Amendment_0006_-_Weaver_Project_-_Response_to_the_RFIs.pdf

RFI’s for DB - Replacement of Fire Alarm Systems for the Housing and Urban Development

Solicitation Number - GS11P15MKC0039

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Amendment 0006 - Response to the RFI’s

1. Can you please provide floor plans for the entire building?

GSA: General Footprint floor plans have been provided as an addendum to RFP.

2. The two existing EST-3 network panels have audio capability to accommodate future needs. The specification requires "transponder" panels every four (4) floors. Is it possible to expand the existing panel network to accommodate this if we warranty the existing panels as new, and maintain during the process.

GSA: The project requires the D/B to furnish, install and warranty a new Fire Alarm System while maintaining the existing system fully functional. Yes, there is a possibility such existing equipment can be used in the new system provided these contract requirements can be accomplished unequivocally.

3. The sixth floor was recently renovated to current Code compliance. Please confirm that, if we propose an EST-3 system, we can exclude the sixth floor?

GSA: The 6 th floor was not recently renovated and cannot be excluded.

4. Confirm that the building is certain to go with radio repeater/boosters for the emergency communications, section 273243 of the bid solicitation so that we can eliminate the requirement for firefighter telephones.

GSA: As part of this project, the building will be equipped with emergency responder radio coverage and the firefighter telephone requirement can be removed.

5. An essential element in a design build project would be the basic architectural floor plan and elevations of the building as it exists along with room usage for determining life safety requirements.

GSA: General Footprint floor plans have been provided as an addendum to RFP.

6. Drawing FA 0 01 Fire alarm notes 3 states “The contractor shall visit the project site prior to bidding and become informed as to the nature and scope of work required to remove existing fire alarm system and install new fire alarm system. All associated work shall form part of base bid. No extra consideration will be given to work not accounted for in bids.

What opportunity for site examination will be given to contractors to fulfill this bid obligation?

Furthermore, specification section 28 31 76 Part 1, paragraph 1.1E discusses equipment removal to include existing conduit and wiring; what information regarding the existing system will be provided so that contractors can provide a responsible bid response regarding the quantity of existing devices to be removed, their location relative to wall coverings requiring restoration, and the conduit and wiring locations required by the specification to be removed and disposed by the contractor?

GSA: We will provide a 2 nd site visit for this purpose (Date & Time to be posted).

7. Given the requirements of Duct Smoke Detection and associated control, what information will be provided to bidding contractors regarding the existing air handler units, locations, and CFM capacity?

GSA: We will provide a 2 site visit for this purpose (Date & Time TBD).

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8. Day Care and Computer Room are mentioned repeatedly within the specification. Will any detailed information be provided as to the location and size of these areas to enable the contractor to incorporate these areas into the design build process?

GSA: We will provide a 2 nd site visit for this purpose (Date & Time TBD). Note that the Day Care and Computer Room sub systems will not be replaced. They will be monitored by the building fire alarm system. The Day care must be provided with building speakers at the adult staff locations and corridors. Building fire alarm strobes will also be added to the computer room.

9. Section 28 31 76 Part 1, Section 1.4 (System Operation), paragraph 19a describes the sequence of operation as it relates to elevator operation. Is the bidding contractor responsible for providing an elevator contractor for this interconnection and testing or will the government provides their existing elevator vendor at their expense to provide this work?

GSA: The contractor will be responsible for hiring the elevator contractor to support the fire alarm interconnection and testing.

10. Drawing FA 0 01 Fire alarm “Cause and Effects Matrix” states that a number of causes will report the zone information to the energy management system. Who is responsible for the connection to the energy management system? What type of information is to be provided? Does the information extend beyond contact closure?

GSA: Please note that the Cause and Effects matrix mislabeled the “energy” management system. Remote annunciation will be provided in the Facilities Management office on the 5 th Floor and in the Security Communications Center.

11. Section 28 31 76 Part 1, Section 1.4 (System Operation), paragraph D details SLC and NAC circuit quantity requirements based on square footages of each floor. What information is to be provided for the bidding contractor to determine the square footage of each floor?

