S06 - Amendment 0004 - ATT 1 - Tech Questions - Beckley EHRM IU.pdf

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND SOLICITATION #: 36C77626R0006

RESPONSES TRACKING SHEET PROJECT TITLE: EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades Construct - Beckley WV

# CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

1 Due to the instability in our current economy such as price escalations, procurement issues, and vendors unable to reasonably hold prices for more than 30 days, please change the contract type to a fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment pursuant to FAR 16.203.

In accordance with FAR 16.202 and 52.216-1, this requirement will remain a firm-fixed-price contract.

2 Due to the instability in our current economy such as price escalations, procurement issues, and vendors unable to reasonably hold prices for more than 30 days, please reduce the price-hold period to 30 days.

The Government standard concerning price-hold period is 90 calendar days and will not be altered.

3 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.

4 Please confirm that any designers or consultants who provided professional services for the construction documents, including reports, are precluded from pursuing this project as a Prime contractor, Mentor-Protégé partner, or subcontractor.

Any member of the design team of this project is not permitted to be part of the construction team.

5 Please confirm that this project is a competitive SDVOSB set-aside and that any bonding provided by a contractor must be through a SDVOSB or SBA/VA APPROVED Mentor-Protégé partnership under the SBA/VA Mentor- Protégé program in which the partnership has been approved prior to the due date.

This project is set aside for SDVOSBs. The bonding requirements must be met for this project per the applicable clauses, provisions, and instructions to offerors.

6 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 or a payment & performance bond for a SDVOSB.

This project is set aside for SDVOSBs. The bonding requirements must be met for this project per the applicable clauses, provisions, and instructions to offerors.

7 When visiting the link, I noticed the project was “set aside for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business” – does this mean that General Contractors cannot bid the project unless they meet that requirement?

Yes, this project is a 100% set-aside for SDVOSBs. The prime contractor submitting the offer must be certified as such in the SBA VetCert database.

8 Is this project tax exempt? If the project is sales tax exempt will the government/VA provide a sales tax exemption certificate?

No. See Special Note regarding FAR 52.229-3 Federal, State, and Local Taxes in the solicitation. It is solely the responsibility of the offeror to include all state and local sales or use taxes for construction materials, and all other applicable taxes, in their bid or proposal price.

9 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.

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

10 Requesting Spec section for FEC Equipment See S06 - Amendment 0004 – ATT 2 – Addendum 1 for Spec Section 10 44 13 Fire Extinguisher Cabinets –

11 Requesting Spec section for Wire Mesh Partitions Is this question raised because of chain link fence indicated for building 6 on sheet 06-AE101 and lower level mechanical room in parking garage shown on PG-AE101?

If so, it would an interior chain link fence similar to existing.

12 Requesting Spec section for Toilet ACC See S06 - Amendment 0004 – ATT 2 – Addendum 1 for Spec Section 10 28 00 Toilet Accessories

13 Regarding Existing Access Control System (PACS) Integration:

Current System Specifications:

Could you please provide detailed specifications for the existing PACS head-end server(s) and networked PC-based workstations?

Question is unclear. Scope of PACS is extension of existing system. Modifications to existing head-end server and workstations is not required. Design team defers to the VA for any record documentation of the existing system hardware.

14 Regarding Existing Access Control System (PACS) Integration:

Software House iSTAR Pro and C-CURE 9000:

What are the exact versions of Software House iSTAR Pro and C-CURE 9000 currently in use?

Are there any planned upgrades or changes to these software platforms during the project timeline?

What level of access and licensing will be provided for our new system to integrate with your existing Software House iSTAR Pro and C-CURE 9000?

Design team defers to the VA for software versions and licensing. This is an extension of the existing system and not a new turn-key system integrated into the existing.

15 Regarding Existing Access Control System (PACS) Integration:

Database Integration:

What type of database is currently used for the PACS (e.g., SQL Server, Oracle)? Please provide details on the database schema, access methods, and any existing APIs for data exchange.

Could you explain the current procedures for database partitioning and automated personnel import?

Question appears to be beyond scope of the project. Scope of the project is to add dual authentication card readers to new Telecom Rooms as part of an extension of the existing system. The basis of this question is construction coordination.

