Amendment 9 - ATT 1 - RFI Responses updated 041426.pdf

Request for Information EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades Construction – Bedford VAMC

RFQ: 36C77626R0003

02/19/2026

ITEM

NO.

QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

1. Will the Government provide detailed written requirements for contractor badging? Please clarify the process for obtaining PIV badges, including required documentation, background checks, and estimated processing timeframes.

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

2. The Solicitation currently provides that each past performance reference must have a total value exceeding $20 million. We respectfully submit that this is unduly restrictive of competition, as GAO has held that contracts ranging from 11.5 to 24.5% of the estimated award value not so disparate in magnitude as to be irrelevant. See Northrop Grumman Sys.

Corp., B-412278.7, B-

412278.8 (Oct. 4, 2017). In light of the magnitude of construction here, will the agency revise this requirement to consider past performance references of a total value of at least $2.3 million?

The VAAR magnitude of construction is required to be disclosed. It is acknowledged that $20,000,000 to $50,000,000 is very wide range, but the anticipated cost of this project is closer to $50M than $20M. The $20,000,000 threshold was set to ensure the offerors have the relevant experience managing a large and complex EHRM project such the Bedford VAMC EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades proeject.

In light of these past performance RFIs the following language in RFP 36C77626R0003 “Instruction, Conditions and other statements of offerors”, 2.8 Proposal Requirements, C Past Performance Proposal Requirements,

1. Factor 1 past performance is changed from:

“Size: Each submitted project must have a total value exceeding $20 million”

And is hereby changed to:

“Size: At least one project submitted must have a total value exceeding $20 million.”

Other projects may best demonstrate similar size, scope, and complexity.

3. The Solicitation currently provides that each past performance reference must have a total value exceeding $20 million. For a general construction procurement such as this and in accordance with 13 C.F.R. ?? 121.103(h)(3)(iv) and 128.401(g), the primary and vital requirements are the management, supervision and oversight of the project, including coordinating the work of various subcontractors, not the actual construction work performed. Accordingly, we respectfully submit that value of the past performance is not indicative of ability to perform the primary and vital requirements here. Rather than include a size minimum, would the agency consider projects that are similar in scope and complexity and remove the size minimum?

The VAAR magnitude of construction is required to be disclosed. It is acknowledged that $20,000,000 to $50,000,000 is very wide range, but the anticipated cost of this project is closer to $50M than $20M. The $20,000,000 threshold was set to ensure the offerors have the relevant experience managing a large and complex EHRM project such the Bedford VAMC EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades proeject.

In light of these past performance RFIs the following language in RFP 36C77626R0003 “Instruction, Conditions and other statements of offerors”, 2.8 Proposal Requirements, C Past Performance Proposal Requirements,

1. Factor 1 past performance is changed from:

“Size: Each submitted project must have a total value exceeding $20 million”

And is hereby changed to:

“Size: At least one project submitted must have a total value exceeding $20 million.”

Other projects may best demonstrate similar size, scope, and complexity.

4. How will the agency evaluate offerors who have past performance of similar scope and complexity, but do not meet the high minimum size requirement? In accordance with FAR 15.305(a)(2)(iv), an offeror without a record of relevant past performance may not be evaluated favorably or

If one of the projects is not at the $20 million threshold it will be a weakness in the proposal.

unfavorably on past performance.

5. Does the Period of Performance account for all long lead time items?

Yes. Contractor shall coordinate work to ensure the critical path is not impacted by equipment procurement.

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

Yes. Contractor shall coordinate work to ensure the critical path is not impacted by badging.

7.

Section 01 00 00 General Requirements - Can the superintendent also perform the Quality Control CQC System Manager role and provide a dual hat responsibility as superintendent and quality CQC system manager?

No. See Specification 01 00 00 1.2.E.

8.

Section 01 00 00 General Requirements - Can the Site Safety and Health Office (SSHO) also perform the Quality Control CQC System Manager role and provide dual hat responsibilities as SSHO and quality CQC system manager?

No. See Specification 01 00 00 1.2.E.

9.

Section 01 00 00 General Requirements Can you clarify the SSHO is a separate Individual?

Yes. See Specification 01 00 00 1.2.E.

10.

Section 01 00 00 General Requirements Can you clarify the Superintendent is a separate Individual?

11.

Section 01 00 00 General Requirements Can you clarify the Quality Control Manager is a separate Individual?

12.

Section 01 00 00 General Requirements – Can the VA clarify the Project Manager assigned to the project does not need to be physically on the job site each day?

Confirmed.

13.

Will the VA please confirm all required permitting has been acquired by the VA for this project from the local governments?

Any permits that may be required are the responsibility of the contractor

14.

Section 01 33 24 - Will the VA accept the use of Procore Project Management software as the primary submittal platform?

The VA has no issue with the utilization of Procore Project Management software under this contract for project management purposes.

The Contractor is required to provide a copy of all documents upon closeout

15.

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

Refer to RFI 14

16.

Section 01 91 00 General Commissioning can you clarify the Commissioning Agent is hired by the VA?

