S02 - SOW - Att 15 - Design Narrative - 02182026 - EHRM Infra Upgrades - Constr - Togus.pdf

Construction Documents – 100% Submittal: Design Narrative Reissued February 18th, 2026

Department of Veterans Health Administration

Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) Infrastructure Upgrades – Togus, ME Project No. 402-22-700

Contract No. 36C77623C0002

Togus VA Medical Center

1 VA Center, Augusta, ME 04330

US Department of Veterans Affairs

Program Contracting Activity Central (PCAC)

6150 Oak Tree Blvd., Suite 300

Independence, OH 44131

Prepared by:

GDM-AE, Inc.

1308 NE 134th St Suite A Vancouver, WA 98685

VA Togus Medical Center Design Narrative Augusta, ME Reissued 02-18-2026 100% Construction Documents

Electronic Health Records Modernization (EHRM) Infrastructure Upgrades – Togus, ME VA Project No. 402-22-700 Page 2 of 41

1 Contents 1 Contents 2 Executive Summary 3 Scope of Work 4 Reference Documents

4.1 VA Office of Electronic Health Record Modernization OEHRM Site Infrastructure and End User Device (EUD) Requirements

4.2 Accessibility Codes

4.3 International Code Council (ICC)

4.4 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

4.5 VA Design Manuals

4.6 VA Directives

4.7 EHRM Program Design Alerts

5 Architectural Design Narrative

5.1 TR Location Requirements

5.2 Proposed New TR Locations

5.3 100% TR update

5.4 All TR Locations

5.5 TR Sizing

5.6 TR Doors

5.7 TR Door Hardware

5.8 TR Windows

5.9 TR Flooring

5.10 TR Walls

5.11 TR Ceilings

5.12 MCR free-standing building

6 Mechanical Design Narrative

6.1 Codes and Standards

6.2 Mechanical Design for the New Main Computer Room

6.3 Mechanical Design for the MCR Building Entrance Rooms

6.4 Mechanical Design for the New MCR Building (Non-Data Spaces)

6.5 Mechanical Design for Telecommunication Rooms (TR’s)

6.6 Mechanical Design for Telecommunication Enclosures (TE’s)

6.7 Ventilation

6.8 Ductwork

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6.9 Filtration

6.10 Air inlets/outlets

6.11 Louvers

6.12 Insulation

6.13 Lining

6.14 Control Dampers

6.15 Fire/Smoke Dampers

6.16 Firestopping

6.17 Hydronic Systems

6.18 Refrigerant Piping

6.19 Mechanical Controls

6.20 MCR Data Cabinet Monitoring

6.21 Variable Frequency Drives (VFD’s)

6.22 Mechanical Alternative Systems Considered

6.23 Plumbing Systems

6.24 Mechanical & Plumbing Space Coordination

6.25 Mechanical & Plumbing Unknowns/Questions

6.26 Mechanical & Plumbing Studies & Calculations

7 Electrical Power System Design Narrative

7.1 Codes and Standards

7.2 TR Electrical Power

7.3 MCR Electrical Power

7.4 Wiring Methods

7.5 Grounding and Bonding

7.6 Lighting System

7.7 Wiring Devices

7.8 Raceways:

7.9 Miscellaneous

8 Telecommunication System Design Narrative

8.1 Codes and Standards –

8.2 Fiber Optic cabling:

8.3 New Workstation Outlets

8.4 Cable Pathways

8.5 Main Computer Room (MCR)

8.6 Perimeter Raceway System

8.7 Riser Conduits

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8.8 Racks

8.9 Security System

8.10 Video Surveillance System

8.11 MCR Duress Reporting

8.12 Paging

8.13 MCR and TR Grounding and Bonding

8.14 MCR and TR Fire Alarm

8.15 Phasing

8.16 Demolition

8.17 MCR Migration Cabling and Power Cords

9 Fire Protection Engineering Design Narrative

9.1 Life Safety and Fire Code Compliance

9.2 Fire Extinguishers

9.3 Fire Stopping of Wall Penetrations

9.4 Fire Detection and Notification

9.5 Fire Suppression

10 Structural Engineering Design Narrative

10.1 Structural Design

10.2 Design Codes

10.3 Design Loading Criteria:

10.4 Structural Systems

10.5 Lateral System

11 Civil Engineering Design Narrative

11.1 Design Codes and Standards

11.2 Project Description

11.3 Site Preparation

11.4 Site Grading

11.5 Asphalt and Concrete Pavement Section

11.6 Drainage

11.7 Domestic Water Distribution

11.8 Sanitary Sewer Collection System

11.9 Landscaping

11.10 Existing Utilities

12 Regulated Materials Abatement 13 Infection Control

13.1 Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA)

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14 Interim Life Safety Measures (ILSM)

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2 Executive Summary

A/E Part One Services (also known as Design Phase Services) for this design project includes site visits, field investigation, studies, and user interviews to prepare drawings, specifications, and cost estimates for all facets of work and disciplines/trades to facilitate a construction project.

This construction project upgrades the facilities electric and IT cabling to allow for the new Electronic Health Records Modernization (EHRM) system. The scope of this project includes but is not limited to the following infrastructure improvements: Electrical (electrical panel upgrade, power (normal, emergency), bonding UPS, building management system interfaces, assess for new and upgrades to existing HVAC, reconfiguration, expansion and renovation of existing spaces (demo, new construction, finishes), communication infrastructure (new data outlets, patch panels, upgrades to CAT 6A cable) in all buildings as necessary, physical security upgrades as necessary, assess and upgrade fiber infrastructure backbone campus wide to each IT closet, infrastructure within buildings, and infrastructure between buildings.

Provide a redundant fiber run throughout the facility to each IT closet, and redundant fiber mains to the demarcation room from the provider point.

