S06 - Amend 0001 - RFIs - 07132026 - EHRM Infra Upgrades - Constr - Togus.pdf

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND SOLICITATION #: 36C77626R0062

RESPONSES TRACKING SHEET PROJECT TITLE: Electronic Health Record Modernization – Construction - Togus - #402-22-701

# CONTRACTOR QUESTION VA RESPONSE

1 Factor 3 Past Performance: Could the requirement be revised to allow projects 75% complete? Please also define how completion should be measured. (RFP - EHRM Infra Upgrade - 36C77626R0062 - 06172026 – Togus pg 11 of 87)

No. The Past Performance factor will not be changed at this time.

2 Factor 3 Past Performance: Could the requirement be revised to allow projects with a magnitude of $40M? It's challenging for an SDVOSB to meet the $60M requirement. (RFP - EHRM Infra Upgrade - 36C77626R0062 - 06172026 – Togus pg 11 of 87)

No. The Past Performance factor will not be changed at this time.

3 Factor 4 Socioeconomic Participation: (a) Please clarify how scoring will operate for SDVOSB business vs. Large businesses. (b) How does a large business receive credit/ will be scored? (c) Can a large business receive full credit if using SDVOSB in the small business plan? (d) What percent participation be required for full participation?

Reference VAAR 852.215-70. Eligible service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses offerors will receive full credit, and offerors qualifying as veteran-owned small businesses will receive partial credit. To receive credit, an offeror must be registered and verified in the SBA certification database. Non-Veteran offerors proposing to use SDVOSBs or VOSBs as subcontractors will receive some consideration under this evaluation factor. Offerors must state in their proposals the names of the SDVOSBs and VOSBs with whom they intend to subcontract and provide a brief description of the proposed subcontracts and the approximate dollar values of the proposed subcontracts. In addition, the proposed subcontractors must be registered and verified in the SBA certification database.

4 Divisional Cost Breakdown - Please confirm that lump sum amounts are acceptable without further itemization of each division.

No, each division must be broken into further detail in the individual division tabs in the spreadsheet provided.

5 Please clarify if the additional 10% WAO allowance is based on total number of WAO cables or total number of CAT6A cables (including WAPs & existing security cameras)

The 10% additional WAO allowance applies to the new Work Area Outlet cables shown on the TN-series drawings, in accordance with TN-series Drawing Note 18 and Specification Section 27 10 00, Page 5, Section 2.4.F.

Provide an additional 10% allowance for WAPs and existing security cameras, in addition to the WAO allowance. Provide a 10% allowance for patch cables to support these additional drops. Assume all additional allowance drops require rough-in, patching, and painting. The allowance may be used to support either 2-port or 4-port outlets. For the cable allowance, assume an average cable length of 260 feet per drop.

6 Please clarify if the additional 10% WAO allowance are to be 2-port outlets. See response to Question #5.

7 What is the current BAS manufacturer and service vendor? Honeywell

8 What Is the current Access Control system manufacturer and service vendor? Honeywell

9 What is the current Surveillance System manufacturer and service vendor? Honeywell

10 What is the current Fire Alarm system manufacturer and service vendor? Mircom/KingFisher for manufacturer. Mammouth Fire Alarms for vendor.

11 Please clarify that the roles of project superintendent, SSHO, and CQC System manager shall be filled by (3) individual persons with no other duties.

Site superintendent and CQC system manager may not be a shared duty. Site Superintendent or CQC System Manager may be shared with SSHO.

12 Please confirm that a Special Inspector of Record (SIOR) will be required and hired by the General Contractor.

A Special Inspector of Record (SIOR) is not required. All materials testing, construction inspection, and special inspection services shall be provided by a Testing Laboratory retained and paid for by the General Contractor in accordance with the requirements of Spec 01 45 29, Page 01 45 29-1 of 14, Paragraph 1.1.A.

13 Please clarify how many TRs will be available to work in at a time. The Contract Documents do not limit the number of TRs that may be under construction concurrently. Sequencing is the Contractor's responsibility, subject to the phasing requirements, COR coordination, VA escort availability, and ICRA controls.

TR cutovers are constrained by the ten (10) Government-furnished swing switches and the National OIT 4-week lead time before activation of new TR data drops. See Specification Section 01 14 00 for phasing requirements.

