Attachment 2 RFI 36C24426R0052.pdf

RFI

36C24426R0052

460-20-003 | Replace Campus Fire Alarm System

1. Can any existing panel cans be reused with new Notifier components?

VA Response: No

2. Is the installing contractor responsible for clearing any existing or reoccurring troubles on existing system?

VA Response: This is a completely new system, the existing system is to remove except where otherwise stated. Guidance for contractor responsibility where the existing system is remaining is documented in the solicitation.

3. Can the installing contractor operate sprinkler valves for system testing?

VA Response: no, Wilmington VA maintenance will operate sprinkler valves.

4. Are detailed drawings required for all new power supplies to NAC/FACP locations?

VA Response: Yes

5. Did the engineer use a particular system for basis of design?

VA Response: Yes Notifier was the basis of design, although Notifier is not required to be used.

6. Can the superintendent dual hat as the SSHO?

VA Response: No

7. Can the installing contractor operate sprinkler valves for system testing?

VA Response: Refer to response for # 3

8. Are detailed drawings required for all new power supplies to NAC/FACP locations?

VA Response: Refer to response for # 4

9. Is there room onsite for material storage (in building or exterior Connex)?

VA Response: not currently, if the contractor needs on site storage, we can accommodate a laydown area on grass. If the contractor chooses to store on the laydown area, the contractor is required to provide fencing, lay down construction stone at entrance, and work with VA to secure the fencing.

10. Is the use of temporary plastic wall panels (such as STARC panels) acceptable to meet ICRA requirements?

VA Response: Yes this is sufficient, please refer to ICRA documentation provided in solicitation for guidance.

11. Is it acceptable for ICRA HEPA Negative air exhaust to be returned back into the hospital space above ceiling?

VA Response: This is prohibited, refer to the ICRA documentation provided in solicitation for guidance.

12. Will any outside monitoring be required?

VA Response: Refer to solicitation.

13. If suitable, is any existing wire allowed to be reused?

14. Many new devices share the same location as the demolished devices. Does the VA have a preferred method of installation that maintains the system operation ie. "not in service" label while reusing the same box/location?

15. Does the VA have a plan showing areas needing asbestos removal? Do you have test results for asbestos and lead paint?

VA Response: Refer to solicitation., We can provide test results for all areas we have tested in 2011.

16. Building 1 is classified as a high rise. Does the fire alarm need to be tied into any smoke control systems?

17. Can drywall patches be spot painted? Or seam to seam?

VA Response: Seam to Seam to allow for a good blend

18. Please provide the make, model, software version, and network connection type (multi-mode fiber or wire) for the existing Notifier OnyxWorks Workstation located in Building 1, Room 155, that is to be reconnected to the Upgraded Fire Alarm System.

19. Is it acceptable for the General Contractor to provide a Conex Box and have it located on premises for the duration of the project, to be used as an o_¯ice and equipment storage facility? If acceptable, please provide the general location that can be used.

VA Response: Yes this is acceptable, The exact location may change based on other projects. The COR provide this information once awarded.

20. Spec section 28 31 00 FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM, 1.1,B, states “The design, system layout, ….” however, there are 91 drawings and specifications that document the System’s design and layout. It is our understanding that this is a fully designed Fire Alarm System by Ko_¯el Associates, and that what is in these documents is the System and Equipment to be furnished and installed. This same statement is used in FIRE ALARM SYSTEM PROJECT NOTES 1 on drawing FA000.Please verify that these documents constitute the Fire Alarm System design to be furnished.

VA Response: Drawing FA000 elaborates on this question. Read the solicitation.

21. 4. Regarding Spec section 28 31 00 FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM, 1.6,A: Please verify that we are to include in our bid price the “Complete inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair services” for a period of 5 years, and not just during the 1 year warranty time period.

VA Response: That is correct.

22. Regarding Spec section 28 31 00 FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM, 1.6,G: Please verify that we are to include in our bid price the cost for both Normal and Overtime Emergency Call-Back Services for the first year, the cost for all Normal Emergency Call-Back Services each year for four more years (years 2-5), and the cost for 40 man hours of Overtime Emergency Call-Back Services each year for four more years (years 2-5). Overtime Emergency Call-Back Service hours are based on on-site time only, and does not include travel time.

VA Response: That is correct

23. Regarding Spec section 28 31 00 FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM, 2.3,C: Please verify that the existing Operator Terminal, Display Screen, and Keyboard, at the Main Control Unit is to be retained, in accordance with the SOW.

VA Response: The questioner is mistaken, This is not what 2.3.C states.

24. Regarding Spec section 28 31 00 FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM, 2.6, A,1 & 2:These conflict with the System Design / Sequence of Operations stated in Spec section 28 31 00, 1.1, C, regarding Voice Communication Signal and General Evacuation Signal. Which one is applicable ?

VA Response: for buildings 5,6,7,10,15,18,19,& 20 a general evacuation fire alarm signal in accordance with ASA s3.41 is sufficient.

25. This same conflicting statement is used in FIRE ALARM SYSTEM PROJECT NOTES 1 & 7 on drawing FA000. 8. Please provide make, model number, software version, and network connection type (multi-mode fiber or wire) of the existing Fire Alarm Control Panels in Buildings 9 & 13 that are to be incorporated into the Campus Fire Alarm System Replacement.

VA Response: This will be provided post award.

26. 9. Regarding Spec section 28 31 00 FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM, 2.13 : SPARE AND REPLACEMENT PARTS : A,2: Key operated manual pull stations – it is our understanding that there are not any of these type of devices on the project. Should they still be included ?

VA Response: If they are included they must be provided as spares. If they are not included they may not be provided as spares.

27. 10. Regarding Spec section 28 31 00 FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM, 2.13, C : Please verify that a Storage Cabinet to house the Spare Equipment Parts is required.

VA Response: Yes this is required.

28. 11. Regarding Spec section 28 31 00 FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM, 3.1, E : Please verify that all fire detection and alarm system devices, control units and remote annunciators shall be FLUSH MOUNTED when located in finished areas.

VA Response: yes this is correct. Exact locations are to approved by the COTR.

29. 12. Regarding Spec section 28 31 00 FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM, 3.3, B, 2 : Test the insulation on all installed cable and wiring by standard methods as recommended by the equipment manufacturer. Does this mean Megger Testing of wire is to be performed ?

VA Response: Perform testing as recommended by the equipment manufacturer

30. 13. Reference all New Work drawings, GENERAL NOTES 2 : CONTRACTOR IS

RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLIANCE WITH ALL AUDIBILITY, INTELLIGIBILITY, AND

SPACING REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE ALARM DEVICES. Does this mean that if the fire alarm equipment layout designed on the new work drawings cannot provide for the required Audibility, Intelligibility, or Spacing Requirements, the Contractor is required to furnish additional devices to meet these requirements?

VA Response: Yes

31. There are many rooms that do not have speakers shown to be provided in them, so audibility within these rooms may not be able to be achieved and intelligibility most assuredly cannot be met. Regarding Voice Intelligibility, what STI value is required to be achieved?

VA Response: follow NFPA 72 guidance as outlined in the solicitation.

32. Has an asbestos survey been performed for this project?

VA Response: No, existing asbestos information can be provided post award.

33. Are there any Exhibit Forms to be submitted with our bid?

VA Response: Follow the bid submission guidelines outlined in the solicitation

34. Please provide existing electrical & fire alarm drawings, and architectural reflected ceiling plans for all work areas.

VA Response: will be provided post award.

35. Please clarify if ICRA dust partitions are required. If so, please clarify the ICRA level of protection and show the locations on the drawings.

VA Response: Refer to solicitation.. ICRA documents were provided.

36. Please clarify if all work areas will be accessible at all times or if certain work areas are only available at certain times.

VA Response: all work areas will be accessible at all times, Womens health, all procedure rooms/ Operating rooms, and all sterile processing/ clean rooms will need to be scheduled in advance and may be required to be performed on the weekend.

37. Please confirm whether all patient sleeping rooms, recovery rooms, ICU rooms, treatment holding rooms, and overnight occupancy spaces require 520 Hz low-frequency notification appliances.

VA Response: Follow the solicitation.

38. Please confirm whether any exam rooms, treatment rooms, or procedure rooms are intendedfor extended patient occupancy requiring low-frequency notification appliances.

VA Response: Follow the solicitation

39. Please confirm whether Soiled Utility Rooms and Clean Utility Rooms throughout the facility are protected by automatic detection or another approved hazardous-area protection method.

40. Please confirm whether Linen Rooms, Supply Rooms, Storage Rooms, EMS Storage, Equipment Storage, and similar healthcare storage areas are intentionally omitted from automatic detection.

41. Please confirm the smoke detection strategy associated with trash and linen chute rooms throughout the facility.

42. Please confirm whether heat detection is intended in break rooms, nourishment rooms, coffee areas, and kitchenette spaces containing microwaves or warming

43. Please confirm whether kitchen hood suppression systems interface with the fire alarm system for monitoring and shutdown functions.

44. Please confirm whether controlled-access pharmacy doors, narcotic vaults, security grilles, or related security hardware release upon fire alarm activation.

VA Response: Can be discussed post award.

45. Please confirm whether elevator recall smoke detection is shown on other drawings where not visible adjacent to elevator lobbies.

46. Please confirm whether elevator hoistways, machine rooms, or associated elevator spacesvare sprinklered and require heat detection for shunt-trip initiation.

47. Please confirm whether remote annunciation or point-of-origin alarm indication is required at nurse stations throughout the facility.

48. Please confirm whether ICU and critical-care patient areas require smoke detection even though the facility is sprinklered.

49. Please confirm whether IT rooms, computer rooms, and data rooms require clean-agent suppression, pre-action systems, high-sensitivity detection, or emergency power shutdown interfaces.

50. Please confirm whether devices installed within water treatment rooms or high-humidity environments require weatherproof or corrosion-resistant ratings.

51. Please confirm whether stairwell doors with electronic locking hardware release automatically upon fire alarm activation.

52. Please confirm whether smoke barrier door holders and smoke compartment release devices are controlled through the fire alarm system.

53. Please confirm whether HVAC shutdown and smoke control interfaces shown through AOM modules are compartment-specific

54. Please confirm whether electrical rooms, mechanical rooms, transformer rooms, and similar utility spaces are intentionally omitted from automatic detection or protected by another approved strategy.

55. Please confirm whether imaging rooms, MRI rooms, or diagnostic equipment areas require equipment shutdown interfaces or specialty notification appliances.

56. Please confirm whether medication rooms, pharmacy areas, and controlled substance storage areas require coordination with security or access-control systems.

57. Please confirm whether Equipment Storage Room 147F is intentionally omitted from automatic detection.

58. Please confirm whether Linen Room 147E is protected by automatic detection or another approved protection method.

59. Please confirm whether heat detection is intended within Laundry Rooms 147K and 147M due to lint and steam conditions

60. Please confirm whether automatic detection is required within Transformer Room 143.

61. Please confirm whether heat detection is intended within Breakroom 147L due to food preparation equipment.

62. Please confirm whether devices installed within clean-room or hazardous clean-room areas are suitable for the room environmental conditions.

63. Please confirm whether Group Rooms 1127 and 1129 are intended for patient occupancy requiring low-frequency notification appliances.

64. Please confirm whether heat detection is intended within Staff Break Room 1128 due to food warming appliances.

65. Please confirm whether IT Room 1130 requires special suppression systems or highsensitivity smoke detection.

66. Please confirm whether any exam or treatment rooms are intended for extended patient occupancy requiring low-frequency notification appliances.

67. Please confirm whether heat detection is intended within Dish / Ice Room 1080 due to steam-producing equipment.

68. Please confirm whether procedure rooms require coordination with medical gas systems or clinical equipment interfaces.

69. Please confirm whether Recovery Room 1232 requires low-frequency notification appliances based on patient use.

70. Please confirm whether heat detection is intended within Coffee Shop 1179 due to steam-producing equipment.

71. Please confirm whether heat detection is intended within Repair Shop 1006 due to repair operations.

72. Please confirm whether devices installed within Water Treatment Room 1005 require corrosion-resistant ratings.

73. Please confirm whether ICU Room 3075 requires low-frequency notification

74. Please confirm whether larger storage and supply rooms require automatic detection under the approved healthcare hazardous-area strategy.

75. Please confirm whether the fire alarm system manufacturer is required to be NOTIFIER, or if there are any other manufacturers approved as acceptable alternates.

VA Response: Not required.