S112--CON-NRM 663-21-100 UPGRADE EXTERNAL SECURITY SYSTEM FY26 Tier 1

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses from the Government to questions submitted by potential contractors regarding the "Request for Information – Government Response" for Solicitation Number: 36C26026R0029 for the Puget Sound VA Medical Center.

• Physical Access Control System (PACS) Professionals: The government clarified that while the solicitation requires PACS to be compliant with FIPS-201 and FICAM, a Registered CSEIP (Certified System Engineer ICAM PACS) professional will not be added as a key personnel requirement. Similarly, a Registered PSP (Physical Security Professional) will not be required as key personnel for design review, as these functions fall under the purview of the construction period services contracted with the A/E firm.
• RCDD Involvement: RCDD involvement is required for on-site verification for communications design and installation, specifically for inspections in high traffic areas and for communications and low-voltage pathway compliance.
• Mentor-Protégé Joint Ventures (JV): For Mentor-Protégé JVs, if the protégé has applicable past performance, it will be evaluated with the mentor's performance. If the protégé lacks past performance, it will be rated neutral, and only the mentor's performance will be evaluated.
• Phase 3 Demo - Power to Building 34: The intent is to install new power conduit and conductors, not to use existing conduits.
• Parking Lot Gate Controllers: Gate controllers will be integrated into the existing campus physical access control network. Separate enclosures and board controllers will be needed at each location as there are no existing local control panels.
• Proposal Due Date: The submission date has been extended to Friday, February 27th.
• Underground Conduits: Specifications indicate concrete-encased duct banks, while drawings show 6 inches or more of clean sand or approved excavated material. The government advises to carefully regard plans and specs; if encasement is unclear, assume rebar reinforcement. For sand bedding, the 95% compaction requirement applies to native backfill material to reach the appropriate utility depth.

The proposal due date has been extended. Clarifications have been provided regarding key personnel requirements, installation methods, and evaluation criteria for joint ventures, which may impact proposal preparation and strategy.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0006) to Solicitation 36C26026R0029 provides responses to questions received after the second site visit. New questions and their answers are presented in bold font. Additionally, any previously answered questions that have been amended are also updated in bold font.

• The attached document "663-21-100- 36C26026R0029 - Contractor Questions and Answers rev 4_1_26" contains the updated questions and answers.

• The response due date for offers has been extended to April 17, 2026, at 12:00 PM PDT.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment extends the deadline for the receipt of offers.

• The "HOUR & DATE for Receipt of Offers" has been extended.

• The original deadline of March 26, 2026, has been extended to April 10, 2026, at 12:00 PM PDT.

• Bidders are reminded to acknowledge receipt of this amendment with their offers.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment provides the site visit sign-in sheet that occurred on 3/12/2026 for Solicitation 36C26026R0029.

• Site visit log (attached document: 663-23-100- 031226 66321100 SITE VISIT LOG).

This amendment does not appear to change proposal deadlines or submission requirements, but provides supplementary information related to the site visit.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a site visit log for the "Puget Sound VA Medical Center - Upgrade Exterior Security System" project (Project ID: 663-21-100), which took place on March 12, 2026. It records the names of attendees, their associated companies, and their contact information (phone and email).

This log provides a record of companies and individuals who attended the site visit for this project. Potential bidders can use this information to understand which competitors or potential partners may have been present, and to identify key contacts within those organizations. It may also indicate companies that have a direct interest or prior engagement with this specific project opportunity.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment extends the deadline for the receipt of offers for solicitation 36C26026R0029.

• The "** HOUR & DATE for Receipt of Offers" has been extended.

• The proposal response date is extended to March 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM PDT.

• A site visit is scheduled for Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 12:00 PM (Noon) PST at the Puget Sound VA Medical Center. Details for the site visit are on page 2.

• The contract magnitude is estimated to be between $5M and $10M.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment extends the deadline for the receipt of offers.

• The hour and date for receipt of offers has been extended.

• The original deadline of January 20, 2026, has been extended to March 3, 2026, at 9:00 AM PST.

Amendment / Modification

• The proposal response due date has been extended.

• Contractor Questions and Government Responses are now provided.

• The due date for proposal submission has been changed.

• An attachment containing Contractor Questions and Answers is included.

• The proposal submission deadline is extended to February 27, 2026, at 12:00 PM PST.

