Questions Request Form - Replace Fire Alarm System 437-23-105 Contractor Questions 12.8.docx

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Reference

Can the Onsite Superintendent qualify as the site safety and health officer as well as the superintendent role?

No. The Superintendent, SSHO and QC must be separate roles per specification 01 35 26, 1.9.C.

Confirm that all work inside the facility can happen during normal business hours or what areas of the hospital will require afterhours work to be performed.

Not all work inside the facility can occur during normal business hours. The timing depends on the type and location of the work, as well as its potential impact on patient care and operations. Outpatient areas often require after-hours work to avoid disrupting services, while inpatient and common areas may allow work during regular hours with proper coordination. Critical care areas—such as Surgery, ICU, Radiology, and Dialysis—typically require special scheduling and advance approval. Additionally, noisy or vibration-producing activities must be carefully planned to avoid affecting sensitive equipment or patient care. All work schedules must be coordinated with the COR and facility staff for approval.

Existing conduit is not to be reused elsewhere in the project, as new and existing wiring cannot share the same pathways. All wiring installed for these additions shall be reconnected and integrated with adjacent systems as required to provide full functionality equivalent to the new campus-wide fire alarm system.

The contractor for this project is not authorized to modify, disconnect, or otherwise impact the existing system until the new system is completely installed, tested, commissioned, and accepted.

Only after the new system is operational and accepted will the existing system be decommissioned and demolished in accordance with project specifications and VA direction.

Note states that if lead or asbestos is found, stop work. Is there known lead and asbestos at the facility, and is there a report of locations that can be found? Or is the contractor required to perform asbestos and lead testing of the facility?

The facility has been previously tested for asbestos, and the corresponding survey reports are attached for reference. Any additional testing beyond the documented scope will be the responsibility of the contractor, including associated costs and scheduling. If any new positive findings or actionable conditions are identified that were not captured in the provided reports, the VA will coordinate appropriate remediation measures with the contractor. Testing for lead has also been conducted, and no lead has been detected on campus.

For additional clarity, the following situations would typically qualify as “overly difficult to remove”:

· Conduits embedded within concrete, masonry, or other structural building elements.

· Conduits located behind finished walls or ceilings where removal would require extensive demolition beyond the scope of work.

· Conduits routed through confined or inaccessible chases where removal is impractical.

· Conduits whose removal could compromise adjacent active systems or create unsafe conditions.

Where conduit cannot be removed or is overly difficult to remove, it may be cut flush to the wall/floor. Openings in rated assemblies shall be filled with approved firestop; non-rated assemblies shall be filled with compatible material.

Where existing fire alarm conduit is deemed overly difficult to remove, it may be proposed to remain in place. Such conditions shall be submitted for review, and acceptance will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis with approval required from Engineering and the VA prior to leaving conduit in place.

Existing conduit is not to be reused elsewhere in the project, as new and existing wiring cannot share the same pathways. All wiring installed for these additions shall be reconnected and integrated with adjacent systems as required to provide full functionality equivalent to the new campus-wide fire alarm system.

10.

11.

Will the fiber between panels be single-mode or multi-mode?

Fiber connections between panels to be multi-mode, OM4. Per spec section 28 050 13-5 Section 2.5.

12.

13.

All other fire alarm inter-building connections shown utilize existing duct banks containing existing fiber-optic backbone cabling, which will be reused to support the new campus-wide fire alarm system. No additional underground conduit is required for other buildings, as they already contain existing fire alarm devices and/or panels, and communication will be carried through the existing backbone.

14.

Final use of these pathways is subject to field verification of continuity, condition, and available strands to ensure suitability for system integration

In addition, the site contains two (2) existing 24-fiber OS2 cables routed to each outbuilding (“A” and “B” paths), which may also provide usable strands pending field verification of condition and continuity. No new fiber is required in locations where existing backbone and conduit routes are serviceable and validated to support the new fire alarm system.

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16.

Where existing fire alarm devices are removed, will a blank cover plate be acceptable?

Yes, blank cover plates may be acceptable in some cases, but only if approved by the VA. Per Section 01 00 00, paragraph 1.6 (K), abandoned fire alarm devices and wiring must be removed to their source or sealed at the point of origin. Terminations are not allowed in finished areas and must be concealed. Blank plates can only be used when removal or concealment isn’t feasible and with VA approval.

