Attach A Final - ORIGINAL SOW - 437-23-105 Replace Fire Alarm System.docx

Scope of Work

Project Number: 437-23-105 Project Title: Replace Fire Alarm System

1. GENERAL INTENT:

1.1. This work shall be performed at the VA Medical Center located in Fargo, North Dakota.

1.2. This project aims to overhaul the entire fire alarm system across the Fargo VA campus. The current system will be replaced with an upgraded addressable voice notification system. The current analog fire alarm system is at the end of functional operability and cannot be expanded for future projects. The existing system needs to be replaced with a completely new updated digital system. During this transition, the old system will remain in place and fully operational until the new system is installed, operational, thoroughly tested, and commissioned. Additionally, the project scope requires the replacement of control panels, wiring, annunciators, notification devices, pull stations, and detectors across the campus facilities. This includes establishing a new Fire Command Center within a new office space with fire alarm communications being established through existing fiber lines.

2. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

2.1. Period of Performance will be 540 days from receipt of the Notice to Proceed.

3. STATEMENT OF WORK:

3.1. Description of Work

3.1.1. Construction work shall include, but shall not be limited to providing all labor, materials, equipment, etc. necessary to complete Fargo VA Health Care System construction project 437-23-105, Replace Fire Alarm System in accordance with the Scope of Work, the contract documents, NFPA, local building codes, VA facility standards, and other applicable requirements.

3.1.2. The project shall include, but shall not be limited to: Replacing fire alarm system head-end panels, annunciators, and other components to provide a digital fire alarm system for the Fargo VA campus. The old system will need to remain in place and fully operational until the new system is completely installed, operational and fully commissioned and tested.

3.1.3. The new system will require new Command Center, graphical workstation, all new control panels, new wiring throughout all buildings, new annunciators, notification devices (Horn/strobes), pull stations and detectors (Smoke/heat/duct) will need to be replaced as well as communication/notification capabilities to all buildings on the campus.

3.1.4. Contractor shall ensure downtimes are kept to a minimum by adhering to the prescribed phasing plans. The phasing plan ensures the continuous operation of all services under this project, as well as access to existing building(s), elevators, stairwells, corridors, etc. ensuring patient service, department staff activities, etc. Downtimes must be scheduled with the VA COR ahead of time.

3.2. General Requirements

3.2.1. Temporary construction items such as dust walls, safety barriers, etc. shall be the responsibility of the contractor. Obtain approval from VA staff prior to the installation of such temporary construction.

3.2.2. Coordinate with the VA COR prior to performing shutdowns of electrical power systems, HVAC equipment, chilled water systems, and fire suppression systems for modifications and tie-ins.

3.3. Existing Conditions

3.3.1. Demolition: Contractor shall remove from the VA site and dispose of all equipment and materials not scheduled to be reused.

3.3.2. Items not noted as to be demolished shall be protected from damage. Any damage not caused by the owner or deemed to be normal wear shall be corrected by the contractor with no additional time and/or money.

3.4. Finishes

3.4.1. Ceiling tiles will be removed only when necessary and replaced when damaged.

3.5. Electrical

3.5.1. Existing Electrical: On the Basement level, panel ES460C01 is used to power the Fire Alarm Transponders in electrical room BA-01A. On the first floor, within room 1D-01, the fire alarm control panels receive power from an electrical panel situated within in the room. This panel is a 102/208 volt, 3-phase, four wire identified as ES461C1, and designates circuit 17 for the fire alarm panels. On the second floor, in electrical room 2C-25, the two transponders are powered by ES46C2C, and the NAC Extender is powered by panel ES462C1. Both panels are 120/208 volt with the fire alarm circuit identified in RED. On the third floor, in mechanical room 3A-01, three transponders are powered by an electrical panel located in the room, labeled as ES463C1, with circuit seven dedicated for the transponders. Finally, on the penthouse level, two transponders are energized from an electrical panel within the same room, labeled EC95C5 (critical), with circuit three allocated solely for the transponders. Each of these panels is interconnected to the Life Safety Emergency (LSE) circuit, except for EC95CG which is currently on a critical panel.

3.5.2. New Electrical: In accordance with NFPA 70 and 72, for healthcare occupancies, the power circuit to the fire alarm control unit (FACU) is required to be connected to the life safety branch of the essential electrical system. In addition, NFPA 72 requires the circuit breaker feeding the FACU to have a red marking. The new fire alarm power circuits should remain on the life safety branch and utilize panels near the FACU with special attention to fire alarm circuit on EC95C5 (critical) panel. Panels will be identified on the drawings and are provided below.