• Bidders should review the attached Contractor Questions and Answers document.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to contractor questions regarding Solicitation Number 36C26026R0029 for the Puget Sound VA Medical Center.

• PACS Design Review: Review and approval of the Physical Access Control System (PACS) design is handled by the A/E firm during the construction period. Contractors are not expected to submit a Registered Certified System Engineer ICAM PACS or a Physical Security Professional as key personnel for this aspect.
• RCDD Involvement: RCDD involvement is required for on-site verification prior to close-in inspections for communications and low-voltage pathway compliance.
• Joint Venture Past Performance: For SBA-approved All Small Mentor-Protégé Joint Ventures, projects submitted by the mentor can satisfy the Past Performance/Relevant Experience requirements for the protégé.
• Power Conductors: The intent is to install new power conduit and conductors; this work will not be routed through existing conduits.
• Gate Controllers: Parking lot gate controllers will be integrated into the existing campus physical access control network and will require separate enclosures and board controllers at each location.
• Proposal Due Date: The submission date has been extended to Friday, February 27th.

The submission date has been extended. Clarifications were provided regarding key personnel requirements, RCDD involvement, joint venture experience, and the scope of work for power conductors and gate controllers.

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

To upgrade the external security system across the VA Puget Sound HCS – Seattle Division campus, improving security for veterans and staff.

• Renovations across campus parking lots to enhance external security.

• Includes architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical revisions to site infrastructure and security systems.

• Requires extending and connecting necessary utilities.

• Integration with existing campus infrastructure, power, and IT/Security control is essential.

• Specific tasks include electrical work (conduit, telecommunications wiring), installation of a new Blue Light System and signage, and modification of walkways and roadways (demolition and repaving).

• New finishes must match existing ones unless otherwise noted.

• Place of Performance: Seattle VA Medical Center, Seattle, WA.

• Period of Performance: No longer than 325 calendar days from receipt of the Notice to Proceed.

• Work is to be accomplished within an existing, operational hospital facility; construction activities are secondary to the Medical Center's mission.

• Some activities may require performance outside normal business hours or be subject to curtailment/delay.

• Strict adherence to construction safety, infection control, and site security is required.

• No on-site office or storage containers are allowed; 'just-in-time delivery and pickup' is mandated.

• All work must comply with VA policies, codes, standards, and executive orders, including specific safety and infection control protocols.

• Contractors and subcontractors must have completed relevant OSHA safety training.

• A designated Superintendent and SSHO must be on-site during work, along with a dedicated CQCM when new work or repairs are performed.

• Fire extinguishers must be provided and maintained.

• Dust control measures are required.

• A one-year parts and labor warranty is required.

• Work in crawl spaces requires OSHA Permit Required Confined Space procedures.

• The contractor is responsible for testing, inspection, and commissioning.

• Building systems must remain in full operation; system shutdowns require advance written notice (21-28 days).

• Work requiring major utility shutdowns must be completed after hours or during weekends.

• Work in public corridors, crane lifts, or activities closing drive isles/entries must be performed during low patient times or weekends.

• Noise-producing activities must be performed between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

• Deliveries are restricted to specific loading docks and must be coordinated.

• No on-site parking is permitted for contractors.

• Freight elevators must be used.

• Construction dumpsters are required with a safety fence and recycling compliance.

• Two-way communication radios are allowed if approved by COR.

• Asbestos or hazardous materials must be reported and handled according to VA procedures.

• 21 days' notice is required for security arrangements.

• Photography of VA premises requires written permission.

• VA reserves the right to shut down the project.

• Compatible system procurements include specific lock/key requirements and BACnet protocol for Building Automation.

• The project is planned in five phases: Lot C/D West, Lot B, Lot D East/E West, Lot E Central, and Lot E East.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains architectural and engineering drawings, including site plans, electrical plans, and details, for the "Upgrade Exterior Security System" project at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle, WA (Project No. 663-21-100). It provides visual specifications for the proposed security system upgrades.

• Cover Sheet (G-001): Project overview, location, design team, and general notes.
• Site Plans (G-002, ES100-ES106): Overall and enlarged campus views showing existing and proposed electrical infrastructure, security devices, and pathways.
• Civil Plans (GS100-GS209, GP300-GP301, GS400-GP400): Includes civil cover sheets, survey data, erosion control, demolition plans, site plans, civil details, and paving/grading plans. Specifics include gates, card readers, lighting, curbs, sidewalks, ramps, and utility trenching.
• Electrical Plans (E-401 to E-701): Detailed layouts for buildings and areas, showing conduit routing, equipment placement, and security system connections.
• Electrical Details (E-501 to E-507): Specific construction details for handholes, conduits, transformers, blue light emergency call stations, and security communication panels.
• Electrical Schedules (E-701): Load information, conduit/wire schedules, and panel schedules.
• Signage (A-W001, A-W002): Material, color, and installation details for signage, including elevations for specific signs.
• Bid Alternates: Civil site and grading plans related to bid alternates are included.

These drawings are crucial for bidders to understand the physical scope of the project, including the layout of new security system components, site modifications, demolition, grading, paving, and signage. Bidders must review these drawings to accurately estimate costs, develop construction schedules, and ensure compliance with all specified requirements. The electrical and civil details are essential for understanding the technical implementation of the security system.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) intended for evaluators to assess an offeror's past performance on a previous contract. It is used by the government to determine the offeror's ability to responsibly perform the work described in the solicitation for Project # 663-21-100, Upgrade External Security System at Puget Sound VA Health Care System.

Section 1: Contractor Information - To be completed by the offeror, including:

• Name of Offeror
• Address
• Point of Contact (POC) details
• Work performed as (prime or subcontractor)
• Percentage of project work performed
• Prime contractor (if subcontractor)
• Contract title, number, type, and location
• Award date, original and actual contract acceptance dates, and explanations for differences
• Original and final contract prices, and explanations for differences
• Scope of the project and its relevance to the current submission.

Section 2: Evaluator Information - To be completed by the client/evaluator, including:

• Evaluator's name, position, address, and contact details
• Description of the evaluator's role in the project
• Ratings and comments on:
  • Quality
  • Schedule/Timeliness of Performance
  • Communication
  • Management/Personnel/Labor
  • Cost/Financial Management
  • Subcontract Management
• Overall summary, including whether the contractor would be hired again.

Adjectival Ratings: Definitions for Outstanding, Above Average, Satisfactory, and Unsatisfactory performance are provided for guidance.

While this is a questionnaire for evaluators, bidders may need to provide the information requested in Section 1 to their past performance references. Understanding the criteria evaluated (quality, schedule, communication, management, cost, subcontracting) can help bidders prepare their own past performance narratives and select appropriate references. The questionnaire highlights the government's focus areas when assessing past performance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Contractor Rules of Behavior," is a User Agreement that outlines the rights and authorizations for contractors accessing and using Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) information assets, resources, and sites. It establishes the expected conduct and responsibilities of contractors regarding information security and privacy.

• General Terms and Conditions: Covers expectations regarding privacy, consent to monitoring and reviews by VA personnel, and understanding that unauthorized access or misuse of Federal Government systems is prohibited and subject to penalties.
• General Rules of Behavior: Details specific rules for contractors, including:
  • Following procedures for account access and usage.
  • Using only authorized systems, software, and data.
  • Restrictions on using non-contractor equipment for VA sensitive information.
  • Prohibiting exploitation of system controls for personal gain.
  • Adhering to security controls and not attempting to override them.
  • Limiting use of systems, information, and sites strictly to contract performance.
  • Protecting passwords and information from unauthorized disclosure, use, modification, or destruction.
  • Using FIPS 140-2 validated encryption for sensitive information.
  • Complying with VA's Electronic Media Sanitization policies.
  • Obtaining prior approval for public dissemination of VA information.
  • Protecting government property.
  • Using only authorized anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall software.
  • Completing required security and privacy training.
• Additional Conditions for Non-VA IT Resources: Outlines requirements for connecting to the VA network, remote access, and prohibits dual network connections without authorization.
• Statement on Litigation: Clarifies that the agreement does not create additional rights or benefits enforceable by law.
• Acknowledgement and Acceptance: Requires the contractor to acknowledge and accept all terms and conditions, and to sign and return the document.

This document is critical for any bidder who will be performing services under a VA contract that requires access to VA information systems or data. It clearly defines the security and behavioral expectations that must be met to ensure the protection of sensitive government information. Bidders must understand these rules to ensure compliance and to properly prepare for contract performance. The signed document must be returned to the VA Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR) within the timeframe stated in the contract.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, VAAR 852.219-75, is 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.

• General Construction Limitation: For general construction contracts, the contractor must ensure that no more than 85% of the contract amount is paid to firms that are not VIP-listed Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) or Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs). Work subcontracted by a similarly situated VIP-listed subcontractor also counts towards this 85% limit. The cost of materials is excluded from this calculation.
• Acknowledgement of Jurisdiction: Offerors acknowledge that this certification is subject to Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001, and that a false certification can lead to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties.
• Consequences of Non-Compliance: If the VA determines an SDVOSB/VOSB awarded a contract did not act in good faith, they may be subject to referral to the VA Suspension and Debarment Committee, fines, or prosecution.
• Cooperation and Documentation: Offerors must cooperate with the VA and provide documents (e.g., invoices, subcontracts) to demonstrate compliance with subcontracting limitations, both during performance and upon completion.
• Certification Requirement: The formal certification must be completed, signed, and returned with the offeror's bid, quotation, or proposal. Offers without this completed certification will be deemed ineligible for award.

This document is critical for bidders to understand and comply with. Failure to properly complete and submit this certification will result in the offer being considered ineligible for award. Bidders must ensure they can meet the 85% subcontracting limitation for general construction if applicable to the opportunity.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a General Decision for Building Construction Projects in King County, Washington. It specifies the prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits for various construction trades. Bidders on relevant federal or federally-funded construction projects in this area must adhere to these wage rates.

• Geographic Area: King County, Washington.
• Construction Type: Building Construction Projects (excluding single-family homes and apartments up to 4 stories).
• Trades Covered: Includes rates for Heat & Frost Insulator, Tile Finisher, Tile Setter, Bricklayer, Marble Finisher, Marble Setter, Mason Stone, Terrazzo Finisher, Terrazzo Worker/Setter, Millwright, Carpenter, Electrician, various Equipment Operators (e.g., Backhoe, Crane, Loader, Roller), Ironworker, Laborers (e.g., Asbestos Abatement, Asphalt, Common/General, Concrete Saw, Form Stripping, Hod Carrier, Grade Checker, Jackhammer, Mason Tender, Nozzle Person, Scaffold Builder, Traffic Control, Brick Tender, Fire Watch), Glazier, Painter, Drywall Finisher/Taper, Floor Layer, Cement Mason/Concrete Finisher, Plasterer, Pipefitter, Plumber, Roofer, Sprinkler Fitter, Sheet Metal Worker, Truck Drivers (Concrete, Dump, Pickup), and Welders.
• Effective Dates: Rates are effective on various dates, primarily in 2025 and 2024.

This document is crucial for any bidder planning to submit a proposal for construction projects in King County, Washington, that are subject to federal prevailing wage requirements. It directly impacts labor cost estimations and ensures compliance with federal labor standards. Bidders must ensure their proposed labor costs align with these determined rates.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Basis of Design" report for the "Upgrade Exterior Security System" project at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle, Washington. It outlines the design considerations, scope, and technical details for the proposed security system upgrades.

• Project Overview: The project aims to improve exterior security by upgrading the existing system with new blue light telephone stations, security cameras, and access gates.
• Scope of Work: Includes demolition of existing parking lot sections, installation of new lighting, gates, cameras, and blue light call stations. It also addresses paving, grading, and channelization improvements.
• Key Systems:
  • Surveillance Cameras: To cover parking lots.
  • Emergency Blue Light Telephone Stations: Fifteen stations are planned.
  • Access Control Gates: Four gates are to be installed.
  • Lighting: Existing lighting will be maintained or replaced.
• Design Considerations: Minimizing disruption to facility operations, considering vertical and horizontal adjacencies, and adhering to VA and City of Seattle standards.
• Deductive Alternatives: Five alternatives are proposed, including removing a gate lane, adjusting blue light station placement, using less robust gate systems, utilizing lower-tier cameras, and modifying gate/card reader installation.
• Technical Details: Covers civil/site development, structural requirements for light poles, electrical systems (power, conduits, conductors), and telecommunications (Ethernet, fiber optic).

This document provides essential technical details and design intent for the security system upgrade. Bidders can use this information to understand the project's scope, requirements, and specific design choices, which will be critical for developing accurate proposals and bids. It details the types of equipment, installation methods, and specific standards to be followed.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the Table of Contents for the "UPGRADE EXTERIOR SECURITY SYSTEM" project, specifically for Section 00 01 10. It outlines the various divisions and sections of the contract documents, including special sections, general requirements, existing conditions, thermal and moisture protection, finishes, specialties, electrical, communications, and electronic safety and security.

