NIFC 110_215_410A Fire Alarm Replace - QA Addendment 1_0001.pdf

United States Department of the Interior

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

Fire and Aviation

3833 S Development Ave

Boise, Idaho 83705-5354

19 May 2021

POST SITE VISIT Q&A

NIFC 110 215 410A Fire Alarm Replacement

140L3721R0007

1. Can all the panels that need to be replace be completed with new interiors installed in the existing panel cans?

They shall meet all requirements in the contract documents, specifications, and code requirements.

2. Panel “C” in building 110. Can this panel have a main circuit breaker added to delete the need for the fused disconnect feeding Panel “C”?

Yes, see “110 Drawings Addendum 1”.

3. Note 2 on sheet E101 says to verify clearance. It’s obvious the Bldg. 110 Panel “C” does not meet code. Will you be providing design for the new location or will this be a change order for the awarded contractor?

See “110 Drawings Addendum 1”.

4. Bldg. 110 Panel “MDP”. Will panel skirts be needed to enclose circuits feed out of the bottom of this panel?

Existing conduits with exposed conductors currently stub up from the floor to the inside of the existing MDP cabinet.

5. Bldg. 215 requires a new transformer. This addition will block access to safely enter and exit the room. Is it you plan to have this transformer installed as a NEMA 3R unit just outside the room? Will bollards be required around the location?

Bldg 215 DOES NOT require a new transformer. Bldg 410A requires a new transformer and it will be installed indoors. Minimum 36” will be required for access.

6. Bldg. 215 has an existing Fire Alarm system. Are we to match the existing method of installation? Conduit up the walls and exposed wire across the ceiling.

This question has been addressed in contract documents already provided. See Fire Alarm General Notes “D” on sheet E500

7. At the site visit it was stated that more info would be needed for HVAC equipment to identify all locations where Duct Detectors will be required. Will this info be coming?

See “110 Drawings Addendum 1”, “215 Drawings Addendum 1”, and “410A Drawings Addendum 1”

8. Bldg. 215. Will the fire alarm for this building be required to be zoned?

This question has been addressed in contract documents already provided. See Sheet Note 3 on Sheet E500

9. Are all the spaces above drop ceilings to be considered return air plenums?

110-TRN room B07 has a return plenum. 215-GBK offices 101, 106, 107, 107A, 108, 108A, and 112 has a return air plenum with a wood joist depth 12” spaced at 14” o.c, and a beam depth of 12” in 215-GBK room 112. The other rooms in the project have ducted return air.

See Answer #24.

10. Please confirm we do not have to pay for escort services to access the high security space to perform our work. What hours will this escort service be available?

Escorts into high security access spaces will be provided by NIFC at no additional cost. Escorts and security spaces will be available during normal duty hours.

11. Will the elevator in Bldg. 110 require a recall relay?

See “110 Drawings Addendum 1”

12. Is fire rated caulk suitable for fire penetrations between floors?

This question has been addressed in contract documents already provided. See Specification section 078400

13. Is exposed EMT suitable for office interior walls?

This question has been addressed in contract documents already provided. See Specification section 260533.13

14. Is new Wiremold suitable for office interior walls?

This question has been addressed in contract documents already provided. See Specification section 260533.13

15. Is it required to use remodel boxes on interior hollow walls?

This question has been addressed in contract documents already provided. See Specification section 260533.16

16. If there is existing Wiremold, are we allowed to reuse these raceways?

This question has been addressed in contract documents already provided. See Plans Sheet Notes, General Notes, Fire Alarm General Notes

17. If a branch circuit or feeder wire is too short to terminate on a new breaker or panel lug are we allowed to splice new wire on to the short wire with a non-reversable compression splice and cold shrink for insulation for feeders or 33+ for small branch wires?

Feeders and branch circuits may be extended in panelboards/j-boxes with spliced conductors in accordance with manufacture recommendations, NEC box fill, wire bending space, NEC Art. 408, and contract plans and specifications.

