S06 - 0006 - Att1 - Technical Responses.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 28 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- 36C77626R0082_1
About this file
This is a Technical Questions and Answers document for a federal construction solicitation addressing the Electronic Health Records Modernization (EHRM) Infrastructure Upgrades project at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System's University Drive campus. The document contains responses to 35 technical inquiries submitted by bidders during the pre-bid phase, with questions dated 7-28-26 and 8-4-26.
Key technical clarifications provided include: FIPS 201-compliant access control systems are acceptable alternatives to the previously specified Acre RS2 product; the existing facility DDC/BAS system is Johnson Controls (JCI) Metasys with both BACnet and LON protocols; Miller Information Systems is designated as the subcontractor for security work; asbestos-containing materials are presumed present in exterior walls and require engagement of accredited inspectors prior to disturbance with abatement costs included in base bid pricing; all refrigerant piping (liquid, suction, and hot gas discharge) for VRF/mini-split systems shall be insulated; VRF systems shall be heat pump types without branch selectors; new HVAC controls must integrate with the existing Campus Infrastructure System; Building 30's technology scope consists solely of redundant fiber optic cable additions to existing telecommunications rooms with no CAT-6A horizontal cabling additions; fiber backbone specifications require 24-strand OM4 multimode and 12-strand OS2 single-mode cables for intra-building runs and 24-strand OS2 only for inter-building runs; UPS units are rated at 100 KVA as shown on drawings; new pathway/raceway requirements should utilize existing cable tray where possible with new non-continuous j-hook pathways and conduit sleeves as necessary; Division 27 contractor provides fiber and copper patch cords with VA responsible for installation; and all existing fiber optic backbone cabling will be removed after cutover to the new network. The document also addresses drawing discrepancies, missing details, and provides clarification on material specifications, construction sequencing, and cost allocation responsibilities between contractors.
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7-28-26
| # | Question | Answer |
| 1 | Reading through the Access Control (PACS) specification section 28 13 00, the system is to be FIPS 201 compliant. The security plans indicate the base system is from RS2, an Acre product. Acre Security RS2 AccessIT was recently (5/08/2025) removed from the list of compliant software platforms. Would the VA consider a FIPS 201 compliant product like LenelS2 OnGuard? | Security scope for EHRM must be compatible with existing base building system. All contractors shall contact Miller Information Systems as the subcontractor for the security work. Reference drawing 00-TY001. |
| 2 | Please identify the manufacturer, platform, and version of the existing facility DDC/BAS system that new controls are required to interface with, including any front-end software, gateways, or integration requirements. | The existing facility DDC/BAS system is Johnson Controls (JCI) with the Metasys, New BACnet and old LON. Refer to the contract drawings and specifications for full scope details. |
| 3 | Drawing 01-AE400 (typical) General Notes: 14. “ASBESTOS AND/OR LEAD MAY BE PRESENT. REFERENCE PROJECT HAZARD REPORTS FOR LOCATION AND MATERIAL DETAIL. REFERENCE SPECIFICATIONS FOR ABATEMENT REQUIREMENTS AS REQUIRED. Please provide above referenced Project Hazard Report. | NESHAP Asbestos Survey and Lead Inspection dated 3/27/2024 provided. |
| 4 | Section includes: 1. Removing and disposal of lead based paint (LBP) at interior |
locations indicated in existing conditions report.
Cannot find any information on existing lead paint material details, locations or
| quantities. Please provide above referenced Existing Conditions Report. | NESHAP Asbestos Survey and Lead Inspection dated 3/27/2024 provided. | ||
| 5 | Detail C5/ 01-AE418 |
Details C3/01-AE501 and F8/01-AE501 are called out however no such Details are in Drawing Set.
| Please Provide | Detail C3/01-AE501 should reference C2/01-AE501. Detail F7/01-AE501. | ||
| 6 | Details: C5/ 01-AE420, C5/01-AE421, C5/01-AE422, E4/01-AE423.2, E4/01-AE425.2, and C5/01- |
AE426
Detail B7/01-AE502 is called out however no such Detail is in Drawing Set.
| Please Provide | Detail B7/01-AE502 should reference Detail B6/01-AE502 | ||
| 7 | Detail B6/01-S505.0 “LOCALLY DEMOLISH BRICK FOR INSTALLATIONOF (N) STEEL |
BEAMS. CONTRACTOR TO TEMP SUPPORT BRICK AS REQUIRED. INFILL BRICK AFTER
INSTALLATION OF HSS8.” and “GC TO ABATE ASBESTOS AS REQUIRED AT LOCATIONS WHERE
EXTERIOR WALL IS TO BE PENETRATED.”
