90209 - 570-20-308 - Fresno CHW - Bid Set Basis Of Design - 20260504.pdf

Contract Number: 36C26122N0568

Fresno VA Medical Center (VISN 21)

VA Project: 570-20-308 Davenergy Project: 90209

Replace and Expand Chilled Water Infrastructure, Building 1 and OPC

Fresno VA Medical Center Building 1 and OPC

Basis of Design Bid Set

Date Prepared: 05/04/2026

For:

VA Fresno 2615 E Clinton Ave, Fresno, CA, 93703 Attn:

Bran Murphy

Author:

Alexander Boucher

P.E., CEM, CxA, CxPP, BSC, LEED AP BD+C Vice President of Operations alexander.boucher@davenergy.com Phone: 619.770.8552

Replace and Expand Chilled Water Infrastructure, Building 1 and OPC Fresno, CA VAMC Client Project Number: 570-20-308 May 4, 2026 Submittal Number: Bid Set

BASIS OF DESIGN

1. BASIS OF DESIGN NARRATIVE

2. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN NARRATIVE

3. CIVIL DESIGN NARRATIVE

4. STRUCTURAL DESIGN NARRATIVE

5. MECHANICAL DESIGN NARRATIVE

6. ELECTRICAL DESIGN NARRATIVE

7. FIRE PROTECTION DESIGN NARRATIVE

8. PHASING

Appendix A – Acronyms

Appendix B – Load Report

Appendix C – RFIs Issued & Log

Appendix D – Internal Design Meeting Minutes to Date

Appendix E – October 2022 TAB Report

Appendix F – Equipment Cutsheets

Appendix G – Pipe-FLO Model

Appendix H – April 2026 TAB Report

TEAM DATA

Owner

Team Member / Role Contact Name Phone Email

COR Bran Murphy 559-385-5863 Bran.Murphy@va.gov

COR Jamal Kargbo 559-313-7669 Jamal.ahmid-kargbo@va.gov

CO Charee Harris Charee.Harris@va.gov

Design Team

Team Member / Role Contact Name Phone Email

Project Manager (Owner)

Alexander Boucher P.E., CEM, CxA, CxPP, BSC, LEED AP BD+C

619-770-8552 Alexander.Boucher@davenergy.com

Architect Michael Hawarny 269-270-2984 MHawarny@bodewegroup.com

Civil Designer Jordan Vandermeer, PE 479-225-8170 Jordan.vandermeer@valiint.com

Structural Engineer Jim McDonald, SE 213-271-1912 jamcdonald@sgh.com

Mechanical Engineer Justin Millerberg, PE 801-928-1586 Justin.Millerberg@davenergy.com

Electrical Engineer Donnie Howard, PE 619-990-8360 Donnie.howard@davenergy.com

Fire Protection Engineer

John Veltre, FPE 619-884-7693 John@veltreengineering.com

Submittal Number: Bid Set Page 1 of 27

1. BASIS OF DESIGN NARRATIVE

This design narrative provides a description for this renovation project located at the Fresno VA Medical Center. This project involves the replacement of the chilled water piping in the OPC and building 1, the chilled water pumps currently serving these areas, and any undersized fan coils in these areas. The existing pipes are too small to accommodate the required chilled water flow that is required in the summer months, and their associated risers are scattered throughout various locations in the building. These risers will be demolished and consolidated to two sets of risers, one serving the north wing of building 1 and one serving the OPC and south wing of building 1. The new piping system will be used for chilled water as well as hot water; new control valves will be provided on the hot and chilled water lines to allow for switch over during summer / winter months.

2. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN NARRATIVE

Applicable Codes and Standards:

VA Architectural Design Manual, Standards for Construction and Specifications PG 18-13 Barrier Free Design Guides PG-18-10 HVAC Design Manual (November 2017, Rev September 2025) Physical Security and Resiliency (October 2020, Rev Jun 2025) NFPA 101 Life Safety Code NFPA 99 Standards for Healthcare Facilities NFPA 80 Standard for Fire Doors and Fire Windows 2024 International Building Code

ASHARE 90.1-2022

Architectural Materials:

Where the chilled water infrastructure is routed from the fifth-floor roof to the sixth floor on the outside of the building materials and the assembly methodology will be selected such that the exterior envelope is long lasting and provides many years of trouble-free service to the VA Fresno medical center. The exterior envelope will control moisture, air, vapor, and thermal transfer.

Materials and finishes will blend in with recent renovation projects at the Fresno VA medical center. The exterior envelope could include a composite metal panel rain screen. As is good practice and complying with code references including ASHRAE 90.1 the appropriate level of exterior insulation will be provided. A continuous air, vapor, and moisture barrier on sheathing on cold formed metal framing will complete the building envelope. The new chase will also be blast resistant and compliant with the VA TIL PSRDM requirements.

Where the chilled water infrastructure is routed above existing ceiling finishes, the existing ceiling finish will need to be removed in its entirety. Once the new chilled water infrastructure in installed a new ceiling finish can be installed in the existing’s place and matching the existing

Submittal Number: Bid Set Page 2 of 27 layout. Existing ceiling mounted MEP fixtures will need to be supported during demolition and then reinstalled in the new ceiling finish.

Where existing interior walls need to be demoed to allow for demolition and reconstruction of the chilled water infrastructure, the new work plans will designate new wall construction that matches in-kind. To meet a two-hour rating, and where access is only possible from the room side a shaft wall construction will be most appropriate.

Non-rated interior walls will be constructed of metal studs spaced a maximum of 16” on center with 5/8” gypsum board and sound batt insulation. Full height and partial height partitions could be selected depending on adjacent room functions and sound transfer considerations.

