Replace Fire Alarm System for Buildings 15, 65, 68, 88, 90, & 93

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (Amendment 2) to Solicitation 36C24726R0028 extends the deadline for cost proposal submissions and provides access to project drawings and specifications, along with official responses to submitted RFIs.

• Extended Offer Receipt Date: The hour and date for receipt of offers has been extended to April 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST.

• Access to Drawings and Specifications: A link is provided for prospective contractors to access drawings and specifications associated with the construction project.

• RFI Responses: The government has provided official responses to submitted RFIs.

• The deadline for cost proposal submissions has been modified.

• Access to project documents (drawings and specifications) is now provided.

• RFI responses are included.

• The deadline for submitting cost proposals is extended to April 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST.

• Bidders are directed to access provided links and attached documents for drawings, specifications, and RFI responses.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides the government's responses to Requests for Information (RFIs) submitted by potential bidders regarding the "Replace Fire Alarm System for Bldgs. 15, 65, 68, 88, 90 & 93" opportunity at the Central Alabama Veterans Healthcare System.

• Scope of Work: The scope is as described in the solicitation documents. For buildings 2, 3, 3A, 4, 4A, 5, 68, 83, 120, and 129, only existing annunciators and associated cabling will be replaced; existing devices will remain for a separate project.
• Period of Performance (POP): The correct POP is 30 months or 912.5 days, not the 860 days mentioned in the Customer Project Manual or the 365 days in the SF 1442.
• Pricing: Bidders should develop pricing for all contract items independent of pricing data within Attachment 7, as that document was for VA reference only.
• Commissioning Agent: FFE Heapy JV is the commissioning agent.
• Fire Alarm Technician Rates: Fire Alarm Technician rates are likely appropriate for work solely on the fire alarm system, but Electrician rates may apply if work overlaps with general electrical tasks.
• Past Performance & Inflation: The government will consider market conditions and inflation as part of the overall assessment of past performance, evaluating projects on their merits, scope, complexity, and quality rather than solely on cost figures.
• Fire Alarm System Manufacturer: A Kidde Fire Alarm System will not be accepted unless JCI/Simplex requires it.
• Infection Control: ICRA is required only in areas directly impacted by this project.
• Acquisition Strategy: The VA follows the "Rule of Two" and prioritizes SDVOSBs and VOSBs. The opportunity may be set aside if at least two eligible SDVOSBs or VOSBs are capable of performing the work.
• Temporary Construction Barriers: Prefabricated temporary construction barriers are acceptable for ICRA barriers.
• Liquidated Damages: No liquidated damage clauses will be included in the contract.
• Drawings/Specifications: Bidders are advised to see Amendment 2 Continuation Page for issues related to CAD files, scaled drawings, and true PDF formats.

This document clarifies key aspects of the solicitation, including the period of performance, scope of work for specific buildings, and submission requirements. It also addresses concerns about pricing, past performance evaluation, and technical specifications. Bidders should review these responses carefully to ensure their proposals accurately reflect the clarified requirements. Amendments 2 is referenced for further details on drawings, specifications, and due dates.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document contains the "BID DOCUMENTS" for the "REPLACE FIRE ALARM SYSTEM" project (Project Number: 619A4-23-103) at the Tuskegee VA Medical Center. It includes various drawings and specifications related to the fire alarm system replacement.

• Cover Sheet (G1000): Provides project overview, location, and a sheet index.
• Abbreviations and Symbols (G1001): Defines terms and symbols used throughout the drawings.
• Life Safety Plans (G1010.1 through G1028.1): Detailed floor plans for multiple buildings (Buildings 2, 3A, 4A, 5B, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 65, 68, 83, 88, 90, 93, 97, 120, 129) illustrating fire and smoke barriers, exit paths, and other life safety features.
• Demolition and New Work Plans (E100 series): Specific plans for various buildings showing areas for demolition and new fire alarm system installation.
• Electrical Legend Sheet (E100): Details electrical symbols and abbreviations.
• Fire Alarm Site Plan (ES100): Illustrates the overall fire alarm system layout across the campus.
• Technology Fiber Riser Diagram (T201): Shows the fiber optic cabling network for the fire alarm system.
• Technology Details (T501): Provides details on conduit entries, pull boxes, and fiber terminal cabinets.
• ICRA (Infection Control Risk Assessment) Requirements (G1100, G1101): Outlines procedures and precautions for infection control during construction.
• Wall and Door Types, Schedules, and Details (AE601): Specifies construction details for walls and doors.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the scope of work, the specific buildings and areas affected by the fire alarm system replacement, the required installation methods, and the overall project requirements. It provides the detailed technical information necessary for accurate bidding and project execution.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0002) to solicitation 36C24726R0028 makes the following changes:

• Provides an access link for prospective contractors to view Drawings and SPECS for the construction project.