Confirmed, VA will provide the Commissioning Agent.

17.

Section 01 91 00 General Requirements can you clarify the requirement to submit daily work logs either daily or weekly as Paragraph P Contractor’s Daily Logs shall be submitted to the VA COR on a weekly basis and the 1.2 E 4 Section Indicated submitting daily logs at the end of every work day ?

Daily logs shall be submitted per Specification 01 00 00 Part 1.2.E.

18.

Section 01 00 00 N All employees of general contractor and subcontractors shall have successfully passed VA IT background checks can you clarify what type of background checks are required.

Coordinate with VA security.

19.

Section 01 35 26 Section 1.7 calls for the SSHO to be a separate qualified individual Does the SSHO have to be a direct employee of the Prime Contractor?

20.

Section 01 00 00 General Requirements Can you

See Specification 28 31 00.

clarify the existing fire alarm system service provider?

21.

Section 01 00 00 General Requirements 1.4 – Can you clarify which single building that will be selected for the first phase?

The project should start in Bldg. 13

22.

Section 01 00 00 General Requirements 1.4 can the superintendent be appointed the Commissioning Manger Role?

Yes. Specification requirements must be satisfied for both roles.

23.

Section 01 00 00 General Requirements 1.8 Can you provide Parking and staging area assigned to this project

The contractor shall provide a site utilization plan to the VA for approval

24.

Section 01 00 00 General Requirements 1.22 Can you clarify if there are any government furnished materials being incorporated into this project.

Government furnished materials are not anticipated on this

25.

Section 01 00 00 General Requirements 1.22 If there are any government furnished materials is the contractor is required to unload, store and install

Government furnished materials are not anticipated on this items being incorporated into this project.

26.

Can you clarify which seismic design Components requirements are required for this project?

See Specification 13 05 41.

27.

Can you clarify which delegated designs for blast rated components, if so can you provide which components are to be blast rated?

Delegated design components requiring blast design/requirements include cold-formed metal framing (roof trusses) - see specification 05 40 00; and exterior doors

- see specification 08 39 54.

28.

Will power be provided to the primary contractor storage area location near building 6 and 7 noted for an office trailer?

Refer to RFI 23

Contractor to engage with VA for any proposed utility connections.

29.

Can the site visit Attendee list please be provided.

See SAM.gov for Amendment 0001 for project. Attachment 01 – Site Visit Sign In – Bedford shows the list of attendees for the site visit.

30.

Are there any defined areas that will be unoccupied during construction work.

No. All buildings will be occupied during construction.

31.

Will any of the commissioning for this project require commissioning services for existing systems in the building?

Yes, commissioning is required for all extensions and/or modifications of existing systems.

32.

Will VAMC be able to provide attic stock for ceiling tile, wall coverings, flooring where we may be tying into.

Attic stock may be provided if available but is not guaranteed.

33.

Section 02 41 00 Demolition Can you clarify if there are any building structures to be removed?

Selective demolition is required to allow for new work as shown on the drawings. Complete structure demolition is not in scope.

34.

Table of Contents identified section 34 71 13 Passive Vehicle Barriers can you provide this section as it was not included in either of the three specification volumes.

See addendum 1.

35.

Can you provide floor penetration locations at each floor level for each building to coordinate new cables?

Contractor shall field coordinate all cable routes and penetration locations and submit proposed routes for approval via “Coordination Drawings”. All proposed core drill locations shall be x-ray scanned.

36.

Can you provide Wall penetration locations at each floor level for each building to coordinate new cables?

Contractor shall field coordinate all cable routes and penetration locations and submit proposed routes for approval via “Coordination Drawings”. All proposed core drill locations shall be x-ray scanned.

37.

Are we allowed to provide a cover plate at abandoned outlets if the wall finishes cannot be repaired ie

Confirmed. Cover plates may be used.

Masonry Tile, Wall Paper Walls etc.?

38.

Can we provide touch-up painting for removed outlets without painting from corners to corners?

39. Is this acceptable for ICRA HEPA Negative air exhaust to be returned back into the hospital space?

No, HEPA exhaust shall be to the exterior. See Specifications 01 00 00.C and 01 35 26.

40. Can ICRA HEPA negative air exhaust be vented back into a return air duct?

No, HEPA exhaust shall be to the exterior. See Specifications 01 00 00.C and 01 35 26.

41. Regarding the ICRA construction barriers, how much hallway space are we required to preserve for VA use in corridors?

Coordinate with VA at each proposed location.

All barriers must allow for required egress clearances as required by NFPA

42. Regarding the ICRA construction barriers can you provide the PICRA class groups for each of the Telecom or other Rooms identified to be remodeled?

Classification is dependent on adjacent spaces and scope being performed. See Specifications 01 00 00.C and 01 35 26.

43. Can you provide the vender utilized for existing building signage to provide matching signage?

See Specification 10 14 00.

44. Can you provide the existing finish schedule or ceiling finishes for each building and floor area for reference if possible?

Contractor to match existing and requires approval before install

45. Can you clarify the Riser Diagram note “NO TR” and what it stands for ? I assume Telecom Rack?

The note indicates there is “No TR” that level. TR stands for Telecom Room.

46. Section 01 00 00 1.2 B an additional 20% capacity, in terms of cable count, shall be provided as shown on the drawings and specifications. Can you include this requirement of quantity in Section 27 15 00

See T-700 series sheets for cables counts with the required 10% allowance.

47.

01 00 00 J “ASHE

Construction in a Healthcare Facility” is this referring to ICRA 1 or ICRA 2 Versions?

See Specifications 01 00 00.C and 01 35 26.

48. Site plans indicate a louvered fence and gate the specifications for fencing is not included can you provide this specification?

Fencing is a delegated blast design. Omega II – Omega 80 fence system used for basis of design. See detail shown on MCR plans for guidance.

49.

Site plans indicate an access barrier gate the specifications for this gate is not included can you provide this specification?

Is this gate required to be crash rated or meet security resilience guidelines?

See addendum 1 specifications. The gate is not required to be crash rated. The gate is to allow entry only to authorized vehicles.

50.

Can you clarify if the pipe bollards are required to be crash rated or meet security resilience guidelines?

See addendum 1 specifications. The bollards do not need to be crash rated. The bollards are provided for boundary demarcation purposes to preserve standoff requirements.

51.

Can you identify areas that would require tamperproof screws?

Tamperproof screws are required in lock down mental health areas

52.

Is the camera cabling Cat6 or Cat6A can you clarify?

Cat 6a.

53.

What buildings and areas in each building allow free-air cabling with j-hook supports for communication cabling?

The contractor shall bid 100% cable tray as indicated on the contract drawings and specifications. All routes shall be field verified and submitted as “Coordination Drawings” as defined by the specifications. If coordination drawings indicate that above ceiling space constraints dictate the limited use of J-hooks, these locations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Any location requiring limited J-hooks shall NOT result in additional costs or time to the Government.

54.

What is the service loop length required for backbone cabling in the telecommunications Pull Boxers or Vaults?

See Specification 01 00 00.A.

55.

Can you provide the manufacturer of the current video management system?

See Specification 28 23 00.

56.

Can you provide the Access Control vender servicing the buildings?

See Specification 28 13 00.

57.

Any excavations for new fiber optic lines may extend maybe 5-8 ft below grade. Can you clarify any information that would identify if these extend

Geotechnical report included in specification 01 00 00 – General Requirements.

below the water table and would indeed require dewatering?

58.

Does the Period or Performance account for winter weather work or winter weather stoppage?

Depending on project award date, some work may not be feasible in the cold months.

No. Contractor shall coordinate work to ensure the critical path is not impacted by winter conditions.

59.

Does the Period of Performance account for all long lead time items from the electrical equipment needed?

Refer to RFI 5

60.

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

Refer to RFI 6

61.

Will any onsite storage or spaces be provided inside the facility on the property/campus?

62.

Building BCH can you provide the campus location plan compared to the other building for reference? The plans do not clearly identify the location.

See Sheet G-000 for locations and Title block for address.

63.

What is the current Fire Alarm system service supplier?

See Specification 28 31 00.

64.

Is there any existing duct back or site electrical conduits that we would be able to utilities if s can you identify these?

Contractor shall bid new routes as indicated.

65.

Structural roof deck at new MCR building are we allowed to puddle weld for attachment to structural steel?

The MCR roof deck is supported by cold-formed steel trusses. Puddle welding is not allowed.

66.

New MCR building as per note we are to match cast stone band on the exterior walls can you provide the existing manufacture for these materials

The cast stone band and cornice are required to match color and general pattern of adjacent building, not necessarily the manufacturer.

67.

Can you provide the required specification section for the cast stone materials?

Spec section 04 72 00 – Cast Stone Masonry is included in Addendum #1.

68.

Can you provide the manufacture of the existing brick so we may match this brick as close as possible for the new MCR building?

The manufacturer of the existing brick is unknown. Bidding contractors shall provide samples to the VA for selection of brick for matching the existing in color and texture.

69.

MCR building can you clarify if the roof is required to be fire rated, can you provide the UL rating for the Roof system for coordination of roof system as per plans?

Refer to sheet MCRA-512. The roof/ceiling is to be a UL P526

– STANDARD CEILING/ROOF ASSEMBLY

70. Is this project tax-exempt, if so, will a certificate be provided?

Refer to RFP clause language. 52.229-3 and special notes regarding 52.229-3.

71. ET series drawings for CCTV camera. Bid spec documents do not specified what system are currently in place for this project, please answer the following questions:

a. What is the manufacturer of the current video management system?

b. What version/existing is the current video management system operating?

c. Are we expected to support version upgrades as part of this contract?

d. Are there sufficient existing licenses to support the new cameras?

e. Are the cameras to be 2MP pan/tilt/zoom or fixed dome?

f. Is there a current vendor/installer of this system that we can contact Please provide contact information

Contractor is responsible for a complete end-to-end VASS system. The VA has multiple existing systems, but trying to standardize to Exacqvision.

