QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS-BALTIMORE VAMC-BACKFLOW PREVENTER ANNUAL.pdf

1. EPA‐Cross Connec on Control Manual: Cross‐Connec on Control Program is the minimum requirements recommended at the federal level. Please confirm this manual is to be used as a guideline to outline the Cross Connec on Control program the VAMC is looking to implement at this me. Informa on can be found at h ps://www.epa.gov/sites/produc on/files/2015‐ 09/documents/epa816r03002_0.pdf

YES, look into this document to have available AWWA

2. The list of devices provided is missing key detail to establish a compliant cross connec on control program. Details include size, loca on, hazard type, testable Device/no‐testable device, etc. If the informa on is not available, a complete Cross Connec on Survey/Inspec on will need to be performed by Licensed Plumber/Backflow Technician to be compliant.

Will provide the update list of Backflows. No cross connec on inspec on required at this me

3. Has a Cross Connec on Control Survey been completed in the past at either facility? Survey is defined as the following: Perform thorough surveys of the facility to iden fy all exis ng and poten al cross‐connec ons. This includes checking for backflow hazards from systems like irriga on, fire protec on, and medical equipment. Hazard Classifica on: Classify each iden fied cross‐connec on based on the level of hazard (e.g., severe, moderate, minor) to priori ze control measures. Iden fy Loca on of Device and Proper Installa on.

NO a cross connec on survey as not been completed

4. Please confirm if all materials/backflows need to comply at a minimum with the SDWA as defined below.

a. The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in the United States sets standards for drinking water quality and outlines various regula ons to ensure water safety, which includes addressing issues like backflow and material standards.

b. Material Standards: Lead and Copper Rule (LCR): One of the most prominent regula ons under the SDWA concerning materials is the LCR, which sets ac on levels for lead and copper in drinking water. This rule indirectly governs the use of materials in water distribu on systems by requiring monitoring and, if necessary, corrosion control treatment to prevent leaching of lead and copper from pipes and fixtures.

c. No‐Lead Cer fica on: Under the Reduc on of Lead in Drinking Water Act (an amendment to the SDWA), materials used in the installa on or repair of public water systems must be "lead‐free." Here, "lead‐free" means that solders and flux may not contain more than 0.2% lead, and pipes, pipe fi ngs, and plumbing fi ngs and fixtures must not have more than a weighted average of 0.25% lead.

d. NSF/ANSI Standards: The Na onal Sanita on Founda on (NSF) Interna onal, in collabora on with the American Na onal Standards Ins tute (ANSI), provides standards like NSF/ANSI 61 (Drinking Water System Components ‐ Health Effects) and NSF/ANSI 372 (Drinking Water System Components ‐ Lead Content), which are widely used to cer fy materials for compliance with the SDWA.

Yes, comply with the minimal

5. Can Pro‐Press type fi ngs be used?

No pro press can be used

6. Will fire suppression system devices and water mains be covered within this scope?

Yes

7. If a backflow on fire suppression main is in place should it be tested, or if there is no protec on should we note on survey for future installa on?

Yes, test if one is on the system if not present recommend for installa on

8. Cer fica on documents for inspectors performing the work. In Maryland, a competent and qualified backflow preven on tester is a licensed backflow technician who has completed a state‐approved cer fica on course. They must also be registered as a Journeyman Plumber or higher. Please confirm this is to be used as the minimum qualifica on.

Yes, this the requirements

9. The Price/Cost Schedule provided covers only “Yearly tes ng required by the state of Maryland”. It does not include pricing for a survey, repairs, replacements, or new installa ons.

How will this be handled? Should Installa on Unit Pricing be included?

10. Will the successful bidder be required to perform a backflow survey?

yes

11. If yes, will survey need to include all poten al cross connec ons iden fied per building, even if not on the list of devices provided.

yes

12. Single check valves are not an approved Cross Connec on Control device in med/high hazard. If a single check is located on Fire/Domes c Water Main or any med/high hazard installa on, please advise how we are to price replacement, since each and all installa ons are different.

Price out each defec ve check valve according to size loca on and install.

13. Will the VA require the contractor to implement a program showing when devices are to be tested and/or rebuilt?

Once survey has been completed the VA will maintain the informa on for when valves should be

14. Does the test data program need to be electronic?

Both electronic and tag system

15. Will the VA require new devices to be lead‐free?

16. Will the VA require that the new devices be made in the USA?

yes

17. Will new devices be required to be installed within 12" to 48" above finished floor?

Yes, this is to code all devices found outside of this shall be documented and reported to the VA.

This shall also be provided in with a quote to bring defect up to standard.

18. Will a work pla orm be required for devices that cannot be relocated to 12" to 48" AFF?

Yes, all devices shall fall between the 12‐48 finish fall guidelines. If it is not possible than a pla orm may be used

19. Will the latest Cross‐Connec on Control Manual from EPA be used as a guideline for this project?

20. Will chlorina on of newly installed devices be required?

21. Will the tes ng equipment require a calibra on report submi al?