S06 - Amend 0006 - RFIs - 07012026 - MCR Update - Minneapolis.pdf

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND SOLICITATION #: 36C77626B0017

RESPONSES TRACKING SHEET PROJECT TITLE:

Electronic Health Record Modernization – Main Computer Room Update – Minneapolis - #618-26-

# CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

1 Drawings T-101A and T-102A Note 4: CONTRACTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL

NEW TERMINATING ALL EXISTING TR MCR FIBER CABLING AND NEW

STRUCTURED CABLING INSIDE THE MCR INCLUDING REDUNDANT

CONNECTIONS BETWEEN MDA, HDA, AND ED.

a) Is the contractor to install new fiber from the New MCR out to each TR?

b) If all fibers are existing to be reterminated is there enough slack in the existing cables.

a) No

b) Yes

2 I attended the walkthrough today, when we first received the bid package there was a mentioned of Asbestos abatement and demolition, as of today it doesn't seem like there was any of that in the scope but I wanted to confirm as we did not receive plans or drawings for this project.

There is no asbestos abatement anticipated on this project.

3 Drawing G-000 Scope Note 13 states that UPS-A & UPS-B have been provided under a previous contract. Is this equipment on site and are we only responsible for install and testing? Who is responsible for commissioning?

Yes, this equipment is on-site. The General Contractor is responsible for installing, testing and supporting of commissioning UPS-A and UPS-B.

The commissioning agent is a third-party provided by the VA. General Contractor shall support the commissioning process in accordance with Specification 01 91 00.

4 Drawing G-000 Scope Note 14 states to provide additional supports for the UPS units. Are the support structures rated for the UPS units included with the equipment on site?

Supports for the UPS are NOT included with the onsite equipment and shall be procured and installed with this contract.

5 The pictures on drawing E-702 show existing equipment to be Eaton. Please confirm. Confirmed, existing equipment is Eaton.

6 What is the existing security system manufacturer? Are licenses available for additional cameras?

Lenel. Bids shall include additional licenses.

7 Is there an existing security system maintenance contract? If so, please provide contact information for the contractor.

The Facility doesn’t have a current security system maintenance contract

8 PACS 281300 Basis of Design lists Lenel, no substitutions and also C-Cure 9000. Please confirm which is correct.

Basis of Design is Lenel.

9 Is there an existing fire alarm system maintenance contract? If so, please provide contact information for the contractor.

Yes, see Specification 28 31 00 for information on required vendors. Firenet: Ed Schabert eschabert@firenetsys.com

10 Can we use bridle rings for fiber runs or are we to use conduit in the interstitial floor space? Bridle rings are not approved. See Division 27 specifications for requirements.

11 What is the height of the workspace in the interstitial floor space? See Sheet T-404 and T-405 for interstitial dimensions.

12 Can we work during regular hours? No. All work shall be after hours in accordance with Specification 01 00 00 and Sheet G-000.

13 Is this project tax exempt? If so, can the certificate be provided? This project is not tax exempt. Special Notes regarding FAR 52.229-3: Federal, State and Local Taxes (DEVIATION SEP 2025):

Offerors are hereby notified that all state and local sales or use taxes for construction materials must be included in their bid or proposal price. It is solely the responsibility of the offeror to include all other applicable taxes in their bid or proposal price as well. The Government has determined that for this acquisition it cannot take advantage of any sales or use tax exemptions that may be available to it under applicable state law. Under no circumstances will any Contractor be designated as an agent of the Government for purposes of any tax exemption, nor will the Government authorize any Contractor’s use of any tax exemption directly applicable to the Government under this procurement.

14 Can you provide an example of a daily performance log sheet? The VA doesn’t have a standard daily performance log sheet.

15 Can we bill and hold division 27 related materials once submittals are approved in order to protect pricing and ensure lead times do not affect the overall project schedule?

Post award Contracting Officer may allow billing of ordered material if satisfactory evidence is provided showing that material is for the project. Reference FAR 52.232-5(b)(2).

16 Per Section 01 00 00 General Requirements 1.1K Contract work hours, can you confirm expected working hours for Division 27?

All work shall be after hours in accordance with Specification 01 00 00 and Sheet G-000.

17 Per Section 01 00 00 General Requirements 1.1M - The RCDD licensed staff member shall be on-site throughout the life of the project to oversee all telecommunications and security scopes and shall provide consistent oversight of the project cabling throughout design, layout, installation, termination, and testing.

a) What are the actual onsite requirements for the RCDD? This statement seems to state that the RCDD must be “on-site” any time our field installation staff is “on-site” performing physical installation work.

A licensed RCDD staff member will be onsite to oversee and backcheck the physical installation work of the cabling infrastructure integrity and ensure it meets codes.

18 Per Section 01 00 00 General Requirements 1.1M The Contractor shall provide four (4) current references from clients with systems of similar scope and complexity which became operational in the past three (3) years. At least three (3) of the references shall be utilizing the same system components, in a similar configuration as the proposed system.

a) Should these references be included with our proposal to the bidding GC’s so they can submit with their proposal or will these be required prior to work commencement.

Contractors should include these references post award in accordance with the specifications.

19 Does cable tray provision and installation fall under Division 26 or Division 27 contractor? Coordinate with the General Contractor.

