12445524Q0127 Questions and Answers 240904.docx

12445524Q0127 MOF CMNC Fire Alarm System Q&A

1. What type of solicitation is this? Request for Quote (RFQ)

2. Please clarify Item # 2 property damage liability insurance amount on page 13 of the solicitation. Has been removed as it is under SAT and not required.

3. Please clarify the Small Business size standard as called out on page 23 of the solicitation? The size standard, which is usually stated in number of employees or average annual receipts, represents the largest size that a business (including its subsidiaries and affiliates) may be to remain classified as a small business for SBA and federal contracting programs. The Small Business size standard for the NAICS code of 561621 must be under $25 million.

4. The specifications call for a “Conventional” Fire alarm system. Conventional fire alarm systems are almost a thing of the past with all manufacturers, especially for Commercial systems. Would an Addressable system be acceptable? An addressable system would also allow for MC Cable/ surface raceway to be utilized, which would be more readily concealable. See also Question # 13. Complete in accordance with the specifications.

5. Please clarify the Warranty period in the specifications. It appears to be open ended as we do not see any Maintenance Service Agreement clause spelled out. Not listed Maintenance Service Agreement.

6. Will this fire alarm system need to be monitored, or will it just dial out to 911? If not monitored, it will require and outside Horn/Strobe visible from the nearest road or driveway. Please clarify. Neither

7. The specs call for a Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter (DACT), which will require (2) POTS lines into the facility. Are there two lines into the facility currently? Another option would be to do IP monitoring if you have a stable internet service at the facility. There are two lines.

8. There are device quantities called out in the scope, but these are not shown on the plan provided. Please clarify intended locations of said devices. See also Questions # 12 and # 25.

9. There is not room in the Mechanical Room for the Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) without relocating the broom/mop hangers. See current picture attached to email. Please advise how to proceed. See also Question # 23. Remove broom/mop hangers.

10. The WV State Fire Marshall requires CO Detectors in areas with natural gas or propane equipment or appliances and in the rooms directly adjacent or above. Please clarify if these are required. If the WV State Fire Marshall code is more stringent than the spec meet code.

11. There is no room for the Fire Alarm Annunciator Panel where shown in the picture without relocating the T-Shirt racks. We recommend mounting the FAAP behind and to the left of the information desk. Please advise if this is acceptable. See also Question # 24. Acceptable

12. Where are the (2) heat detectors to be located? At the high points.

13. The specifications call for a minimum conduit size of 3/4”, however this building has an open wooden structure, and conduit is going to look out of place. There is some existing “Wiremold” surface raceway existing. Is it acceptable to utilize surface raceway and or MC Cable painted brown to blend in with the wood color as close as possible? Complete in accordance with the specifications.

14. The existing fire alarm system is also part of the old nonfunctioning ADT combination fire alarm/ security system in the building. The pictures spell out removing fire alarm devices, but not the old security devices which are utilizing the same raceway and wiring. Please clarify how this is to be handled and quantity of additional devises wiring to be removed. Complete in accordance with the specifications.

15. It should also be noted that there are numerous locations where there is old wiring (120 volt and below) that have been cut off and never removed, stapled, coiled up, wadded up or what not exposed throughout the building, most not terminated in a box nor capped off, which is a safety issue throughout this building. Noted

16. Who is responsible to patch and touchup the paint in area where wiring, conduit and or devices are removed? Also, how much painting will need to be done in an area of touchup as the touch-ed up area will never match the existing aged paint? Not required.

17. Photo 2 – Calls for existing strobe (actually Horn/Strobe) to be removed but not replaced. Correct? Close up of existing stobe and wiring to be removed.

18. Photo 5 – How many new smoke detectors are to be installed? 2 - Optical Smoke Detector with mounting hardware

19. Photo 6 – No new smoke to be installed, correct? Existing Smoke Detector to be removed.

20. Photo 7 – No new smoke(s) to be installed, correct? Existing smoke detector to be removed (both restrooms).

21. Photo 8 – This is actually a horn/strobe. Replacing with a strobe only, correct? This photo also shows one of the motion detectors that is wired in with the old fire alarm system. How is this to be handled? Existing Pull Station and strobe to be removed and replaced.

22. Photo 9 – Typical high point. Does anything happen here? Reference

23. Photo10 – See current photo. No room for new FACP. Remove hangers.

24. Photo 11 – Photo does not show a good view of these sizeable T-shirt displays. Recommend relocating FAAP. Please clarify. Approved

25. Photo 11 – Note * Photos do not show entire demo/scope, they are for reference only. Contractor to reference floor plans for determination of required equipment placement to meet applicable codes and construction specifications. Question, specs show new fire alarm device quantities but no locations for them, nor are locations for new devices shown on the floor plan. Any location that follows regulation/code.

Floor plan has not been updated recently and is not 100% accurate at this time. Are the bidders to only provide the quantities shown or will we be responsible to meet applicable codes? This, then leads us to question exactly which code is to be followed as the USDA and Federal Government does not have to follow local codes, to include the WV State FM office. Please clarify the intent.

Provide the quantities shown.