SOW Attachment 1 _ 283176 - FIRE ALARM AND VOICE EVACUATION SYSTEM.pdf

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Design-Build services for IRS Fire Alarm Modernization Project
Solicitation number
47PB5126R0029
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Not on record

About this file

This document is a GSA specification section (28 3176) for the design, installation, inspection, testing, and commissioning of fire alarm and emergency communication systems in federal buildings.

The specification requires a complete, networked addressable fire alarm system compliant with PBS-P100, NFPA 70, NFPA 72, and related standards. The contractor must provide all wiring, raceways, control equipment, detectors (smoke, heat, carbon monoxide), notification appliances (loudspeakers and strobes), manual fire alarm boxes, batteries, surge protection, and related accessories. The system must include emergency voice communication capabilities with addressable control modules, amplifiers, and remote annunciators. All components must be UL-listed or FM-approved. The contractor must have a minimum of five years of experience installing addressable fire alarm systems, employ a qualified fire protection engineer or NICET Level IV technician for design and shop drawings, and maintain a full-time on-site project superintendent. Key deliverables include detailed shop drawings, battery and voltage drop calculations, test procedures compliant with NFPA 4 and NFPA 72, as-built drawings, operation and maintenance manuals, and training documentation. The system must be fully tested and commissioned with preliminary and final acceptance testing performed in the presence of GSA representatives and the GSA Regional Fire Protection Engineer. The contractor must provide spare parts (four of each device type installed), special tools, and maintain a 24-hour emergency service capability during the warranty period. Training must be provided to designated Government personnel covering system operation, voice communication functions, and maintenance procedures. All submittal documents must be approved before installation begins, and the contractor bears all costs for repeated testing if initial acceptance testing fails to meet contract requirements.

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FINAL SUBMITTAL

11/10/2023

FIRE ALARM/EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM 28 3176 - 1

SECTION 28 3176 - FIRE ALARM/EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

*****GENERAL NOTES**********************************************************

1. All fire alarm systems installed in buildings must be an emergency communication system when any one of the following conditions exists:

a. The building is two or more stories in height above the level of exit discharge.

b. The total calculated occupant load of the building is 300 or more occupants.

c. The building is subject to 100 or more occupants above or below the level of exit discharge.

2. Where numbers, symbols, words, phrases, clauses, or sentences in this specification section are enclosed in brackets [ ], a choice or modification must be made; delete inapplicable portion(s) carefully. Where blank spaces occur in sentences, insert the appropriate data.

Where entire paragraphs are not applicable, they should be deleted completely.

3. This specification section has been developed for conformance with PBS-P100, 2021 edition, and NFPA 72, 2022 edition.

4. NOTES are provided to give additional information to the specification writer to make proper selections for the project. The notes are to be removed or hidden before the specification is published.

5. Specification Data: Verify that the titles of other sections of the project specification referred to in this specification section are the same, and if not, make the necessary editorial changes.

6. Where any code or standard referenced in the specification section refers to the Building Official, Fire Code Official, or Authority Having Jurisdiction for any fire protection or life safety interpretation or enforcement requirement, this refers to the GSA Regional Fire Protection Engineer.

7. References made in this specification to the GSA Regional Fire Protection Engineer are to be coordinated through the Contracting Officer.

8. This specification section is to be used for new fire alarm systems, fire alarm systems replacing existing fire alarm systems, and for modifications to existing fire alarm systems.

Where a modification to an existing fire alarm system is planned, sections related to existing devices and equipment must be modified to indicate existing capabilities of the existing equipment.

*****GENERAL NOTES**********************************************************

FIRE ALARM/EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM 28 3176 - 2

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.1 REFERENCES

A. The publications listed below form a part of this specification section to the extent referenced.

The publications are referred to within the text by the basic designation only. Use the latest edition, unless noted otherwise.

B. ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA (ASA)

1. ASA S3.2, (2009, R2014) Method for Measuring the Intelligibility of Speech Over Communication Systems (ASA 85)

C. ARCHITECTURAL BARRIERS ACT (ABA)

1. Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standard (ABAAS)

D. ASME INTERNATIONAL (ASME)

1. ASME A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators

E. FM GLOBAL (FM)

1. FM Approval Guide

F. GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

1. PBS-P100, GSA Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service.

2. PBS-P140, Child Care Center Design Guide

3. PBS Standard for PBS Cad Deliverables.

G. INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL (ICC)

1. International Building Code® (IBC)

2. International Fire Code® (IFC)

H. NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA)

1. NFPA 4, Standard for Integrated Fire Protection and Life Safety System Testing

2. NFPA 70, National Electrical Code®

3. NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®

4. NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems

5. NFPA 170, Standard for Fire Safety and Emergency Symbols

6. NFPA 241, Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition

Operations

I. UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES (UL)

1. UL 228, Door Closers and Holding Devices

FIRE ALARM/EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM 28 3176 - 3

2. UL 268, Smoke Detectors for Fire Protective Signaling Systems

3. UL 268A, Smoke Detectors for Duct Application

4. UL 464, Audible Signal Appliances

5. UL 497B, Protectors for Data Communications and Fire-Alarm Circuits

6. UL 521, Heat Detectors for Fire Protective Signaling Systems

7. UL 864, Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems

8. UL 1449, Surge Protective Devices

9. UL 1480, Speakers for Fire Alarm, Emergency, and Commercial and Professional Use

10. UL 1481, Power Supplies for Fire Protective Signaling Systems

11. UL 1711, Amplifiers for Fire Protective Signaling Systems

12. UL 1638, Safety Visible Signaling Devices for Fire Alarm and Signaling Systems, Including

Accessories

13. UL 2017, General Purpose Signaling Devices and Systems

14. UL 2075, Gas and Vapor Detectors and Sensors

15. UL Fire Protection Equipment Directory

1.2 NOTICE TO BIDDERS

A. Before submittal of bid, examine all drawings, specification, addenda, alternatives, special conditions, and all other bidding documents of all sections of this project, verifying all governing conditions at the site, and become fully informed as to the extent and character of the work required, as well as its relation to other work in the building. Submittal of a bid is an agreement to all requirements of the contract documents and no consideration will be granted for any claimed misunderstanding thereof.

B. Submittal of a bid is deemed a representation by the bidder that the contractor is qualified in all respects to properly perform the work for which he is bidding and has experience with similar work. Bidders are deemed to be aware, based on their background and experience, of materials which may be required in the discharge of their responsibilities, even though unspecified.

C. Where any code or standard referenced in this specification section refers to the Building Official, Fire Code Official, or Authority Having Jurisdiction for any fire protection or life safety interpretation or enforcement requirement, this refers to the GSA Regional Fire Protection Engineer.

D. References made in this specification section to the GSA Regional Fire Protection Engineer must be coordinated through the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The GSA Regional Fire Protection Engineer, or their designated representative, will review and approve all submittals noted in this specification section.

E. “Approved”, as used in this specification section, means approved by the GSA Regional Fire Protection Engineer or their designated representative.

1.3 SUMMARY

A. Provide a new, complete, networked addressable fire alarm emergency communication system as described herein and on the contract drawings. The system must Include wiring, raceways

FIRE ALARM/EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM 28 3176 - 4

pull boxes, terminal cabinets, outlet and mounting boxes, control equipment, alarm and supervisory signal devices, alarm notification appliances, supervising station fire alarm system transmitter, elevator landing communication systems, and other accessories and miscellaneous items required for a complete operating system even though each item is not specifically mentioned or described.

B. Provide equipment, materials, installation, workmanship, inspection, and testing in strict accordance with the provisions of PBS-P100, NFPA 70, NFPA 72, NFPA 90A, NFPA 13, and NFPA 101, except as modified herein. The system layout on the Contract Drawings shows the intent of coverage and devices/equipment are shown in suggested locations. Final quantity, system layout and coordination are the responsibility of the Contractor.

C. Technical data and computer software (meaning technical data that relates to computer software) that are specifically identified in this project and may be defined/required in other sections, must be delivered, strictly in accordance with the CONTRACT CLAUSES. Identify data delivered by reference to the specification section paragraph against which it is furnished. Data to be submitted must include complete system, equipment, and software descriptions.

Descriptions must show how the equipment will operate as a system to meet the performance requirements of this contract. The data package must also include the following:

1. Identification of programmable portions of system equipment and capabilities.

2. Description of system revisions and expansion capabilities and methods of implementation detailing both equipment and software requirements.

