SOW Att 6 - Tele and Special Tele Design Manual.pdf

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Department of

Veterans Affairs

Office of Construction & Facilities Management

Facilities Standards Service (003C2B)

425 I Street NW

Washington, DC 20001

Photos appearing on the cover of this document are copied from the personal collection of Mr. Forrest Frakes, VACO, Spectrum Management and COMSEC Service Special Communications Team.

Mr. Frakes grants permission for their use under the following conditions:

Photos bottom row – left to right, as you look at the cover:

Photos top row – left to right, as you look at the cover:

Acknowledgments Many professionals have generously contributed their expertise to guide the development of this first edition of the VA Telecommunications and Special Systems Telecommunications Design Manual. Chief among them are:

Office of Information & Technology (05)

Forrest F. Frakes, CET, PC Senior Telecommunications Specialist, VA OI&T Keith Van Bakel, ATS Telecommunication Specialist, VA OI&T Matthew Hammaker Voice Engineering Project Manager, VA OI&T

Office of Construction & Facilities Management (00CFM)

Noella Bond, CO Contracting Officer, VA CFM Lam Vu, PE Contracting Officer’s Representative, VA CFM Zoltan Nagy, RA Principal Healthcare Architect, VA CFM

Private Sector

This document was created by CannonDesign, under contract to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Facilities Standards Service, Washington, DC, 20001. The following subject matter experts contributed to this manual:

Peter McClive, PE Senior Vice President, Electrical Engineering F. Patrick Mahoney, RCDD, CDT Senior Associate, Technology Services Group Pete Northern, CDT Senior Associate, Specifications / 508 Compliance

Technical Content Management

Technical content is supervised and managed by VA Special Communications Subject Matter Experts. Please direct all communications to VA’s Special Communications Subject Matter Experts, Spectrum Management and Communications Security (COMSEC) Service (SMCS), at the contact information provided in Paragraph 1.3.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

...................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................1-3

1.1 PURPOSE............................................................................................................1-3

1.2 RESPONSIBILITY ..............................................................................................1-4

1.3 AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION ...........................................................1-4

1.4 ABBRIVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS .................................................................1-5

1.5 COORDINATION ...............................................................................................1-6

1.5.1 SERVICE PROVIDER COORDINATION ...........................................................1-6

1.5.2 PRE-DESIGN SITE SURVEY ............................................................................. 1-7

1.6 VA DESIGN CRITERIA ...................................................................................... 1-7

1.6.1 MASTER SPECIFICATIONS (PG-18-1) ............................................................. 1-7

1.6.2 DEFINING SPECIFIC INSTALLATION METHODS TO BE USED.DESIGN

AND CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES (PG-18-3) ...........................................1-8

1.6.3 INCLUDING MISCELLANEOUS DESIGN DETAILS.NATIONAL CAD

STANDARD, VHA APPLICATION GUIDE & STANDARD DETAILS (PG-18

4) .........................................................................................................................1-8

1.6.4 EQUIPMENT REFERENCE MANUAL (PG-18-5).............................................1-8

1.6.5 DESIGN MANUALS (PG-18-10) ........................................................................1-8

1.6.6 VA DIRECTIVE 0730 – VA SECURITY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

HANDBOOK ..................................................................................................... 1-10

1.6.7 DESIGN GUIDES (PG-18-12)........................................................................... 1-10

1.6.8 ARCHITECT/ENGINEER REVIEW CHECKLIST............................................1-11

1.6.9 COST ESTIMATING MANUAL........................................................................ 1-12

1.6.10 SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND ENERGY REDUCTION MANUAL................. 1-12

1.6.11 SEISMIC DESIGN REQUIREMENTS (H-18-8) .............................................. 1-13

1.6.12 VA HOSPITAL BUILDING SYSTEM (VAHBS) ............................................... 1-13

1.6.13 COMPUTER AIDED FACILITIES MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS

(CAFM).............................................................................................................. 1-13

1.6.14 VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION; VBA INFORMATION SECURITY

PROGRAM, VBA IRM DIRECTIVE NO. 5.00.01............................................. 1-13

1.7 OTHER DESIGN CRITERIA ............................................................................ 1-14

1.7.1 ENERGY CONSERVATION ............................................................................. 1-14

1.7.2 DOE INTERIM FINAL RULE .......................................................................... 1-14

1.7.3 ADDITIONAL MEASURES (MOU) ................................................................. 1-14

1.8 APPLICABLE CODES AND STANDARDS....................................................... 1-15

1.8.1 GENERAL ......................................................................................................... 1-15

1.8.2 INDUSTRY STANDARDS: ............................................................................... 1-18

1.8.3 LOCAL CODES AND CONDITIONS ................................................................ 1-21

1.9 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................. 1-21

1.9.1 CRITERIA UNIQUE TO VA .............................................................................1-22

1.10 CALCULATIONS ..............................................................................................1-24

1.10.1 GENERAL .........................................................................................................1-24

