36C25019B0003-0004000.docx

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE

7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE

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Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office.

is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO:

Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS

ENTERED INTO

PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30

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Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243 (Type or print) (Type or print) (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (If other than Item 6) (Specify type of modification and authority) (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

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ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer) 03-05-2019 610-15-102 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 10 8888 Keystone Crossing Suite 1100 Indianapolis IN 46240 Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 10 8888 Keystone Crossing Suite 1100 Indianapolis IN 46240 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C25019B0003

X X X March 28, 2019 @ 2:00PM The purpose of this amendment is to 1) Update Specification information, 2) Update drawings, 3) Address all RFI's, and 4) Extend the close date of the solicitation.

1) Specifications Section 1.3 has been updated.

2) Drawing 175.AE101 and 08 71 00 have been changed in their entirety.

3) All RFI's have been answered in this amendment.

4) The closing date for this solicitation has been changed to March 28, 2019 @ 2:00PM. Bid opening will take place on on this day at the original location as stated in the solicitation.

All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

Ronald Heideman Contracting Officer Solicitation 36C25019B0003, Replace and Upgrade Fire Alarm System Project No. 610-15-102 Updated Drawings, Specifications and Explanation of Revisions Questions and Answers (RFIS) IFB Amendment No. A0004

UPDATED SPECIFICATIONS:

The Following has been changed:

SECTION 01 00 00 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1.3 STATEMENT OF BID ITEM(S)

From:

A. ITEM I, GENERAL CONSTRUCTION: The fire alarm replacement and upgrade work shall include: Repair of side-walks, roads, removal of water from existing man-holes, patching of all walls and replacement of all ceiling tiles necessary for a complete fire alarm installation.

ITEM II, Electrical Work: The fire alarm replacement and upgrade shall include: all labor, material, equipment and supervision to perform the required electrical construction work on this project including: Fire alarm installation, fire alarm demolition, providing 120-volt power to HVAC cooling equipment, installation of fiber optic cable and trenching.

ITEM III, Mechanical Work: Work includes all labor, material, equipment and supervision to perform the required Mechanical construction work on this project including: Providing HVAC cooling where indicated on floor plan drawings.

B. ALTERNATE NO.1: Remove remote out-buildings as required to comply with budget requirements

To:

A. BID ITEM I. All items of work as shown on the drawings and noted in the specifications for fire alarm replacement and upgrade work.

UPATED DRAWINGS:

The attached drawings will replace the existing drawings published Drawing 175.AE101 is now replaced with the attached drawing 175.AE101 dated 02/20/2019.

UPATED SPECIFICATIONS:

The attached specifications will replace the existing specifications published Delete existing specification 08 71 00, Door Hardware, and 08 11 13, Hollow Metal Doors and Frames.

Replaced with the attached Section 08 11 13 Hollow Metal Doors and Frames and Section 08 71 00 Door Hardware, dated 02/27/2019.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (RFI’s)

RFI 002

1. Please confirm that there are no doors and hardware on this project. (with maybe the exception of new partitioned wall in electrical room. If it requires a door, please provide door and hardware schedule) RESPONSE: There are doors and hardware in this project. Delete existing specification specifications 08 71 00, Door Hardware, and 08 11 13, Hollow Metal Doors and Frames and replace with the attached sections. Remove existing contract drawing 175.AE101 and replace with attached drawing 175.AE101 dated 02/20/2019.

2. Please confirm that all ceiling tiles in work areas shall be removed to perform work and be re-installed. Any damaged tiles shall be replaced to match existing. Confirm no spaces require new ceiling tiles.

RESPONSE: The existing ceiling tiles shall be removed and reinstalled as required, all damaged ceiling tiles shall be replaced, refer to drawings for additional information.

3. Please confirm that there is a requirement to install HVAC in a couple of buildings. Other than that, this is Fire alarm Replacement project.

RESPONSE: There are requirements for HVAC in this project.

RFI 004

1. Please confirm that there are no doors and hardware on this project. (with maybe the exception of new partitioned wall in electrical room. If it requires a door, please provide door and hardware schedule) RESPONSE: There are doors and hardware in this project. Delete existing specification specifications 08 71 00, Door Hardware, and 08 11 13, Hollow Metal Doors and Frames and replace with the attached sections. Remove existing contract drawing 175.AE101 and replace with attached drawing 175.AE101 dated 02/20/2019.

2. Please confirm that all ceiling tiles in work areas shall be removed to perform work and be re-installed. Any damaged tiles shall be replaced to match existing. Confirm no spaces require new ceiling tiles.

