SOLCRT_RFI_-_Amd_01.docx

GS-10P-13-LT-C-0015/RFI LOG/AMD 01

General

1. Are the drawings provided showing rooms, floor layouts, and names of rooms accurate for preparation of this proposal?

The drawings provided are for general information only and cannot be relied upon for absolute accuracy. The D/B contractor will be responsible to verify the accuracy of this information.

2. The issued drawings do not appear to show Acoustically Distinguishable Spaces (ADS) within the building in order to provide proper notification coverage for the Emergency Communications System. Please provide drawings that show the ADS according to NFPA 72(2010 Edition), Section 18.4.10.2., and NFPA 72(2010 Edition), Section 24.4.1.2.2.2.

The D/B contractor will be responsible to gather this information to meet the requirements of this RFP.

3. According to statements made during the pre-bid conference, it was stated the emergency communication system would be subject to intelligibility testing. Please indicate what the intent is for testing criteria and measurements for intelligibility?

The fire alarm notification system intelligibility will be tested as per NFPA 72 and its definition.

4. Is the building fully equipped with fire sprinkler system throughout all areas of the building?

Yes

5. In order to achieve the minimum decibel level as indicated in Statement of Work, Paragraph F.6, it may require a significant amount of additional speakers to be located throughout the floors, offices, etc. Will there be another site visit to allow an extended period of time to walk the building/floors/rooms to understand the installation parameters for these areas in order to prepare an estimate?

Under normal circumstances, site visits are for familiarization purposes only and are not intended to be a vehicle to perform comprehensive take-offs or estimates. However, another site visit may be possible, but there would need to be significant response from interested parties who certify that without a second and more comprehensive site visit, it would have a substantial material effect on their pricing proposal.

6. Are there alternative locations for main Fire Alarm Control Equipment other than the existing room where existing FACP cabinets are located?

At this moment, no alternate location is considered. However, we will review any location that meets all applicable code of this RFP that the D/B contractor will like to propose for re-location.

7. Are there any Fire/Smoke Dampers located in this building, and if so, please indicate where these are located.

Most of them are on the first floor but here is a list of the various locations.

8. How many existing air handling units are located in the building over 2000 CFM? Where are these units located?

All the air handlers are over 2000 CFM, 2 in the basement, 6 in the pent house, 1 in a mid space and 1 in the attic.

9. Are Subordinate Control Panels as described in Statement of Work, Paragraph 2.6, and a requirement for this project or an option?

The location or requirement of any subordinate control panels will be at the discretion of the D/B contractor. However, all systems provided must fully meet the requirements of this RFP.

10. Statement of Work, Paragraph 2.10, E, indicates the Amplifiers shall provide a 70VRMS output. Paragraph 2.10, H states speaker circuits shall be capable of supplying 25VRMS audio power. Please confirm if there is a specific voltage audio system required, or can it be 70VRMS or 25VRMS, decided by the Proposer.

GSA does not have any preference in this matter.

11. During the job walk, it was indicated that the stairwell could be utilized as a vertical chase for conduits. According to IBC 2012, section 1022.5, only items specifically serving the stairwell are allowed to be placed in the stairwell. Please confirm approval by the AHJ for this usage.

Based on how the installation is proposed by the contractor, this will be acceptable to GSA (i.e. installation of conduits within the stair without a terminal cabinet may be acceptable, installation that does not obstruct exit access may be acceptable, etc). In addition, any installation within any historic and public areas must meet the building historic and cosmetic requirements.

12. In review of the bid documents, it is apparent that the intent in this building is to continue to use fireman’s phone jacks. In the currently adopted 2010 Version of NFPA 72, in sections 24 and Appendiix J, as well as in OFC section 510, they indicate that the required method of communication for Emergency Responders will be via a DAS Site Radio System. This system is to be installed in lieu of fireman’s phones. In order to utilize fireman’s phones as opposed to a DAS system, an exception will need to be obtained from Portland Fire. Has this exception been applied for and granted?

The fireman's phone jacks will be provided in this project as stated on the RFP. GSA will review/consider the removal of the phone jacks if the local fire department requests it. However, based on a recent GSA project (in the same local fire department district), the local fire department requested that the fireman's phone jack be provided.

13. Page 3 of the Project Scope lists all of the standards, codes and regulations for compliance with this project. In the event that these standards and codes conflict with the project summary specifications and project manual which is to supersede?

If an ambiguity, uncertainty or omission exists between the RFP documents and any code, standard or regulations, this must be confirmed and answered through the RFI process.

Design

1. Is the building currently a general evacuation instead of floor above and floor below and is this how it is required to operate with the new system?

Current system is general evacuation and will remain as such. Slow whoop general tone has been selected for this project.

2. Is the existing smoke control panel controlled by the existing fire alarm panel or is it a standalone panel?

Current smoke control panel is stand alone. Integration with fire alarm system is for indication purposes only and will remain as such with installation of new fire alarm system.

3. Is intelligibility required for the audio portion of the system?

Yes.