1.10.2 LOAD CALCULATIONS ...................................................................................1-25

1.10.3 SEISMIC BRACING..........................................................................................1-25

1.11 TRANSPORT SYSTEMS ...................................................................................1-25

1.12 RENOVATION TO EXISTING SITES AND BUILDINGS ...............................1-25

1.12.1 DRAWINGS ......................................................................................................1-25

1.12.2 MODIFICATION VERSUS REPLACEMENT ...................................................1-26

1.12.3 AGE AND PHYSICAL CONDITION .................................................................1-26

1.12.4 PARTS AVAILABILITY .....................................................................................1-26

1.12.5 CONDUIT AND BOXES ...................................................................................1-26

1.12.6 CONDUCTORS .................................................................................................1-27

1.12.7 WORK AREA OUTLETS...................................................................................1-27

1.12.8 PATCHPANELS AND PUNCHDOWN BLOCKS ..............................................1-27

1.12.9 GOVERNMENT RETAINED EQUIPMENT (AKA GFE) .................................1-27

1.12.10 CONTINUITY OF SERVICE .............................................................................1-27

1.12.11 COMPATIBILITY..............................................................................................1-27

.....................................................................................................................2-1

RACEWAYS, PATHWAYS, WIREAYS, CABLE TRAYS, CABLE DUCTS,

CONDUITS, BOXES AND EQUIPMENT.......................................................... 2-0

CABLE PATHWAYS........................................................................................... 2-0

CONDUITS AND BOXES .................................................................................. 2-0

HORIZONTAL CONDUITS ............................................................................... 2-3

PARTITIONED CABLE TRAYS AND OPEN WIREWAYS ............................... 2-4

TELECOMMUNICATIONS CABLE DUCTS UNDER CELLULAR FLOORS ... 2-4

VERTICAL RISERS ........................................................................................... 2-5

TELECOMMUNICATIONS OUTLETS (TCO) .................................................. 2-5

DRAWINGS ....................................................................................................... 2-6

CONCEALED AND EXPOSED CONDUITS ...................................................... 2-6

UNDERGROUND DUCTS AND CONDUITS ................................................... 2-6

INDOOR CONDUITS AND PATHWAYS .......................................................... 2-7

SPARE CONDUITS ............................................................................................ 2-8

STAIRWELLS .................................................................................................... 2-8

UNDERFLOOR DUCT SYSTEMS ..................................................................... 2-8

ROOMS REQUIRING UNIQUE CONDUIT ATTENTION ............................... 2-8

2.11.1 RADIOLOGY ROOMS ....................................................................................... 2-8

TELEPHONE EQIPMENT ROOOM (TER) AND TELEPHONE OPERATOR’S

ROOM (IF REQUIRED) (CONTACT OI&T’S TVE [RE PARAGRAPH 1.3] FOR

SPECIFIC TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE IN THESE VOICE/PBX

ENVIRONMENTS) ............................................................................................ 2-9

POKE-THRU, TELE-POWER POLE ............................................................... 2-10

ETHYLENE OXIDE STERILIZATION AREA ................................................. 2-10

RATED CONSTRUCTION ............................................................................... 2-10

.....................................................................................................................3-1

WORK AREA OUTLET AND HORIZONTIAL CABLING REQUIREMENTS . 3-0

GENERAL .......................................................................................................... 3-0

TIP HORIZONTAL MEDIA SELECTION ..........................................................3-1

3.2.1 BALANCED TWISTED PAIR CABLING ............................................................3-1

3.2.2 WIRELESS AND FREQUENCY COORDINATION .......................................... 3-2

..................................................................... 3-3

3.3.1 ............................... 3-3

3.3.2 WIRELESS MEDICAL TELEMETRY SYSTEM, (WMTS) ................................ 3-4

3.3.3 INTRA-BUILDING WIRELESS SYSTEM, WIRELESS LOCAL AREA

NETWORK (WLAN) .......................................................................................... 3-4

3.3.4 FCC & OSHA SAFETY OF LIFE COMPLIANCE AND RESTRICTIONS OF

USE..................................................................................................................... 3-7

CABLE LENGTH ................................................................................................ 3-8

3.4.1 BALANCED TWISTED PAIR CABLE LENGTH ............................................... 3-8

3.4.2 OPTICAL FIBER CABLE ................................................................................... 3-9

3.4.3 COAXIAL CABLE ............................................................................................. 3-10

SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS ............................................................................. 3-10

3.5.1 SURGERY ROOMS .......................................................................................... 3-10

3.5.2 EXTERIOR OUTLETS ..................................................................................... 3-10

3.5.3 OFFICES AND ADMINISTRATIVE AREAS .................................................... 3-11

3.5.4 LABORATORIES AND RESEARCH FACILITIES ........................................... 3-11

3.5.5 MENTAL HEALTH (PSYCHIATRIC) PATIENT ROOMS ............................... 3-11

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE .................................................................................. 3-11