RESPONSE: The existing ceiling tiles shall be removed and reinstalled as required, all damaged ceiling tiles shall be replaced, refer to drawings for additional information.

3. Please confirm that there is a requirement to install HVAC in a couple of buildings. Other than that, this is Fire alarm Replacement project.

RESPONSE: There are requirements for HVAC in this project.

4. Please clarify which buildings we are to remove if Alternate #1 is accepted. Is it all of them certain ones? This will affect the fiber run.

RESPONSE: The solicitation is being revised to remove all alternates. The project is to include all items shown on the drawings and detailed in the specifications.

During our site visit there were several locations the existing fire alarm equipment was surface mounted. The drawing note instructs us to install all conduits flush and to cut & patch the existing walls. The walls that are drywall are not a problem. The walls that are brick, CMU or poured are the challenge. Does the entire wall need to be repainted or just the area that was patched? This requirement adds significant cost to the project in terms material, labor and time.

RESPONSE: Please refer to specification PAINTING 09 01 00 3.10 E.

5. We are requesting that this requirement be waived and the use Wiremold is acceptable?

RESPONSE: Repair CMU wall in the area that was patched not the entire wall. New conduit at existing CMU, poured concrete and brick walls can be “wiremold”.

RFI 005

1. Under Alternate #1 remote buildings, would this also include all the fiber work as shown on drawing TS100?

RESPONSE: The project will not include alternates. There is one base bid that includes everything shown on the drawings and detailed in the specifications.

2. What fiber work would be left in Base Bid?

RESPONSE: All fiber work shown on the drawings is in the base bid.

3. Under Alternate #1 remote buildings, would this also include all the PIV valves shown on drawing FS100.

RESPONSE: The project will not include alternates. There is one base bid that includes everything shown on the drawings and detailed in the specifications.

4. The specs call for Style 7 Class A wiring but the riser diagrams show EOL resistors on the signal circuit loops. Which is correct?

RESPONSE: The wiring system shall be Style 7, Class A.

5. Can you explain in more detail Alternate #2. Are the two alternates described in the front end somewhere?

RESPONSE: The project will not include alternates. There is one base bid that includes everything shown on the drawings and detailed in the specifications.

6. When do you anticipate starting this project?

RESPONSE: After award of the contract which will be sometime within the bid acceptance time frame.

7. THE SPECS CALL BID ITEM II AND BID ITEM III AND ALTERNATE #1 AND Alternate #2, BUT THE BID SCHEDULE IS ONLY ASKING FOR ONE NUMBER?

RESPONSE:

The project will not include alternates. There is one base bid that includes everything shown on the drawings and detailed in the specifications.

Note: In specification section 01 00 00, General Requirements, remove paragraph 1.3 STATEMENT OF BID and replace with the following:

1.3 STATEMANT OF BID ITEM

A. BID ITEM I. All items of work as shown on the drawings and noted in the specifications for fire alarm replacement and upgrade work.

RFI 006

1. Drawings do not show any duct bank or raceway to bring in fiber optic cable to FACP. What is required?

RESPONSE: Please refer to drawing TS100 key note No. 2 and concrete duct bank detail F8 on drawing TS100.

RFI 007

1. Please provide information on the requirements for the radio transmitters.

RESPONSE: Please refer to drawings 1301.FA101 and 1304.FA101 for information.

RFI 008

1. Spec Section - 28 05 00

1.18 SUBSTITUTE MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT

A. Where variations from the contract requirements are requested in accordance with the GENERAL CONDITIONS and Section 01 33 23, SHOP DRAWINGS, PRODUCT DATA, AND SAMPLES, the connecting work and related components shall include, but not be limited to additions or changes to branch circuits, circuit protective devices, conduits, wire, feeders, controls, panels and installation methods.

Please indicate if the substitution will require a full set of engineered drawings at time of bid submission. At the contractor bid meeting it was discussed that all representative buildings of this project would require a complete bid submission that included a full set of engineered drawings, product submittal, riser diagrams, layout- including coverage, and calculations. If this requirement is upheld, please advise where this is shown in the specification.

RESPONSE:

All requests and approval for substitutions (“or approved equal”) will be take place after award.

Contractor requests for approved equal will include the following information as a minimum:

1. Identity of the material or devices specified for which there is a proposed substitution.

2. Description of the segment of the specification where the material or devices are referenced.

3. Identity of the proposed substitute by manufacturer, brand name, catalog or model number and the manufacturer’s product name.