A) Is the construction sketch attached to this detail accurate (brick only to be supported and removed)? If not correct, please provide accurate detail.
B) Has the original asbestos fireproofing in this building been removed and replaced by non-ACM fireproofing ?
C) During the original build, structural steel was likely sprayed with fireproofing before wall build out. The original build exterior walls essentially “entombed” the perimeter beam and column exterior side asbestos fireproofing. This “entombed” fireproofing was “inaccessible” and remained after asbestos abatement and re-fireproofing of interior beam surfaces. Is the exterior wall penetration asbestos concern now that “entombed” asbestos will now be accessible following brick removal?
D) Exterior wall Keynote A33 is a separate abatement issue. Correct?
E) If the “entombed” fireproofing scenario is correct, then demolition of wall and column wraps such as J-line in 5th Floor Data Center will expose asbestos beam and column fireproofing that will require abatement and non- ACM refireproofing.
Correct ?
F) Similarly, connecting new beams to existing columns will require brick demo, Asbestos fireproofing abatement and non-ACM re-fireproofing. Correct? Available information was derived from the original construction documents of record. Asbestos survey inspection on inside side of exterior wall identified black wall coating and tan wall caulk with ACM, and yellow ceramic wall tile grout with assumed ACM. This can be inferred to be at all exterior wall penetrations and applicable to this detail. Surfaces of interior glazed wall brick and glazed wall tile were identified as containing lead based or lead containing paint. This can be inferred to be at all affected interior glazed wall brick and glazed wall tile. NESHAP Asbestos Survey and Lead Inspection dated 3/27/2024 provided.
B. The original asbestos fireproofing in this building has not been removed and when disturbed must be mitigated in acoordance with the specifications and applicable regulations. NESHAP Asbestos Survey and Lead Inspection dated 3/27/2024 provided.
C,E,&F. As indicated in the drawings and available hazard reports, asbestos-containing and or lead-containing materials are presumed present on or within the existing exterior wall; no destructive investigation or survey has been performed. Given these presumed conditions when encountered, the awarded Contractor to engage accredited inspector(s) to confirm the extent of these materials prior to disturbance, and to perform all resulting abatement and remediation in accordance with specifications and applicable regulations and price all involved costs in the base bid.
D. Exterior all Keynote A33 references the same issue.
8 Drawing 01-H421 Abatement Notes: EXISTING EXTERIOR WALL (INSIDE FACE OF SPEED TILE) IS ASSUMED
POSITIVE FOR ASBESTOS (ACM). GC TO MITIGATE AS NEEDED.
Abatement Quantity: No quantity provided Please clarify scope of work with as-builts, material details, conditions, quantities, and
| mitigation needed. | As indicated in the drawings and available hazard reports, asbestos-containing and lead-containing materials are presumed present within or on the existing exterior wall; no destructive investigation has been performed. Asbestos survey inspection on inside side of exterior wall identified black wall coating and tan wall caulk with ACM, and yellow ceramic wall tile grout with assumed ACM. Surfaces of interior glazed wall brick and glazed wall tile were identified as containing lead based or lead containing paint. This can be inferred to be at all affected interior glazed wall brick and glazed wall tile. Given these presumed conditions when encountered, the awarded Contractor to engage accredited inspector(s) to confirm the extent of these materials prior to disturbance, and to perform all resulting abatement and remediation in accordance with specifications and applicable regulations and price all involved costs in the base bid. Recommend quantifying the square footage of the exterior wall to be affected by the new work. NESHAP Asbestos Survey and Lead Inspection dated 3/27/2024 provided. | ||
| 9 | Drawing 01-H425.1 |
Abatement Notes: EXISTING EXTERIOR WALL (INSIDE FACE OF SPEED TILE) IS ASSUMED
POSITIVE FOR ASBESTOS (ACM). GC TO MITIGATE AS NEEDED.