3. Provision of operational software data on all modes of programmable portions of the fire alarm and detection system.

4. Description of fire alarm control unit equipment operation.

5. Description of auxiliary and remote equipment operation.

6. Description of cybersecurity provisions.

7. Library of application software.

8. Operation and maintenance manuals.

D. Keys and locks for equipment must be identical. Provide not less than six keys of each type required. Master all keys and locks to a single key.

E. Fire Protection Quality Control (FPQC). Services of the FPQC must include:

*****NOTE*******************************************************************

NOTE: The term Fire Protection Quality Control (FPQC) should be considered interchangeable with the terms “Fire Protection Designer of Record (FPDOR)”, “Qualified Fire Protection Engineer (QFPE)” or “Fire Protection QC Specialist” where referred to in other applicable contract documents.

*****NOTE*******************************************************************

1. Review all submittal packages for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this specification section. The FPQC must affix their review stamp with signature to the shop drawings, calculations, and material data sheets, indicating approval prior to submitting the shop drawings to the Government.

FIRE ALARM/EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM 28 3176 - 5

2. Provide a letter, signed by the FPQC, documenting that the submittal package has been reviewed and noting any outstanding comments.

3. Visit the project site during the installation as needed to verify the fire alarm system is being installed in accordance with approved shop drawings and this specification section.

4. Submit a written report for each site visit that includes a summary of current work activities and certification of compliance with project requirements.

5. The report must be submitted within 5 business days of the site visit to the GSA project manager for distribution and review.

6. Witness preliminary functional performance testing and perform a final installation review.

F. All system components must be listed for their intended use and must be compatible with the system and its components. Where the term “listed” appears in this specification section, it means UL-listed (UL Fire Protection Equipment Directory), FM-approved (FM App Guide), or listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL). The omission of these terms under the description of any item of equipment described must not be construed as waiving the requirement for listing or approval. All listings or approvals must be based on an existing ANSI, FM or UL published standard.

1.4 SUBMITTALS

A. Installation of the system is not permitted until qualifications, shop drawings, calculations and product data have been submitted and approved.

B. Qualifications: Submit one electronic copy in pdf format of the following, no later than 30 calendar days prior to shop drawing submittal, in accordance with the General Conditions of the Contract.

1. Certifications and qualifications for contractor and key personnel as noted in 1.5 QUALITY

ASSURANCE.

2. Documentation must identify the location of three systems installed by the proposed installer which are comparable to the system specified. Contractor must certify, in writing, that each of the three installed systems has performed satisfactorily, in the manner intended, for a period of not less than 6 months.

3. Contractor qualifications must include key personnel contact information (i.e., project manager, designer, superintendent), previous similar project history, duration of experience, licenses, and any other relevant documentation.

C. Installation Documents: Submit three copies and electronic copy in pdf format of the following, no later than 21 days prior to the start of system installation, in accordance with the General Conditions of the Contract. Drawings, unless noted otherwise, must be no smaller than 22-inch by 34-inch.

1. Shop Drawings (Working Plans): Detailed drawings must be in accordance with the requirements prescribed in NFPA 72 and NFPA 170 for Working Plans and comply with PBS Standard for PBS Cad Deliverables. Drawings must include plan and elevation views which establish that the equipment will fit the allotted spaces with clearance for installation and maintenance. Each set of drawings must include the following:

FIRE ALARM/EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM 28 3176 - 6

a. System Layout: Plan view drawing showing equipment/device locations, terminal cabinet locations, junction boxes, other related equipment, conduit routing, wire counts, circuit identification in each circuit, and circuit and conduit layouts for all floors. Note any locations of exposed or surface-mounted conduit or backboxes.