4. A technical statement of all operational characteristic expressing equivalence to items to be

RFI 009

1. Spec Section - 28 05 00 - 5

Technical Data Drawings shall be in the latest version of AutoCAD®, drawn accurately, and in accordance with VA CAD Standards CAD Standard Application Guide, and VA BIM Guide. FREEHAND SKETCHES OR COPIED VERSIONS OF THE CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

1.18 SUBSTITUTE MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT

A. Where variations from the contract requirements are requested in accordance with the GENERAL CONDITIONS and Section 01 33 23, SHOP DRAWINGS, PRODUCT DATA, AND SAMPLES, the connecting work and related components shall include, but not be limited to additions or changes to branch circuits, circuit protective devices, conduits, wire, feeders, controls, panels and installation methods.

In response to RFI, Drawing for Bid Submission, if a full set of engineered drawings is required, please provide CAD associated with each building for bid design/layout so the alternate system proposed may meet the requirement.

RESPONSE:

All requests and approval for substitutions (“or approved equal”) will be take place after award.

Contractor requests for approved equal will include the following information as a minimum:

1. Identity of the material or devices specified for which there is a proposed substitution.

2. Description of the segment of the specification where the material or devices are referenced.

3. Identity of the proposed substitute by manufacturer, brand name, catalog or model number and the manufacturer’s product name.

4. A technical statement of all operational characteristic expressing equivalence to items to be substituted and comparison, feature-by-feature, between specification requirements and the material or devices called for in the specification.

RFI 010

1. Spec Section - 28 05 00

2.2 EQUIPMENT ITEMS

A. The fire alarm system shall interface with the PAC (Physical Access Control) system in the event of a general fire alarm.

B. The fire alarm system shall notify PAC’s to disengage locks on doors to allow for exiting out of building.

C. It shall be the responsibility of the fire alarm contractor to connect the fire alarm system to the PAC security system and include all associated work included in bid number.

Please provide location and description of PAC’s doors associated with each building, device locations, including manufacturer model number, voltage type of locks on doors. Please provide layout drawings showcasing wiring interconnections, and power supply location and types for each access control panel.

RESPONSE: The contractor shall interface the existing PACS system with the new fire alarm system as described in specification 28 05 00 2.2 A.B.C.

RFI 011

1. Spec Section 1.1.B - Latest “VA FIRE PROTECTION DESIGN MANUAL is referenced several times in the fire alarm system specification indicating that system design and performance must be met in accordance with this supporting document. Please provide a copy of this bid document.

RESPONSE:

The “VA Fire Protection Manual” can be found at: https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/dManual/dmFire.pdf

RFI 012

1. At Various locations in the hospital where walls would need to be patched there appears to be a textured finish/surface. What method should be used to patch and repair the walls at these locations? Is there a specific product to be used?

RESPONSE: Original surface was in Zolatone. Use Zolatone or approved equal.

2. Will we be required to paint corner to corner on all locations that are being patched?

RESPONSE: Please refer to specification PAINTING 09 01 00 3.10 E.

RFI 013

1. Please confirm that there are no doors and hardware on this project. (with maybe the exception of new partitioned wall in electrical room. If it requires a door, please provide door and hardware schedule) RESPONSE: There are doors and hardware in this project. Delete existing specification specifications 08 71 00, Door Hardware, and 08 11 13, Hollow Metal Doors and Frames and replace with the attached sections. Remove existing contract drawing 175.AE101 and replace with attached drawing 175.AE101 dated 02/20/2019.

2. Please confirm that all ceiling tiles in work areas shall be removed to perform work and be re-installed. Any damaged tiles shall be replaced to match existing. Confirm no spaces require new ceiling tiles.

RESPONSE: The existing ceiling tile shall be removed and reinstalled as required, refer to drawings for additional information.

**Answer should be consistent with all answers that are similar

3. Please confirm that there is a requirement to install HVAC in a couple of buildings. Other than that, this is Fire alarm Replacement project.

RESPONSE: There are requirements for HVAC in this project.

RFI 014

1. Specification 28-31-00 1.2.K,L,M - May each outbuilding be completed and approved separately so demolition of the old system may proceed in that building while other buildings are being installed?

RESPONSE: No.

2. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Fire Alarm Design Manual (DVA-FA) 7th Edition 7.2.F;

Spec 28-31-00 1.2.O.5. and drawings General Note K (e.g. 16.FA100) – Please clarify Style 4 or Style 7 for SLC circuits within a building.

