RFI Responses.docx

TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND

Spec 23 05 41 rewritten. See Addendum 1 8-6-26 – updated in Amendment 0007

Drawings are in solicitation, Dwgs Vol I, attachment 2. Dwgs 00-CI001, 00-CI400, 00-CI401 are updated. See Addendum 1 8-6-26 – updated in Amendment 0007

In checking with 3 different Distribution Partners, they are having great difficulty in locating or even getting pricing on the Three Inch Corrugated Innerduct, as no manufacturer in the USA is making 3" corrugated innerduct anymore. The largest is a 2 inch.

Is there some alternate means and method that can eliminate the 3" innerduct such as armored fiber, or 3-inch 3 cell MAXCELL or (3) 1 .25inch innerducts in lieu of the single 3" innerduct?

Please provide three (3) 1” innerduct for all OSP fiber runs, please refer to sheet 00-T601 and 00-TS100 are updated. See Addendum 1 8-6-26 – updated in Amendment 0007

Factor 2 requires the proposed communications installer to submit three installations of similar size and complexity, and states that similar size is defined as a completed project over $5 million. Attachment 9 further states that projects must “demonstrate Division 27 complexity” and “meet or exceed 5 million dollars of Division 27 complexity work.”

Please confirm whether the $5 million threshold applies to:

(a) the value of the communications installer’s Division 27 scope furnished and installed by the installer, or

(b) the total value of the overall completed project/prime contract, where the communications installer performed a Division 27 scope as part of a larger project.

If the Government intends the threshold to apply only to the communications installer’s scope, please also confirm whether related low-voltage communications, structured cabling, telecommunications infrastructure, and associated Division 27/Division 28 integration work may be counted toward the $5 million threshold when performed by the proposed communications installer.

See solicitation attachment 9. “Offeror to complete 1 form for each project #1-3. No other projects beyond projects 1-3 will be accepted. Projects cannot have more than one system project number. Projects submitted shall be furnished and installed by the communications installer. Shall have a final acceptance date. Shall demonstrate division 27 complexity in the project description and meet or exceed 5 million dollars of division 27 complexity work.”

All scope of work is in plans and specifications.

Controls contractor to provide BACnet compatible controls & optimization software for CRAC units serving new data center. Vigilent is basis of design. Alternate vendors will be subject to engineering and COR review for approval. Refer to updated mechanical drawings (00-M001, 09-MP101, 09-MG601, 14-MP101, 14-MG601, 15-MP101, 15-MP102, 15-MG601, 47-MP400, 47-MP401, 47-MP402, 47-MP403, 47-MP404, 47-MG501, 47-MG601, 62-MP101, 62-MP102, 62-MG601, 70-MP101, 70-MG601, 73-MP101, 73-MG601 and Specs 23 05 11, 23 05 41, 23 09 23) See Addendum 1 8-6-26 – updated in Amendment 0007.

Controls contractor to provide BACnet compatible room temperature/humidity sensors in TRs as shown in drawings. TempTrak is basis of design. Alternate vendors will be subject to engineering and COR review for approval. See drawings and specs from RFI 6.

GC to determine.

GC to determine.

Controls for this project to be tied into existing DDC system.

Controls contractor to provide BACnet compatible room temperature/humidity sensors in TRs as shown in drawings. TempTrak is basis of design. Alternate vendors will be subject to engineering and COR review for approval. See drawings and specs from RFI 6. JACE Controller is acceptable for our existing DDC.

The VA does not anticipate conducting an additional site visit.

Any extensions to the closing date will be posted to SAM.gov.

Please follow the solicitation specifications.

Existing to remain cameras to be re-fed/integrated into the existing VMS. Ocularius ONSSI (current VMS) to include license.

One such compatible camera: WISENET Q MINI 5MP IP VANDAL DOME CAMERA, 3MM LENS

If new cables exceed recommended fill ratio, please provide new cable tray in lieu of using existing cable tray.

