C1DZ--621-24-701 EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades Tier 3 Data Center Construction - Mountain Home VAMC

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document is a "Technical Questions and Responses Tracking Sheet" that addresses vendor inquiries regarding the "621-24-701 EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades Tier 3 Data Center Construction - Mountain Home VAMC" project.

• Badging: PIV cards are required for all personnel working in VA facilities or requiring access to VA information systems. PIV badging requirements and the process for obtaining them are detailed in the VA Response.
• Set-Aside: The project is a competitive SDVOSB set-aside.
• Design Team: Members of the design team are precluded from participating in the construction team.
• Cabinets: Network cabinets are CFCI. Specific basis of design is Chatsworth ZetaFrame Cabinet (PN:ZB14-A222Ae1) or equivalent. VA will confirm color, key quantity, and Vertical Exhaust Duct (VED) requirements.
• Fiber Optic Cabling: For structured cabling, OM4 multi-mode and OS2 single mode fiber types are specified, with A/B diverse paths for backbone cabling. Bundling of copper backbone cables is limited to groups of six.
• Roles: Double or triple-hatting of roles such as Superintendent, SSHO, and QA/QC Manager is not permitted.
• Asbestos: While lead-based paint is not presumed present, materials impacted by work in Buildings 204 and 77 Roof are considered asbestos-containing until proven otherwise. These materials require evaluation by a qualified asbestos inspector prior to disturbance. Abatement procedures must follow applicable VA specifications and federal, state, and local regulations.
• ICRA: The project is classified as Category D, Low Patient Risk, requiring Level III precautions. Contractors must verify and coordinate ICRA requirements.
• Software: Procore is not accepted as a substitute for project management software; MS Project is required for scheduling.
• Work Hours: Normal work hours are 7:00 am to 4:40 pm, with nights and weekends requiring coordination with the COR.

This document clarifies numerous technical, administrative, and logistical aspects of the solicitation, impacting how bidders should prepare their proposals, understand project requirements, and plan their execution strategies.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0004) to solicitation 36C77626B0006, dated 01-29-2026, provides answers to technical questions and updates specifications.

Key changes include:

• Provided available answers to technical questions. Responses to questions 13, 46, 47, 56, 57, 58, 94, 95, 96, 132, 159, 203, 204, 205, 206, and 256 are still pending and will be provided in a separate amendment.

• Incorporated updates to specifications via "Addendum 02".

• Replaced FAR Clause 852.232-71 with FAR Clause 852.232-70.

• Replaced FAR Clause 852.204-70 with the full clause "BY REF Clause 852.204-70 DEV MAR 2026".

• Added the full clause "852.204-72 MAR 2026".

• Technical Questions Tracker MT Home Combined (attached)

• Addendum 02 (attached)

• FAR Clauses 852.232-71, 852.204-70, and 852.204-72 have been modified or replaced.

All other terms and conditions remain unchanged. No specific impact on proposal deadlines or submission requirements was noted, beyond the incorporation of new information and clause changes.

Amendment / Modification

This addendum, "Addendum 02," dated March 6, 2026, modifies the Project Manual and Construction Drawings for the EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades Tier 3 DC project. It also provides previously unprovided Sign and Sealed drawings for Mechanical and Electrical disciplines.

Project Manual:

• Architecture:
  • 00 01 10 TABLE OF CONTENTS: Modified after Bid Issue; identifies new/removed sections.
  • 01 28 26 STANDARD FIXTURE & FINISH SCHEDULE: Added in its entirety.
• Metering:
  • 25 10 10 ADVANCED UTILITY METERING SYSTEM: Added in its entirety.
• Electrical:
  • 26 05 73 OVERCURRENT PROTECTIVE DEVICE COORDINATION STUDY: Added in its entirety.
  • 26 41 00 FACILITY LIGHTNING PROTECTION: Removed in its entirety.

