Technical Questions Responses - Kerrville EHRM - 6-15-26.pdf

36C77626B0019 EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades – Kerrville VAMC

Technical Questions and VA Response Tracking Sheet

ITEM

NO.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

1. 5-8-26 Will the government provide detail requirements for contractor badging? Please clarify the PIV process including documentation, background checks, and estimated processing time.

Regardless of affiliation, everyone working within VA facilities or requiring access to VA information systems requires a VA PIV

Card. 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. All contractors must have a PIV Card in order to work on site.

2. 5-8-26 The VA’s Master Specification 01 32 16.15, 'Project Schedules'

(Small Projects - Design/Bid/Build), was revised effective

December 1, 2025. The updated version is now available on the

Technical Information Library (TIL). Will the VA be updating the

01 32 16.15 spec for this project to include this spec instead of the older one?

Yes, see updated attachment titled - Section 01 32 16.15 Project

Schedules Updated 6-10-26, which has been posted with this amendment.

3. 5-8-26 Is this project tax exempt? If so, can the tax exemption certificate be provided?

Reference Special Notes Regarding FAR 52.229-3 contained in the specifications for a detailed explanation concerning taxes being exempt. It is the responsibility of the prospective bidder to coordinate with the State of Texas. Contracting will not be providing a certificate.

4. 5-8-26 Will the Government consider including and Economic Price

Adjustment (EPA) clause to address significant fluctuations in material pricing.

This will be awarded as a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract and all escalation should be factored in your FFP. Additionally, FAR

52.216-4 “Economic Price Adjustment – Labor and Material” is not included in the solicitation and will not be added.

5. 5-8-26 How soon after contract award does the government anticipate issuing the official notice to proceed?

The Government anticipates issuance within 90 calendar days after award.

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

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

6. 5-8-26 Will the government pay for materials stored per VAAR 852.232-

70 and FAR 52.232-5? We have experienced PCAC Contracting

Officers refusal to pay for materials stored on site during these periods of material shortages and the need to expedite procurement of materials when available to meet schedule obligations and prevent project delays. This is an important factor in preparing

Price proposals.

In accordance with contract terms and conditions, Contractors should not submit an offer assuming the Government will approve monthly progress payments for material and/or equipment procured by the Contractor and stored on the construction site, as space is available, or at a local approved location off the site.

Payment of stored materials and/or equipment is at the

Contracting Officer’s discretion and will be handled on a case-by-case basis during the contract and under such terms and conditions as the Contracting Officer approves.

7. 5-8-26 If any of the new drops are located in different or relocated positions from those shown on the drawings, how will these relocations be handled under the contract? Will they be considered a change order?

During the construction of this project, if any conditions are found to differ from the specifications and drawings, then the General

Contractor shall follow the procedures outlined in FAR Clause

52.236-2 Differing Site Conditions.

8. 5-8-26 Is there a possibility of having another site visit? No further site visits will be facilitated.

9. 5-8-26 Is there a possibility of getting more time on the RFIs? No extension concerning RFIs will be granted.

10. 5-8-26 Please provide an addendum identifying the approved manufacturers and product lines for the security systems referenced within the project documents, like the information included in the attached “#5 Justification” from the VA.

This question cannot receive consideration as there is no attached

“#5 Justification” associated with this solicitation.

11. 5-8-26 Please confirm this project must meet the buy American act requirements.

Yes, the Buy American Act requirements are applicable.

12. 5-8-26 If double-hatting or triple-hatting of key personnel is allowed, what specific information or justification must the Offeror provide in the proposal regarding the individual’s qualifications and ability to perform multiple roles effectively?

This is an Invitation for Bid, not a Request for Proposal. If double-hatting or triple-hatting of key personnel is allowed, then individual qualifications would be reviewed at the pre-construction meeting.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

13. 5-8-26 Has a geotechnical/soils report been prepared for the VA Medical

Center campus in support of this EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades project? If so, will it be provided to offerors prior to the proposal due date? Additionally, if the Contractor encounters a high-water table, rock, unsuitable soils, or other unforeseen subsurface obstructions during earthwork or underground utility work, how will these conditions be handled under the contract? Will they be treated as Differing Site Conditions?

A geotechnical report was not part of the design scope for this project. Unforeseen site conditions will be addressed by VA

Contracting and the VA station as they arise.

14. 5-8-26 Please consider waving the requirement for AISC certification for steel erection or steel fabrication. There is a very limited subcontractor pool who are both an AISC Streel Erector and

Fabricator within the areas.

Required as per PG-18-1 Master Specification, Division 05 -

Metals, 05 12 00.

15. 5-8-26 Can we perform work during regular hours? Review General Requirements specification 01 00 00 (1.6.J) for specific information for project working hours

16. 5-8-26 Who is the current fire alarm system vendor and system? Campus installed base is FCI E3/S3 by Honeywell

17. 5-8-26 Who is the current security vendor and system? The current integrator is InterTech Security CI; Hirsch Identiv

Access Control Systems is the current PACS for all of South

Texas VA.

18. 5-8-26 Who is responsible for providing and installing the clean agent system, devices, conduit, and cabling?