14 Please provide details for ductbanks with odd numbers of conduits or indicate which details are to be used per 00-CJ-A101.

Where a ductbank cross-section contains an odd number of conduits, the following spacer requirements apply:

3-Conduit Groups: Contractor shall install a 3-conduit spacer unit, maintaining a minimum 3-inch clear separation between adjacent conduits.

All Other Odd-Numbered Groups (5, 7, 9, etc.): Contractor shall utilize the standard spacer configuration shown on the details, with one position left as an open placeholder to accommodate the odd count. Spacer geometry and conduit separation shall otherwise conform to the standard detail.

15 Please provide details for ductbanks that include 2" Fire Alarm Fiber Conduits. For ductbank bundles that contain various diameters, utilize a spacer that has multiple conduit size attachments. The 2” conduit shall be placed at the top of the stack if there is more then one tier.

16 Please clarify quantity of 3-cell innerducts required for OSP fiber. All OSP fiber shall be routed in 3-cell fabric innerduct per Drawings 00-TS-001 through 00-TS-005, General Note 2 and Specification Section 27 05 33 Page 5, Paragraph 2.1.G. The Contractor shall provide fabric innerduct for all OSP fiber cables. Only 1 fiber cable shall be installed per cell. Provide a minimum of one 3-cell fabric innerduct in each conduit occupied by new OSP fiber. Provide additional innerduct as required to accommodate additional fiber cables. Spare innerduct capacity is not required. Conduits not provided with new fiber are not required to have 3-cell innerduct; only a pull string is required.

17 Please clarify if all OSP fiber conduits are to be installed with 3-cell innerducts and indicate quantity of innerducts per conduit.

See response to Question # 16.

18 Will all firestopping have to be done by a UL or FM Global certified contractor? Yes. Firestopping shall be installed by a firm approved by FM Global in accordance with FM 4991 or qualified under UL's Qualified Firestop Contractor Program and inspected by an independent qualified inspector per the requirements of Specification Section 07 84 00, Page 07 84 00-2 of 7, Paragraphs 1.5.B and 1.5.C.

19 For additional 10% WAOs, are these all assumed to be new rough-ins? See response to Question #5.

20 Are we to assume that for replacement WAOs in the same location, that we will be able to reuse the existing conduit?

Per the TN typical drawing General Notes 15, 16, 17, and 20, existing conduit pathways may be reused where adequate. Re-use existing conduit room pathways and existing conduit secondary pathways from the WAO to the primary pathway wherever possible, where an existing pathway is not adequate for the quantity of new cables, provide a new pathway sized to a maximum of 40% fill. Provide bushings on all existing conduits that are cut, modified, or reused. For all cables in reused pathways provided testing before and after closure of the faceplate.

21 For any new WAO rough-ins where drywall patching is needed, we are assuming painting from seam to seam, please confirm that is correct.

Spot painting limited to the immediate patched, repaired, or disturbed area is not permitted. After patching or repair, paint the entire continuous wall or ceiling surface. Paint walls from floor to ceiling and between inside corners, outside corners, control joints, changes in material, architectural breaks, or other natural boundaries. Paint ceilings between walls, soffits, control joints, changes in material, architectural breaks, or other natural boundaries.

22 Sheet MCR-SF-100: Please provide top of footing elevations. Top of footings elevations have been added tot the foundation pan on MCR-SF-100. See attached and updated structural drawings in attachment Att 01 – Revised Structural Drawings - 06-19-2026

23 Please confirm Attachment 22 TS-000 supercedes sheet TS-000 included in the bid drawing set. This sheet was provided as 8.5" x 11", please re-issue as the original size (42" x 30").

Attachment 22 TS-000 supersedes sheet TS-000 included in the bid drawing set. This is a VA provided mark up sheet only available in 8.5” x 11” at this time.

24 Please provide Civil demolition plan for new MCR construction. A separate civil demolition sheet will not be issued. Site removals for the new MCR construction are indicated on the civil documents: existing conditions on 00-CS-001, proposed improvements and limits on 00-CS-004 and 00-CG-100, and erosion control on 00-CE-102. Remove existing improvements within the limits of work as required to construct the work shown, in accordance with Spec 02 41 19, Selective Demolition.