Construction Drawings:

• HA101 - Level 3 - Known Environmental Hazards: Revised keynotes and keynote placement; added "Additional Notes" for general guidance.
• AE101 - Enlarged Plan, Sections, & Isometric - Building 77 – Level 3 – MCR: Revised keynote 8.94; removed verbiage calling out contact sensors.
• AE121 - Roof Plan - Building 77 – Level 3 – MCR: Added layout of existing & new roof walkway pads.
• AE601 - Door Schedule, Finish Schedule, & Details: Revised keynote 8.94; removed verbiage calling out contact sensors.
• E-601 - Electrical Partial One-Line Diagram – Building 77, 204: Added general note referencing overcurrent protection coordination study for fault current protection; added keynote for contractor to coordinate feeder and breaker sizes for UPS systems; added trip and frame settings to breakers in and feeding UPS systems; upsized UPS feeders; included permanent metering provisions on 2 distribution panels.

Sign, Sealed, and Dated Drawings Provided:

• Mechanical: 8 Pages (30 x 42)
• Electrical: 11 Pages (30 x 42)

Bidders should review these changes carefully as they may impact proposal preparation and understanding of project requirements.

Amendment / Modification

• The bid due date has been extended to March 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time.

• Item 11: This item applies to amendments of solicitations. The hour and date specified for receipt of offers has been extended.

• The deadline for submitting offers has been extended to March 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time.

Amendment / Modification

• The bid due date for solicitation 36C77626B0006 has been extended.

• Solicitation Number: 36C77626B0006

• Original Due Date: 01-29-2026

• The hour and date specified for receipt of offers is extended to March 18, 2026, at 2:00 PM EDT.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a sign-in sheet for a pre-bid site visit for the EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades - Tier 3 project at the James H. Quillen VAMC in Mountain Home, TN. The visit occurred on February 12, 2026, at 9:00 AM ET.

This sign-in sheet lists attendees from various prime contractors and subcontractors who participated in the site visit. It provides contact information (company, phone number, email address) for these entities. This information can be valuable for potential bidders to identify other interested parties, potential partners, or competitors who attended the site visit and are likely involved in the bidding process for this opportunity.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment to solicitation 36C77626B0006 makes the following changes:

• Removes FAR clause 52.203-15 (Whistleblower Protections Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009).
• Removes FAR clause 52.222-38 (Compliance with Veterans' Employment Reporting Requirements).
• Removes FAR clause 52.222-46 (Evaluation of Compensation for Professional Employees).
• Removes FAR clause 52.223-10 (Waste Reduction Program).
• Removes FAR clause 52.223-20 (Aerosols).
• Removes FAR clause 52.223-21 (Foams).
• Removes FAR clause 52.223-22 (Public Disclosure of Greenhouse Gases).
• Provides a copy of the Site Visit Sign-In Sheet dated 2-12-2026.

Specific FAR clauses as listed above.

Bidders should note the removal of these clauses and ensure their proposals reflect any necessary adjustments. The inclusion of the Site Visit Sign-In Sheet may provide additional context for bidders.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for construction services for the 621-24-701 EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades Tier 3 Data Center Construction project at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center in Mountain Home, TN. The estimated magnitude of construction is between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000.

• General construction, alterations, and necessary removal of existing assemblies and finishes.

• Installation of new MCR (Medical Center Records) components.

• All work must be completed in accordance with attached specifications and drawings.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price.

• Period of Performance: Within 365 calendar days after receipt of Notice to Proceed.

• Bids must be submitted via email to Amanda Webster (Amanda.Webster@va.gov) and Bridget May (Bridget.May@va.gov).

• The submission deadline is February 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.

• Bid opening will be conducted via teleconference.

• Award will be made to the responsible bidder whose bid is most advantageous to the government, considering only price.

• Proposals must be submitted in whole dollar values.

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

• Offerors must be certified as SDVOSBs by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and listed in the SBA certification database at the time of bid submission and award.

• A pre-bid site visit is scheduled for February 12, 2026. See Attachment 8 for instructions.

