S05 RFI Questions 11-9-2021.pdf

Solicitation questions for Upgrade Fire Alarm System Project # 658-19-105

1. Is Simplex/JCI the FA panels in which buildings? Are there other manufacturers present?

Response: The fire alarm panels present in each building are identified on the demolition and new work plans. Simplex is the provider for all of the fire alarm panels except for Building 4 and Building 13 which have Siemens panels. Building 13 has a functioning Siemens panel which is now acting as a shell and a junction point; all of the fire alarm functions are managed by the Siemens panel located next to it.

2. Are any other manufacturers (Siemens) acceptable as a FA panel/system supplier?

Response: Systems must fully integrate with the secondary monitoring system (Simplex TrueSite) located in the boiler plant building. The current provider is Johnson Controls/Simplex. Alternative manufacturer/providers would be considered provided equipment can seamlessly integrate with the current equipment. Equipment shall need to pass validation of performance, provide equal or better level of service and reliability, and integrate with Johnson Controls/Simplex.

3. Who is the contractor that currently services the elevators so we can coordinate a smooth interface?

Response: Elevator servicing is done in-house by Salem VAMC personnel.

4. Where an old device is removed from the wall will a blank cover plate be acceptable or will we need to patch and paint the wall?

Response: Repairs (patch and paint) shall be as described in Paragraph 1.10 of Specification 01 00 00. Cover plates are not acceptable.

5. Since the ceiling space is plenum, will the fire alarm cable that is inside the raceway need to be plenum rated?

Response: If the cable is within conduit, then plenum cable is not required.

6. Will we be able to reuse the existing conduit and cabling from the building to the outside PIV’s?

Response: Paragraph 3.9 of Specification Section 28 05 13 cites conditions for reuse of existing wiring.

7. Note 6 on drawing 04-FA1 says to provide corded tamper switches. Are we responsible for just monitoring these switches or will we be responsible for the sprinkler work to install these tamper switches as part of this contract? If we are responsible for providing and installing could we get a specification on the tamper switch?

Response: This is a turnkey project. Provide devices as described to be UL listed for the application. The Potter PTS-C is an example of this type of device.

8. Please confirm the existing FACP is Simplex and all new equipment will need to be Simplex?

Response: Existing fire alarm systems are demonstrated on plans. Provide system as specified. Alternative manufacturer/providers would be considered provided equipment can seamlessly integrate with the current equipment. Equipment shall need to pass validation of performance, provide equal or better level of service and reliability, and integrate with Johnson Controls/Simplex.

9. The base bid is replaced fire alarm system in eleven (11) buildings however the new fire alarm loop runs through eighteen (18) buildings. Are we responsible for connecting the existing fire alarm control panels in the buildings not in the scope to the new fiber loop?

Response: No, refer to sheet GI2,Notes 1 and 4. Fiber terminations in non-project buildings are for “future” fire alarm interconnection.

10. For the directional boring between Bldg 13 and Bldg 145 what are the locations of the penetrations into the building and what is the distance between the buildings?

Response: Penetrations into buildings are to be provided by the contractor as part of a turnkey project. Sheet GS1 is to scale.

11. For the directional boring between Bldg 16 and Bldg 14 what are the locations of the penetrations into the building and what is the distance between the buildings?

Response: Penetrations into buildings are to be provided by the contractor as part of a turnkey project. Sheet GS1 is to scale.

12. Are there drawings of the tunnels that show distances between the buildings?

Response: Sheet GS1 is to scale and demonstrates a representation of the tunnel. For exact measurements, it is recommended that the contractor visit the site prior to bid.

Drawings provided as Attachment 01 provide additional details on the tunnels.

13. Division 02 82 11 Traditional Asbestos Abatement is shown in the specs, but I see no hazardous material survey. Is asbestos remediation scope of work included in the solicitation scope of work or is there any known hazardous material that’s part of this scope of work?