Rated interior walls will be constructed with the appropriate UL assembly and where required within the hospital.

Design Concept Statement:

Finishes will be selected with an emphasis placed on design solutions that will help with efficiency and create a cohesive look with the most recent improvements on the VA medical center campus.

Durable materials will be used to support the ease of maintenance as well as enhance end user experience by providing environments that look their best for longer.

Ceilings: Either 5/8” gypsum board on metal framing or suspended acoustical ceiling tiles and grid will be provided.

Interior doors will be factory finished solid core wood doors, premium grade. Wood doors will be heavy duty. Interior frames shall be fully welded hollow metal frames, with a level 2 heavy duty rating.

Interior Design:

Corridor Consideration o Flooring: Non-slip, heat-welded sheet vinyl o Base: 4” integral coved base (sheet vinyl) o Wall Finish: Painted gypsum board walls with 4’H rigid sheet wall protection o Ceiling: Acoustical ceiling panels and suspended grid, and suspended gypsum board.

Existing Rooms Consideration o Flooring: Non-slip, heat-welded sheet vinyl o Base: 4” integral coved base (sheet vinyl) o Wall Finish: Painted gypsum board walls with 4’H rigid sheet wall protection

Submittal Number: Bid Set Page 3 of 27 o Ceiling: Acoustical ceiling panels and suspended grid, and suspended gypsum board.

Finish Palette (To Be Determined w/ VA Interior Design Input after the 65% submission)

Construction Considerations:

Renovation and construction work within an active hospital requires special considerations be made and properly accounted for by the Contractors. An Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) will need to be completed, with considerations from the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Association (SMACNA) indoor air quality guidelines for occupied buildings.

ICRA Type D and Type E are currently anticipated to be the type of construction activities encountered. In addition, the patients likely to be encountered fall within the low, medium and high-risk group.

During construction the following activities are anticipated to be included:

o Provide active means to prevent airborne dust from dispersing into atmosphere.

o Water mist work surfaces to control dust while cutting.

o Seal unused doors with duct tape.

o Block off and seal air vents.

o Place dust mat at entrance and exit of work area.

o Remove or isolate the HVAC system in areas where work is being performed.

o Contain construction waste before transport in tightly covered containers.

Upon completion of construction the following activities are anticipated to be included:

o Wipe work surfaces with disinfectant.

o Contain any remaining construction waste before transport in tightly covered containers.

o Wet mop and/or vacuum with HEPA filtered vacuum before leaving work area.

o Remove isolation of HVAC system in areas where work is being performed.

3. CIVIL DESIGN NARRATIVE

Applicable Codes and Standards:

PG-18-10 VA Site Design Manual PG-18-12 Design Guides Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standard (ABA)

Submittal Number: Bid Set Page 4 of 27

Design Concept Statement:

The proposed exterior routing of the CHW will be a direct route from the proposed point of connection to the proposed point of entry back into the building. The supply and return lines will be directly buried per the requirements of the PG-18-10 Site Design Manual. The lines will be spaced adequately to facilitate proper soil compaction and at an elevation deep enough to meet the requirements of the frost depth in Fresno California which is 4”. Additionally, a precast concrete vault and manually operated gate valves will be installed prior to re-entering the building to facilitate line isolation should it be needed.

To enter the basement, a steel casing sleeve will be Jack-and-bored beneath the existing patio area to avoid any structural disturbances.

All concrete required to be removed due to the CHW installation will be replaced in-kind.

Additionally, all landscaping and irrigation will be replaced within the limits of disturbance.

Due to the tight nature of the site as well as limited access, the excavation will likely be performed by a mini excavator which can come in widths as narrow as 3’. Although the excavation will take longer with the smaller equipment, it will allow the contractor to access the site without damaging the adjacent flatwork.

4. STRUCTURAL DESIGN NARRATIVE

Design Parameters & Reference Data

2024 International Building Code – ICC – First Printing: August 2023

2024 International Existing Building Code – ICC - First Printing: August 2023

PG 18-10 Structural Design Manual – VA TIL – October 1, 2022, Rev. July 1, 2023

H-18-8 Seismic Design Requirements – VA TIL – July 1, 2023, Rev. November 1, 2024

Standards of Seismic Safety for Existing Federally Owned and Leased Buildings, ICSSC Recommended Practice 10 (RP 10-22) – NIST – January 31, 2023

ASCE 7-22 Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures – ASCE – 2022

Building Description

Building 1 is a reinforced concrete structure originally built circa 1947. The original structure consists of reinforced concrete slabs spanning to concrete encased steel beams which are in turn supported by concrete encased steel columns. The building foundation consists of shallow

Submittal Number: Bid Set Page 5 of 27 isolated spread footings. The original lateral force-resisting system for the building consists of perimeter reinforced concrete shear walls.

We believe the building has undergone a seismic retrofit where possible shear walls and braced frames were added to improve the seismic performance of the building.

The structural scope includes a new shaft in Area A to house the central chilled water risers from the basement to the roof, an enclosure along the west elevation of Area B for the chilled water risers, and two new penetrations through the existing foundation wall to accommodate exterior routing of the chilled water.

Structural Alterations – Gravity

According to the International Existing Building Code (IEBC) Section 503.4, any existing gravity load-carrying structural element for which an alteration causes an increase in design dead, live, or snow load of more than 5% shall be replaced or strengthened to meet the International Building Code (IBC) requirements for new structures. Based on the anticipated alterations, this 5% threshold will not be exceeded; therefore, gravity strengthening is not required. However, supplemental framing will be required at the new shaft opening.