All non-CAT6A cable within scope is to be upgraded. Refer to general notes 4 on demo sheets:

4. The quantity of telecom drops to be removed, installed, and maintained is based on the information available at the time of design. Prior to construction, telecom drop locations shall be surveyed. Any discrepancies shall be provided to the DOR immediately.

There is no designated vendor for any system. Work must be compatible to existing systems at the facility. Currently JCI is integrating the security system.

All work is shown on plans and specifications. See RFI 19.

Work and locations are depicted to a general location. Some adjustments can be determined by field decision coordinated with Security on a case by case basis during construction. Submit shop drawings for installed devices for review by VA and AE.

One compatible card reader is 40KHTKS-03-0004XR - Signo 40K PIV, Black/Silver, Term, CRD PFL CSTM, FIPS200BIT, Bluetooth Low Energy

All outages will be coordinated during installation with VA. At least 2 weeks should be planned for in the schedule to coordinate any outages. The GC should anticipate that 25% of the work will be after hours.

There is no proprietary DDC for this project. The facility is using a Tridium Niagra product.

There is no proprietary camera for this facility. GC must use cameras which align with our system Ocularius ONSSI (current VMS) to include license.

One such compatible camera: WISENET Q MINI 5MP IP VANDAL DOME CAMERA, 3MM LENS VA currently uses JCI for cameras, Status Solutions for panic alarms and Motorola for radios.

Refer to the Solicitation, VA has no issue with page limitations for supporting documentation.

VA will work with GC for any field adjustments required during construction.

Any work which requires demolition of existing features must be replaced in kind. VA will assist with required field decisions during construction.

VA will work with GC for any field adjustments required during construction.

See RFI 2 response new drawings issued. See Addendum 1 8-6-26 – updated in Amendment 0007

Refer to sheet note 4 on 12-TN101.

VA will supply current survey to GC when project is awarded.

VA will supply badging requirements to successful bidder. All personnel working at the Facility will be required to be badged.

VA will coordinate with successful bidder for laydown areas at the facility.

VA uses all variety of electrical gear manufacturers. There is no proprietary supplier/vendor.

Please confirm, will Maxcell innerduct be required for exterior underground cable pathways? Or is the contractor providing Maxcell innerduct in all interior fiber backbone conduit pathways?

Maxcell is not acceptable. see RFI 3.

Confirm whether OS2 is the correct fiber type for all Bldg. 47 backbone runs. Contractor believes OS2 is the design intent.

Provide OS1 fiber for intrabuilding connection and OS2 fiber for interbuilding connection.

The following items list "None provided*" for Manufacturer and Model: CAT 6A Outlet Floor Mount; CAT 6A Outlet Wall Mount; Single Gang Workbox with Two Connector Chassis; Single Gang Workbox with One Connector Chassis. Footnote defers model selection to Contractor for A/E review. No minimum performance standard, acceptable manufacturer list, or specification section number is provided for Contractor to validate compliance. General Note 32 requires 4-port outlets but the schedule lists both 1- and 2-connector chassis options.

Provide minimum performance standard (e.g., TIA-568.2-D), acceptable manufacturers, and clarify 1-connector vs. 2-connector chassis selection criteria by location type.

Provide equipment per TIA standards. Connector type dependent on survey.

General Note 19 states Buildings 47 and 62 are known critical locations requiring 24/7 uninterrupted data connectivity during construction, and that "Project COR to provide list of the remaining locations." This list has not been issued. Temporary data connections, switches, CAT6A cable, and fiber must be budgeted and scheduled for all critical locations.

Provide the complete list of critical locations prior to Notice to Proceed so Contractor can properly price and schedule temporary infrastructure.

Critical locations are Bldg 47 and 62.