20 Can the cable tray be supported by stand offs on top of cabinets rather than being routed through the plaster interstitial floor and being supported by the interstitial ceiling 8’ above the interstitial floor?

VA DCIE standards require the cable tray to be supported by standoffs.

21 Is an escort needed when working in the DC? Once fully badged there is no need for an escort.

22 3rd Party inspection is called out in section 01 00 00 1.19 B e 6,7. What are the expectations for inspection of Division 27 related work?

All Division 27 shall be inspected by a third-party.

See Specification 27 08 00 Parts 1 through 3& Section 27 05 11 part 3.6.

23 In the SOW document (Attachment 04), line B.u is a little confusing. Is this interpretation correct: The existing legacy fiber in BH-111 will remain in place. The only work that will take place within BH-111 will be equipment relocation to 2B-105 in coordinated cutovers?

Confirmed.

24 Specification requires Tier 1 and Tier 2 Fiber testing with an OTDR

a) Please confirm that OTDR testing is required in addition to certification

Confirmed.

25 What is the plan to relocate the existing fiber umbilical rack that is called out in keynote 8 on the T402.2 drawing.

a) How far is this moving and is there a plan for being able shift this without re-termination or re-configuration of the existing cabling

Existing fiber umbilical rack will be shifted forward to align with the new rack aisle. The shift is less than 2 ft.

a) For bidding purposes assume that existing fiber will be re-terminated.

26 For the existing IDF distribution fiber is the plan to pull the fiber back and reroute to its new location and re-terminate it using new fuse connects.

a) If the answer is yes, should we be re-terminating and installing in the existing Corning enclosure and installing fiber into the existing cassettes or should new Leviton hardware be utilized.

Existing fiber shall be re-terminated with existing hardware after being relocated to new location.

27 For the relocation of each IDF distribution fiber what is the expected/allowable down time for each IDF to be running without a redundant connection?

Outages shall be limited to 4 hours, after-hours.

28 What is the expecation of the division 27 contractor in supporting the equipment relocation from BH-111A and BG-111

a) Are there any expectations of physical device relocation

b) Are we expected to be onsite during this cutover to confirm all fiber and copper infrastructure allows for the equipment to come online

c) If so, is there an expected amount of hours that should be allocated for this support

a) No, performed by VA OIT.

b) Yes

c) No

29 Are there any fiber or copper cabling requirements outside of the 2B-105 Yes. Certify the fiber connections to the TR from the MCR.

30 Is there a more defined project schedule other than just the 365 day duration? No. After award, the contractor will develop a project schedule in accordance with Specification 01 32 16.15.

31 Reference Drawing 139-A-402B Note 31:

a. Please provide details for the structural support required below raised floor.

Coordinate with flooring and equipment vendors.

32 Reference Drawing 139-A-402B Note 30:

a. Please provide the qty of additional pedestals required for perimeter equipment

b. Specification Section 09 69 00 lists Tate Raised Access Floor is the basis of design.

Confirm the existing flooring system is Tate Raised Access Flooring.

Coordinate with flooring and equipment vendors.

33 Specification 25 10 10 Advanced Utility Metering:

a) Where is the existing advanced utility metering system currently installed at the VA and who is the company that has the maintenance contract to connect?

Specification 25 10 10 is for a new system serving the MCR, Eaton Brightlayer Basis of Design or equal.

34 Reference Drawing IN101 Keynote 1:

a. Please confirm the intent is to remove the existing tile from the raised floor panel and replace it with new LVT-1 Tile.

b. Is the LVT-1 specified in the Finish legend static dissipative Tile?

c. The LVT-1 specified in the finish legend are 12”X24” and the raised floor panels are

24”X24”. Is this the correct tile size for the raised floor panels?

d. Confirm the existing raised access flooring is grounded and no additional grounding is required on this system.

a. Design intent for raised access floor is to coordinate with vendor for available finish options of static dissipative tile.

b. LVT-1 is not static dissipative tile. LVT-1 is only intended to be used in the stair/ramp alcoves leading up to raised access flooring.

c. LVT-1 finish size is correct and not intended to be used on the raised access flooring.

d. Coordinate with vendor, provide grounding if required

35 Reference Drawing IN101Keynote 9:

a) Please provide Manufacturer/Collection/Style/Color/Size for the slip resistant tile.

Reference back to Question #32, section 09 6900 states that the systems need to be a CISCA system.

36 Provide direction where the new pre-pack pre-action (double interlock-electric/electric fire sprinkler cabinet shown on sheet 1399-FX402.1 is to be powered from?

CL2B2-2 electrical room 2A-106 (208/120v) panel

37 Will a monthly inspection be required by a CSP or CSHT as listed in specification 01 35 26

– 1.9.B.

Yes.

38 Specification section 01 00 00 requires 3 separate individuals on site, Superintendent, SSHO and CQC System Managers. Please confirm these employees are to be solely dedicated to this project and not be working on any other projects.

Confirmed.

39 Is any fiber ductway required in the MCR? None is shown.

Yes. See specifications.

40 The existing UPS’s are to be installed as part of this project. Please provide copies of the approved submittal.

See Att 01 - 26 33 53 - MCR Update - Minneapolis

41 Please advise if the VA supplied UPS’s are to remain sitting directly on the raised access floor or if a manufactured UPS stand / equipment pad is required.