Structural Alterations – Seismic

According to the IEBC Section 503.4, any existing lateral load-carrying structural element whose demand-capacity ratio with the alteration considered is not more than 10% greater than its demand-capacity ratio with the alteration ignored shall be permitted to remain unaltered. Based on the anticipated alterations, this 10% threshold will not be exceeded;

therefore, seismic strengthening is not required.

Physical Security – Structural

Building 1, given its proposed use and construction type, is considered a Critical Facility per the Physical Security and Resiliency Design Manual (PSRDM). According to Table 2-1, since the anticipated renovation scope on each floor is less than 50% of the floor area, the project is to comply with PSRDM alteration/renovation of existing facilities requirements only for the area being altered or renovated. We do not expect there to be structural physical security requirements for this project.

Seismic Bracing of Nonstructural Components

The proposed scope of work for this project consists of replacement of existing nonstructural components like interior non-load bearing partitions, ceilings, mechanical and electrical equipment, furniture, and other building contents. Such replacement items shall be designed to be seismically braced in accordance with IBC and VA’s H-18-8.

Submittal Number: Bid Set Page 6 of 27

5. MECHANICAL DESIGN NARRATIVE

Design Parameters & Reference Data:

2024 International Building Code – ICC – First Printing: August 2023

2024 International Existing Building Code – ICC - First Printing: August 2023

Structural Design Manual for Hospital Projects – VA TIL – October 1, 2022

HVAC Design Manual – VA TIL - November 1, 2017, Rev. September 1, 2025

Plumbing Design Manual – VA TIL – February 1, 2024

Electrical Design Manual – VA TIL – March 1, 2025

Architectural Design Manual – VA TIL – August 1, 2014

H-18-8 Seismic Design Requirements – VA TIL – July 1, 2023, Rev. November 1, 2024

Standards of Seismic Safety for Existing Federally Owned and Leased Buildings, ICSSC Recommended Practice 8 (RP 8) – NIST – December 14, 2011

ASCE 7-16 Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures – ASCE – 2017

2008 A/E Submission Requirements PG-18-15, Volume C

Statement of Work:

This project will replace undersized chilled water infrastructure in the main facility and associated mechanical systems. The old pipes are considered too small and unable to handle the chilled water volume needed to meet the 110 plus degree temperatures during the summer months.

This project constitutes the third and final phase of this critical mechanical upgrade to the main building, the new chillers and infrastructure to the main building are complete. In addition to the replacement of the hydronic pipes, the condensate lines will also be replaced.

This project is primarily centered about a new parallel 12” chilled water header to be run in a trench outside Building 1 and upgrading the existing chilled water risers located in Building 1 and serving the OPC. The new 12” chilled water header will be run in parallel to the existing 8-inch header in the tunnel at Building 1. Both headers shall meet in the sub basement of Building 1 and distribute to the new risers and other existing buildings. The existing risers will be demolished, and a single new chase will be constructed, with two sets of risers serving the “K-Coil” equipment (air handlers) and “Zone” equipment (duct coils and fan coil units), respectively. This project will also include demolishing existing pumps and installing four (4) new distribution pumps (N+1 for

Submittal Number: Bid Set Page 7 of 27 redundancy) along with automated seasonal changeover valves to switch distribution between heating hot water and chilled water. All fan coils associated with the risers from the secondary loop inside Building 1 and OPC must be evaluated for replacement. Condensate piping shall also be evaluate for replacement. Design must account for construction phasing to minimize hospital downtime and prolong disruptions. Design must account for seasonal aspects of the Fresno County area.

New Work:

The existing system is composed of two (2) zone riser serving the duct coils and fan coil units on the floors, and one (1) “K-coil” riser serving Building 32 and AHUs 8, 9, and 10. The system has the two zone supply risers going to Level 7, and then splitting into multiple risers to drop down the building in walls to serve the units.

The plan is to consolidate the risers into one main shaft located in the center the building just to the north of the courtyard. This shaft would house four risers, two supply and two return, one set of supply and return for K-Coil riser serving the air handlers and one set for zone riser serving the duct coils and fan coil units. There will be shut off valves located at the tap for each of these risers on each floor, located in the corridor for maintenance access. This will provide a way for maintenance to cut off water to that section of the building for repairs or maintenance without having to shut off the water for the entire building.

The four new risers will be served by four (4) new pumps, two (2) per riser, along with additional controls to operate the pumps and automate the seasonal changeover between hot water and chilled water. The existing system is manually switched over in the subbasement of Building 1.

The existing Building 1 subbasement hot water and chilled water pumps will be demolished.

From these main risers branches will run down the corridors and to each of the fan coil units that required piping throughout the entire building, avoiding existing items located in the ceiling spaces. This routing will allow for the minimum impact to essential rooms of the hospital during construction and will be phased to reduce impact as well.

In addition to updating the entire chilled water infrastructure of the building, the fan coils and dual temperature duct coils will also be replaced, as most of them are old and not performing efficiently, thus causing the chilled water pumps to overwork, and the environments affected to not meet temperature requirements. Existing duct mounted reheat only coils and VAV terminal units are to remain, and replacement of these units are not in the scope of this project. All existing reheat only coils and VAV terminal unit valves, strainers, etc. are to remain.

While the current chilled water system does not currently serve any of the zones serviced by any of the DX or VRF systems, the VA has requested sizing for those loads as well to allow for future expansion of the chilled water system to include these zones. While designing this updated chilled water system this will be taken into account to provide room for this future expansion.

Submittal Number: Bid Set Page 8 of 27

The condensate piping shall be replaced in place, with existing routing being matched to avoid any potential overflow of the sanitary system by piping the condensate to local drains or sink tail pieces.