Fire Protection Note 7 requires automatic wet-pipe sprinkler systems "throughout including all demarc rooms, main computer rooms, and TRs." Note 9 requires clean agent fire suppression "for the main computer room and backup computer room when required by the VA Fire Protection Design Manual." NFPA 75 (2024), listed as a governing code, generally prohibits wet-pipe sprinklers over active IT equipment and requires clean agent or pre-action systems. The notes are mutually contradictory for the Data Center and Main Computer Room.

Confirm the required fire suppression system type for the Data Center (Bldg. 47, Room BC131B) and Backup Computer Room. Confirm whether wet-pipe, clean agent, or a pre-action/clean agent combination is the design intent, and which governs where a conflict The notes are not contradictory. The Data Center is required to comply with NFPA 75 requirements and will receive a clean agent suppression system, as well as a wet-pipe sprinkler system. NFPA 75 does not require the use of preaction sprinkler systems.

Drawing 00-GI003 identifies ACM in multiple buildings where telecom work is in scope and states, "The contractor should refer to the existing hazmat report maintained by the Station; no new hazmat report has been prepared as part of the project." Specific ACM locations are called out including Bldg. 47 Basement Room BF107 (floor tile/mastic), Bldg. 47 1st Floor 1H113 (black mastic), Bldg. 47 5th Floor A501 (floor tile/mastic), Bldg. 15 2nd Floor Room 211/213 (floor tile/mastic), and Bldg. 14 1st Floor Room 106 (floor tile). The referenced station hazmat report has not been included as a contract document.

Provide the existing ACM/hazmat survey report for all in-scope buildings.

See RFI 32.

See RFI 32.

The Power Equipment Schedule shows three different UPS battery runtime requirements: (1) Data Center UPS (Xtreme Power M90U-140): 10 minutes at full load; (2) Rack-mount UPS for standard TRs (Vertiv ITA2-05KRT208C): 15 minutes at 100% load; (3) Rack-mount UPS for Buildings 70 & 73 (Eaton 9PX6KSP): optional extended battery with runtime noted as "verify with VA prior to installation." Spec Section 27 05 00 separately specifies a 1-hour minimum full-load UPS runtime for cabinet UPS systems, which conflicts with all drawing-specified runtimes.

Confirm the VA-required minimum battery runtime for (a) the Data Center UPS, (b) standard TR rack-mount UPS, and (c) Buildings 70 & 73 UPS. Confirm which requirement governs where the specification and drawings conflict.

- UPS battery runtimes shown on drawings were done in accordance with VA design guide documents.

- For (a), refer to Spec 26 33 53, paragraph 2.1.B. Data Center UPS to have 10-minute battery runtime.

- For (b) and (c), refer to Spec 27 11 26, paragraphs 2.2.H, 2.4.H, and 2.6.H. Rack-mounted UPS to have a minimum 10 minutes’ runtime at 70% load. This includes standard TR and TE rack-mount UPSs, and Buildings 70 & 73 UPSs.

- see Spec 27 05 00. See Addendum 1 8-6-26 – updated in Amendment 0007

RFP Section 2.17 directs that all references to "bid" and "bidder" in specifications and drawings be replaced with "proposal" and "offeror." General Notes on Drawing 00-GI003 continue to use "bid" and "bidder" throughout (e.g., GN-1: "contractor should visit the site prior to bid"; GN-3: "no additional compensation will be considered after project has been awarded for failure to verify existing conditions”. The ambiguity affects whether site verification obligations applied pre-proposal or are a post-award risk assumption.

Confirm that General Notes 1 and 3 apply to the pre-proposal period and that contractor's price includes pre-proposal site verification. Confirm no additional risk is transferred post-award beyond what was verifiable pre-proposal.

We are conducting this procurement in accordance with FAR part 15. The correct term is proposal and not bid. The term bid is used in FAR part 14 procurements.

The awarded contract will be firm fixed price. Please see 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (NOV 2025) (DEVIATION) included in the solicitation.