3.6.1 TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENCLOSURES ..................................................... 3-11

3.6.2 DIRECT ATTACH MODIFIED PERMANENT LINKS .................................... 3-11

3.6.3 SURGE PROTECTION .....................................................................................3-12

ADAAD REQUIRMENTS (2010 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

STANDARDS FOR ACCESSIBLE DESIGN) CHECK TABLE OF CONTENTS

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ROOMS ................................................................3-12

NUMBERING AND LINK ................................................................................3-12

3.8.1 ADAAD PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING INSTALLATION HEIGHT

REQUIREMENTS: OPERABLE PARTS SHALL BE PLACED WITHIN ONE OR

MORE OF THE REACH RANGES BELOW. ....................................................3-12

3.8.2 POOL AREAS ....................................................................................................3-15

3.8.3 PUBLIC TELEPHONES ....................................................................................3-15

BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEMS ............................................................3-16

.....................................................................................................................4-1

4.0 GENERAL ...........................................................................................................4-1

4.1 INTERIOR CIRCULATING GROUNDING SYSTEM .......................................4-1

4.1.1 INTERNAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS MAIN GROUNDING BUSBAR

(TMGB) ...............................................................................................................4-1

4.1.2 TELECOMMUNICATIONS BONDING BACKBONE ....................................... 4-2

4.1.3 TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUND BUSBAR TGB ...................................... 4-2

4.1.4 SUPPLEMENTAL BONDING GRID (SBG (A.K.A. UNDERFLOOR

GROUNDING GRIDS)) ..................................................................................... 4-2

4.1.5 BONDING WITHIN RACKS AND CABINETS ................................................. 4-3

4.2 EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS GROUNDING SYSTEM............................ 4-4

4.2.1 GROUNDING .................................................................................................... 4-4

4.2.2 FACILITY LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM ............................................ 4-4

4.2.3 APPROVED BONDING METHODS.................................................................. 4-4

4.2.4 EXOTHERMIC WELDING: .............................................................................. 4-4

4.2.5 IRREVERSIBLE HIGH COMPRESSION FITTINGS........................................ 4-4

4.2.6 EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS MAIN LIGHTING GROUNDING BUSBAR

(CMLGB) ............................................................................................................ 4-5

4.2.7 COMMUNICATIONS CLPS COMPONENTS .................................................... 4-5

4.2.8 CORROSION PROTECTION ............................................................................. 4-6

4.3 ANTENNA FARM COMPONENTS – SHALL BE CONNECTED TO THE

EXTERNAL CLPS: ............................................................................................. 4-6

4.3.1 IF A FACILITY EXTERNAL LPGS DOES OR WILL NOT EXIST .................... 4-7

.....................................................................................................................5-1

5.0 TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE PLANT (TIP) ...................... 5-3

5.1 TIP REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................................... 5-3

5.2 BACKBONE DISTRIBUTION ........................................................................... 5-3

5.2.1 GENERAL .......................................................................................................... 5-3

5.2.2 ROUTE DIVERSITY .......................................................................................... 5-4

5.3 OUTSIDE PLANT CABLING............................................................................. 5-4

5.3.1 BACKBONE TOPOLOGIES ............................................................................... 5-4

5.3.2 CABLING TYPES ............................................................................................... 5-5

5.4 OPTICAL FIBER CONSIDERATIONS .............................................................. 5-6

5.4.1 CENTRALIZED OPTICAL FIBER CABLING OR PASSIVE OPTICAL

NETWORK (PON) ............................................................................................. 5-6

5.4.2 BLOWN FIBER-OPTICS (ALTERNATE FIBER OPTIC CABLE INSTALLATION

METHOD) ...........................................................................................................5-7

5.5 CROSS-CONNECTION SYSTEM (CCS) CONNECTING HARDWARE ........... 5-8

5.5.1 INSULATION DISPLACEMENT BLOCKS ....................................................... 5-8

5.5.2 PATCH PANELS ................................................................................................ 5-9

5.6 LOADS FED FROM UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLY (UPS)............... 5-9

5.7 TELECOMMUNICATIONS ROOMS ................................................................. 5-9

5.7.1 GENERAL .......................................................................................................... 5-9

5.7.2 SPACE FOR FUTURE EQUIPMENT ...............................................................5-10

.....................................................................................................................6-1

6.0 GENERAL .......................................................................................................... 6-3

6.0.1 SERVICE PROVIDERS ...................................................................................... 6-3

6.1 ENTRANCES ..................................................................................................... 6-3

6.1.1 DEMARC ROOM ............................................................................................... 6-3

6.1.2 ANTENNA EQUIPMENT .................................................................................. 6-4

6.1.3 FACILITY BUILDING ENTRANCES ................................................................ 6-5

6.1.4 BONDING TO GROUND................................................................................... 6-6

.....................................................................................................................7-1

7.0 GENERAL .......................................................................................................... 7-3

7.1 SPECIAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS ......................................................... 7-3