3 Scope of Work

Project scope locations include Buildings Q1, Q3, Q4, Q27, Q32, B69 B200, B200E, B201, B202, B203, B204, B205, B206, B207, B208, B209, B210, B211, B212, B221, B232, B235, B238, B239, B240, B248, B255, B300 and new underground power and cabling connections between buildings. Note, B248 and B300 are have been removed from scope at the VA’s direction. The TR in B240 will service B235 and B240. These buildings are physically connected with a circulation corridor. The TR in B201 will service B201 and B238.

These two buildings are physically connected through the basement and a first floor connector. Project scope also includes the construction of a new, free standing Main Computer Room (MCR), located at the northeast campus boundary next to B209; building number to be determined. We have included as part of the 100% CD drawing submittal the scope of work in each of the buildings.

Preliminary work description for new, relocated, or expanded TRs below has received final VA Approval.

Refer to the TR X Matrix for a full breakdown of upgrades for existing TR spaces to remain.

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4 Reference Documents

Contractor is responsible for comporting with all current revisions of these documents.

4.1 VA Office of Electronic Health Record Modernization OEHRM Site Infrastructure and End User

Device (EUD) Requirements VA Office of Electronic Health Record Modernization OEHRM Site Infrastructure and End User Device (EUD) Requirements April 15, 2021 (Version 2.0 for Concurrence) Paragraph 2.9 Physical Security Design Requirements states:

New TR rooms and existing rooms undergoing modifications and upgrades shall comply with the following design manuals:

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Constructions & Facilities Management Telecommunications and Special Telecommunications Systems Design Manual.

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Information & Technology (OIT) Infrastructure Standards for Telecommunications Spaces Version 3.1 July 1, 2021

• VA Physical Security and Resiliency Design Manual.

• Telecommunications Industry Association ANSI/TIA-942-B Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers (See Page 16 paragraph 4.1 Architectural Standards and Space Design of VA Office and Information and Technology Infrastructure Standard for Telecommunication Spaces. Rev3.1).

4.2 Accessibility Codes

• Federal Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards (ABASS)

• PG-18-13 VA Fire Barrier (A Supplement to Federal Barriers Act Accessibility Standards) Fire Design Guide, Dec 2011

4.3 International Code Council (ICC)

• IPC—International Plumbing Code, 2021

4.4 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

• NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, 2022

• NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2022

• NFPA 70 National Electric Code, 2020

• NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, 2021

• NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Singling Code, 2022

• NFPA 75 Standard for the Fire Protection of Information Technology Equipment, 2020

• NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, 2021

• NFPA 855 Standard for the Installation of Stationary Storage Systems, 2020

• NFPA 2001 Standard for Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems, 2022

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4.5 VA Design Manuals

• VA Office of Construction and Facility Management Design Manual August 1, 2014

• PG-18-1 Master Construction Specifications

• PG-18-3 Design and Construction Procedures—April 15, 2019

• PG-18-14 Room Finishes, Door and Hardware Schedule – March 2010

• PG-18-15 VOL CA/E submissions instruction of minor and NRM Construction Program Nov 2008.

• VA Fire Protection Design Manual— July 1, 2021

• VA HVAC Design Manual—November 1, 2017, Rev May 1, 2019, rev 3/1/2020

• VA Interior Design Manual for New Construction and Renovations of Hospitals and Clinics—November 1,

• VA Electrical Design Manual – July 1, 2021

• VA Lighting Design Manual — December 2015

• VA Seismic Codes and Standards, H-18-8

• VA Sustainable Design Manual – Rev 1 August 18, 2017

• VA Asbestos Abatement Design Manual for New Hospitals, Replacement Hospitals, Ambulatory Care, Clinical Additions, Energy Centers, Outpatient Clinics, Animal Research Facilities, Laboratory Buildings – July 2011

• Physical Security and Resiliency Design Manual – October 1, 2020 (rev. Sept.1, 2021).

• Appendix A1 – VA Standard Security Door Types – October 1, 2020 (rev. Sept.1, 2021).

• Appendix A2 – Security Door Opening Schedule – October 1, 2020 (rev. Sept.1, 2021).

• Appendix A3 – Security Door Opening Matrix – October 1, 2020 (rev. Sept.1, 2021).

• Appendix 4 – Security System Application Matrix – October 1, 2020 (rev. Sept.1, 2021).

4.6 VA Directives

• 0055-Energy and Water Management Program—December 10, 2014

• 055- VA Sustainable Building Program—October 11. 2012

• 1028 FACILITY ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEMS, dated February 24, 2020

• 6500 VA CYBERSECURITY PROGRAM Reissue 4 dated January 29, 2019

• 6512 SECURE WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY dated October 12, 2017

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4.7 EHRM Program Design Alerts

• #1 HEFP 10NA5G 29 April 2020-Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable Length Limitations

• #2 HEFP 10NA5G 16 March 2021 VA OEHRM Help Desk Relocation

• #3 HEFP 10NA5G 20 April 2021 End User Training Requirements

• #4 HEFP 10NA5G 07 June 2021-Telecomm Room Space Requirements in Existing Buildings

• #5 HEFP 10NA5G 17 Aug 2021-Data Center Fire Suppression Requirements

• #6 HEFP 19HEFG 14 Oct 2021-Geographically Diverse Paths

• #7 HEFP 10NA5G 10 Dec 2022-Telecommunication Enclosures

• #8 HEFP 10NA5G 18 Apr 2022-Temperature and Relative Humidity in Telecomm Spaces

• #9 HEFP SEP 07 January 2023-Telecommunication Enclosures

• #11 HEFP SEP 14 Apr 2023-Power cord sets connecting Rack Power Distribution Units

• #12 HEFP SEP 02 May 2023-A/E Submission Instructions – Minor and NRM

• Added as part of this modification:

o #15 HEFP SEP 16 May 2024 – Abeyance Guidance on TR MiniSplits o #16 HEFP SEP 12 August 2024 Telecommunication Room (TR) Adjustments and Active Work Area Outlet (WAO) Planning

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5 Architectural Design Narrative

5.1 TR Location Requirements

• There must be at least one telecommunications room TR in a building under the EHRM program requirements.