GN-24 states "Copper horizontal cable distance of 262 ft used for basis of coverage of each telecom room for diamond study." GN-25 states "The maximum horizontal cable distance from the patch panel to any drop shall not exceed 295 ft." These two values are presented concurrently without clarifying the relationship between the design basis and the contractual maximum, creating scheduling and cost ambiguity for outlier runs between 262 ft and 295 ft.

Confirm whether (1) 262 ft is the TR placement design basis only, with 295 ft as the permitted field maximum, and (2) runs between 262–295 ft are compliant without prior COR approval, or whether additional TRs or COR-directed modifications are required.

The basis of 262 ft is the TR placement design basis only; the 295 ft requirement is the permitted field maximum.

The Mini-Split Indoor/Outdoor Unit Schedules across all buildings (Bldg. 47, 15, 70) consistently specify refrigerant R32 for all Vertiv split systems. However, Spec Section 23 81 00 (Decentralized Unitary HVAC Equipment) calls for refrigerant R32 or R-454B, and Spec Section 23 81 23 (Computer-Room Air-Conditioners), Part 2.1.L for floor-mounted units specifies R-407C or R-410A, while Part 2.2.H for wall-mounted units also specifies R-407C or R-410A. R32, R-407C, R-410A, and R-454B are not interchangeable refrigerants and require different system components, charging procedures, and certifications. The basis-of-design equipment (Vertiv WLM/CUD series) uses R32, which conflicts with the spec-listed options for CRAC units.

Confirm the allowable refrigerant type(s) for (a) all mini-split TR systems (Vertiv WLM/CUD series) and (b) computer room air conditioning CRAC units (Liebert PX023 and DS105). Confirm whether R32 is acceptable for all systems or if alternative refrigerants are required for compliance with specifications.

The CRAC systems serving the new data center and the ductless mini-split systems serving the TRs shall meet the requirements of the 23 81 23 Computer-Room Air-Conditioners spec section. The ceiling cassette split system (47-IDU-BC143C & 47-ODU-BC143C) shall meet the requirements of the 23 81 00 Decentralized Unitary HVAC Equipment spec section.

Alternative options with different refrigerants are subject to engineering and COR approval. Refrigerants shall meet the recent EPA driven transition to GWP < 700.

The Outdoor Unit Schedule for Bldg. 47 lists 47-ODU-BC118A and 47-ODU-BC118B with a voltage of "2080 V" rather than the expected 208V shown for all other ODUs in the same schedule. The basis-of-design equipment (Vertiv CUD070) is a 208V, 1-phase, 60Hz unit. All other ODUs in the schedule show 208V. This appears to be a typographical error but creates a discrepancy in the contract documents.

Confirm that 208V, 1-phase is the correct supply voltage for 47-ODU-BC118A and 47-ODU-BC118B, consistent with all other Vertiv CUD070 ODUs in the schedule.

Confirmed, 208V 1-Phase is the correct supply voltage.

Sheet Note 3 on Drawing 47-PP403 states "3/4" CD discharging into mop sink from 47-IDU-A301 on floor above. See Sheet 1/47-PP404." Sheet Note 4 states "3/4" CD pumped up along refrigerant lineset up to roof. Pipe to spill into nearest roof drain. See 2/47-MP405 for location." These two notes describe two different condensate discharge paths for equipment serving upper-floor TRs, but it is not clear which path applies to which unit, whether both represent different units, or whether this represents a drawing coordination error.

Clarify the intended condensate drainage path for 47-IDU-A301 and 47-IDU-A401/A501. Confirm which units drain to the mop sink and which pump to the roof drain and reference the applicable detail sheets for each.

Condensate from 47-IDU-A301 intended to drain into mop sink within HAC 2E204 on floor below as noted on sheet 3/47-PP403.

Condensate from 47-IDU-A401 to drain into mop sink within HAC 4W418 as noted on sheet 2/47-PP404.

Condensate from 47-IDU-A501 to drain into mop sink within HAC 5W518 as noted on sheet 3/47-PP404.

Sheet Note 6 on Drawing 47-EP602 states: "Contractor must field-verify the source of supply for existing data center UPS panel. If panel feeder is not sourced from panel C1, Contractor shall provide a new breaker on panel C1 and intercept the existing feeder so that UPS-B is powered via Panel C1." Panel C1 is rated 480Y/277V, 3-phase. UPS-B (Xtreme Power M90U-140) is a 208V, 3-phase, 4-wire unit per the Power Equipment Schedule. If the UPS-B is currently sourced from an existing 480V panel without a step-down transformer, a significant electrical system change would be required. The existing transformer T-UPS (150 KVA, 480V-208Y/120V) is shown feeding panel BC3, but the re-routing logic and voltage compatibility between C1 (480V) and UPS-B (208V input) is not clearly resolved on the drawings.

Clarify the intended source voltage for UPS-B and whether the existing transformer T-UPS remains in the circuit path between Panel C1 and UPS-B. If UPS-B requires

- See drawing 47-EP601 with sheet note #6 re-worded for better clarity. See Addendum 1 8-6-26 – updated in Amendment 0007

- To clarify: the voltages of all equipment shown on the one-line are correct. UPS-B will be fed from BC3, from the step-down transformer.

- Plan for the 480V feeder from Panel C1 to the “UPS DISC” which feeds the 150kVA transformer “T-UPS”. This transformer steps down to 208V to supply the UPS itself. Panel BC3 is 208V and is what directly feeds the UPS-B, and that is not changing.

Please see solicitation clause 52.229-3 and Special Notes

Please follow requirements listed in the solicitation specifications and drawings.

Please follow requirements listed in the solicitation specifications and drawings.

Please follow requirements listed in the solicitation specifications and drawings.

Please follow requirements listed in the solicitation specifications and drawings.

Building 47 does not require a full building flush out.

Since scope of this project is largely limited to the conditioning of telecom spaces: data center and telecom rooms, there is only 1 space that will require a flush out per spec 01 81 13 section 3.1(A). Perform flush out on Decommissioned TR BC143 in Bldg 47. No other spaces modified receive direct ventilation and thus should not require a flush out.

Building Envelope Testing is not required.

See RFI 57.

See RFI 57.

Yes. See Fire Protection General Note in 00-GI003 for more detail.

Refer to drawings for device quantities.

Refer to demolition plans which show full-tone hatched data drops of which are not to be replaced with new data devices.

Refer to demolition plans which show grayed-out hatched data drops as being reused. Data drops on new plans that are not in line with grayed-out drops on the demolition plans will be the locations of new data devices at new locations.

All non-CAT6A cable within scope is to be upgraded. Refer to general notes 4 on demo sheets:

4. The quantity of telecom drops to be removed, installed, and maintained is based on the information available at the time of design. Prior to construction, telecom drop locations shall be surveyed. Any discrepancies shall be provided to the DOR immediately.

General note 40 states to provide 10% spare.

Only where applicable and if within rated assemblies patched according to code requirement.

GC is responsible for reviewing drawings for scope and locations.

Refer to drawings for existing and new raceways.

Refer to 00-T001 for cable tray and conduit fill ratios.

If new cables exceed recommended fill ratio, please provide new cable tray in lieu of using existing cable tray.

CAT 6 cabling not in scope for this project. Cable tray must be used in horizontal applications per specification 27 05 36.

See RFI 72.

See RFI 72.

Refer to drawings for use of conduit.

See RFI 72.

Yes, all fire alarm cabling must be installed in minimum ¾" rigid conduit per the specification and the VA Fire Protection Design Manual.

Install PACS wiring in dedicated raceway or approved cable tray. Unenclosed cable is permitted only in accessible ceilings and hollow gypsum-board partitions. Provide conduit through inaccessible ceilings, masonry/concrete walls, exterior locations, exposed areas, secure-side door penetrations, and from the door junction box to door devices.

Install video-surveillance cabling in dedicated conduit or cable tray. Provide conduit from the nearest approved cable pathway to each camera outlet or backbox and throughout hard-ceiling, inaccessible, or exposed locations.

See RFI 72.

VA will accept manufacturer installer training certs as part of the submittal process.

Please provide the following:

i. Existing central monitoring system manufacturer.

ii. Existing monitoring platform.

iii. Communication protocol required for integration.

iv. Existing service provider responsible for programming and commissioning.

See RFI 6.

See RFI 23.

See RFI 23.

See RFI 6, 24. The existing DDC manufacturer is Tridium Niagra.

See RFI 6, 24.

Johnson Control (JCI) System is CCURE 9000.

There is no mandatory vendor. See RFI 87.

See RFI 25.

See RFI 25.

There are no proprietary systems. See RFI 6, 15, 19, 21, 23, 24, 25, 83, 85 and 87.

See RFI 91.

There is no work in Bldg 72. See 00-GI101 for the work scope.

This solicitation is 100% set aside for SDVOSBs.

a. 28 05 00

b. 28 23 00

See spec.

a. 27 05 00

b. 28 05 00

c. 28 13 00

d. 28 23 00

See spec.

See RFI 22.

No.

See plans for existing equipment.

For clinical buildings, A and B fiber runs shall maintain 25’ of separation. New duct bank fiber runs to clinical buildings were offset 25’ off of the approximate locations of the existing duct bank where feasible.

Existing duct bank that is not designated to be reused under this EHRM project shall be abandoned in place.

There is no geotechnical report.

No change to solicitation for rock.

No change to the solicitation.

See spec.

See spec.

See spec.

See RFI 100. For clinical buildings 2-7, 9, 47, 62, 70T and 73T, separate geodiverse pathways for A and B fiber runs are required. For non-clinical buildings 11, 12, 14 and 15, separate geodiverse A and B fiber runs are not required.

See RFI 108.

See RFI 65.

See ICRA requirements in plans.

Any roof work must be completed to maintain existing warranty.

See Enlarged Plan Keynotes, “PROVIDE WALK OFF MATS AND PLASTIC SHEETING (VISQUEEN) AT CONSTRUCTION AREAS.” and find the demolition legend for walk off mats and plastic sheeting locations in enlarged demo plans. Areas with hard barriers planned in the drawing must be protected with hard barriers. Temporary partition locations have been noted in demo enlarged plans and partition detail is in 00-GC001.

Maxcell is not acceptable. See RFI 3.

Design water supply information is provided on Sheet 00-FX001, which includes the results of the annual fire pump test in 2024.

See spec. Detail 10/ 00-S503 was provided where typical metal stud backing is required for equipment as needed.

Yes, meet ICRA.

No.

BIM shop drawings are required from a mechanical contractor. See spec 23 05 11, section 1.4.G for requirements and further detail.

See RFI 61.

Sheet 00-S502 Shows details for typical openings or new walls. Locations of openings are by contractor based on field location where required.

Infill should match existing wall construction type.

Self-leveling compound where required and finish according to finish schedule.

See RFI 123.

Yes, follow requirements of ASCE 7

Pre-TAB not necessary. Post TAB is only necessary for return grilles in data center. See mechanical drawings sheet 1/MP401 for locations.

The clean agent suppression system is a delegated design item. As indicated in Sheet Note 1 on 47-FX108, a preliminary design estimate resulted in 2466 lb of NOVEC 1230, with 390 lb tanks for planning purposes. Clean agent suppression system subcontractor is responsible for final calculation of required agent volume.

VA grounding system must be in accordance with TIA-607.

Fiber backbone must be in a complete conduit system.

Please provide only new cable tray or wire basket tray shown as new on the drawings within the new TR and TE rooms.

No.

The awarded contract will be firm fixed price. Please see 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (NOV 2025) (DEVIATION) included in the solicitation.

See RFI 6, 11, 24.

See RFI 6, 11, 24, 135.

Both are correct dependent on GC developed baseline schedule.

See RFI 32.

See solicitation.