The fire protection contractor is responsible for work related to the cleaning agent system per spec 21 22 00.

19. 5-8-26 Can EMT be used in the laundry area 111B Building 18? Conduits need to be rigid steel or IMC per 26 05 33 - 3.6

20. 5-8-26 Can EMT be used in the crawlspace and steam tunnel? Conduits need to be rigid steel or IMC per 26 05 33 - 3.6

21. 5-8-26 Please clarify whether the Contractor is required to include a contingency percentage or additional drops beyond those shown on the drawings for new conduit/cable installations.

Contractor to include 10% overage for telecom drops

22. 5-8-26 For the new conduit and/or cable drops shown on the drawings, are all proposed new drop locations in the exact same positions as the existing drops to be demolished?

All WAO locations shown in the drawings reflect as close as possible the exact locations. However, some changes may have occurred during design. The Contractor must verify all WAO locations with the COR prior to any work being started.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

23. 5-8-26 Are there any existing conduit or cable drops that must be demolished as part of this project that are not shown on the contract drawings? In other words, are there additional or "hidden" existing drops beyond those explicitly indicated on the drawings that the

Contractor will be required to remove?

The Contractor is responsible to remove completely all unused cables in the WAOs shown on the drawings. If additional cables that are not at the WAO locations are observed by the Contractor, The Contractor must notify the COR so a plan to remove them can be implemented.

24. 5-8-26 Are there any conflicts between the contract drawings and the specifications that the Government is aware of that should be resolved prior to bidding?

The Government is not aware of any conflicts.

25. 5-8-26 Will the Government accept a degree in architecture or engineering

(in lieu of construction management) for the CQC System Manager position?

Required as per Section 01 45 00

Quality Control.

26. 5-8-26 Are there any project-specific signage requirements beyond code-required exit signs, fire extinguisher labels, and equipment labels identified in the specifications?

The contractor is required to provide the correct signage as per the local station standards. The contractor can refer to VA specification SECTION 10 14 00 and 01 58 16 for more details.

27. 5-8-26 Please confirm the required thickness for all concrete equipment pads (the drawings show both 4-inch and 6-inch pads in different locations).

Concrete pads should typically be 4-inches thick.

28. 5-8-26 We see specs for DIV 22 but there are no plumbing drawing pages?

Besides hydronics and condensate drains (DIV 23) exactly what plumbing is required on this EHRM Project?

There are some minor plumbing items related to fixture relocation that warrant new piping and insulation. (see 001-M-401)

29. 5-8-26 Will the Government require a dedicated full-time scheduler, or is it sufficient for project personnel to have the appropriate skill to meet the schedule requirements?

the VA will accept a schedule from a 3rd party or the GC personnel; the scheduler must be certified in the agreed upon platform.

30. 5-8-26 Please provide the point of contact for coordination with the facility’s water company (Garratt Callahan or equivalent) for the chemical treatment systems.

VA is the direct contact for water treatment requirements.

31. 5-8-26 The contract drawings do not appear to show a complete demolition plan for existing conduit, cable, and infrastructure to be removed.

Please confirm whether the Contractor is required to demolish only the existing drops and conduit explicitly shown on the drawings, or whether all existing infrastructure in the areas of new work must be removed.

The Contractor must remove all unused cables at the WAO locations shown on the drawings. If additional cables are observed by the Contractor as abandoned, the Contractor must notify the

COR so a plan of action can be implemented.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

32. 5-8-26 Do the clean agent fire suppression systems require integration with the existing VA fire alarm system, or are they standalone?

The new fire alarm system serving the renovated Data Center shall be integrated into the existing fire alarm system. Reference

Specification 28 31 00, Section 1.1 - Description and 1.2 - Scope for more information.

33. 5-8-26 Will the Government require full TAB and commissioning of all new and existing tied-in HVAC systems, or only new equipment?

The contractor is responsible for TAB & Cx of all equipment included in the project.

34. 5-8-26 Is an Overcurrent Protective Device Coordination Study required to include the entire building or only the areas affected by the infrastructure upgrades?

The overcurrent protective device coordination study needs to provide a time-current analysis of each overcurrent protective device from the individual device up to the utility source and the on-site generator sources per 26 05 73 - 1.1.C.

35. 5-8-26 Are the new Physical Access Control System and video surveillance systems required to integrate with the existing VA security platform, or will new head-end equipment be provided?

The design calls for additions to the existing PACS and CCTV systems. The design does NOT require new headend equipment for either system.

36. 5-8-26 Are there any specific LEED, Green Globes, or additional VA

Sustainable Construction requirements beyond the VHA Master

Specifications?

A/E is unaware of any additional sustainability requirements beyond those listed in the DIV 01 specifications.

37. 5-8-26 In the event of a conflict between the drawings and specifications, which document takes precedence?

Specifications take precedence

38. 5-8-26 Is any new exterior paving, fencing, or landscaping required, or are these divisions included only for restoration after underground work?

All surface work is related to underground utility installation.

39. 5-8-26 Will the Government provide a third-party Commissioning Agent, or is the Contractor responsible for all commissioning services?