• Each floor receives a minimum of one TR regardless of the size of the serving zone/number of Work Area

Outlets (WAOs).

• TRs are not located adjacent to or under spaces with water (restrooms, break rooms, kitchens, et cetera).

If unavoidable, water barrier is required between the spaces.

• TR’s will be dedicated to telecommunications, allowing for the necessary mechanical, electrical, and infrastructure components to support the space.

5.2 Proposed New TR Locations

• See Drawings and the following Table summarizing the new TR and TE locations for Scope of Work.

BLDG.

PROPOSED

ROOM

NUMBER

ROOM

AREA (sf) DEPARTMENT

ROOM

TYPE

CABINET

TYPE

TE/TR

NUMBER

APPROVED

YES/NO COMMENTS

Q1 106A 41 Administrative Quarters TE Cabinet

Wall mount TE #1

Q3 110 29 Medical Lodgers Quarters TE Cabinet

Wall mount TE #2

Q4 110 63 TE Cabinet Wall mount TE #3

Q27 102A 68 TE Cabinet Wall mount TE #4

Q32 105B 32 TE Cabinet Wall mount TE #5

B69 102B 32 TE Cabinet Wall mount TE #6

B200

C009A

196A 358J

C501B

OIT

Telecomm Pharmacy Spinal Cord Injury Same Day Surgery Medical Unit General

OIT

TR

TE

TR

TR

TR

TR

TR

TR

Wall mount

TR #7A

TE #8C

TR #8A

TR #9A

TR #10A

TR #11

TR #12

TR #13 TR #13 to serve 7th floor

B200E

E13i E122 E201 E341

Patient Experience Nuclear Med.

Audiology Renal clinic

TR

TR

TR

TR

TR #7B

TR #8B

TR #9B

TR #10B

B201 001A 36 Plant Operations TE Cabinet Wall mount TE #37A B201 will serve B238.

B202 207E Engineering TR TR #44 Existing TR space

B203

OIT / Admin

TR

TR

TR #17

B203 Level 1 is served from TR #38 in B240 B203 Level 2 is served from B203 Level 3

B204 200A 120 Nutritional Serv. TR TR #19 TR #19 is new room in Cafeteria space; TR #19 is to serve first floor of B204.

B205

108B 230A 307E

Primary Care

HR

Administration

TR

TR

TR

TR #20

TR #21

TR #22

B206

145A

TR

TR

TR

TR #23

TR #24

TR #25

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5.3 100% TR update.

• All TR’s and TE’s have received final approval from the VA.

5.4 All TR Locations

• The following table summarizes the status of all TRs at the Togus campus. Many of the spaces are existing to remain, some will be reused as LVSR’s with existing equipment to remain, others will be expanded, and some will get new locations in buildings.

5.5 TR Sizing

• The size of the telecommunications spaces will meet the size standard for TR’s based on the facility type and number of Channel Racks required.

o 1 Channel Rack model TR 80 sf 8’ x 10’ o 2 Channel Racks Base model TR 100 sf 10’ x 10’ o 3 Channel Racks Expanded TR 120 sf 10’ x 12’ o 4 Channel Racks Expanded TR 140 sf 10’ x 14’ o Additional racks will require approximately 20 sf per additional rack.

B207

132A

307A

Hospice CLC Rehab CLC Dementia

TR

TR

TR

TR #26

TR #27

TR #28

B208 107 93 Pain Clinic TR TR #29

B209 123A 203B

Police IT Administration

TR

TR

TR #30

TR #31

B210 109 151 Theater TR TR #32

B211 101 N/A Fire Station TE Cabinet Wall mount TE #33 Locked cabinet in Living Room

B212 100F 36 Laundry TE Cabinet Wall mount TE #34

B221 109 125 O.T & M.A.T. Shops TR TR #35 B232 202 90 Gym, Pool TR TR #36 B235 --- Chappel B235 served from TR #38 in B240 B238 --- Chiller Served by B201

B239 100-239A 35 Plant Operations TE Cabinet Wall mount TE #37B

B240 100A 99 Warehouse TR #38 Serves B235 and Level 1 of B203

B248

020D 102G 202H

Veteran Benefits Administration

TR

TR

TR

TR #39

TR #40

TR #41

TR #39 to be built after MCR servers are relocated.

TR #40: North wall of Office 102D will need to be dismanteled and re-assembled after TR construction

B255 106 33 Neurology TE Cabinet Wall mount TE #42

B300 109A 39 Hotel TE Cabinet Wall mount TE #43

MCR OIT

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• Where TRs are being designed, replaced, expanded, or otherwise considered for use specifically in EHRM Modernization projects in existing buildings that provide healthcare, the guidance in HEFP SEP (SOCAMES

6) Design Alert 4 shall be used. This guidance requires a minimum of a 100 square foot 2-Channel Rack TR in a 10’ x 10’ form factor in lieu of the 170 square foot TRs required of new construction.

• TRs conform to the rectangular form factor described in Appendix B of the VA Infrastructure Standard for Telecommunications Spaces. Essentially, room width will vary per area and number of Channel Racks, and space provided by VA for new TRs. However, the typical room depth should be 10 feet, and the typical room width should be 8, 10, 12 or 14 feet.