• Technical questions must be submitted via email by February 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST.

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

• Payment and Performance Bonds will be required upon award.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment 00 10 11-B, "Contractor I.D. Badge and Parking Permit Request." It is a form that contractors and their personnel must complete to obtain identification badges and parking permits for access to the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center property.

• Contractor I.D. Badge and Parking Permit Request form.
• Fields for Contract Name, Project Number, Company Name, Telephone Number, Expiration Date, Employee Name, Social Security Number, Date of Birth, Sex, Race, Driver's License Number, State, Current Address, Vehicle Make/Model/Year/Color, and Vehicle Style/License Number.
• Instructions for wearing I.D. badges and information on replacement fees for lost badges.
• Details on the issuance times for I.D. Badges and Parking Permits.
• Signature and Print Name fields for the Approving Official.

This form is crucial for any contractor personnel who will be working on-site at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center. It outlines the necessary information and procedures for obtaining required identification and parking permits, which are essential for site access and compliance with security regulations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment 2, titled "Specifications," for the "621-24-701 | EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades" opportunity. It contains the "Final Bid Documents" dated August 14, 2025.

The document primarily consists of signature pages with seals and registration numbers for various architectural and engineering professionals. These include:

• Tennessee Architectural Registration
• Tennessee Engineer (Structural) Registration
• Oklahoma Engineer (Fire Protection) Registration
• Tennessee Engineer (Mechanical) Registration
• Tennessee Engineer (Electrical) Registration
• American Board of Industrial Hygiene
• RCDD (Telecommunications) BICSI ID

Each professional's signature and seal are present, along with their respective registration numbers and dates.

This document serves as a formal attachment to the solicitation, providing the necessary professional certifications and specifications for the engineering and architectural aspects of the opportunity. Bidders should review these to ensure compliance with the required professional credentials and standards for the project.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains construction drawings for the EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades - Tier 3 DC project at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center. It provides detailed plans, sections, and details for various building systems.

• Sheet Index: Lists all included drawings by section (General, Environmental, Structural, Architectural, Fire Protection, Mechanical, Electrical, Telecommunications).
• Consultant Information: Lists the architects, engineers, and other consultants involved in the project.
• Project Information: Includes project title, VA project number (621-24-701), location, and drawing details.
• Drawings: Comprehensive set of architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and telecommunications drawings.
• Details: Specific construction details for various elements, including ICRA (Infection Control Risk Assessment) details, partition types, and equipment bracing.

These construction drawings are critical for bidders to understand the full scope of work, including the layout, specifications, and technical requirements for the EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades. They detail the existing conditions and the proposed modifications, essential for accurate bidding and project execution.

Amendment / Modification

This addendum, dated December 22, 2025, modifies selected specifications for the EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades Tier 3 DC project.

Key changes include:

• Table of Contents: Updates to reflect modified and newly added specification sections.

• Medical Center Requirements (Section 00 10 11): Revisions to General Intention (COR information), Statement of Work (Period of Performance), Contractor Work Hours, and Smoking Policy.

• General Requirements (Section 01 00 00): Revisions to General Intention, specifically regarding site visits by bidders and the role of the Contracting Officer.

• Project Schedules (Section 01 32 16.15): Addition of a new paragraph regarding computer-produced schedules.

• Electronic Submittal Procedures (Section 01 33 24): Addition of this section in its entirety.

• Testing Laboratory Services (Section 01 45 29): Addition of this section in its entirety.

• Fire Detection and Alarm (Section 28 31 00): Revisions to Item H. Emergency Service under the Warranty section, specifically regarding service time.

