Amendment 0005 Questions and Answers.xlsx
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- Attached to
- Fire Alarm Upgrade Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- 12805B20R0009
About this file
This document contains questions and answers related to a federal contract opportunity to upgrade the fire alarm system at a USDA research facility. The opportunity involves designing and installing a new fire alarm system that will interface with the existing smoke control system. Key details include that the work is to be completed over 350 business days according to the project schedule, with 183 days for design and 326 days for installation. Site visits for interested contractors are available by appointment only between June 22-26 due to COVID-19 restrictions. Questions cover topics such as the scope of commissioning required, whether drawings and CAD files will be provided, permitted work hours, and coordination needed with the existing smoke control and fume hood systems.
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Sheet1 RFI # Date
RFI
Submitted RFI Question RFI Response
| Date | RFI Response | ||||
| 1 | 7/7/20 | Is the GC required to bring the Smoke Control system up to code? | 7/20/20 | No | |
| 2 | 7/9/20 | We’ve checked with several BDA/ERRC providers and they are in agreement that Section 2.11 Firefighter Radio Communications System in Division 2831111 is incorrect. Could you confirm that this is the correct specification for the BDA/ERRC System? Thanks. | 7/20/20 | Intent of specification is to provide a complete fire fighter, two-way radio communication system. Most recent technology that superceds these requirements but still provides a a complete fire fighter, two-way radio communication system, and is authorized by QFPE and AHJ (Houston Fire Marshall, City of Houston), is acceptable. | |
| 3 | 7/9/20 | The 35% bridging specifications outline the requirements for commissioning of systems but do not include any specific requirements for fire alarm commissioning. As the City of Houston will not concern themselves with testing of the smoke control system, what is the government’s expectation for the commissioning of the smoke control system? Do we need to plan to include these services and can they be overseen by the D/B QFPE? | 7/20/20 | In the event commissioning of the smoke control system will not be overseen by the City of Houston, it shall be provided by prime contractor and can be overseen by D/B QFPE. | |
| 4 | 7/9/20 | The 35% bridging drawings and specifications only provide details for the fire alarm system and indicate that the system will interface with the smoke control system but do not provide details on the interface between the two systems. What kind of control system does the existing smoke control system use and will any reworking of the smoke control system controls need to be included as part of this project in order to continue the smoke control system’s functionality? Is the expectation of the project to continue the existing operation of the smoke control system as originally designed without upgrade to meet the latest code requirements for smoke control? | 7/20/20 | The CNRC was designed so that the supply dampers closed or the air handler shut down for the corresponding floors in alarm. However, the supply dampers have deteriorated over the years so that all of them are not completely functional. The supply dampers will be addressed during a modernization project while the air handlers are shut down for upgrades. The exhaust fans are programmed to continue to run so that lab occupants and hood users are not endangered by an unexpected alarm. |
Air flows, both supply and exhaust are controlled by lab, room or zone by the building automated system (BAS) so that everything is manually and remotely adjustable. There is a one button ‘loadshed’ function that turns of all non-critical supplies and air handlers in the facility which significantly reduces supply air flow.