• Provides the Government's Official Response to submitted RFIs.

• Extends the cost proposal submission deadline from Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST to Friday, April 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST.

• The deadline for receipt of offers has been extended.

• Access to project drawings and specifications has been provided.

• Government responses to RFIs have been provided.

• The proposal submission deadline is extended to April 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST.

• Bidders should review the provided RFI responses and access the linked drawings and specifications.

Amendment / Modification

• This modification extends the proposal due date for solicitation 36C24726R0028.

• The extension is due to pending answers to Requests for Information (RFIs).

• The due date for proposals has been extended.

• The proposal due date is extended to April 7, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET.

• A subsequent amendment to provide RFI answers is anticipated.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the replacement and upgrade of the fire alarm systems in Buildings 14, 15, 65, 68, 88, 90, and 93 at the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System, East Campus, Tuskegee, AL. The project aims to address an obsolete fire alarm fiber optic network and antiquated Graphical Command Center (GCC) that present a significant risk to facility safety.

• Replacement and upgrade of fire alarm systems in specified buildings.

• Work must be performed in accordance with project drawings and specifications.

• The project involves labor, materials, equipment, and supervision.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Estimated Magnitude: Between $10,000,000.00 and $25,000,000.00.

• Period of Performance: 365 calendar days from Notice to Proceed.

• Proposals are to be submitted electronically via email to the addresses specified on page 1, block 8.

• Subject line must include "Company Name, RFP number, Project Title."

• File size limit is 10 MB per email; multiple emails are acceptable.

• Proposal deadline: March 30, 2026, by 1:00 PM CST.

• Evaluation Criteria: Past Performance and Price. Past Performance is significantly more important than Price.

• Offerors must submit 1-3 references.

• Experience Modification Rate (EMR) greater than 1.0 may disqualify the offeror.

• Government acceptance period for offers: 120 calendar days.

• This acquisition is 100% set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) only.

• The SDVOSB business must be 51% or more owned and controlled by one or more veterans.

• Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov, certifications.sba.gov, and comply with VETS 4212 reporting.

• Offerors must complete VAAR 852.219-75, Limitations on Subcontracting.

• A site visit is scheduled for March 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM CST.

• Requests for Information (RFIs) are due by March 19, 2026, by 1:00 PM CST.

• Offer guarantee is required.

• Bid Bond is required (20% of proposal price, not to exceed $3,000,000).

• Performance and Payment Bonds are required for awards exceeding $150,000.

• Attachments include Experience Modification Rate, VA Notice of Limitations, Past Performance Questionnaire, Itemized Cost Breakdown, DBA Wage Rates, Invoicing, Customer Project Manual, Drawings, and Specifications.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 7_Customer Project Manual.pdf", serves as a Project Manual for the "Replace the Fire Alarm System for Buildings 14, 15, 65, 68, 88, 90, & 93" project at the Central Alabama Veterans Healthcare System - Tuskegee VA Medical Center. It provides detailed information for potential bidders, including bid documents, billing requirements, and offer acceptance terms.

• Project Scope: Replacement of aging fire alarm systems, including panels, devices, and wiring for specified buildings. Some buildings will only have existing annunciators and associated cabling replaced.
• Design Narrative: Covers Hazardous Abatement, Civil, Landscape, Structural, Architectural, Fire Protection, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical disciplines.
• Appendices: Includes Cost Estimate, Bill of Materials, CPM Schedule, Market Study, Risk and Sensitivity Analysis, and Hazardous Materials Survey.
• Construction Cost Estimate: Total estimated construction budget is $11,541,308.
• Offer Validity: Offers are void if not accepted in writing within thirty (30) days.
• Billing Requirements: Vendors must indicate if a Purchase Order (PO) is required, provide the PO number if applicable, or confirm if the signed contract suffices. A checkbox is provided to indicate acceptance of a deposit invoice.