The contractor is responsible for TAB & Cx of all equipment included in the project.

40. 5-8-26 Does the Government require a full-time, dedicated Project

Superintendent, Site Safety Officer, and Quality Control Manager to be physically present on site daily throughout the entire duration of the project, or will periodic or part-time presence be acceptable?

Review the DIV 01 specifications; specific deviations from specification requirements must be reviewed by the VA station and CO

41. 5-8-26 Per Section 01 45 00, please verify that the CQC System Manager is allowed to also serve as the Project Superintendent?

Yes, if they can provide valid certifications.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

42. 5-8-26 Must the primary SSHO be a dedicated separate individual, or can the SSHO role be filled by the Project Superintendent or CQC

System Manager?

Yes, if they can provide valid certifications.

43. 5-8-26 Please verify the minimum number of on-site personnel that will be required to fulfill the roles of GC Superintendent, SSHO and QCM

System Manager.

VA requires a certified individual to fill each role. If this cannot be accomplished with the superintendent, then additional personnel will be required on site.

44. 5-8-26 Please confirm the Superintendent can have any shared duties as a

QCM.

Refer to responses to questions 41 to 43.

45. 5-8-26 Please confirm the SSHO shall not have any shared duties as the

QCM, Superintendent or any other role on the project.

Refer to responses to questions 41 to 43.

46. 5-8-26 Can the contractor QC manager serve as the photographer if they meet the requirement of having experience photographing construction projects. The term “Commercial Photographer” is vague, has no licensing requirements or any other information required.

Specification requirements stand. As per division 01 00 00.

47. 5-8-26 Please confirm that the Superintendent is required to be certified as an RCDD. This is an extremely unusual requirement and seems to be very unrealistic for prime contractors in the requested project roles. Typically, the VA requires on EHRM projects that the cable installer must have on staff a Registered Communication

Distribution Designer (RCDD) certified by Building Industry

Consulting Service International (BICSI).

As per Section 28 26 00, Cable installer must have on staff a

Registered Communication Distribution Designer (RCDD) certified by Building Industry Consulting Service International.

The staff members shall provide consistent oversight of the project cabling throughout design, layout, installation, termination and testing.

48. 5-8-26 Please confirm cable installer must have on staff a Registered

Communication Distribution Designer (RCDD) certified by

Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI).

Confirmed

49. 5-8-26 Please confirm that the QCM is required to be certified as an

RCDD. This is an extremely unusual requirement and seems to be very unrealistic for prime contractors in the requested project roles.

Typically, the VA requires on EHRM projects that the cable installer must have on staff a Registered Communication

Distribution Designer (RCDD) certified by Building Industry

Consulting Service International (BICSI).

As per Section 28 26 00, Cable installer must have on staff a

Registered Communication Distribution Designer (RCDD) certified by Building Industry Consulting Service International.

The staff members shall provide consistent oversight of the project cabling throughout design, layout, installation, termination and testing.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

50. 5-8-26 If the purpose is to have an RCDD involved in the project, can teams submit subcontractors who have an RCDD that will be involved with the project? Typically, the VA requires on EHRM projects that the cable installer must have on staff a Registered

Communication Distribution Designer (RCDD) certified by

Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI).

As per Section 28 26 00, Cable installer must have on staff a

Registered Communication Distribution Designer (RCDD) certified by Building Industry Consulting Service International.

The staff members shall provide consistent oversight of the project cabling throughout design, layout, installation, termination and testing.

51. 5-8-26 For work activities conducted in or adjacent to occupied corridors and hallways, will the use of carts be permitted under the project’s

ICRA requirements, or must full temporary containment (floor-to-ceiling barriers, negative air pressure, and HEPA filtration) be installed?

ICRA plans shown for construction activities stand; Contractor can submit alternate proposals for ICRA containment to VA station for review on a case-by-case basis.

52. 5-8-26 Please clarify the required level of ICRA containment for work performed in or near occupied corridors. Will full containment be mandatory for all corridor-adjacent activities, or are lesser controls

(such as protected carts or temporary partitions) acceptable depending on the specific work type and location?

ICRA plans shown for construction activities stand; Contractor can submit alternate proposals for ICRA containment to VA station for review on a case-by-case basis.

53. 5-8-26 For Class III and IV ICRA, is continuous pressure monitoring required?

Yes

54. 5-8-26 Please confirm the required level of ICRA/PCRA precautions for this project and whether the Government will provide the final

ICRA matrix prior to construction.

ICRA plans shown for construction activities stand; Contractor can submit alternate proposals for ICRA containment to VA station for review on a case-by-case basis.

55. 5-8-26 Per the PCRA, what is the determined activity type and required control measures for the overall scope of work?

Construction activities occur in multiple buildings spanning multiple programming cases. Contractor must review ICRA plans for each building / floor.

56. 5-8-26 Will the new communications infrastructure (Drops) be installed as a one-to-one replacement of the existing cables shown on the drawings? In other words, should the Contractor assume that the number and type of cables to be demolished will equal the number and type of new cables to be installed?