17.

Will exposed conduit be allowed in finished areas?

No, exposed conduit is not permitted in finished areas unless specifically indicated in the contract documents or approved by the VA. Per Section 26 05 33-3.2, conduit in finished spaces must be concealed within walls, ceilings, or other architectural elements to maintain the facility’s aesthetics and comply with VA standards

18.

If alternate cable types are proposed in lieu of those specified, submittals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and shall require Engineering and VA approval prior to use.

19.

Is the existing Edwards fire alarm system under a maintenance contract? If so, please provide the contact information for the contractor that services the fire alarm system.

Yes, the VA will have a maintenance contractor in place for the existing fire alarm system.

The contractor for this project is not authorized to modify, disconnect, or otherwise impact the existing system until the new system is completely installed, tested, commissioned, and accepted.

Only after the new system is operational and accepted will the existing system be decommissioned and demolished in accordance with project specifications and VA direction.

20.

Will the Superintendent need to be “designated” to this project or may they be allowed to have other duties/roles?

Superintendent must be dedicated and cannot serve other roles.

21.

Can the SSHO/QC role be double hatted? Or Triple hatted by the Superintendent?

Superintendent must be dedicated and cannot serve as SSHO or QC.

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24.

Will the VA be providing any “attic” stock for any Vinyl Wall Covering (VWC) colors that are no longer in production? If not, are we to provide closest match?

The contractor is required to provide the closest available match, subject to VA approval. Any substitutions or deviations from specified materials must be submitted for review and approval through the submittal process. The replacement must maintain the design intent and quality standards outlined in the contract documents.

25.

Is the period of performance inclusive of badging and lead times for material & equipment procurement? If not, will it be extended to include?

Yes, the period of performance is inclusive of all activities required to complete the work, including badging, material and equipment procurement, and associated lead times. Per Section 01 32 16.15 – Project Schedules, the contractor is responsible for developing a schedule that accounts for all project activities, including submittals, procurement, and mobilization.

26.

On sheet FA-000 (Fire Alarm Scope of Work) number 2 – a, b, c & d mention devices are required in certain rooms.

0. 2a – Switch gear/data rooms will be provided with smoke detectors.

0. 2b – Telecom/data rooms will be provided with smoke detectors.

0. 2c – All VA defined headend equipment rooms will be provided with smoke detectors.

0. 2d – Heat detectors will be provided in all mechanical spaces.

0. Many of these areas do not receive any new devices per the plans, are we to provide in all rooms per FA-000 Scope Work Notes?

Yes. Per Sheet FA-000, General Fire Alarm Scope of Work Note 2 (a–d), smoke or heat detection is required in the listed room types regardless of whether they currently show new devices on the floor plans. The intent of FA-000 is to establish minimum device requirements by space type, and these apply even in locations where devices are not explicitly shown, ensuring NFPA and VA coverage requirements are met.

Accordingly:

i. 2a / 2b: Switchgear rooms and telecom/data rooms shall be provided with smoke detection, even if existing devices are not shown to be replaced.

ii. 2c: Any VA-defined headend/equipment rooms must also receive smoke detection.

iii. 2d: Heat detection is required in all mechanical spaces per FA-000, independent of plan callouts.

These spaces must be field-verified, and detection devices shall be added where missing to meet the FA-000 scope criteria and maintain compliance.

No. Contractor is not responsible for existing system issues. VA maintenance contractor will handle them.

Does the VA have a preffered fire alarm manufacturer to be installed?

No, the VA does not specify a single preferred fire alarm manufacturer in the contract documents. However, all fire alarm system components must comply with the performance and compatibility requirements outlined in Section 28 31 00 – Fire Detection and Alarm, and must be submitted for VA review and approval through the submittal process. It should be noted that JCI/Simplex systems are the basis of design.

Can the installing contractor operate sprinkler valves for system testing?

No. Sprinkler valves may only be operated with VA COR approval. Unauthorized operation is prohibited.

There are many wall mount devices to be installed. How long can walls be opened prior to drywall replacement?