Additionally, it was brought up in conversation with the VA of the future intent to convert the building from a seasonal change over system to a dedicated chilled water/ dedicated heating hot water system. With this in mind, the K-coil risers have been designed to become a dedicated chilled water loop and sized with the future capacity to account for connecting every air handler in Building 1 to the loop. The zone risers have been sized to be converted to a dedicated heating hot water loop, providing reheat to all of the coils on the floors.

For this reason, the two systems (K-coil and Zone) are decoupled prior to the seasonal change over valves, and are provided with separate pumps, enabling a more streamlined conversion to dedicated chilled water/heating hot water in the future.

Temporary pumps and piping will be provided during the initial phase of the project to maintain the building heating/cooling operational while the piping and pumps in the sub-basement are replaced with the larger pipes and pumps.

Air handler coils connected to the K-coil system were evaluated. Of the three (3) air handlers in building 1, two (2) (AHU-9 and AHU-10) are currently being replaced/installed as part of project 570-19-307 and therefore require no replacement as part of this project. The third (AHU-8) was installed as part of project number 570-17-700, which was issued in 2020, and is new enough to not merit replacement.

The OPC chilled water riser was also evaluated and determined to be large enough and recent enough to not warrant replacement.

6. ELECTRICAL DESIGN NARRATIVE

The electrical scope of work consists of providing power to four new distribution pumps located in the sub-basement mechanical equipment room B203 and includes complete demolition of the existing pumps and all associated electrical systems. Demolition shall include disconnecting and removing all existing conduit, conductors, starters, disconnecting means, and related electrical equipment back to the source motor control center (MCC-SB), with no systems abandoned in place. New conduit, conductors, disconnecting means, and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) shall be provided for each pump, with all equipment powered from MCC-SB. Temp power will be needed for supply to two temp pumps to maintain system operation while new pumps are being installed.

The electrical scope for the fan coil unit (FCU) replacements shall consist of disconnecting the existing units and reconnecting a new like-for-like FCU at the same location utilizing the

Submittal Number: Bid Set Page 9 of 27 existing branch circuit, provided the circuit capacity, voltage, and overcurrent protection are verified to be suitable.

Pumps:

Demo: All existing pump-associated conduit, conductors, and electrical equipment shall be disconnected and completely removed back to the source motor control center (MCC-SB).

New: Provide new conduit, conductors, disconnecting means, and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) for all four distribution pumps. Power shall be sourced from motor control center

MCC-SB.

The K-Coil Pumps are driven by a 25 hp motor with a full load current of approximately 74.8 amps at 208V. The minimum circuit ampacity is calculated at 93.5 amps based on 125% of the motor full load current, and the maximum overcurrent protection is 175 amps using a 250% inverse time breaker allowance.

The Zone Coil Pumps are equipped with a 10 hp motor with a full load current of approximately

30.8 amps at 208V. The minimum circuit ampacity is 38.5 amps, and the maximum overcurrent protection is 70 amps, both determined in accordance with NEC requirements.

Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs):

New: Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) will be provided for each new distribution pump to allow for variable speed control and efficient system operation. The use of VFDs will reduce energy consumption, provide soft starting and stopping of motors, and minimize mechanical stress on equipment, thereby extending equipment life and improving overall system reliability.

Basis of design for the variable frequency drives (VFDs) shall be the ABB ACH580 Series VFD with internal disconnect, specifically designed for variable torque HVAC applications. The K- Coil Pumps shall be served by model ACH580-01-075A-2 or equivalent, and the Zone Coil Pumps shall be served by model ACH580-01-031A-2 or equivalent.

7. FIRE PROTECTION DESIGN NARRATIVE

F-1.0 FIRE PROTECTION BASIS OF DESIGN (PG-18-15)

O F-1.1 Narrative

Sprinkler system modifications are not anticipated, except as required to accommodate the work specified in other disciplines/utilities. Interim life safety measures (ILSM) are addressed in specification section Specification Section 013526.

Submittal Number: Bid Set Page 10 of 27

This may require replacement or reconfiguration in areas to accommodate the new systems. The primary fire/life safety goal of this project is to provide an environment for occupants that is reasonably safe from the effects of fire and products of combustion during construction and thereafter. The secondary goal is to provide a reasonable level of building usability and property protection. To achieve these goals, the objectives are to protect occupants who are not intimate with initial fire development for the time needed to take appropriate action, to improve the survivability of occupants who are intimate with initial fire development, and to increase the likelihood that, in the event of a fire, critical operational functions are not interrupted.

Applicable features of fire life safety, means of egress, fire resistive construction, site fire protection, fire protection system design, and other pertinent requirements of the VA Fire Protection Design Manual (VA FPDM), International Building Code (IBC), Health Care Facilities Code (NFPA 99), Life Safety Code (NFPA 101), and other referenced Codes and Standards are summarized herein.

The fire sprinkler and fire alarm will be designed and installed under the direct supervision of a Qualified Fire Protection Engineer (QFPE) in accordance with the VA Fire Protection Design Manual (VA FPDM) and referenced NFPA codes and standards. All design documents and construction submittals will be reviewed for conformance with the applicable criteria and stamped by the QFPE prior to submitting to the Government.

o F-1.2 General Code Analysis

The intent of this analysis is to identify the general building code requirements, including classification of occupancy, construction type, allowable heights and areas versus actual heights and areas, exterior exposure protection and interior fire rated occupancy separations.

Additionally, this analysis will identify the following life safety requirements as they relate to the scope of work: occupant load factors and total calculated load, required versus provided number of exits, capacity of means of egress, arrangement of means of egress including remoteness of exits, travel distance, common path of travel, dead-end corridors lengths, discharge from exits, fire rated separation of exits and exit access, fire rated separation of hazardous areas and flame spread/smoke development ratings of interior finishes.

