HC102821R0045 - SAT PA System Questions and Answers.pdf

HC102821R0045 - SAT PA System Questions and Answers – Government Response

1. Is it the intent to utilize/incorporate the existing PA system with the MNS (Mass Notification System) or to utilize the MNS as the PA system?

Response 1: Government intent is to have a new MNS autonomous system utilizing the existing PA speakers and ensuring that the MNS is compatible, but does not interfere, with the Fire Alarm system.

2. According to UFC Design Mass Notification Chapter 4 Section 4-2, will the building MNS be required to be designed under the supervision of a registered fire protection engineer?

Response 2: No, this is not installation for “New Construction” which the UFC Chapter 4 addresses.

Coordination with the Fire Authority may be required during the course of this project.

3. Is the intent to use the PA system through the existing phone system as well?

Response 3: No, the Government Enterprise - Voice over Internet Protocol (E-VoIP) system does not allow for PA over the E-VOIP phone system. It is desired to have capability, if possible, to call into the MNS from any phone to activate a pre-recorded message.

4. Will the existing fire alarm system remain at its current location?

Response 4: Yes, the fire alarm system control panel shall remain at its current location.

5. Will voice recordings need to be multi-lingual?

Response 5: No, there is no requirement for voice recordings to be multi-lingual, only English.

6. Will text signs be required?

Response 6: No, text signs are not needed in this project.

7. Is the drawing provided the only as-built available?

Response 7: Correct, unfortunately we have no other drawings of the fire alarm or speaker systems.

8. Is there a speaker device count available? Several rooms had 3 different types of speakers and some rooms had 2 different types of speaker. The speakers on the as-built provided do not coincide with existing conditions.

Response 8: No, unfortunately we have no speaker device count available, nor do we have any other drawings of the fire alarm or speaker system.

9. There was 4 different types of ceiling tiles that we saw during the walk, some types are not made anymore will they settle for replacement tiles that look similar and not a match?

Response 9: Yes, provide the closest match possible as needed. The north administrative areas are scheduled to have all new suspended ceiling tiles installed within the next 12 months that may coincide with this project.

10. If travel is required, will a new CLIN be added for travel requirement and cost?

Response 10: Yes, Travel CLIN is added with a Not To Exceed (NTE) cost of $10,000.

11. Is it acceptable to integrate the PA mass notification with the existing Fire Alarm system into a single one? Or a separate and standalone PA system is required and desired?

Response 11: An integrated system is allowable. The PA system is not required to be a stand-alone system, however, we have no requirement to upgrade the fire alarm control panel at this time.

Specifically, per UFC 4-021-01, Paragraph7-3-1: “In renovation projects, combined systems are preferred, but separate systems may be permitted in some applications. The mass notification functions can temporarily disable the fire alarm notification appliances to allow intelligible voice announcements when needed in the case of simultaneous terrorist and fire events. This is necessary because arson and unauthorized fire system activation are methods of attack that have been used previously by terrorists.”

12. Will successful bidders have access to developed construction documents for this replacement? The uploaded information in the solicitation indicated Schematic Plans.

Response 12: Yes, we have very limited as-built construction drawings of the facility, but they will be made available. The schematic plans are required per PWS Paragraph 6.1.3 for the ‘successful bidder’ to “Prepare and submit detailed installation schematics and shop drawings with PA system components...”.

13. For the existing speaker devices, is the existing wiring/raceway assumed to be reutilized for the new work?

Response 13: Yes.

14. Will as-built drawings of both the existing PA system and fire alarm systems be provided?

Response 14: Yes, although very limited drawings are available.

15. Will the system be required to be installed in conduit, or will open plenum cable be acceptable?

Response 15: No.

16. Will a QFPE be required for this project or will a NICET IV certified in Fire Alarms be allowed for the design?

Response 16: A QFPE is not required for this project. A NICET IV certified Technician is acceptable.