Drawings for systems requiring voice intelligibility must indicate all acoustically distinguishable spaces (ADS). Riser locations must be shown on drawings for confirmation of survivability requirements in PBS P100. All devices shown on plans and riser diagram must include device addresses. Drawings must comply with the requirements of NFPA 170.

b. Wiring Diagrams: Point-to-point wiring diagrams showing the points of connection and terminals used for electrical field connections in the system, including interconnections between equipment or systems that are supervised or controlled by the system. Diagrams must show connections from field devices to the Fire Alarm Control Unit (FACU) and remote fire control units, initiating circuits, switches, relays, and terminals. Provide complete riser diagrams indicating the wiring sequence of devices and their connection to the control equipment.

c. Sequence of operation, in matrix format, that describes how the system responds during an alarm, supervisory, and trouble condition. The description must include fire alarm control unit LEDs, audible and visible indications, initiating devices, notification appliances, and auxiliary functions (such as elevator recall, HVAC fan unit shutdown, SECURITY INTERFACE, carbon monoxide detectors, and smoke control system operation). The description must provide sufficient information so that the exact function of each installed device and appliance is known.

d. System Operation: A complete list of device addresses and corresponding messages.

e. Voice Message Matrix: Show the specific distribution of audio on each floor for fire alarm operations by providing an input/output matrix. The matrix must incorporate the following information:

1) Fire alarm input from each floor with resulting output of fire alarm audio for each floor of the building. Floors with identical message output schemes may be shown together in the matrix. (for example, Input: Fire alarm activation for floors 7-26)

2) Floor numbers listed in the matrix must be listed sequentially so that the matrix shows how the messages are distributed for partial evacuation or relocation.

3) Exclusion of elevator cars and exit stairways from automatic messages.

Manual audio selection switches must be provided for each exit stairway and elevator car.

4) A listing of all messages being provided for this fire alarm system by message designator.

5) The matrix must clearly show the pre-tone, pre-recorded message, and post-tone for all messages used.

f. Notification Appliances/Initiating Devices: Data on each circuit to indicate that there is at least 25 percent spare capacity for notification appliances and 25 percent spare capacity for initiating devices. Annotate data for each circuit on the drawings.

FIRE ALARM/EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM 28 3176 - 7

g. Amplifiers: Data to indicate that amplifiers have sufficient capacity to simultaneously drive all notification loudspeakers plus 25 percent spare capacity.

Annotate data for each circuit on the drawings.

2. Product Data: Annotated catalog data showing manufacturer’s name, model, and catalog number for all equipment and components to be considered for the project, as well as standby and alarm current for all initiation and notification appliances to verify calculations.

a. Fire alarm control unit (FACU), including manufacturers discontinuation dated or first manufactured date. See paragraph “Materials and Equipment”.

b. Terminal cabinets

c. Manual fire alarm boxes

d. Batteries

e. Battery charger

f. Smoke detectors

g. Heat detectors

h. Carbon monoxide detectors

i. Wiring and cable

j. Notification appliances

k. Addressable interface devices

l. LCD (Remote) annunciator

m. Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter (DACT)

n. Amplifiers

o. Tone generators

p. Digitized voice generators

q. Electromagnetic door hold-open devices

r. Line voltage surge protective devices

s. Auxiliary power (booster) panels

t. Two-way communication system

u. Remote call stations

v. Firestopping

w. Document and Records Cabinet

3. Calculations: Submit battery calculations as required in paragraph Battery Power Calculations. Submit a voltage drop calculation to indicate that sufficient voltage is available for proper operation of the system and all components, at a minimum rated voltage of the system operating on batteries.

D. Schedule: Provide a schedule indicating the delivery dates of equipment to be supplied;

installation sequence; time frame and the total amount of on-site technical assistance time (in man-hours per phase) that the supplier of the equipment has included in their bid to comply with the requirements of this specification section.

E. Equipment List: Provide an equipment list identifying the type, quantity, make and model number of each piece of equipment to be provided under this submittal. The equipment list must include the type, quantity, make, and model of spare equipment. Types and quantities of equipment submitted must coincide with the types and quantities of equipment used in the

FIRE ALARM/EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM 28 3176 - 8

battery calculations and those shown on the shop drawings. A final equipment list must be submitted with the Operating and Maintenance (O&M) manual.

F. NFPA 241 – Construction Safety Plan: A construction / demolition fire safety plan must be developed in accordance with NFPA 241. The fire safety plan must, at a minimum, provide details on the methods for maintaining fire safety during the project and for addressing all time periods in which the existing fire alarm system is impaired as defined by NFPA 72.