The following analysis summarizes the life safety condition of the existing building and improvements related to the scope of work.

Occupancy Classification – Existing (not altered)

Mixed Use and Occupancy – Nonseparated Occupancy (IBC Sect. 508.3) Business Group B (IBC Sect. 304.1)

Submittal Number: Bid Set Page 11 of 27

Institutional Group I-2 (IBC Sect. 308.3)

Existing Health Care (NFPA 101, Chapter 19) with Incidental Business, Industrial, and Storage use

Fire Pump and Riser Room Size – Existing (not altered)

IBC Section 902, NFPA 20

Automatic Sprinkler Systems – Existing (modifications required)

IBC Section 903, NFPA 13

Portable Fire Extinguishers – Existing (not altered)

IBC Section 906, NFPA 10

Fire Detection and Alarm Systems – Existing (modifications required)

IBC Section 907, NFPA 72

Fire Department Connection – Existing (not altered)

IBC Section 912, NFPA 13

Fire Pump – Existing (not altered)

IBC Section 913, NFPA 20

Construction Type – Existing (not altered)

IBC Section 602.2 NFPA 220 Table 4.1.1

Allowable Height – Existing (not altered)

IBC Table 504.3

Allowable Stories – Existing (not altered)

IBC Table 504.4

Allowable Area – Existing (not altered)

IBC Table 506.2

Actual Number of Stories – Existing (not altered)

Actual Building Height – Existing (not altered)

Actual Building Area – Existing (not altered)

Fire-Resistance Rating Requirements for Building Elements (IBC Table 601)

Submittal Number: Bid Set Page 12 of 27

Primary Structural Frame 2 hour Bearing Walls 2 hour Nonbearing Walls 0 hour Floor Construction 2 hour (and associated secondary members) Roof Construction 1 hour (and associated secondary members) Fire Separation Distance < 30 feet – 1 hour (2024 IBC Table 602)

≥ 30 feet – 0 hour (2024 IBC Table 602) Risk Category

Category 1 (NFPA 99)

Classification of Hazard of Contents – Existing (not altered)

Ordinary Hazard (2021 NFPA 101; 6.2.2.3)

Total Occupant Load – Existing (not altered)

Means of Egress (NFPA 101, Chapter 7)

Components NFPA 101; 7.2 Capacity NFPA 101; 7.3 Number NFPA 101; 7.4 Arrangement NFPA 101; 7.5 Travel Distance NFPA 101; 7.6 Discharge from Exits NFPA 101; 7.7 Illumination NFPA 101; 7.8 Emergency Illumination NFPA 101; 7.9 Marking NFPA 101; 7.10 Mechanical Equipment Rooms NFPA 101; 7.13 Normally Unoccupied Support Areas NFPA 101; 7.14

Features of Fire Protection (NFPA 101, Chapter 8)

Construction and Compartmentation NFPA 101; 8.2 Fire Barriers NFPA 101; 8.3 Smoke Partitions NFPA 101; 8.4 Smoke Barriers NFPA 101; 8.5 Vertical Openings NFPA 101; 8.6 Special Hazard Protection NFPA 101; 8.7

Building Service and Fire Protection Equipment (NFPA 101, Chapter 9)

Utilities NFPA 101; 9.1

HVAC NFPA 101; 9.2

Elevators NFPA 101; 9.3 Fire Detection and Alarm NFPA 101; 9.6, NFPA 72

Submittal Number: Bid Set Page 13 of 27

Automatic Sprinkler NFPA 101; 9.7, NFPA 13 Portable Fire Extinguishers NFPA 101; 9.9, NFPA 10

Interior Finish, Contents, and Furnishings (NFPA 101, Chapter 10)

Interior Finish NFPA 101; 10.2 Contents and Furnishings NFPA 101; 10.3

F-1.3 Fire Protection Codes and Standards

Where specific editions of criteria are referenced, these editions will be utilized unless approved otherwise. Where specific editions of applicable criteria are not referenced, the most recently published editions available at the time of the Government’s solicitation for proposal apply.

Some key criteria applicable to the fire protection design are referenced in Section 1.1.3.

The advisory provisions of referenced Codes and Standards will be mandatory;

substitute words such as “shall,” “must,” or “required” for words such as “should,” “may,” or “recommended” wherever they appear. The results of these wording substitutions incorporate these code and standard statements as requirements.

F-1.4 Fire Protection Codes During Construction

Appropriate measures for preventing and minimizing fire damage during construction and demolition operations shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 241 and Specification Section 013526, Safety Requirements. Existing levels of protection shall be maintained throughout construction. Provide fire watch as necessary if impairments extend beyond 4-hours. NOTE: All utility outages require notice of five (5) business days.

F-1.5 Site Considerations

The scope of work will not affect the following: Fire Separation Distance, Fire Department (Emergency) Vehicle Access, Fire Service Water Supply and Distribution System, or Fire Hydrants.

F-1.6 Existing Systems

Modifications to the existing fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems are anticipated based on reconfigured walls and ceilings. Refer to the following sections for additional information.

o F-1.7 Building Features – Existing (not altered)

Submittal Number: Bid Set Page 14 of 27 o F-1.8 Occupancy Classification

The occupancy classification will not be altered based on the scope of work. This analysis is based on the following classification.