17. UFC 4-021-01 is referenced for the Mass Notification System, but will the ECB that has been in effect since October 2018 that requires Clear ALERT strobes (instead of Amber ALERT strobes) and scrolling TEXT message signs be required?

Response 17: No.

18. Will Local Operator Control (LOC) cabinets be required as referenced in the UFC 4-021-01?

Response 18: No, not required, but may be used to centrally house the system equipment.

19. If the new MNS speakers can be installed and zoned as required by the user, and microphones are provided at all LOC locations, will it be acceptable for the MNS speakers serve as the PA system? This would allow for a seamless interface with the existing building fire alarm system.

Response 19: Yes, it is acceptable for the MNS speakers to serve as the PA system. This project requires connection to existing speakers and installation of new speakers or horns as necessary for clear audible sound throughout the building, two remote shelters and immediate areas around the exterior of the facility.

20. Will the contractor have access to move about freely within the building, or will escorts be required at all times?

Response 20: Security escorts will be required and made available for access into controlled areas of the building.

21. Will the project access be phased, or will the entire building be accessible?

Response 21: The project schedule will be determined by the needs of the contractor. Access to all building areas is possible and will be arranged in advance for security escort into secure areas.

22. Are there specific requirements / protocol on accessing and moving about the building to perform the work?

Response 22: Yes, per the PWS Paragraph 11, all contractors will require a Visit Authorization Letter (VAL) to be submitted to the site Security Manager as outlined in Paragraphs 11.5 and 11.6. Workers will be provided specific guidance once contract is awarded and on-site work is ready to begin. In secure areas, a security escort is required to accompany work crews and will be assigned to provide access and security oversight.

23. Can the Government identify how many exterior notification points are required? Does the Government require the exterior notification points to be IP rated? IF so, what IP rating is required?

Response 23: There are nine exterior doors that will require speakers/horns as identified by Key Note 3 on the provided Appendix A - Concept Drawings, Sheet FA-100. No specific IP rating is required.

24. Can the Government identify the brand of the Fire Alarm system that is in place that the PA mass notification system should interface with? Can the Government identify the preferred integration method for the PA mass notification to be connected to the Fire Alarm System (i.e. I/O, or other means).

Response 24: The fire alarm control panel indicates it’s a “Gamewell Series 3” by Honeywell.

25. Could the Government send pictures of the "old equipment" for estimating labor hours required for removal?

Response 25: Yes, the existing system is “Dukane Corp” equipment currently located in a telecom room.

Photos attached.

26. Can the Government clarify "activated through the phone system". Does this mean the main PA mass notification management system CAN activate the messages to all of the phones (VoIP, and non-

VoiP). OR, does this mean, the administrator will activate the alert message FROM a phone? If it is to be "activated" from a phone, what type and brand of phones are the activation phones?

Response 26: The intent is to have the ability for the administrator will activate the alert message FROM a phone, preferably any phone. The current E-VoIP phone system in the building is a CISCO system with CISCO phone model # CP-8851-K9 V09.

27. Can the vendor utilize the existing raceways and conduit?

Response 27: Yes, existing PA system raceway and conduit may be utilized.

28. Does the Government require visual alerting in addition to speakers to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act if it desires the PA mass notification system to be integrated with the Fire Alarm Systems (visual alerts, audio alerts, synchronized audio with visual alerting etc.)? Visual alerting devices can be wall or desk mounted Visual Alerts for the hard of hearing or deaf. In addition, visual alerts can be sent over all of the work station computer monitors and cable TVs.

Response 28: No, not required under this project.

29. In "5. Scope" the overall task required the "old system" to be removed. Is it the desire of the Government for the existing PA speakers to NOT be removed and reused with the new PA mass notification system?

Response 29: Correct, the existing PA speakers can be used with the new PA MNS. Only remove non-operating and/or damaged old speakers and PA equipment.

30. Can the Government identify how many "additional speakers" are required?

Response 30: No, the Government does not have the equipment to measure the sound levels, therefore cannot determine how many additional speakers may be needed.