25 Please confirm that any rock drilling/removal will be handled as an extra to the contract as this cannot be quantified until after excavation begins for the new MCR construction.

No. Rock removal shall be included in the base line item and will not be handled as an extra. Shallow bedrock is present at the site, including within proposed cut area and extensive rock removal is anticipated. Per 31 21 11 Page 4, 1.4.C.4, the Contractor is expected to use the information in the Geotechnical Engineering Report to evaluate the extent and competency of rock and to determine quantity estimates and removal equipment and effort for the proposed building, yard area, and retaining wall.

The Geotechnical Engineering Report is provided as Specifications Appendix 40 00 00

Blasting is not permitted at any time.

26 Please confirm that all foundations/slabs for the new MCR shall be backfilled with structural fill per the Geotechnical Report.

Yes. Backfill requirement added to the structural notes section “STRUCTURAL FILL OR BACKFILL” section located on sheet MCR-SN-100. Building footings to be placed on 6-inch compacted backfill as indicated structural notes section “FOUNDATION” section located on sheet MCR-SN-

100. Thickness of compacted backfill under the slab on grade is indicated on detail 9 on MCR-SD-100. Thickness of compacted backfill under the site mechanical pads indicated on detail 8 on MCR-SD-100. See revised structural drawings in attachment Att 01 – Revised Structural Drawings – 06-19- 2026.

27 Please indicate work hours for the following phases of work: (a) MCR Construction;

(b) TR construction; (c) Horizontal CAT6A cabling from TR to outside work area;

(d) WAO installation & demolition of existing CAT6A cabling

All work that generates significant noise, vibration, or other disturbances may be required to occur outside of normal business hours. Any activity that necessitates closing a main corridor, roadway, building entrance, or other critical means of egress may also be directed to off-hours scheduling. In general, any work with the potential to disrupt the daily operations of the hospital may be requested to be performed after hours to ensure patient care, staff workflow, and public access remain uninterrupted.

(a) MCR construction is anticipated to be conducted during normal working hours.

(b) TR construction is expected to take place during normal working hours.

(c) Horizontal CAT6A cabling from TR to outside work area is expected to take place off-hours due to interruptions in campus corridors. Location of work to be a case-by-case decision.

(d) WAO installation & demolition of existing CAT6A cabling to take place off hours. Location of work to be a case-by-case decision.

28 Please indicate extent of pavement removal & clearing/grubbing for new OSP fiber ductbanks, as well as restoration types.

Pavement removal and surface restoration are limited to the trench limits and requirements shown on the typical details, along the duct bank alignments indicated on the site plans 00- CU-101 through 00-CU-109 and 00-CU-201 through 00-CU-

208. Restore surfaces in kind per the trench patch details and Utility Trench Patch Notes. The restoration requirements are governed by 32 12 16 Asphalt Paving, 32 05 23 Cement and Concrete for Exterior Improvements, and 32 90 00 Planting.

29 Please clarify if interior fiber conduits should also include 3-cell innerduct. All new fiber, including interior (ISP) fiber shall be routed in new fabric innerduct per typical TN sheet drawing Note 3.

3-cell fabric innerduct is only required specified for OSP fiber.

Interior fabric innerduct is required for ISP but is not required to be 3-cell.

30 The attached Geotechnical Report shows 4 of 6 borings around the footprint of the new MCR showing auger refusal or “bedrock” within the foundation excavation zone. In Section 4.1, the Report mentions “The bedrock will require blasting for excavation.” Later in Section 4.3, “We understand that bedrock removal with blasting will not be permitted due to the proximity to the VAMC hospital.”

Further in Section 4.3, the Report says “Based upon the bedrock present at the site, we anticipate hoe ramming will not be feasible for rock removal. We anticipate rock removal will require drilling and splitting with hydraulic wedges or expansive cement. We anticipate the closely spaced, large diameter drill hole (such as with an air-track will be needed.”

In summary, the only alternatives for bedrock removal are time consuming, expensive, and difficult to scale.

Will blasting not be permitted at all or only under what conditions?

Blasting is not permitted for any excavation on this project, without exception. Remove bedrock by drilling and splitting with hydraulic wedges or expansive cement, or approved equal methods. Include all associated cost and schedule impacts in the base bid and baseline CPM schedule.