18. Is the existing fire suppression system that is located in the basement of Building 110 monitored or controlled by the existing fire alarm panel, or by a separate control panel?

Bldg 110 fire suppression system is monitored by the existing fire alarm panel.

19. Is the existing fire suppression system that is located in the building 215 monitored or controlled by the existing fire alarm panel, or by a separate control panel?

Bldg 215 fire suppression system is monitored by the existing fire alarm panel.

20. What is the ceiling height of building 215 warehouse area?

Bldg 215 warehouse ceiling height is approximately 240".

21. Is the schedule of work on the 3 buildings covered under this project to be conducted sequentially or simultaneously?

Contractor choice, work in all 3 buildings shall be completed within the time frame of the contract and any time restrictions listed in the contract documents, plans, and specifications. See Prologue Revision dated 13 May 2021.

22. Is the training for the fire alarm system to be conducted for the 3 buildings individually or can we conduct 1 training session on completion of all 3?

The intent of training is to familiarize government employees with the use of the new equipment as it pertains to each building. If all three systems are exactly the same, only one training will be required.

23. Building 110, Sheet E500, Notes 5 and 6, RE: Elevator Recall/Shunt Is the man lift in lobby to basement capable of elevator recall and shunt?

If the current man lift is not capable of shunt or recall are the recall and shunt points to be put in for future?

See “110 Drawings Addendum 1”

Could you indicate where the elevator control room is located?

This lift does not have a control room. All associated hardware is contained in a cabinet at the base of the lift.

Is this room sprinkled?

N/A There is no room. The main level is an open air entry to the lift.

24. Sheet E500, Fire alarm General note G, RE: Full area smoke detection. The ceiling in the basement is not flat and has concrete beams on the ceiling for floor joist for the 1st floor creating beam pockets.

What are the dimensions (depth and spacing between beams) of these beam pockets?

Beam depth 16” and spacing of 24”

The basement training room has ceiling grid. What is the space of the ceiling grid to the beams?

Bottom of beam to top of grid is 16”

25. General Question regarding full area detection:

Is the intention of the full area smoke detection to include the areas above the ceiling grid on the 1st floor and basement?

The intent of the term “Full area coverage smoke detection” refers to the “automatic control” of the fire alarm system in a building without full sprinkler coverage, and “only one” pull station near the riser.

If full area coverage includes above the ceiling grid can a drawing be provided of the reflected ceiling plan with any beam dimensions?

Full area coverage: Full area coverage includes ceiling space where required by NFPA 72 (See Fire Alarm Plan General Notes). Reflected ceiling plan not available. See Answer #9 and #24

26. Building 215, Sheet E500, Sheet note 4-Full area detection in office area Does this include the areas above the ceiling grid?

The intent of the term “Full area coverage smoke detection” refers to the “automatic control” of the fire alarm system in a building without full sprinkler coverage, and “only one” pull station near the riser.

If full area coverage includes above the ceiling grid can a drawing be provided of the reflected ceiling plan with any beam dimensions?

Full area coverage: Full area coverage includes ceiling space where required by NFPA 72 (See Fire Alarm Plan General Notes). Reflected ceiling plan not available. See Answer #9 and #24

27. Building 410A, Sheet E500, Fire Alarm general note G-Full area smoke detection Does this include the areas above the ceiling grid?

The intent of the term “Full area coverage smoke detection” refers to the “automatic control” of the fire alarm system in a building without full sprinkler coverage, and “only one” pull station near the riser.

If full area coverage includes above the ceiling grid can a drawing be provided of the reflected ceiling plan with any beam dimensions?

Full area coverage: Full area coverage includes ceiling space where required by NFPA 72 (See Fire Alarm Plan General Notes). Reflected ceiling plan indicated in sheet E500. See Answer #9 and #24

John Quintal, COR Mark Johnson, PI