• Section 00 01 10 - Table of Contents

• Section 00 10 11 - Medical Center Requirements

• Section 01 00 00 - General Requirements

• Section 01 32 16.15 - Project Schedules

• Section 01 33 24 - Electronic Submittal Procedures

• Section 01 45 29 - Testing Laboratory Services

• Section 28 31 00 - Fire Detection and Alarm (Warranty section)

This addendum primarily impacts the specifications and requirements for the project. Bidders should review the updated sections, particularly regarding site visits, work hours, and the newly added sections on electronic submittals and testing laboratory services. No changes to proposal deadlines or evaluation factors are explicitly mentioned in this addendum.

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

This project aims to coordinate construction efforts to relocate the main computer room (MCR) on Floor 3 of Building 77 at James H. Quillen VA Medical Center (JHQVAMC) in Mountain Home, TN, and upgrade it to comply with VA standards for a Tier 3 data center.

• Work Area: The project will occur within rooms 3A109 (existing MCR), 3A112, 3A112A, 3A112D, 3A113, 3A113A, and 3A212.
• Key Tasks:
  • Provide redundant power distribution.
  • Install computer room cooling and distribution.
  • Replace aged equipment.
  • Implement grounding and bonding.
  • Manage cabling.
  • Install new fiber and copper to the new MCR.
  • Provide a new clean-agent system.
  • Install a new fire-rated assembly within the new MCR, ensuring all penetrations are sealed.
  • Create a new space in room 3A112A for clean agent system cylinder storage.

Not specified in this document.

• Location: James H. Quillen VA Medical Center (JHQVAMC), Mountain Home, TN, specifically Floor 3 of Building 77 and the designated rooms.

• Duration: Not specified in this document.

• Compliance with VA standards for a Tier 3 data center.

• Installation of a new clean-agent system and fire-rated assembly.

• Provision of dedicated cylinder storage space for the clean agent system.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Pre-Construction Risk Assessment (PCRA) permit for the "EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades – Tier 2" project. It outlines potential hazards and control measures required to ensure safety during construction, renovation, and maintenance activities.

• Project Details: Identifies the project as "621-24-701 EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades – Tier 2," located in Bldg. 77 - IRM Server Room 3A109, Admin Support 3A216 and 3A113.
• Activity Type: Classified as "Large Scale" construction.
• Control Measures: Details specific safety protocols for various activity types (Inspection/Upkeep, Small-scale, Large-scale), including hazard communication, ILSMs, LOTO, site visits, and daily inspections.
• Activity Hazard Analyses & Control Plans: Lists required plans such as excavation safety, dust control, pollution prevention, dig safe, crane lift, fall protection, and confined entry.
• Additional Requirements: Mentions concrete cutting/pouring, lift plans, fall protection for roof work, and potential asbestos and lead-based paint remediation.
• Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA): Indicates whether an ICRA is required (Yes).
• Affected Adjacent Areas: Assesses and lists adjacent areas (IRM Server Room, Laboratory and Pathology, IRM Help Desk) and their points of contact for coordination.
• Environmental Risk Assessment: Identifies potential environmental hazards such as asbestos and lead-based paint, with mitigation strategies.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the safety and environmental considerations of the project. It highlights the types of work involved, potential risks, and the required control measures and plans that contractors must adhere to. Bidders should review this to assess their capability to comply with these safety and environmental requirements, which will impact project planning, execution, and cost.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides the prevailing wage determinations for building construction projects in Washington County, Tennessee. It specifies the minimum hourly wage rates and fringe benefits for various labor classifications, as required by federal regulations for government contracts.

• General Decision Number: TN20260191
• Superseded Decision: TN20250191
• Effective Date: 01/02/2026
• Construction Type: Building (excluding single-family homes or apartments up to 4 stories)
• County: Washington County, Tennessee
• Labor Classifications and Rates: Lists specific trades (e.g., Asbestos Worker, Power Equipment Operator, Ironworker, Laborer, Pipefitter, Sheet Metal Worker, Bricklayer, Carpenter, Electrician, Painter, Roofer, Truck Driver) with their corresponding hourly wage rates and fringe benefits.
• Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave): Applies to contracts awarded on or after January 1, 2017, requiring contractors to provide paid sick leave.
• Executive Order 13658: Applies to contracts awarded between January 1, 2015, and January 29, 2022, establishing a minimum wage rate for covered workers.
• Wage Determination Appeals Process: Outlines the procedures for appealing initial decisions related to wage determinations.

