RFI_Responses_Dry_Sprinkler_Piping_&_Paint.pdf

Garage Dry Pipe Replacement & Painting Carl B. Stokes U.S. Courthouse 801 W. Superior Avenue Cleveland, OH 44113-1829

Solicitation - 47PF0018R0143

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION – GSA RESPONSES

1. Can the inspection and testing would be done after each phase. Basically, they all agreed that they would rather have Chuck come and find an issue after one area is complete so they could correct it for the remainder of the areas.

GSA Response: I can't speak for Chuck on this, but I think a zone by zone testing and acceptance strategy puts a heavy burden on us, and would not provide the holistic test that NFPA 13 and GSA require. Please note, that any hydrostatic testing of fire sprinkler system cannot be executed until the Nitrogen Generator is active to mitigate corrosion activity within the sprinkler system.

FPE Response: In short, it depends on how many phases are proposed by the Contractor. If there are only a few phases, then the GSA FPE recommends that the system would be provided with an interim inspection by the GSA FPE after approximately 20-25% completion point. As indicated above, it is best to start from the riser, so that the nitrogen system is in place. Then, work can proceed work toward the branch lines, and each zone can then be tested as construction progresses for each phase. Also, a holistic test is not necessarily required if the zones are clearly indicated and each zone is tested.

2. There was discussion/suggestions from them about painting the main body of the pipe before-hand and leaving areas with fitting unpainted until after final testing.

GSA Response: This method of pre-painting has been previously approved, but it must be stressed that if the pipe type, product information and UL listing, etc. is not readily visible, the piping will not be accepted.

FPE Response: An acceptable method is to tape over the UL marking and paint over the tape. Then,the pipe can be oriented so that the tape is not visible from the floor, and can be peeled away to reveal the identification marking.

3. Since we will be working 6 pm to 6 am, will there be parking on site for the workers?

GSA Response: During business hours, parking is available for one vehicle per project. After hours parking for additional vehicles will be determined based on other projects going on in the building at the time the projects is happening.

4. What are the work hours? Will we have to do the work on off hours? If so is working weekends a possibility?

GSA Response: Primarily night and weekend work.

5. How large of an area will we be working in at a time with the phasing? Will we have to pass through areas where cars are parked to get to the work area with our pipe and material?

GSA Response: The phasing plan will be coordinated with the GC, with the help of the GSA Property Management Office and the Office of the GSA Fire Protection Engineer. Normally, on nights and weekends, the garage has no or a small number of cars.

6. Is a fire watch required 24/7?

GSA Response: Fire Watch is per NFPA Requirements and will be coordinated with the GSA

Property Management Office and the Office of the GSA Fire Protection Engineer.

FPE Response: There are different types of Fire Watch for different purposes.

● A Fire Watch is required for Hot Work as long Hot Work is taking place and for at least 30 minutes after the Hot Work activity ceases.

● A Fire Watch is required on a sprinkler system impairment lasting longer than 10 hours in any 24 hour period.

● A Fire Watch is required at the location of an impaired fire alarm initiating device if it is out of service for more than 4 hours in a 24 hour period.

● A Fire Watch is required at the Fire Alarm Control Unit when the Fire Alarm System is placed into test mode in order to make live voice announcements and manually call the FIre Department in the event of an emergency.

7. Who is to supply the man power for the fire watch? The owner or the sprinkler contractor?

GSA Response: Fire watch is the Contractor's responsibility.

8. Will we be able to use the freight elevator to move pipe and material from floor to floor? What is the max weight load of the elevator?

GSA Response: Yes and No, as the freight elevator does not serve all of the garage levels, but where it serves, the contractor may use.

9. Will there be an area to place roll off dumpsters supplied for the scrap pipe?

GSA Response: TBD by GSA Property Management Office and coordinated with GC.

10. Where will we be able to park trucks by the building, or in the parking lot to the right of the building on the hill. Can our parking be comped, or some kind of pass given to park on the road/ or in that parking lot next to the courthouse? We will need easy access to our truck during demo and installation of the pipe.

GSA Response: During business hours, parking is available for one vehicle per project. After hours parking for additional vehicles will be determined based on other projects going on in the building at the time the projects is happening.

11. What are the delivery times and delivery laydown/ storage area for our pipe while the project is going on?

GSA Response: Deliveries are coordinated with the GSA Property Management Office with 72 hours of written, prior notice. Pipe storage is the contractor's responsibility, but a storage area may be available based on other projects going on in the building at the time the project is happening.

12. Do the grooved fittings and couplings have to be painted to match the piping or is the factory painted finish acceptable?

GSA Response: The pipe and the fittings shall be the same color, as per specifications.

FPE Response: The factory finish of the grooved fittings and couplings is not acceptable, and requires the same color finish as the pipe. Please refer to the specifications for the exact requirements.

13. Are design drawings required or are the drawings provided by GSA sufficient?

GSA Response: Indicated in the Spec. design required.

FPE Response: Design drawings were already provided in the solicitation. The Contractor is required to provide shop drawings signed and sealed by the Contractor’s designer.

Photocopies of the AE’s design drawings are NOT acceptable, and will be returned without review. Shop drawings must be provided as per the requirements in the specifications. Please refer to the specifications for the exact requirements.

14. Will the inspection and testing of the repaired systems be performed during the normal work day or on the night shift?

GSA Response: Unless otherwise informed or directed by the GSA Fire Protection Engineer, inspections will be performed during normal business hours.

FPE Response: Inspections can occur during normal business hours. Air tests can occur during normal business hours. Hydrostatic testing can occur during normal business hours if the system is isolated from the waterflow switch. Integrated Waterflow and Alarm Testing will require actual waterflow and will actuate the building’s fire alarm system. Such disruptive testing requires after hours testing.

15. Please confirm that the expectation of all dumpster (waste container) management is by

GC.

GSA Response: Dumpsters, recycling, waste removal is the Contractor’s responsibility.

16. Please provide building operating hours Jobsite (both interior building and attached parking garage) access for subcontractors will be during what hours?

GSA Response: Work hours will be primarily 6 pm- 6 am. Primarily night and weekend work.

17. Can alternate piping be used, ILO schedule 40 black steel, threaded

GSA Response: Piping requirements are stated in the spec. Any deviation will not be accepted without the written authorization of the Office of the GSA Fire Protection Engineer.

FPE Response: The specifications require Schedule 40, Black Steel with Cut Grooves.

Equivalent technologies that provide equal or superior performance can be considered.

However, proper scientific justification and sound engineering judgement must be documented in a written request for substitution. Additionally, Schedule 40 is the MINIMUM pipe size, galvanized pipe shall not be used, material must be metallic, and grooves must be cut rather than rolled.

18. Can piping scheduled to be painted, in-shop (with labels left un-painted)?

GSA Response: This method of pre-painting has been previously approved, but it must be stressed that if the pipe type, product information and UL listing, etc. is not readily visible, the piping will not be accepted.

FPE Response: Asked and Answered in Number 2.

19. Is this project tax exempt?

GSA Response: GSA can provide a letter to the awardee stating project location and contract number, however GSA is not at liberty to provide tax exempt forms for any project.

20. Is a performance (or any other type) bond required?

GSA Response: This information is noted throughout the solicitation. PLEASE read the complete solicitation before submitting your proposal package. Page 2 - Bonding is required.

21. What company currently services the building FA/ FP system?

GSA Response: Doug Michel with Hatzel & Buehler is the main tech who works on the system and Tyco SimplexGrinnell is who does the programming.

22. References 3 years. GSA has not had a lot of sprinkler projects in the last 3 years can this be increase to 5-10 years.

GSA Response: References should be current and is not specifically targeted to GSA projects.

FPE Response: Experience is not limited to GSA projects. However, it is limited to similar types of experiences. Such experience for this project must include work on Dry Pipe Systems and preferably also with installation of Nitrogen Generators. Please refer to the specifications for the exact requirements.

22. Schedule: Is there a number of days duration from NTP?

GSA Response: PLEASE read the complete solicitation before submitting your proposal package. Page 2 – Performance Period & Liquidated Damages – 300 calendar days.

23. Meetings: We would like to confirm that contractor is to conduct meetings.

GSA Response: Meetings are required

24. Fireproofing and Fire Stopping:

a. No Specs 07 81 00 or 07 84 00 included in specifications.

b. Some sprinkler contractors will install clamps into fireproofing without patching of material. Is there a procedure or spec for hanger installation?

c. Is hand packing at all hanger to be performed by a licensed fireproofing contractor?

d. Fireproofing is failing in areas and some areas will fall when fasteners are installed.

How will this be handled?

GSA Response: Where fireproofing is disturbed by this project, a licensed fireproofing contractor shall return the fireproofing to the manufacturers recommended depth, condition, etc.

FPE Response: The AE needs to provide BOTH a firestopping and fireproofing specification for this project. An amendment should be provided to ensure a competitive bid.

24. Plastic tarps in a number of areas: Who is responsible to remove and reinstall?

GSA Response: Contractor

25. 21 13 16 Installation is NICET Level II or higher to be on site full time? If not specifically how often.

GSA Response: A NICET Level II or higher Sprinkler Technician shall supervise the installation full time.

26. Building Fire Alarm System: Who will be responsible for shutting down, monitoring and starting the system up and associated costs?

GSA Response: These costs are the Contractor’s responsibility.

27. 21 13 16 – 14 - All sprinkler piping that is currently schedule 10 pipe that is part of any dry pipe sprinkler system shall be replaced with schedule 40 black sprinkler pipe, cut grooved, ASTM A53 and shall be provided for all locations on the lower levels regardless of design drawings that do not specifically call out each individual location where required.

Contractor Comment – This is not Fair nor reasonable. If the design engineer was not able to determine during design it is unrealistic for the fire protection contractor to determine during the bid process.

GSA Response: Refer to the drawings, the design drawings indicate the piping to be replaced.

FPE Response: For reference purposes only, PBS P-100 requirements at the time of original installation required a minimum of Schedule 40 for pipe diameter 2” and smaller. For Pipes 2.5” and larger a minimum of Schedule 10 was required. Some pipe sections may have been replaced during repairs, but those may or may not have been like for like. While this question refers to a specification requirement, please see the drawings for the locations where th e pipe is indicated to be replaced.

28. Can Pipe be prepainted? If so what guidelines need to be followed?

GSA Response:This method of pre-painting has been previously approved, but it must be stressed that if the pipe type, product information and UL listing, etc. is not readily visible, the piping will not be accepted.

FPE Response: Asked and Answered in Number 2.

29. Testing: Can the project be final by floor/ level rather than the entire project at once?

GSA Response: I can't speak for Chuck on this, but I think a zone by zone testing and acceptance strategy puts a heavy burden on us, and would not provide the holistic test that NFPA 13 and GSA require. Please note, that any hydrostatic testing of fire sprinkler system cannot be executed until the Nitrogen Generator is active to mitigate corrosion activity within the sprinkler system.

FPE Response: Asked and Answered in Number 1

30. See attached Section 21 13 13 article 2.1.A.6: How can we be held responsible for replacing pipe that is not identified to be replaced on the plans? If the project engineer/ designer was not able to identify which pipe was currently schedule 10 during the design process it is unrealistic for any fire protection contractor to identify during the bidding process. This could potentially be a significant item that will not be able to be verified until the fire protection contractor is able to inspect when under contract. Some of the piping is 30’ plus up in the air and only accessible by lifts. If this pipe is found to be present it should be identified and corresponding pricing submitted to replace.

GSA Response: Same question above (27) from the same contractor. Refer to the drawings, the design drawings indicate the piping to be replaced.

FPE Response: Asked and Answered in Number 27.