RESPONSE: The wiring system shall be Style 7, Class A.

3. Spec 28-31-00 2.7.B.1; drawings e.g. 16.FA100; NFPA72 Table 18.5.4.3.1(a) – Are strobes in general to be 75 cd or may they be set according to room size per the NFPA Table?

RESPONSE: Candela rating are indicated on fire alarm drawings.

4. Spec 28-31-00 3.2.A.1; DVA-FA 7.3.F.1.2 – Are the strobes in the Hospital buildings to all operate upon an alarm or to operate only in the zone of alarm?

RESPONSE: Fire alarm system shall sound alarm as described in specification 283100.3.2.A.1 – H.

5. Spec 28-31-00 1.1.D; 2.4 Fire Alarm Control Unit A.1,A.15.D; 2.4 Standby Power Supply A.; 3.2.A.1 – The spec refers to a master fire alarm panel in Building 170 and implies a computer and printer supplied by a UPS. Please provide hardware and performance specifications for the master panel, computer, and printer.

RESPONSE: The contractor shall furnish fire alarm components as described in specification 283100.2.4.

6. Although the Hospital has a voice system there is no specification provided for microphones or emergency paging. Is the voice system by automated message only without live voice override? If emergency paging is included please provide quantities, locations, and performance specifications for microphone stations.

RESPONSE: Voice Communication System (VCS) shall be per specification 283100.2.6.A-F.

7. 1301.FA101 and 1304.FA101 - Please note neither drawing shows a smoke detector above the FACP. If the FACP in 1304 has an operator interface why is there a FAA beside the FACP?

RESPONSE: A smoke detector is required at FACP.

8. 1301 and 1304 – How much information needs to be transmitted to Bldg 170? Is alarm and trouble per building sufficient or is detailed point information required? Does either building currently have internet access?

RESPONSE: Alarm and trouble is adequate for buildings 1301 and 1304. 1301 currently has internet access.

RFI 015

1. The above referenced section states that a NICET IV certified technician shall be on site for the supervision and testing of the system.

Our question is: Is the NICET IV technician required to be on site every day (all day) of the installation OR just to provide supervision as needed and to be present during testing?

RESPONSE: No, the NICET Level IV technician shall supervise (Be on site) during testing in the presence of COR (Contracting Officer Representative). Specification (28 31 00.3.3.B)

RFI 016

1. The above referenced section states that for consideration as equal of fire alarm system, the contractor shall submit completed shop drawings including items listed in sub-paragraphs a, b and c.

Our questions are:

What is the deadline for submitting the above requirements?

RESPONSE: During the submittal process which occurs after award and the Notice To Proceed (NTP) has been issued.

Is this requirement only required for contractors submitting products that are not Edwards?

RESPONSE: Required for all items/equipment.

Will the notice to proceed start date commence after the owner makes a decision of approval for the submitted products?

RESPONSE: No, the notice to proceed will be signed after award but before the submittal process.

RFI 017

1. The above referenced section (Section 28 31 00 Part 1.2 Paragraph-G page #2) states the fire alarm system shall be in accordance with NFPA and VA Fire Alarm Design Guidelines.

Our question is: Are we supposed to bid the project as shown on the contract drawings?

RESPONSE: Yes. (with any code or VA required device omission to be added as a modification to the project) If that does occur and it was determined it was not shown on the drawings or detailed in the specifications VA would made a determination whether to proceed with a modification.

RFI 018

1. The above referenced section (Section 28 31 00 Part 1.2 Paragraph-M page #3) states “all existing conduit not reused shall be removed.” During the site visit, we noticed that some areas of the main facility have poured concrete walls and some areas have concrete block walls.

Our questions are:

Will the owner approve removing devices and wire while leaving the existing conduit in poured concrete or block walls?

RESPONSE: Yes.

2. For vertical conduit behind drywall (example: from pull stations and strobes/horn strobes) will the owner approve removing the devices and wire while leaving the existing conduit? Removing the vertical conduit would require cutting out the drywall around the device box and from the box cutting out a section of drywall up to a box above the ceiling. That would require patching the vertical drywall patch and trying to match existing wall coverings or paint.

RESPONSE: Conduit and boxes behind drywall is to be removed and the wall repaired.

RFI 019

1. The above referenced section (Section 28 31 00 Part 1.2 Paragraph-O.3 page #3) states SLC Circuits between Building Fire Alarm Control Units shall be wired as Style 7. Our question is: will the owner confirm that two empty conduits are existing for each fiber conduit path shown on Drawing #TS100?

