Q A Contractors.docx

Repair Fire Detection System, Missle Maintenance Facility, Bldg. 847 23 November 2010

KRSM # 082091

Questions from Contractors

1. Are we required to install RGS or IMC conduit for power home runs for the NAC and FACP or is EMT sufficient?

As per Specification Section 28 31 76, paragraph 3.2.3 Alarm Wiring, “Provide all wiring in rigid metal conduit or intermediate metal conduit.”

2. The system is installed as per the design shown on the drawings and the intelligibility requirements stated on page E0.1 of the drawings are not met, who will be held responsible for the deficiencies?

Install system as shown in the design drawings and specifications. Test for intelligibility as required, if the system as designed does not meet the intelligibility requirements the design agent will be responsible for providing corrected design and not the installation contractor.

3. Section 01000 - General Requirements, Part 1.2 Summary, it states that separate yellow strobe circuits are to be provided for the MNS system. These strobes are not shown on the drawings. Is this an MNS system or just a voice evacuation system? Are we to provide yellow strobes if it is a MNS system?

The yellow strobe circuits are the Class 1 Div 1 “Speaker Strobe ExP” strobes listed on Fire Alarm Schedule page 3 (E0.1). There are 6 total to be installed. Yes this is an MNS system.

4. Has the engineer tested the ambient noise levels in the building? If so, can a copy be distributed to the bidding contractors?

No. The installation contractor is responsible for testing ambient noise levels prior to installation of equipment.

5. Is it possible to have SimplexGrinnell added as an approved manufacturer for the Fire Alarm System?

Equipment to be installed must meet the specification and requirements of the design package as provided. No substitutions or other allowances will be made. Please refer to the specifications and drawings for clarification on what is acceptable materials and equipment.

6. There are drawings missing from the plans – E0.2, E5.1, E5.2, E5.3.

The drawings have been updated and provided to contracting. Please refer to the word document “082091_Drawing Index” for an accurate index of drawings as the provided index on sheet G002 is not correct.

7. Is a Notifier NFS2-3030 Fire Alarm System with DVC (Digital Voice Command) approved by Hill AFB?

You have not provided enough information to verify acceptability of the above listed FACP. Please refer to specification section 28 31 76, section 2.14 for Fire Alarm and Mass Notification Control Panel requirements. Additionally, the system must communicate to base through Monaco BT2-8 Transmitter at 141 MHz and over comm. lines.

8. On the Plans Section 5.0- It lists a 300 Amp- Amplifier for the Speakers. They do not make one. Instead it would be 4 DAA (Digital Audio Amplifiers), is this acceptable to the Government?

It would be inappropriate to approve any deviation from the specification and design drawings without full product submittals. In any case alternate approaches must be equal in performance and reliability to that of the indicated product or materials. Additionally it must meet all applicable codes. Please verify the availability of the 300 amp amplifier before considering alternative approaches and be prepared to provide an “or equal” alternative if indeed the 300 amp amplifier is not available. This comment is not to be construed as acceptance of any deviation from the provided specification and design drawings, but rather an indication that any required deviations will be considered and fairly evaluated at the time of product submittal review if the need and compatibility of the deviation can be fully shown by the contractor.

9. On the Plans Section 4.3 and 4.4- Do you know the ceiling heights?

Ceiling heights very throughout the building and I cannot verify the ceiling height of any specific location at this time. Heights should have been noted by the contractor during the walk through.

10. Plans Section E4.0- It show to add monitor modules for future Valve Tampers? Is this something that we would be responsible for after the tampers are installed to come back and tie in (once they’re installed, and tested with the contracting officer)?

No. Future installation of future equipment that may or may not be installed is not the responsibility of the contractor under this contract. Install all systems and equipment as per the specifications and drawings and any future work will be handled on a future contract.

11. Plans Section E0.1- General Notes; States that the Building System shall interface with Building 505 Fire Alarm System, do you know the type of Fire Alarm System that is currently in Building 505?

References to building 505 are a typo that occurred during the design. The system is not to interface with fire alarm systems of other buildings. The system shall only be required to communicate to base through Monaco BT2-8 Transmitter at 141 MHz and over comm. lines.

12. Plans Section- E4.1 and several other locations, it calls out 110V, 220 V 3 Phase 30 Amp, and 220V 3 phase 60 AMP and 100 PSI? Is this something that we need to supervise, and or control with the fire Alarm System? And what is it?

Such references are simply residual data from the underlying floor plan and do not constitute requirements for the fire alarm system to be installed.