7.2 SPECIAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS IDENTIFICATION ......................... 7-3

7.2.1 GENERAL .......................................................................................................... 7-3

7.2.2 COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS .................................... 7-3

7.2.3 TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE PLANT (TIP) ...................... 7-3

7.2.4 COMMUNICATIONS CIRCULATING GROUNDING SYSTEM (CCGS) –

(REFER TO PG-18-10, EDM & OI&T DESIGN GUIDE,

TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUNDING BUSS (TGB) ..................................7-5

7.2.5 COMMUNICATIONS LIGHTNING PROTECTION GROUNDING SYSTEM

(LPGS).................................................................................................................7-5

7.2.6 LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS (SOMETIMES CLASSIFIED AS “CRITICAL

SERVICE”) ......................................................................................................... 7-9

7.2.7 EMERGENCY SYSTEMS .................................................................................. 7-11

7.2.8 PATIENT, STAFF AND PUBLIC SAFETY SYSTEMS ......................................7-19

7.2.9 OTHER SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS....................................... 7-22

7.2.10 SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS “SEPARATED” SYSTEMS ........................... 7-26

7.2.11 OI&T SYSTEMS REQUIRING AHJ SMCS 005OP2H3 CO-ORDINATION .. 7-35

7.2.12 SPECIAL MEDICAL COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS (SMCS) ......................7-37

.................................................................................................................... 8-2

8.0 GENERAL .......................................................................................................... 8-5

8.1 ROOM TYPES AND DEFINITIONS .................................................................. 8-5

8.1.1 GENERAL .......................................................................................................... 8-5

8.1.2 ANTENNA (RADIO) HEADEND EQUIPMENT ROOM .................................. 8-5

8.1.3 DEMARC ROOM ............................................................................................... 8-5

8.1.4 TELEPHONE OPERATORS ROOM (TOR) (IF USED) .................................... 8-6

8.1.5 MAIN COMPUTER ROOM (MCR) ................................................................... 8-7

8.1.6 TELECOMMUNICATIONS ROOM (TR) .......................................................... 8-7

8.1.7 POLICE, ENGINEERING, AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CONTROL

ROOMS, AND OTHER DESIGNATED ROOMS............................................... 8-8

8.2 ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................... 8-8

8.2.1 GENERAL .......................................................................................................... 8-8

8.2.2 POWER .............................................................................................................. 8-8

8.2.3 LIGHTING ......................................................................................................... 8-9

8.2.4 SECURITY.......................................................................................................... 8-9

8.2.5 CABLE AND WIRE PATHWAYS..................................................................... 8-10

8.3 ANTENNA HEADEND EQUIPMENT ROOM ................................................ 8-10

8.3.1 GENERAL ........................................................................................................ 8-10

8.3.2 LOCATION....................................................................................................... 8-10

8.3.3 CONFIGURATION .......................................................................................... 8-10

8.3.4 FIRE PROTECTION ......................................................................................... 8-11

8.3.5 GROUNDING ................................................................................................... 8-11

8.3.6 POWER ............................................................................................................ 8-12

8.3.7 LIGHTING ....................................................................................................... 8-12

8.3.8 SECURITY........................................................................................................ 8-12

8.3.9 WIRE MANAGEMENT .....................................................................................8-13

8.4 DEMARC ROOM ..............................................................................................8-13

8.4.1 LOCATION........................................................................................................8-13

8.5 MAIN COMPUTER ROOM (MCR) ................................................................. 8-14

8.5.1 GENERAL ........................................................................................................ 8-14

8.5.2 LOCATION....................................................................................................... 8-14

8.5.3 ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS .................................................................... 8-14

8.5.4 LIGHTNING .....................................................................................................8-15

8.5.5 GROUNDING ...................................................................................................8-15

8.5.6 SECURITY.........................................................................................................8-15

8.5.7 CABLE MANAGEMENT .................................................................................. 8-16

8.5.8 GROUNDING .................................................................................................. 8-16

8.5.9 ALTERNANTE MCR ........................................................................................ 8-16

8.6.9 MCR’S OPERATOR’S ROOM (MCOR) ........................................................... 8-16

8.5.10 GROUNDING ...................................................................................................8-17

8.5.11 TELEPHONE EQUIPMENT (TER) AND TELEPONE OPERATORS ROOMS

(TOR) - (IF USED)............................................................................................8-17

8.6 TELECOMMUNICATIONS ROOM (TR) ........................................................ 8-18

.....................................................................................................................9-1

9.0 GENERAL ...........................................................................................................9-1

9.1 PATIENT WALL SYSTEMS................................................................................9-1

9.1.1 PREFABRICATED BEDSIDE PATIENT UNIT (PBPU) ....................................9-1

9.1.2 SPECIALIZED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.......................................................9-1

9.2 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (AKA PSYCHIATRIC OR MENTAL HEALTH)

AREA...................................................................................................................9-1

9.2.1 ROOMS ...............................................................................................................9-1

