FPS-ITMR and IC Sources Sought 10092020.pdf

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)/Boulder Fire Protection Systems Inspection, Testing, Maintenance, Repair and

Impairment Coordinator (FPS-ITMR&IC) Services Draft Scope of Work

October 9, 2020

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Boulder, CO

The Boulder campus is an approximate 200-acre campus (100-acre of Research Zone and 100 -acre of Protected Area) with 28 buildings of varying size. The Boulder campus was born around 1950 with the first buildings constructed soon thereafter. Fire protection systems vary by building depending on time of construction and code required fire protection features at the time of construction or the time that renovation may have taken place.

Fire protection systems for the Boulder campus consist of the following:

Fire Alarm System(s)

The NIST/Boulder fire alarm system is a fiber networked NOTIFIER® fire alarm system consisting of nine (9) Notifier NFS2-3030 fire alarm control panels, two (2) Notifier Network Control Annunciator (NCA-2) fire alarm control panels, nine (9) Notifier NFS2-640 fire alarm control panels and two (2) Notifier NFS-320 fire alarm control panel for a total of twenty-two (22) fire alarm control panels. These systems include nineteen (19) Digital Voice Controller (DVC) and five (5) remote annunciator stations of either the Notifier LCD-80 or LCD-160 type.

There are three (3) Notifier ONYXWorks Workstations on the network, one (1) in the campus Security/Police 24-hour operation command center for performing centralize reporting of fire alarm performance in working with the Office of Facilities and Property Management (OFPM) and the local Boulder Fire Department; one (1) in the OFPM office; and one (1) in a location as a back-up location for emergency management response scenarios and potential.

The NIST/Boulder campus fire alarm systems consist of the following counts:

Power Supplies--------------------------------------------------------------------106

Signal Line Circuits (SLC)---------------------------------------------------------35

Alarm Initiating Device Points-----------------------------------------------2209

Supervisory Initiating Device Points-----------------------------------------489

Miscellaneous Initiating Device Points (Relays/Modules, etc.) -------694

Notification Circuits--------------------------------------------------------------376

Alarm Notification Appliances-----------------------------------------------1299

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Sapphire Suppression Release Panels------------------------------------------5

FM-200 Suppression Release Panels-------------------------------------------2

CO2 Suppression Release Panels-----------------------------------------------23

Batteries (7AH to 75 AH) -------------------------------------------------------205

Automatic Sprinkler Systems

The NIST/Boulder automatic sprinkler systems are fed from a campus underground water main distribution loop equipped with hydrants that also serves as the domestic water supply distribution system. This distribution system is equipped with approximately 27 hydrants and approximately 64 underground valves.

Not all NIST/Boulder campus buildings are provided automatic sprinkler systems. There are fifteen (15) building automatic sprinkler systems equipped with 105 tamper switches/control valves and 72 flow switches monitored by the campus fire alarm system. Of these automatic sprinkler systems one (1) is Pre-action type and two (2) are dry-type automatic sprinkler systems and three (3) are glycol sprinkler systems. One building is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system fire pump.

Automatic Gas Fire Suppression Systems

The NIST/Boulder campus has some highly sensitive spaces that require protection from gas suppression fire extinguishing systems. The following automatic gas fire suppression systems are in place:

• One (1) data center room sapphire suppression systems

• One (1) data center building with three (3) separate sapphire suppression systems

• One (1) telecom room sapphire suppression system

• One (1) telecom battery room sapphire suppression system

• Two (2) anechoic chamber FM-200 suppression systems

• One (1) anechoic chamber sapphire suppression system protecting three (3) anechoic chambers via use of a selector valve arrangement

• Twenty-three (23) local carbon dioxide (CO2) fire suppression systems for cleanroom wet benches

Each suppression system is equipped with a dedicated fire alarm panel for the purpose of executing release of the fire suppression gas agent. The campus fire alarm system monitors location fire detection systems and executes release of the fire suppression systems by use of control modules at each local release panel. The local CO2 fire suppression systems (wet benches) are the exception to this set up as the local detection is monitored by the local fire alarm release panels and gas release is executed by the local panels. The campus fire alarm system monitors each of the local CO2 fire suppression systems for reporting purposes.