GSA: General Footprint floor plans provided as an addendum to RFP.

12. Confirm that this RFP requires only replacement of the existing fire alarm system in the building and not the fire protection (sprinkler system) or related items or any other systems.

GSA: RFP requires only the replacement of the existing Fire Alarm System as described.

13. Confirm that the reliable existing condition (space planning) drawings are available for the entire building in Auto CAD format and will be made available to the successful bidder at the time of contract award GSA: The availability of Auto CAD formatted existing condition drawings for the entire building cannot be confirmed at this time.

14. Considering that a selected areas in the building have newer fire alarm devices, would GSA allow the contractor to retain/reuse those devices and re-feed from the new control panel/system, or does GSA require that all existing fire alarm devices regardless of the age be replaced with new.

GSA: The project requires the D/B to furnish, install and warranty a new Fire Alarm

System while maintaining the existing system fully functional. Yes, there is possibility existing equipment and devices can be retained/reused in the new system provided these contract requirements can be accomplished unequivocally.

15. Are the existing elevators presently connected to the existing fire alarm system? Would we have to upgrade the existing elevator recall system? Would we be allowed to

Solicitation Number - GS11P15MKC0039 Page 3 reconnect them to the new FACP/system using the existing circuit wiring, or would we have to provide new recall system and related new conduit/wiring and connections?

GSA: Emergency control of elevators is accomplished by independent control panels, one for each elevator machine room (EMR). Each EMR is equipped with a control panel, which is a conventional, zoned, hard-wired panel. Smoke detectors are located in each EMR and in the associated elevator lobbies. Upon activation of any smoke detector, the associated elevators are recalled to an appropriate floor.

Heat detectors are located adjacent to each sprinkler in each EMR and elevator hoist way. They are arranged to cause shunt-trip of elevator power. Each elevator control panel operates independently of the building-wide fire alarm system, but each is monitored by the fire alarm system for “common alarm” and “common trouble” conditions. This type of arrangement is often called a “sub-system.”

There are six such sub-systems in the building as follows:

a. North Elevator 9-16 Machine Room

b. North Freight Elevator 17 Machine Room

c. North Freight Elevator 19 Machine Room

d. South Elevator 20-21 Machine Room

e. South Freight Elevator 18 Machine Room

f. South Elevator 1-8 Machine Room

Reliable control of elevators is an important feature in any building. The old, unreliable sub systems currently performing this function will be completely replaced (conduit, wiring, devices, equipment, etc.). The existing sub systems must also remain functional during the installation of the new systems.

16. Please confirm that the existing generator is presently connected to and monitored from the existing fire alarm control panel. Please advise, if it would require any upgrade, other than reconnecting back to the new FACP/system using the existing circuit wiring.

GSA: The new fire alarm system will monitor the existing emergency generator as required by Code. The new fire alarm system must comply with the latest edition of the relevant NFPA Codes and standards. All circuit wiring and generator monitor modules will be new.

17. Is the existing fire pump currently wired to and monitored from the existing fire alarm system? If yes, we would only reconnect it to the new FACP/system using the existing circuit wiring, unless you advise differently.

GSA: The new fire alarm system will monitor the existing fire pump as required by Code. The new fire alarm system must comply with the latest edition of the relevant NFPA Codes and standards. All circuit wiring and fire pump monitor modules will be new.

18. Is there independent PA (Public Address) system in the building? If yes, how is it tied with the existing fire alarm system and does it get overridden in case of fire emergency?

GSA: The building is equipped with a public address (PA) system, which is independent of the fire alarm system. The new voice fire alarm system must override the existing PA system.

19. Is there any asbestos or lead paint in the building that might impact the contractor's work?

GSA: Yes there is the possibility of encountering asbestos or lead paint that might impact the work under this contract.

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20. Please confirm that all the construction work will be carried out during the weekends, federal holidays and after the normal business hours, so it can be priced accordingly.

GSA: All work must be completed off-hours as the building will remain occupied during construction.

21. Please advise the number of submissions required. We have planned on a total of four submissions - 35%, 65%, 95% and Final submission. Please confirm that No Assessment study is required under this contract.

GSA: Please refer to the RFP and project specifications.

22. Since it's a federal facility, would it require permitting from the local governing authorities/Fire Marshall.

GSA: The authority having jurisdiction is the GSA regional fire protection engineer. Local and state government has no permitting authority for fire alarm systems in a federal building.

23. Please confirm that we will be allowed to survey the building during the normal working hours.

GSA: All work must be completed off-hours as the building will remain occupied during construction

24. Would the successful contractor and his team get long term badges, so that they can access and walk around the building without any escort

GSA: Yes. Contractor personnel will apply for HSPD12 badges. Once received Contractor personnel will register with HUD for long term building clearance without escort.

25. Please confirm whether the entire existing system is to stay operational until the new system is up and running, or whether a phased construction approach would be considered.

GSA: The new Fire Alarm system must be completely installed and commissioned before the existing system can be decommissioned and removed.

26. Is there an existing sprinkler riser available depicting the configuration and location of wet system flow and tamper switches as well as dry system pressure and hi/lo monitoring switches? If not is there an approximate known quantity of valves that require monitoring?

GSA: The existing fire alarm system’s point list and preventive maintenance report (see attachment) will indicate the approximate location and count. The contractor will survey the building to obtain an accurate count.

The building is fully sprinklered by a wet pipe system. Supervised OS&Y control valves are located in the cross-mains near the stair risers on each floor. The building overhang area (1st Floor is smaller than larger 2nd Floor) is protected by dry pipe sprinkler systems with 4-inch dry pipe valves. The emergency generator room, parking garage, and trash/paper holding area is also protected with 4” dry pipe valves.

27. Is there a mechanical schedule that details all AHU’s above 2000 CFM that would require duct detection?

GSA: The contractor must survey the building to obtain an accurate count. HUD Building management has indicated 17 AHU’s over 2000 CFM.

28. Is there any requirement for smoke control and if so can a sequence be provided?

GSA: No NFPA 92 smoke control system will be provided.

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29. Is there a requirement for any manual control by the fire alarm system or do we follow DCRA requirements for manual control?

GSA: Control functions are indicated in the specifications and NFPA 72. DCRA requirements do not apply.

30. Are graphic annunciators required at the egress points of the building? If they are please advise how many egress lobbies will require annunciators?

GSA: There is one in the main lobby and one that will be installed in the control room.

31. Will a graphic annunciator be required in fire control room?

GSA: Yes

32. Can a typical floor plan be made available?

GSA: General Footprint floor plans provided as an addendum to RFP.

33. What is the square feet per each level of the building?

GSA: General Footprint floor plans provided as an addendum to RFP.

34. Are there any others system that require monitoring in the building? If so please provide an accurate count that would need to be monitored by new system.

GSA:

1. Sub Panels for Elevator Control (to be replaced and monitored) o North Elevator 9-16 Machine Room o North Freight Elevator 17 Machine Room o North Freight Elevator 19 Machine Room o South Elevator 20-21 Machine Room o South Freight Elevator 18 Machine Room o South Elevator 1-8 Machine Room

2. Sub Panels for Electronic Equipment Room (to be monitored)

a. 4 th

Floor Computer Room

3. 1 st Floor Child Care Center (to be monitored)

4. Kitchen Suppression (to be monitored)

35. Do the underground garage levels require the fire alarm devices to be weatherproof? 12.

Since a distributed amp system is specified is there still a requirement for fireman phones in the building? If they are required are jacks acceptable?

GSA: The indoor spaces do not require weather proof appliances and devices.

There is no requirement for fireman’s phone system since a distributed amplification system will be installed.

36. Can additional access be granted for field survey’s?

GSA: We will provide a 2 site visit for this purpose (Date & Time TBD).

37. How many and what types of elevators are in the building? Are shafts sprinklered, top and bottom? How many elevator machine rooms are there?

GSA: There are six elevator machine rooms in the building as follows:

North Elevator 9-16 Machine Room

North Freight Elevator 17 Machine Room

North Freight Elevator 19 Machine Room

South Elevator 20-21 Machine Room

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South Freight Elevator 18 Machine Room

South Elevator 1-8 Machine Room

The building is fully sprinklered (including elevator shafts and machine rooms) and the contractor must verify exiting conditions via a survey.

38. Is it the intent of the government to have this award cover the cost of replacement for water flow and tamper switches, or simply to replace electronic components monitoring these switches?

GSA: The tamper and water flow switched will not be replaced. The intent is to replace the fire alarm electronic components monitoring the sprinkler system.

39. Please confirm that the 2-way radio repeater installation and fire phone installations would be an either/or choice by the contractor.

GSA: The intent is to install a 2-way radio system and remove the fire phone system.

40. We are unaware of ANY “similar” fire alarm projects that have been completed within the Metropolitan Washington DC and Baltimore regions within the past 6 years.

GSA: Evaluation Factors will be modified to increase competition as follows:

A "similar project" is defined as a project that is comparable in nature, type and complexity as defined by the following characteristics.

Project was performed in an occupied and functioning office building of at least 400,000 GSF;

Project involved at least 3 of the following disciplines: architectural, electrical, fire alarm, elevator, and environmental;

Project included requirements for noise control if work was performed in an occupied facility during operational hours. Proposal must clearly demonstrate off hours work or noise control.

41. We are concerned that the past performance requirements listed in the RFP appear to be overly restrictive and will limit reasonable competition from qualified firms.

Please revise the past performance requirements as follows:

Delete the total construction project cost at award requirement of $8 million dollars and allow the contractor to demonstrate past performance by providing a list of contracts completed within the past 6 years which are over $8 million dollars at time of contract award.

Delete the requirement for Hazardous Material Abatement on “similar” projects and allow the contractor to demonstrate their experience on other projects with Hazardous Material Abatement.

Consider revising the single step design build procurement requirement to utilize a two-step procurement where the government will prequalify and short list three to five of the most highly qualified teams.

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GSA: Evaluation Factors will be modified to increase competition as follows:

The Offeror must demonstrate successful experience as a Design-Build Contractor (DBC) responsible for the construction of three (3) similar projects involving the design and installation of an entirely new fire alarm system while maintaining an existing fire alarm system substantially completed within the last ten (10) years with a total project construction cost at award of the contract not less than $4 million. Partnerships are allowed to expand the bidders expertise.

43 We were not provided with sufficient information to accurately complete a cost efficient fire alarm system design. Please provide the following information:

Floor plans of the Weaver Building identifying the current occupancy types and configurations by floor, any defining all special spaces containing dry and or pre-action sprinklers, VESDA, FM200 and chemical type agents.

Identify the limits of coverage including any garage areas and interfaces with existing or adjacent fire alarm systems.

Provide As-Built drawings for the existing fire alarm system, including interfaces with newer systems which have been interfaced with the existing fire alarm system.

GSA The intent of the project is for complete fire alarm system replacement. The building occupancy is business as classified by NFPA 101. There are no pre-action, VESDA, or FM200 systems. The building has one computer room sub system, six elevator machine room subsystems, and one child care subsystem.

The building is fully sprinklered by a wet pipe system. The sprinkler systems are fed from two 8-inch underground water supplies. An electric fire pump supports the water supply Emergency power is provided to the fire pump by the emergency generator. Supervised OS&Y control valves are located in the cross-mains near the stair risers on each floor.

The building overhang area (1st Floor is smaller than larger 2nd Floor) is protected by dry pipe sprinkler systems with 4-inch dry pipe valves. The emergency generator room, parking garage, and trash/paper holding area is also protected with 4” dry pipe valves.

The cooking equipment in the cafeteria is protected by wet chemical fire suppression systems.

44. Are there any historic concerns or areas that need to be preserved during this project?

GSA The building is on the Historic Building Register.

45. Please advise regarding design requirements, to include number of submissions, number of copies, delivery or any special requirements.

GSA Please refer to the RFP and specifications