All WAOs on the drawings will either be Standard density (2 Cat

6A SHIELDED cables) or high density (4 cat 6A PLENIUM

SHIELDED cables). Existing faceplates may have more than 2 or

4 cables in them and all cables not in use that are cat 6 rated or below must be removed per code. The exact number of cables is unknown. Reference sheet ET701. Any additional abandoned cables noticed by the Contractor shall be brought to the attention of the COR for implementation of a plan for removal.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

57. 5-8-26 Section 09 91 00 and the mechanical drawings contain conflicting or unclear requirements for finish painting of exposed/uninsulated mechanical piping. Please confirm the exact painting requirements for all exposed interior and exterior mechanical piping.

Match spec for finish spaces, for unfinished spaces, TR's and main computer room areas paint fire protection piping red. Contractor to confirm if this response is sufficient.

58. 5-8-26 Is the fire alarm and security system integrator responsible for developing the final integration details?

Yes

59. 5-8-26 The attached Asbestos Report (Attachment 3) identifies ACM in multiple buildings. Will the Contractor be responsible for full abatement of all identified ACM, or only those disturbed by the planned EHRM infrastructure work? If only the planned work then can we narrow it down to exactly where you would like abatement?

Contractor to abate materials identified in the Environmental drawings and specification

60. 5-8-26 Please confirm whether the asbestos abatement contractor is responsible for retaining and paying for the independent third-party air monitoring firm, or if air monitoring will be Owner provided.

Contractor is responsible for filing and fees of State/Local notifications and fees.

61. 5-8-26 Please confirm whether the Contractor is responsible for state notification filings and fees related to asbestos abatement, or if these will be handled by the Owner.

Contractor is responsible for filing and fees of State/Local notifications and fees.

62. 5-8-26 With respect to project phasing, please confirm whether asbestos abatement within each phase may be completed under a single mobilization, or if multiple mobilizations within a phase should be anticipated due to access, sequencing, or operational constraints.

It is likely that multiple mobilizations are needed to accommodate phasing requirements

63. 5-8-26 Are complete as-built (record) drawings available for the existing telecommunications (Division 27), electrical (Division 26), HVAC

(Division 23), and fire alarm systems for every building involved in this project? If so can we please get them so we can prepare an accurate bid?

The drawings of existing conditions will be provided once NTP and Contract are issued. No drawings will be provided pre-bid.

64. 5-8-26 Will the Government provide a utility outage schedule or coordination process for all required tie-ins to the existing campus chilled water, electrical, and communications systems?

Contractor to coordinate with VA station for proposed outages in conjunction with proposed phasing plan

65. 5-8-26 Please identify all existing utility capacities (electrical, chilled water, domestic water, etc.) that the Contractor can utilize for the new infrastructure.

Utility capacities have been reviewed and verified in design drawings; Contractor to verify utility capacities prior to utilization.

DATE

QUESTION

RECEIVED

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

66. 5-8-26 Will the VA allow Temporary connection to existing utility infrastructure, with the contractor responsible for metered usage?

Please review 01 specifications

67. 5-8-26 We see Spec Sections 32 17 23 & 32 90 00 but did not find anything on the plans or in details. Are these even required and if so, where is it on the drawings?

The pavement parking spec is included in case pavement has to be restriped, but we did not have a survey done for this project, so specific areas are unknown. The planting spec is for any green space that is disturbed and needs to be restored to preconstruction state.

68. 5-8-26 Specification Section 10 60 00 requires a Hot Aisle Containment

System (HACS) with Eaton Rack Containment Solutions as the

Basis of Design. The contract drawings do not appear to show the exact location, layout, or details of the HACS. Please clarify:

a. The exact rooms / areas where the HACS is required. b. Whether the HACS layout and details will be provided by the Government or developed by the Contractor.

c. Provide additional drawings or sketches showing the intended

HACS configuration.

HACS pertains to the Data Center; please review Data Center phasing plans (i.e. 11ET400l) for specific layout

69. 5-8-26 Specification Section 09 66 00 calls for an enhanced urethane static-dissipative concrete sealer that meets CDPH V1.2. On previous EHRM projects the facility did not allow urethane-based sealers due to VOC concerns. Will the Government accept this product as specified, or is there a preference / requirement for a water-based or alternative low-VOC sealer?

Contractor to use concrete sealer that meets the VA specs. This can be clarified during the submittals process

70. 5-8-26 Specification Section 10 26 00 requires the furnishing and installation of wall guards, corner guards, and door protection. The contract drawings do not indicate specific locations, quantities, or details for this work. Please confirm whether the Contractor is required to provide wall and door protection on this project even though locations are not shown on the drawings. If yes, please clarify how the Contractor is to determine the final locations and extents of the protection for bidding and installation purposes.

Corner guards are to be installed on all corners in MCR space, sheet 011A-100f. Wall guards are to be installed at entry of Data center, 5 feet past ramp to entry of room. Corner guard to be installed on corner in front of Fire Riser room 019e.

DATE

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QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

71. 5-8-26 Specification Section 10 44 13 requires the furnishing and installation of fire extinguisher cabinets. The contract drawings do not indicate specific locations, quantities, or details for these cabinets. Please confirm whether the Contractor is required to provide fire extinguisher cabinets on this project even though locations are not shown on the drawings. If yes, please clarify if the

Contractor is to determine the final locations and quantities for bidding and installation purposes.