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Fire Extinguishers

The NIST/Boulder campus is equipped with approximately 735 fire extinguishers. Fire extinguisher types include: Dry Chemical, Carbon Dioxide, Water Mist, Halotron, Class D, and Class K.

Fort Collins, CO

The Fort Collins campus is an approximate 380-acre site with two main NIST Radio Station buildings, WWV and WWVB, both operated by the Time & Frequency Division of NIST. The site also has numerous towers and small helix houses associated with the antenna array, none of which have any fire protection systems installed. The site was born around 1960 with transmitter buildings constructed starting in 1963. The NIST Radio Station WWV and WWVB serves as the synchronization source for tens of millions of radio-controlled clocks with broadcast of time and frequency information 24 hours per day, 7 days per week to customers nationwide.

Fire protection systems for the Fort Collins campus consist of the following:

Fire Alarm System(s)

The NIST/Fort Collins fire alarm system consists of two (2) separate (not networked) Notifier NFS2-640 fire alarm control panels, one panel for each building.

The NIST/Fort Collins campus fire alarm systems consist of the following counts:

Power Supplies----------------------------------------------------------------------------0

Signal Line Circuits (SLC)-----------------------------------------------------------------2

Initiating Device Circuits (IDC) or Zones---------------------------------------------8

Alarm Initiating Device Points--------------------------------------------------------68

Supervisory Initiating Device Points--------------------------------------------------6

Miscellaneous Initiating Device Points (Relays/Modules, etc.) ---------------12

Notification Circuits-----------------------------------------------------------------------8

Alarm Notification Appliances--------------------------------------------------------51

Sapphire Suppression Release Panels------------------------------------------------4

Batteries (7AH to 18 AH) ---------------------------------------------------------------14

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Automatic Sprinkler Systems

There are no automatic sprinkler systems on the NIST/Fort Collins campus. There are two (2) residential type hydrants on the campus.

Automatic Gas Fire Suppression Systems

The NIST/Fort Collins campus has four (4) shielded transmitter rooms with a sapphire fire suppression system in each. Each suppression system is equipped with a dedicated fire alarm panel for the purposes of monitoring chamber detection and executing release of the fire suppression gas agent. The campus (building) fire alarm system monitors the local fire alarm control panels.

Fire Extinguishers

The NIST/Fort Collins campus is equipped with approximately 40 fire extinguishers. Fire extinguisher types include: Dry Chemical and Carbon Dioxide.

SERVICE CRITERIA VENDOR REQUIREMENTS AND PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS:

Fire Protection Systems Inspection, Testing & Maintenance

Notifier© Fire Alarm System – Vendor Requirements

Notifier© requires equipment to be serviced and maintained by persons employed by an authorized Notifier© vendor when such service involves access to the inside of equipment (including fire alarm control panels), programming, or ONYXWorks Workstation login. Fire alarm system equipment warranties and guarantees are null and void if such service is performed by personnel that are not Notifier© authorized. NIST/Boulder fire alarm testing involves accessing inside each Notifier© fire alarm control panel with a dedicated NIST laptop for network access. Fire alarm system repairs typically also require internal equipment access, programming, and Workstation login access. The impairment coordinator role requires daily Workstation login access.

The NIST fire alarm system is a fiber networked campus system. As such, the vendor is also required to have staff employed that are network certified personnel. Notifier© has established the Premier Notifier Distributor status which requires such distributors to have employee(s) that are Notifier© network certified employee(s). Each Premier Notifier Distributor is verified to meet this criterion every two (2) years or the distributor loses the status of Premier Notifier Distributor. It is in the best interest of the Government for the vendor requirement, Premier Notifier Distributor, be utilized to establish confidence and security that network certified personnel are available from the vendor throughout the service agreement contract. As such, 5 | P a g e the vendor providing fire alarm services at NIST/Boulder must be an authorized Notifier© vendor that is also a Premier Notifier Distributor.

Fire Alarm System(s) – NFPA 72, Fire Alarm and Signaling Code

Fire alarm systems at these locations must be inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with the most current edition of NFPA 72 (2019 edition at this writing) specific requirements.

Table 14.3.1 and Table 14.4.3.2 schedules shall be adhered to in their entirety with this service.

Inspection personnel are individuals who conduct a visual examination of a system or portion thereof to verify that it appears to be in operating condition, in proper location, and is free of physical damage or conditions that impair operation (NFPA 72, Section 3.3.200.1).

Testing personnel are individuals who perform procedures used to determine that status of a system as intended by conducting acceptance, reacceptance, or periodic physical checks on systems (NFPA 72, Section 3.3.200.5).

Service personnel are individuals who perform those procedures, adjustments, replacement of components, system programming, and maintenance as described in the manufacturer’s service instructions that can affect any aspect of the performance of the system (NFPA 72, Section 3.3.200.2). The term service personnel indicate that, in addition to providing what some may refer to as “maintenance” on a system, such as changing batteries, a broader meaning of the scope of work is intended.

Inspection, testing and service personnel are required to be competent through training and experience for the specific type and brand of fire alarm system (Notifier® and Ansul®) installed at these locations. Inspection, testing, and service personnel are required to be employed by an organization that is authorized by the manufacturer to inspect, test and service this specific type and brand of fire alarm system installed at these locations. Manufacturer requirements of equipment and intended use are critical to successful service and maintaining equipment warranties and guarantees.

The following qualifications and requirements must be fulfilled by the person(s) performing inspection, testing, and service on fire alarm systems:

a) One person in the inspection, testing and service group of personnel must be Notifier® trained within 3-months of contract award or current (within previous 5-years) with certification as ONYX University Basic Training.

b) Must be certified as a National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies

(NICET) Level I for Fire Alarm Systems (FAS).

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c) One person in the inspection, testing and service group of personnel must be certified as NICET Level II for Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems (I&TFAS). NICET Level III for FAS is an acceptable alternative to having the NICET Level II I&TFAS.

d) Must have a good understanding of mechanical and electrical building systems associated with fire alarm systems and their integration.

Water-Based Fire Protection Systems – NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems

Water-based systems at these locations (mainly the Boulder location as only Fort Collins has residential hydrants) must be inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with the most current edition of NFPA 25 (2020 edition at this writing) specific requirements.

General requirements shall be met in accordance with Chapter 4.

Automatic sprinkler system requirements shall be met in accordance with Chapter 5.

Standpipe system requirements shall be met in accordance with Chapter 6.

Underground fire service mains and hydrant requirements shall be met in accordance with Chapter 7.

Fire pump requirements shall be met in accordance with Chapter 8.

Common components and valve requirements shall be met in accordance with Chapter 13.

Inspection, testing, and maintenance service shall be provided by qualified personnel (NFPA 25, Section 3.3.25 and 4.1.1.2). Qualified personnel shall be competent and capable persons shown to have met the requirements and training for this field and area of inspection, testing, and maintenance (NFPA 25, Section 3.3.36).

The following qualifications and requirements must be fulfilled by person(s) performing inspection, testing, and maintenance service on water-based fire protection systems:

a) One person in the inspection, testing, and maintenance service group of personnel must be certified as a National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level III for Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems.

b) Must be certified as NICET Level I for Inspection and Testing of Water-Based Systems.

Automatic Gas Fire Suppression Systems – NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems

Automatic gas suppression systems at each of these locations must be inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with the most current edition of NFPA 2001 (2018 edition at this writing) specific requirements. Chapter 8 of NFPA 2001 addresses the monthly inspection

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(Section 8.2), semiannual service and inspection (Section 8.3), annual inspection and service (Section 8.4), maintenance (Section 8.5), container test (Section 8.6), and hose test (Section 8.7).

Personnel that inspect, service, test, and maintain clean agent fire extinguishing systems shall have knowledge and experience of the maintenance and servicing requirements in NFPA 2001, of the equipment being serviced or maintained, and of the servicing or maintenance methods and requirements contained in the manufacturer’s design, installation, and maintenance manual and any applicable bulletins (NFPA 2001, Section 8.1.2, Fire Protection Service Technician). All persons who could be expected to inspect, service, test, or maintain fire extinguishing systems shall be trained and kept trained in the functions they are expected to perform (NFPA 2001, Section 8.8, Training).

The following qualifications and requirements must be fulfilled by person(s) performing inspection, testing, and maintenance service on automatic gas fire suppression systems:

a) One person in the inspection, testing, and maintenance service group of personnel must be certified as a National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level II for Special Hazard Systems.

b) Must be certified as a NICET Level I for Special Hazard Systems.