G. Test Procedures: Submit detailed test procedures, prepared, and signed by the qualified test personnel for the detection and alarm system, 30 days prior to performing system tests. Detailed test procedures must be developed in accordance with NFPA 4 and list all components of the installed system such as initiating devices and circuits, notification appliances and circuits, signaling line devices and circuits, control devices/equipment, batteries, transmitting and receiving equipment, power sources/supply, annunciators, interface equipment, and transient (surge) protective devices. Test procedures must include sequence of testing, time estimate for each test, and sample test data forms. The test data form must be in a check-off format (pass/fail with space to add applicable test data, like the form in NFPA 72) and must be used for the preliminary testing and the acceptance testing. The test data forms must record the test results and must:

1. Identify the NFPA class of all initiating device circuits (IDC), notification appliance circuits (NAC), voice notification system circuits (audio), and signaling line circuits (SLC).

2. Identify each test required by NFPA 72 in “Test Methods” section and describe how this test must be performed.

3. Identify each component and circuit as to the type, location within the facility, and unique identity within the installed system.

4. Provide floor plan sheets showing each component location, test location, and alphanumeric identity.

5. Identify all test equipment and personnel required to perform each test (including equipment necessary for testing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors).

6. Provide space to identify the date and time of each test. Provide space to identify the names and signatures of the individuals conducting and witnessing each test.

H. Test Reports: Submit three copies and one electronic copy in pdf format of the NFPA 72 Record of Completion and Inspection and Testing forms. Submit preliminary test reports as indicated in the paragraph “Preliminary Tests”. Submit final test reports with As-built drawings.

I. Redline As-Built Drawings: Maintain a separate set of approved submittal drawings of the overall system, redline marked-up to indicate as-built conditions, on site in a document storage cabinet.

These drawings must be always in a current condition and must be made available for review immediately upon request during normal working hours. Redline drawings must be scanned (in color) to .pdf format and submitted a minimum of 7 calendar days prior to the final acceptance test of the system.

J. As-Built Drawings: Submit three copies and one electronic copy in pdf format, of as-built drawings and schematics no later than 14 calendar days after the final acceptance test.

Variations from approved shop drawings, for whatever reason, including those occasioned by modifications, change orders, optional materials, or required for coordination between trades

FIRE ALARM/EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM 28 3176 - 9

must be indicated in sufficient detail to accurately reflect the as-built conditions. The drawings must include the following, at a minimum:

1. Complete wiring diagrams showing connections between devices and equipment, both factory and field wired

2. Riser diagram and drawings showing the as-built locations of devices and equipment

3. The system as installed, including deviations from both the project drawings and the approved shop drawings

K. Operation and Maintenance Data: Furnish three hard copies and one electronic copy in pdf format for the project specific operation and maintenance manual no later than 14 calendar days after the final acceptance test of the system. The operation and maintenance manual must be a single volume indexed in booklet form. Manuals must be submitted and approved prior to on-site training. In addition to items specified in Division 01 Section 017823 “Operation and Maintenance Data”, the manuals must include the following documents and information at a minimum:

1. A general description of the design and operation of the system.

2. Comply with the “Records” section of the “Inspection, Testing and Maintenance” chapter in NFPA 72.

3. A copy of the design drawings in 11 x 17-inch format, folded neatly within the binder.

4. All applicable product installation sheets annotated, as necessary.

5. Step-by-step procedures required for system startup, operation, and shutdown.

6. The manufacturer’s name, model number, service manual, parts list, and complete description of equipment and their basic operating features.

7. Maintenance manual listing routine maintenance procedures, possible breakdowns, and repairs, troubleshooting guide, and system warranty information.

8. Complete procedures for system revision and expansion, detailing both equipment and software requirements.

9. Software delivered for this project must be original software from the manufacturer provided on electronic media, no copies.

10. Printouts of configuration settings for all devices.

11. Routine maintenance checklist. The routine maintenance checklist must be arranged in columnar format. The first column must list all installed devices, the second column must state the maintenance activity or state not maintenance required, the third column must state the frequency of the maintenance activity, and the fourth column for additional comments or reference.

L. Training Documentation: Provide in manual format, lesson plans, operating instructions, maintenance procedures, and training data for the training courses. The operations training must familiarize the personnel designated by the Contracting Officer’s Representative with the proper operation of the installed system. The maintenance training course must provide the designated personnel adequate knowledge required to diagnose, repair, maintain, and expand functions inherent to the system.