AE confirms that contractor is to provide fire extinguisher cabinets for this project. Fire extinguisher cabinets are called out in floor plans for all TR and MCR spaces. Fire extinguisher details are located on sheet A-603.

72. 5-8-26 Sign type IN.01-31 is referenced in the contract documents and on the drawings but does not appear on the sign schedule in the drawings. Please confirm whether Sign IN.01-31 is required for this project. If it is required, please provide the locations, quantities, details so the Contractor can accurately bid and install the sign.

AE confirms that signage IN. 01-31 is required for this project, referring to sheet AW001 for signage schedule. Signage location is called out floor plans for all TR, TE and MCR spaces, Signage details are located on sheet AW001. Contractor to provide quantities for all FEC.

73. 5-8-26 A specification section for landscaping was included, but no landscape drawings. Just wanted to confirm that it was included for restoration purposes only.

Correct, only restoration purposes.

74. 5-8-26 Is the roof under warranty with a certain manufacturer that we should work with for the patches? No specifications were provided for the membrane.

Yes, roof is under warranty with Garland and Tremco.

The specific warranties will be provided once the Contract is awarded.

75. 5-8-26 On sheet 011A-100d is notes that some exterior windows will be infilled with studs and drywall. How should the exterior wall be finished? These details couldn’t be located.

Windows to be blacked out from the inside, additional drywall must be added to the interior walls and a match existing finishes.

76. 5-8-26 Should sound batt insulation be included in any new walls? The wall types shown on A-601 don’t show any, but details on A-603 illude to including it in the assembly.

AE clarifies that sound batt insulation should only be included in the new wall types, 01a and 01b, at these spaces, TR 0A, TR

101A, TR 1B-134B, TR 601B

77. 5-8-26 Drawing A-601 shows the wall types; however, these wall types do not indicate any insulation. Please confirm.

AE clarifies that sound batt insulation should only be included in the new wall types, 01a and 01b, at these spaces, TR 0A, TR

101A, TR 1B-134B, TR 601B

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QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

78. 5-8-26 Will there be any engineering requirements for the Unistrut assemblies called for in the drawings? (i.e. sheet M-501, E-506, TN501, etc)

Unistrut (or approved equivalent) assemblies will be provided and installed per the contract drawings and applicable VA

Specifications (e.g., Sections 05 40 00, 23 05 11, etc.).

Engineering requirements, including calculations, shop drawings, and any required professional engineer stamps for custom or loaded assemblies, will be addressed in submittals as required by

Section 01 33 23 and project-specific specifications. For typical applications, can the VA confirm standard manufacturer load tables suffice unless otherwise noted on drawings.

79. 5-8-26 Will the VA provide an area for trailers and laydown? Yes, this is to be coordinated with the Station prior to construction starting. Due to the long timeframe between plans being completed and project start, a specific area is not called out as availability would likely change.

80. 5-8-26 Will TB Screening and testing be a requirement for this project? A/E defers to DIV 00 and 01 specification requirements

81. 5-8-26 Typically, existing government buildings, campuses, and facilities have specific manufacturers’ devices in service for various Division

27 and 28 systems. These are often proprietary and not interchangeable. Please provide any vendors, contractors, manufacturers, models, series, or other pertinent information for these systems. When a specific contractor, vendor, or service company is required, please provide point-of-contact information.

Please provide this info for any systems that shall be a part of this project, including, but not necessarily limited to the following examples: Physical Access Control, Intrusion Detection, Surveillance, Nurse Call, Code Blue, Public Address, Mass

Notification, Fire Alarm, and any other Division 27 & 28 proprietary elements. Additionally, please provide the Brand Name

Justification and/or Single Source Justification documents for these.

The existing Access Control System is Hirsch Identiv and the

Existing NVR is Milestone. These systems will be expanded. All devices connected to these systems must be compatible (PACS

Topo 13.02 and FIPS 140-2) and be installed and programmed by a factory authorized Dealer (current integrator - Intertech Security

CI). Existing warranties and service agreements shall not be impacted as a result of this project. All cameras should be compatible with the Milestones NVR. If additional cameras seats are to be charged, these charges can only be a one-time charge.

Annual seat charges will not be accepted.

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82. 5-8-26 Existing Security Equipment - Please provide the name brand of the current Equipment installed on your site concerning:

1. Access Control

2. Video

3. IDS

Hirsch Identiv is the Personnel Access Control, IDS monitoring system is also Hirsch Identiv, and Milestone is the existing NVR.

Please see response to item 81

83. 5-8-26 Existing Security Network Rooms - If current security equipment lines/equipment are damaged/removed during construction, would that be considered part of this project to replace?

Any damage to cables or equipment on any system, would be the responsibility of the Contractor at their expense to repair or replace.

84. 5-8-26 Existing Security Network Rooms - Can the exact Reader Model number from the manufacture be supplied to match the system on-site?