Mixed Use and Occupancy – Nonseparated Occupancy (IBC 508.3)

Business Group B (IBC Section 304.1) Institutional Group I-2 (IBC Section 308.3)

Existing Health Care (NFPA 101, Chapter 19) with incidental business, industrial, and storage use o F-1.9 Special Occupancies/Protection

Every story of a health care facility is required to be divided into not less than two smoke compartments, except stories less than 10,000 sq-ft. Existing smoke compartment boundaries will not be modified and are shown on the design documents.

As required, each smoke compartment is separated from the adjacent smoke compartments by wall and floors constructed with at least 1/2-hour fire/smoke barriers per NFPA 101; 8.5 and 19.3.7.3. However, one-hour fire/smoke barriers were likely constructed as required for New Health Care Occupancies; NFPA 101

20.3.7.3 and penetrations should be protected as such.

Per IBC and NFPA 101, each smoke compartment is provided with an independent means of egress without having to return through the smoke compartment from which means of egress originated, and travel distance from any point to reach a door in a fire/smoke barrier will not exceed 200 ft.

Incidental uses are ancillary functions associated with a given occupancy that generally pose a greater level of risk to that occupancy. Examples of these spaces include electrical, mechanical, telecommunications, and general-purpose storage rooms. Note that NFPA 101 addresses these rooms hazardous areas and requires automatic sprinkler protection and smoke or fire-rated separation from adjacent areas of the building.

Construction joints and penetrations through fire-rated floor/ceiling and wall assemblies shall be protected in accordance with NFPA 101. Door assemblies in required one-hour fire-rated separation walls shall be 45-minutes (20-minutes at half-hour walls) and provided with fire-rated door hardware. Door assemblies in required smoke partition walls shall be provided with self-closing door hardware and no door louvers.

Submittal Number: Bid Set Page 15 of 27

Storage rooms are considered hazardous areas and shall comply with appropriate requirements of NFPA 101. General purpose storage rooms (e.g., supply storage, janitorial, etc.) are provided with automatic sprinkler protection and enclosed within smoke partition walls per NFPA 101; 8.4.

Pharmacies located in health care occupancies are considered storage areas and shall therefore be separated from adjacent spaces by one-hour fire resistive construction per NFPA 101; 8.3. Fire or service counter shutters shall be provided to protect openings where medication is dispensed, or other transactions occur per the VA FPDM.

Rooms containing medical records storage or moveable-aisle/mobile shelving are provided with automatic sprinkler protection and enclosed with a barrier having a one-hour fire resistance rating per the VA FPDM.

Rooms with compact mobile storage units greater than 50 sq-ft are considered hazardous areas in accordance with NFPA 101 and shall be provided with automatic sprinkler protection and enclosed with a barrier having a one-hour fire resistance rating per the VA FPDM. Smoke detection shall also be provided in these rooms as required by NFPA 99.

Areas where medical gas is stored or administered, and the operation, management, and maintenance of medical gases shall be in accordance with 2021 NFPA 99. Medical gases and medical vacuum will be provided to support the functions of the building. It is anticipated that the following will be provided:

oxygen, nitrous oxide, nitrogen, medical air, medical vacuum, and gas evacuation.

Location, construction, and arrangement of compressed medical gas storage areas shall comply with NFPA 99. Rooms containing compressed medical gas storage are provided with automatic sprinkler protection and enclosed with a barrier having a one-hour fire resistance rating per NFPA 101; 8.3.

Penetrations through fire-rated floor/ceiling, floor, and wall assemblies shall be protected in accordance with NFPA 101. Floors, floor openings, floor penetrations, and floor firestop systems shall be sealed or curbed to prevent liquid leakage to lower floors. Door assemblies in required one-hour fire-rated separations shall be 45-minutes.

o F-1.10 Information Technology and Telecommunications

Not applicable based on the scope of work.

o F-1.11 Laboratories

Not applicable based on the scope of work.

Submittal Number: Bid Set Page 16 of 27 o F-1.12 Atrium Smoke Control System

Not applicable based on the scope of work.

o F-1.13 VA Hospital Building System (VAHBS)

Not applicable based on the scope of work.

o F-1.14 Type of Construction, Building Height, and Area

The construction type, building height, and area will not be altered based on the scope of work. Additional field investigation and research is required to complete this section.

o F-1.14 Fire Resistive Construction

Maintain existing construction and compartmentation, fire barriers, smoke partitions, smoke barriers, vertical openings, and horizontal exits in accordance with NFPA 101. Repair existing walls where construction activities disturb the required continuity. Construction shall meet or exceed existing conditions.

An approved firestop system will be required at all new and existing membrane and through penetrations at smoke and fire-resistive construction. Firestopping shall conform to facility standards.

o F-1.15 Structural and Exterior Fire Resistance

Structural and exterior fire resistance will be field verified as the project progresses. Where structural fireproofing is disturbed, damaged, or destroyed as a result of construction efforts, the contractor shall be responsible for restoring the fireproofing to the required fire resistance rating in an approved manner. The restoration shall be completed in accordance with the UL listing or FM approval for the fireproofing materials provided, and the applicable requirements of the building, fire, and life safety codes adopted for the facility.

o F-1.16 Combustible Materials

Per IBC 603.1, combustible materials are permitted in buildings of Type I or II construction in the following applications and in accordance with IBC 603.1.1 through 603.1.3:

(1) Fire-retardant-treated wood shall be permitted in:

a. Nonbearing partitions where the required fire-resistance rating is 2 hours or less.

Submittal Number: Bid Set Page 17 of 27

b. Nonbearing exterior walls where fire-resistance-rated construction is not required.

c. Roof construction, including girders, trusses, framing and decking.

(2) Thermal and acoustical insulation, other than foam plastics, having a flame spread index of not more than 25. Exceptions:

a. Insulation placed between two layers of noncombustible materials without an intervening airspace shall be allowed to have a flame spread index of not more than 100.

b. Insulation installed between a finished floor and solid decking without intervening airspace shall be allowed to have a flame spread index of not more than 200.