72 ET series drawings for card reader/pin pad. Bid spec documents do not specified what system are currently in place for this project, please answer the following questions:

a. What is the manufacturer of the current access control system.

b. What version/existing software is the access control system operating.

c. Are we expected to support the version?

updates as part of the contract?

d. Are the sufficient licenses to support the new doors?

e. Is there any existing integration between the access control and CCTV systems?

f. Is there a current vendor/installer of this system that we can contact.

See Specification 28 13 00.

73. Is there an allowance of Cat 6A cables & 1 ¼” data rough-in that should be carried within the Div.26&27 pricing? Some previous requirements on other projects requested 5- 10% additional Cat 6A cables & 1 ¼” data rough-in to cover what may have missed during design.

Yes, there is a 10% allowance. See cover sheet, G-000 General Note #2 and T-700 series drawings.

74. Existing Fire Alarm System. See Specification 28 31 00.

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

75. Existing Nurse Call System.

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

Nurse call is not in scope.

76. Is conduit required for grounding conductors running/installed ceiling & risers?

Yes, 1” minimum.

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

Yes, all core drilling locations shall be scanned.

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

79. Will soil testing be performed prior to construction, to determine if any soils are

No.

contaminated?

80 Is there a location where spoil dirt can be stored?

Refer to RFI 23.

81.

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

Refer to RFI 23

82.

Will erosion control plans be provided?

No. Contractor is responsible for developing and submitting Erosion Control Plans per Specification 01 57 19.

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

See Specification 01 00 00.G for Geotechnical Report.

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

See General Note #1 on each cover sheet G-000. See T-700 series sheets for cable quantities plus the required 10% allowance.

85. Is there required a full survey of every room/above ceiling to confirm cable count & WAO location ? If so, who dictates the outlet location and quantity of cables per location?

Yes, full surveys are required for all areas. WAO will be replaced in the existing locations. See T-700 series sheets for cable quantities plus the required 10% allowance.

86. Can the government provide a quantity of CAT6 A cables that need to be installed by TR? Please provide a Drop Count Matrix that needs to be provided.

See T-700 series sheets for cable quantities plus the required 10% allowance. Cable length indicated is estimated and shall be independently verified by all Bidders. Deviations in the actual installed cable length will not be treated as an unforeseen condition.

87. What is the drop count of each coverage zone? If it is a 1 for 1 swap, how many existing drops are located in each coverage zone?

See T-700 series sheets for cable quantities plus the required 10% allowance. Cable length indicated is estimated and shall be independently verified by all Bidders. Deviations in the actual installed cable length will not be treated as an unforeseen condition.

88. Is there required a full/complete survey of every room/WAO pathway/above ceiling pathway, to determine if the existing pathway meet the VA/A&E plan T501 detail & spec. ?

Yes, full surveys are required for all areas. WAO will be replaced in the existing locations. See T-700 series sheets for cable quantities plus the required 10% allowance.

89.

Are there a count and length for Cat6A patch cords?

Patch cords shall be provided and installed by the contractor at the End User Device (EUD) and in each respective TR for all ports. Patch cords at the EUD shall match existing length for each location. Contractor will be required to field verify, procure, test, and install each cable. Patch cables installed in each TR rack shall be sized per EHRM standard rack elevations with a clean installation.

90. Are there a count and length for Fiber Patch cords?

Patch cords shall be provided and installed by the contractor at both ends of all Fiber Optic Cable provided and installed on this project. The contractor shall provide a fully-functional, fully-patched system for all cable on this project.

91. Is armored fiber acceptable or is Maxcell or innerduct required for ISP fiber?

No. Innerduct, maxcell, or equal is required per OIT

ISTS.

92. Are there specific lengths for the CAT6A patch Cords?

at the End User Device (EUD) and in each respective TR for all ports. Patch cords at the EUD shall match existing length for each location. Contractor will be required to field verify, procure, test, and install each cable. Patch cables installed in each TR rack shall be sized per EHRM standard rack elevations with a clean installation.

93. Are we to provide one patch cord each end for every new CAT6A cable installed? Or will the VA specify a quantity for the Technology contractor to provide?

The VA will not provide direction on patch cable quantity.

at the End User Device (EUD) and in each respective TR for all ports. Patch cords at the EUD shall match existing length for each location. Contractor will be required to field verify, procure, test, and install each cable. Patch cables installed in each TR rack shall be sized per EHRM standard rack elevations with a clean installation.

94. Are we to provide patch cables for each pair of strands at each end?

at both ends of all Fiber Optic Cable provided and installed on this project. The contractor shall provide a fully functional, fully patched system for all cable on this project.

95. Are we to provide one fiber jumper on each end for every strand of new Fiber cable installed? Or will the VA specify a quantity for the Technology contractor to provide?

Patch cords/jumper cables shall be provided and installed by the contractor at both ends of all Fiber Optic Cable provided and installed on this project. The contractor shall provide a fully functional, fully patched system for all cable on this project.

96. Is there any copper backbone (25-pair or larger) needed?

The existing copper backbone is being retained and reused.

