B09_KATM_Fire_Alarm_Question_Responses_0001.pdf

Solicitation 140P9726Q0047 – KATM FY26 Replace Fire Alarms in Up to 8 Housing Units

Questions and Answers

1. Can the Government provide existing fire alarm drawings, record drawings, device schedules, riser diagrams, inspection reports, and/or manufacturer information for the existing systems at each residence?

See Solicitation Attachments 1-6

2. Can the Government provide the quantity and locations of existing fire alarm control panels, smoke detectors, heat detectors, notification appliances, monitoring equipment, and other associated devices for each housing unit?

See Solicitation Attachment 1 - Inventory of Existing Panels and Devices

3. May existing fire alarm cabling be reused if tested and found compliant with applicable NFPA requirements and manufacturer specifications, or should contractors assume complete replacement of all fire alarm wiring?

Under Description of Tasks, Item 3d in the Statement of Work: Existing wires shall be completely replaced with new wiring during device replacement. Where wiring is difficult to replace existing wiring may be reused only if verified as serviceable, code-compliant, and approved by the COR.

i. Based on park inspections, wiring for the existing alarm system is run in hard conduit. No new conduit or hard-wired circuits will be installed in the building without prior approval. Evaluate existing conduit for current code compliance.

Should the existing conduit be compliant with current code, it may be utilized for re-use by contractor. For non-code compliant conduit, cap and abandon and install new conduit. Where existing conduit does not exist, install new conduit

ii. Old conduits shall be abandoned in place with closed junction boxes or code approved closure.

iii. All abandoned wires/cables shall be removed from conduits.

4. Please clarify whether the new fire alarm systems are required to connect to an existing monitoring station. If monitoring is required, please identify any existing communications infrastructure, monitoring equipment, or recurring monitoring services that must be incorporated into the contractor's scope.

The new system shall have self-monitoring capabilities of all devices as described under the Description of Work in the in the Solicitation Statement of Work with existing items listed in Attachment 1 - Inventory of Existing Panels and Devices.

5. Please identify the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) responsible for plan review, inspections, testing, and final acceptance of the systems.

The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) is the NPS Alaska Region Structural Fire Marshall

6. Is the contractor responsible for complete fire alarm system design, battery calculations, voltage-drop calculations, permit drawings, and engineering documentation, or will design documents be provided by the Government?

Under Description of Tasks, Item 2 in the Statement of Work: Prior to installation the contractor shall:

a) Submit the proposed fire alarm design to the COR electronically in pdf format for approval. Prior to COR submission the Contractor shall have the design reviewed by a certified engineer to verify the design including horn dB is compliant for system coverage and with all appropriate NFPA codes. Include engineer’s record of certification/stamp in submittal.

b) The design shall include drawings of each system with device and equipment clearly mapped and labeled with device address. All shop drawings shall be legible when printed at 11x17 size.

c) Submit the proposed manufacturer cut sheets for all equipment and materials to be installed to the COR for approval.

7. Will a site visit be offered, or can additional photographs and documentation of the existing systems be provided to assist contractors in developing accurate pricing?

No pre-bid site visit will be offered. Additional documentation is available in Solicitation Attachments 1-6.

8. Will the residences remain occupied during performance of the work? If so, are there any restrictions regarding work hours, outage coordination, resident notification, or system testing activities?

Item 2.3.B in the Statement of Work:

Full Government Occupancy: Government residents will occupy buildings where the contractor will be performing work during the entire contract period. Cooperate with the Government during contract operations to minimize conflicts and facilitate Government usage. Perform the Work so as not to interfere with Government's day-to-day operations. Maintain existing exits, unless otherwise indicated.

Item 2.2 On-site work hours: Work shall be generally performed during normal business working hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except when otherwise indicated.

A. The Contractor shall understand that all residences will be occupied with park staff and that those staff shall be minimally disrupted, as much as practically possible.

9. Given the life-safety nature of this project, will the Government consider requiring oversight by a NICET Level IV Fire Alarm Systems Technician responsible for fire alarm system design review, code compliance verification, battery and voltage-drop calculations, testing oversight, and final acceptance documentation?

As per Item 7A in the Statement of Work:

A. Qualifications:

i. System design shall be performed by an individual meeting the requirements of NPS Reference Manual 58 (RM-58), Section 2.11.3, specifically one of the following:

• A licensed Fire Protection Engineer familiar and certified as appropriate with the proposed fire alarm system manufacturer.

• A NICET Level III (or higher) Fire Alarm Systems Technician familiar and certified as appropriate with the proposed fire alarm system manufacturer.

ii. Fire Suppression and Alarm System technicians performing work under this contract must hold a current Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level II certification. Additionally, the technician must have at least three years of experience in fire system repair, maintenance, installation, and related activities of buildings and equipment comparable to the buildings and equipment covered by this contract. All tasks requiring work within a fire alarm panel program shall be performed by a technician certified by the manufacturer of the corresponding panel.

B. Experience: Contractor shall have continuously performed inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair of fire alarm systems, their components and appurtenances for the past five years.

10. Will the Government consider requiring oversight by a Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) for review of communications pathways, cabling infrastructure, grounding and bonding requirements, and overall system integration to ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices?

No, as per Item 7A in the Statement of Work: Qualifications:

System design shall be performed by an individual meeting the requirements of NPS Reference Manual 58 (RM-58), Section 2.11.3, specifically one of the following:

• A licensed Fire Protection Engineer familiar and certified as appropriate with the proposed fire alarm system manufacturer.

• A NICET Level III (or higher) Fire Alarm Systems Technician familiar and certified as appropriate with the proposed fire alarm system manufacturer.

11. Please clarify whether Government-furnished lodging, storage areas, staging areas, or other logistical support will be available to contractors performing work at the project site.

No, as per Item 2.3.C Contractor Housing in the Statement of Work: No contractor housing will be available.

Item 2.4 Storage - Staging Areas: The park will designate a secure storage area for contractor use. Schedule deliveries to minimize space and time requirements for storage of materials and equipment on-site. Do not expect heated storage space to be available.