The Personnel Access Control system is Hirsch Identiv. All other components must be compatible with that system per PACS Topo

13.02 and FIPS 201-3, FIPS 140-2. Please see response to item 81.

85. 5-8-26 Existing Security Network Rooms - Would the department owner of the security systems be available to go over system availability and connections prior to project starting?

Security systems are by Hirsch Identiv and monitored by Intertech

Security CI and Bosch. On site POC is Ryan Silsbee. OIT must be contacted before any systems are brought online (VA networked). Provisioning will be accomplished by Intertech or VA

POC.

86. 5-8-26 Existing Security Network Rooms - Can you supply information on existing panel capacity for Access, IDS and Video systems?

Yes, upon request by IDF or space in question.

87. 5-8-26 Existing Security Network Rooms - If any security system capacity has been reached or would be reached in some areas, would mitigation be considered part of this project?

Yes, possible expansion requirements may exist based on capacity of hardware. Any mitigation will have to be discussed with project

COR prior to proceeding.

88. 5-8-26 Existing Security Network Rooms - Based on initial design will changes in pathways be considered if it is found to be more advantageous to the security systems layout and possible be more cost effective?

Cost savings from means and methods will be considered.

89. 5-8-26 LAN Network - Can you provide a network map that indicates where that network is established?

The existing MCR is in the basement of Building 11. This space will be remodeled and updated and the MCR will remain in this same location. No other outline is available.

90. 5-8-26 LAN Network - Is all security equipment on a stand-alone LAN network? If so, can you list the components of that network and available expansion.

Yes, both Personnel Access System and Security Camera Systems are on isolated VA VLAN networks.

DATE

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91. 5-8-26 LAN Network - Will any new switches need to be provided for this

Bid? If so can you list the exact model and manufacture of switch needed.

All active electronics will be provided by the VA. The Contractor will not be responsible to provide any switches or other network equipment. If specific hardware is required, OIT coordination will be handled by VA.

92. 5-8-26 Video Server - Would a new video server be needed to support the additional cameras for this project?

No. Additional storage VMS hardware may be possible based on camera expansion, storage needs, FPS, footage size, and quality of video.

93. 5-8-26 Video Server - Would any additional video License be needed for the new cameras?

Yes, all additional cameras or replacement devices would need new licenses

94. 5-8-26 Is the contractor required to provide the licensing for the new

SSTV system? Or will the VA be providing that?

Yes, must be included in the installation pricing.

95. 5-8-26 Video Server - If new licenses are needed, please provide what level of license they have existing (Enterprise, Standard).

Enterprise licenses - federal level authorizations.

96. 5-8-26 Access Control Equipment - Will any additional license be needed to add new readers to the existing access control platform?

No, primary server license has already been purchased; all new controllers and life safety power systems will need new hardware to add to existing network.

97. 5-8-26 Access Control Equipment - If new licenses are needed, please provide what level of license they have existing (Enterprise, Standard).

No, Hirsch Identiv enterprise license has already been purchased

98. 5-8-26 Network Switches - Will any new network switches be required for any of the new security products?

VLAN supporting switches may be required depending on location specific availability.

99. 5-8-26 Network Switches - If they are required, can you supply the exact model number of the switches needed?

VLAN supporting switches may be required depending on location specific availability.

100. 5-8-26 Network Switches - If they are required, can you supply the exact

Location of the new switch/switches?

VLAN supporting switches may be required depending on location specific availability.

101. 5-8-26 Motion Detectors - Where do the motions in each room terminate into. No IDS panel is listed on the prints and no Keypads to disarm upon opening the room?

Motion detectors shall be tied into the existing Hirsch Identiv

Personnel Access Control System.

102. 5-8-26 Panel Equipment - What IDS panel is needed if not installed? Yes, All IDS are supported by Hirsch Controllers and Life Safety

Power panels - each panel can handle 64 inputs (doors, contacts, motion, sounders, etc.)

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103. 5-8-26 Please confirm whether the project is intended to be open spec, allowing any manufacturer that meets the performance and technical requirements of the contract documents.

Unless sole-sourced, product submittals must meet dimensional, performance, and technical requirements of the contract documents.

104. 5-8-26 Please confirm whether the Owner has a preferred, incumbent, or required access control and/or video surveillance platform to which all new systems must be compatible.

Yes, the VA has Hirsch Identive Personnel Access Control and

Milestone NVR in place and will expand these systems for this project.

105. 5-8-26 If specific manufacturers are required or preferred for access control or video surveillance systems, please provide:

1. Approved manufacturer(s)

2. Applicable system or model families

3. Any restrictions regarding integration with existing Owner systems

Hirsch Identiv Personnel Access Control System and the NVR is

Milestone. Please see response to item 81. Approved integrator

(holding current ESA) is Intertech Security CI.

106. 5-8-26 At the data drop locations, please clarify what “N2” represents.

Based on the legend, this does not appear to reference Nurse Call.

Please confirm whether this denotes two (2) new CAT6A data drops or another requirement.

N2 signifies (2) new Cat 6a data drops

107. 5-8-26 Please confirm whether wire basket cable tray or ladder rack is required in the Telecommunications Rooms (TRs). During the site visit, ladder rack was observed in the Level 4 TR; however, the drawings appear to call for wire basket tray.