Walls may not remain open for extended periods. Any wall penetrations or openings must be closed up as soon as possible to maintain infection control and life safety standards. Open walls in occupied areas must be sealed daily or enclosed with appropriate barriers to prevent dust and debris migration.

Is there room onsite for material storage (in building or exterior connex)?

Yes. The VA will accommodate a connex in the contractor parking area per COR direction and safety requirements.

Can the superintendent dual hat as the SSHO?

No. Superintendent must be dedicated and cannot serve as SSHO.

The upgraded system will continue to use this same outside-monitoring pathway unless the VA directs a change to their notification protocol. Any revisions to the monitoring service or response sequence will be coordinated with the VA to ensure compliance with their established procedures.

Reference spec section 28 31 00 -10 Section B.

The recommended approach for reuse is typically achieved by installing a new junction box above the ceiling tied into the existing conduit, then using an extended box at the device location. This allows new wiring to be routed to the replacement device while keeping the device in its original back box and avoiding unnecessary disturbance to architectural finishes.

This method has been successfully used in architecturally sensitive areas to eliminate patching, maintain existing wall integrity, and still achieve full compliance with the new fire alarm system installation requirements.

Existing conduit is not to be reused elsewhere in the project, as new and existing wiring cannot share the same pathways. All wiring installed for these additions shall be reconnected and integrated with adjacent systems as required to provide full functionality equivalent to the new campus-wide fire alarm system.

38.

01 33 23 1.3 submittal register Paragraph A

0. Are we allowed to utilize our Procore system for submittals?

0. Are we allowed to utilize our Procore system for management of project RFI’s etc.?

Yes. Procore or similar platforms may be used for submittals and RFIs. Contractor covers subscription cost.

39.

Section 01 35 26 Section 1.9.C Can the Site Safety Officer (SSHO) also perform the superintendent functions i.e. Dual hat Functions?

No. SSHO must be dedicated and cannot serve as Superintendent or QC.

40.

Section 01 35 26 Section 1.9.C Can the Site Safety Officer (SSHO) also perform the superintendent functions and the Quality Control i.e. Triple hat Functions?

No. SSHO must be dedicated and cannot serve as Superintendent or QC.

41.

Section 01 45 00 3.4 – Can the superintendent perform dual hat responsibility’s functions as superintendent and quality control manager?

No. Superintendent must be dedicated and cannot serve as SSHO or QC.

42.

Only after the new system is operational and accepted will the existing system be decommissioned and demolished in accordance with project specifications and VA direction.

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46.

Confirm that the Contractor nor the Government holds ownership of schedule float.

Correct. Schedule float is shared and not owned by either party.

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48.

Does the Period of Performance account for all long lead time items?

Yes, the period of performance is inclusive of all activities required to complete the work, including badging, material and equipment procurement, and associated lead times. Per Section 01 32 16.15 – Project Schedules, the contractor is responsible for developing a schedule that accounts for all project activities, including submittals, procurement, and mobilization.

49.

Does the Period of Performance account for employee badging time frame?

Yes, the period of performance is inclusive of all activities required to complete the work, including badging, material and equipment procurement, and associated lead times. Per Section 01 32 16.15 – Project Schedules, the contractor is responsible for developing a schedule that accounts for all project activities, including submittals, procurement, and mobilization.

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51.

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53.

Can you provide the after-work hours start time and end time?

After-hours is before 8:00 AM or after 4:00 PM, Monday–Friday.

54.

For work in hospital phased areas will patients and staff be occupying or using this the same phasing area during our work?

Yes, patients and staff may occupy or use the same areas during construction phases. The specifications require the contractor to coordinate work plans and infection control measures that prioritize patient safety and operational continuity.

55.

Spec Section 01 33 23 Section 1.10.D,E states the VA review period is 15 days for Submittals and 10 Days for RFI’s Does that include the VA provided AE review time as well?

Yes, the VA review period is 15 calendar days for submittals and 10 calendar days for RFIs. These timeframes include the review period by the VA’s contracted Architect-Engineer (AE).

56.

Section 01 58 016 Temporary Interior Signage – can you provide locations where temporary signage is required?

See Specification Section 01 58 16, Part 3.2, as a minimum requirement location for temporary signage. Coordinate with VA COR during construction for number and type of temporary signs required to match custom phasing as required to match VA COR direction.