RESPONSE: The existing conduits have been inspected and documented, drawing TS-100 indicates where existing empty conduits are located, drawings ES901 – ES911 are photographs on the existing manholes and conduit systems, please refer to drawings for locations of existing empty conduits.

RFI 020

1. The above referenced section (Section 28 31 00 Part 1.2 Paragraph-O.3 page #3) states SLC Circuits between Building Fire Alarm Control Units shall have isolation so that no more than one building can be lost due to a short circuit fault.

Our question is: Will the owner remove reference to isolation on the fiber optic communication circuits?

Short circuit faults are not an issue with fiber.

RESPONSE: Isolation modules are not required for FOC.

RFI 021

1. The above referenced (Section 28 31 00 Part 1.4 Paragraph-B.1 page #4) section states for consideration as equal, the fire alarm contractor shall furnish shop drawings, voltage drop calculations, battery calculations, cable/circuit report, symbol legend and riser diagram of every building indicated on the SOW.

Our question is: If our proposal is based on Edwards Fire Alarm Products as referenced in the specifications, are we required to provide all of the above mentioned items?

RESPONSE: Yes, during the submittal process after award and issuance of Notice to Proceed.

RFI 022

1. The above referenced section (Section 28 31 00 Part 1.4 Paragraph-C.1.e page #5) states to provide complete listing of all digitized voice messages. Our question is: will the owner be furnishing custom messages? If yes, how many messages will be provided?

RESPONSE: There will be two (2) custom emergency notification messages activated by dispatch in bldg. 170.

1. Tornado Warning: A tornado warning has been issued for this area. ALL staff and visitors should take immediate cover, away from windows to interior rooms or hallways.

2. Civil Disruption: A local area emergency is in effect. All medical center personnel will be required to remain inside the facility. Visitors and outpatients are requested to remain inside for their safety.

The system is to have the capability for dispatch to access the system manually to make emergency announcements from one location only which will be the dispatch office in bldg. 170.

RFI 023

1. The above referenced (Section 28 31 00 Part 1.4 Paragraph-C.1.i page #5) section states to provide a computerized maintenance schedule for all equipment. The schedule shall be provided on a disk in a computer format acceptable to the VAMC.

Our question is: will the owner clarify what computer format is acceptable to the VAMC?

RESPONSE: PDF files are acceptable.

RFI 024

1. The above referenced section (Section 28 31 00 Part 1.6 Paragraph-B page #7) states to provide all parts and labor to perform required inspection, testing, maintenance and repair.

Our question is: will the owner confirm that all parts (including fire alarm panel circuit boards) are to be provided at no cost to the owner for a period of five years (except for improper use, accidents, or negligence).

RESPONSE: Yes.

RFI 025

1. The above referenced section (Section 28 31 00 Part 2.4 Paragraph-I page #14) states to provide function switches 1 through 9. Our question is: are all of the switches 1 through 9 required for all fire control panels or just the main panel in Building 170? Some switches are standard on all panels such as alarm silence, alarm reset, trouble silence and drill.

RESPONSE: The functional switch requirements are required in each panel as well as the main FACP located in building No. 170.

RFI 026

1. The above referenced section (Section 28 31 00 Part 2.4 Paragraph-B.2 page #16) states batteries shall have sufficient capacity to power the fire alarm system for not less than 24 hours plus 5 minutes of alarm.

Our question is: the drawings indicate the main facility is a voice alarm system and the other buildings are not voice systems. Will the owner confirm that 5 minutes of alarm will be approved for the main facility voice system?

RESPONSE: Yes, five minutes of emergency battery power for the voice alarm system within the main facility is acceptable.

RFI 027

1. The above referenced section (Section 28 31 00 Part 2.6 Paragraph-B.2 page #16) states the speaker circuit control unit shall include switches to operate the speaker circuits.

Our question is: will speaker selector switches only be required on the main fire panel in building 170, OR will all fire panels in buildings 15, 16, 17, 127, 124, 174, 185, 172, and 138 be required to have speaker selector switches?

RESPONSE: Yes, buildings listed as well as building No. 174 require speaker switches, please refer to FA series fire alarm drawings for locations and quantities.

RFI 028

1. The above referenced section (Section 28 31 00 Part 2.11 Paragraph-C page #22) states the door holder circuits shall be electrically supervised.

Our question is: will the owner clarify the type of supervision that is required? One example would be to connect the door holders in a series parallel (in/out) wiring scheme with a power supervision relay at the end of the circuit with an addressable monitor module installed to monitor loss of power.

RESPONSE: The proposed wiring method above is acceptable.

RFI 029

1. The above referenced section (Solicitation Section 11 page 1) states the contractor shall begin performance within 10 calendar days and complete it within 365 calendar days after receiving the notice to proceed.

Our question is: will the owner approve issuing the notice to proceed after the complete submittal package has been approved (drawings, data sheets, calculation, etc.)? This would allow 365 to complete the project after the submittals have been approved.

RESPONSE: The period of performance will begin upon signing the Notice To Proceed (NTP). The submittal process is to start after signing the NTP.

RFI 030

1. The above referenced section (Solicitation – Statement of Work – page 5) states the contractor shall provide a public address and mass notification paging system in buildings 15, 16, 17, 124, 127, 138, 172, 174, and 185 AND the VA Northern Indiana Health Care System, Marion Campus.

Our question is: will the owner clarify if “the VA Northern Indiana Health Care System Marion Campus” means that a public address and mass notification system will be required for the entire campus?

RESPONSE: The public address - mass notification requirement applies to the listed building above, buildings (15,16,17,124,127,138,172, 174, and 185).

RFI 031

1. The above referenced drawing (Drawing C.FA513) includes a symbol shown as a rectangle with T1 inside the rectangle.

Our question is: what does T1 represent?

RESPONSE: “T1” is a low voltage transformer.

RFI 032

1. The above referenced specification section (Specification Section 28 31 00 paragraph 3.5-C page 27) requests instruction for the addition or deletion of devices, etc. Our question is: will the owner confirm that we are not required to send owner technicians to a factory training session for “certified technician” training that would provide a factory certification and allow access to factory tech support?

RESPONSE: The owner is not required to send anyone to factory training, the training would take place at site with a factory representative providing instruction to members of the VAMC staff.

RFI 033

1. The above referenced section (Specification 28 31 00 section 2.4 A.5) makes reference to CRT and printer. Our question is: are we required to furnish a CRT and printer? The specifications do not have references for either item and Building 170 does not show these items on the new work plan.

RESPONSE: A printer and CRT is not required, the FACP shall be as stated in specification 28 31 00.2.4.

RFI 034

1. The section ((Section 01 35 26 Part 1.12 Infection Control C. Class II requirements: 2) Ceiling tiles) states that during construction work to ”immediately replace a ceiling tiles displaced for visual inspection” Our question is: Will multiple tiles be allowed to be displaced for visual inspection, or just one at a time? If more than one can be displaced at a time, how many at a time?

RESPONSE: One (1) tile per 50 SF.

RFI 035

1. The section (Section 01 35 26 Part 1.12) states that during construction work to Provide Active Means. Our question is: This requirement is for Class II work. Will a Portable Ceiling Access Module (HEPA CART) be required to remove ceiling tiles in class II locations?

RESPONSE: No.

2. How many ceiling tiles can be removed at one time in a class II location?

RESPONSE: One (1) tile per 50 SF.

RFI 036

1. This section of the specifications is missing (Section 02 41 19 00 Selective Demolition). Our question is: Will there be any conditions of selective demolition, such as PCB removal and disposal required?

RESPONSE: There is cut and patch work involved in the removal of the existing fire alarm system once the new system is in place, however there are no walls being taken down.

RFI 037

1. This section (Division 26 05 11 - Electrical Section 1.10) states that all equipment can be reached without ladders, ……..

Our question is: Will the government allow ceiling mounted devices to be exempted from this requirement?

RESPONSE: Yes.

RFI 038

1. Furnish the services of competent instructors to give full instruction in the adjustment …..

Our question is: What is the quantity of “full instruction”? 1 hour? 4 hours? 8 hours? 16 hours?

RESPONSE: Four hours.

RFI 039

1. There are no Liquidated Damages clauses in the Specifications general requirements or 1442 solicitation. Our question is: Will liquidated damages apply to this job?

RESPONSE: No.

RFI 040

1. In Specification Section 28 05 00 -3 it states that the fire alarm contractor shall be located within 100 miles of the project site. We request that this be extended to 250 miles to open up competition on the project.

RESPONSE: Requirement remains as stated in Section 28 05 00-3.

See attached document: 087100 Door Hardware rev.

See attached document: 175.AE101 rev.

See attached document: 081113 Hollow Metal Doors and Frames rev.