| 5 | 7/9/20 | Can you provide any additional information on the smoke control system, including any rational analysis describing the functionality? | 7/20/20 | See RFI # 4 above. |
| 6 | 7/9/20 | Are the working hours for installation during normal hours or is the project expected to be executed during night and weekend hours? What about alarm system functional testing? | 7/20/20 | As Prime Contractor and Subs will be licensed and bonded, after hours work and on weekends will be permitted. |
| 7 | 7/9/20 | As this is a federal agency and federal project, why is the project expected to be submitted to the City of Houston for permit and inspection by the Houston Fire Marshal? ARS 242.1M does not require formal permitting and approval by the local AHJ. For this facility does this not apply regarding local approval? | 7/20/20 | ARS desires this fire alarm system to be permitted and inspected by City of Houston as AHJ. |
| 8 | 7/9/20 | Will the government provide CAD drawings of the building? | 7/20/20 | Complete CAD drawings are available for the walls. MEPs are hybrid based on the original scanned images and are not 100% accurate. |
| 9 | 7/9/20 | The SOW outlines requirements for following the UFGS for this project; however, the 35% bridging specification document for the fire alarm does not follow the UFGS fire alarm specs. Since the UFGS for fire alarm requires mass notification, is it the intent of this system to be a combination mass notification and fire alarm system? If so will the UFC requirements for the system specifics also be required? | 7/20/20 | Provide per Section 011010 2.9C.8.e. |
| 10 | 7/9/20 | Are we responsible for replacing the Halon Suppression System that is outlined in the 35% design drawings? | 7/20/20 | No |
| 11 | 7/9/20 | Is there enough spare traveling cable in the elevator cabs for new speakers and phone jacks? | 7/20/20 | Inbumbent on contractor to determine prior to placing bids. |
| 12 | 7/9/20 | Can we replace the 4010 panel in the penthouse? | 7/20/20 | Yes |
| 13 | 7/9/20 | Is the building 100% sprinklered. Are there specific lab areas that are under an approved alternate form of protection that needs to be coordinated? | 7/20/20 | The CNRC is classified as 100% sprinkled although there are Ansul systems in the 3rd floor MRU kitchen and 7 Halon systems located on the 2nd and 7 floors. All are monitored by the fire system by dry contact. |
| 14 | 7/9/20 | Will the government provide the key/password to the existing panel? | 7/20/20 | The password is available for the existing fire system. |
| 15 | 7/9/20 | The 35% bridging specifications Section 011010 Part 2.9.C.8.c. states that although not required by the local code, smoke detection is to be provided throughout all interior areas. This is above the requirements in ARS 242.1M that requires detection in the corridors, meeting rooms, and storage rooms. Is it the intent for this project to provide detection in all spaces or just as required by ARS 242.1M? | 7/20/20 | Provide per 35% bridging specifications Section 011010 Part 2.9.C.8.c. |
| 16 | 7/9/20 | The SOW requires reconnecting the fume hoods to the fire alarm system and to “ensure” door opening pressure is maintained. Was there a known problem with pressurization and that is why the interface was disconnected? Is it the expectation that a redesign or adjustment of the fume hood and/or room pressurization is needed to be provided under this contract to meet this requirement? | 7/20/20 | Per 4.2.2.1.b.1)b) - Fume Hood exhaust fans were originally shut down by Fire Alarm system, but function subsequently removed from Fire Alarm System programming. It is incumbent on the Fire Alarm System designer of record to correctly and properly incorporate existing fume hood exhaust fans in design of Fire Alarm System per NFPA, Federal /State / Local codes and project design documents and ensure design and final installation adheres to maximum exist door opening pressure by coordinating building air intake and exhaust pressures during a fire alarm event. New system will need to meet Houston Fire Dept. Codes. |
| 17 | 7/9/20 | Are we to reuse the existing central station monitor or provide new service. If so, what protocol do we use? (Phone, cellular, radio, etc.) | 7/20/20 | Provide new service that meets or exceeds Houston Fire Department requirements. Protocal to be chosen by QFPE based on Houston Fire Department preference. |
| 18 | 7/10/20 | Will RCP’s be included in the bidding documents? | 7/20/20 | No. |
| 19 | Can we use faceplates to cover abandoned devices or will the holes need to be patched and painted? | 7/20/20 | Cover Plates can be used. Color shall be chosen to be cosmetically pleasing an approved during submittal process. | |
| 20 | Can another walkthrough be scheduled prior to bid day? | 7/20/20 | No | |
| 21 | 7/10/20 | specs 283111 2.10 & 2.11 - call for bith ERRCS and Fire Phone Jacks. DO we need both? If yes do we need a concurrent fire phone system or can we take over the existing? | 7/20/20 | Both are required, contractor to install both new. |
| 22 | 7/10/20 | Per the SOW 5.5.2.1.2 - Can the installing contractor only be require to have a Texas Fire Alarm License (FAL) and have the supervision of NICET 4, instead of NICEST 2 or higher? | 7/20/20 | SOW section 5.5.2.1.2 Installer - changed to following: |
5.5.2.1.2 Installer The installing Contractor shall provide the following:
NICET Fire Alarm Technicians and / or Texas Fire Alarm License (FAL) contractor to perform the installation of the system.
A NICET Level 4 Fire Alarm Technician shall supervise the installation of the fire alarm system.