This manual is critical for bidders to understand the complete scope of work, technical requirements, existing conditions, and cost estimates. It also outlines specific administrative and financial procedures, including offer validity periods and billing instructions, essential for preparing an accurate bid and ensuring a smooth contracting process.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document contains the "Sheet Index" for the "Replace Fire Alarm System" project at the VA Central Alabama Health Care System, Tuskegee VA Medical Center. It lists all the drawings included in the bid documents.

• Sheet Number: A unique identifier for each drawing.
• Sheet Name: A description of the content of each drawing.
• Discipline: Categorization of drawings (e.g., General, Architecture, Electrical, Telecommunications).

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the scope and organization of the project's technical documentation. It allows vendors to quickly locate specific drawings related to their scope of work, such as fire alarm plans, electrical layouts, and architectural details, aiding in accurate proposal preparation and bid assessment.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment 1 to RFP No. 36C24726R0028, an Experience Modification Rate Form. Offerors are required to complete and return this form with their solicitation response.

• Company Information: Offerors must provide their Company Name, Address, Telephone, and Email.
• OSHA 300 Forms Data: Offerors need to input data from their OSHA 300 Forms for the years 2023, 2024, and 2025, including:
  • Number of man hours (jobsite and office)
  • Number of cases involving days away from work, restricted activity, or both
  • Days away, restricted, or transferred rate (DART Rate)
  • Number of serious, willful, or repeat violations from OSHA within the last 3 years (with explanations for any violations).
• Required Attachments: Offerors must attach copies of their OSHA 300 and 300a Forms. A link to access these forms through OSHA publications is provided.
• Insurance Experience Modification Rate (EMR): Offerors must provide their EMR for the past 3 years.

This form is critical for bidders to complete as it collects essential safety and experience modification rate data. The collected information, along with government system data (OSHA and EPA online inspection history), will be used to ensure the contractor meets the Experience Modification Rate indicated in the solicitation. Failure to provide accurate information or meet the specified rates may impact eligibility or evaluation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is VA Notice 852.219-75, "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 if awarded a contract. This is a mandatory certification for the offeror to complete and return with their bid, quotation, or proposal.

• Services Contracts: Offerors must certify that they will not pay more than 50% of the contract amount to firms that are not certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) or Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs).
• General Construction Contracts: Offerors must certify that they will not pay more than 85% of the contract amount to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs or VOSBs.
• Special Trade Construction Contractors: Offerors must certify that they will not pay more than 75% of the contract amount to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs or VOSBs.
• Certification Details: The form requires the offeror to provide the company name, printed name and title of the signatory, signature, and date.
• Consequences of Non-Compliance: The document outlines potential penalties for non-compliance, including referral to the VA Suspension and Debarment Committee, fines, and prosecution.
• Verification: Offerors acknowledge that VA may require documentation to verify compliance, and failure to provide such documentation may result in remedial action.

This document is critical for bidders to understand and complete accurately. Failure to provide the completed and signed certification will result in the offer being deemed ineligible for evaluation and award. Bidders must ensure their proposed subcontracting plan adheres to the specified limitations based on the contract type.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment 3, the Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ), for Solicitation RFP 36C24726R0028, which aims to replace Fire Alarm Systems for Buildings 15, 65, 68, 88, 90 & 93. Offerors are required to include this cover sheet with their proposal submission and forward the entire questionnaire to their previous clients. Clients will directly return the cover sheet and questionnaire to joseph.osborn@va.gov.

Section I: Offeror Fill-In

• Offeror Name
• Name of Organization/Firm Providing Reference
• Address of Organization/Firm Providing Reference
• Contract Number
• Project Description
• Contract/Task Order Amount
• Performance Period
• Role of Contractor (Prime or Sub-contractor)

Section II: Evaluator - Numerical Rating

• A rating scale from 1 (Unacceptable) to 5 (Superior Performance) is provided.
• Evaluators will rate the contractor's performance on 14 specific questions, including compliance, timeliness, customer interaction, and overall performance.
• A question asks if the evaluator would recommend or work with the contractor again.
• Evaluator's Point of Contact Information (Signature, Title, Phone, E-mail).

Section III: Evaluator - Comments

• Space for the evaluator to provide additional comments regarding the contractor's performance, particularly to explain low ratings.

This questionnaire is crucial for bidders as it is used to gather past performance information from previous clients. This information will likely be a significant factor in the evaluation of proposals for the Fire Alarm System replacement opportunity. Bidders must ensure they provide accurate contact information for references and that their references are prepared to complete the questionnaire thoroughly and promptly.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 4 - Itemized Cost Breakdown.xlsx," is an Excel spreadsheet intended for bidders to provide a detailed breakdown of their proposed costs for Solicitation No. 36C24726R0028. It serves as a template for itemizing costs across various divisions and categories.

• The spreadsheet is organized by CSI (Construction Specifications Institute) divisions, starting from Division 01 - General Requirements and extending through various construction and specialty trades.
• For each division, bidders are expected to break down costs into MATERIAL, LABOR, EQUIPMENT, and OTHER categories.
• A TOTAL is calculated for each division.
• The sheet also includes sections for Subtotal, Overhead, Profit, Bonds and Insurance, and a final Total Proposal.
• Currently, all cost fields are populated with '0.0' or '$', indicating that specific cost data needs to be entered by the bidder.

This attachment is crucial for bidders to accurately detail their pricing strategy and ensure compliance with the solicitation's cost submission requirements. It requires bidders to meticulously itemize all anticipated expenses to arrive at a comprehensive proposal total. The structure provided guides bidders in presenting a clear and organized cost proposal that can be evaluated by the government.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 6 - Invoicing," outlines the procedures and requirements for submitting invoices for payments under the associated RFP (36C24726R0028). It details the electronic invoicing process mandated by the VA.

• Payment Method: All payments will be made via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) in accordance with FAR 52.232-33.
• Invoice Submission: Invoices must be submitted electronically.
• Mandated System: The Veterans Affairs Financial Services Center (VAFSC) mandates electronic invoice submission through its partner, Tungsten Network e-Invoicing.
• Vendor Registration: Vendors must register with Tungsten Network via email (VA.Registration@Tungsten-Network.com) or phone (1-877-489-6135) to submit electronic invoices.
• Submission Portal: Electronic invoices are to be submitted via the VAFSC e-Invoice portal at https://portal.Tungsten-Network.com/Login.aspx.
• VA10091 Form Elimination: As of July 1, 2020, the VA10091 form is eliminated. New vendors must update information in the Customer Engagement Portal (CEP) at https://www.cep.fsc.va.gov/.
• Contact Information: Provides contact details for Tungsten Network and VAFSC for e-invoice setup and inquiries.

This attachment is critical for bidders as it specifies the mandatory electronic invoicing procedures. Understanding and complying with these requirements is essential for receiving timely payments upon contract award. Bidders should note the registration process with Tungsten Network and the use of the VAFSC e-Invoice portal.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation details the "Replace the Fire Alarm System for Buildings 14, 15, 65, 68, 88, 90 & 93" project at the Central Alabama Veterans Healthcare System - Tuskegee VA Medical Center. The project involves the installation of a new fire alarm system and associated infrastructure.

• Installation of a new fire alarm system in specified buildings.

• Installation of new underground fiber optic communication lines to create an integrated communication loop.

• Adherence to detailed specifications and drawings.

• Compliance with safety, environmental, and quality control requirements.

• Asbestos Abatement: Includes specifications for traditional asbestos abatement, covering removal, disposal, worker protection, containment, monitoring, and regulatory compliance (OSHA, EPA).

• Door Hardware: Specifies compliance with ANSI standards for various door hardware components.

• Non-Structural Metal Framing: Details requirements for steel studs, runners, and accessories.

• Gypsum Plastering & Board: Outlines specifications for lathing, plasters, and gypsum board installation.

• Acoustical Ceilings: Specifies acoustical units and suspension systems.

• Resilient Base & Accessories: Details requirements for base materials and adhesives.

• Painting: Comprehensive specifications for surface preparation, paint properties, and application.

• Electrical Installations (Division 26): Includes requirements for grounding, bonding, low-voltage conductors, raceways, underground construction, and general electrical installations.

• Electronic Safety and Security (ESS) System: Furnishing, installation, connection, testing, and certification of ESS components, including conduits, backboxes, grounding, bonding, fire alarm wiring, and commissioning.

• Fire Alarm System Manufacturer: JCI/SIMPLEX.

• Commissioning: Managed by a VA-appointed Commissioning Agent.

• Training: VA personnel training on system operation and maintenance.

• Project Number: 619A4-23-103

• Location: Central Alabama Veterans Healthcare System - Tuskegee VA Medical Center, 2400 Hospital Rd, Tuskegee, AL 36083

• Prepared by: FFE | HEAPY

• Bid documents include specifications, drawings, and contract documents available from the solicitation posting website.

