Questions_and_Answers.pdf

07/01/2019 RFI Questions & Answers

129AD619Q0008

Fire Alarm System Upgrade Pacific Southwest Research Station ‐ Riverside

Q1. Does all wiring above the drop ceiling need to be plenum rated if it is not in metal conduit, even if the space is not utilized as a return plenum?

A1. Yes. See Revised Project Specifications Section 283100, “Fire Detection and Alarm,” Part 2.09.C.

Q2. Is there existing fire alarm dedicated conduit located in the breezeway attaching both sections of

Building 1, and can this conduit be reused by the Contractor for the new fire alarm system?

A2. No conduit currently exists in the breezeway between the two separate portions of Building 1.

Existing fire alarm wiring installation is not code compliant and shall not be reused. Existing wiring is to be removed by the Contractor. Contractor shall install new Galvanized Rigid Steel Conduit (GRC) on the exterior underside of the breezeway, painted to match. See Project Drawings.

Q3. What type of conduit needs to be installed above the breezeway connecting Buildings 1 & 2?

A3. Contractor shall install Galvanized Rigid Steel Conduit (GRC) on the exterior above the breezeway.

See Project Drawings.

Q4. What type of conduit is required for exposed areas of the facility, where installing wire above the ceiling or behind the walls is not possible?

A4. The Contractor is required to install metallic surface raceway conduit in exposed areas where it is not possible to conceal the wiring above the ceiling or behind a wall. See Revised Project Specifications Section 283100, “Fire Detection and Alarm,” Part 2.10.B. The only exceptions where EMT may be used in exposed areas in lieu of metallic surface raceway are within the following building areas:

“Tele Room” in Building 1

“Mech. Room” in Building 1

“Basement” in Building 2

“Mtc Bay” on the 1st floor in Building 3

“Utility / Storage Mezzanine” on the 2nd floor in Building 3

Q5. Does the Contractor need to remove existing fire alarm equipment that will not be reused?

A5. Yes. See Project Drawings and Project Specifications for more information. Contractor shall be responsible for removing all fire alarm system equipment (including wiring) in Building 1, 2, and 3 that will not remain in service or be reincorporated into the new fire alarm system.

Q6. Is the supply duct smoke sensor for Building 3, AC‐7 already connected to the HVAC system and the existing fire alarm control panel? What are the contract responsibilities for this device?

A6. The supply duct smoke detector is connected to the existing HVAC controls and fire alarm system.

Contractor shall test the device for proper functionality with both fire alarm and HVAC systems.

Q7. What are the Contractors responsibilities if the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) requires detection or notification in rooms / corridors that are not shown on the Project Drawings in order to acquire the permit?

A7. The contract requires code / AHJ compliant detector and notification installation and coverage in the rooms / corridors shown on the Project Drawings. Any additional coverage in areas of the buildings not indicated on the drawings to receive such devices required by the AHJ as a means of acquiring the permit shall be added through contract modification. The fire alarm systems in this project are not required by code and are voluntarily installed to achieve specific fire safety objectives.

Q8. Does the fire alarm system conduit need to be painted / labeled?

A8. Conduit that is installed in exposed and exterior areas (not including mechanical rooms, utility chases, and storage mezzanines) must be painted to match adjacent finished surfaces. See Project Specifications Sections 099000 and 283100.

Q9. Is the Contractor responsible for installing conduit for existing exposed fire alarm system wiring located in Building 3?

A9. Contractor shall install conduit for existing exposed fire alarm system wiring in Building 3 where shown on the drawings. See Project Drawings.

Q10. Some of the equipment called out in the specifications is no longer manufactured.

A10. The specifications have been updated to incorporate current equipment. See Revised Project

Specifications Section 283100, “Fire Detection and Alarm.”

Q11. What are the requirements for selective site demolition and patching / repair?

A11. See Project Specifications Section 024113, “Selective Site Demolition.” Contractor shall be responsible for patching / repair of all exposed surfaces when equipment is removed from service.