31 Section 4.8 of the Geotechnical Report briefly discusses the Segmented Retaining Wall to be designed by Others. No borings were included for the Retaining Wall Scope The Building MCR Retaining Wall Drawings MCR-SD-102 and MCR-SD-103 show a retaining wall extending approximately 30 feet above the MCR floor elevation. In addition, the drawings show a 12 ft + cut into the face of the hill behind the MCR followed by a 45 degree layback subgrade slope. Excavating the face cut and subgrade slope as shown will involve removing 5000+ BCY of soils.

(a) Please provide any available geotechnical reports made in support of this scope of work?

(b) Several thousand cubic yards soil will be replaced by gravel. Does the VA have any need for these spoils or will they need to be transported offsite?

(c) The Retaining Wall must be substantially complete before the start of building the MCR. Removing some unknown amount of bedrock using acceptable methods that are time consuming, expensive, and difficult to scale will likely have a negative impact on the construction schedule. Will blasting not be permitted at all or only under what conditions?

The retaining wall is designed in the structural drawing sheets MCR-SD-102 through MCR-SD-104. See Att 01 – Revised Structural Drawings - 06-19-2026. If the basis of design is changed (Redi-Rock MSE), then the Contractor is required to provide a full engineering package for the MSE site retaining walls. The engineering calculations and drawings will then be required to be sealed by a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Maine.

(a) The Geotechnical Engineering Report included in the Contract Documents is the subsurface information available for bidding and is provided in Specifications Appendix 40 00 00.

Shallow bedrock is present at the site, including within proposed cut area and extensive rock removal is anticipated.

(b) The VA has no need for the spoils. Remove surplus and excess excavated material from the site and legally dispose of it off the Medical Center per Speciation Section 31 20 11, Page 12, Paragraph 3.1.6 and Page 23 Paragraph 3.6.A.

(c) Blasting is not permitted under any conditions. The Contractor shall account for the required rock removal methods in its means, methods, pricing, and baseline CPM schedule.

The Period of Performance accounts for rock removal and no additional time will be granted for the anticipated rock removal.

32 Factor 3 Past Performance requirements include at least 3 completed projects, in the last 5 years, exceeding $60M. This will likely, severely limit the number of offers the government will receive for this opportunity.

At least two other EHRM Solicitations have been posted earlier this year with an identical ROM, yet these prior Solicitations have had a PP Requirement that is significantly less. One previous opportunity had a “3 completed projects/$30M” requirement and the most recent has a “3 projects >75% complete/$45M requirement”.

Will the VA consider reducing the Past Performance requirements for this solicitation?

Reference Question #2 Response.

33 Will the VA consider excluding pages for Schedule, Resumes/Licenses and CPARS from counting towards the Volume I page count?

The government will not exclude anything from the page count but the Volume I page count shall not exceed a total of fifty

(50) pages.

34 Factor 4 Socioeconomic Participation

(a) Please identify the Socioeconomic Goals established for this solicitation.

Please identify the evaluation of this Factor – Pass/Fail or Weighted Evaluation Guidelines

Reference Question #3 Response. See also Section 2.12 Subcontracting Plan in the solicitation (page 16) for the subcontracting socioeconomic goals.

35 Please consider extending the RFI period by one week.

The government has completed the RFI response period and has determined that it will not be reopened or extended.

Accordingly, the Government will not accept or consider responses received after the published closing date.

36 Photographic Documentation Platform

01 00 00 ¶1.26

Section 01 00 00, Paragraph 1.26 requires photographic documentation to include electronic indexing, navigation, remote access, and storage capabilities. The specification establishes the required functionality but does not identify a required software platform or indicate whether contractor-selected commercial software is acceptable.

Will the Government accept a contractor-selected photographic documentation platform that satisfies all specification requirements, or is the Contractor required to utilize a Government-specified platform?

A contractor-selected commercial photographic documentation platform is acceptable, provided it is accessible by the VA personnel, satisfies all functional requirements specified in 01 00 00 Page 29 Paragraph 1.26 (electronic indexing, navigation, storage, and remote access) and is submitted for COR approval.

No Government platform is specified.