Provide supports in accordance with manufacturer requirements.

42 Please confirm that interstitial floor / room ceiling is structural and new ceiling grid system, cable tray, etc, can anchor directly to it without any additional supports on the top side of the deck.

Additional supports are required for the cold aisle containment. See sheet T 400 series.

43 Are any additional floor supports required where the interstitial floor is being penetrated for new mechanical openings. If so, please provide structural details.

Yes, see Detail F4/A-531.

44 Is there a location for a construction trailer.

Reference Amendment 0002 Site Visit Agenda for identified locations.

45 Please confirm that the VA will enforce the requirement for the general contractor to provide 3rd Party inspections, including testing and written reports, for all divisions of the work.

These reports and testing should be performed by third-party firms qualified in the work being tested or reported on.

Confirmed, third-party inspections will be enforced.

46 Confirm the existing access control master panel is to be reused for the MCR door access controls.

47 Are there sufficient existing Camera Licenses to support the new cameras?

Contractor shall provide new licenses for all new cameras.

48 The fiber entering the MCR is not installed on ladder racks. Do ladder rack need installed?

Yes, ladder rack should be installed where conduit stub-ups are located on floor and ceiling.

49 Are there sufficient existing Camera Licenses to support the new cameras?

Contractor shall provide new licenses for all new cameras.

50 What is the current Camera System version?

Lenel 7.5.91

51 Reference Specification 09 69 00-1 basis of design: Tate Raised Access Floor

a) Please provide the series/style of raised access floor. There are multiple Tate ConCore series with different load requirements, please identify which one will be used for this project.

Field verify existing system.

52 Reference Specification 09 69 00 Paragraph 1.3H Static electricity control

a) Resistance ranges indicate a high-pressure laminate finish, which is appropriate for data center. Please confirm the high-pressure laminate finish will be acceptable in lieu of LVT-1 or static dissipative tile.

See Question #34

53 Reference Dwg, IN101 Finish Legend:

a) Please confirm that only new walls, and no existing walls are to be painted in the data center.

Existing walls adjacent to new walls shall be painted to ensure continuous finish (keynote 3).

54 Solicitation statement of work item 1.k it states to install UPS A/B (UPS equipment already provided under the original EHRM contract.) Item 1.j states to provide phased transfer of critical power to new redundant UPS. Confirm the New Redundant UPS is the existing UPS listed in item 1.k or provide clarification on what UPS is being referenced.

55 Solicitation Scope of Work – Item 1.v

a) BG-111 contains biomedical network equipment and it is to be relocated. The drawings do not show this equipment being relocated only as existing. Please confirm this equipment is to remain in room BG-111.

b) If it is to be relocated if there are any venders equipment confirm the VA will coordinate the relocation. In not provided vender contact for each system.

Relocation will be performed by others in the future.

56 Will the owner accept Procore Project Management software as the primary submittal and data tracking tool for this project?

Procore is acceptable

57 Will the owner accept the “Primavera P6” for schedule submission and monthly updates Primavera P6 is acceptable

58 Is this project tax-exempt, and will the CO/COR provide the necessary tax-exempt certificates?

Reference response to Question #13

59 Please confirm we will not encounter any asbestos withing the project locations. Asbestos is not anticipated.

60 Many VA campuses are beginning to address tuberculosis protocols on VA campus projects, including the 90-day screening before assignment to the worksite. This requirement will limit the amount of personnel who can immediately perform work right after the award. Will this project be required to follow 01 35 26 1.13 for TB-required protocols and a requirement to follow the 90-day screening before beginning work on the project?

TB screening requirements will be enforced.

61 What is the approximate duration between issuing the award and issuing the NTP? 30 calendar days

62 For planning the preliminary project schedule, please provide an anticipated award date. Currently, around the end of August

63 How many calendar days should be included in the critical-path method schedule for the owner and A/E to review and respond to RFIs?

See Specification 01 33 23.

64 How many calendar days should be included in the critical-path method schedule for owner and A/E submittal review?

See Specification 01 33 23.

65 Will the Government provide the 3-D REVIT Design model in native file format for the creation of coordination drawings and use by contractor?

Yes. BIM model will be provided after award and acceptance of BIM license agreement.

66 Please confirm that the project scope will be completed during normal working hours, not nights and weekends.

Negative. All work will be performed after-hours.

67 Can you confirm that the owner will be contracting directly with a third-party commissioning agent for commissioning the project and that the Contractor is only to include participation/coordination with the Commissioning Agent?

Confirmed.

68 How long after award will the Government provide the submittal register? Per spec section 0100 00, 1.1S “Contractor to provide secure “Submittal Exchange”. The submittal register will be provided during pre-construction activities following award.

69 Has the facility Operation & Maintenance team reviewed the Contract Documents for operability to avoid change orders?

Yes.

70 Can the contractor use an existing office inside the building for a temporary construction office during construction instead of setting up a temporary trailer?

No.

71 Can the contractor use the existing restroom facilities in the work area or adjacent ones nearby?

The contractor can utilize the facilities restrooms that will be designated by the COR. This may be taken away if hygiene becomes an issue to the facility.

72 Can the contractor use the existing on-site utilities for temporary electrical and water free of charge?

Yes

73 Will the owner provide the fire watch during the period that the fire suppression and/or fire alarm system is not in service?