Wire basket tray is required in the TRs as shown on the Reflected ceiling plans. Ladder rack is only used to support vertical cables runs.

108. 5-8-26 Sheet ET701 is not legible in the bid set. Please provide a readable version of this sheet via addendum.

Reference amendment 0003 for the Legible Version of ET701.

109. 5-8-26 Please confirm that the only new cameras required under this scope are those located within the Telecommunications Rooms.

Correct they are shown in the drawings in the TN sheets. These are for all TRs and the MCR.

110. 5-8-26 Please provide a camera schedule or confirm the total quantity of cameras included within the project scope.

The total number of cameras can be found in the reflected ceiling plans on the ET sheets Starting on sheet 01ET401

111. 5-8-26 General Note “1” on sheet ET502 references a “Telecom WAO &

Cable Tray Schedule” on sheet ET701; however, this sheet does not appear to be included in the plan set. Please confirm whether this sheet will be issued via addendum.

Reference amendment 0003 for the Legible Version of ET701.

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112. 5-8-26 Please confirm whether any copper horizontal cabling is intended to terminate in MCR 19A, or if all devices and data drops serving that area should be routed back to TR 0A.

Please see detail sheet ET505 Detail 4 for all copper and fiber cable requirements in room 19A.

113. 5-8-26 Please confirm whether an Access Control Panel is to be installed in MCR 19A, or if the panel located in TR 0A is intended to serve the nearby card readers.

All access control panels must be installed within secure locations such as IDF's or IT closets.

114. 5-8-26 Sheet TN100, General Note 2, references installation of HDPE innerduct within conduits. Please clarify the following:

1. Innerduct size

2. Quantity per conduit

3. Wall type (smooth wall or corrugated)

4. Wall thickness

In lieu of the HDPE innerduct currently referenced on Sheet

TN100, provide two (2) 3-cell textile innerduct systems (MaxCell or equal) within each 4-inch telecommunications conduit. Each textile innerduct system shall consist of three nominal 1-inch cells, providing a total of six segregated pathways per 4-inch conduit.

Textile innerduct is intended to replace the referenced HDPE innerduct for all applicable telecommunications conduits.

115. 5-8-26 Intrusion motion detectors appear to be indicated in each

Telecommunications Room. Please confirm whether these devices are to be connected to the Access Control Panel or to a separate

Intrusion Detection System panel.

These are to be connected to the access control system

116. 5-8-26 General Note “37” on sheet ETG001 states: “Contractor shall provide 48 category 6A patch cords for each 48-port switch.”

Please confirm whether this requirement applies to all patch panel ports, including unused ports, or only to ports associated with active connections.

The Contractor shall provide Category 6A SHIELDED cables in the TRs and MCR only none for the WAOs. In the TRs, please provide 1 patch cord for each active switch ports NOT for each patch panel ports

117. 5-8-26 There are no plans given for the Managing of Traffic. Please advise.

Traffic control is specific to the location and should be coordinated with the Station for their preference.

118. 5-8-26 Drawing 001AS101 states: “PHASE 1: CONTRACTOR TO

COMPLETE THE WORK OF THIS TR AND ASSOCIATED

DATA DROPS. COMPLETE ONE SECTION AT A TIME AS

DIRECTED TO VA RESIDENT ENGINEER.” Please confirm whether this requirement prohibits simultaneous work in multiple sections and if all work must be completed sequentially, one section at a time, as directed by the VA Resident Engineer.

Correct; simultaneous work cannot be performed in multiple areas unless explicitly approved by the VA Resident Engineer.

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119. 5-8-26 Drawing G-001 states that “REQUIREMENTS DEPENDENT ON

EACH INDIVIDUAL ROOM LOCATION.” Contrary to the statement, Specification Section 01 00 00, page 06, includes a table assigning ICRA classifications for both Healthcare and Non-

Healthcare Building areas. Please clarify which requirement governs for this project and whether ICRA classifications are to be determined by individual room location or by the classifications identified in the specification table.

AE clarifies that ICRA classifications are to be determined by individual room location.

120. 5-8-26 Are temporary barriers required to be hard-wall construction or is fire-retardant plastic acceptable in certain phases?

Lockable ICRA barriers are required.

121. 5-8-26 Please confirm whether any or all open-to-structure ceilings are to be painted as part of this project scope. If so, please identify the applicable areas and required finish specifications.

AE confirms that Open-to structure ceilings are not to be painted

122. 5-8-26 Please confirm whether fire tape is required only at walls receiving

FTR plywood backing, or if it is required at all applicable wall locations.

AE confirms that fire tape is required only at walls receiving FTR plywood backing

123. 5-8-26 Please clarify the required GWB finish level for open-to-structure

(OTS) areas located above the FTR plywood walls.

AE confirms that for level 4 finish for all finished gypsum board

124. 5-8-26 Please provide the exposed deck heights for all open-to-structure

(OTS) areas.

Contractor to field verify exposed deck heights

125. 5-8-26 Sheet 11ET100 includes a note indicating a new 12-strand fiber run from the FACP located in Room 010D to the Data Center. Please confirm the required fiber type, connector type, pathway requirements, and termination requirements for this installation.