9.2.2 AREA DOOR CONTROL AND SIGNAL SYSTEM ............................................ 9-2

9.2.3 SPECIALIZED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE...................................................... 9-3

9.3 NARCOTICS STORAGE ALERTING AND SIGNAL SYSTEM (NSAS) ............ 9-3

9.3.1 SPECIALIZED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE...................................................... 9-4

9.4 SPECIALIZED MEDICAL TIME KEEPING DEVICES ..................................... 9-4

9.4.1 MEDICAL ELAPSED TIME INDICATOR (METI) ........................................... 9-4

9.4.2 MEDICAL SYNCHRONIZED CLOCK SYSTEM (MSCS) .................................. 9-5 i.exe

CHAPTER 1: TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................1-3

1.1 PURPOSE............................................................................................................1-3

1.2 RESPONSIBILITY ..............................................................................................1-4

1.3 AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION ...........................................................1-4

1.4 ABBRIVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS .................................................................1-5

1.5 COORDINATION ...............................................................................................1-6

1.5.1 SERVICE PROVIDER COORDINATION ...........................................................1-6

1.5.2 PRE-DESIGN SITE SURVEY ............................................................................. 1-7

1.6 VA DESIGN CRITERIA ...................................................................................... 1-7

1.6.1 MASTER SPECIFICATIONS (PG-18-1) ............................................................. 1-7

1.6.2 DEFINING SPECIFIC INSTALLATION METHODS TO BE USED.DESIGN

AND CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES (PG-18-3) ...........................................1-8

1.6.3 INCLUDING MISCELLANEOUS DESIGN DETAILS.NATIONAL CAD

STANDARD, VHA APPLICATION GUIDE & STANDARD DETAILS (PG-18

4) .........................................................................................................................1-8

1.6.4 EQUIPMENT REFERENCE MANUAL (PG-18-5).............................................1-8

1.6.5 DESIGN MANUALS (PG-18-10) ........................................................................1-8

1.6.6 VA DIRECTIVE 0730 – VA SECURITY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

HANDBOOK ..................................................................................................... 1-10

1.6.7 DESIGN GUIDES (PG-18-12)........................................................................... 1-10

1.6.8 ARCHITECT/ENGINEER REVIEW CHECKLIST............................................1-11

1.6.9 COST ESTIMATING MANUAL........................................................................ 1-12

1.6.10 SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND ENERGY REDUCTION MANUAL................. 1-12

1.6.11 SEISMIC DESIGN REQUIREMENTS (H-18-8) .............................................. 1-13

1.6.12 VA HOSPITAL BUILDING SYSTEM (VAHBS) ............................................... 1-13

1.6.13 COMPUTER AIDED FACILITIES MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS

(CAFM).............................................................................................................. 1-13

1.6.14 VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATION; VBA INFORMATION SECURITY

PROGRAM, VBA IRM DIRECTIVE NO. 5.00.01............................................. 1-13

1.7 OTHER DESIGN CRITERIA ............................................................................ 1-14

1.7.1 ENERGY CONSERVATION ............................................................................. 1-14

1.7.2 DOE INTERIM FINAL RULE .......................................................................... 1-14

1.7.3 ADDITIONAL MEASURES (MOU) ................................................................. 1-14

1.8 APPLICABLE CODES AND STANDARDS....................................................... 1-15

1.8.1 GENERAL ......................................................................................................... 1-15

1.8.2 INDUSTRY STANDARDS: ............................................................................... 1-18

1.8.3 LOCAL CODES AND CONDITIONS ................................................................ 1-21

1.9 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................. 1-21

1.9.1 CRITERIA UNIQUE TO VA .............................................................................1-22

1.10 CALCULATIONS ..............................................................................................1-24

1.10.1 GENERAL .........................................................................................................1-24

1‐1

CHAPTER 1: TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.10.2 LOAD CALCULATIONS ...................................................................................1-25

1.10.3 SEISMIC BRACING ..........................................................................................1-25

1.11 TRANSPORT SYSTEMS ...................................................................................1-25

1.12 RENOVATION TO EXISTING SITES AND BUILDINGS ...............................1-25

1.12.1 DRAWINGS ......................................................................................................1-25

1.12.2 MODIFICATION VERSUS REPLACEMENT ...................................................1-26

1.12.3 AGE AND PHYSICAL CONDITION.................................................................1-26

1.12.4 PARTS AVAILABILITY .....................................................................................1-26

1.12.5 CONDUIT AND BOXES ...................................................................................1-26

1.12.6 CONDUCTORS .................................................................................................1-27

1.12.7 WORK AREA OUTLETS...................................................................................1-27

1.12.8 PATCHPANELS AND PUNCHDOWN BLOCKS ..............................................1-27

1.12.9 GOVERNMENT RETAINED EQUIPMENT (AKA GFE) .................................1-27

1.12.10 CONTINUITY OF SERVICE .............................................................................1-27

1.12.11 COMPATIBILITY..............................................................................................1-27

1‐2

CHAPTER 1: GENERAL REQUIRMENTS

This manual, when used in conjunction with CFM’s Electrical Design Manual (EDM), Physical Security Design Manual (PSDM) and Office of Information and Technology Design Guide (OI&T-DG), forms VA’s minimum requirements to provide telecommunications engineers and designers (hereafter referred as design professionals) essential information needed for the planning and design of OI&T, Facilities Management Service (FMS) and Emergency Management and Resilience (OSP) Special Telecommunications Systems (hereinafter referred to as low voltage communications or systems) vital for OSP, FMS and OI&T physical locations and interfaces in all Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Facility Projects.