16 Regarding Existing Access Control System (PACS) Integration:

Existing Equipment Reuse:

Please provide an inventory and condition report for all existing door equipment, control signal transmission lines, and devices intended for reuse.

What is the process for obtaining Contracting Officer approval for reusing existing equipment and for managing any necessary signal line disconnections or equipment downtime?

Question is unclear related to bidding the scope of the project. The basis of this question is construction coordination.

17 Regarding Existing Video Surveillance and Assessment System (VASSS) Integration:

Current VASSS Specifications:

Could you provide detailed specifications for the existing VASSS servers and workstations?

What are the current operating system and application software versions running on the existing VASSS server(s) and workstations?

Are there any known hardware or software limitations within the current VASSS that might affect this project?"

Design team defers to the VA for detailed specs on the existing OS and application software.

18 Regarding Existing Video Surveillance and Assessment System (VASSS) Integration:

Integration with PACS:

Please provide details on the existing integration points and methods between the current PACS and VASSS. Are there any existing APIs or SDKs available for this integration?

What specific functionalities are required for the integrated system (e.g., automatic camera call-up on alarm, synchronized event logging)?"

Refer to specifications for requirements. Contractor to coordinate requirements with the VA during the construction process.

19 Regarding Existing Video Surveillance and Assessment System (VASSS) Integration:

Network Connectivity for Video:

Could you provide detailed network diagrams, IP addressing schemes, and firewall rules for connecting new video surveillance components to the existing network?

What are the specific bandwidth requirements and available network infrastructure for video streaming from both existing and new cameras to the control stations?

What video compression standards are currently used for streaming from server to client to optimize bandwidth?"

Existing cameras are cabling only and not in VASS scope.

The remaining questions related to new cameras are construction level coordination elements.

20 Regarding Existing Video Surveillance and Assessment System (VASSS) Integration:

Existing Video Equipment Reuse:

Please provide an inventory and condition report for all existing video equipment, video and control signal transmission lines, and devices intended for reuse.

What is the process for obtaining Contracting Officer approval for reusing existing video equipment?"

Existing system to be re-used. Existing cameras not in scope.

21 Redundancy and Failover:

Please provide detailed information on the existing redundancy and failover configurations for both the PACS and VASSS, including specific technologies and recovery procedures.

Question is irrelevant to scope of the project.

22 Security Policies and Compliance:

Could you provide a comprehensive list of all applicable security policies, standards, and compliance requirements (e.g., FIPS-201, FIPS-140-2, NIST 800-53, PIV verification) that the integrated system must adhere to?

What are the specific requirements for PIV verification, CRL validation, and PKI path discovery and validation within the existing infrastructure?"

Question is largely unrelated to the scope of the project.

Refer to specifications and contract drawings.

23 Documentation and Training:

Could the VA provide examples of previously accepted documentation for similar projects to help us align with your expectations?

What are the specific training requirements for VA personnel on the integrated system?"

The contractor will provide manuals for all new equipment and any relevant information/training needed to maintain new equipment or systems. Example: contractor will provide manuals to new mini split HVAC units and inform station HVAC techs and/or clearly annotate on system how much charge each system is running on.

24 Current Site Conditions Report:

What is the preferred format and level of detail for the ""Current Site Conditions"" report, especially regarding existing infrastructure that may impact installation

A widespread current site conditions report is largely not applicable to the scope of this project. Assess the scope of the contract drawings and apply as applicable to the VA specifications.

25 May we receive a three-week extension to be able to respond appropriately after receiving answers to the questions.

Due date is EXTENDED to MARCH 31, 2026 2:00PM

EDT

26 Is this project prevailing wage. Yes

27 Are escorts required for all work in existing TR and MCR? Yes.

28 Are escorts required during terminations within new TR and

MCR?

Escorts in new TR are not required until VA network is live.

Escort required for work in Existing MCR.

29 Please clarify VA escort requirements for work in multiple TR rooms and floors.

Contractors will have a station OIT escort in all TRs and TEs. If the contractor wishes to work in two separate TRs/TEs at the same time, even if on the same floor, two escorts will be required.

30 Will contractor be allowed to provide cleared staff for escorting if VA staff not available?

No

What specific areas of which buildings during this project require ICRA measures?