M. [Training Video: All training sessions must be video recorded by the contractor. Within [___][7][14] calendar days from the completion of all training sessions, the contractor must provide the Contracting Officer’s Representative with an edited “draft” version of the recorded

FIRE ALARM/EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM 28 3176 - 10

training session. GSA will review the submission and provide Contractor with review comments.

Within [___][7][14] calendar days from receipt of GSA’s comments, the Contractor must provide the Contracting Officer’s Representative with two first generation edited final versions of the recorded training session. The training session must be on media able to be viewed by any computer using a USB connection.

1. The video must begin by showing (white background with a block style font in black) the training title (General Overview or FACU Operation), building name, location, project title and number, and date of video production as well as the Fire Alarm/Voice communication system manufacturer and model number(s).

2. The video must conclude by showing a slide (white background with a block style black font) indicating “THE END”.]

1.2 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. The recommended practices stated in the manufacturer’s literature or documentation must be considered as mandatory requirements.

B. Qualifications - Contractor: The Contractor must be a licensed Contractor in possession of a valid fire alarm Contractor’s license. The Contractor must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in the installation of addressable fire alarm/emergency communication systems in similar facilities.

C. Qualifications - Design Services: Shop (working) drawings and calculations must be prepared under the direction of and signed by a qualified registered professional engineer or NICET Level IV in Fire Alarm Systems. For the purposes of this specification section, a qualified engineer is defined as an individual meeting one of the following conditions:

1. A registered professional engineer having passed the NCEES examination in fire protection engineering.

D. Qualifications - Fire Protection Quality Control (FPQC): A qualified engineer must supervise the installation, inspection, and any testing of the system.

E. Qualifications - Supervisor/Foreman: Fire alarm technician with a minimum of 6 years of appropriate (journeyman level) experience in fire alarm installation. A supervisor/foreman must be always on-site when work is being performed. The supervisor/foreman is permitted to perform installation tasks (i.e. working foreman). The supervisor/foreman must be factory-trained in the installation, adjustment, testing, and operation of the equipment specified herein and on the drawings.

F. Qualifications - Technician: Fire alarm technicians with a minimum of 4 years of experience can be utilized to assist in the installation and termination of fire alarm devices, cabinets, and control units. The fire alarm technicians installing the equipment must be factory-trained in the installation and adjustment of the equipment specified herein and on the drawings.

FIRE ALARM/EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM 28 3176 - 11

G. Qualifications - Installer: Fire alarm installer with a minimum of 2 years of experience is permitted to assist in the installation of fire alarm devices, cabinets, and control units. An electrician is permitted to install wire, cable, conduit, and backboxes for the fire alarm system.

H. Qualifications - Test Personnel: Fire alarm technicians with a minimum of 8 years of experience must be utilized to test and certify the installation of the fire alarm devices, cabinet, and control units. The fire alarm technicians testing the equipment must be factory-trained in the installation, adjustment, testing, and operation of the equipment specified herein and on the drawings.

I. Project Superintendent: The Contractor, or Subcontractor, must provide one full-time, on-site staff member designated as the “Project Superintendent”. The duties of the Project Superintendent are to supervise execution of all aspects of this specification, including safety on the job site as described in the “Accident Prevention Clause” of the general provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act of 1970. That clause incorporates into the contract, by reference, the Secretary of Labor’s OSH Standards (29 CFR Part 1926). Refer to Section 01 35 26 – Safety & Health for additional requirements. The Project Superintendent must be thoroughly familiar with all contract obligations and must have authority to make all contractual decisions within the scope of the contract.

1. The Project Superintendent must be responsible for making sure that quality control review has been performed on all submittals prior to the submission to the Contracting Officer’s Representative OR Project Manager. The Project Superintendent must also be responsible for ensuring that all submittals are accurate, complete, and fully coordinated.

Delegation of these duties does not remove the project superintendent from these responsibilities.

1.6 VERIFYING ACTUAL FIELD CONDITIONS

A. Before commencing work, examine all adjoining work on which the Contractor’s work is in any way dependent for perfect workmanship according to the intent of this specification section, and report to the Contracting Officer’s Representative any condition which prevents performance of first-class work. No “waiver of responsibility” for incomplete, inadequate, or defective adjoining work will be considered unless notice has been filed before submittal of a proposal.