97. Are there specific lengths for the Fiber jumpers?

Patch cords/jumper cables shall be provided and installed by the contractor at both ends of all Fiber Optic Cable provided and installed on this project. The contractor shall provide a fully functional, fully patched system for all cable on this project.

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

99. Please clarify General note “G” on “T” series Plan with your intent:

ALL CONDUITS FOR

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

OUTLETS SHALL BE STEEL

THIN

Contractor shall not exceed 40% fill using existing in-wall conduit. This requirement does not reduce the cable quantity required to be provided on this contract.

WALL ELECTRICAL METALLIC

TUBING (TYPE EMT) UNLESS

OTHERWISE NOTED.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES

SHALL FLEXIBLE CONDUIT BE

USED FOR

PATHWAYS INDICATED ON

THIS DRAWING. ALL

CONDUITS ARE TO BE, AT A

MINIMUM, 1-1/4" TRADE

SIZE, UNLESS OTHERWISE

NOTED. ALL CONDUITS FOR

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

OUTLETS ARE TO BE STUBBED

TO NEAREST CABLE

TRAY. CONTRACTOR IS TO

ENSURE THAT NO CONDUIT

EXCEEDS 40% FILL. IF

EXISTING CONDUIT IS NOT

LARGE ENOUGH TO SUPPORT

NEW CAT 6A CABLE

TO REPLACE ALL EXISTING

CIRCUITS ONE-FOR-ONE,

CONTRACTOR SHALL

PROVIDE THE MAXIMUM

ALLOWABLE NEW CAT 6A

CIRCUITS TO REPLACE

EXISTING. THE ADDITIONAL

NEW CIRCUITS TO COMPLETE

THE ONE-FOR-ONE

REPLACEMENT SHALL BE

PROVIDED AT THE NEAREST

AVAILABLE DROP WITH

EXISTING CONDUIT CAPACITY

Q-Do you have quantities of WAO’s that do not meet the above note/requirement?

Q-If you do not have quantities, please give directions for bidding this scope.

Q-Should we assume that all WAO’s do not meet the above requirements?

Bid the replacement of all cables and WAO on the project.

In-wall conduit will be retained and reused.

100. On “T” series Plan (Technology plans) shows the cable tray layout/routing in hallway & corridors with the A&B Fiber backbone installation in the same cable tray as the WAO CAT6 cable. Is this the intent to install fiber & CAT6 cable in the same cable tray? Please advise.

Drawings are schematic in nature. See Specification 27 05 36 for cable tray and fiber optic cable raceway requirements.

101. To confirm that the existing analog phone cable/system to remain & re-terminated/tested on new WAO plate, as per “T” series Plan key notes

102. Please provide additional time for RFI’s. Subcontractors have not had the opportunity to review the contract documents to submit RFIs.

RFI response time is unchanged.

103. Please confirm the POP of 730 calendar days listed on the SF1442 is inclusive of all the time the VA will require to move in their equipment which is needed for a complete start-up of the overall data center and needed before cut overs between the old system and new system are made within each of the buildings.

Confirmed.

104. Please provide additional time for this procurement. EHRM projects of this size and complexity have had significantly longer procurement durations which benefit the VA by giving

See amendment 0002 to RFP.

sufficient time for the contractors resulting in more accurate pricing.

105. Please confirm if this project will have limited night work as outlined in spec section 01 00 00 Section AA. Within spec section 01 00 00 section 1.3 B says this project will require night work but no definition of night work is provide.

Confirmed. Night and weekend work will be required for the project

106. Please confirm the superintendent shall not have any shared duties as a QCM, SSHO or any other roles on the project.

Confirmed. See Specification 01 00 00 Part 1.2.E.

107. Please confirm the SSHO shall not have any shared duties as a QCM, superintendent or any other role on the project.

Confirmed. See Specification 01 00 00 Part 1.2.E.

108. Please confirm the QCM shall not have any shared duties as a SSHO, superintendent or any other role on the project.

Confirmed. See Specification 01 00 00 Part 1.2.E.

109. Please confirm that the Contractors’ 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).

See Specification 01 00 00 Part 1.2.L.

110. If the purpose is to have an RCDD involved in the project, can teams submit subcontractors who have an

See Specification 01 00 00 Part 1.2.L.

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).

111. 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). Please confirm this will meet the intent of having an RCDD involved in the project.

See Specification 01 00 00 Part 1.2.L.

112. Please confirm the contractor will be required to submit post award the requested information that the telecommunications contractor shall be a BICSI licensed Contractor with a minimum of five (5) years’ experience installing and servicing systems of similar scope and complexity. 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. The references must include a current point of contact, company or agency name, address, telephone number, complete system description, date of completion, and approximate cost of the project.

113. 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.

Confirmed.

114. Please confirm cable installer must have on staff a Registered Communication Distribution Designer (RCDD) certified by Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI).

Confirmed.

115. Please confirm the VA will provide the Commissioning Agent (CxA) under a separate contract?

Confirmed.

116. Please confirm the Contract is required to have a Commissioning Manager (CxM) as part of its project team?

Confirmed.

117. Plan Page G-000 outlines the commissioning plan which is required to be done by the contractor. Please confirm the commissioning plan will be set up and performed by the CxA which will be under a separate contract with the VA?

Confirmed. Contractor has commissioning responsibilities indicated in 01 91 00.

118. Please confirm if the VA can and will be flexible on the site

Contractor is required to develop and submit phasing plans.

Alternate phasing will be reviewed.

phasing plan provided in this procurement.

119. Please confirm that the contractor is to supply all materials testing for the project.

Confirmed.

120. Based on Spec section 01 45 35 Structural Observations of a third party inspection are required for any Seismic Design Category D, E, or F.

MCRS-002 calls this building to be Seismic Category C. Please confirm if we are to follow the Special Inspections Schedule per 01 45 35.01?

Confirmed, third-party inspections are required.

121. Please confirm if we are to perform special inspections for the underground duct bank work

Confirmed.

122. Please confirm that all firestopping must be either installed by an FM global approved contractor, or a UL qualified firestop contractor certified.

Confirmed.

123. Please confirm that the contractor is to include the services of a third party independent firestopping inspector in their bid.

Confirmed.

124. 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.

125. Please confirm the contractor is to include the quantity provided (100) in the specifications for bidding purposes of all unprotected penetrations for the project scope.

126. Please confirm if the contractor exceeds the 100 existing penetrations, that an additive change order will be provided.

Provide unit price for additional penetrations as part of proposal for consideration of additional penetrations

127. Please confirm that the VA will provide the contractor with a laydown area for dumpsters, toilets, storage, and trailers.

We understand there is not much room onsite however without this area there will be an impact to cost and efficiency.

Refer to RFI 23

128. Please provide a site plan showing the contractor trailer and laydown area(s).

See sheet MCRCS101 for possible location of laydown area – final location to be coordinated with COR.

129. Please confirm that contractor parking will be provided on site. This directly impacts pricing.

Refer to RFI 23

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

See RFP tax language.

131. Please confirm this project must meet the buy American act requirements.

Confirmed.

132. As this project is a small business set-aside please confirm FAR clauses 52.225-11 and 52.225-12 are applicable on this contract

These are present in the RFP. See RFP.

133. Please confirm level 4 finish for all finished gypsum board including patches.

Confirmed, provide Level 4 finish for all areas.

134. Please confirm painting unless otherwise noted is to be (3) coats (prime, body, and finish) and will be from "seam to seam" or to a change of materials where walls are patched and refinished.

135. Please confirm work in common hallways requires use of the control cube method i.e. cart with plastic covering and sealed connection to work site with HEPA vacuum for vacuuming prior to exit.

See Specification 01 35 26. ICRA provisions with location and type of work being performed.

136. Does the VA have extra network equipment (switch gear, routers, UPS's) to keep the network connected during construction and cut over?

VA OIT will provide no more than “(10) swing switches”.

137. Are we required to use plenum rated cabling for all areas? Can we use riser rated cabling in non plenum spaces?

Confirmed.

138. Will flexible metal conduit be allowed?

No.

139. Please confirm the VA will be working and scheduling with the subsystem vendors on scheduling network outages.

Contractor is responsible for coordination.

140. Please provide floor to finish heights and floor to structure heights for all buildings.

Typical Finish Floor to Finish Floor heights are 12 to 13 feet.

If more specific information is required, bidding contractors shall perform their own field verified measurements.

141. Is there a current roof warranty for each building? If so, please confirm who has the roofing warranty and provide point of contact.

Coordinate with VA.

142. Is the contractor required to provide the licensing for the new Security Cameras? Or will the VA be providing that?

Contractor shall provide all hardware, software and licenses required for a fully functional system.

143. Please confirm that this project is a competitive Service-Disabled Veteran- Owned Small Business Set- Aside project and that any bonding provided by a contractor must be through a

SDVOSB or SBA/VA APPROVED Mentor-Protege partnership under the SBA/VA Mentor- Protégé program in which the partnership has been approved prior to the bid date.

144. Please confirm that a large business not part of an SBA/VA APPROVED Mentor- Protégé team under the VA Mentor-Protégé program cannot provide a Payment & Performance bond for a

SDVOSB.

Confirmed.

145. Please confirm that a large business not part of an SBA/VA APPROVED Mentor- Protégé team under the VA Mentor-Protégé program cannot provide a bid guarantee for a SDVOSB.

Confirmed.

146. Please confirm contractor must provide a dust-tight 1-hour rated temporary construction wall with locking door to isolate the area of work when altering rated walls in the facility.

See Specification 01 35 26.

147. Please confirm if contaminated soils are encounter, a change order will be issued to the contractor to properly haul and dispose of contaminated soils.

Change order may be issued for any contaminated soil required to be hauled off and properly disposed of

148. Spec Section 01 00 00, Part I.

Phasing, it seems the spec section is cut off and does not provide a list or outline of additional information at the end of this paragraph. Please provide the missing information within this section paragraph.