No.

74 Please provide detailed guidance for noise and vibration operations, including acceptable levels/duration, hours of operations for acceptable levels, and acceptable noise levels after hours.

See Specification 01 57 19.

75 Can the QA/QC dual hat as the Superintendent? No.

76 Can the SSHO dual hat as a Superintendent? No.

77 Has the owner entered into an agreement with the owner-furnished equipment vendor? No, there are not any currently executed equipment move task orders with the equipment owners. There are national standing contracts in effect that work will be executed and coordinated with equipment owners at least 90 days prior to equipment needing to be moved. This coordination and timing is solely based on GC baseline and updated schedule as well as GC progress and adherence to their schedule during the construction process of when areas are needed for work and when server cabinets are ready for equipment to be moved into them. GC will be invited to computer room equipment IPT coordination move meetings when task orders to the national move contracts have been executed. It is recommended that the GC has specific trackable tasks on their schedule of phases starting and completion that can be used to predict when equipment moves will need to be coordinated around.

78 What is the Government's policy if asbestos products are encountered during construction which is not quantified in the construction documents?

Asbestos is not anticipated on this project.

79 Can the existing service and/or public elevators be used for construction activities? Are there any restrictions or time constraints?

Yes, but there will be restrictions/limitations that will be discussed following award.

80 Will the Government consider candidates with extensive relevant experience and CQM-C certification as meeting the qualification requirements in lieu of a formal degree, consistent with FAR and VA guidelines that allow for equivalent experience for technical roles?

Yes

81 Please clarify whether QC Manager candidates with directly relevant QC experience on comparable Federal construction projects may be considered acceptable if their formal education differs from the degree described in the solicitation/specification/01 45 00, provided their qualifications are documented in the proposal/QC Plan submittal.

Yes relevant experience of at least 5 years of experience would be considered if formal education isn’t presence for the candidate.

82 Please confirm if the Government will consider a QA/QC organization in which the named QC Manager provides overall program management and decision-making authority, while on-site inspections and documentation are carried out by project-dedicated QC personnel reporting to that individual.

See Specification 01 45 00 for QA/QC requirements.

83 May CQM discipline-specific staff (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, low voltage, civil, etc.) be provided by trade subcontractors performing the work, rather than directly by the CM, provided they meet the minimum experience requirements?

Confirmed.

84 Who is the current fire alarm vendor on site? Firenet

85 Who is the current fire sprinkler subcontractor on site? There isn’t one

86 Who is the CCTV vendor/system on site? There isn’t one

87 Who is the access control vendor on site? JCI

88 Per the door and frame schedule, Doors 2B-105B & C appear to be polycarbonate with Aluminum Frames. Please provide the spec for these doors & frames.

2B-105B & C are part of the cold aisle containment system. Coordinate with manufacturer.

89 Per Section 01 00 00 General Requirements 1.1K Contract work hours, can you confirm expected working hours for Division 27?

All work shall be performed after-hours.

90 Per Section 01 00 00 General Requirements 1.1M - The RCDD licensed staff member shall be on-site throughout the life of the project to oversee all telecommunications and security scopes and shall provide consistent oversight of the project cabling throughout design, layout, installation, termination, and testing. What are the actual onsite requirements for the RCDD? This statement seems to state that the RCDD must be “on-site” any time our field installation staff is “on-site” performing physical installation work. Please Confirm.

Confirmed.

91 Per Section 01 00 00 General Requirements 1.1M The Contractor shall provide four (4) current references from clients with systems of similar scope and complexity which became operational in the past three (3) years. At least three (3) of the references shall be utilizing the same system components, in a similar configuration as the proposed system. Confirm this is a requirement for only the

GC.

Confirmed, only the GC.

92 Can the cable tray be supported by stand offs on top of cabinets rather than being routed through the plaster interstitial floor and being supported by the interstitial ceiling 8’ above the interstitial floor?

VA DCIE standards require the cable tray to be supported by standoffs.

93 Is an escort needed when working in the DC? Once fully badged there is no need for an escort.

94 In the SOW document (Attachment 04), line B.u is a little confusing. Is this interpretation correct: The existing legacy fiber in BH-111 will remain in place. The only work that will take place within BH-111 will be equipment relocation to 2B-105 in coordinated cutovers?

Confirmed.

95 Specification requires Tier 1 and Tier 2 Fiber testing with an OTDR. Please confirm that OTDR testing is required in addition to certification.

Confirmed.

96 What is the plan to relocate the existing fiber umbilical rack that is called out in keynote 8 on the T402.2 drawing. How far is this moving and is there a plan for being able shift this without re-termination or re-configuration of the existing cabling

Existing fiber umbilical rack will be shifted forward to align with the new rack aisle. The shift is less than 2 ft and won't require any re-termination or reconfiguration.

97 For the existing IDF distribution fiber is the plan to pull the fiber back and reroute to its new location and re-terminate it using new fuse connects. If the answer is yes, should we be re-terminating and installing in the existing Corning enclosure and installing fiber into the existing cassettes or should new Leviton hardware be utilized.

Fiber shall be re-terminated, certified and commissioned.

98 For the relocation of each IDF distribution fiber what is the expected/allowable down time for each IDF to be running without a redundant connection?

Outages shall be limited to 8 hours, after-hours.

