Amend_0001_140P8226B0001_RFI_No__01_-_NPS_Response_0001.pdf

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

Park Name & Project Title: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HAVO) – Replace 1877 Volcano House Fire Suppression System

NPS Solicitation / Contract No: Solicitation 140P8226B0001

Contractor Name: Varies

Subject of RFI: Pre-Bid RFI

RFI Number: 001 Date Submitted: 2/24/26 Response Required By: ASAP

Please provide additional information or clarifications to the questions below:

1. Backflow Prevention Assembly – Section 211313, Paragraph 2.1(J) of the specifications indicates that a backflow prevention assembly is required. However, no backflow prevention assembly is shown on the contract drawings, and none were located in the field during the job walk.

a) Please confirm whether the existing fire sprinkler system is currently provided with an approved backflow prevention assembly.

b) If not currently provided, please confirm whether installation of a backflow prevention assembly is to be included in the scope of this project.

c) If required, we recommend locating the backflow prevention assembly at the system riser to avoid underground piping modifications. Please confirm acceptability of this approach.

2. Fire Alarm Monitoring of Sprinkler System – It is our understanding that the existing fire alarm monitoring the sprinkler system waterflow and/or pressure switches may not be operational. Please confirm whether repair and/or replacement of the fire alarm monitoring associated with the fire sprinkler system riser is to be included in the project scope of work.

3. Fire Watch During System Impairment – Installation of the new fire sprinkler system will require temporary impairment of the existing system. Please provide the required fire watch procedures and duration during system impairment, including any specific owner or Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements.

4. Seismic Bracing & Structural Capacity – Section 211313, Paragraph 1.2 indicates that seismic bracing for the fire sprinkler system piping is included in the project scope. However, no structural analysis has been identified.

5. Is there any requirement to have fire alarm work to be included in this project? None is shown on plans.

6. Our understanding is that this building was constructed in 1877. Reference is made to historical in section

01 11 40 work restrictions but there doesn’t appear to be specific requirements outlined for a Historical Preservation Treatment Plan as we’ve seen on other projects. Please clarify historical requirements for this project. Additionally, we’re concerned that because the building will be open to the public and the contents are to remain, we would like clarification on the mitigative measures that are required such as having a historical preservation treatment plan and historical consultant to be included as a requirement for this project.

7. Will the staff at the 1877 Volcano house be available for moving contents in areas where work is occurring and coordinate the different phases of work have areas clear for contractor?

8. We understand that the existing fire alarm is not operational and that the system as a result may not be in operation; however, there is a requirement for after-hours watch. Please confirm if the 24/7 or after-hours watch is still required if the system is currently not in operation.

CONTRACTOR SECTION

NPS SECTION

Name of NPS Respondent: Scott Henrickson (NPS) / AMEL – Designer Date of Response: 3/3/26

Below is additional information or clarifications in response to the Contractor RFI:

NPS Responses:

1a. The existing fire sprinkler system does NOT currently have an approved backflow prevention assembly.

1b. An approved backflow prevention assembly is to be included in the scope of this project per specification

211313, Paragraph 2.1(J).

1c. Locating the backflow prevention assembly on the riser is acceptable, if it complies with all codes.

2. The fire alarm monitoring system was not part of the initial contract as the system was operational and being serviced on a regular basis. The park would like the Contractor to provide a full assessment and report on the existing fire alarm monitoring system and outline recommended improvements to repair or replace the system. See Option A (assessment & report only). Depending on the outcome and timing of the report, and the project budget, the park may elect to modify the contract to complete additional work to the fire alarm monitoring system, or, complete at a later date under a separate contract.

3. The Contractor shall comply with Mitigation #11 outlined in specification Section 011100, PART 1.2.D.11 with the goal of protecting the 1877 Volcano Art Center building and furnishings from fire damage. There is no specific protocol to comply with this mitigation other than what is contained in the specifications.

The contractor shall provide a plan with details on how they will address Mitigation #11. The plan must involve 24/7 or after-hours fire watch. The plan may also involve the provision of temporary fire protection systems, performing hot work in a fire safe zone, and coordination with the Volcano Fire Department, National Park Service dispatch, and Kilauea Military Camp (KMC) onsite personnel.

4. Sway braces should be installed as the building is located near volcanic activity. Per NFPA-13, fire sprinkler pipes when subject to earthquakes should be braced in all four directions to resist both lateral and longitudinal horizontal seismic loads. Per paragraph 1.2, fire sprinkler system is required to include design and installation of seismic protection in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 13 section titled “protection of Piping Against Damage Where Subject to Earthquakes.

5. See response to question #2 above.

6. The mitigations and performance goals (as they relate to historic preservation of the building), have been added to specification Section 011100, PART 1.2.D (Project Mitigations). The park’s Cultural Resource Manager will serve as the “historical consultant” on this project.

7. The Volcano Art Center staff will move valuable items or furnishings to ensure the Contractor has a clear safe space to complete their work. The Contractor shall ensure the schedule is up to date, with upcoming week look-ahead schedules encouraged, outlining when work in key spaces is occurring. Close coordination will be needed between NPS, Contractor, and Volcano Art Center Staff.

8. Mitigation #11 (24/7 or after-hours fire watch) outlined in specification Section 011100, PART 1.2.D.11 is required.