• There are specific circumstances when construction of a conditioned Telecommunication Room (TR) is infeasible or impractical in non-clinical buildings such as engineering/maintenance buildings, warehouses, temporary modular trailers, and quarters that were converted to administrative space. In cases where existing space, structural or other constraints do not practically allow for construction of a TR, the use of a Telecommunication Enclosure (TE) is appropriate. Refer to HEFP SEP (SOCAMES 6) Design Alert 7 and HEFP SEP (SOCAMES 6) Design Alert 9.

o Usage is limited to 96 or fewer WAO’s.

o Where 1-48 WAO’s are planned a 12 RU (half-height) Standard TE is used where 49-96 WAO’s are planned a 26 RU (full height) standardized TE is used

5.6 TR Doors

• Door Swing: Any new doors to the telecommunications rooms will open 180 degrees outward swinging.

• Door Rating: TRs are not required to have rated walls.

• Door Width: They will be a minimum of 36” wide.

• Door Height: 8 ft desirable. 7 ft minimum. No door sills. Existing doors housing TEs in Q buildings will remain as is. A variance request will need to be submitted to keep existing legacy doors at 7’-0”.

• Door Types: New doors exposed to public view will be 1-3/4” solid core wood to match existing finishes.

New doors in “back of the house” areas will be 16 gauge, ¾ hour fire rated painted hollow metal.

• Door Frame: New doors/frames will be equipped with a gasket. For security reasons doors must be equipped with mortise locks.

• New doors in existing rated corridor walls will have a rating corresponding to the wall type.

5.7 TR Door Hardware

• Mortise Lock: Manufacturer/Supplier—VA to Provide

• Core: Removable ## pin key-core Manufacturer/Supplier—VA to Provide.

• Carder Reader: Each telecommunications room will also be accessible with two factor ID authentication

– PIN Pad and VA Programmed PIV Card access.

• Electronic Access Control Panel: Make/Model PACS controls and card readers.

• GDM will request information for the access control panels, card readers, scramble proximity sensors, RTE sensors, etc.

• Operation:

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• Outside lever always rigid

• Card reader retracts strike.

• Inside lever retracts latch bolt at all times

• Door monitor alarmed to existing central monitoring station at Campus Police Office

5.8 TR Windows

• Telecommunications rooms must not have windows.

• Existing windows in selected TR room locations will either be filled in or will have security grilles installed.

5.9 TR Flooring

• Carpet is not permitted in any telecommunications equipment spaces by VA Design Manuals and EHRM program standards. Static controlled vinyl tile is the proposed floor coverings.

• Floor Surface - Static dissipative tile

• Manufacturer quality and color to comply with VA Design Standards

5.10 TR Walls

• All new TR Walls shall be Type X gypsum board and metal studs, or CMU faced extended to underside of structure.

• Three walls must be lined with ¾” A-C grade (or better) plywood. The plywood will be fire retardant and coated with at least two coats of fire-retardant paint on all sides. The paint color will be semi-gloss bright white to aid with lighting in the rooms. The bottom of the plywood should be mounted 6” above finished floor (AFF). No electrical conduits, junction boxes or any other non-telecommunication systems equipment should be mounted on or across any backboard area.

5.11 TR Ceilings

• Drop ceiling or suspended ceilings are not allowed in telecommunication spaces.

• The minimum acceptable ceiling height is 8.5’. It will be unobstructed as much as possible to provide space over the equipment Channel Racks for suspended wire basket cable trays.

• Floor to ceiling: 12 ft minimum will be achieved to the maximum extent possible.

• Existing Dropped Ceilings will be removed from TR’s.

5.12 MCR free-standing building

• Reference drawings for location of MCR.

• Approximately 3,400 gsf of building & 1,000 gsf of service yard will be required. Building to be comprised of the following:

• Secured entrance Vestibule

• Data Center

• Fiber Entrance Rooms

• Receiving

• Unboxing

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• Supply Room

• Storage Room

• Unisex toilet

• Housekeeping closet

• Workstations / Imaging

• Free Agent (gas) room

• Mechanical room

• Electrical room

• Utility yard to include generator / fuel storage tank

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6 Mechanical Design Narrative

6.1 Codes and Standards

• American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

• Standard 62.1 – Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, 2019

• Standard 90.1 - Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, 2019

• Standard 170 - Ventilation of Health Care Facilities, 2017

• International Code Council (ICC)

• IECC – International Energy Efficiency Code, 2021

• IFGC – International Fuel Gas Code, 2021

• IMC – International Mechanical Code, 2021

• IPC – International Plumbing Code, 2021

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

• 75 – Standard for the Fire Protection of Information Technology Equipment, 2020

• 90A – Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, 2021

• 99 – Health Care Facilities Code, 2021 (Chapters 8 & 9)

• 101 – Life Safety Code, 2021

• Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA)

• HVAC Duct Construction Standards – Metal and Flexible

• HVAC Systems Commissioning Manual, 2nd Edition, 2013

• Seismic Restraint Manual Guidelines for Mechanical Systems, 3rd Edition, 2008

• US Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA)

• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Modeling Guidance, 13 February 2020

• HVAC Design Manual (Revision 3), PG18-10, 1 November 2021

• Infrastructure Standard for Telecommunications Spaces (version 4.0), 1 June 2023

• OEHRM Site Infrastructure and End User Device (EUD) Requirements (Version 2.0), 15 April 2021

• Requirements for VA Minor New Construction and Renovation Projects (i.e. Under $20,000,000)

• Sustainable Design Manual (Revision 1), 18 August 2017

• Telecommunications and Special Telecommunications Systems Design Manual, February 2016

• Whole Building Commissioning Manual (Revision 1), November 2013

• HEP SEP Design Alerts

6.2 Mechanical Design for the New Main Computer Room

• New Dedicated CRAC units (with humidification/dehumidification capabilities) will provide cooling & conditioning for the new MCR.

o CRAC unit type will be selected to suit the requirements of the MCR space and data cabinet configuration.

o CRAC unit capacity will meet or exceed the minimum N+1 capacity required by VA/DCIE requirements for each containment area.

