bid.

Reason: The revised fire alarm specification requires manufacturer authorization and compatibility certification but bid responsibility for OEM programming/support should be confirmed.

The fire alarm contractor must be authorized and qualified, not necessarily existing or local.

109 The revised fire alarm section appears to reference an out-of-state licensing requirement. Please confirm the applicable licensing requirement for this Arizona project and issue corrected specification language if needed.

Reason: This appears to be a carryover error and should be corrected before bid.

Confirmed, the contractor is required to be licensed in the state of Arizona.

110 Please clarify at what exact phase the clean agent system is to be installed, tested, and activated, and whether the system is to remain disabled during interim phases while cylinders are installed but not placed into service.

Reason: The phasing notes describe interim installation and later activation, but the commissioning/testing sequence and temporary protection requirements during that period are not fully defined.

Refer to Project Phasing Plan that is within the bid documents, e.g., G-101 (Server Room Phasing Plans – Phase 1 and 2 and G-102, Server Room Phasing Plans – Phase 3.

111 Please identify the exact temporary fire alarm, temporary clean agent, temporary suppression, fire watch, and interim life safety requirements applicable during each phase of demolition and cutover.

Reason: The general notes direct the contractor to verify ILSM and ICRA requirements with the COR, which creates pricing risk unless clarified before bid.

Refer to FA002, “Interim Fire Alarm and Fire Extinguisher Requirements.”

Refer to FX002 for Impairment, Fire Watch during demolition and new work.

The contractor should also refer to Specification 01 35 26, Safety Requirements for additional contractor responsibilities to be performed by this and other project contractors.

The contractor should also verify and additional contractual requirements with the VA COR relative to ILSM and ICRA requirements.

112 Please clarify the extent of contractor responsibility for hazardous materials assessment, testing, abatement coordination, and NEPA support. Will the Government provide all existing hazmat reports and NEPA documentation, or is investigation and reporting by the contractor included in the base bid?

Reason: The scope states assist with NEPA and assess hazardous materials, but that is too open-ended for lump-sum pricing without defined deliver

See question #14.

113 Please clarify the required extent of removal under the raised floor, including all pedestal adhesive, mortar bed, leveling, patching, and substrate remediation, and confirm whether unforeseen slab deficiencies are part of base bid or will be handled by modification.

Reason: The specs require substantial floor preparation, but existing underfloor conditions may vary significantly.

See demolition keynote D1 on sheet AD101: “Remove existing elevated floor system and any related appurtenances. Prepare surfaces for new upgrades”... Also, see specification section 09 05 16 Subsurface Preparation for Floor Finishes. Removal, cleaning, and preparation of existing underfloor conditions necessary to receive new work are part of the Contractor’s scope and base bid. Existing conditions beneath the raised floor may vary, and the Contractor is responsible for verification of these conditions. Work required to prepare the slab to meet the requirements of the specifications is not considered additional scope.

114 Please identify the exact laydown, staging, dumpster, parking, and material delivery areas available to the contractor, and confirm whether any off-site storage or multiple handling due to restricted access is compensable.

Reason: The specifications limit storage and parking and leave final determination to the COR, which can materially affect logistics and cost.

See question #50.

115 Please confirm whether the contractor is required to furnish and administer the project management platform and user licenses, and whether the Government has a preferred platform already in use.

Reason: The project management section requires a web-based platform with licenses and training, but it is not clear whether the owner already provides one or expects the contractor to carry the cost.

Contractor responsibility.

116 Ref: Spec 01 00 00, Drawing TD101, Phasing Notes, T-415/T-416 Please confirm that Division 27 contractor scope is limited to passive infrastructure only — cabinets, racks, cable tray, conduit, backbone cabling, horizontal cabling, patch panels, faceplates, grounding, bonding, and testing. Please confirm that active equipment (servers, switches, UPS, service-provider gear) is explicitly excluded from contractor scope unless specifically noted. Additionally, please confirm who is physically responsible for un-racking, moving, and re-racking active IT equipment during phased migrations — specifically, whether VA National OIT staff handle all active gear or whether the Division 27 contractor has any role in physically handling powered government equipment.

Contractor is responsible for everything in Division 27 specs and drawings except for physically unracking, moving, and re-racking switches and servers. UPSs are part of Contractor scope.

117 Ref: Drawing T-502, Admin Area Details For administration-area outlet locations where horizontal cabling must be routed inside finished walls rather than in existing conduit, please confirm whether wall fishing, wall patching, and finish repair are included in Division 27 scope or are the responsibility of the General Contractor.

The VA does not assign responsibility between general contractor and subs.

118 Ref: Drawing TD101, AD101, Phasing Notes Please confirm the demolition standard for existing passive voice/data cabling. Is full removal back to source required for all existing horizontal and backbone cabling associated with replaced infrastructure, or is abandoned-in-place acceptable where removal is not specifically shown on the demolition drawings?

