FHVA Fire Line Repairs - RFI Answers.pdf

FHVA – Fire Line Repairs

Pre Bid RFI’s

1. Scope of work indicates that there is 150 LF of 4” main replacement. During this replacement and during the 5-year inspection additional pipe leaks may be identified. Please confirm total linear footage of piping and if additional leaking pipes identified beyond the 150LF will be considered an unforeseen site condition?

VA Response: As stated in the SOW 150 LF is an approximation within a defined area. Any piping that should be replaced beyond the limits defined in the SOW has not yet been identified. If found during inspection, each area of damaged pipe will be considered on a case by case basis and will either be mapped for future work in red-line drawings from the contractor at project close-out or be repaired as part of this contract as determined by the VA.

2. Is the existing B-100 4” OS&Y valve to be replaced? This item only addresses adding a new 4” butterfly valve for access, it does not address removing, locking, or adding supervisory to the existing valve; one of these three options will need to be completed to meet code. Please advise.

VA Response: The existing valve is being replace by the new 4” butterfly valve. SOW states that all work performed shall conform to NFPA, VA, State and Local codes. That would include ALL necessary work associated with installing a new butterfly valve. Keep in mind Line 8 of the SOW calls for any necessary electrical work related to performance of work in other SOW line items. This would apply to any alarm system tie-ins required with a new valve. The existing valve is to be removed to prevent future maintenance issues. Removal to include removal of all associated devices and raceways. New valve is to be located elsewhere in the line where it is accessible for testing and inspection.

3. Can the 2” main drain be connected and discharged into a sanitary line that was located in that area? If exterior discharge is required, because of the elevation it will not drain all of the system trapped water, a 1” auxiliary drain will need to be added and properly drained. Can the 1” auxiliary drain be discharged into the sanitary line?

VA Response: There is not a readily accessible sanitary line in the area. VA has identified a location to provide a drain to the exterior that would not require excavation or core drilling. Work will include relocating the drain point to the other side of the crawl space to minimize the length of the drain line.

New drain location will require all new hardware, do not reuse existing pipe fittings from current drain.

There will be a low point drain required in the 2” main drain. Photos provided indicate proposed location of exterior drain.

4. 5-year inspections are required to be completed in all systems in building 154, just to clarify, this will include 15 systems, 3 on each floor and 3 in the crawl space feed mains?

VA Response: If the understanding is that “systems” is referring to zones within the Building 154 complete system. There are 4 risers serving 4 occupied floors plus a crawlspace and penthouse space.

Each of the occupied floors has multiple zones. Refer to the drawings provided in response to Question 9.

5. Acidity Test; please define the testing procedure required?

VA Response: NFPA 25 refers to acidity in Annex D as a contributing factor in pipe corrosion and obstruction formation. There does not appear to be a defined acidity test procedure provided by NFPA

25. This line item was a recommendation provided by a fire sprinkler system installation and maintenance company when performing other work at this location. The local Fire Department and engineering offices, lacking reference in NFPA 25 are not clear what is expected. Presumption was made that a professional fire sprinkler line company participating in bids on the project would understand.

6. Two underground supply lines were identified in Building 154, two new flange dielectric kits will be installed.

VA Response: There are two points of connection to the water distribution system that enter the building below grade. The connection in B100 is protected with a newly installed dielectric union and does not require any work under this contract. The connection in the south wing of the crawlspace below Stairwell A has a dielectric union as well that is older and the pipe and fittings around it are showing external corrosion with at least one leaking joint. The deficiencies in this location should be corrected under this contract. Photo (also included in original drawing set) for additional clarity.

7. Will painting of newly installed piping be required? Please specify.

VA Response: Painting will not be required so long as new piping is clearly identified in some manner as fire sprinkler system lines.

8. Please provide fire watch requirements and frequency if system is shut down longer than 10 hours.

VA Response: Provided excerpts are directly from the 2021 edition of NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.

9. Please provide sprinkler as-built drawings showing pipe configurations, zones etc.

VA Response: Documents provided

ADDITONAL SCOPE CLARIFICATION: SOW Line 4 references PRVs in each stairwell closets A, B, and C.

There is one additional riser located in adjacent to Room 128 in the west wing of 1st floor of Bldg. 154.

This riser also includes a PRV and is to be included in the SOW Line 4.