57.

58.

07 84 00 Firestopping – are we allowed to utilize Hilti Firestop speed sleeve’s for penetrations?

Per Section 07 84 00, all firestopping systems must be tested in accordance with ASTM E814 (UL 1479) and listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Hilti Firestop Speed Sleeves may be used if they are part of a UL-listed system that meets the specified fire-resistance rating and installation requirements for the specific penetration type.

Contractor must submit product data and UL system details for review and approval prior to installation.

59.

60.

Will rooms be cleared of equipment, furniture etc. prior to the contractor entering those areas?

Rooms may not be fully cleared of equipment, furniture, or other items prior to contractor access. The contractor should coordinate with the COR and facility staff to determine what, if any, items will be removed by the VA. The contractor is responsible for protecting or temporarily relocating items as needed to perform the work, in accordance with project phasing and infection control requirements.

61.

Can you provide the locations where there will be escorts required at work areas.

Escort requirements are determined based on the security level and operational sensitivity of each area. VA-provided escorts are required for contractor access to locations such as MRI Zone 3, pharmacy, and IT spaces. Specific escort needs will be confirmed during pre-construction meetings and area-specific coordination with the COR and facility staff. Contractors must plan accordingly and allocate time for escort coordination where required.

62.

Is the use of temporary plastic wall panels (such as STARC panels) acceptable to meet ICRA requirements?

Yes, the use of temporary plastic wall systems, such as STARC panels, is acceptable for meeting ICRA containment requirements, provided they are durable, cleanable, and capable of maintaining required negative air pressure. While hard barriers are preferred, temporary panel systems may be used with prior approval from VA Infection Control and Safety staff. Product data and layout must be included in the ICRA submittal for review and approval.

63.

Can multiple phases be performed at the same time?

Multiple phases may be performed concurrently only with prior VA approval. Concurrent work must not interfere with patient care, safety, infection control, or facility operations, and must comply with the approved phasing plan, ICRA, and life safety requirements.

Contractor must submit a revised phasing and coordination plan for review and approval if proposing to overlap phases.

64.

Does ICRA HEPA negative air exhaust need to be vented directly outside?

ICRA HEPA negative air exhaust should be vented directly to the exterior of the building. This is to maintain proper infection control and prevent recirculation of potentially contaminated air within the facility. Exhausting to interior spaces, including return air ducts or general hospital areas, is permitted but must be done with strict air monitoring requirements.

65.

Is this acceptable for ICRA HEPA Negative air exhaust to be returned back into the hospital space?

ICRA HEPA negative air exhaust should be vented directly to the exterior of the building. This is to maintain proper infection control and prevent recirculation of potentially contaminated air within the facility. Exhausting to interior spaces, including return air ducts or general hospital areas, is permitted but must be done with strict air monitoring requirements.

66.

Can ICRA HEPA negative air exhaust be vented back into a return air duct?

ICRA HEPA negative air exhaust should be vented directly to the exterior of the building. This is to maintain proper infection control and prevent recirculation of potentially contaminated air within the facility. Exhausting to interior spaces, including return air ducts or general hospital areas, is permitted but must be done with strict air monitoring requirements.

67.

Is any fireproofing repair required? If fireproofing repair is required, can the VA please provide a specification for fireproofing?

Yes, any required fireproofing repair associated with penetrations or conduit removal shall be performed in accordance with Specification Section 07 84 00 – Firestopping. This section provides the requirements for UL-approved firestop systems, including installation, materials, and inspection for sealing openings in fire-rated walls, floors, and roof decks. No separate spray-applied fireproofing specification is included in this project; therefore, Section 07 84 00 is the applicable spec for all fire penetration repairs.

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69.

70.

Will VAMC be able to provide attic stock for ceiling tile, wall coverings, flooring where we may be tying into.

The contractor is required to provide the closest available match, subject to VA approval. Any substitutions or deviations from specified materials must be submitted for review and approval through the submittal process. The replacement must maintain the design intent and quality standards outlined in the contract documents.

71.

Can you provide existing floor penetrations plans for access thru the floors for reference?

Attached. Existing floor penetration plans are attached.

72.

Contractor must submit product data and UL system details for review and approval prior to installation.