An installing contractor holding a Texas Fire Alarm License (FAL) or NICET Level 1 or higher Fire Alarm Technician shall install and terminate fire alarm devices, cabinets and panels.
An electrician or NICET Level 1 Fire Alarm Technician shall install conduit for the fire alarm system.
Equipment installers shall be factory trained in the installation, adjustment, testing, and operation of the equipment specified herein and on the drawings.
| 23 | 7/10/20 | Are the Halon systems to be removed or brought up to code? The systems are outdated and not up to code | 7/20/20 | Not to be removed or brought up to code. |
| 24 | 7/10/20 | Per the specs 283111 2.2 sequence of operations section B #16 - "indicate a light on the graphic annunciator" - there is no description of what the graphic annuncator must have. DO you mean a computer graphic annunciator? | 7/20/20 | Intent is an LED graphic annunciator. |
| 25 | 7/10/20 | Per the specs 283111 3.3 C - For conduit under the 96” requirement of painted red enamel do we match as the existing or is ALL exposed conduit to be painted red | 7/20/20 | Exposed EMT shall be painted red. |
| 26 | 7/10/20 | Do the garage CO need to tie into fire alarm system | 7/20/20 | No, unless required by NFPA and/or AHJ for permitting and inspection. |
| 27 | 7/10/20 | Is patch and paint of removed wall devices required or can we use cover plates? If we are not allowed to use the blank cover plates could be we use an allowance number for the patch and paint number because some wall paint and coverings look like they have original finishes and would be almost impossible to match and upcoming renovations scheduled | 7/20/20 | Cover Plates can be used. Color shall be chosen to be cosmetically pleasing an approved during submittal process. |
| 28 | 7/10/20 | Specs 283111 2.8 B 2 "mounting: wall mounted unless otherwise indicated" --- can we use ceiling mounted notification devices. This approach Would be easier and cosmetically pleasing in areas with drop ceiling than some of the cement or stone walls that would require surface mounted devices. | 7/20/20 | Exceptions for ceiling mounted devices to be allowed in areas where wall mount is difficult, such as areas with granite walls or in the auditorium, as long as they are identified in advance and approved. |
| 29 | 7/10/20 | Are we required to provide ceiling tile? If so what type. We saw several different styles in the same areas | 7/20/20 | Building standard tile is Armstrong Cortega 770 White 2’ x 2’ x 5/8”, Ceiling Grid 15/16”. Contractor to provide tile. |
| 30 | 7/10/20 | Per the specs 283111 2.2 sequence of operations B #17 & 18 - require controls of audio and lighting systems. It is our understanding these systems are too old to control. Would it be possible to remove this from the specification? | 7/20/20 | Contractor to provide lighting or sound system control override of existing or install new lighting or sound system controls that can be overriden by NFPA. |
| 31 | 7/10/20 | Will subcontractors be able to work after hours and on weekends | 7/20/20 | As Prime Contractor and Subs will be licensed and bonded, after hours work and on weekends will be permitted. |
| 32 | 7/10/20 | During our walkthrough it was brought to our attention by the onsite personnel that the exhaust fume hoods should not be turned off in an alarm situation. These hoods are evacuating potentially hazardous chemicals and if shut down can potentially create a life threatening situation. Would it be in USDA opinion to keep these exhaust systems out of the scope of work at this time? | 7/20/20 | Per 4.2.2.1.b.1)b) - Fume Hood exhaust fans were originally shut down by Fire Alarm system, but function subsequently removed from Fire Alarm System programming. It is incumbent on the Fire Alarm System designer of record to correctly and properly incorporate existing fume hood exhaust fans in design of Fire Alarm System per NFPA, Federal /State / Local codes and project design documents and ensure design and final installation adheres to maximum exist door opening pressure by coordinating building air intake and exhaust pressures during a fire alarm event. |
| 33 | 7/10/20 | SOW 6.0 Project Sceudle - JCI request's to change scedule to 126 design business days (70 to design & 21 days city approval & 21 USDA approval) + 224 Install business days (140 install with customer and AHJ commissioning + 84 demo) = 350 total business days | 7/20/20 | SOW section 6.0 Project Schedule - changed to following: |
The Allowable Contract time for this project is 509 calendar days (183 calendar days design, 326 calendar days install) from Construction Notice to Proceed issued by Contracting Officer.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .