Questions for 12441926Q0005.pdf

Questions and Clarification for RFQ 12441926Q0005 Note – JCH814 Design standard was omitted from the initial solicitation, see JCH814 which will clarify some questions and provides additional requirements beyond code minimums. In the event of discrepancy between code, JCH814, specs, drawings – the most stringent interpretation shall apply.

1. Design Responsibility Is this project design-build for fire alarm systems and is the contractor responsible for final layouts, device spacing, circuiting, risers, calculations, and NFPA 72 compliance?

Yes – see specs:

2. Engineer of Record Confirm whether a Wisconsin-licensed engineer must be retained by the contractor and whether drawings must be stamped per building or as a combined package.

Yes, see above.

3. AHJ

Please confirm the Authority Having Jurisdiction for plan review and acceptance testing.

See Section 010150 139. Electrical work must be inspected by a third-party inspector either state licensed or ICC certified (Contractor coordinates this third-party inspector).

The USFS is the AHJ.

4. Existing Fire Alarm Panels Confirm existing panels have adequate capacity and that panel replacement is excluded unless specifically stated.

Where additional devices are specified on existing panels, adequate capacity is assumed. Contractor shall verify existing conditions, if designer/technician determines that adequate capacity is not available, notify Contracting Officer for direction – which may involve a request for quote to replace with higher capacity panel.

5. Device Compatibility Confirm new devices must be manufacturer-compatible with existing panels and whether substitutions are allowed if devices are obsolete. Devices must be listed for use with panels. If devices listed for use with existing panels designated for re-use are no longer available, notify Contracting Officer.

6. Device Quantities Confirm device quantities are contractor-determined based on code and field verification and priced as lump sum.

Correct – but subject to review of submittals by government.

7. Dormitory Detection Confirm detector types required in sleeping rooms and whether existing CO devices are to be reused or replaced.

Replace CO devices see description of buildings HVAC systems. Detector/notification devices: follow NFPA 101 code and any additional requirements in specs/drawings using NFPA 72 installation standards.

8. Ceiling & Mounting Conditions Confirm acceptance of surface-mounted conduit/raceway where concealed routing is not possible.

Use of surface-mounted conduit where concealed routing is not possible is acceptable.

9. Reuse of Conduit Clarify expectations for reuse versus removal of existing conduit and wiring.

Varies by building, see bid item descriptions where re-use vs is replacement is a requirement or option. In general wiring not re-used or designated for replacement is to be removed/disposed. Where wiring is re-used contractor shall verify functionality of devices/systems installed and troubleshoot problems. EMT conduit that is in place as required for the submitted plans can be re-used. EMT conduit that is not re-used will be removed to nearest concealed location and capped (exposed/not re-used shall be removed to concealed location).

10. Circuit Directory Scope Confirm whether non-shutdown tracing methods are required and total panel quantities included. 9 panels (multiple photos of panels were provided to show surrounding area for correct identification and to show number of circuits in use). Non-shutdown tracing should be primary method to minimize conflict with site operations in accordance with spec 010150 1.5. All work shall be included in schedule, when shutdown tracing is used coordinate in advance with center staff- some swapping of days may be needed to minimize impact to student schedules.

11. Acceptance Testing Confirm who must witness testing and whether after-hours testing is required.

The government’s representative will witness. Allowable work hours are 0800-16:30 unless otherwise approved by the CO. After hours testing is not desired.

12. System Outages

Clarify allowable fire alarm outages and responsibility for fire watch if required.

A specific allowable outage period is not specified, minimize conflict with government operations as possible, and coordinate in advance (use/follow approved progress schedule). Government will be responsible for fire watch.

13. Deficiency Scope Confirm only listed deficiencies are included and additional discoveries require contract modification.

True

14. Record Drawings Confirm required formats and whether record drawings are required per building or consolidated. PDF format for review and final record with a bound paper copy for center staff at completion for each building.

15. Training Confirm training duration and whether required per panel or per building.

Per building, duration will vary by installation included in this contract – for a building receiving several devices, showing staff locations, describing function, and showing panel it reports to will be sufficient. Full system replacements may take longer to show staff how the system works – concealed devices should be shown, then at least each type of device – notification, general smoke detection, duct smoke detection/interlocks, panels.