648-23-100 CON Fire Alarm to Voice

Amendment / Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document is Amendment 00003 to Solicitation 36C26026R0034 for the Fire Alarm to Voice CON project. Its primary purpose is to provide responses to questions received from industry following a site visit conducted on February 4, 2026.

• Reusability of Existing Equipment: Existing Fire Alarm Control Panels (FACPs) in Buildings 25 (Fisher House) and 27 (Imaging) may reuse Edwards EST-3 cabinets, but all components must be upgraded to Edwards EST-4 or equivalent. All other FACPs and Remote Annunciators must be new EST-4 panels or equivalent. If an alternate system is used, all new panels are required.
• Contractor Responsibility for System Troubles: The contractor is responsible for clearing existing or reoccurring troubles on the existing system to achieve acceptance.
• Preferred Manufacturer: The VA does not have a preferred fire alarm manufacturer.
• Sprinkler Valve Operation: Contractors may operate sprinkler valves for system testing, but must consult with the COR beforehand.
• Detailed Drawings: Detailed shop drawings are required for all new power supplies serving FACPs, NACs, distributed amplifiers, and supplemental power cabinets.
• Basis of Design: The existing system is Edwards EST-3, with a basis of design for an Edwards EST-4 platform. However, the solicitation is not limited to Edwards products, provided alternative systems are fully compatible and code-compliant.
• Superintendent/SSHO Role: The project superintendent can also serve as the SSHO, QA/QC, and perform fire watch, provided all responsibilities are met simultaneously and qualifications are met.
• Material Storage: The VA will provide space for a job trailer and two Connex boxes. Additional boxes can be arranged with the COR.
• ICRA Requirements: Temporary plastic wall panels (STARC panels) are not acceptable for ICRA requirements; hard barriers (metal studs and GWB) or soft barriers (approved fire-resistant plastic) are required. HEPA/containment carts are also allowed. Negative air exhaust cannot be returned into the hospital space above ceiling.
• Central Station Fire Alarm Monitoring: The contractor must remove existing POTS line communicators and provide a new UL-listed cellular fire alarm communicator. Coordination with American Security for integration and testing is required. A one-year cellular service subscription is included.
• Innerduct Requirements: For 4-inch conduits, three 3-inch, 3-cell MaxCell fabric innerducts are required. For 3-inch conduits, one 3-inch, 3-cell MaxCell fabric innerduct is required. For 2-inch conduits, one 2-inch, 4-cell MaxCell fabric innerduct is required. 1" conduit for indoor pathways does not require innerduct.
• Interior Raceways: EMT conduit (red) with insulated throat fittings is acceptable for interior raceways. Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) and IMC (color red) are permitted but not required. Specific conduits must be dedicated for NACs, SLCs, and fiber optic backbone cabling.

This amendment clarifies several technical and logistical aspects of the solicitation, impacting how bidders should approach system design, material selection, and site preparation. It does not appear to change the proposal deadline or submission requirements.

Amendment / Modification

• This amendment extends the proposal due date.

• The proposal due date has been extended.

• The proposal due date is extended to March 6, 2026, at 16:00 PST.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a sign-in sheet, likely from a pre-proposal conference or informational meeting related to a government contract opportunity. It records the names, organizations, and contact information of attendees.

• Names of attendees (e.g., Marcus Nosko, April Schuckman, Bryce Whetzel, Justin Carley)
• Associated organizations (e.g., VA, JCI)
• Contact information (email addresses)

This sign-in sheet provides contact information for individuals who attended a meeting related to the opportunity. This information may be useful for networking or for identifying potential points of contact within attending organizations, though it does not directly impact proposal preparation or submission requirements.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a sign-in sheet for a site walk related to Project Number 648-23-100, "Fire Alarm to Voice CON." The site walk was conducted by Project COR Andy Thornton at the Portland VAMC Vancouver Campus, Building #4.

This document lists the attendees, their companies, and contact information (phone/email) for the site walk. This information may be relevant to bidders who attended the site walk or are interested in understanding who participated. It provides a record of individuals and organizations present at a key event for the opportunity.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides clarification on technical experience requirements for solicitation 36C26026R0034.

• Technical Experience Criteria: For the section titled "all submitted projects must meet the following criteria" on page 6, the first bullet point has been updated. It should now state: "Each recent project must be at least 50% complete, if not fully completed within the required timeframe from five years of issuance of the solicitation".
• Definition of "Recent": On pages 9/10, under the "Evaluation Process" section, the definition of "recent" has been clarified to mean "the project is at least 50% complete, within the last five years of the issuance of this solicitation".

These clarifications refine the criteria for evaluating technical experience and the definition of a "recent" project, which bidders should consider when preparing their proposals.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to solicitation 36C26026R0034 provides the following:

• Site Visit Sign-In Sheet: Includes a sign-in sheet from the site visit.

• Response to Question 1: Clarifies that the government acceptance period for offers is 90 days.