4. If intelligibility is required, are there any areas that do not need to meet intelligibility requirements?

This information is to be determined by D-B contractor. System will be tested per NFPA 72 and its definition.

5. Per code, we are required to provide a strobe in offices where two or more people will be working. Are there any drawings or other documentation that reflect this information?

Please clarify code which is being referenced by this question. D-B contractor is required to gather this information to meet the requirements of the RFP and a fully code compliant design and installation.

6. The SOW A.7 states visible alarm indicators are required in stairwells. P100 and NFPA72 both state not to install visual alarm indicators in stairwells. Which takes precedence – the SOW or P100?

Visual notification appliances shall not be installed in stairwells.

7. Are there magnetic door holders in the building 24vdc or 120vdc?

Current information indicates there are no door holders installed on existing system. If door holders are required per code, they will be designed and installed as part of new fire alarm system installation.

8. Which doors are to be unlocked by the fire alarm system?

This information to be determined by D-B contractor and as required by NFPA 101.

9. Are the elevator hoistways sprinklered? If so, top, bottom, or both?

No.

10. Are the elevator hoistways pressurized?

No

11. Are the stairwells pressurized or have smoke exhaust fans?

Yes

Fan, Propeller, Brod & McClung Pace, 17 1/2", 3HP (Fire) Roof

12. In the SOW, item C.1.a states to only have tones on alarm. Is this correct?

Correct.

13. In the SOW, item E.4.a states to provide a dry contact for each zone to the BCS. Where the BCS is interface to be located?

This information to be determined by D-B contractor. Current BCS located in basement.

14. Is there a drawing showing the BCS zones?

Drawings are located at the facility. Hard copies only can be located at this time.

16. Duct detectors are required on air handling systems over certain CFM’s. Where can we find the information on the size of the air handling units?

RETURN:

17. In the SOW, item 1.3.a states to provide spares for the “smoke detector cover guards”. Are these required?

No cover guards will be required.

18. In the SOW, item 2.5.D states “a visual enunciator shall indicate the closed status of doors”. Is the fire alarm system to monitor the status of doors? If so are there currently door contacts on these doors?

If door holders are required as part of the new code compliant design and installation. FACP will provide supervision of these devices.

19. In the SOW , item 2.10.H states to supply 25VRMS audio power. 25VRMS has a limited capability. Is it acceptable to use 70 VRMS?

Yes.

20. P100 section 7.6 under Manual Fire Alarm Boxes states “Manual fire alarm boxes must be installed in accordance with the requirements in NFPA 72 and the IBC.” The IBC does not require manual pull stations in fully sprinklered buildings and NFPA 72 only requires one. Can all but one manual pull station be removed?

Per R10 AHJ, manual pull stations are required at each stairwell entrance and at each exit door.

Administration

1. “The D/B Team will be required to ensure minimal disruption to tenants and their mission” Can you identify for bid purposes what the expected working hours will be?

Tenant occupancy hours will be 0600-1800. Facility shall be made safe for occupancy during these hours.

2. Can you confirm that areas will be set aside for contractor use as a temporary office break area, etc?

GSA anticipates providing minimal office space and lay down area during project.

3. Can you confirm that the service elevator is large enough to accept 10’ pieces of conduit?

Negative. D-B contractor will need to confirm.

4. What other communication accommodations can be provided for contractor use? (phone, fax, internet) and who will install the means of communication?

D-B contractor will be required to supply all communication devices and systems to be used during project. D-B contractor will be responsible for installation of these systems.

5. Can non-installation surveying and investigation be accomplished during the design phase of the project?

Yes. Due diligence investigations would be expected during this phase of project.

Installation

1. Riser Installation – It was suggested that the stairwells can be used for a new vertical riser. As this is a class A system requirement, it will require 2 independent risers. Can you confirm that the stairwells are a suitable location? If not can someone suggest other suitable areas?

This information to be provided by D-B contractor. The use of stairwells for additional system risers will be reviewed and allowed by regional historical preservation officer and AHJ on a case by case basis.

2. All wiring is required to be in conduit –

a. Has it been anticipated that the new fire alarm system may have exposed conduits in most if not all of the building?

All conduits will be hidden to the largest extent possible. Exposed conduits will be approved by GSA on a case by case basis. It is not anticipated that there will large areas of exposed conduit.

b. In areas such as the lobby where there is marble and in other such areas, for bid purposes is exposed conduit suitable for those locations?

Negative. But special considerations will be made and approved if no other means of running conduits can be identified. Special consideration will be provided on a case by case basis.

c. For class A installations, is there a “grace” parameter or distance that a single conduit is allowable? For example: if a strobe is added into a room off of a main corridor, does that strobe require 2 separate conduits (in/out) back into that main corridor?

Requirements of NFPA 72 Class A installation will be met.

d. For the exposed conduit, will the matching paint be provided by owner?

Specification for paint to match existing will be provided by owner, D-B contractor to provide paint and patching materials.