Special systems are identified as those communications systems that are not "voice" (formerly telephone Private Branch Exchange (PBX) managed), data (including Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP)), Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), fire alarm or related functions. Provide systems described in this manual as determined and approved by project requirements.

Not all systems may be required, and not all required systems may be included in this manual. A list of typical OSP and FMS Special Communications Systems, Performance Ratings and Technical Information is provided in Chapter 7; OI&T locations in Chapter 8 and Project Contact Information in Paragraph 1.3.

Systems designed with this manual and referenced documents, must meet their primary objective of providing safe, reliable, and fully functioning (aka “turnkey”) installation as described by the system’s approved Office of Construction & Facilities Management (CFM) Master and certain AHJ, VACO’s Spectrum Management and COMSEC Service (SMCS), and other project approved OI&T supplemental technical specifications.

Telecommunication and Special Telecommunication Systems are dependent on electrical power for their operation and function. Therefore, electrical power design shall be part of a complete design effort which will render the installed systems operational and functional. Electrical power design must be performed by licensed electrical engineers in accordance with all applicable codes and VA’s EDM. Electrical power design shall be shown on electrical drawings.

1‐3

In order to provide the latitude needed for new technologies and concepts, technical deviations from stipulations of this manual, may be made only when approved by VA’s AHJ for Special Low Voltage Communications, Communications Security (COMSEC) and Radio Frequency (RF) Management and OI&T’ s Telephone Voice Engineering (TVE) for voice / telephone functions.

Deviations are not permitted from requirements included in public laws, federal regulations, executive orders, and applicable codes.

Moreover, deviations shall result in a safe, reliable and fully functional system.

All necessary professional services to perform planning and design of the systems for the project shall be provided by the design professional. The design professional is responsible for providing the professional design in accordance with the contract, good engineering practices, Government Codes, Standards and Executive Orders, VA standards, VA project-specific requirements, National and Local Codes and applicable Industry Standards, whichever is the more stringent.

The term "provide", where used herein, shall mean the same as:

Surveyed, developed, designed, engineered and documented by the design professional, and Furnished, installed, and tested The Telecommunications Infrastructure Plant (TIP) must be designed and installed in accordance with CFM’s Master Construction Specifications (PG-18-1) http://www.cfm.va.gov including the following that must be the catalyst for all telecommunications TIP systems.

Please see Paragraph 7.2.3 THIS for these specific documents.

Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) Standards provided herein. (TIA specifications can be purchased at http://www.tiaonline.org/standards/)

(d) Telecommunications design must be performed and stamped by a BICSI®

Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD®) for all projects.

Unless otherwise directed by VA, the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for Special Low Voltage OSP and FMS Telecommunications Systems, COMSEC and VA’s RF Frequency Management is:

1‐4 http://www.tiaonline.org/standards http:http://www.cfm.va.gov

VACO’s Spectrum Management and COMSEC Service’s Special Communications Team, (SMCS – OSP 007):

Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Room B47 Washington, DC 20420

Or 1100 First Street, NE, Area 501C, Washington, DC 20007.

Immediate contact information:

Telephone: 202-462-5311

FAX: 202-495-5486

E-Mail: Frequency.Management@va.gov

WEB: http://vaww.netops.oit.va.gov/Frequency.asp (VA Intra-WEB Site only)

(b) This Authority is vested in VA Manual MP-6, Part VIII – Telecommunications, Chapter Five – Audio, Radio and Television Services. A copy of this manual may be obtained from SMCS - 005OP2H3’s WEB Site.

(c) The design professional shall contact the following offices with questions, concerns, problems, design and installation assistance and for Official VA Telecommunications Systems resolutions, for:

Voice, telephone (PBX if used), telephone equipment and operators room (if used), telephone user equipment and related TIP situations:

I. OI&T’s Telecommunications Voice Engineering (TVE 005OP2H2), North Carolina Office (919-382-8848).

II. Data, VoIP, LAN, WAN and their TIP situations: OI&Ts Executive Director for Field Operations (FO - 005OP), VACO Office (727-502 1379).

III.VHA Equipment, Systems, Fire and Safety and other VHA requirements: VHA’s Center for Engineering, Patient and Hospital Safety (CEOSH):

iii. St Louis (Jefferson Barracks) Office (314-894-6100).

