36C25722B0003 A00002.docx

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

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ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

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10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

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1. CONTRACT ID 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

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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

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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

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RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR

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C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

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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.

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AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer) A00002 674A4-21-108 36C257 Network Contracting Office NCO17 Department of Veterans Affairs Central Texas Veterans HCS 2002 Scott Blvd.

Temple TX 76504 Network Contracting Office NCO17 Department of Veterans Affairs Central Texas Veterans HCS Scott Blvd.

Temple TX 76504 To all Offerors/Bidders

36C25722B0003 11-30-2021

X X X

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021, 1:00 PM, CST

X 1 (one) AMENDMENT A00002 is hereby executed to provided clarification responses for timely submitted RFIs received under Project 674A4-21-108 Upgrade Fire Alarm System, Campus-Wide, Waco, VAMC for solicitation 36C25722B0003/36C257-22-B-0003.

GAILA P. LOWE

Contracting Officer

CONTINUATION PAGE

PROJECT NAME: PROJECT #674A4-21-108 UPGRADE FIRE ALARM SYSTEM, CAMPUS-WIDE, WACO, VAMC

SOLICITATION NUMBER: #36C25722B0003/36C257-22-B-0003

BID DUE DATE: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 @ 1:00 PM, CST, SUBMIT VIA EMAIL TO gaila.lowe@va.gov

COR RESPONSE:

1. At the pre-bid meeting it was mentioned that the campus has existing fiber optic cable that is to be utilized for network communications between buildings. Can we please get the information as to fiber type, number of strands available with fiber roughing and location within each building? COR Response: Successful bidder can request a full fiber report.

2. Do to the fact that there wasn't an actual site walk , we were unable to see any of the buildings we will be working on. We have not been given any pictures. Will there be a site visit that actually allows us to look at a few of the buildings to get an idea of what we are working with and the areas we will be working on? COR Response: No second site visit will be allowed, view A/Es photographs made available on this link. Photos VA Waco (Ctrl + Click to access)

3. Will the due date be pushed out in order to get the questions answered and for us to either see the buildings or pictures of, and then give a chance for more RFI's if needed? CO Response: VA extended Bid Due Date to respond to RFIs, RFIs submissions will not be extended.

4. Can a copy of the existing network point to point routing diagram be provided? COR Response: Successful/Awardee can/will request the fiber network report.

5. If fiber existing network is found to be damaged or inoperable, is contractor responsible for replacement of fiber? COR Response: If it is working now, we expect it to be working with new equipment. The Contractor would not be responsible for something outside limits of construction.

6. Are there any documents showing HVAC air handler schedules and damper locations? COR Response: this is not under one document or a set of documents.

7. Can a copy of the latest inspection report be provided? COR Response: A copy can be requested by the successful bidder.

8. Please verify that cover plates will or will not be allowed for existing devices that are removed. COR Response: Cover plates with NA-1 Key will be reused.

9. Are the conditions of the existing structures such that coring will be required? If so, in which buildings will coring be required, and to what extent? COR Response: Each building will need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis on multi-level buildings with new systems, coring will be required.

10. Are there areas that will require after-hours or weekend work? If so, please clarify which areas this will be required in. COR Response: Refer to Specification Section 01 00 00, Page 5, I. Phasing.

11. Are there areas that will require containment or infectious control? If so, please clarify which areas this will be required in and the level of containment or infectious control that would be deemed acceptable. COR Response: Refer to 01 35 26, 1.12 Infection Control.

12. Are there areas that will be inaccessible to us at any point in the project? For example, are there buildings that will not be prepared for work until 6-8 months into the project? COR Response: At this time, we have areas restricted but not inaccessible. In example, no.

13. The RFP allocates 365 Calendar days from issuance of the Notice to Proceed to complete the project work. This time allotment was discussed at the pre-bid and the general consensus seemed to be that the 1-year time frame was insufficient for completion of the project. Will the VA allow additional time without penalty to the contractor? Please confirm if the entire project is to be completed within the 365-day window, will access to multiple buildings concurrently be an option? COR Response: This was discussed during design as working in multiple building concurrently. The contractor is responsible to provide a schedule for the contract time accordingly. If additional time is required, all contracted parties will make that determination.

14. Are any areas, in any buildings, covered with wallpaper? If so, what is expected assuming matching wallpaper is not available? COR Response: Paint from corner to corner.

15. Pull stations are shown on the drawings at exit doors. Please confirm if these are required, or if a code minimum solution is acceptable. COR Response: If it exists, it needs to go back. If code requires new, then install.

16. Stipulates requirements for site storage and indicates the location will be determined by the Contracting Officer. Will the VA allow any storage inside existing campus buildings? COR Response: Site storage will be discussed at Pre-Construction meeting. VA does not normally allow storage of materials inside of building.

17. Stipulates full removal of “All service lines such as wires, cables, conduits, ducts, pipes and the like, and their hangers or supports, shall be removed back to their source.” With the under-standing of the exceptions listed in this section of the RFP, is the VA aware of any other areas where items may be abandoned in place? COR Response: Not at this time.

18. Requires office space for the CQC Organization. Is this office required to be on the VA campus?

COR Response: usually it is on VA campus.

19. Will the Government provide comprehensive written badging requirements for the project if badging is required? COR Response: No.

20. Will the Government accept the use of the industry leading, Procore Project Management software as the primary submittal and data tracking tool for this project? The software is compatible with the VA’s networks and is currently in use at many VA locations. COR Response: Follow contract requirements. If this system meets requirements, then Yes.

21. During construction in an area where the ceilings or fire suppression system will be disrupted, will NFPA 241 apply? Will the Government require additional security measures beyond NFPA code such as fire watch, temporary fire alarms, etc. COR Response: Follow contract requirements.

22. Does the Government have a fire alarm servicer that they currently work with? What is the name and contact information of the person or persons that will need to be coordinated with for security and fire alarm and suppression systems work and/or disruptions? COR Response: Will discuss at Pre-Construction Meeting.

23. Does the Government currently have a 3rd party testing service for those items requiring testing or is the contractor free to locate and hire applicable testing firms? COR Response: follow contract documents

24. Who is responsible for the utility locations? COR Response: Contractor

25. Describe any and all tasks that may be required for this project as it relates to infection control?

COR Response: Follow contract requirements.

26. Please provide ICRA rating for the project. COR Response: Follow contract requirements.

27. Please provide locations for dedicated contractor parking spaces, office trailer/s, material laydown area/s and debris dumpsters. COR Response: Will be discussed at Pre-Construction Meeting.

28. Please provide a current statement of conditions for all Hazardous Materials previously identified on the project site. COR Response: Will provide upon request for successful bidder.

29. Please provide all security procedures currently in effect for Doris Miller VAMC. COR Response: COVID Screening is done at all Central Texas facilities. Will be discussed in detail at Pre-Construction Meeting.

30. Please confirm contractor use of internal elevators during construction. COR Response: Please follow contract documents.

31. Please list any equipment to be salvaged by the contractor which is to be turned over to the Government. COR Response: None

32. Please confirm that all equipment slated for demolition that does not relocate, is the property of the contractor. COR Response: yes

33. Please provide a list of all Government Furnished Equipment being provided for this project. COR Response: none

34. Please confirm who will be providing Construction Administrative Services for the design.

COR Response: Designers of record.

35. Please provide a list of proprietary contractors with whom the successful bidder will need to utilize due to any service contracts they may have with the Government. COR Response: none

36. Please provide the anticipate award date for this contract. COR Response: in solicitation.

37. Is a 3rd party commissioning agent required for this project? If so, is the contractor to provide?

COR Response: The VA has the right to have a third-party commission which would NOT be part of the construction contract pricing. Contract covers the Contractor’s Commissioning Agent and requirements.

38. Please confirm that the VA Engineering Staff will be the Authority Having Jurisdiction for this project not the local Fire Marshal or the City of Waco. COR Response: Yes on VA property, the VA is the AHJ.

39. Please provide all RFP (ceiling) architectural drawings per building. COR Response: Not available.

40. Will the VA provide a locked staging and/or storage area in the hospital. If not, will an onsite Conex be acceptable? If a Conex is required, please identify a designated staging area. COR Response: We can discuss location on VA campus for staging area. Yes they will need to be fenced or lockable Conex.

41. Does the VA intend to attend the Notifier Field College, as part of the training requirement after the system is installed and operating? If so, how many students does the VA intend to send? Will the VA cover the flight, hotel, per diem for their students or should it be included in the cost of the fire alarm upgrade? COR Response: Not sure what this is in reference to, please reference drawing or specification section.

42. If fire watch is required, will the VA provide personnel to perform the fire watch? COR Response: Please follow contract documents for requirements.

43. Will the VA require containment carts and permits to access areas above ceiling? COR Response: Please follow contract documents and VA standards on Infection Control.

44. Please confirm that a full-time on-site quality control organization including a Safety and Health Manager, CQC Manager, and a Design Quality Manager are required to be provided as called out in spec section 01 45 00 part 3.4. COR Response: Please follow the contract documents.

45. Typical note 2FA101 keynote FA05 says “HEAT DETECTOR IN ELEVATOR MACHINE ROOM MAY BE OMITTED IF NO SPRINKLER IS PRESENT.” Contractor is unable to know if sprinkler is present. Please clarify. COR Response: Please follow the contract documents on submittals.

46. Will the contractor be required to provide a full survey and submittal of existing conditions as listed in spec section 01 00 00 part 1.7 Alterations? COR Response: Please follow the contract documents on submittals.

47. Will a third-party UL Firestopping inspection be required? COR Response: Please follow the contract documents on submittals. No City of Waco Inspections.

48. Specs are provided for division 9, however the plans do not list any locations where finishes required. Please provide the quantity and location of repairs that the VA intends for the contractor to be responsible for. COR Response: Please follow the contract documents on submittals. Patch and paint to match existing.

49. Are paint sample panels required? COR Response: Please follow the contract documents on submittals. Patch and paint to match existing.

50. Will the VA provide personnel to assist with fire watch? COR Response: Please follow the contract documents.

51. May we use a vacant building to stage construction materials? COR Response: No

A/E RESPONSE

52. Would it be possible to have the current as-built fire alarm drawings issued? A/E RESPONSE: Though as-built fire alarm documents are not available for every building, design is for a fully new, code-compliant system and existing system should not be used as a guideline.

53. Can we get pictures within each building that shows existing devices layout and existing conditions? A/E RESPONSE: Existing devices will be fully demoed and alarm system should be designed and laid out as if existing systems do not exist.

54. Could we have the most recent “VA Fire Protection Design Manual” issued that is referenced in the specifications? A/E RESPONSE: VA Fire Protection Design Manual is available on the Whole Building Design Guide website for government designs. www.wbdg.org and search for document title.

55. Per Section 28 31 00 1.1 B, is the expectation that the NICET Level III person be on-site anytime fire alarm work is being performed? A/E RESPONSE: The NICET level III individual is required to supervise installation and testing. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are required to be present the entire time work is being done but they will be required to regularly visit the job site to verify installation is correct.

56. Sheet (and other sheets) 2-FA101 notes “SMOKE DETECTION IS SHOWN THROUGHOUT BUILDING BUT NEED ONLY BE INSTALLED WHERE THERE IS NO SPRINKLER DETECTION”. Can we get information as to what areas this applies to so we can properly estimate raceways and smoke detector coverage? A/E RESPONSE: If it was known that buildings were not fully sprinklered this has been noted on the drawings and smoke detection is required as the automatic means of detection in a compliant fire alarm system. Fire sprinklers satisfy the automatic detection requirements and smoke detectors have been shown in all areas where it was known they were required, however, these design document do not relieve the contractor of the responsibility of verifying existing conditions and providing a code-compliant fire alarm system.

57. To clarify, the intent is to keep the existing system fully functional during the project and after the new system is installed, then the existing system is to be completely demo’d? A/E RESPONSE: Yes, for occupied buildings.

58. Is there a current/existing Asbestos survey? If so, can it be provided? A/E RESPONSE: Yes a current VA Asbestos Survey report can be requested by the successful bidder.

59. What is the Governments’ policy if asbestos products are encountered during construction? A/E RESPONSE: As asbestos removal is not in the contract, if discovered, the current VA Asbestos report can be requested by the successful bidder.

60. Will the successful bidder be required to abate asbestos lead or any other hazardous material? If so please provide the required survey report. A/E RESPONSE: Asbestos removal is not in the contract. Current VA Asbestos report can be requested by successful bidder.

61. Is the contractor responsible for asbestos abatement if found? A/E RESPONSE: Asbestos removal is not in the contract. Current VA Asbestos report can be requested by successful bidder.

62. If asbestos is found and contractor is responsible, is full abatement required or can spot drilling and penetrations be performed? A/E RESPONSE: Asbestos removal is not in the contract. Current VA Asbestos report can be requested by successful bidder.

63. Are separate UPS units required in addition to the battery chargers that are integrated, and a part of the fire alarm panels? A/E RESPONSE: No, integral batteries are adequate to meet code.

64. Will campus wide “global” paging be required from fire alarm system? A/E RESPONSE: Yes

65. Are separate mass notification strobes required? A/E RESPONSE: No.

66. Is a NICET Level III supervisor always required on site during fire alarm installation? A/E RESPONSE: The NICET level III individual is required to supervise installation and testing. This doesn’t necessarily mean they are required to be present the entire time work is being done but they will be required to regularly visit the job site to verify installation is correct.

67. Is a NICET Level III supervisor required on site at all times during fire alarm installation? A/E RESPONSE: See Above Response. The NICET level III individual is required to supervise installation and testing…

68. Are the conditions of the existing structures such that coring will be required? If so, in which buildings will coring be required, and to what extent? A/E RESPONSE: Each building will need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

69. Please confirm whether any 3rd party inspections/tests need to be performed before the AHJ test. A/E RESPONSE: 3rd Party Inspections are not required.

70. General Note #7 on sheet 5-FA001 indicates “Additional devices may be required. Do not use these drawings for device counts.” To confirm, the intent for this bid is that pricing should comply with code minimum standards and counts on the plans should be disregarded. A/E RESPONSE: Yes, counts on plans are intended to convey general approach for design (i.e., show where additional smoke detection would be required and general spacing of notification devices) but a code minimum system shall be provided.

71. General Note #3 on sheet 5-FA001 and specification section 28 31 00.20 Paragraph 3.1.L indicates that all existing interfacing devices will be connected to the new FA system. Has it been confirmed whether these devices are compatible with 3rd party systems? It has been requested that the existing system stay completely online until the new system is installed. How will the switch-over be performed while keeping the existing system online? A/E RESPONSE: The interfacing devices should be connected to the system where they are compatible, if they are not compatible then they should be replaced with devices that are. The logistics of the switch over should be delegated by the contractor.

72. Drawing FA101 & Section 28 31 00 – 16 Part 2.8, E; Keynote FA11 indicates kitchen range hood interface is required if hoods are present. This note appears in the drawing’s multiple times across various buildings. Please confirm whether kitchen hoods are present in these locations, or any other locations in these 23 buildings? A/E RESPONSE: If hoods are present then a kitchen range hood interface will be required, contractor to verify.

73. Section 01 91 00 Part 3.5.C Stipulates – “The Contractor shall provide a wireless internet network in the building for use during controls programming, checkout, and commissioning.” This requirement may not be necessary for this type of installation. Is this requirement mandatory? A/E RESPONSE: If this is found to be unnecessary for commissioning, it may be deleted from the project.

74. Section 01 00 00-17 Part 1.24.D This section says in part; “Mechanical and electrical systems shall be balanced, controlled and coordinated.” Can the VA please provide clarification of this requirement? i.e. – if new duct detectors are installed, is the contractor then required to balance the HVAC system or any other systems? A/E RESPONSE: No, this statement can be ignored no new balancing of HVAC system should be required as the only component replaced would be the interface with the alarm.

75. Section 01 35 26 – 18 Part 1.14.D, This section stipulates the requirement for Temporary Construction Partitions, including partitions with up to a one-hour fire rating and smoke control. Please provide the locations where the VA will require the use of temporary partitions, and which ones will need to be rated. A/E RESPONSE: Wall ratings are not included in the scope of the fire alarm replacement/design.

76. Section 28 31 00 – 8 Part 2.2, A & Part 3.1.A Regarding conduit requirements, specifications reference sections “28 05 28 & 33”, “28 05 13”, and “28 05 26”. These sections have not been provided. Please provide. A/E RESPONSE: Refer to Division 26 for conduit requirements.

77. "Section 28 31 00 – 8, Part 2.2 & Construction Drawings Sheet 5-FA001, note #10"" - Please confirm whether free-cable is permitted, or if 100% conduit is required in all buildings." A/E RESPONSE: Comply with VA Fire Protection Design Manual section 7.2 D all fire alarm wiring must be installed in raceway (conduit) separate from all other systems.

78. "Section 28 31 00 – 9, Part 2.3.C" Specification references an “operator terminal” will be required at the main control unit, but not at the individual building control units. Please clarify what an “operator terminal” entails. A/E RESPONSE: Match current functionality of operator terminal at Building 18 and Energy Center 225 – PC workstation with monitor that monitors entire campus.

79. "Section 28 31 00 – 9, Part 2.3.C.3" Specification calls for minimum of 15-inch display on the Operator terminal. This is referring to a PC workstation display, correct? A/E RESPONSE: Yes.

80. "Section 28 31 00 – 12, Part 2.5.B" Please confirm a Fire Alarm printer will be required. A/E RESPONSE: Yes, provide printer in Building 225.

81. "Section 28 31 00 – 13, Part 2.6.C.3" Please confirm that audio amplifiers are required to have 50% spare capacity. A/E RESPONSE: Yes, refer to specs

82. "Section 28 31 00 – 14, Part 2.6.D.8" Please confirm that DVM is required to have 50% spare capacity. A/E RESPONSE: Yes, refer to specs

83. "Section 28 31 00 – 14, Part 2.7.B.1" Can you confirm if all speakers are to be designed for ½ watt? A/E RESPONSE: Yes, refer to specs

84. "Section 28 31 00 – 15, Part 2.7.C.1" Specifications require 75cd strobes everywhere except for toilet rooms. Will NFPA 72 code minimum strobe coverage be considered acceptable instead, utilizing the full range of candelas? A/E RESPONSE: Comply with specifications and VA Fire Protection Design manual for minimums in lieu of NFPA 72.

85. "Section 28 31 00 – 12, 14, Part 2.6, A, 4 & Part 2.6, E, 3"; Part 2.6, A, 4 requires single channel voice. Part 2.6, E, 3 allows dual channel amplifiers. Please confirm if only single channel voice will be acceptable? A/E RESPONSE: Comply with section 2.6 A, 4.

86. "Section 28 31 00 – 16, Part 2.8.E.2" Are there any clean agent systems present within these 23 buildings? If so, how many? A/E RESPONSE: No

87. "Section 28 31 00 – 16, Part 2.8.E" - Are there any pre-action systems present within these 23 buildings? If so, how many? Will the existing pre-action panel remain, or should it be replaced? A/E RESPONSE: There is fire suppression project in place, see referenced list.

88. "Section 28 31 00 – 17, Part 2.9.B.6" - Are there any dry-pipe sprinkler systems present at these 23 buildings? If so, how many? A/E RESPONSE: See referenced list.

89. "Section 28 31 00 – 17, Part 2.11.A" - Are existing electromagnetic door holders 120V or 24V? Will new door holder be required as part of this scope, or just the interfacing control relays? If there are existing 120V door holders, are they required to be replaced with 24V door holders in compliance with Part 2.11, A? A/E RESPONSE: Door holders will not be replaced unless they are incompatible with the new fire alarm system chosen by the contractor. VA to provide information about existing door holders if needed.

90. "Section 28 31 00 – 14, Part 2.7.A" - Are weatherproof audible/visual devices acceptable, in lieu of fire alarm bells? A/E RESPONSE: Yes, see specifications.

91. Will audibility or intelligibility be enforced? A/E RESPONSE: Yes comply with requirements of VA Fire Protection Design Manual

92. Please provide a phasing plan showing the sequence and priority of buildings scheduled to have Fire Alarm replacement under this project. A/E RESPONSE: Awardee will coordinate a schedule of work with VA, priority should be given to location that network together full campus.

93. Is there a preferred phasing plan for installation? A/E RESPONSE: No, awardee will coordinate schedule of work with VA, priority should be given to location that network together full campus.

94. "Section 1.2 – Scope – Item A – “Device location and wiring runs shown on the drawings are for reference only unless specifically dimensioned. Actual locations shall be in accordance with NFPA 72 and this specification.” Will the owner provide a change order to the contractor for any device required to meet code but not shown on the contract drawings?" A/E RESPONSE: No, contractor is to provide a code-compliant fire alarm system with all devices required. Devices shown on design documents are to provide general guidelines only.

95. "Section 2.13 – Spare and Replacement Parts – Item A.9 A.10 and A.11 – Furnish sprinkler flow pressure and tamper switch. Does this mean monitoring modules only? If not will the owner specify the number type and diameter of flow switch to be provided? A/E RESPONSE: Typically, the sprinkler contractor furnishes sprinkler switches, Yes.

96. "Sheet 2-FA101 – Notes located below Code Data – “smoke detection is shown throughout the building but need only be installed where there is no sprinkler detection. Additionally, if full sprinkler protection is provided as part of a separate project smoke detection devices may be reduced per NFPA 72.” Will the owner advise if full sprinkler protection will be provided as part of a separate project?" COR & AE RESPONSE: Protection will be provided as part of a separate project.

97. "Sheet 2-FA101 – Notes located below Code Data – “smoke detection is shown throughout the building but need only be installed where there is no sprinkler detection. Additionally, if full sprinkler protection is provided as part of a separate project smoke detection devices may be reduced per NFPA 72.” Will the owner indicate which smoke detectors will be required?" A/E RESPONSE: Refer to specifications and VA FPDM.

98. At the site visit it was indicated that photographs were available of all the buildings showing finishes existing panels etc. Will the owner provide these photographs for the contractor’s use?" A/E RESPONSE: Link has been provided Photos VA Waco

99. Since no site visit was allowed per building to verify current layout/status the AE noted that there are observation photos by the AE team. Please provide. A/E RESPONSE: These have been provided.

100. Is the VA Waco current fire alarm system connected to the VA Temple fire alarm system in any way? A/E RESPONSE: No.

101. Please confirm which buildings are fully sprinklered there are some contradicting notes on the drawings. AE RESPONSE: Since contradicting notes were not provided from drawings, no clarification can be rendered. COR RESPONSE: Buildings that have Fire Suppression Systems are as follows:

PRIORITY LEVEL 1

1. Building 4: Outpatient Clinic / Pharmacy / Lab / Radiology

2. Building 6: Auditorium

3. Building 7: Blind Rehab Unit / RISE Unit

4. Building 11: Nursing Home

5. Building 91: Specialty Clinics

6. Building 94: Inpatient Psych / SMILE Unit / Acute Psych

PRIORITY LEVEL 2

1. Building 90: HRC Pharmacy Call Center

2. Building 92: FSC VA Finance Center

3. Building 93: Future Center of Excellence

PRIORITY LEVEL 3

1. Building 2: Administrative

2. Building 5: Pharmacy / Education

3. Building 8: MHICM Program / Future Acute Mental Health

4. Building 12: Reg’l Council/Prosthetics/EMS/Vacant

5. Building 15: VBA

6. Building 16: Garage

7. Building 18: Police

8. Building 24: FMS / Shops

9. Building 99: FMS Shops

10. Building 189: Transportation

11. Building 202: Dietetics / Future VCS

12. Building 219: Kinesiology / Physical Therapy

102. Current noted work hours are day shift. Will any night/weekend work be required? A/E RESPONSE: Very likely, coordinate each building with the VA closely.

103. Typical note 2FA101 keynote FA05 says “HEAT DETECTOR IN ELEVATOR MACHINE ROOM MAY BE OMITTED IF NO SPRINKLER IS PRESENT.” Contractor is unable to know if sprinkler is present. Please clarify. A/E RESPONSE: This will need to be visually verified for each instance.

104. Please provide a list of acceptable manufacturers for the new fire alarm system. A/E RESPONSE: See specifications and verify with VA prior to selection finalization.

105. Does the VA have a sole source justification for a Notifier system? A/E RESPONSE: VA does not sole-source for one manufacturer, the Notifier system is just the basis of design as noted in the contract documents.

106. General note on sheet 5-FA001 but typical on other drawings states that the contractor must verify all necessary device counts. At the site visit we were not allowed access the facility buildings. For bidding purposes how is the contractor expected to verify all device counts? Please advise. A/E RESPONSE: Provide a code-compliant fire alarm system for entire building, do not base device counts on existing device locations.

107. A keynote requiring a water flow switch to be installed in restroom closet and above ceiling however no plumbing details pipe sizes material types valve information etc. has been provided. Please advise how we are to price this scope. Note is found on sheet 5-FA101 but is shown in other buildings as well. A/E RESPONSE: Existing fire sprinkler riser in restroom closet is to have interfacing devices monitored by new fire alarm system.

108. Keynote FA11 shown on sheet 6-FA101 says that IF kitchen range hood and or fire suppression system is present then it must be interfaced with the fire alarm system. We are unable to know what is existing and required to be connected to the new fire alarm system. Please clarify this requirement. A/E RESPONSE: If hoods are present then a kitchen range hood interface will be required, contractor to verify.

109. Please define “proprietary” as a proprietary system will not be accepted. A/E RESPONSE: Proprietary systems are those where the only maintenance, inspection, or repair work permitted is by a single source.

110. Will the existing single notifier system remain in place? A/E RESPONSE: If existing system is compatible with campus-wide alarm system chosen by contractor it can remain.

111. Does everything need to be in hard-conduit (EMT)? A/E RESPONSE: Temporary measures may be flexible but final will comply with specifications and the VA Fire Protection Design Manual.

112. The documents call to re-use existing conduit. If the existing system is to remain in place, please confirm there is capacity to add wiring to all conduits for the new system. A/E RESPONSE: Design intent was to re-use conduit if it is in good working condition after removal – conduit from other buildings may be used for this purpose. It was not intended to run new wiring alongside existing inside existing conduit.

113. Please provide all existing site photos as discussed at the site visit. Because the generals were not allowed to walk the project, this will be imperative for accurate pricing. A/E RESPONSE: A link with photos has been provided.

114. Is new fire alarm conduit required to be red? A/E RESPONSE: It is a VA requirement for all conduit to be red in unfinished areas and match surroundings in finished areas.

115. Is there a preference between metal raceways and conduit? Can both be used on this project? A/E RESPONSE: Comply with VA FPDM section 7.2 D and specifications, all alarm wiring to be in ¾” conduit

116. Are contractors permitted to salvage and reuse existing fire alarm conduits for the new fire alarm system? A/E RESPONSE: Yes, as existing systems are demolished the conduits in good condition may be reused for other buildings, as the existing systems are required to remain in service until the new system is fully installed.

117. Will the entire old fire alarm system need to be demolished to include devices wiring boxes conduit and panels? A/E RESPONSE: Scope of work includes demolition of all existing fire alarm components; some components may be abandoned in place if removal is overly burdensome

118. Can any components of the old fire alarm system. ‘Block 10’ is a typo not enough zeros the amendment will reflect typo error. A/E RESPONSE: Scope of work includes demolition of all existing fire alarm components; some components may be abandoned in place if removal is overly burdensome. -- CO RESPONSE: Block 10 has a typo, not enough zeros under construction magnitude. Construction Magnitude is between $5M and $10M as indicated by the Pre-solicitation Notice.

119. Will contractors be permitted to install and commission the new fire alarm system building by building? A/E RESPONSE: Yes.

120. Is Class A or Class B fire alarm wiring required? A/E RESPONSE: Comply with requirements of the VA Fire Protection Design Manual and the specifications.

121. Will the system be voice evacuation only or will it be a mass notification system? A/E RESPONSE: Not intended to be a mass notification system.

122. If it is a mass notification system is there a requirement for live voice broadcasts and manual activation from one central point on campus? A/E RESPONSE: See above response to RFI.

123. How many central workstations are being requested and where do they need to be located? A/E RESPONSE: Two central workstations are present in Buildings 225 and 18

124. Will the systems in all buildings be complete before transferring communication to the existing fiber network? A/E RESPONSE: Phasing to be coordinated per building. Ideal sequence is to only have one system functional at a time per building. New system should be installed and ready to go live as soon as existing system is disconnected.

125. If that is the case what will be required for monitoring each building before it is transferred to the fiber network? A/E RESPONSE: Central monitoring stations to be able to indicate alarm or trouble signals at a minimum until full system functionality is available.

126. Because of space requirements some buildings will require the existing fire alarm panel to be removed in order to install the new panels. A/E RESPONSE: In those cases, install new panel on a temporary board until able to transition to the new location.

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