99 Are there any fiber or copper cabling requirements outside of the 2B-105 Yes. Certify the fiber connections to the TR from the MCR.

100 Confirm existing/proposed RAF height. The ramp appears to show a 12'-0" run at 1:12 slope, implying approximately 12 inches of rise.

Field verify existing conditions.

101 Confirm existing RAF pedestals/stringers/support structure are to remain, be protected, and reused except where modified for ramp, UPS support, or damaged components.

Confirmed.

102 Can you verify the age of the RAF? Unknown

103 Are the RAF tiles screwed into the structure below? Field verify existing conditions.

104 Please provide the final floor tile layout identifying solid/sealed tiles, number of perforated tiles, temporary perforated tiles, airflow/grille tiles,. Please confirm whether perforated tiles are temporary only during CRAC replacement/phasing or remain in the final condition. The finish plan requires solid/sealed tiles and door fan testing, while the mechanical/telecom phasing notes reference perforated tiles for temporary underfloor cooling and cold aisle airflow. Final quantity and configuration affect material ordering, sealing, door fan performance, cooling, and pricing.

See Phasing Plans G-301, 302 and 303. Contractor shall develop and submit coordination drawings and phasing plans for VA review.

105 Please provide UPS equipment dimensions, weights, point loads, seismic requirements, anchorage requirements, final locations, and any structural detail showing the required added supports below or through the RAF.

Reference: Att 01 - 26 33 53 - MCR Update - Minneapolis

106 Please provide existing underfloor utility drawings or a required preconstruction survey showing power whips, grounding/bonding, raceways, conduits, abandoned cabling, piping, sensors, and other obstructions below the

RAF.

Underfloor utilities shall be surveyed and documented via coordination drawings by the General Contractor in accordance with project specifications

107 Sheet A402B Keynote 4: Please confirm if the walls shown for keynote 4 are new or existing. These walls appear to exist already and not to be demolished in anyway.

Walls shown for Keynote 4 are existing walls.

108 Sheet A402B Plan C6 Keynote 6: Please provide locations of art and suspended signs Field verify existing conditions.

109 Sheet A402B Plan C6 Keynote 6: Please indicate on sheet where handrails and sheet vinyl base are to be removed. Sheet A402B Keynote 28: Please confirm contractor is to only paint new wall. No existing walls are required for touch up paint.

Field verify existing conditions where new wall is intended to be built for removal of finishes and art.

Contractor to paint new wall and existing wall in entirety for continuity of finish.

110 Sheet A402B Keynote 28: Please confirm contractor is to only paint new wall. No existing walls are required for touch up paint.

Contractor to paint new wall and existing wall in entirety for continuity of finish.(general note H)

111 Sheet A402B Keynote 31: Please provide more information for the new structural support below raised floor. I.e. what material is being used and how extensive is this in the space.

Coordinate with raised access flooring manufacturer/vendor.

112 Please provide an applicable scale for Sheet M100J 1/8” = 1’ – 0”

113 Sheet A512: Please confirm contractor is not providing new steel members and that the details shown with steel are existing.

No new steel being added. Refer to note on sheet A512.

114 M100J Keynote 16: This keynote is note shown. Please indicate on plans where core drilling is to take place.

Keynote is not appliable in the mechanical room and is only applicable for core drilling new hydronic connections at new CRAC units.

115 Please confirm what type of material the contractor will be core drilling into at the specified location or shall all penetrations be considered concrete per M501 Detail D8.

Concrete.

116 Please confirm core drill to be maximum 12” at all core locations per keynote 13 on sheet M501

Detail D8/M-501 shall only be used for core drills 12” or less.

117 The camera layouts on T401 and T402.3 are different. Camera installation is Phased with the renovation and shall be installed in accordance with approved coordination drawings.

118 Sheet T404: What is the Continuous channel strut spanning to support cold aisle containment made of?

Steel. See specification 05 12 00.

119 Has the Government designated a selected laydown area. Laydown areas will be designated after awarding of contract.

120 Please confirm the times available for the contractor's use of freight elevator and c-bank elevator.

Availability will be coordinated with the COR after award of contract to capture contractors’ needs/wants and to not hinder patient care.

121 Sheet T101A: Please confirm If the cable shown is new or existing IDF fiber is existing.

122 T401 Keynote 11: please confirm if the contractor will need to remove existing equipment from the racks and install it into new data racks.

The keynote states that the contractor is responsible for removing existing racks after equipment is relocated. Not the equipment from the racks.

123 Sheet A402B Keynote 27: Please confirm if contractor is to remove artwork outside of work zone.

Contractor is to remove any artwork impacting the expansion of the data center.

124 Sheet A402B Keynote 21: Please confirm the extent of wall demolition. Furthermore, what lengths of walls are to be removed.

Coordinate wall demo with the new data center layout.

125 Please provide contractor specification section for the cold isle containment system. Basis of Design cold-aisle containment, Legrand, is indicated on drawings. Contractor shall submit a complete system.

126 01 00 00: Please confirm the Superintendent can have no other shared duties with SSHO or

CQC.

Confirmed.

127 01 00 00: Please confirm the SSHO can have no other shared duties with Superintendent or

CQC.

Confirmed.

128 01 00 00: Please confirm the CQC can have no other shared duties with Superintendent or

SSHO.