• Specific requirements for submittals, project schedules, safety, environmental controls, waste management, and quality control are detailed.

• Performance Standards: Compliance with NEC, NFPA, UL, TIA/EIA, BICSI standards. Grounding resistance not to exceed 5 ohms. A 30-day "burn-in" period is required.

• Not explicitly stated in the provided excerpts.

• The document is extensive, covering general requirements, safety, environmental controls, waste management, sustainable construction, and commissioning.

• Bidders must review all sections for complete understanding. All cabling locations are to be in conduit systems unless waived. Equipment and materials must be new, current models, and compatible.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a General Decision for wage rates applicable to building construction projects in specific counties within Alabama. It serves as a reference for prevailing wages that must be paid to laborers and mechanics employed on federally funded or assisted construction projects covered by the Davis-Bacon Act or related State prevailing wage laws.

• General Decision Number: AL20260078
• State: Alabama
• Construction Type: Building
• Applicable Counties: Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Macon, and Pike Counties.
• Project Scope: Building construction projects, excluding single-family homes or apartments up to and including 4 stories.
• Wage Rates: Lists specific hourly wage rates and fringe benefits for various trades, including:
  • BOILERMAKER
  • ELECTRICIAN
  • POWER EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (Bulldozer, Forklift)
  • PLUMBER
  • BRICKLAYER
  • CARPENTER
  • CEMENT MASON/CONCRETE FINISHER
  • LABORER (Common or General)
  • OPERATOR (Backhoe/Excavator/Trackhoe)
  • PAINTER (Brush and Roller)
  • SHEET METAL WORKER (HVAC Duct Installation Only)
  • TRUCK DRIVER (Dump Truck)
• Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave): Mandates 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 56 hours annually, for contracts awarded on or after January 1, 2017.
• Executive Order 13658 (Minimum Wage): Applies to contracts awarded between January 1, 2015, and January 29, 2022 (and not extended after January 30, 2022), requiring a minimum hourly wage of $13.30 (or the applicable higher wage determination rate) for hours worked in 2025.
• Wage Determination Appeals Process: Outlines procedures for appealing wage determinations.

Bidders must use these prevailing wage rates to accurately estimate labor costs for their proposals. Failure to comply with these wage requirements can lead to contract violations. The document also highlights requirements for paid sick leave and minimum wage under specific Executive Orders, which must be factored into labor cost calculations and workforce planning.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a presolicitation notice for a Firm Fixed Price Construction contract to replace the fire alarm system for Buildings 14, 65, 68, 88, 90, and 93 at the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System in Tuskegee, AL. The existing fire alarm system, including its fiber optic network and Graphical Command Center (GCC), is obsolete and presents a significant risk to facility and personnel safety. The project aims to upgrade and replace these systems to ensure reliable life-safety communications.

• Replacement and upgrade of the fire alarm system across multiple buildings.

• Address obsolete fire alarm fiber optic network (token ring 4120) and associated network interface cards.

• Replace antiquated and unserviceable Graphical Command Center (GCC).

• Ensure campus-wide voice/alarm functionality, including mass notification capabilities.

• Replace specific systems like kitchen hood suppression in Building 90.

• The project involves work on buildings with varying numbers of floors and construction types.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price Construction.

• Magnitude of Construction: Estimated between $10,000,000 and $20,000,000.

• Estimated Completion Period: 365 calendar days after Notice to Proceed.

• This notice is NOT a Request for Proposal (RFP). Contractors should await the official RFP posting.

• The solicitation (including documents, specifications, and drawings) is expected to be posted on or about 01/31/2026 to sam.gov.

• All responsible sources may submit a proposal once the RFP is posted.

• Selection will use the Trade-Off Source Selection process.

• Offerors are responsible for verifying the number of amendments issued.

• This acquisition is a 100% Set Aside for certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs).

• Contractors must be certified and listed in the SBA certification database and registered in SAM.gov at the time of submission.

• Compliance with VAAR Clause 852.219-73 and 852.219-75 is required.

• For special trade contractors, no more than 75% of the contract amount may be paid to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs or VOSBs.

• A pre-proposal site visit will be held; date and time to be announced in the solicitation.

• NAICS Code: 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction), Size Standard: $45 million.

• Product Service Code (PSC): Z1DA (Maintenance of Hospital Infirmaries).