Confirmed. Existing horizontal cabling and backbone cabling should be removed back to source when demolished.

119 Ref: Drawings T-415, T-416 Cabinet Elevations The cabinet elevation drawings call out Leviton fiber shelves and copper patch panels by name/product. Please confirm whether Panduit equivalents meeting all performance specifications (Cat 6A per TIA-568- C.2, OM4 fiber, LC duplex, angled 1U form factor) will be accepted as an approved equal, or whether a formal pre-bid substitution request must be submitted and approved prior to bid.

Leviton patch panels are considered basis of design. Any patch panels that meet spec 271119i and characteristics of basis of design product will be approved as equals.

120 Ref: Phasing Notes, Migration Sequence, TD401 Please confirm the contractor's exact role during the final data move from temporary racks (TR-130) to permanent racks in the new data center.

Specifically: is the Division 27 contractor responsible for final passive patching, cable labeling, and testing in the new permanent racks, and does the contractor witness or support the active equipment migration, or does VA/OIT handle the final move entirely?

Contractor is responsible for labeling and testing of cabling and passive infrastructure in new permanent racks. Then the contractor is responsible for final patching and physically moving active electronics from one rack to another with VA OIT oversight.

121 Ref: Drawing AD101, TD101, Demo Drawings Please confirm the disposition of all existing copper cabling and equipment removed during demolition phases. Is removed copper cabling considered Government-Furnished Material (GFM) that must be inventoried and offered to the VA prior to disposal, or does the contractor retain salvage rights to removed material?

Contractor retains.

122 Ref: Spec 27 13 23 §2.1B, 27 78 00 §1.5H Please confirm the required fiber acceptance testing standard.

Specifically: are all backbone fibers (OM4 and OS2) required to pass both Tier 1 (OLTS — insertion loss, length, polarity) and Tier 2 (OTDR — characterization of uniformity and connector insertion loss) testing, or is Tier 1 only required for certain segments? Please confirm whether bidirectional OTDR traces are required and whether all results must be submitted to the COR prior to final inspection.

All fiber will be subject to Tier 1 and Tier 2 requirements. Results must be submitted prior to final inspection.

123 Ref: Spec 27 16 19 §2.3, Table 2.3 Section 27 16 19 §2.3 designates patch cords as Contractor-Furnished, Government-Installed (CFGI). Please confirm whether CFGI means the contractor's responsibility ends at purchasing, organizing by type/length/color, and delivering to the VA in sealed labeled boxes per Table 2.3, or whether the contractor is also required to install patch cords at the patch panels and work area outlets.

Contractor’s responsibility ends at purchasing, organizing by type/length/color, and delivering to the VA in sealed labeled boxes.

124 Ref: Solicitation §1.19, VAAR 852.204-72 Please confirm the expected lead time for PIV/CAC credentialing for construction personnel at the Tucson CMOP facility, and whether there is a cap on the number of contractor personnel who can be badged simultaneously. Please also confirm whether background investigations are initiated by the VA or the contractor, and who bears the cost.

See question #43.

125 Please provide photograph taken at job walk of assembly floor area. See attached.

126 Please provide photograph taken at job walk of assembly roof area. The VA did not take photos of the roof during the job walk.

127 G-101 - Please provide photograph taken at job walk of assembly riser room area.

See attached.

128 Has Hazardous testing been taken on materials? Duplicate, #14

129 If shoring is needed will this portion need to be stamp by structural engineer?

Yes, if shoring is required, the submittal must be stamped by a registered professional engineer. Refer to the demolition section of the general notes for additional information.

130 S-101 - Existing roof deck is of what gauge material. Existing structural drawings dated 9/30/2004 indicate 22 Gauge.

131 S-101 - Do existing steel beams have a fire coating? No, but the GC must verify field conditions.

132 Wage determination sheet does not have a roofers wage. In accordance with the wage determination posted, requests can be submitted via email to BCWD-Office@dol.gov or by mail to: Branch of Construction Wage Determinations Wage and Hour Division U.S.

Department of Labor 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20210

133 Section 1.7 SDVOSB SET-ASIDE of the RFP states that all SDVOSB offerors must be listed as “certified” in the SBA’s VetCert database at the time of bid submission and at the time of award. However, according to SBA guidance, effective August 1, 2025, VOSB and SDVOSB joint venture designations will no longer be reflected in the SBA’s small business search (VetCert) database.

Given this change, please clarify how joint ventures will document or manage compliance.

Please see solicitation section 1.12 (B) (j).

134 Please confirm that a single individual may serve as both Superintendent and QCM, provided all contract requirements for both roles are fully satisfied.

Duplicate, #13

135 SHEET M-102: The…