37 OIT Support During TR Migrations

01 32 16.15¶ 2.1D

Section 01 32 16.15, Paragraph 2.1.D requires coordination with the VA Office of Information and Technology (OIT) for telecommunications room migrations, switch relocations, and cutover activities. The specification does not identify the level of local or National OIT resources that will be available to support these activities or the number of Telecommunications Rooms (TRs) that may be supported concurrently.

Please clarify the anticipated level of VA OIT support available for this project, including both local and National OIT resources. Specifically, will OIT support be available for uninterrupted durations necessary to complete Telecommunications Room (TR) migrations, how many TR migrations can be supported concurrently, and are there any resource limitations that will restrict the Contractor's ability to perform multiple switch relocation and cutover activities simultaneously?

Note this requirement resides in Spec 01 14 00, not 01 32 16.15.

OIT participation is defined in the phasing requirements of Specification Section 01 14 00: TR cutover activities will be supported by Local (Station) OIT. The Station OIT will physically relocate switches with National OIT reconfiguration support. The National OIT team requires 4 weeks before activation of any new TR data drops. Ten (10) swing switches will be provided, which govern the number of TR cutovers.

TRs will still only be able to be cutover sequentially.

38 Sanitary Sewer Capacity Approval

Section 33 30 00¶1.6.A

Section 33 30 00, Paragraph 1.6.A requires the Contractor to obtain approval from the Public Agency that the existing sanitary sewer system has adequate capacity to accommodate the discharge from the facility. The Contract Documents do not indicate whether the Public Agency has previously evaluated the proposed project discharge or whether any known capacity limitations exist.

Has the Public Agency previously evaluated the existing sanitary sewer system for the proposed project and identified any known capacity limitations or required off-site improvements, or should the Contractor assume that obtaining the required approval is limited to a routine connection approval with no anticipated system capacity upgrades?

The sanitary work is limited to the new MCR service shown on Drawings 00-CU-301 and 00-CU-302. No off-site system upgrades are required.

39 Buy American Requirements

RFP, Standard Form 1442, 2.21 52.225-12, Notice of Buy American Requirement

Vendors may not be able to provide specific components that meet the Buy American Requirement prior to bid day.

Trade Agreements Act (TAA) Exemption will apply and federal agencies can authorize exceptions to the BAA if the vendor proves it falls Under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 25?

In a pre-proposal scenario, submit offer and pre-award inapplicability/exception request in accordance with FAR 52.225-12 Notice of Buy American Requirement-Construction Materials Under Trade Agreements for foreign materials proposed. After award, follow guidance provided in FAR 52.225-11 Buy American-Construction Materials under Trade Agreements for requests to use foreign construction materials.

40 Firestopping

Division 7, Attachment 4

Please confirm existing fire stopping deficiencies are not part of this contract. If required please provide a comprehensive list of what is required

Confirmed. Correction of pre-existing legacy firestopping deficiencies is not part of this contract. The Contractor is responsible for firestopping all penetrations made, modified, or reused under this contract, including firestopping openings resulting from demolition of abandoned cabling, in accordance with Spec 07 84 00 and the UL assemblies on Drawings 00-GI- 006 through 00-GI-008.

41 Scope Verification

Specifications 22 05 11-14, 2 Coordination/shop Drawings

Attachment 3

Please confim the scope of coordination drawings is limited to what is shown drawings.

The Contractor is required to submit separate plumbing coordination drawings in accordance with the requirements of 22 05 11 Page 11 1.6.5.E and Page 13 1.7.I. Resubmitting the design drawings will not be acceptable. This requirement is also captured on the submittal register provided S02 - SOW - Att 16 - Submittal Reg - 02182026 - EHRM Infra - Upgrades - Constr - Togus.xlsx

42 3D Scanning / Existing Conditions

Specifications 22 05 11-14, 2 Coordination/shop Drawings

Attachment 3

Please confirm 3D scanning or other means is required for existing conditions in areas shown on drawings.

3D scanning is not required by the Contract Documents. Field verification of existing conditions in the areas of work is required per 22 05 11 Page 13 Paragraph 1.7.I.1. The means of verification including scanning, if the Contractor elects, are the Contractor's means and methods and shall be included in the offer.

