Attachment A - QA.docx

1. Is the SOW section J requiring the replacement of discharge and suction isolation valves?

As depicted in this image, Valve 1 is to be kept as existing, not replaced. Valve 2 is to be removed along with the other flow metering equipment and replaced with painted 10” piping.

Valve 1

Valve 2

2. Can the repairs be done in stages?

Yes the repair can be done in stages/phases but by the end of the day daily, the fire system must be operational or a fire watch will need to be established by the contractor.

3. What exactly needs to be replaced, there was mixed information given at the walkthrough.

The items to be replaced, in kind or VA approved equivalent, are as follows:

Jockey pump controller (not pictured here)

Check Valve to be replaced in kind or VA approved equivalent

Pipe to be replaced with new 10” piping and painted (New Pipe 1)

Flow Metering Device Setup to be replaced with new 10” piping and painted (New Pipe 2)

Pipe to be replaced with new 10” piping and painted (New Pipe 3)

Pipe to be replaced with new 10” piping and painted (New Pipe 4)

Fire Pump and Motor to be replaced in kind or VA approved equivalent

Couplings and attenuators directly connected to the fire pump and motor are also to be replaced

4. Who is responsible for fire watch?

Contractor is responsible for the fire watch if the system is not operational/functional at the end of the day.

5. Who is responsible for carting/disposing of the old equipment?

Contractor is responsible for carting/disposing of the old equipment.

6. Is the work to be performed during normal business hours?

Primarily yes, 8 am - 4:30 pm, but can accommodate Saturday and Sunday as needed.

7. Can the existing fire pump be repaired instead of being replaced?

The job as per the contract is to replace the existing fire pump in kind or VA approved equivalent. The objective as desired by the VA is to replace the existing one.

8. Who is responsible for the electrical disconnections and reconnections?

Contractor is responsible for electrical disconnections and reconnections. VA is responsible for coordinating Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO).

9. New Tamper switches will have to be installed, will the contractor be responsible to get JCI Simplex to make the connections or is it the responsibility of the VA?

Yes the contractor is responsible for contacting and coordinating with JCI Simplex to make connections but the tamper switches on equipment that is to remain is to remain.

10. Does the contractor have to provide any permits or deal with the NYC Fire Department?

No as jurisdiction falls within the federal government.

11. Who is responsible for painting of the piping and other fire pump components? NYC requires them to be painted red.

Any already existing painted piping and fire pump components mentioned in the SOW that is being replaced is to be painted to match the existing equipment by the contractor.

12. What specific engineering documentation or written confirmation, approved by the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) is required for the installation of the back flow device for the fire booster pumps, as well as the model the VA is proposing to install?

This is outside of the scope. The device is not a backflow device, it is a flow metering device. There is no VA requirement for such a device, and it is able to be removed without issue.

13. Can the issue of the cross connection be resolved by installing a back-flow device?

That is outside the scope of the contract and is not needed. However, if modifications are required to install the new equipment, it shall be the contractor’s responsibility to modify it accordingly.

14. What measures need to be taken to ensure both the back-flow device for the fire system and the cross connection are approved by VA engineering and as well as a licensed plumber?

The device is not a backflow device, but an old fire line flow metering device manufactured Hersey Products, Inc.

15. During the walk-through on 5-23-23 it was stated that piping components and specialties related to the fire life safety systems be removed and replaced with 10" pipe, however this would not be possible while maintaining the integrity and proper operation of the system.

It is the responsibility of the contractor to either provide a solution to ensure the integrity and operation of the system at the end of the day (4:30 pm) or a fire watch must be put in place by the contractor.

16. In order to replace the pump and motor as well as the above-mentioned components, an engineering evaluation of the existing (local) system components and a design to replace such is needed to determine if the original equipment as installed is currently specifiable and up to date with modern safety and practices. Additionally, to mate the existing control panel to a new 300 HP motor may require review of the existing panel electrical capabilities and ratings.

No engineering analysis is necessary as the equipment is to be replaced in kind or VA approved equivalent according the current performance specifications. However, if modifications are required to install the new equipment, replaced in kind or VA approved equivalent, it shall be the contractor’s responsibility to modify it accordingly.

17. The above evaluations would likely result in a design package specifying the new equipment. Would the engineering review and stamp on the specified equipment and design be part of our proposal or would the V.A. provide these documents? (Design Build or Spec.)

This is outside of the scope and is not necessary.

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