(3) Foam plastics in accordance with IBC Chapter 26.

(4) Roof coverings that have an A, B or C classification.

(5) Interior floor finish and floor covering materials installed in accordance with

IBC 804.

(6) Millwork such as doors, door frames, window sashes and frames.

(7) Interior wall and ceiling finishes installed in accordance with IBC 803.

(8) Trim installed in accordance with IBC 806.

(9) Where not installed greater than 15 feet above grade, show windows, nailing or furring strips and wooden bulkheads below show windows, including their frames, aprons and show cases.

(10) Finish flooring installed in accordance with IBC 805.

(11) Partitions dividing portions of stores, offices or similar places occupied by one tenant only and that do not establish a corridor serving an occupant load of 30 or more shall be permitted to be constructed of fire-retardant-treated wood, 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction or of wood panels or similar light construction up to 6 feet in height.

(12) Stages and platforms constructed in accordance with IBC 410.2 and 410.3, respectively.

(13) Combustible exterior wall coverings, balconies and similar projections and bay or oriel windows in accordance with IBC Chapter 14 and 705.2.3.1.

Submittal Number: Bid Set Page 18 of 27

(14) Blocking such as for handrails, millwork, cabinets and window and door frames.

(15) Light-transmitting plastics as permitted by IBC Chapter 26.

(16) Mastics and caulking materials applied to provide flexible seals between components of exterior wall construction.

(17) Exterior plastic veneer installed in accordance with IBC 2605.2.

(18) Nailing or furring strips as permitted by IBC 803.15.

(19) Heavy timber as permitted by Note c to IBC Table 601 and 602.4.3 and 705.2.3.1.

(20) Aggregates, component materials and admixtures as permitted by IBC 703.2.2.

(21) Sprayed fire-resistant materials and intumescent and mastic fire-resistant coatings, determined on the basis of fire resistance tests in accordance with IBC 703.2 and installed in accordance with IBC 1705.14 and 1705.15, respectively.

(22) Materials used to protect penetrations in fire-resistance-rated assemblies in accordance with IBC 714.

(23) Materials used to protect joints in fire-resistance-rated assemblies in accordance with IBC 715.

(24) Materials allowed in the concealed spaces of buildings of Types I and II construction in accordance with IBC 718.5.

(25) Materials exposed within plenums complying with IMC 602.

(26) Wall construction of freezers and coolers of less than 1,000 sq-ft, in size, lined on both sides with noncombustible materials and the building is protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system.

(27) Nonmetallic ducts where installed in accordance with the limitations of the

IMC.

(28) Combustible piping materials where installed in accordance with the limitations of the IMC/IPC.

Submittal Number: Bid Set Page 19 of 27

(29) Electrical wiring methods with combustible insulation, tubing, raceways, and related components where installed in accordance with the limitations of this IBC.

o F-1.17 Interior Finishes

Interior finishes shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 101.

Interior wall and ceiling finish materials shall be Class A or Class B in exits and exit access corridors, and Class A, Class B, or Class C in all other areas. Wherever the use of Class C interior finish is required, Class A or Class B shall be permitted, and where Class B interior finish is required, Class A shall be permitted. (NFPA 101;

19.3.3.2)

Class A Interior Finish: Flame Spread Index 0–25 Smoke Developed Index 0–450

Class B Interior Finish: Flame Spread Index 26-75 Smoke Developed Index 0–450

Class C Interior Finish: Flame Spread Index 76-200 Smoke Developed Index 0–450

Interior floor finish in exits and exit access corridors shall be Class I or Class II.

(NFPA 101; 19.3.3.3)

Class I Interior Finish: Critical Radiant Flux of not less than 0.45 W/cm2

Class II Interior Finish: Critical Radiant Flux of not less than 0.22 W/cm2

Carpet and carpet-like interior floor finishes shall comply with ASTM D2859, Standard Test Method for Ignition Characteristics of Finished Textile Floor Covering Materials. Floor coverings, other than carpet shall have a minimum critical radiant flux of 0.1 W/cm2.

Submittal Number: Bid Set Page 20 of 27 o F-1.18 Interior Separations, Openings, and Penetrations

Incidental Uses (IBC Table 509) and Hazardous Areas (NFPA 101) are ancillary functions associated with a given occupancy that generally pose a greater level of risk to that occupancy and shall be separated from adjacent areas of the building as noted below. Examples of these spaces include furnace rooms, boiler rooms, engine rooms, laboratories, laundry rooms, waste and linen collection rooms, electrical rooms, mechanical rooms, storage rooms, and telecommunication rooms.

The following hazards are provided with automatic sprinkler protection and either enclosed in fire resistive construction in accordance with NFPA 101; 8.3 or smoke partitions in accordance with NFPA 101; 8.4. Additional safeguards required by other Codes and Standards or the VA FPDM (e.g., smoke detection) are noted for reference.

Incidental Uses and Hazardous Areas

Engine Room (Generator Room) 2 hour (NFPA 99) Elevator Machine Room 2 hour and Smoke Detection Fire Pump Room 1 hour (NFPA 20) Electrical Distribution and Switch Gear 1 hour Electrical and Telecommunication Closets Smoke Partition Battery Storage Rooms 1 hour Information Technology Equipment and Data Centers 1 hour and Smoke Detection

( NFPA 75)

Storage Rooms (other than general office supplies) Smoke Partition Storage Rooms (greater than 100 sq-ft) 1 hour Compact Mobile Storage (greater than 50 sq-ft) 1 hour and Smoke Detection

(NFPA 99)

High Density Storage and Medical Carousel Storage 1 hour (VA FPDM) Medical Gas Storage 2 hour (NFPA 99) Pharmacy 1 hour (VA FPDM) Laboratories 1 hour Laundry Rooms (greater than 100 sq-ft) Smoke Partition Waste and Linen Collection Rooms 1 hour Mechanical Rooms Smoke Partition Mechanical Rooms (open to shafts or adjacent floors) 1 hour

Submittal Number: Bid Set Page 21 of 27

Vertical Openings

Shafts (three stories or less) 1 hour Shafts (four stories or more) 2 hour Stair Enclosure (three stories or less) 1 hour Stair Enclosure (four stories or more) 2 hour Elevator Hoistway 2 hour Floor Construction 1 hour Fire/Smoke Barrier Communicating Spaces 1 hour Fire/Smoke Barrier o F-1.19 Means of Egress

The capacity, number, arrangement, and components of means of egress shall be provided based on the occupancies involved. Common path of travel, travel distances, dead-end limitations, and number and remoteness of exits shall be maintained in accordance with NFPA 101.

A complete egress analysis will be included in Design Development.

o F-1.20 Fire and Smoke Dampers

Fire protection features for air handling, heating, ventilation, and exhaust systems, such as duct smoke detectors, fire dampers and smoke dampers, shall comply with the minimum requirements of NFPA 90A and the VA FPDG.

o F-1.21 Water Supply for Fire Protection

Modifications to the existing water distribution system are not anticipated based on the scope of work. Maintain the existing fire pump system throughout construction per 2022 NFPA 241.

o F-1.22 Fire Pumps

Maintain the existing fire pump system throughout construction per NFPA 241.

o F-1.23 Fire Extinguishing Systems

Building 1 is protected throughout by a combined automatic wet-pipe sprinkler system and wet standpipe system, which is zoned by floor and by smoke compartment. Standpipe hose connections are available in each stair enclosure and in the adjacent corridors. Control valve assemblies provide means to isolate and drain the existing system by floor and smoke compartment without affecting other portions of the building. The systems are supplied by an existing fire pump system.

Submittal Number: Bid Set Page 22 of 27

The fire pump and sprinkler/standpipe systems are supplied by the existing water distribution system. Fire Department Connections (FDC) for the standpipe and sprinkler systems are located on the building exterior as required and fire hydrants are positioned along the building perimeter. The existing systems are in good working condition and have capacity to execute the awarded scope of work based on the proposed technical approach.

Modify the existing automatic wet-pipe sprinkler system to provide complete coverage throughout the areas of work. All materials and methods shall conform to the requirements of NFPA 13, except where specifically modified by the VA FPDG. The system shall be designed using the Area/Density Method, hydraulically calculated for Light Hazard as noted on the drawings and shall include outside hose allowance per NFPA 13.

Sprinkler spacing shall not exceed that permitted by NFPA 13 for the hazards involved. The use of extended coverage sprinklers is not permitted. Provide sprinklers with listed sprinkler guard in beneath stair landings as required by NFPA 13.

Provide Schedule 40 black steel pipe for all piping 2-inch and smaller. Schedule 10 pipe is permitted for larger pipe sizes. Galvanized steel pipe is prohibited.

System piping shall be seismically braced in accordance with 2022 NFPA 13. Use a seismic coefficient Cp = 0.39 (Sds =0.519 for D-site class). In addition to sway bracing, provide branch line restraint, flexible couplings, seismic separation assemblies, and clearance to structural members as required.

The fire sprinkler contractor shall perform required acceptance testing in accordance with Division 21 Specifications, including hydrostatic test, main drain test, and alarm tests in accordance with NFPA 13.

During construction the existing pendent sprinklers throughout the area of work shall be replaced with upright sprinklers located within 1”-12” of deck. The type of construction will be field verified prior to construction.

After construction has been completed, the upright sprinklers shall be removed and new pendent sprinklers and the associated drops shall be installed in the center of tile ±2 inches.

o F-1.24 Fire Alarm Systems

The existing fire alarm and emergency voice evacuation system (Simplex Model 4100U) is expandable and includes conduit, pull boxes, terminal cabinets, outlet and mounting boxes, system wiring, control equipment, alarm and supervisory initiating devices (pull stations, smoke detectors, heat detectors, duct smoke detectors), Submittal Number: Bid Set Page 23 of 27 addressable interface equipment (monitoring modules, control modules, relays), alarm notification appliances (speakers, strobes, speaker/strobes), supervision of integrated systems (automatic sprinkler systems, fire pump, door holders, access control, elevator), remote control units and booster power supply panels, and other accessories and miscellaneous items required for a complete operating system.

The main Fire Alarm Control Unit (FACU) and Network Display Unit (NDU), is located in Building 1 on the first floor in an electrical closet adjacent to the information desk. The system includes an existing Universal Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter (UDACT) to communicate with an off-site central station monitoring facility for signal reporting (i.e., alarm, trouble, and supervisory conditions). Modifications to the FACU and remote booster power supply panels located throughout the building are anticipated based on the scope of work.

Automatic smoke detection (partial/select coverage) was observed in waiting areas, above fire alarm control equipment, at fire-rated door assemblies provided with magnetic hold-open devices, and elevator lobbies as required. Duct smoke detectors (supply and return fans) were observed within the mechanical and equipment rooms.

The existing fire alarm system is in good working condition and has capacity to execute the awarded scope of work based on the proposed technical approach.

The existing fire alarm system will be modified to provide complete coverage throughout the areas of work in accordance with NFPA 72 and VA FPDM.