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

Reference Special Notes regarding FAR 52.229-3: Federal, State and Local Taxes:

Offerors are hereby notified that under 36 Maine Revised Statutes Annotated §1760-C, no tax on sales, storage or use may be collected upon or in connection with tangible personal property that is to be physically incorporated in, and become a permanent part of, real property for sale to the Federal Government, except as otherwise provided by Section §1760- C. Therefore, the contractor’s purchase of such tangible personal property within Maine that is to be physically incorporated in, and become a permanent part of, real property belonging to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is subject to the exemption from Maine State Sales and Use Tax.

To take advantage of the tax exemption the successful offeror under this solicitation must complete Form ST-A-119 – Contractor’s Exempt Purchase Certificate when it purchases construction materials for this contract and keep on file as required by the Maine State Tax Law.

Notwithstanding FAR 52.229-3, all offers received in response to this solicitation are presumed to reflect this tax exemption, and therefore should not include Maine State Sales and Use Tax on sales of materials for incorporation into VA real estate under this contract.

44 ET/TY series drawings for CCTV camera. Bid spec documents do not specify 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 the support the new cameras

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

(f) Is there a current maintenance/vendor/installer of this system that we can contact (please provide contact information)?

(a) The specified camera manufacturer is Axis Communications, model Axis M3057-PLVE Mk II as specified in the Brand Name Justification S02 - Att 04

- Memo - Brand Name - 04092026 - EHRM Infra Upgrade – Togus.

(b) Honeywell DVM

(c) The Contractor is required to install, configure, test, and license the software necessary for proper operation of the work. Software updates during the installation are required where necessary for a functioning system.The contractor is not required to upgrade the existing VMS beyond what is necessary for the contract work.

(d) Provide licenses required to support the cameras installed under this contract and assign applicable software licenses to the VA.

(e) The cameras are fixed dome cameras, not 2MP PTZ cameras. The brand-name memo and Section 28 23 00 identify the Axis M3057-PLVE Mk II / indoor-outdoor fixed mini dome camera system

(f) The Contractor is required to use factory-trained/factory-authorized personnel and provide the required service organization information as part of the work.

45 ET/TY series drawings for card reader/pin pad. Bid spec documents do not specify 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 maintenance/vendor/installer of this system that we can contact (please provide contact information)?

(a) The specified card reader / PIN pad manufacturer is HID, model HID pivCLASS RP40-H Wall Switch Reader, as specified in the Brand Name Justification S02 - Att 04 - Memo - Brand Name - 04092026 - EHRM Infra Upgrade – Togus.

(b) Honeywell EBI R700

(c) The Contractor is required to install, configure, test, and license the software necessary for proper operation of the work. Software updates during the installation are required where necessary for a functioning system.

The Contractor is not required to upgrade the existing access control system beyond what is necessary for the contract work.

(d) Provide licenses required to support the card readers and doors installed under this contract and assign applicable software licenses to the VA.

(e) The documents require integration between the access control system and CCTV system where required for proper operation. Defer to VA regarding the extent of existing integration between the current access control and CCTV systems.

(f) The Contractor is required to use factory-trained/factory-authorized personnel and provide the required service organization information as part of the work.

46 Is there an allowance for Cat 6A cables that should be carried within the Div.27 pricing? Some previous requirements on other projects requested 5-10% additional Cat 6A cables to cover what may have been missed during design.

See response to Question #5

47 Existing Fire Alarm System:

Is there current maintenance/vendor/installer of this system that we can contact (please provide contact information)?

Reference Question #10.

48 Existing Nurse Call System:

Is there current maintenance/vendor/installer of this system that we can contact (please provide contact information)?

The VA currently does not have a nurse call vendor. Multiple nurse call systems exist on campus.

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

Install grounding and bonding conductors as detailed on the bonding details and in accordance with Spec 27 05 26. For Division 27 grounding conductors, conduit is required only where conductors are subject to physical damage. Note:

bonding jumpers between wire baskets will not be acceptable, the bonding conductors must be continuous through the wire baskets. Electrical grounding conductors governed by Division 26 are required to be installed in conduit.

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

Yes, the contractor is required to GPR scan or X-ray scan prior to any core drilling. Prior to drilling or coring existing concrete, the contractor shall locate existing reinforcement to maintain adequate clearances and avoid damage. Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, preferably ground penetrating radar (GPR), shall be used. Where X-ray is required, submit a written request at least three (3) weeks prior to the event. Such work may be required outside normal work hours and shall be documented on the three (3) week look-ahead schedule.

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

Storage of asphalt and concrete may be permitted on VA campus. Contractor is fully responsible for all upkeep, environmental controls, security, and regulatory compliance associated with the storage location. The storage site for all materials, equipment, and supplies shall be designated by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Contractors shall anticipate that the designated storage location may not be situated near the construction site or the hospital. The contractor is responsible for planning logistics, transportation, and staging accordingly to ensure project progress is not impacted by the remote storage location. The contractor shall ensure that all storage activities protect VA property, operations, and personnel at all times.

52 Will soil testing be performed prior to construction, to determine if any soils are contaminated?

No Government pre-construction contamination testing will be performed. No contaminated soils are identified in the Geotechnical Engineering Report in Specifications Appendix 40 00 00. If suspect material is encountered, provide testing and notify the Contracting Officer.

53 Is there a location were spoil dirt can be stored? Storage of spoil dirt may be permitted on VA campus.

Contractor is fully responsible for all upkeep, environmental controls, security, and regulatory compliance associated with the storage location. The storage site for all materials, equipment, and supplies shall be designated by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Contractors shall anticipate that the designated storage location may not be situated near the construction site or the hospital. The contractor is responsible for planning logistics, transportation, and staging accordingly to ensure project progress is not impacted by the remote storage location. The contractor shall ensure that all storage activities protect VA property, operations, and personnel at all times.

54 Is there a specific location that will be used as a laydown yard during construction? Laydown yard may be permitted on VA campus. Contractor is fully responsible for all upkeep, environmental controls, security, and regulatory compliance associated with the storage location. The storage site for all materials, equipment, and supplies shall be designated by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Contractors shall anticipate that the designated storage location may not be situated near the construction site or the hospital. The contractor is responsible for planning logistics, transportation, and staging accordingly to ensure project progress is not impacted by the remote storage location. The contractor shall ensure that all storage activities protect VA property, operations, and personnel at all times.

55 Will erosion control plans be provided? Erosion control requirements are included in the Contract Documents per the notes and details on drawings 00-CE-100 and 00-CE-101 and the provided MR erosion control plan on 00-CE-102. No separate plan will be issued. The contractor is required to implement and maintain the erosion control measures shown on the drawings, and all requirements of 01 57 19 Temporary Environmental Controls.

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

Subsurface information is limited to the Geotechnical Engineering Report in Specifications Appendix 40 00 00. No borings were performed along the duct bank routes. The Contractor is expected to anticipate rock in the MCR building area.

57 WAO/WAP-Is this a 1 for 1 replacement for existing cables? No, not strictly one-for-one. Provide new Category 6A cabling for all WAOs, WAPs, cameras, and devices as shown on the TN-series drawings and cable schedules, plus the 10% WAO allowance requirement referenced in the response to Question #5. Demolish existing cabling as indicated on the TD-series drawings and demolition schedules.

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

A Government-directed comprehensive survey is not specified, however, drop locations shown are for guidance only and the Contractor is responsible to confirm all outlet locations on site.

Cable counts and outlet quantities are as indicated on the TN plans and TJ cable schedules, with an additional 10% allowance per response to Question #5.

59 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.

Cable quantities by TR are indicated on the TN-series floor plans and on the Telecomm Cable Schedules. No separate drop count matrix will be issued.

60 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 responses to Questions #57 and #59. Drop counts by TR are as indicated on the TN-series plans and the TJ series Telecomm Cable Schedules. The work is not a strict one-for-one swap. Existing cable removals are tabulated on the TJ drawing series Telecomm Cable Demolition Schedules.

61 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 TJ-035 detail 1 & 3 & spec?

Yes, pathway verification is the Contractor's responsibility. The Contractor shall determine the adequacy and reusability of existing pathways, field verify all conditions, and provide new pathways at maximum 40% fill where existing pathways are inadequate, in compliance with the details on TJ-035. No Government survey will be provided.

62 Are there a count and length for Cat6A patch cords? A separate count will not be provided. The Contractor shall furnish all Category 6A patch cables required to support the new TN-series drops, including the additional 10% allowance required by the response to Question #5. Patch cable quantities and lengths shall be provided in accordance with Specification Section 27 16 19 Page 1 Section 2.1.

63 Are there a count and length for Fiber Patch cords? A separate count will not be provided. The Contractor shall furnish all fiber patch cords required to support the project.

Provide a total quantity of single-mode and multi-mode fiber patch cords equal to the number of fiber strands installed, in accordance with Specification Section 27 16 19, Page 2, Section 2.2.F. Patch cords shall be the shortest appropriate length, in accordance with Specification Section 27 16 19, Page 2, Section 2.2.E.

64 Is armored fiber acceptable in leu of/or is Maxcell/innerduct required for ISP fiber? The basis of bid is all new fiber, including interior (ISP) fiber shall be routed in new fabric innerduct per typical TN sheet drawing Note 3.

3-cell fabric innerduct is only required specified for OSP fiber.

Interior fabric innerduct is required but is not required to be 3-cell. Armored fiber would require VA approval and must follow the substitution request procedures.

65 Are there specific lengths for the CAT6A patch Cords? See response to Question #62.

66 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?

Patch cords are not required for the end user device end but required on the Telecommunication Room side. See response to Question #62 for additional information.

67 Are we to provide patch cables for each pair of strands at each end? Yes provide fiber patch cables for each pair of strand at each end. Provide a total quantity of fiber patch cables equal to the number of strands installed per Specification Section 27 16 19 Pages 2 Paragraph 2.2.F.

68 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?

Yes provide fiber patch cables for each pair of strand at each end. Provide a total quantity of fiber patch cables equal to the number of strands installed per Specification Section 27 16 19 Pages 2 Paragraph 2.2.F.

69 Is there any copper backbone (25-pair or larger) needed? Copper backbone under this contract is limited to the computer room UTP (Category 6A) backbone connecting MDAs, HDAs, and equipment distributors, as specified and as shown on the cable schedules and one-line diagrams. No 25-pair or larger copper riser backbone is indicated.

70 Are there specific lengths for the Fiber jumpers? Specific fiber jumper lengths are not tabulated. Provide patch cords of the shortest appropriate length for each connection per Specification 27 16 19, Page 2, Paragraph 2.2.E.

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

See response to Question #54.

72 Clarify-On TN series plans show NO NEW basket cable tray to be installed for NEW CAT6 cabling. Plan notes call for NEW J-Hooks for all new CAT6 cabling.

From Telecommunication Rooms, new horizontal Cat 6A cabling is routed on new J-hook pathways as noted on the TN-series plans, basket wire cable tray is limited to within the TRs, mounted at 7'-6" AFF to bottom of tray.

73 Clarify-On TN series plans to show existing & new A&B fiber. A&B fiber pathway that are not shown the plan.

(a) Can A&B fiber be installed on J-Hook?

(b) Can A&B fiber be installed on J-Hook the same as CAT6?

(c) Is it required for the fiber to be installed in conduit?

(a) Yes. A-side and B-side fiber shall be routed in innerduct on J-hook pathways, on separate dedicated J-hook runs as indicated in the cabling legend on Drawing TJ-049. Maintain A/B path diversity. A-side and B-side fiber shall not share the same J-Hooks.

(b) Fiber may share J-hooks with Cat6A.

(c) Conduit is required for inaccessible spaces, and points of entry. Fabric innerduct installed in cable tray or J-hook pathway is acceptable elsewhere.

74 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.

75 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.

76 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

77 How soon after award is NTP expected to be issued? The Government anticipates issuance within 90 calendar days after award.

78 Will the VA allow deviations to Buy American Act if the noted products are not available?

The process of requesting exceptions to the Buy American Act is detailed in the provision at FAR 52.225-12, Notice of Buy American Requirement—Construction Materials Under Trade Agreements, and the clause at FAR 52.225-11 Buy American—Construction Materials under Trade Agreements, in the solicitation. Any items not compliant must be specifically listed in the offer.

79 Due to current potentially significant tariffs being placed on the importation of building materials such as wood or steel by the current Presidential Executive Branch, if a tariff is placed after bid time and before award will the government consider a price escalation on a contract value for products such as steel or wood should the executive branch levee tariffs effecting such materials? Most of these materials would still have been Buy American compliant as the tariffs would increase pricing on all steel or wood materials, regardless of origin.

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.

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