Fire Extinguishers – 29 CFR 1910.157(e) and NFPA 10

Fire extinguishers at these locations must be inspected, maintained, and recharged in accordance with the most current edition of NFPA 10 (2018 edition as of this writing) specific requirements. Chapter 7 of NFPA 10 addresses the inspection (Section 7.2), maintenance (Section 7.3) including the internal examination and hydrostatic test, carbon dioxide hose assembly conductivity test (Section 7.4), and recharging requirements (Section 7.8) and frequencies of fire extinguisher services.

Personnel performing inspections are required to meet the City of Boulder Fire Department requirements for fire extinguisher inspection and maintenance with proof provided. Personnel performing maintenance and recharging of fire extinguishers shall be certified. Certification confirms that personnel have fulfilled specific requirements as a fire extinguisher service technician and has earned the certification. Certification should show that personnel have passed a test based on the content of NFPA 10. Certification options include factory training and certification, certification by an organization acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction, or certification or licensure by the state of Colorado. (NFPA 10, Section 7.1 including annex).

Fire Protection Systems Impairment Coordinator

Fire alarm systems, water-based fire protection systems, automatic gas fire suppression systems, and fire extinguishers shall be managed as part of the fire protection system impairment program.

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Work involving open flames or heat as well as work that creates a dusty environment can cause the fire alarm detection system to initiate detection and subsequent evacuation of the applicable building(s). To avoid unwanted fire alarm system detection and subsequent building evacuation a Fire System Impairment Permit Procedure has been established to disable applicable fire alarm system devices for each activity where the potential exists for unwanted detection and subsequent evacuation.

Water-based fire protection system impairments shall comply with NFPA 25, Chapter 15, and the Fire System Impairment Permit Procedure.

Fire protection system impairment permits are managed by the impairment coordinator. All requests for fire protection system impairment permits are made through the impairment coordinator and the NIST authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). The impairment coordinator investigates each fire system impairment permit request and verifies the magnitude and applicability of each request.

It is the role and purpose of the impairment coordinator to use the fire system impairment permit system to manage necessary fire system impairments to avoid unwanted fire detections and subsequent evacuations and to make sure that fire protection systems are returned to operation as soon as possible after completion of the fire system impairment.

The following qualifications and requirements must be fulfilled by the person serving as the impairment coordinator:

a) Required to have a NIST Information Technology (IT) account to manage and communicate impairment notification and restoration completion to the Fire Impairment electronic mail (e-mail) distribution for each fire impairment system request. To obtain a NIST IT account contractors are required to have Personal Identity Verification (PIV) type of badging with NIST (a higher level of NIST badging credentials).

b) Must be certified as a National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level III for Fire Alarm Systems.

c) Must be certified as a NICET Level I for Water-Based Systems.

d) Must be certified as a NICET Level I for Special Hazards Suppression Systems.

e) Must be Notifier® /Xtralis trained within 8-months of contract award or current (within previous 5-years) certification in the following:

1. ONYX University Basic Training

2. ONYX University Advanced Applications Training

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3. ONYXWorks NOTI.FIRE.NET and Emergency Communication System (ECS) Network Training

4. Xtralis Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus (VESDA) Accreditation and ASPIRE Training

f) Must have a good understanding of mechanical and electrical building systems associated with fire system impairment management.

g) Shall be qualified at an Occupation Title of Engineering Technician V (Occupation Code 30085) based on the United States Department of Labor Standard Occupational Classification.

h) Shall be onsite 40 hours per week between the hours of 7 AM and 5 PM, less federal holidays, 52 weeks per year. An alternate impairment coordinator will be necessary to fulfill this requirement. The alternate is required to have a dedicated NIST IT account as sharing IT accounts is not acceptable (NIST PIV badging required).

i) Must be available to work overtime up to 150 hours per year.

j) Must be able to respond to the NIST/Boulder campus in cases of alarm emergencies within 45 minutes of being called.

k) Provide system level programming to produce a daily fire alarm disregards list, perform real time computer programming to troubleshoot fire alarm system issues and keep the system operable, and coordinate system wide test and functioning of fire activities relating to the Notifier® fire alarm system. NIST/Boulder and Fort Collins Notifier® fire alarm system warranty and guarantee require programming person to be an authorized Notifier® vendor certified in Emergency Communication System Networks.