The Fiber required is OM4 12 strand. The connectors must match the connector interface on the FACP typically ST, but the

Contractor must verify.

126. 5-8-26 Please confirm the Fireproofing requirement on the steel? If contractor is referring to the ICRA doors, the steel frame is 1

HR FR, however contractor to be more specific in what steel they are referring to

127. 5-8-26 Please confirm that all firestopping must be either installed by an

FM global approved contractor, or a UL qualified firestop contractor certified.

Confirmed - All firestopping shall be done by a UL or FM Global certified contractor.

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128. 5-8-26 Please confirm that firestopping installers accredited by a firestopping product manufacturer will not be approved by the VA unless they meet the FM global or UL qualifications referenced in section 07 84 00.

Confirmed - Firestopping installers accredited by a firestopping product manufacturer will not be approved by the VA unless they meet the FM global or UL qualifications referenced in section 07

84 00

129. 5-8-26 Please confirm that the telecommunications contractor must submit copies of system manufacturer certification for all technicians. The

Contractor shall provide proof project superintendent with BICSI

Certified Commercial Installer Level 1, Level 2, or Technician to provide oversight of the project.

Yes, the Contractor shall submit copies of personnel holding the required certifications. These certifications must be in good standing for the duration of the project.

130. 5-8-26 Please confirm level 4 finish for all finished gypsum board including patches.

AE confirms that for level 4 finish for all finished gypsum board including patches refer to detail spec section 09 29 00-08

131. 5-8-26 Are we required to use plenum rated cabling for all areas? Can we use riser rated cabling in non-plenum spaces?

The cable running through any space must be rated for that space.

If it is a plenum space the cable must be plenum. If the space is not a plenum space a riser rated cable is OK.

132. 5-8-26 Will the flexible metal conduit be allowed? Not for any Category 6A or fiber optic cables.

133. 5-8-26 Please confirm the General Contractor is to have two separate and direct contracts with the DDC Contractor and the Systems

Integrator.

The General Contractor shall require separate contracts for the

Integrator and DDC contractors per spec 230923-1.1.G.1.

134. 5-8-26 If system integration is required for this contract, please provide a set of specs for this scope of work.

System integration falls under the DDC specifications 23 09 23 which is included.

135. 5-8-26 Please confirm no advanced utility metering system is required for this scope of work.

Providing a campus-wide utility metering system is not included in the scope of this project. However, electrical distribution equipment is receiving digital power meters; please see detail sheets (E-500 series) one-line diagram sheets (EP600 series), and panel schedule sheets (EP700 series) for the equipment receiving digital power meters.

136. 5-8-26 Please confirm that the DDC Contractor is not a sole source vendor for the campus and this project.

The specs 23 09 23 note that Johnson Controls Metasys is the existing system, but there is no language defining the vendor required to update the system.

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137. 5-8-26 Please confirm whether Division 26 is responsible for providing and installing all raceways, cable tray, sleeves, and associated pathway infrastructure required for the low-voltage systems included in this project.

Reference drawings and specifications for all required work.

138. 5-8-26 Please confirm whether fiber backbone cabling is required between the PBX and each IDF/TR location.

Fiber optic cable is NOT required between the PBX and the TRs.

They are currently operating on copper backbone cables.

139. 5-8-26 Please confirm, are all new cat6a cables to be factory terminated? Category 6A cables at the Waos are to be field terminated.

Category 6 A cables in the MCR must be factory terminated.

140. 5-8-26 Please confirm the VA will be working and scheduling with the subsystem vendors on scheduling network outages.

Contractor is responsible for submitting phasing plans for specific areas to VA Resident Engineer for approval and outages coordination.

141. 5-8-26 Where drywall is required to be cut and patched at data drop locations, is the contractor responsible for repainting entire wall seam-to-seam, or would spot painting at patch locations suffice?

AE clarifies that for spot painting refers to detail 4/AE421

142. 5-8-26 In areas where new data drops are shown, should it be assumed existing vertical conduit and backboxes can be reused unless noted otherwise, or is the contractor responsible for replacing all vertical conduit and backboxes at drop locations? If new conduit and backbox is anticipated to be required at some but not all locations, please provide a means of quantifying for bidding purposes.

The WAO locations shown on the drawings are currently fed with existing conduit and single gang back boxes. The conduit is stubbed above ceiling. The conduits are typically 3/4 inch although some may be of other sizes. The Contractor must reuse the conduits and back boxes as much as possible. New WAO locations must be fed with a 1 1/4 inch conduit with a $ sqaure back box and a single gang reducing mud ring. The conduit must have a bushing at the raw end of the conduit. The quantity of these locations is unknown, and the drawings reflect the VA's anticipation of all WAOs in the project.

143. 5-8-26 Is the contractor to assume new fire sleeves are required at all new through-wall cable penetrations associated with Cat 6A cable drop locations?

Fire sleeves are required per code when a fire rated wall or barrier is penetrated. Fire and smoke barriers, walls and compartments are shown on the Architectural drawings.