Abbreviations and Acronyms used in this document may be found in CFM master specification section 27 05 11 w REFERENCES.

(Refer to http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/)

1‐5 http://www.cfm.va.gov/til http://vaww.netops.oit.va.gov/Frequency.asp mailto:Frequency.Management@va.gov

Coordinating planning and designing work with the architectural, structural, civil, site, sanitary, electrical, mechanical, fire protection, and sustainable (e.g.

ANSI / TIA-4994-2015, Sustainable Technology Environments Program (STEP), U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Green Globes designs, as applicable are the design professional’s responsibility. Provide distinct focus to concealed, underground areas, and site utility coordination.

(a) Coordinating requirements with the local service provider(s) for projects requiring new, replacement, or expansion of existing telecommunications service is the design professional’s responsibility. The Contractor’s scope of work, as it relates to the telecommunications service, is to be detailed in the Construction Documents.

(b) Forward copies of all correspondence and minutes of meetings with service provider’s representatives to the COR regarding negotiations for new services or making changes to the existing services.

(c) For renovations of and additions to existing buildings, the design professionals must investigate the existing infrastructure and determine whether sufficient capacity is available to accommodate the new requirements. If applicable, and inform the service provider of the new service requirements and additional lines.

(d) Show major site distribution components, such as ductbanks, and maintenance holes, on the civil utility plans for coordination purposes.

(e) CAUTION: Wireless Service Providers (WSP) and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) have been noted trying to establish their wireless systems in VA Facilities.

These systems, when installed without VACO SMCS technical and spectrum frequency co-ordination, management oversight, may unknowingly affect VA’s Critical Communication Systems. Namely:

DAS In-building Wireless for Emergency Responders; Nurses Call / Code Blue for Safety of Life / Cardiac Arrest; EVNS Emergency Notification for Patient, Staff and Public Emergency Functions, etc.

(see Paragraphs 6.1.1 and 7.2.5.2); especially, when noted using FCC Part 15, Unlicensed Radio Equipment for Government use.

WSP’s and MVNO’s installations, within VA Facilities, require Facility Contracting Office (FCO) Project Management Oversight. The FCO is the only Facility Office that can legally commit the government; and, SMCS is VA’s AHJ for FMS Special Communications Systems. Contact their WEB Site for assignment of technical specialist(s) for project assistance, technical reviews and copies of Official FAA, FCC, GSA and VA MOU and Risk Assessment Forms that must be accomplished for

1‐6 each wireless system (http://vaww.netops.oit.va.gov/Frequency.asp).

(VA Intra-WEB Site only)

Unauthorized wireless systems discovered during site visits shall be noted, documented and all discovered information turned over to VA’s OSP Investigative Services, thru appropriate FCO(s), for resolution.

Services Monitoring: Investigate the existing systems and determine whether sufficient capacity is available to provide the appropriate level of services.

Existing Telecommunications Installation: Investigate all existing telecommunications installations such as existing concealed conduit runs, conduit, cable, cable termination types/sizes, telecommunications and systems equipment locations, etc., which potentially impact the new installation.

Pertinent standards of VA’s Office of Construction and Facilities Management are found in their Technical Information Library (TIL). Some of the major standards are:

Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Construction & Facilities Management (CFM) Master Construction Specifications, are located in TIL, and apply to all VA Projects: http://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/spec.asp

Master Construction Specifications specifically edited for use on VA National Cemetery Administration (NCA) construction projects are located at: http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/NCAspec.asp

Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA) –Contact VBA’s ADS’ VACO Office (202-461-9300) for assistance if a VBA Facility is included in the project.

Purpose

Defines a standardized method for the design professionals to ensure that the contractor provides equipment and systems that meet the design intent in terms of performance, quality, and cost. The Master Construction Specifications accomplish this by:

Providing specific narrative descriptions of required equipment, salient elements, and system construction.

Listing applicable standards and codes and references.

Requiring individual submittal of equipment and systems for review and approval prior to contractor purchase.

1‐7 http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/NCAspec.asp http://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/spec.asp http://vaww.netops.oit.va.gov/Frequency.asp

Located in TIL and applies to all VA Projects:

(a) http://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/cPro.asp

(b) Purpose

Establishes minimum consistent design/construction practices.

The Procedures accomplish this by:

Referencing applicable codes and policies.

Describing standard drawing formats.

Listing security strategies.

(a) Located in TIL and applies to all VA Projects:

http://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/sDetail.asp

(b) Purpose

A

(a) Located in TIL and applies to all VA Projects:

http://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/equip.asp

(b) Purpose

Provides information for planning and developing requirements for contractor purchased and installed equipment for VA construction projects.

(a) Located in TIL and applies to all VA Projects:

http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/dManual.asp

(b) Purpose

Conveys the general and specific VA design philosophy for medical and support facilities. The Manuals accomplish this by:

Explaining specific design methodologies.

Listing acceptable system types.