Refer to the ICRA matrix on all ICRA plans sheets.

Contractor is responsible to comply with the requirements as listed in matrix. Contractor must prepare a detailed ICRA plan for review and approval by the VAMC’s COR and infection control representative.

Attachment 3, Drawing 01-TN101 - Is Keynote #2 a typo and should be a 'LEG-B'? There is no LEG-B path detailed on Building 1 First Floor. #2 aligns with LEG-B from 01- TN100 Keynote #2.

Keynote #2 is Leg-A outgoing to basement level to provide diverse pathway to TR-BA-126A. Is also serves as Leg-B coming to TR-1B-146 as routed from below on 01-TN100.

From TR-1B-146 both Leg-A and Leg-B are continued vertically.

Refer to Sheet Note #3. Pathways shown are proposed. If alternate path is preferred the design team takes no exception as long as diverse pathway requirements are maintained.

Attachment 3, Drawing 01-TN100 - TR BB-139A Does not show a LEG-B Path. There is a conduit that reaches the LEG-B path, but Keynote #6 states this conduit is for horizontal cable only. Is the LEG-B riser cable from this TR slated to follow this conduit, but just not use it?

TR-BB-139 Leg-B path is shown as proposed to be routed up to 1st floor. Pathway to back feed to TR-1B-146 where existing riser allows vertical pathway back down to TR-BB- 139.

Refer to Sheet Note #3. Pathways shown are proposed. If alternate path is preferred the design team takes no exception as long as diverse pathway requirements are maintained.

Keynote #6 is for horizontal cabling only to reach the plan SE corner of the building and remain within cable distance limits.

34 Attachment 3, 14/15-TN1, LEG-A and LEG-B INGRESS/EGRESS seem to be swapped when comparing the building specific drawing, 14/15-TN101, and the campus drawing TN002.

Scope, pathways, and cabling remain the same. This doesn’t appear to be a question. Site routing as shown will determine which leg enters the pathway.

35 Attachment 3 - There is a missing fiber path down the hallway from Building 35 to Building 1, please confirm pathway.

Both Leg-A and Leg-B pathways are shown on 35-TN102

Would you confirm whether these runs should use OS2 single mode fiber, as OS1 is not aligned with current industry standards for modern fiber installations? We recommend OS2 to ensure compliance with updated specifications and future scalability.

The design intent, per VA specifications, is OS1 single-mode fiber for interior building pathways and OS2 indoor/outdoor single-mode fiber for exterior or underground pathways as shown on the drawings.

Awarded contractor may submit a pre-submittal RFI substitution request for OS2 single-mode fiber for interior runs provided the cable is listed and rated for the installed environment (e.g., riser/plenum as required) and meets all project specifications.

37 What Fiber Optic cabling is required to be 100% in conduit? Exterior/Undergound duct bank conduit pathways. Interior pathways installed within corrugated innerduct. Provide new interior conduit sleeves as required. Refer to installation requirements on cover page and sheet notes on overall plans.

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

No.

39 What are the existing cabling specifications? (i.e.- cable manufacturer, thickness, jacket, etc)

Existing cabling specs are irrelevant to the scope of the project. Existing cabling will be removed and replaced.

40 We understand we are to provide labor for the cabling into the MCR and terminate at exisiting racks and provide panels and cassettes. Would you confirm if there are any other requiments for the MCR room?

Cable Tray and Data Outlets. Refer to 01-TN200-A.

41 Are we to provide preterminated cables between the MRC racks?

Not shown in scope of Contract Drawings.

42 Are we to provide any new racks for the MCR? Not shown in scope of Contract Drawings.

43 Would you confirm you are not rebuilding the MCR room? Not shown in scope of Contract Drawings.

One page 212 of attachment 3 - on the Technology equipment schedule, for the SC-ER-1 - 4 post equipment rack - would you allow an equivalent or do you require the particular Ortronics rack?

Specified equipment rack is preferred by VA OIT ISTS design guides. Alternatives are acceptable but must meet or all specifications and features of the basis of design. Due to size restraints of new TR, larger sized racks will not be accepted.