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VA Project No. 402-22-700 Page 16 of 41 o Each CRAC unit will be connected to a dedicated outdoor condensing unit (where DX systems are used). Should hydronic systems be utilized for MCR CRAC units, a minimum of (2) dry coolers and

(2) pumps will be provided for redundancy.

o Refrigerant-side economizers will be provided for each CRAC system to maximize efficiency.

• Hot- aisle containment will be provided for the data cabinets (refer to architectural section).

• Design Criteria: Load calculations and equipment selections will be designed to meet VA HVAC Design

Manual & OIT OEHRM Program requirements (72-81°F temperature range, 30-60% relative humidity, non-condensing).

• CRAC units will be networked together to allow automated staging of all units.

• CRAC unit operation will be managed by a Data Center Cooling Optimization (DCCO) system. This system will monitor the MCR space and rack environment as well as CRAC unit power usage, and provide enable/disable, temperature setpoints, and fan speed setpoints (capacity control) for the CRAC units in order to optimize energy usage in the system. The DCCO system will also manage unit teaming & load sharing as well as lead-lag duty rotation. The DCCO system will communicate with the CRAC units via the facility DDC system & LAN. The DCCO system platform will be installed on a virtual server assigned by VA OIT, and will be accessible via web browser.

• CRAC units will be networked by a wall-mounted switch with touchscreen, providing access to information for all connected CRAC units from a single point in the MCR.

• The MCR will be configured for positive pressurization. This will be provided by a small ERV unit with powered supply & exhaust and a heat recovery core. An electric duct heater will be provided to preheat incoming outside air as required.

• Wall-mounted HVAC shutdown switches will be provided for emergency shutdown of all mechanical equipment serving the MCR.

• HVAC equipment will also be configured for emergency shutdown triggered by the fire alarm system as well as the EPO (emergency power off) system. Refer to electrical documents for EPO system information.

• HVAC equipment will also be configured for emergency shutdown triggered by the fire alarm system.

6.3 Mechanical Design for the MCR Building Entrance Rooms

• New Dedicated CRAC units (with humidification/dehumidification capabilities) will provide cooling & conditioning for the entrance rooms.

• CRAC unit capacity will meet or exceed the minimum N+1 capacity required by VA/DCIE requirements for the entrance rooms.

• Each CRAC unit will be connected to a dedicated outdoor condensing unit.

• CRAC systems will utilize R-410a refrigerant.

• Design Criteria: Load calculations and equipment selections will be designed to meet VA HVAC Design

Manual & OIT OEHRM Program requirements (72-81°F temperature range at rack inlet, 30-60% relative humidity, non-condensing).

• CRAC units will be networked together to allow automated staging of all units based on the manufacturer’s built-in multi-unit controls.

6.4 Mechanical Design for the New MCR Building (Non-Data Spaces)

• New VRF (variable refrigerant flow) systems will be provided for heating & cooling of spaces outside the MCR space.

• Ventilation for the building will be provided by DOAS (dedicated outside air system) units.

• Electric unit heaters will provide additional heating at main entry points to the building (main entry vestibule & loading dock).

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6.5 Mechanical Design for Telecommunication Rooms (TR’s)

• New or relocated TR spaces, as well as existing TR spaces without dedicated cooling (as indicated on the X-Matrix document), will be provided with new dedicated conditioning systems. A dedicated DX-based mini-split system will provide cooling for these rooms.

• Mini-split units will be provided as single units without any redundancy for most TR spaces. In some TR spaces with higher loads, multiple systems may be utilized to meet the load requirements. Mini split systems will utilize R-454B refrigerant.

• Multiple mini-split systems may also be utilized in larger TR spaces where single systems are not capable of meeting the required space loads, as well as to provide some redundancy in the design.

• Mini-split system indoor units will have dedicated outdoor units.

• Design Criteria: Space conditions will be designed to meet the relaxed requirements of VA Design Alert

15 (8-80% relative humidity, non-condensing). These spaces will be included in the abeyance memo required by Design Alert 15.

• Based on recent guidance from DCIE & OIT on other EHRM projects we plan to use diversity to size the cooling equipment in the new TR spaces. Cooling loads will be as follows: 1 rack = 5kW, 2 racks = 7KW, 3 racks = 8.5kW, 4 racks = 10kW.

• Where possible to easily provide positive space pressurization using existing HVAC systems (such as TR spaces with existing supply ductwork), the TR space will be provided with limited direct supply air to positively pressurize the space.

• Spaces without existing easily-accessible/extendable sources of space pressurization airflow will not include any pressurization provisions, as allowed by Design Alert 15. These exceptions will be included in the abeyance memo required by Design Alert 15.

6.6 Mechanical Design for Telecommunication Enclosures (TE’s)

• For buildings where a TE is being utilized but existing HVAC does not meet the standards identified in Design Alert 7, new mini-split units will be provided as single units without any redundancy.

• Optionally, data cabinets with integrated active cooling units may be provided, in which case separate mini-split units would not be provided.

• For buildings where a TE is being utilized but existing HVAC does meet the standards identified in Design Alert 7, no additional HVAC work will be included in the design.

• Mini-split system indoor units will have dedicated outdoor units. Mini split systems will utilize R-454B refrigerant.

• Design Criteria: Space conditions will be designed to meet VA Design Alert 7 (41-95°F ambient air temperature, 8-80% relative humidity range, dew point less than 82.4°F measured at the intake point of the TE).

• Basis of design for cooling loads at TE locations is 2kW per rack/cabinet.

6.7 Ventilation

• The existing ventilation systems for the building are intended to be re-used where possible and will be re-routed as necessary to accommodate the new data room configurations.

• Where re-routed, the modified systems will generally be assumed to have the same capacity & performance as the original systems.