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74.

All other interbuilding connections shown are routed through existing duct banks containing existing fiber-optic backbone cabling, which is intended to be reused for the new campus fire alarm system. No additional underground pathways are required for the remaining buildings, as they already contain fire alarm devices and/or panels with available connectivity.

75.

· Confirm the primary-power loss trouble signal.

· Verify standby/alarm current demand and that battery capacity meets or exceeds system requirements.

· Operate the system on battery-only for the required durations:

· 5 minutes for general alarm systems

· 15 minutes for emergency voice/alarm systems

· Restore primary power upon completion of testing.

76.

Can you provide an existing door schedule for door device monitory for reference?

A separate door schedule is not required for this project. All doors receiving fire alarm monitoring or control are already identified on the plans, and the existing door hardware is not being replaced. The contractor will be responsible for verifying existing field conditions and installing an addressable monitor/control point at each existing junction box associated with the door holder or door device.

The sequence of operation for each door is to be replicated from existing conditions, based on the contractor’s field survey and final fire alarm system design.

77.

Will the owner be responsible for relocation of owner equipment, furnishings, ETC to allow for our work and provide access?

Rooms may not be fully cleared of equipment, furniture, or other items prior to contractor access. The contractor should coordinate with the COR and facility staff to determine what, if any, items will be removed by the VA. The contractor is responsible for protecting or temporarily relocating items as needed to perform the work, in accordance with project phasing and infection control requirements.

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79.

Is there an asbestos report of the campus and individual buildings?

The facility has already been tested, and the corresponding reports documenting the findings are attached for reference. Any additional testing beyond what has been completed and documented will be the responsibility of the contractor, both in terms of cost and scheduling.

Should any positive results or actionable findings arise that were not identified in the survey reports provided, the VA will take appropriate steps to address and rectify those items in coordination with the contractor.

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81.

Sheets FA-005 and FA-006 can you provide the fire alarm legend for clarity on the sheet

Indicates a flow switch.

Indicates a tamper switch

To clarify, sheet FA-005 and FA-006 symbols for the Flow Switch and Tamper Switch are for the fire sprinkler riser diagram. See symbols above.

Please note the fire sprinkler riser diagram shown reflects the existing system. Fire alarm point locations shown are for the existing fire alarm system. New point addresses will be assigned by the fire alarm contractor during final fire alarm system design.

82.

Can additional drawing details be provided on what is required for the fire suppression contractors portion of work based on the following note ?

5. THE FIRE SUPPRESSION SCOPE FOR THIS PROJECT IS LIMITED TO DISCONNECTING AND RECONNECTING THE EXISTING FIRE SPRINKLER, STANDPIPE, KITCHEN HOOD SYSTEMS, PRE-ACTION PANELS, AND FIRE PUMP MONITORING DEVICES (2 FIRE PUMPS). THESE DEVICES ARE LOCATED THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. THE DEVICES CONSIST OF WATER FLOW SWITCHES, VALVE SUPERVISORY SWITCHES, PRESSURE SWITCHES AND FIRE PUMP MONITORING POINT The referenced fire suppression monitoring devices are identified on the drawings as follows:

Tamper & Flow Switches Existing tamper and flow switch devices, including device type and current monitor module address, are shown on Sheets FA-005 and FA-006 (Fire Sprinkler Riser Schematic).

Their physical locations are further identified on both the demolition and new work plans for contractor reference:

*Flow switches (FS) and monitor module addresses are located on Sheets FA-005 and FA-006.

*Tamper switches (TS) and their current monitor module addresses are located on Sheets FA-005 and FA-006.

Sheets FA-005 and FA-006 also indicate monitored risers, zones, and device locations by building and floor.

Pre-Action Panels Existing pre-action panels scheduled for removal, along with associated room numbers, are shown on Sheets FA-001 through FA-004 (Riser Diagrams).

New pre-action panel locations are identified on Sheet FA-100 (New Fire Alarm Plan).

Fire Pump Monitoring Points Existing fire pump supervisory monitoring points are identified on Sheet FA-005, including:

Associated device/module locations and addresses are also shown on Sheet FA-103.

Kitchen Hood Systems Kitchen hood fire suppression system locations and associated monitoring information are shown on:

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