Question and Answers Fire and Smoke Damper.pdf

36C24126Q0052 - Fire/Smoke Damper Inspection Service

Is the governments intent to inspect all dampers for the base period and all option periods?

RFI #1 – Clarification on Total Quantity of Dampers

Reference: PWS, Attachments 1–10

The solicitation references prior inspection reports (Attachments 1–8) and damper locations

(Attachment 9) but does not list a total damper count. For accurate pricing and scheduling, please confirm:

a) the total number of dampers to be tested, and

b) whether any additional dampers were installed or removed after the 2022 surveys.

Bidders can assume 250 dampers to be tested under this contract. Dampers previously listed as not accessible have now been made accessible by adding the necessary access hatches.

Additional dampers were installed (see SCA addition attachment) since the last inspection.

RFI #2 – Confirmation of Scope for SCA Addition

Reference: PWS, Paragraph 1

The SCA "NEW" addition (Attachment 10) is mentioned as part of Building B200E. Please confirm whether testing in this area includes both fire and smoke dampers, or if only fire-type dampers are expected.

Fire and Smoke

RFI #3 – Access and Coordination Requirements

Reference: PWS, Work Hours and Clinical Restrictions Section

The PWS specifies night/weekend work for certain clinical spaces (e.g., Surgery, Dental, SCI, Blood Draw). Please confirm:

a) whether VA will provide escort or access coordination for these areas, and

Yes, the VA COR will coordinate times to get into these areas

b) whether additional infection control barriers (e.g., plastic covering) will be provided by VA or the contractor.

Plastic and other coverings shall be provided by the contractor.

RFI #4 – Report Format and Data Submission

Reference: PWS, Deliverables Section

The PWS calls for both printed 3-ring binders and CDs with AutoCAD and PDF files.

Please confirm whether electronic submission (via VA SharePoint or email) of reports and

CAD/PDF files is acceptable in lieu of physical CDs.

We need the paper copies for evidence of inspection. Please proceed with SOW requirements

RFI #5 – Requirement for Certified Fire/Life Safety Technicians

Reference: PWS, General Requirements (implied under “testing”)

Please confirm if the VA requires that damper testing be performed or supervised by technicians certified in NFPA 80 and 105 inspection/testing, or if general HVAC/fire-life-safety experience is sufficient.

NFPA 80 credentials are required for this contract.

RFI #6 – Site Visit

Reference: Solicitation, General Info Section

The solicitation does not indicate a site visit date. Please confirm whether a site visit or pre-bid walkthrough will be scheduled prior to proposal submission, and if so, provide the date/time and registration process.

A pre-bid site visit will not be scheduled.

RFI #7 – Badging and Background Check Timeline

Reference: PWS, “Contractor shall obtain and wear/display VA Temp badge.”

Please clarify if VA PIV or background checks will be required prior to work start, and the expected processing time for contractor badges. Or will PAPER badges issued by Police in

Building 209 will be sufficient.

Paper badges will be issued to contractor personal. These can almost always be issued same day.

RFI #8 – Clarification on Report Format Integration with Existing VA Systems

Reference: PWS Deliverables

Please confirm whether testing data is required to be compatible with any VA maintenance or asset management system (e.g., TMA, Maximo, or other CMMS) or if standalone reporting is acceptable.

Standalone reporting is acceptable.

RFI #9 – Damper Functional Test Expectations

Reference: PWS, General Scope

Please confirm whether testing shall include:

a) visual inspection only, or

b) full operational verification of damper closure and reopening.

If operational testing is required, please specify if re-lubrication or minor adjustment is part of the scope, or if such work should be priced separately as corrective action.

This contract requires letter b) above inclusive of re-lubrication/minor adjustment.

RFI #10 – Working Hours and Overtime Consideration

Reference: PWS, “Majority of testing will occur Monday through Friday…”

Please confirm if the VA will allow limited work in sensitive areas (e.g., clinics, operating rooms) during business hours if coordinated with the COR, or if all such work must be performed after hours

It is possible some work can occur in clinical areas during normal working hours. The COR can keep the contractor appraised of open rooms during the day for testing. It is not possible at this time to predict a percentage of clinical spaces that will be open during the day.

RFI #11 – After Hours Testing (Night or Weekend)

Reference: PWS Page 3 of 9 (Night or weekend hi-lighted Sections)

For after hour testing will contractor be working with V.A. Fire Department?

What time after hours could contractor start and end testing with VAFD if needed?

Weekend testing what time can contractor start and end testing? Will VAFD be working with contractor during testing?

Will testing have to be suspended during VAFD are out on fire call?

During testing will contractor have to be present at VAFD to monitor

After hours and weekend work will be coordinated with the project COR, not the VAFD. Most after hours work for sensitive clinical areas can begin after 5pm. Contract work should finish by

11pm. Weekend work isn’t encouraged, but there are no restrictions on times of day for weekend work. Testing will not have to be suspended if the VAFD gets a call and contractors will not have to be present at the fire station.