• Generally it is assumed that the data spaces are not considered occupied spaces and will not require specific ventilation air provisions.

• For any new or modified non-data spaces, existing building ventilation systems (VAV and/or exhaust systems) will be utilized to provide ventilation for the new or modified space.

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• Minimum ventilation airflow will be provided to meet VA standards and standard design practice.

6.8 Ductwork

• Ductwork will be steel sheet metal, fabricated rectangular or premanufactured oval or spiral wound round ductwork, all constructed per SMACNA guidelines.

• Flexible ductwork will be provided for connections to air inlets & outlets located in ceiling systems. Flexible duct sections will be limited to a maximum length of 5’.

6.9 Filtration

• Replaceable filters will be provided at each CRAC unit.

• Replaceable filters other than OSA intakes will generally be MERV-8 rated unless otherwise noted.

6.10 Air inlets/outlets

• Air inlets and outlets will be provided in each space as required to distribute airflow.

• Air inlets and outlets will be of aluminum or steel construction. They will be provided with a painted/coated finish as required to match surrounding surface finishes.

6.11 Louvers

• Fixed blade aluminum drainable-type weatherproof aluminum louvers will be provided where exterior wall louvers are required.

6.12 Insulation

• Ductwork will be externally insulated to meet IECC requirements.

• Duct insulation will be fiberglass wrap for interior applications.

• Piping will be insulated to meet or exceed IECC requirements.

• Hydronic piping insulation will be pre-formed fiberglass with an all-service jacket.

• Condensate piping insulation (where required) will be closed-cell elastomeric type.

• Refrigerant piping insulation will be closed-cell elastomeric type.

• Domestic water piping insulation will be pre-formed fiberglass with an all-service jacket.

• Exterior pipe or duct runs will be provided with aluminum jacketing over the insulation.

• Where required, jacketing will be painted to blend in with adjacent building construction.

6.13 Lining

• Close-cell neoprene or similar duct lining will be utilized where necessary for sound dampening within ductwork near fan-powered equipment.

6.14 Control Dampers

• Motorized 2-position (open/closed) dampers will be provided for all outside air intake & exhaust outlet locations. Shutoff dampers at OSA inlets and exhaust outlet locations will meet IECC leakage requirements.

• Modulating dampers will be provided at locations where control of airflow is required.

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6.15 Fire/Smoke Dampers

• Fire and smoke dampers (or combination fire/smoke dampers) will be provided at all locations required by code.

• Combination fire/smoke dampers will be provided at all duct penetrations of data spaces if new rated enclosure assemblies are provided or existing for each space.

• Smoke dampers (and combination fire/smoke dampers) will be provided with integral duct smoke detectors or separately mounted duct smoke detectors. All duct smoke detectors will be addressable type and will be connected to the existing building fire alarm system.

6.16 Firestopping

• All firestopping installation locations will be Hilti fire stopping systems and comply with all applicable

NFPA 101 requirements for firestopping identification and inspection at health care facilities.

6.17 Hydronic Systems

• Hydronic piping will be steel with grooved, welded, or threaded fittings, or Type-L copper with brazed or sweat fittings.

• 2-way or 3-way control valves will be provided for all new hydronic coil connections. The valves and actuators will be selected to be compatible with the existing DDC system and hydronic system operation.

• Coil connection kits will be provided for all new unit connections, and will include flexible piping (if required), control valve, wye strainer, isolation valves, and test ports.

6.18 Refrigerant Piping

• Refrigerant piping will be brazed copper.

• Isolation valving will be provided at each indoor & outdoor unit for ease of servicing.

6.19 Mechanical Controls

• The existing control systems at the facility are a mix of Honeywell XL500 and pneumatic systems. There is an upcoming project in development to replace the existing Honeywell DDC systems with a more current system, but the project has not been constructed yet and a new DDC vendor has not been selected at this time.

• GDM will specify a BACNet-based DDC system, with components that could be integrated into the future DDC system upgrade.

• A JACE or similar web server may be included with this project to allow complete system functionality in the case that the EHRM project is completed prior to the planned DDC system upgrade.

o The JACE would enable the DDC system constructed under this project to be accessible over the LAN.

o No dedicated head end computer would be provided with this project unless specifically requested by the VA.

• GDM recommends that a dedicated VLAN be set up on the updated LAN system being installed under the EHRM project. The VLAN will allow the facility DDC system to operate on the main VA LAN and remove the requirement for a fully separate LAN to exist on the campus.

• Existing DDC controls in TR spaces will be removed and replaced with new controls.

• TR spaces will be provided with combination temperature/humidity sensors connected to the DDC system.

• The MCR will have multiple combination temperature/humidity sensors connected to the DDC system to monitor the average temperature in the space.

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• All new equipment (CRAC units, mini-splits, leak detectors, etc.) will be connected to the DDC system for monitoring.

6.20 MCR Data Cabinet Monitoring

• The temperature/humidity and temperature sensors will be connected to a smart controller device that will be connected to the DCCO system.

• The data cabinet sensors will be visible using the DCCO system web page.

• Selected data cabinets within the MCR will be monitored, to comply with OIT ISTS v4.0 requirements:

o Cabinets at the ends of a contiguous row.

o At least every third cabinet in the middle of a contiguous row.

• Monitored cabinets will have sensors at the following locations:

o Temperature sensor at front/top of cabinet.

o Temperature/humidity sensor at the front/middle of the cabinet.

o Temperature sensor at the front/bottom of the cabinet.

o Temperature sensor at the rear/top of the cabinet.

6.21 Variable Frequency Drives (VFD’s)

• VFD’s will be provided for various fan and pumping equipment provided under this project.

• VFD’s will be connected to the DDC system for monitoring and control.

• VFD’s will be Yaskawa per VA request.

6.22 Mechanical Alternative Systems Considered

• Campus Chilled Water Cooling: The existing campus chilled water system is drained down during the winter.