Abatement Quantity: No quantity provided Please clarify scope of work with as-builts, material details, conditions, quantities, and
| mitigation needed. | Refer to answer for question 8. | ||
| 10 | Drawing 01-H424.1 |
Abatement Notes: 9 X9 BLACK FLOOR TILE, 9X9 WHITE FLOOR TILE, BLACK WALL COATING, TAN WALL CAULK, 4X4 CERAMIC WALL TILE GROUT.
Abatement Quantity: 910 sf A) Please clarify the quantity distribution over the different materials to be abated so that abatement methods and extent of work can be determined.
B) C1/AE424.1 Keynotes D03 and A33 call out demolition of a 37+ foot long wall having the same asbestos issues highlighted in 01-H421 and 01-H425.1 but was not addressed in this drawing, 01-H424.1, which contains the 37+ foot long wall’s location.
Keynote A33 “EXTERIOR WALLS INSIDE FACE OF SPEED TILE IS ASSUMED POSITIVE FOR
ASBESTOS (ACM). GC TO MITIGATE AS NEEDED WHEN AFFECTING THE EXTERIOR WALL.”
Keynote A33 shows up on 24 New Tower AE drawings some with new door and wall openings; these openings alone likely far outweigh the current scope quantified in the current 4 Haz Mat drawings.
If the “entombed” asbestos fireproofing scenario described above proves correct, the asbestos abatement scope will be even greater.
Please revise the Haz Mat drawings so that these drawings better reflect the work that will be necessary. Refer to answer for question 8.
11 Drawing 01-AE428 Details A3/01-AE501 and F7/01-AE501 are called out however no such Details are in Drawing Set.
Please Provide Detail A3/01-AE501 to be B2/01-AE501 Detail F7/01-AE501 to be F6/01-AE502 12 Specifications Page 1016/1443, Section 26 41 00-2 Lightning protection is listed in the specifications but could not be found called out in the
| drawing set. Please confirm there is no lightning protection scope. | Amended drawing 01-EP112 provided. | |||
| 13 | Please confirm sheets 01-MH431 and 01-MH432 are not part of the drawing set. They are not listed in the master index for 00-GI001, but are listed in the main mechanical index for 00-MG000. | Confirmed. 01-MH431 and 01-MH432 are not part of the drawing set. Amended drawing 00-MG000 provided. | ||
| 14 | Please confirm building 33 / 33-MH101 is to be part of this project. It is shown on the main | |||
| sheet index on 00-GI002, but is not listed on the main mechanical index on 00-MG000. | Confirmed. 33-MH101 is part of this project. Amended drawing 00-MG000 provided. | |||
| 15 | On drawing 01-S504.0, there is a column schedule that shows the two tower columns with sizes, but there is no column splice detail to show what is needed. Could the detail please be supplied? | Column splice detail CSK-01 provided. | ||
| 16 | Drawing 00-E702 electrical distribution schedule. Are the footages provided approximate lengths for bidding purposes or short circuit studies? | Amended drawing 00-E702 provided. | ||
| 17 | Due to the size of this project, we are formally requesting a bid extension to allow our vendors enough time to provide accurate pricing. | Any possible extension of bid due date will be based on when responses to technical questions are posted via solicitation amendment. | ||
| 18 | Drawing 01-EP402 note 1 says “refer to detail 1/01-EN312”. Please provide this drawing. | Amended drawing 01-EP402 provided. | ||
| 19 | Please confirm whether the pipe insulation schedule on 00-MG700 supersedes 230711, if there are any conflicts. It looks like the allowed materials and required thickness are slightly different from the pipe insulation spec in the specifications. | Follow Specification 230711. The bidders should bid on documents presented and the information will be further clarified through the normal submittal process from awardee. | ||
| 20 | Please confirm all refrigerant liquid piping is to be insulated for Mini splits and VRF piping. The specifications mention only suction and hot gas discharge. | All refrigerant piping shall be insulated. Specification 230711 - 3.1.B. | ||
| 21 | Please confirm pre-insulated linesets are acceptable for VRF / Minisplit refrigeration piping provided they meet the thickness schedule on 00-MG700 | Pre-insulated linesets are acceptable for VRF / Minisplit refrigeration piping. Follow Specification 230711. The bidders should bid on documents presented and the information will be further clarified through the normal submittal process from awardee. | ||
| 22 | Please confirm if UV-resistant linesets are utilized no exterior jacketing of piping will be required | Jacketing is required on all exterior piping per specification 23 07 11 – 2.6, D. | ||
| 23 | Please confirm the VRF units are to be multi-head VRF heat pump systems. If they are to be a heat recovery system that allows simultaneous heating and cooling, please provide a branch selector box schedule with performance and locations. | Confirmed. VRF systems shall be heat pump types; no branch selectors are required. | ||