45 On the rack elevations for each TR room, would you confirm the bold outlines equate to new racks and equipment and the thinner lines equate to existing racks and equipment?

Refer to line type key on cover page. All new equipment will include an equipment tag.

46 Will the VA or the contractor be responsible to move network equipment to new TRs?

Network gear installation is not in contractors scope.

47 The rack elevations show specific layouts. Is there a requirement for vertical cable managers between every rack, or only at the ends? The density of Cat 6A cabling often requires 10-12” managers which impact the room footprint.

Rack elevations and TR layouts are shown with specific requirements as required in the VA OIT ISTS design guides.

Will any floor penetrations be required for the new TR rooms or anywhere else in the buildings?

Building 1 floor penetrations will be required for vertical fiber optic backbone pathways. Provide vertical conduit sleeves are required per the contract drawings. Not all pathways may be shown. Refer to cover pages.

49 Clarify extent of fireproofing and firestopping required for new penetrations.

Refer to specifications for requirements.

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

Confirmed

51 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

52 Are we to assume that areas with existing data devices will not require new fire rated wall sleeves? If new sleeves are required, please provide a count so that bidders will be aligned in scope of work.

New corridor sleeves are shown at known locations but may not represent all quantities and locations required for installation. Contractor to provide new conduit sleeves as necessary. The design team will not provide a total count of all required sleeve locations and sizes.

Refer to Technology Installation Note #2 on TN001. Refer to Sheet Note #4 on all Overall Floor Plans.

53 Are any patch cables required for the Category 6A at the WAOs? If so how many? (For example - 1 per run or WAPs only or none?)

Provide as outlined in 27 16 19-2.1

54 Are any patch cables required for the Category 6A at the TRs?

Provide as outlined in 27 16 19-2.1

55 Are any patch cables required for the fiber at the MCR and TRs?

Provide as outlined in 27 16 19-2.2

56 Please confirm which color you would like for Category 6A cabling?

Blue. Submittal review process will advice differently if required.

Please confirm which color you would like for faceplates?

White for general use. Stainless Steel may be required in clean areas. Match electrical in those situations.

58 In WAOs where capacity is reached, is new conduit required?

Refer to Technology Installation Notes on TN001 for requirements.

59 We cannot remove the old cabling until the new is certified.

Do the existing pathways (trays/conduits) have the structural capacity to hold the "Old Cabling" + "New Cat 6A" simultaneously during the transition period?

Refer to Technology Phasing Notes on TN001.

60 Existing conduit sizes are not shown in the documents for existing data outlets, please clarify what conduit size and fill should be assumed by the contractor for existing data outlets. If the conduit size is not sufficient to an existing outlet will the VA require a new conduit?

Refer to Technology Installation Notes on TN001 for requirements.

61 Please confirm the new conduit will be in the wall and not surface mounted. In wall will have a significant cost impact with patching/painting.

Refer to Technology Installation Notes on TN001 for requirements.

62 Please clarify acceptable solutions for overfilled or inaccessible cable tray sections.

Refer to Technology Installation Notes on TN001 and floor plan notes. Utilize existing cable tray to fullest extent possible. Provide new or alternative non-continuous pathways as required.

63 Confirm if new data drops are installed adjacent to old and if old drops are to be blank plated.

Refer to Technology Installation Notes on TN001 for requirements.

64 Does the requirement to open walls trigger Class IV ICRA (hard barriers, negative air pressure, anterooms) for every individual workstation drop?

No, work station drops are considered class I ICRA.

65 In mental health or behavioral health areas (referenced in Sprinkler specs 21 13 13), do the faceplates and WAP enclosures require tamper-resistant hardware?

Faceplates yes. New WAP enclosures are not in scope of the project.

Are there electrical plans for the parking garage.

Telecom enclosure in the parking garage is existing to remain. No electrical work anticipated.

67 Is there a proprietary Fire Alarm Contractor at the facility? If so, please provide the company name and point of contact.

Johnson Control currently services/maintains campus fire system. Station does not have a direct POC. When station needs Johnson Control, they are contacted via phone: 1- 800-299-4377

68 Is there a proprietary Controls Contractor at the facility? If so, please provide the company name and point of contact.