• Divisions: The document is organized into major divisions, starting with Division 00 (Special Sections) and progressing through Divisions 01 (General Requirements), 02 (Existing Conditions), 07 (Thermal and Moisture Protection), 09 (Finishes), 10 (Specialties), 26 (Electrical), 27 (Communications), and 28 (Electronic Safety and Security).
• Section Numbers and Titles: Each division contains numerous sections with specific titles and section numbers (e.g., 00 01 07 Seals Page, 01 00 00 General Requirements, 26 05 11 Requirements for Electrical Installations).
• Dates: Some sections include a date, likely indicating the last revision or publication date of that section (e.g., 05-20, 05-21, 03-20, 06-21, 07-20, 11-20, 02-21, 11-18, 01-21, 07-15, 10-17, 01-22, 08-17, 01-21, 10-17, 01-21, 01-21, 01-16, 01-17, 01-17, 01-18, 01-18, 01-18, 01-17, 09-19, 11-21, 11-21, 11-21, 11-16, 06-15, 11-21, 11-21, 11-21, 11-21, 06-15, 06-15, 04-18, 10-18, 09-11, 09-11, 11-16, 10-11, 09-11, 06-15, 10-12, 10-12, 08-16, 09-15, 08-16, 08-16).

This document is crucial for bidders as it provides a comprehensive outline of all the technical specifications and requirements for the "UPGRADE EXTERIOR SECURITY SYSTEM" project. Bidders can use this Table of Contents to quickly locate specific sections relevant to their scope of work, understand the project's structure, and identify the various technical requirements, including those related to electrical, communications, and electronic safety and security systems. The dates associated with each section may indicate the most current version or revision, which is important for ensuring compliance with the latest standards.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the upgrade of the external security system at the VA Puget Sound Medical Center in Seattle, WA. The project involves traffic changes, emergency telephones, and additional security camera installations across parking lots B, C, D, and E. The estimated magnitude of this construction project is between $1,000,000.00 and $5,000,000.00.

• Upgrade external security system including traffic changes, emergency telephones, and security camera installations.

• Work must be completed in accordance with the Statement of Work, specifications, and drawings.

• Contractor must provide all necessary labor, materials, supplies, services, and equipment.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price.

• Performance Period: To be determined, but must be completed within the timeframe specified in the solicitation.

• Proposals must be submitted electronically via email by February 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM PST.

• Evaluation will be based on a best-value tradeoff, considering Technical Approach, Key Personnel Qualifications, Knowledge of Locality, Past Performance, and Price. Technical factors (1-3) are more important than Past Performance (4), and all non-price factors combined are significantly more important than Price (5).

• Questions must be submitted by February 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM PST to Kaycee.Benson@va.gov.

• A pre-bid site visit is scheduled for February 6, 2026, at 10:00 am PST at the VA Puget Sound Medical Center.

• This procurement is a 100% Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Set-Aside.

• The NAICS Code is 238210 (Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors) with a size standard of $19 million.

• Offerors must furnish a bid guarantee (SF 24).

• Required insurance documentation must be submitted within 10 calendar days of award.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a solicitation for a Firm-Fixed-Price Construction Contract for Project Number 663-21-100, "Upgrade Exterior Security System" at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle, WA. The project involves upgrading the external security system across the campus's B, C, D, and E parking lots.

• Furnish all supervision, labor, and materials for the upgrade.

• Upgrade includes traffic changes, emergency telephones, and additional security cameras.

• All upgrades must integrate with existing campus infrastructure (power, IT/Security control).

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Construction Contract.

• Period of Performance: Approximately 325 Calendar Days from the Notice to Proceed.

• Magnitude of Construction: Expected to be between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000.

• The solicitation will be issued as a Request for Proposal (RFP).

• Evaluation procedures will be detailed in the solicitation.

• All questions must be submitted in writing via email to kaycee.benson@va.gov by November 12, 2025, at 12:00 PM Pacific Standard Time.

• Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.

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

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

• Applicable NAICS Code: 238210 with a size standard of $25 Million.

• The solicitation is expected to be issued in November 2025.

• This notice is not a request for competitive offers.