Codifying certain code interpretations.

1‐8 http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/dManual.asp http://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/equip.asp http://www.cfm.va.gov/TIL/cPro.asp

Listing values for design parameters.

Referencing certain sections of the Master Specification and Standard Details.

Containing examples of certain design elements.

(Note: The design professional shall submit to VA a list of Design Manuals along with the TIL posted dates that were in effect on the date of contract award)

(a) Located in TIL and applies to all VA Projects:

http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/dGuide.asp

(b) Purpose

Provides the design professional with specific layout templates and equipment lists for all types of spaces/uses, and specific design parameters for electrical and mechanical service. The Design Manual accomplishes this by:

Publishing design narrative.

Including functional diagrams.

Listing standards.

1.6.5.2 PHYSICAL SECURITY DESIGN MANUAL (PSDM) FOR VA

FACILITIES - MISSION CRITICAL FACILITIES & LIFE SAFETY

PROTECTED FACILITIES

(a) Located in TIL applies and to all VA projects:

http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/spclrqmts.asp#phs

(b) Purpose

Sets physical security standards for facilities required to continue operation during a natural or man-made extreme event and for facilities that are required to protect the life safety of patients and staff in an emergency. The Manuals accomplish this by:

protection to VA facilities.

Providing cost-effective design criteria.

1‐9 http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/spclrqmts.asp#phs http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/dGuide.asp http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/spclRqmts.asp#FS

(b) Purpose

Provides fire protection design criteria, including fire alarm requirements.

(a) Located in the TIL and applies to all VA Projects:

http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/spclRqmts.asp#PHSPurpose

(a) Located in TIL and applies to all VA Projects:

http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/dGuide.asp

(b) Purpose

Provides the design professional with specific layout templates and medical equipment lists for all types of spaces/uses, and specific design parameters for structural, electrical, and mechanical service. The Design Guides accomplish this by:

Publishing design narrative.

Including functional diagrams and layout plates.

Listing standards.

http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/dguide/dgOIT.pdf

(b) Purpose

Provides the design professional specific layout templates for OI&T spaces and specific design parameters for electrical and mechanical service. The Design Guides accomplishes this by:

Publishing design considerations.

Including functional diagrams.

(a) Located in NCA Design & Construction Criteria:

http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/nca.asp

1‐10 http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/nca.asp http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/dguide/dgOIT.pdf http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/dGuide.asp http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/spclRqmts.asp#PHSPurpose http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/spclRqmts.asp#FS

(b) Purpose

Provides cable and installation specifications for local area networks in VA National Cemetery administration and maintenance buildings.

1.6.7.3 DESIGN SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS (PG-18-15)

(a) Located in Architect/Engineer Information and applies to all VA Projects:

http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/aeDesSubReq.asp

(b) Purpose

Provides a staged listing of tasks in various design categories to define the design professional’s scope in order to ensure thorough and timely completion of the final design package and bid documents. The Instructions accomplish this by:

Progressively listing tasks as Schematic, Design Development, and Construction Documents stages.

Requiring task completion and submission for each stage according to a Critical Path Method (CPM) calendar.

Implementation of a QA/QC process to ensure a quality design product.

Requiring life-cycle analysis of alternatives in order to optimize the design/cost tradeoff.

Listing and detailing all the drawings, calculations, and specifications required for a complete design package.

Indicating the final distribution of bid documents.

(a) Located in TIL and applies to all VA Projects:

http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/projReq.asp

(b) Purpose

Provides the VA Peer Reviewer with a minimum list of critical items, which must be included in each A/E submission. The Checklist accomplishes this by:

Referring to all applicable VA design tools which apply to the specific project.

Detailing certain Life Safety and coordination requirements.

1‐11 http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/projReq.asp http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/aeDesSubReq.asp http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/alert.asp

(b) Purpose

Communicates current design issues and solutions. The Design Alerts accomplish this by:

Publishing periodic alert memos.

Summarizing design solutions.

1.6.8.2 QUALITY ALERTS

(a) Located in TIL and applies to all VA projects:

http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/alert.asp#qalert

(b) Purpose

Communicates quality deficiencies from recent A/E design submissions.

The Quality Alerts accomplish this by:

Publishing checklists of design details often missed.

Including references to technical resources.

(a) Located in Technical Information Library and applies to all VA Projects:

http://www.cfm.va.gov/cost/

(b) Purpose

Conveys the general and specific VA cost estimating philosophy for medical facilities. The Manual accomplishes this by:

Explaining specific estimating methodologies.

Presenting examples of certain design elements.

http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/sustain.asp

(b) Purpose

Identifies the seven sustainability goals outlined in the Federal Mandates, and maps each goal to the appropriate LEED strategy for implementation. Possible methods to achieve the goals, budget considerations, case studies, and checklists are also included. The Manual accomplishes this by:

Prescribing the use of integrated design practices.

Providing strategies for optimization of energy performance.

Providing strategies for protection and conservation of water resources.

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