Confirmed.

129 01 00 00: Please confirm which scope of work will need to be performed on off hours. I.e.

Demolition.

All project scope shall be after-hours.

130 01 45 00 Section D & E: Please confirm that the prime contractor will be required to hire independent third-party inspectors for each area of work shown in the table under section E.

Confirmed.

131 01 45 00: If a third-party inspector can qualify for multiple areas of work can they cover multiple areas, or can only one inspector perform one area?

Confirmed, provided they meet minimum requirements for each Division.

132 Will an SIOR be required for this project? Confirmed.

133 Please confirm in the Schedule of Special Inspections 01 45 35 that the following special inspections by a 3rd party inspector that have been checked applicable are required for this project. All Structural, Geotechnical, Fire Protection, Architectural, and Plumbing / Mechanical / Electrical.

Confirmed.

134 01 91 00 Section 1.8 C: Please confirm the VA will be contracting the Commissioning Agent.

Confirmed.

135 01 91 00 Section 1.7 B Table: Please confirm the CxA contracted by the VA will be commissioning all items listed in this table.

Confirmed. General Contractor shall support commissioning as stipulated in Specification 01 91 00.

136 02 41 00 1.1 B: Please confirm if all demo work is to be performed on off hours. All project scope shall be after-hours.

137 05 12 00: Please confirm where W shape and S shape steel is being used. There only appears to be HSS tube steel for chiller pipe support.

W and S steel may not be required.

138 06 20 00 Section 2.5: This section calls out for plastic laminate counter or work tops. None of this was depicted in the plans. Please include

There is no plastic laminate countertop scope on this project.

139 Spec 07 60 00: Please confirm where this spec will be applicable as we won’t be performing work on the roof.

There is no roofing scope beyond coordinating with existing.

140 27 08 00: It is noted in 1.1 paragraph B that “A Third-Party Commissioning Agent (CxA) appointed and paid for by the General Contractor will manage the commissioning process”.

This information conflicts with what was described in Spec Sectin 01 91 00 indicating the VA will be responsible for the cost of the CxA.

VA will provide the third-party CxA.

141 28 23 00: Please confirm that another manufacturer that fits this spec would be an acceptable supplier for this.

Equivalent cameras must be submitted for review during shops submittals.

142 The scheduled air-cooled chiller (Tag: 70 CH-IT-08) is incorrectly rated at 100% water. The plate HX and pumps supporting this chiller are rated at 40% E.G. it would make sense for this air-cooled chiller to be rated for glycol.

ACC shall be rated at 40% glycol.

143 During the walk thru there was a question asked if the entire access floor system is to be removed including structural supports of the floor system. The response was “The post/support structure would remain in place. But there are a few locations where some addition support would be required during the removal of the tile floor”. Please confirm where additional support areas are located and what would be required for supporting the items needed to remain after removal of the access tile panels.

Equipment supports shall be in accordance with vendor requirements.

144 Can you provide an example of daily performance log sheet? See response to Question #14.

145 Can we bill and hold division 27 related materials once submittals are approved in order to protect pricing and ensure lead times do not affect the overall project schedule?

See response to Question #15.

146 Per section 01 00 00 General Requirements 1.1K Contract work hours, can you confirm expected working hours for Division 27?

See response to Question #16.

147 Per section 01 00 00 General Requirements 1.1M: The RCDD licensed staff member shall be on site throughout the life of the project to oversee all telecommunications and security scopes and shall provide consistent oversight of the project. What are the onsite requirements for the RCDD? This statement seems to state that the RCDD must be ‘on-site” at all times while the division 27 scope is being performed.

See response to Question #17.

148 Per Section 01 00 00 General Requirements 1.1M The Contractor shall provide four (4) current references from clients with systems of similar scope and complexity which have become operational in the past three (3) years. At least three (3) of the references shall be utilizing the same system components, in a similar configuration as the proposed system.

Should these references be included with our proposal to the bidding GC’s so they can submit with their proposal or will these be required prior to work commencement.

See response to Question #18.

149 Can the cable tray be supported by stand offs on top of cabinets rather than being routed through the plaster interstitial floor and being supported by the interstitial ceiling 8’ above the interstitial floor?

See response to Question #20.

150 Please confirm if an escort will be needed when working in the DC. See response to Question #21.

151 In the SOW document (Attachment 04), line B.u is confusing. Please confirm if this interpretation correct: The existing legacy fiber in BH-111 will remain in place. The only work that will take place within BH-111 will be equipment relocation to 2B-105 in coordinated cutovers?

See response to Question #23.

152 The specification requires Tier 1 and Tier 2 fiber testing with OTDR. Please confirm that OTDR testing is required in addition to certification.

See response to Question #24.

153 Sheet T402.2 Keynote 8: Please confirm the plan of relocating the existing fiber umbilical rack. How far is this moving? And is there a plan for being able to shift this without re-termination or re-configuration of the existing cabling?

See response to Question #25.

154 For the existing IDF distribution fiber, is the plan to pull the fiber back and reroute to its new location and re-terminate it using new fuse connects.

See response to Question #26.

155 If the answer is yes, should we be re-terminating and installing in the existing Corning enclosure and installing fiber into the existing cassettes or should new Leviton hardware be utilized.

Fiber s See response to Question #26.