• Response to Question 2: Revises language regarding the definition of "recent" projects for Factor 1 (Technical Experience). The updated language states that each recent project must be at least 50% complete within the last five years of the solicitation's issuance. This revision applies to both the criteria for submitted projects and the definition of "recent" within the Evaluation Process section.

• Solicitation page 7 (Factor 1 criteria)

• Solicitation page 9/10 (Evaluation Process - definition of "recent")

• Block 13d of the SF1442 (Government acceptance of offers)

• The deadline for proposal submission remains unchanged, but offerors should note the clarified 90-day government acceptance period.

• Offerors must ensure their submitted projects meet the revised definition of "recent" as outlined in the updated Factor 1 criteria and Evaluation Process.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is VAAR 852.219-75, a "VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting - Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction." It requires offerors to certify their compliance with subcontracting limitations if awarded a contract. This is a mandatory certification for the offeror's bid, quotation, or proposal.

• Certification Requirement: Offerors must certify that they will comply with subcontracting limitations as specified in the solicitation and resultant contract.
• Applicable Limitations: The clause specifies different subcontracting limits based on the predominant NAICS code:
  • Services (except construction): Not more than 50% of the contract amount paid to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs or VOSBs.
  • General construction: Not more than 85% of the contract amount paid to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs or VOSBs. (Cost of materials are excluded).
  • Special trade construction contractors: Not more than 75% of the contract amount paid to firms that are not VIP-listed SDVOSBs or VOSBs. (Cost of materials are excluded).
• Penalties: False certifications are subject to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties, including prosecution under Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001.
• Compliance Verification: Offerors acknowledge they may be required to provide documentation (e.g., invoices, subcontracts) to demonstrate compliance during contract performance or upon completion.
• Cooperation: Offerors agree to cooperate fully and provide requested documents to VA for compliance determination.
• Certification Block: A section for the offeror to complete, sign, and date, including printed name, title, company name, and address.

Offerors must complete and submit this certification with their bid, quotation, or proposal. Failure to provide a completed and signed certification will render the offer ineligible for evaluation and award. Bidders must understand and agree to the subcontracting limitations applicable to their specific contract type and ensure their proposed approach complies with these requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "General Decision Number" which serves as a wage determination for building construction projects in Clark and Skamania Counties, Washington. It specifies the prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits that must be paid to various laborers and mechanics employed on such projects, in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act and related legislation.

• Lists specific job classifications (e.g., Heat & Frost Insulator, Bricklayer, Electrician, Carpenter, various Operators, Laborers, etc.).
• Provides the prevailing hourly wage rate and fringe benefit rate for each classification.
• Includes effective dates for the wage rates, typically updated annually or periodically.
• Contains notes regarding Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors), outlining contractor obligations.
• Explains identifiers used in the wage determination (Union Rate, Union Average Rate, Survey Rate, State Adopted Rate).
• Outlines the process for wage determination appeals.

Bidders must use this wage determination to accurately calculate labor costs for their proposals. Failure to comply with these prevailing wage requirements can lead to contract non-compliance and penalties. It is crucial for understanding the total cost of labor for any construction project falling under this determination in the specified geographic area.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To upgrade the existing fire alarm system on the Vancouver campus of the VA Portland Healthcare System to a modern voice-enabled system, incorporating Emergency Voice/Alarm Communication (EVAC) capabilities.

• Site investigation, construction, labor, materials, equipment, programming, training, commissioning, and scheduling.

• Upgrade the existing Edwards EST-3 Fire Alarm system (installed 2003) to an EST-4* or equivalent system with voice capabilities.

• Installation of new initiating devices in buildings lacking fire alarm coverage.

• Installation of smoke detection as required by NFPA 72-2022.

• Upgrade of campus fiber loop, main control equipment (located at building 3 boiler plant), FACPs with integrated Network Voice Command, FireWorks* Station Computer, monitors, printer, cellular digital alarm transmitter, new FACPs in existing and non-existing locations, new building annunciator panels, new power supply circuits, local disconnects, distribution panels, strobe power control equipment, and installation in Bldg. T1819.

• Upgrading all existing annunciators and panels, campus-wide synchronization, and sequential migration of buildings.

• The primary objective is to transition from a temporal horn notification system to a speaker-based voice control system.

• During construction, only one fire alarm system (old or new) will drive notification in any given area at a time. Redundant devices in areas with both systems must be clearly labeled "Not in Service."

• The construction schedule must prioritize transitioning to the new EST4* system as early as possible.

• Period of Performance: 1 year from the date of Notice to Proceed.

• Project Location: VA Portland Healthcare System, Vancouver campus, 1601 E Fourth Plain Blvd, Vancouver, Washington.

• Buildings Involved: Almost every building on campus (refer to drawings for specifics).

• This is not a brand name only requirement; equivalent systems are acceptable if they result in a complete, fully operational system without performance degradation.

• A working fire alarm system must be maintained throughout construction.

• Specific safety, infection prevention, and security measures are detailed in the drawings and specifications.

• Project working hours are specified on the drawings cover page.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) intended for clients to evaluate an offeror's past performance on a contract. The information gathered will be used by the Network Contracting Office 20 (NCO 20) to assess the offeror's ability to perform the work described in the solicitation for the "648-23-100 CON Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice, Vancouver, WA" opportunity.

Section 1: Contractor Information (To be completed by the contractor)

• Contractor's name, address, point of contact, phone, and email.
• Details about the work performed, including the role (prime or subcontractor) and percentage of work completed.
• Contract title, number, type, location, award date, and acceptance dates.
• Original and final contract prices, with explanations for any differences.
• Scope of the project and its relevance to the current submission.

Section 2: Evaluator Information (To be completed by the client/evaluator)

• Evaluator's name, position, address, phone, and email.
• Description of the evaluator's role in the project.
• Ratings for the contractor's performance in:
  • Quality
  • Schedule/Timeliness of Performance
  • Communication
  • Management/Personnel/Labor
  • Cost/Financial Management
  • Subcontract Management
• A summary rating and whether the evaluator would hire the firm again.
• Definitions for adjectival ratings (Outstanding, Above Average, Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory, Not Applicable) are provided on page 4.

Offerors are responsible for collecting completed PPQs from their clients and submitting them as part of their proposal package by the solicitation due date. This form is critical for demonstrating past performance, a key factor in proposal evaluation. Bidders must ensure their clients accurately and thoroughly complete this questionnaire.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains the "100% Construction Documents" for the "Upgrade Vancouver Fire Alarm to Voice" project at the Vancouver VA Medical Center. It includes various drawings and specifications related to the fire alarm system upgrade.

• Cover Sheet (000-GI-001): Provides project title, VA project number (648-23-100), contract number (36C26018D0049), and date (July 15th, 2025).
• Sheet Index (000-GI-002): Lists all drawing sheets included in the document set, categorized by discipline (General Information, Civil, Fire Alarm, etc.).
• Campus Map (000-GI-003): Illustrates the layout of the Vancouver VA Medical Center campus, highlighting buildings included and excluded from the project scope.
• Wall Penetration Details (000-GI-004, 000-GI-005): Provides specific details on how penetrations through walls and floors should be fire-stopped and rated.
• General Notes (000-CG-100, 000-FA-001): Outlines general requirements for the project, including compliance with codes and standards (NFPA, VA Design Manuals), contractor responsibilities, site visit requirements, and specific fire alarm system notes.
• Fire Alarm System Architecture and Details (000-FA-001 through 000-FA-608): Includes legends, code requirements by occupancy, system architecture diagrams, notification and intelligibility requirements, site plans, riser diagrams, and sequences of operations for the fire alarm system.

This document is crucial for bidders as it contains the complete set of construction documents for the fire alarm upgrade project. It details the scope of work, technical specifications, applicable codes, site conditions, and specific requirements for installation, demolition, and coordination. Bidders must thoroughly review these documents to accurately estimate costs, develop a project schedule, and ensure compliance with all requirements.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the "Fire Alarm to Voice CON" project, identified by CON 648-23-100, located at the Portland VAMC Vancouver Campus Location. The estimated magnitude of this construction project is between $6,000,000.00 and $8,000,000.00.

• The contractor shall provide all labor, materials, supplies, and services to complete the associated work in accordance with the Statement of Work (SOW), Drawings, and Specifications.

• The project involves upgrading the fire alarm system to a voice system.

• The contract type is Firm-Fixed-Price.

• The period of performance is 365 days.

• Questions Deadline: February 10, 2026, by 4:00 PM PST via email.

• Site Visit: February 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Bldg. 4, Portland VAMC Vancouver Campus.

• Proposal Submission Deadline: February 27, 2026, by 4:00 PM PST via email to colleen.nicholson@va.gov and kabir.saka@va.gov.

• Proposals must be submitted in two volumes: Volume 1 (Technical Proposal and Past Performance) and Volume II (Price/Cost Proposal).

• Evaluation will be based on Technical Experience (most important), Past Performance, and Price. Technical Experience is significantly more important than Past Performance, and both combined are significantly more important than price.

• Offerors must demonstrate experience with EST-3 or EST-4 fire alarm systems or equivalent.

• A minimum of two and a maximum of five relevant projects must be submitted, each with a minimum contract value of $2,000,000.00 and at least 50% complete.

• This procurement is 100% set aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB).

• NAICS code for this requirement is 238210 (Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors).

• A bid guarantee (SF 24) is required, at least 20% of the bid price, not to exceed $3,000,000.00.

• The selected contractor must furnish a Payment Bond (SF 25A) and a Performance Bond (SF 25).

• All solicitation amendments must be acknowledged.

• Offerors must ensure their annual representations and certifications are current and completed electronically in Sam.gov.