Bidders must use these wage rates to accurately estimate labor costs for their proposals. Failure to comply with these prevailing wage requirements can lead to contract non-compliance. The document also informs bidders about paid sick leave and minimum wage requirements under specific Executive Orders.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides instructions for an organized site visit related to the EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades opportunity. It details the date, time, and location for participants to meet.

• Date and Time: Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 09:00 AM (ET).
• Meeting Location: James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, Lamont Street and Veterans Way, Mountain Home, TN 37604.
• Entrance Information: All facility street access entrances are open. Visitors must park in designated areas and are advised to arrive early or carpool due to limited parking.
• Sign-in Procedure: Attendees must sign in at the front desk in Building 37 (B37).
• Reporting Location: Attendees are required to report to the lobby of Building 37 (B37) via the main entrance.
• Contact Information: For directions, contact the Engineering office at (423) 926-1171, extension 5129.

This document is crucial for bidders intending to participate in the site visit. It provides all necessary logistical information to ensure attendees can locate the meeting point, understand parking and sign-in procedures, and arrive on time. The site visit is likely an important step in understanding the project requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION)". It requires offerors to certify their compliance with subcontracting limitations as stipulated in the solicitation and resultant contract, pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 8127(1)(2).

• Services Contracts: Contractors must not pay more than 50% of the contract amount to firms not certified as SDVOSBs or VOSBs.
• General Construction Contracts: Contractors must not pay more than 85% of the contract amount to firms not certified as SDVOSBs or VOSBs. Cost of materials are excluded.
• Special Trade Construction Contractors: Contractors must not pay more than 75% of the contract amount to firms not certified as SDVOSBs or VOSBs. Cost of materials are excluded.
• The certification acknowledges that it is subject to Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001, and that false certifications may lead to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties.
• Offerors must be prepared to provide documentation (invoices, subcontracts, task values) to demonstrate compliance upon request.
• Failure to provide the completed and signed certification will result in the offer being deemed ineligible for evaluation and award.

This is a mandatory certification for all offerors. Bidders must carefully review the subcontracting limitations applicable to the specific contract type (services, general construction, or special trade construction) and ensure their proposed approach and pricing comply. Failure to complete and submit this form correctly will lead to disqualification. The specific NAICS code assigned to the acquisition will determine which limitation percentage applies.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the construction of the Mountain Home VAMC EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades Tier 3 Data Center. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a general contractor to relocate and upgrade the main computer room (MCR) on Floor 3 of Building 77 to meet Tier 3 data center standards.

• Relocation of the main computer room (MCR).

• Compliance with VA standards for a Tier 3 data center.

• Provision of redundant power distribution.

• Installation of computer room cooling and distribution systems.

• Replacement of aged equipment.

• Implementation of grounding and bonding.

• Cable management.

• Installation of new fiber and copper to the new MCR.

• Installation of a new clean-agent fire suppression system, including cylinder storage.

• Construction of a new fire-rated assembly for the MCR with sealed penetrations.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price.

• Period of Performance: Approximately 200 calendar days from Notice to Proceed.

• Magnitude of Construction: Estimated between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000.

• This will be an Invitation for Bid (IFB) conducted under FAR Part 14.

• Evaluation will be in accordance with procedures detailed in the solicitation.

• All questions must be submitted in writing via email to Amanda.Webster@va.gov. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.

• This solicitation is a total Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Set-Aside.

• Offers from other than SDVOSB concerns will not be considered.

• Applicable NAICS Code: 236220 with a size standard of $45 million.

• The solicitation is anticipated to be issued in late July 2025.

• The Place of Performance is James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, Mountain Home, TN 37684.

• This notice is not a request for competitive offers.