Response: The Summary Survey for Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) is provided as Attachment # 02. Surveys for Buildings 4, 5, 13, 14, 16, and 145 indicated no ACM present in samples. Surveys for Buildings 9, 11, and 75 indicated presence of ACM in the white duct mastic; it may be assumed that all similar material is ACM. Analysis for Building 76 indicated AMC present in drywall joint compound. Trace amounts were identified in Building 11 brick caulking, Building 15 plaster skim, and Building 75 drywall joint compound. Disturbed ACM and trace materials will need to be in compliance with OSHA regulations. Surveys for Buildings 4, 5, 9, 11, 13, 14,15,16, 75, 75, and 145 are provided as Attachments # 03 through # 13, respectively.

14. Will the VA be requiring a firm approved by FM Global 4991or UL equivalent to perform fire stopping only or can a factory trained system installer be acceptable to perform fire stop installation?

Response: Firestopping installer qualifications are cited in paragraph 1.4.B of Specification 017 84 00.

15. Will the VA be requiring a third-party fire caulking inspector to perform inspects giving a complete report or will the VA’s construction team be performing fire stopping inspections.

Response: Yes, a third-party inspector shall be required. Requirements for fire stopping inspections and inspectors are cited in Paragraphs 1.2, 1.4.C and 3.5.B of Specification Section 07 84 00.

16. Will third party photo documentation be required or can the GC take the photos. for the photographic documentation spec section?

Response: The requirements for the commercial photographer are cited in Paragraphs 1.30.A.1, 1.30.A.2, and 1.30.C of Specification Section 01 00 00.

17. Is Microsoft Project Professional an acceptable scheduling format?

Response: The Contractor may utilize any format that meets the requirements of Specification Section 01 32 16.15.

18. Can the GC produce the Schedule not requiring a third party? This can be costly.

Response: The choice to develop the schedule in-house or via a consultant bis discussed in Paragraph 1.2.C of Specification Section 01 32 16.15.

19. On the notice of solicitation, the project duration calls out 365 days. In the spec’s the duration is called out at 200 calendar days for bid item 1 with bid item 2 calling out 180 days. Please confirm duration of project.

Response: The duration of works is 365 calendar days.

20. On the notice of solicitation, there appears to be only 1 bid item asked to price. The spec calls out 2 bid items. Please confirm bid/pricing schedule.

Response: Please bid on Base Bid line item.

21. Is the infection control measures known at this time or the permit classification known?

Response: It is anticipated that an ICRA 1or 2 will be implemented for demolition and installation of the fire alarm system.

22. Will the completion of the "burn-in" period and where the last 14 days is without a system or equipment malfunction be required to take place prior to demolition of the existing system? This could increase days between activation of the new alarm and the beginning of demoing the existing alarm?

Response: Yes, the burn-in period is intended to be performed concurrent with the existing system being fully operational prior to demolition.

23. Spec 28 31 00 part 3.4 During this diagnostic period, all system operations and malfunctions shall be recorded. Will the VA provide access to the monitoring systems for recording the fire alarm system or will the VA record and monitor the system supplying the GC results of findings?

Response: All panels will be provided with history logs to demonstrate events during the burn-in period. Contractor will be able to access the systems they installed.

24. Can the superintendent act as both the SSHO and the superintendent?

Response: Pursuant to Paragraph 1.7.C of Specification Section 01 35 26, the SSHO may have collateral duties.

25. Will the GC be acquiring the Elevator technician to perform inspections and testing of elevators with new fire alarm systems being activated or will the VA accrue the costs of the elevator technician?

Response: Pursuant to Paragraph 1.6.C of Specification Section 28 31 00, all inspections and testing of interfacing equipment with elevators shall be provided by the Contractor.

26. Will Division 14 20 00 or 14 28 00 be included in the specs for fire alarm and elevator coordination?

Response: Works and system interfaces with elevators are described in Specification Sections 28 05 00 and 28 31 00.

27. Where will the contractor’s staging / lay down area be located?

Response: Salem VAMC has space available in the Contractor laydown area across from Building 77.