| 24 | The BOD CRAC unit is not manufactured with an infrared humidifier anymore due to the EPA-mandated phaseout and A2L refrigerant flammability preventing an infrared humidification strategy. It must be provided with a steam canister-style humidifier instead. Is this acceptable? | No BOD CRAC unit was specified, only salient characteristics were provided and required. The bidders should bid on documents presented and the information will be further clarified through the normal submittal process from awardee. | ||
| 25 | Regarding the HVAC control system. The incumbent provider at this facility is JCI and has 90% of the facility. ALC also has a small system in this building. Is JCI the only acceptable HVAC controls manufacturer? Must this project integrate with the main ECC front end (which I assume is a JCI front end)? Or would providing an ALC front end / ECC also be acceptable to the VA? | Johnson Controls (JCI) is the main HVAC control system with ALC for the steam station in Building 1 Room BN214. New HVAC controls shall integrate with the existing Campus Infrastructure System. The bidders should bid on documents presented and the information will be further clarified through the normal submittal process from awardee. | ||
| 26 | Does Building 30 have any CAT-6A cabling being added? We only see TR buildouts and fiber. | The technology scope of work for Building 30 is the addition of redundant fiber optic cable to each existing telecommunications room (TR) & TR equipment updates as indicated on drawings 30-TN400 through 30-TN430. All horizontal cabling shall remain in place as it was recently renovated and meets the latest OIT requirements. Note that existing cables do require re-termination. | ||
| 27 | On drawing 01-T000 under “Technology Cabling Plan Note 4 Letter E”, it says “voice is to be routed back to original termination equipment, and data cabling is to be routed to new telecom rooms.” Is the voice to be installed where called out, going to a different TR than the data? | As a general rule, existing voice cabling infrastructure is not within the scope of this project unless it is directly impacted by the installation of new data infrastructure or is specifically indicated on the construction documents. All existing voice termination wall fields (e.g., 66-blocks, 110-blocks) shall remain in place unless specifically noted otherwise. In telecommunications rooms (TRs) where renovations require the removal of a wall supporting an existing wall field, the wall field shall be relocated and re-mounted to a new wall within the same TR. Existing voice-only information outlets are not part of the project scope and shall remain undisturbed. |
At locations where both voice and data cabling terminate at a common information outlet, the existing data cabling shall be replaced with new Category 6A cabling routed to the new serving TR. The existing voice cabling shall remain in place and be re-terminated as required to accommodate the new outlet or faceplate configuration.
| 28 | On drawing 01-T601, in the Keynotes section, General Sheet Note #2 states “all fiber shown for both primary and secondary fiber shall be 24 STR OM4 and 12 STR OS2”, but the Keynote #2, which only appears on 01-T601, indicates all fiber to be 24 STR 0S2 SM fiber. Will both primary and secondary use 24STR 0S2 SM fiber, or will it be 24 STR OM4 and 12 STR OS2? | Unless otherwise noted, each fiber backbone line shown on the drawings represents one (1) 24-strand OM4 multimode fiber cable and one (1) 12-strand OS2 single-mode fiber cable. Fiber routes identified with Keynote No. 2 shall consist of one (1) 24-strand OS2 single-mode fiber cable only. Conceptually, all intra-building backbone fiber runs (Data Center to Telecommunications Room) require both 24-strand OM4 and 12-strand OS2 fiber. All inter-building backbone fiber runs require 24-strand OS2 fiber only. Buildings 1, 29, and 32 are physically connected and are therefore treated as a single building for backbone distribution. As a result, the fiber routes between these buildings are not identified with Keynote No. 2. |
| 29 | ||
| 30 | ||
| 31 | ||
| 32 | ||
| 33 | ||
| 34 | ||
| 35 |
8-4-26
| # | Question | Answer |
| 1 | Please confirm 100KVA for each UPS. UPS KVA Rating was not called out in spec but listed as 100KVA in Drawings. | Refer to drawings for UPS sizes. |
| 2 | Could you provide the quantities of Zone PDU, Rack PDUs, and Rack Mounted UPSs required for the data center? I’m having a difficult time discovering how many racks will be in this data center. | Refer to Technology for quantities of Zone and Rack PDU’s. There are no Rack mounted UPS’s in the data center. |
| 3 | Drawing 01-T000 - "Technology Plan" includes the following: |
NEW PATHWAY WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE CEILING SPACE AND OTHER SPACES AS DEFINED ON THE PROJECT DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS. A. ROUTE ALL CABLING WILL FROM THE SERVING ROOM AS DEINED ON THE PROJECT DRAWINGS.
However, the drawings are silent regarding the requirements, layout, or locations for any new Raceways (Cable Tray, Donduit, JHooks) to support the installation of new ISP Fiber Backbone Cabling and HOrizontal Copper Cabling.
| Please provide clarification on these raceway requirements as there are major cost implacations of this missing SOW. | Refer to F1/01-T602 for additional information regarding conduit sleeves and existing pathways. Fully utilize the existing cable tray for backbone cabling as possible. Existing cable tray may be limited in use for backbone cabling. Provide new non-continuous j-hook pathways as required to support new cabling. Contractor shall also be responsible for providing new conduit sleeves as required for new cabling pathways. Existing conduit sleeves can be utilized if conditions and size allow for phasing of new cable installation. Provide new conduit sleeves as necessary. All cabling passing through a wall must be installed within a conduit sleeve. | |||
| 4 | Will the Division 27 Contractor own the Fiber Optic and Copper patch cords and the installation. | Div 27 contractor to provide. VA to install. | ||
| 5 | Is the Fire rated Plywood in the Telcom Closets by the Division 27 Contractor or the General Contractor. | General Contractor is responsible for ensuring scope and installation is accounted for within the project. | ||
| 6 | Will all the existing Fiber Optic Backbone cable be Demoed after new is up and working. | All existing OIT network fiber optic cabling will be removed after cutover to new TR and fiber network. Refer to notes on TN001. | ||
| 7 | On Drawing 01-T501 Technology details B7 note 7 show the Primary and Secondary Fibers terminating in the same fiber cabinets. But in the 01TN400-TN 497 Drawings it shows a Fiber Cabinet in every new Rack is this correct. | Primary and Secondary fiber install within the same fiber enclosure within the TR, as shown in the referenced diagram and rack elevation drawings. | ||
| 8 | If the Division 27 contractor owns the patch cords are they 2 cords for every new cable pulled. | Provide a patch cord for each port/termination. Coordinate lengths and quantities with the VA prior to purchasing. Refer to specifications. | ||
| 9 | If the Division 27 contractor owns the fiber patch cords are they 2 duplex cords for every 2 strands of fiber. | Provide a patch cord for each port/termination. Coordinate lengths and quantities with the VA prior to purchasing. Refer to specifications. | ||
| 10 | On 00-TG000 drawing Notes 16 and 17 can an allowance be given for the installation of new pathways as described so all contractors are bidding the same. | For bidding purposes, assume 25% of all outlets require rough-in modifications and include cost in base bid. Additionally, provide new in-wall flexible conduit or new surface mounted raceway at all locations where existing cabling is open cabling fished down wall cavities. New cabling fished within call cavities shall not be permitted. Where existing surface mount raceway size is insufficient, provide new. Where cabling is fished down wall, provide in-wall flex conduit or new surface mount raceway. Where existing conduit is undersized for new cabling, provide new method of pathway. | ||
| 11 | The Fiber internal to the data center is it MPO. | Refer to 27 13 23 Communications Optical Fiber Backbone Cabling | ||
| 12 | Building 30 we need quantity of cables we will be retermnating. | Provide cost for re-termination of quantity of 48-port patch panels shown in rack elevations. | ||
| 13 | Will we have drawings available to us of where cables are located when we go to test the retermnated cables. | No. Maintain labeling of existing patch panel ports onto the new patch panel terminations. Locate and test outlet labels appropriately. |
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .