Prebid Questions and Answers- Upgrade Monaco System.pdf

Q&A for FA301022R0012

Upgrade Monaco System Base Wide

1. I don’t see in the specification that the provider should have a Monaco Factory Trained individual to supervise and program the new BTX transmitters. Is that not needed?

It is not needed, BOS/CE will be programming the BTX transmitters.

2. Will a NICET III be required to supervise the installation and programming of the new Monaco Transmitters?

Refer to question # 1.

How will verification of signals/testing be done?

a. Manually tripping zones at the new Monaco Transmitter?

Manually tripping zones and by manually activating one or two pull stations in the separate zones to ensure the alarm is communicating to the BTX.

b. Actual testing of individual devices connected to the fire alarm panels reporting on the Monaco Zones?

Refer to question 2a.

c. If so for number 2, how many of each device?

Refer to question 2a.

3. It was stated that the existing Monaco panels scheduled to be changed are not working nor reporting to the fire department. Would this change the statement in the RFP that the system will be required to be operational by the end of each day? If the systems can be left un-operational until the base alarm shop activates them into the base system the contractor would be free to install at whatever pace agreed on by the CO. There would be very little to no impact to the day-to-day functions of the buildings.

Contractor shall notify BOS/CE after each Monaco system installation is complete and ready for programming.

4. If the system needs to be operational each day: What work day schedule is required by the base?

Per section 3.8 Hours OF Operation: The Contractor will be able to accomplish this work between the hours of 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Monday – Friday, however the contractor will have to coordinate the testing of the new BTX system with BOS/CE.

5. The solicitation calls for the design, shop drawings for each location, installation, and programming, of a new Monaco BTX system, and demolition of existing Monaco BT2 systems, which are components of the emergency fire and life safety alert system for proper monitoring and emergency response services. NICET (the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) is the industry standard, nationally recognized certification entity, for fire alarm systems, used in order to ensure strict compliance with codes and standards. A NICET IV technician is necessary to oversee this requirement, ensuring the system is up to code/industry standards.

Please confirm whether a NICET IV certification will be added as a key personnel requirement to this solicitation, to ensure the fire alarm system components meet all required local, national, government, and industry standards, codes, and regulations.

This is a replacement of an existing system that has been certified by a NICET IV technician, therefore there is no requirement for recertification.

6. There is not a requirement for the project to be designed and approved by a Registered

Communications Distribution Designer prior to submission to the Contracting Officer. An RCDD ensures compliance and optimizes system performance of cabling and communications systems. Please confirm if an RCDD will be added as a requirement to ensure standards, compliance, and allow a detailed review by the ISO (Information Security Officer) prior to mobilization and installation.

This is a replacement of existing equipment, therefore there is no requirement for an approval by a Registered Communications Distribution Designer.

7. Scope states that we are to relocate the Antenna on 4 building from the attic to outside the mechanical room, If the Antenna has to be moved to the outside of the building can the conduit be run and mounted on the outside of the building.

The existing conduit can be reused. If new conduit is needed, the Contractor will provide a plan for the location of the conduit and will be responsible for painting the conduit to match the building exterior.

8. In the Description of work: section 3.2.4 SCOPE A. states contractor shall keep the Monaco system active each day before we leave, the systems are not active now how do we do this?

Refer to question # 3.

9. Can we use the existing antenna?

No, per section 3.2.4.1 B “Remove all antennas and antenna conductors.” And section 3.2.4.2 B “Each location shall have a new antenna and antenna conductor installed”.

10. Is the existing Antenna grounded if so can we use the existing grounding?

The existing Antenna are grounded, however the new antennas will require new grounding.

11. What shop drawings are we to provide for each location as required for review and approval?

The factory supplied drawings for each BTX system that is installed and a grounding plan.

12. May we re-use the existing grounding wire and connection for the new lightening arrestor?

Refer to question # 10.

13. What is the maximum distance the antenna can be from the Monaco panel?

Per section 3.2.4.2 B “will not be located more than 100’ from the panel”.

14. May we run new conduit exposed on the exterior of the buildings?

Refer to question #7.

15. May we use EMT conduit with water-tight fittings for exposed conduit?

Yes.

16. If the antenna location does not change, may we re-use existing conduit and antenna brackets?

Existing conduit may be reused but new antenna brackets will be required.

17. Will we be required to activate every zone by testing the fire alarm field devices or can we simulate fire alarm panel activation by shorting zones at the new Monaco panel?

Refer to question #2.

18. Will a NICET III be required to supervise the installation and programming of the new Monaco

Transmitters?

Refer to question #1.

19. How will verification of signals/testing be done?

A. Manually tripping zones at the new Monaco Transmitter?

Refer to question #2a.

B. Actual testing of individual devices connected to the fire alarm panels reporting on the Monaco Zones?

Refer to question #2a.

C. If so for B, how many of each device?

Refer to question #2a.

20. Will a Monaco certified technician be required to Program, terminate, and test the zones?

Refer to question #1.

21. The new transmitters will be for fire only (BTX), not Mass Notifications as well (BT-XM)?

Per section 3.2.4.2 A “Provide new Monaco BTX system” a mass notification system (BT-XM) is not required.