VAMC electronics department does most controls work for the facility. When work requires certain certification, Johnson Control is brought in to complete the work.

69 Is there a proprietary Cameras at the facility? If so, please provide the company name and point of contact.

VAMC electronics department does most controls work for the facility. When work requires certain certification, Johnson Control is brought in to complete the work.

70 For tech requirements, concerning page limitations: Can you confirm that (CPARS/PPQs, Draft Project Schedule, etc.) does not count towards page limitations?

Please review pages 9 -12 of the solicitation

71 Sheet 03-TN101 Detail D13 – Emergency Phone

a. The detail shows one data drop going outside to an emergency phone, is there an existing raceway to the phone?

b. Will the other emergency phones shown on the drawings have an existing raceway to use?

c. Are there any other emergency phones on campus that are not shown on the drawings?

Building 3 (1 location), Building 4 (1 location), Building 8 (1 location), and Parking Garage (13 locations).

Phones and pathways are existing and not new scope.

Cable replacement only.

All locations are believed to be shown. If additional locations are discovered during construction they shall be submitted via RFI.

72 27 05 36 Cable Tray for Communications Systems

a. The technology drawings show very little cable tray in the hallways, does the VA wanting new cable tray run through the hallways or is there existing cable tray to be used?

b. Are we to use J-hooks if no cable tray is existing or to be installed?

Existing cable tray to be used to fullest extent possible. All new cable tray sections required is shown on the drawings.

Refer to Sheet Note #2 on Overall Floor Plans.

73 35 -TN102 - Building 35 – Fiber A & B

a. Is it unclear where the fiber is coming from in building 1 can the VA provide route for the new fiber?

Routing shown on 35-TN102 is the connecting corridor directly to Building 1. Route to MCR as required.

74 PG-TN100 – Parking Garage – Fiber A & B

a. Can the Va provide route from the duct bank to the TR-PG?

Contractor to provide duct bank route to parking garage as shown on TN002 Conduit route to transition above ground and into TR-PG.

75 Reference Specification Section 01 91 01 – V Systems to be Commissioned.

a. Please confirm that in the remarks column that those are the only 3rd party testing required for this project

The 3rd Party Testing mentioned in 01 91 00 and 01 91 01 is the only 3rd Party Testing that the Commissioning Agent will witness, verify and review as part of their scope of services. This does not preclude the contractor’s requirement to satisfy and perform other 3rd Party Testing specified in other specification sections.

76 SSHO – 01 35 26 – 1.9

a. Confirm that the SSHO must be hired by the GC and is a separate individual on site from the QC Manager and Project Superintendent.

Correct, the a. SSHO must be hired by the GC and is a separate individual on site from the QC Manager and Project Superintendent.

77 01 45 00 – 3.4.B - CQC System Manager

a. Can the superintendent perform the CQC Manager duties as well as superintendent duties?

No

78 Is the contractor to assume ceilings in hallways are ACT drop ceilings unless noted otherwise?

Most corridors have drop ceilings, except the following areas.

• Building 1/ Basement / TR BA-126A: This is in a major mechanical room. No ACT drop ceilings and exposed to concrete structure.

• Building 2 / Basement / TE 2001A: No ACT drop ceilings.

• Building 6 / Basement / TR 6BB-102: No ACT drop ceilings in storage room.

• Building 7 / First floor / TR 7-1104A: ACT in adjacent break room but the carpentry space in east of TR is a 2 story height with no drop ceilings.

• Building 17: Proposed TE located in pre-fab office unit with drop ceiling but tall open space in rigid frame structure storage area.

Parking garage / Basement: No ACT drop ceiling in existing elec / mech room B01 in concrete structure.

79 Please confirm, are all horizontal interior fiber backbone conduit pathways existing to be reused, or is the contractor to assume these are all to be provided as new?

Refer to cover page installation notes and floor plan installation notes for interior fiber pathway requirements.

80 Please confirm, is all work in hallways and work areas to be done during off hours (nights / weekends) so as not to disturb normal facility operations?

Hallways can be completed during normal working hours if the hallway can remain accessible and all ICRA requirements for the work are met.

81 Please confirm, will maxcell innerduct be required for exterior underground cable pathways only? Or is the contractor provide maxcell innerduct in all fiber conduit pathways?