This makes it unsuitable for use in providing cooling for data spaces, which will require cooling throughout the entire year.

• Existing HVAC Systems: The existing building HVAC systems are not controlled to maintain environmental conditions (particularly humidity) within ranges that meet the ISTS requirements. These systems are therefore not suitable for use to condition the data spaces.

• Snowmelt Systems: Snowmelt systems were considered for the project but have been deemed unnecessary per VA direction. The facility has established snow removal procedures for all areas and does not rely on snowmelt systems for outdoor safety purposes.

• Campus Steam System: The campus steam system was considered as an energy source for the new MCR building, particularly for snowmelt systems. The snowmelt systems have been removed from the project scope. Other systems have been selected due to efficiency as well as cost purposes – primarily due to expenses related to routing steam & condensate piping to & from the new MCR building location.

6.23 Plumbing Systems

• Domestic CW system connections will be provided for CRAC units to enable humidification functions.

• Each water connection to a CRAC unit will be provided with a strainer and isolation valve located outboard of the CRAC unit for ease of maintenance access.

• Sanitary drain connections will be provided for CRAC units to allow condensate drainage and drainage for dehumidification functionality.

• Existing plumbing system piping (such as vent, CW, HW, HWC, stormwater/roof drain) will be relocated to move liquid-carrying piping out of data spaces.

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• Where it is not possible to relocate piping from within data spaces, leak prevention and mitigation provisions will be included.

o The preferred option for piping will be to utilize double containment systems with leak detection in the data spaces with critical equipment. Where possible, drip legs for leak detection will be located outside of the data spaces.

o A drain pan will be provided where double containment piping cannot be utilized. Each drain pan will be provided with a condensate pump with reservoir which will be pumped into the condensate drain line leaving the space from the indoor unit.

• Domestic Water Piping:

o General Use: Type-L copper with brazed or sweat fittings.

• DWV Systems:

o General Use: Solid-core PVC or ABS DWV piping or hubless cast iron DWV piping shall be used for new DWV systems.

• Domestic Hot Water Systems:

o Water heating for the new MCR building will be provided by point of use water heaters at each fixture location.

o Hot water will be delivered at 140°F for mop sink fixtures.

o Hot water will be delivered at approximately 104°F for lavatory fixtures.

• Plumbing fixtures:

o New sinks or lavatory fixtures will be commercial type, either stainless steel or vitreous china construction. Sink will be provided with a manual faucet.

o New sinks or lavatory fixtures will be provided with thermostatic mixing valves for scald protection.

o Floor drains and trench drains will be provided where required.

• Storm Drain/Rainleader Systems:

o Solid-core PVC or ABS DWV or hubless cast iron DWV piping shall be used for new storm drain/rain leader piping.

o Perforated PVC, ABS, or HDPE piping shall be used for footing drains at the new MCR building.

o Roof drains with adjacent overflow drains will be located at low points on the roof of the new

MCR building.

o Roof drains and overflow drains and downstream piping within 10’ of drain locations will be provided with electrical heat trace.

6.24 Mechanical & Plumbing Space Coordination

• Where existing mechanical systems (HVAC duct, VAV units, mechanical piping, plumbing, etc.) are in data spaces, these items will be relocated to the greatest extent possible to be out of the data room space.

• Any liquid-carrying piping will be relocated to be outside of MCR space (wherever possible).

• Where existing plumbing fixtures are removed, branch piping will be demolished back to mains.

• Pipe Routing: Wherever possible, new piping runs will be located in ceiling spaces, existing or new mechanical chases, soffits, or furred-out areas where the piping is concealed from view. Piping in data or utility spaces will be run exposed except where required for leak prevention purposes as noted above.

• Where liquid-carrying piping cannot be relocated or removed, drip pans are provided above data equipment. Drip pans are specified with condensate pumps for drainage and leak detection which will be monitored by the facility DDC system.

• Exposed exterior pipe routes (such as refrigerant piping) will be grouped and arranged to maintain access to other equipment and systems.

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• New mechanical equipment is selected and located to maintain all required clearances for the mechanical equipment as well as other equipment (such as data equipment, racks, electrical panels, etc.) in the space.

6.25 Mechanical & Plumbing Unknowns/Questions

• None

6.26 Mechanical & Plumbing Studies & Calculations

• HVAC load calculations for all new & modified spaces.

• CFD model for new MCR HVAC system.

• Plumbing sizing calculations for new MCR building.

• MCR fuel tank sizing calculations.

• MCR roof drainage sizing calculations.

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7 Electrical Power System Design Narrative

7.1 Codes and Standards

• NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, 2023

• NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm Code, 2019

• NFPA 75 National Fire Protection of Information Technology Equipment, 2020

• NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, 2021

• VA Seismic Design Requirements (H-18-8)

• Underwriter’s Laboratory, Inc (UL) Standards - 2019

• ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B series, Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard, and its published addenda. -2017

• ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-C.0, Generic Telecommunications Cabling for Customer Premises, and its published addenda. - 2017

• ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-C.1, Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard, and its published addenda. - 2017

• ANSI/TIA 568-C.2, Balanced Twisted-Pair Telecommunications Cabling and Components. - 2017

• ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-C.3, Optical Fiber Cabling Components Standard, and its published addenda. - 2017

• ANSI/TIA/EIA-569-C, Commercial Building Standard for Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces, and its published addenda. - 2017

• ANSI/TIA/EIA-606-A, Administration Standard for the Telecommunications Infrastructure of Commercial

Buildings, and its published addenda - 2017

• ANSI/J-STD-607-A, Commercial Building Grounding (Earthing) and Bonding Requirements for

Telecommunications, and its published addenda. – 2017

• Building Industries Consulting Services International (BICSI) – 2019

• Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual (TDMM) -2020

7.2 TR Electrical Power

• All new and existing TRs will have two 20A rack-mounted Power Distribution Units (PDU) and a 5kVA rack-mounted UPS per the OIT standards. All new and existing racks will have A/B side vertical 20A PDU’s. Multi-rack rooms will have a 30A zone PDU fed from two L21-30R receptacles (serving 2 racks) or 60A zone PDU and two 60A circuits with direct wiring to a junction box (serving 3 racks)

• A minimum of two duplex convenience outlets should also be installed in the telecommunications spaces, located in a readily accessible location.