156 For the relocation of each IDF distribution fiber what is the expected/allowable down time for each IDF to be running without a redundant connection?

See response to Question #27.

157 What is the expectation of the division 27 contractor in supporting the equipment relocation from BH-111A and BG-111

See response to Question #28.

158 Please confirm any expectations of physical device relocation. Please clarify question.

159 Please confirm if low voltage contractor is to be onsite during the cutover to confirm all fiber and copper infrastructure allows for the equipment to come online. If so, is there an expected number of hours that should be allocated for this support?

Confirmed.

160 Are there any fiber or copper cabling requirements outside of the 2B-105? See response to Question #29.

161 Will new dedicated pathways for low voltage be furnished and installed by division 26? Coring drilling through the floor will be Div 26 responsibility.

162 Please confirm all existing low-voltage pathways intended for reuse be clear of obstructions and have adequate capacity for the required new low-voltage cabling.

All pathways are new, the MCR is being completely renovated.

163 Is Division 26 responsible for furnishing and installing all low-voltage basket tray, conduit pathways, stub-ups, sleeves, EZ-Path, fire stopping, core-drilled penetrations, and related pathway work for Divisions 27 and 28?

Coordinate with general contractor on separation of subcontractor labor.

164 Will a detailed phasing schedule be provided beyond the schedule objectives shown in the contract documents?

Proposed phasing plan is shown on the drawings.

Contractor is required to develop and submit a phasing plan and detailed project schedule.

165 Please confirm work be allowed during normal business hours, defined as an 8-hour continuous shift between 6:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.?

No. All work will be after-hours.

166 Will an anticipated fiber cutover date, start time, outage window, and duration prior to bid be provided?

No.

167 What manufacturer shall be used for the new PA speaker in the telecommunications room on page 1399-T-401, keynote 17?

PA speakers are not sole sourced. Please submit in accordance with specifications.

168 Is AXIS model T94A02L intended to be the complete camera assembly for Keynote 4 on drawing 1399-T-402.2?

Complete camera assembly, mounting, license, cabling and all associated components for a fully-functional system shall be provided.

169 Is the cold aisle/air containment system complete scope, including panels, doors, supports, seals, and accessories, assigned to division 27?

Coordinate with general contractor on separation of subcontractor labor.

170 Is Division 26 responsible for furnishing and installing all rack-mounted PDUs in the MCR cabinets, in addition to the UPS-output PDUs specified under Section 26 26 00?

Coordinate with general contractor on separation of subcontractor labor.

171 Is Division 26 responsible for furnishing UPS A and UPS B equipment for this project?

Furthermore, is Division 26 responsible for installing, connecting, testing, and commissioning UPS A and UPS B?

Coordinate with general contractor on separation of subcontractor labor.

172 Please confirm Is active network equipment owner-furnished, owner-installed? Confirmed.

173 Please confirm Is Division 27 responsible for all fiber patch cords required for final equipment connections?

Confirmed.

174 Please confirm Is VA/OIT responsible for final active equipment patching and network activation?

175 Will the VA provide final fiber patch cord lengths and connector types? See Division 27 specifications.

176 Please confirm, is testing of existing fiber required before re-termination or cutover? Confirmed.

177 Please confirm, is OTDR testing required for existing fiber that is re-terminated? Confirmed.

178 Please confirm, are A-side and B-side communications cables required to be separated by physical tray/pathway dividers?

Confirmed, see Division 27 specifications.

179 Please confirm, are existing TR-to-MCR fibers to be re-terminated at the MCR end only? Confirmed.

180 Please confirm how the hot air is being exhausted from the hot aisle section? The hot air is exhausted from the rear of the cabinets into the open MCR space and them returns to the CRAC units.

181 Is Division 27 responsible for re-terminating any existing copper cabling as part of the MCR renovation? If yes, please identify the existing copper cables to be re-terminated and provide the required jack type, patch panel type, termination location, port count, and manufacturer requirements.

Contractor is responsible for terminating new cabling.

Can the Va or architect provide a complete list of all fiber cables that will need to be reterminated in the new MCR?

See Sheets T-101A and T-102A for IDF fiber. See T-503 for MCR structured cabling.

183 Please confirm, is baseline testing of existing fiber required before re-termination or cutover?

Confirmed.

184 Please confirm, are the existing BH-111-to-2B-105 144-OM4 / 72-OS2 fiber risers to remain, be relocated, or be re-terminated?

Fiber shall remain.

185 Please confirm, is OS2-10GB required for all building single mode fiber shown for this project, instead of OS1 for inside-plant paths and OS2 for outside-plant or greater-than-400-meter paths?

See Sheet T-503 and Specification 27 13 23 for MCR fiber requirements.

186 Please confirm if temporary cooling will be required. Confirmed. Contractor shall maintain N+1 cooling at all times. See Specification 01 00 00.

187 Please confirm who is responsible for relocating the existing network switches. VA OIT.

188 Please confirm network downtime can only occur on off hours and weekends. Confirmed.

189 Please confirm the VA’s time for submittal approval. See Specification 01 33 23.

190 Please confirm any LEED requirements contractors are to meet by. LEED Certification is not being pursued.

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

See response to Question #13

192 Please confirm this project must meet the buy American act requirements. Confirmed. See FAR 52.225-11 and 52.225-12 in the solicitation.