Contractor is required to develop and submit phasing plans.

149. Outpatient and administration buildings were included in the off hours for work in the project document. Please confirm.

Most work can be completed during normal business hours as described in Spec section 01 00 00 1.2.I

Any work that has been deemed to impact on the operations of the facility will need to be conducted after hours.

Contractor is required to provide phasing plans for the VA for approval.

150. Please confirm if work within outpatient and administration buildings can be performed during normal working hours

Refer to RFI 149

151. Please confirm if patient areas including corridors and patient rooms are to be performed off hours?

Refer to RFI 149

152. Please confirm what buildings are administrative and out patient buildings?

Coordinate with VA for reference only. Outpatient and administrative buildings shall be treated identically to patient care buildings.

153. Please define off hours. We assume off hours to be second shift please confirm second shift hours.

Any hours outside Normal Working Hours are considered off hours. See Specification 01 00 00 Part 1.2.I.

154. If second shift is considered as night work please define night work hours.

Any hours outside Normal Working Hours are considered off hours. See Specification 01 00 00 Part 1.2.I.

155. Section 01 00 00 general requirements “alterations includes that the GC will provide a thorough survey of areas in which work is to be done with the COR and VA representative in attendance”.

Please confirm that the VA staff will schedule and have the time to do these surveys without delaying the contractor as these thorough surveys are extremely time-consuming.

Contractor shall schedule and perform all surveys in accordance with the contract. VA attendance is at the sole discretion of the VA.

156. Based on past projects the size of the duct banks vary between an 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 4” conduit packs depending on

All buildings connected by pedestrian connecting corridors use new cable tray within connecting corridors. Duct bank used for connection to outer buildings. See Site the quantity of fiber strands required at each building.

Please confirm if this project only requires up to 4 4” conduits all duct bank runs. It seems too few because of the quantity of fiber runs.

construction drawings Sheet T-601 for number of fiber runs in each section of duct bank.

157. Key note #35 on the TS series of drawings calls for a common duct bank, please provide a detail for this common duct bank?

Only for the non-patient care buildings indicated, a common ductbank will support Path A and Path B fiber. Separate conduit withing the duct bank shall be used.

158. Please confirm the contractor is to use the quantities provided on the cable tray per floor and building as listed out on the T-700 series drawings.

See T-700 series sheets for quantities plus the required 10% allowance. Cable length indicated is estimated and shall be independently verified by all Bidders. Deviations in the actual installed cable length will not be treated as an unforeseen condition.

159. Please confirm the contractor is to use the quantities provided on the data device and circuit schedules for each building which is inclusive of the 10% allowance required.

See T-700 series sheets for quantities plus the required 10% allowance. Cable length indicated is estimated and shall be independently verified by all Bidders. Deviations in the actual installed cable length will not be treated as unforeseen condition.

160. Please confirm the 10% allowance is based on the total quantity of ports and not new WAO outlets.

Allowance applied to both port/cable quantity and WAO quantity.

161. Please confirm contractor to provide (3) maxcell 3-pocket fabric innerducts (mxe86383) in each 4" conduit for all duct banks (keynote 29)

Innerduct protection is required. Maxcell mxe86383 is an acceptable product.

162. Please confirm if the common duct bank (keynote 35) will be required to have (3) maxcell 3-pocket fabric innerducts (mxe86383) in each 4" conduit.

Innerduct protection is required. Maxcell mxe86383 is an acceptable product.

163. Reflected ceiling plans have not been provided for corridor areas, please identify ceiling types in corridors.

Ceiling types are a mixture of Gypsum Board, ACT, and open ceilings. Bidding contractor to field verify existing conditions.

164. Please confirm who is responsible for the 30-day load reports for all electrical infrastructure at all buildings.

General Note N on all Electrical sheets is not clear. Is this by the contractor or the A/E?

Minimum 30 -day load studies shall be provided by the General Contractor for all locations in accordance with NEC 220.

165. Please confirm spec section 26 05 73 is to be performed and would meet the requirement of General Note N on all Electrical Sheets?

Contractor shall perform all scope indicated in Specification 26 05 73. This scope DOES NOT satisfy General Note N. Load studies are a separate activity.

166. Please confirm if the quantities provided in the data device and circuit schedule for all buildings includes the biomed equipment

See T-100 series for locations and T-700 series sheets for quantities plus the required 10% allowance.

167. Please confirm we are required to recable the biomed equipment?

See T-100 series for locations and T-700 series sheets for quantities plus the required 10% allowance.

168. Please confirm if the current nurse call system is to be recabled to the new TR rooms?

Nurse call is not in scope.

169. Please confirm if the quantities provided in the data device and circuit schedule for all buildings includes the nurse call system?

Nurse call is not in scope.

170. Please confirm if we are to follow VHA ICRA 1.2 as indicated in the contract documents or if we are to use the VHA ICRA 1.3

Use the updated VHA ICRA 1.3. See addendum 1.

171. Please provide an asphalt cross section for any and all roadways that are required to be patched where the duct bank will cross under it.

See Site distribution construction drawings - Sheet T-501.

172. Please confirm if a full time escort will be provided by the

An escort shall be provided where required

VA to enter the existing Data Center?

173. Please confirm that temporary chain link fencing and road plates are required at all exposed ductbank areas.

174. Please confirm that all new inside plant fiber shall be installed in inner-duct & conduit.

See Division 27 specifications.

175. The Site Telecommunication Plans (TS Series), specifically key note 32 calls for new fiber in cable trays and to refer to the specific building plans.

When reviewing the building plans, they do not show the full length of the cable tray.

Please provide complete floor plans of the tunnel/walkways between each building.

See civil sheets for removal of building plan reference.

Contractor shall coordinate final routes and in accordance with Division 27 specifications.

176. Please confirm the ceiling depth in these tunnel/walkways?

Ceiling types vary between tunnels. Bidding contractor to field verify existing conditions.

177. Please confirm the installation method of all cable trays in the tunnel/walkway between the buildings.

See Specification 27 05 33 and 27 05 36 for cable tray and fiber optic cable raceway requirements.

178. Please provide section cuts of the existing tunnel/walkway between the buildings to understand what walls are fire-rated.

Coordinate with VA for existing Life Safety drawings and information regarding rated walls.

179. Please confirm if these tunnel/walkways are below grade or if they are all above grade.

Connecting corridors are above ground in most locations and below in others.

180. Please confirm if there is any asbestos required to be removed in these connectors between the buildings. The Hazardous Plans for the specific buildings do not call out any.

Confirmed. Abatement is required as specified in Division 2.

181. Please provide room numbers for the connectors between buildings. Are these connectors called out on the hazardous material report in the specifications.

There are no room numbers for corridors. Hazardous material report for the connectors has been provided with Addendum 1.

182. Please confirm no advanced utility metering system is required for this scope of work.

Advanced Utility Metering scope is required per Specification 25 10 10.

183. Please confirm existing roadway types where the new duct bank will cross. This information is required to price out all of the restoration.

Contractor to visit site for material verification.

184. Please confirm the landscaping restoration requirements. Will Seed and Blanket be acceptable in landscaped areas

See specifications 32 90 00 Planting

185. Please confirm if any other plant materials required for all areas required for landscape restoration if it is different than areas which will require seed and blanket.

Restore disturbed areas to match existing conditions. See specifications 32 90 00 Planting

186. Please confirm if the contractor is required to carry the permits for all roadwork required on Springs Road for all of the duct bank installations.

Springs Road through VA property is Federal controlled.

Coordinate with VA for all permits required. All Permits to be submitted, applied for and paid by contractor.

187. Should all of the road permits required on Springs Road be applied for and paid by the

VA?

Springs Road through VA property is Federal controlled.

Coordinate with VA for all permits required. All Permits to be submitted, applied for and paid by contractor.

188. Please confirm contractors and our second tier subcontracts cannot deviate from the sole source justifications?

Confirmed.

189. Please confirm the Testing Laboratory qualified person is sufficient on-site during earthwork and excavation operations as outlined in spec section 01 45 29.

Follow Specification 01 45 29.

190. Please confirm if Procore can be used on this project.

Refer to RFI 14

191. Please provide the existing Planting Irrigation as-builts.

The current drawings are not clear as to where the existing planting irrigation system is.

No Planting Irrigation

192. There are approximately 30 trees that are in conflict with the new duct bank(s), please confirm we are to remove these trees and will not be required to replace in kind.

Contractor shall adjust route to minimize tree removal.

193. Please confirm Springs Road is a public road controlled and maintained by the City of Bedford and does not fall under the VA’s jurisdiction.

Springs Road through VA property is Federal controlled.

Coordinate with VA for all permits required. All Permits to be submitted, applied for and paid by contractor.

194. Please confirm if the contractor is required to carry the permits for all roadwork required on Springs Road for all of the duct bank installations.

Springs Road through VA property is Federal controlled.

Coordinate with VA for all permits required. All Permits to be submitted, applied for and paid by contractor.

195. Should all of the road permits required on Springs Road be applied for and paid for by the

VA?

Springs Road through VA property is Federal controlled.

Coordinate with VA for all permits required. All Permits to be submitted, applied for and paid by contractor.

196. Please provide the required road restoration details and requirements for all road work to be performed on Springs Road

Replace asphalt per site construction documents details D3 & E5, sheet T-501.

197. Reviewing the project commissioning specs provided in the bid package. Under section 1.1 of each specification section there is wording that states who is appointing or providing the CxA. In 210800, 230800, 260800, 330800 it calls for the VA to appoint the CxA In 070800, 220800, 270800, 280800 it calls for the General Contractor to appoint the CxA.

VA will provide CxA.

Is the V.A. going to contract a commissioning agent for the entire project while the contractor will provide a commissioning manager or will there be different commissioning agents for different sections?

198. In section 01 00 00 Page 4 General Requirements it lists the requirements of the Firm and designated Commissioning Authority. Is this firm to be hired by the contractor or the V.A.

VA will provide the CxA.

199. Can the commissioning…