Maxcell innerduct in all underground exterior duct banks, as called out on the drawings.

82 Please confirm, the designated SSHO must be a separate individual from both the designated superintendent and

QCM?

Confirmed.

83 Is the contractor required to hire an SIOR to oversee all special inspections?

Yes.

84 Is the contractor required to hire a 3rd-party firestopping inspector as part of this contract?

Yes. The contractor should plan to hire a 3rd party inspector.

85 Is the contractor required to hire a 3rd party geotechnical engineer as part of this project?

The contractor shall provide geotechnical services in accordance with general requirements specifications, section 04 45 29 testing laboratory services. This section is being reissued to incorporate the applicable requirements.

See S06 - Amendment 0004 – ATT 2 – Addendum 1

86 Is the contractor responsible for any abatement of asbestos or hazardous material beyond quantities provided in the specifications?

The design team have provided estimated quantities for the removal of asbestos-containing materials along the path of construction. In the event that additional materials are present within the path of construction, the abatement contractor would be responsible for removal of the materials. We suggest that the contractor provide unit rates for materials to be removed during the bid so that they can bill for the additional materials removed if any is encountered.

87 Will the contractor be limited to the amount of rooms / work areas that can be accessed simultaneously? Or will the contractor be allowed to sequence work areas as they see fit to best move the project along to meet the schedule?

Contractor shall submit phasing plan to VA for comment and approval.

88 If room-specific phasing constraints are to be anticipated, for bidding purposes, please provide an approximate number of rooms that will be turned over to the contractor at a time. For example, in past EHRM projects, bidders have been advised to assume access to only 3-4 Telecom Rooms at a time, with work in each required to be completed in full before contractors would be permitted to advance to the next work area.

Due to escort constraints, contractors can work in 3 different TR/TE spaces at one time. The work in the each TR/TE will be completed before moving to another.

89 Would HEPA carts be considered a sufficient means of infection control for contractors to use while working above ceilings in hallways?

HEPA carts will suffice for hallway work.

91 Is the contractor permitted to utilize plastic barrier containments to isolate hallway sections during above ceiling hallway work? If so, must this work be done on off-hours so as not to disturb facility operations?

Plastic barriers will be acceptable. Hallways can be completed during normal working hours if the hallway can remain accessible.

92 Is the contractor to assume new fire sleeves are required at all new through-wall cable penetrations associated with cat6a cable drop locations?

New corridor sleeves are shown at known locations but may not represent all quantities and locations required for installation. Contractor to provide new conduit sleeves as necessary. The design team will not provide a total count of all required sleeve locations and sizes. Refer to Technology Installation Note #2 on TN001. Refer to Sheet Note #4 on all Overall Floor Plans.

93 Are WAPs to be removed and replaced as new, or are the existing WAPs to be removed and reinstalled? If WAP devices are being replaced with new, is it the contractor’s responsibility to provide the new devices, or will these be furnished by the VA?

This is a cabling replacement project. Removal or reinstallation of older or new wireless access points is not in scope of the project.

94 Is there an existing proprietary PACS and/or CCTV contractor at the facility? If so, please provide company name and point of contact.

Most PACS and CCTV work is completed by station electronic department. For work requiring any sort of certification, Johnson Control is contracted to complete the work.

95 Where disturbed by construction, is grass area to be restored using seed or sod?

Grass shall be restored with seed in accordance with specification 32 90 00 Section 2.2.

96 Is the contractor responsible for maintenance and watering for an establishment period of a predetermined duration after initial grass restoration? If so, how long is this establishment period?

Yes. The contractor is response for maintenance and water until turning over to the government and receiving acceptance from the VA.

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

Confirmed

98 If rooms are required to be isolated in phases, will there be any downtime in the schedule between phases to allow the VA time for relocation of staff / equipment / devices? If so, how much downtime should the contractor anticipate for this?

Exact downtime between phases will be determined by contractor submitted and VA approved phasing plan. For bidding purposes, assume a maximum of 2 days of downtime between phases.

99 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.

Confirmed

100 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.

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

102 Please confirm this project must meet the buy American act

Yes. This project must comply with American act

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

Confirmed.

104 Are we required to use plenum rated cabling for all areas?

Can we use riser rated cabling in non plenum spaces?

Refer to 27 15 13-2.1-G for CMP vs CMR applications.

105 Will flexible metal conduit be allowed?

Only permissible in situations requiring new openings in walls due to conduit capacity. Refer to Technology Installation Note #1 on TN001.

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

VA will plan network outages in conjunction with approved phasing plan.

107 Please confirm the normal working hours of this contract are to be assumed as normal working hours; 7:00 am-5:00 pm

108 Please confirm per section 01 00 00 that contractor is to provide a commercial photographer/subcontractor and that indexing/navigation will use AutoCAD drawings to be interactive online. Typically this has been waived on most other VA projects as most facilities do not have the capabilities to utilize AutoCAD.

Confirmed, the Beckley VAMC has Auto CAD access.

109 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.

QCM may serve as photographer.

110 Is it anticipated that unsuitable soil will be encountered on this project? If so, is the contractor responsible for removal and disposal of any unsuitable soils?

Presence of unsuitable soils on this project is unknown as a geotechnical investigation was not conducted during design. Contractor is responsible for removal and disposal of any unsuitable soils. Reference Specification 31 20 00 Paragraphs 1.2.A, 3.2.H, 3.4.A, and 3.6.A.

111 Please confirm, is the prime contractor required to directly hire the controls system integrator?

Prime contract is preferred, but integrator may be a subcontractor to the mechanical contractor or the controls contractor.

112 Will there be PLA requirements on this project?

No.

113 Please confirm, are all new cat6a cables to be factory terminated?

No pre-terminated Category 6A cables are in scope of this project.

114 At cat6a cable drop locations, is the contractor permitted to reuse conduit and backboxes cable is being removed and replaced 1-for-1 or if more cables are being removed than are being replaced?

Refer to Technology Installation Notes on TN001

115 Are all interior partition walls to be disturbed / penetrated assumed to be drywall and non structural metal framing unless noted otherwise?

Can assume drywall metal framing except the following.

• Building 1 is originally built in masonry or concrete wall.

• Building 2, 3 and 4 are primarily wood framing building.

• Parking garage is a concrete structure.

116 At cat6a cable drop locations throughout the facility where walls will need to be cut and patched for new in-wall cable installations, will these walls need to then be painted seam-to-seam, or would spot painting at patch locations suffice?

Paint seam-to-seam.

117 On the site plans, there are different graphic patterns indicating the surface above the proposed duct bank (pavement, concrete, vegetation, etc) but there are many locations where the duct bank passes through a blank white area. Are surface left without an indication of surface restoration assumed to be grass areas?

Correct, all disturbed surfaces are to be restored to ex condition. The surfaces without specific indication within the LOW are assumed to be grass areas.

119 Please confirm, are all duct banks shown on CS drawings to be provided as new? Are there any areas where existing duct bank is to be reused?

All duct banks shown on CS and TN drawings are new.

120 What is the length, width, and height of proposed manholes?

6’ x 6’ interior structures with vertically sized per plan.

121 What is the length, width, and height of proposed handholes?

3’ x 3’ x 3’

122 Is the contractor responsible for scanning and locating all utilities throughout site work areas?

Yes. All utilities shown are provided based upon available records and does not constitute a guarantee of their actual locations or that they have all been shown. Contractor to comply with all requirements set by specifications and drawings sheet CI001; including digging of test holes prior to beginning construction and performing GPR along proposed routes prior to digging.

123 Is the contractor responsible for hiring a land surveyor to provide a topographic survey and benchmarking throughout site work areas?

Yes. Contractor must hire a surveyor in accordance with the General Requirements Specification 01 00 00 Paragraphs 1.12 & 1.13. Control points are provided to the contractor. See attached Control Point Memo and its associated attachments for benchmark/control point information. – See Attachments Listed in Amendments

124 Please confirm, is the contractor responsible for providing any new fire extinguisher cabinets as part of this project?

Correct. Provide new FEC as indicated in plans

125 Is the contractor to include an allowance for additional cat6a drops not shown on the drawings? If so, please include a percentage or quantity to be included in the allowance.

Include a 10% allowance for additional cabling with the base bid of the project