• Distribution equipment will be split between an A/B redundant systems as required by the OIT standards.

‘A-side’ systems will be fed from existing onsite diesel generation via a new Equipment Branch ATS. Any equipment with only one power supply shall be plugged in to the ‘A-side.’ ‘B-side’ systems will come from the existing normal (non- generator backed) power distribution system.

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7.3 MCR Electrical Power

• A new incoming primary feed to new medium pad mount transformer from primary switchgear in Building

246 will be required.

• The power distribution system will consist of a 480Y/277V, 3-phase, 4-wire service to the new MCR building, including two (2) new Automatic Transfer Switches, various 480Y/277V and 208Y/120V distribution panels, two (2) 100kVA UPSs, and 208Y/120V, 3-phase, 4-wire branch circuit panelboards.

Reference the Power One-Line Diagram and Specifications for equipment types, sizes, and quantities.

• Standby power is provided by (1) new 300KW diesel-powered generator.

• The entire electrical distribution system will be backed up by the generator system.

• Distribution equipment will be split between an A/B redundant systems as required by the OIT standards.

‘A-side’ systems will be fed from existing onsite diesel generation via a new Equipment Branch ATS. Any equipment with only one power supply shall be plugged in to the ‘A-side.’ ‘B-side’ systems will come from a separate ATS that is generator backed. A tie breaker will be required between the ‘A-side’ and ‘B-side’ distribution to allow N+1 redundancy with the ATS.

• The new UPS system in the MCR will be an N+1 configuration is still under investigation. We will upgrade and replace the existing ones as necessary to meet the requirements. MCR power distribution will be via busway, with power requirements for a raised floor room per ISTS and DCIE clarification in recent projects.

MDA cabinets will be sized for 3.5kW each, with one passive A-side and one passive B-side location. HDA racks will be sized at 2.8kW per. Server/equipment distributor racks will be sized at 3.5kW per.

• An emergency power off (EPO) push button will be located at each exit within the data center room to shut down power.

• Lightning protection system will be provided based on a class II building per VA and NFPA 780 requirements.

7.4 Wiring Methods

• General wiring methods are to be in conduit. Minimum conduit size shall be 3/4".

• All conductors shall be copper with type THHN/THWN-2, or XHHW-2 insulation.

• Wiring for power and lighting will be solid conductors for #10 AWG and #12AWG, and stranded conductors for all cables #8 AWG and larger. Minimum size conductors for lighting and power wiring will be #12 AWG.

• Neutral conductors will be full size throughout the system as a minimum. Provide oversized neutrals for telecom distribution. No shared neutrals will be provided.

• The minimum size conductors for control wiring will be #14 AWG.

• The minimum size conductors for signal wiring will be # 22 AWG.

7.5 Grounding and Bonding

• Grounding for the building will be in compliance with Article 250 of the National Electrical Code. All electrical power and communication systems shall be bonded to the equipment grounding system for both safety and ground potential differences. All branch circuit conduits will contain an equipment ground conductor from panel ground bus to the devices and equipment served.

• The minimum size of any bonding conductor shall be #6 AWG copper.

• All conductor connections to bonding busbars shall be a 2-hole lug connector.

• All communication rooms will be provided with a bonding busbar connected to the building grounding electrode system.

• Per NEC and ANSI/EIA/TIA-607 requirements, the telecommunications grounding and bonding infrastructure shall be designed and routed through each telecommunications space. Each telecommunications room should be equipped with a Secondary Bonding Busbar (SBB) bonded directly to

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VA Project No. 402-22-700 Page 25 of 41 the Telecommunications Bonding Backbone (TBB). The busbars should be a minimum of 12” in length, 4” in width and ¼ thick. They shall be drilled and tapped to accommodate standard NEMA complaint grounding hardware. The TBB should be a minimum of #6 AWG stranded copper grounding conductor and should be in conduits. All TBBs must be tied to the Primary Bonding Busbar (PBB) located in the equipment room (or main telecommunications room). The PBB must be bonded to the building system ground with a minimum of 3/0 AWG stranded copper bonding conductor (BC) The ohmic resistance to ground from any point to the telecommunications grounding system must not be more than 3 ohms.

• Each telecommunications room rack shall be equipped with a Rack Bonding Busbar (RBB) to connect active equipment via a #6 AWG Unit Bonding Conductor (UBC). Each UBC shall run individually from the equipment bonding lug directly to the RBB. RBB is connected to the SBB via the Telecommunications Equipment Bonding Conductor (TEBC) via a #6 AWG Rack Bonding Conductor (RBC). The rack itself shall be bonded to the RBB.

7.6 Lighting System

• Design of lighting and electrical power distribution systems shall comply with the PG-10 Lighting Design

Manual (LDM) http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/dManual/dmLighting.pdf,

• Electrical Design Manual (EDM) http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/dManual/dmElec.pdf , and

• Physical Security Resiliency Design Manual where applicable.

• Lighting will be served at 120V, single-phase, 60 hertz.

• All lighting will be energy star rated. ASHRAE 90.1 – will be used for lighting power density and voltage drop calculations.

• Emergency/egress and exit lighting will have emergency LED drivers.

• Illumination levels will be provided to meet the requirements of the Illuminating Engineering

Society Standards and…