3.5.2.1. Basement: Life Safety Panel located in room BD075A to be used to power the remote monitoring station.

3.5.2.2. First Floor: Panel ES461C1 located in room 1D-01 to be used for transponders.

3.5.2.3. Second Floor: Panels ES462C and ES462C1 located in room 2C-25 to be used for FACPs and/or transponders.

3.5.2.4. Third Floor: Panel ES463C1 located in room 3A-01 to be used for transponders.

3.5.2.5. Fourth Floor: Panel ES464C1 located in room 4A-17 to be used for transponders.

3.5.2.6. Penthouse: Panel ES465C1 located in elevator 7 and 8 intermediate mechanical room to be used for transponders.

3.6. Communications

3.6.1. There are two existing 24-fiber cables (OS2) into each of the outbuildings that are being evaluated for use with the new fire alarm system. The optimal condition for project phasing would be to have a new dedicated fiber optic backbone so that buildings can be turned over one at a time. Existing fiber pathways may be reused after testing of existing condition of the fiber. If fiber is to be reused, temporary pathways must be provided as the contractor works through the existing panels. In addition, the new fire command center must be in place so that the head end of the network is available to receive all signals. NFPA 72 contains requirements for fire alarm and emergency communications systems that can be impacted by cybersecurity threats. Coordination of cybersecurity frameworks to protect the functions of systems is essential in order to prevent unwanted impacts on the system. Where the system would need to interface with the internet or other systems, it would make sense to provide a secure firewall or gateway. In any case, protection from cybersecurity threats is essential.

4. REFERENCES:

4.1. National Fire Protection Association

4.1.1. NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm Code, 2022 Edition

4.1.2. NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, 2020 Edition

4.1.3. NFPA 101 Life Safety Code (LSC), 2021 Edition

4.2. PG 18-10 Fire Protection Design Manual, Ninth, 2023 Edition

4.3. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR):

4.3.1. 29 CFR 1910 Occupational Safety and Health Standards; Occupational Safety and Health Administration; Current Edition.

4.3.2. 29 CFR 1926 Safety and Health Regulations for Construction; Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

4.3.3. 36 CFR 1191 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities;

4.4. Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Guidelines; Appendices C and D.

5. SUBMITTALS:

5.1. Refer to “437-23-105 100% Submittal Reg - Fargo-Replace Fire Alarm”

6. PROJECT SCHEDULE:

6.1. Project Schedules shall conform and meet requirements of Specification section 01 32 16.15.

6.2. Project Phasing

The phased implementation of the new fire alarm system is designed to prioritize patient care, operational continuity, and life safety compliance. Close coordination among engineers, technicians, hospital staff, and key stakeholders is essential to maintaining fire protection standards throughout the project. The transition from the existing fire alarm system to the new infrastructure will involve careful planning, addressing key factors such as occupancy considerations, risk assessments, regulatory compliance, and temporary safety measures. During this process, both the new and existing fire alarm systems will operate concurrently in designated areas until full integration and testing are completed, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted transition.

To address space constraints for the new fire alarm control panels, the new units will be installed either adjacent to the existing panels or in designated alternate new locations. Once the new panel installation, testing, and commissioning are successfully completed, the existing panels will be decommissioned and removed, with the replacement process typically completed within a one-day timeframe per panel. The overall construction schedule for the fire alarm replacement project is estimated to be 18 months, during which a structured phasing plan will guide the orderly replacement of the system, ensuring that each component is installed, tested, and fully operational before the existing system is decommissioned.

Training and Notification:Fire Alarm contractor is to conduct training with the fire department, VA safety personnel, facility manager, occupants, and the contractor to ensure all emergency responders understand the system and response procedures. By establishing these measures before construction begins, the project will maintain seamless emergency response coordination while ensuring continuous fire safety across the campus during the system transition.

6.2.1.1. Installation of the New Fire Alarm System

6.2.1.1.1. New Fire Alarm Phased Implementation Strategy

The fire alarm replacement project will be executed in multiple phases to ensure minimal disruption to building operations and compliance with life safety codes. The approach follows a logical sequence, beginning with establishing the backbone infrastructure before transitioning to individual building panels and system-wide integration.

6.2.1.1.2. Phase 1: Campus Communication Loop Installation and Testing The priority during Phase 1 is installation, testing, and acceptance of the new campus-wide fire alarm communication loop. This loop is comprised of both existing outside campus-wide fiber optic network cabling between buildings as well as existing inside fiber optic backbone cabling between telecommunications network equipment locations. The existing communications loop will be extended to provide necessary data connections to new fire alarm panel locations providing essential connectivity between new fire alarm panels and transponders with the new main fire alarm command center, allowing seamless integration of new fire alarm panels in later phases.

6.2.1.1.3. Phase 2: Primary Backbone Equipment Installation

After the communication loop is verified, the next step is to install the central Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) in the command center. This installation ensures that building panels can be incrementally added and tested while maintaining network communication with the campus-wide system. Additionally, install FACPs and Transponders in new locations, install riser cabling between panels and new power supplies, including power and signal conductors.

6.2.1.1.4. Phase 3: Detection and Notification Device Installation Following the installation of the backbone infrastructure, the project will advance to the installation and testing of detection and notification devices. The subsequent phases consist of detection and notification installation with testing after each phase. Phasing plans/work zones area were developed based on the existing smoke compartments as defined in the Fargo VA's Life Safety Plans dated Oct. 17, 2024. Area designations referenced in this phasing narrative and shown in the phasing floor plan drawings follow the smoke compartment designations in the VA Life Safety Plans. The installation sequence for the main building follows a top-down approach, beginning with unoccupied floors, then progressing to staff occupied areas, and finally, the patient-occupied floors to minimize disruption. Installation in the main building is further broken down by work zones in the sequence shown below. Before construction begins, the final phasing/work zone plan will be submitted by the contractor for approval. Each phase/work zone must pass acceptance testing and commissioning before moving forward. Demolition of the old system will only occur after full verification of the new system’s operational readiness.

6.2.1.1.5. Phase 4: Incremental Building Panel Installation and Switchover New fire alarm panels will be installed, tested, and commissioned on a per-building basis. During this transition. Each building will be integrated into the new system while ensuring redundancy through the legacy system. Functional testing will be conducted to ensure full compatibility with the campus-wide fire alarm network and command center. Switchover to the new system will only occur after successful acceptance testing by fire safety personnel and facility management.

6.2.1.1.6. Phase 5: Decommissioning of Existing System The decommissioning process will involve the controlled shutdown and removal of existing fire alarm systems in the Fargo VA main hospital and outbuildings. The sequence prioritizes life safety, preserves core utilities, and minimizes disruption to operations. Coordination with VA staff will ensure proper timing, access, and readiness for new system installation before decommissioning the old system.

6.2.1.1.7. Phase 6: Demolition of the Decommissioned Fire Alarm System Demolition will be performed incrementally, ensuring that all areas remain protected during the transition. Obsolete wiring, panels, and infrastructure will be removed following all applicable codes and safety regulations.

6.2.1.1.8. Patient Critical Areas: The below outlines several patient-critical areas that require heightened consideration during fire alarm system work. This is currently noted only in the phasing sequence narrative and not on the plans, as these areas will require coordination with the Fargo VA before implementation.

• SPS (Sterile Processing Service)

• Operating Rooms / Surgical Suites

• Pharmacy (including Compounding Rooms and Clean Rooms)

• ICU / CCU (Intensive Care Unit / Critical Care Unit)

• Emergency Department

• Patient Bedrooms (especially those in Mental Health Units)

• Behavioral Health / Psychiatric Wards

• MRI / Imaging Rooms

• Radiology / Nuclear Medicine

• Laboratories (Pathology, Clinical, etc.)

• Inpatient Isolation Rooms / Negative Pressure Rooms

• Mechanical / Electrical Rooms (ITR closets)

• Generator and Main Electrical Service Rooms

• Pharmaceutical Storage (Refrigerated and Controlled Substance areas)

• Nutrition Services / Kitchen Areas

• Decontamination Rooms / Anterooms

• Elevator Equipment Rooms

• Chapel / Multipurpose Assembly Spaces

• Canteen / Retail Store Areas

• Areas housing sensitive or secure data

• Patient Waiting Areas (especially near Emergency and Clinics)

• Loading Dock / Materials Management / Warehouse

• Laundry / Housekeeping (Environmental Services)

• Medical Gas Storage / Valve Rooms

8. The contract shall not be closed by the Contracting Officer until after the station’s go-live date and the system is operational as well as all components and cabling of the old fire alarm are demolished.

9. COST OF CONSTRUCTION:

9.30. The anticipated cost range for this project is between $2,000,000 and $5,000,000.