193 Please confirm if there is an acceptance period before phase is considered complete. No, but acceptance of work is subject to inspection and acceptance by COR or Contracting Officer in accordance with the contract. Startup and commissioning may be required for acceptance.

194 Please confirm if work will be paused in between phases or if contractors will be able to proceed with the next phase once previous phase is complete

There will be pauses through phasing, but this will be coordinated after project is awarded. See also the response to the question above.

195 Please confirm if work is stalled from phase to phase the contractor will not be penalized on the period of performance.

If the VA causes delay the contractor will not be penalized. Contract extensions will be negotiable and at the discretion of the post-award Contracting Officer pursuant to the Changes clause in the contract or other appropriate authority.

196 Please confirm any limitations to noisy work. See Specification 01 57 19.

197 Please confirm after hour work restrictions All scope shall be performed after-hours.

198 Please confirm if any missing specification is noticed through the bidding process the VA will provide to contractor.

Confirmed.

199 Please confirm the basis of award will be evaluated on price alone. Award may only be made with the responsible bidder whose bid, conforming to the solicitation, will be most advantageous to the government, considering only price (see FAR 52.214-19). The low price will be evaluated by the Contracting Officer prior to award to confirm that it is “a fair and reasonable price that is most advantageous to the Government

200 Please confirm contractor will be able to set up job site trailer/office near work site. Contractors will be given a spot for a site trailer, but location on the grounds will be discussed after award

201 Please confirm contractor will be able to park near work site. Contractors will be able to park in designated parking lots but space can’t be guaranteed.

202 Please confirm contractor will be able to stockpile material at a laydown area provided by

VA.

Yes, laydown areas will be designated after award of the contract.

203 Please confirm if a high-performance coating is to be applied to the new fire sprinkler piping.

See Division 21 specifications for material requirements.

204 Please confirm there is no asbestos or abatement expected to be a part of this contract. Confirmed.

205 Please confirm if contractor will be able to utilize facility restrooms. See response to Question #71

206 Is there a proprietary contractor for integration? If so, please provide the company name and point of contact.

JCI. Coordinate with VA.

207 Please confirm if there is a proprietary controls contractor for the facility. If so, please provide company name and contact information.

JCI. Coordinate with VA.

208 In addition to question above, if not please provide acceptable controls to contractors. See Specification 23 09 23.

209 Please confirm if contractor is to tie controls for the new administrative building into the facility controls network or is this a standalone system.

Tie into existing system.

210 Please confirm if there is a proprietary fire alarm contractor for the facility. If so, please provide company name and contact information.

Firenet

211 In addition to question above, if not please provide acceptable fire alarm contractors. See response to Question #210 above.

212 Please confirm if contractor is to tie the fire alarm for the new administrative building into the facility fire alarm network or is this a standalone system.

Contractor will need to tie into existing Firenet system.

213 Are All employees of general contractors and subcontractors shall have successfully passed VA background checks can you clarify what type of background checks are required.

Details will be discussed with the COR after award, but generally a Tier 1 NACI investigation is required at minimum.

Does the Period of Performance account for employee badging time frame?

Yes

215 Based on current lead times for obtaining VA badging is the VA willing to provide a limited notice to proceed to allow for the contractor and required subcontractors VA badging?

No

216 Will the VA be paying for stored materials if all requirements have been met in accordance with contract clauses?

See response to Question #15 and reference FAR 52.232-5(b)(2).

Can you confirm or provide the performance requirements for blast loading for the individual components as defined in the Physical Security and Resiliency Design Standards Data Definition for VA Facilities? This is not a document that contractors have access to without having an active contract and acceptance to access from the VA.

There are no blast walls, windows or doors on this

218 Can you clarify the components that are required for blast rated components?

219 Has the designer of record and project design accounted for requirements for blast rated components?

Section 02 82.13 Is there an asbestos and lead report provided for the areas we are working in? if so can you provide this report?

ACM and LCP are not anticipated on this project.

Section 01 45 00 Can the superintendent perform dual hat responsibility’s functions as superintendent and quality control manager?

No. See response to Question #75.

Section 01 35 26 Can the superintendent perform dual hat responsibility’s functions as superintendent and SSHO manager?

No. See response to Question #76.

223 Does the Period of performance account for badging and lead times?

Yes. See response to Question #214.

224 Section 01 91 00 1.2 Can you clarify and confirm the commissioning agent is contracted by the Contractor?

CxA is contracted by the VA.

Will the VA accept the use of Procore Project Management software as the primary submittal platform?

See response to Question #56.

Will the VA accept the use of Procore Project Management software as the primary RFI’s and Project Management platform?

See response to Question #56.

Is there any seismic design requirements for piping, electrical Mechanical or other scopes of work required for this project?

No.

Can the onsite CQC Manager have construction experience with the same qualifications as the superintendent in lieu of a graduate engineer, graduate architect, or graduate of construction management?

Refer to spec section: 01 45 00 3.4 B

Are the defined phases of work unoccupied during construction work?

No, MCR will be active and occupied at all times.

Can we perform any phases concurrently?

Alternate phasing must be submitted and approved by the VA.

231 Can you provide location of staging area assigned to this project?

Reference Amendment 0002 – Site Visit - Agenda

Can you provide shop drawings or product data for new VA equipment where we provide…