B. The Contractor must become familiar with all details of the work, verify all dimensions in the field including depth of all beams or similar ceiling obstructions throughout all floors or altered areas in existing buildings, and must advise the Contracting Officer’s Representative of any discrepancy before performing the work.

C. Where core drilling is used, the wall or floor must be tested for potential obstructions prior to drilling.

1.7 COORDINATION OF TRADES

FIRE ALARM/EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM 28 3176 - 12

A. The contract documents are not intended to serve as coordinated construction drawings showing all minor adjustments in locations required for a fully coordinated installation that respects the work of all trades.

A. Conduit offsets, fittings, and any other accessories required must be furnished as required to provide a complete installation and to eliminate interference with other construction. Fire alarm devices must be coordinated with lights, HVAC diffusers, and other items installed in the ceiling or walls.

B. Field drilling and cutting of holes in structural decks, roofs, walls, etc. required for work under this specification section must be coordinated through various trades in their respective materials. All such drilling, cutting, and reinforcing costs must be borne by the Contractor.

C. Due to the type of installation, a fixed sequence of construction is required to properly install the complete systems. It must be the responsibility of the Contractor to coordinate, protect, and schedule his work with other trades in accordance with the construction sequence.

1.8 EXISTING FIRE ALARM SYSTEM

*****NOTE************************************************************

Where the project includes the replacement or modification of an existing fire alarm system, this section must be edited for the project and proposed phasing. The manufacturer and model number the FACU must also be provided.

*****NOTE*******************************************************************

A. The existing fire alarm system is a Siemens Firefinder XLS with Siemens MXL field devices.

B. The new fire alarm system must be installed, fully tested, accepted and approved prior to removal and demolition of the existing system, unless a phased replacement approach, as described below, has been approved.

C. Impairments to existing fire protection systems must be kept to a minimum or avoided. Fire protection systems outside of the construction project must be kept in service in a method approved.

1. If fire protection systems must be impaired, procedures compliant with Section 01 35 25

– Fire Prevention and Protection in Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Projects must be incorporated into the design and installation to maintain equivalent levels of fire/life safety and provide formal notification to the facility. The GSA Regional Fire Protection Engineer will make the determination of equivalent level of fire/life safety measures.

FIRE ALARM/EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM 28 3176 - 13

D. A phased replacement approach requires that the existing fire alarm system be in full operational order, as outlined below, and that the design professionals incorporate an approved fire protection impairment plan into the design documents.

1. A phased replacement approach must only be permitted in buildings protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system under the following conditions:

a. The sprinkler system must be in service and remain in service for the duration of the fire alarm replacement project.

b. The sprinkler system must be monitored by the existing fire alarm system until switched over per the phased plan.

c. The sprinkler system must not have any deficiencies that require repairs or upgrades. If deficiencies exist, they must be resolved prior to a phased fire alarm replacement project.

2. A phased replacement approach must only be permitted if the existing fire alarm system is in a trouble-free state with no grounds, opens, shorts, or defective devices.

3. All wiring in the existing fire alarm system must be in raceway.

4. The existing riser Signaling Line Circuits (SLC) must be installed in a code compliant fashion and the number of conductors in the existing SLC risers must be sufficient to accommodate separation and reconfiguration of floor device circuits for networked Fire Alarm Control Units (FACUs).

5. New riser SLC circuits and terminal boxes must be installed in a manner that accommodates a cut-over of each floor’s devices to a networked FACU.

6. 120VAC cable or wiring must not be present in the same raceway as Signaling Line Circuits or loudspeaker circuits in the existing system. A phased replacement approach must not occur if this condition exists within the existing fire alarm system.

7. A phase replacement approach is not permitted if additional strobes, loudspeakers, or combination loudspeaker/strobes are required or if existing NAC devices need to be relocated.

8. For a phased replacement approach, loudspeaker circuits on each floor must be capable of being transferred to an amplifier serving each floor. Likewise, strobe circuits on each floor must be capable of being transferred to a NAC power supply serving each floor.

9. New and existing FACUs must be integrated to assure proper notification of the entire building during regular business hours regardless of the progress of the project.

10. All functions required by this specification must operate and be maintained in full operational condition during normally occupied hours for this building.

E. Any phased replacement approach must be done under the strict guidelines of a fire protection impairment plan to assure that fire protection is maintained 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 365 days a year. Work to replace fire alarm components does not excuse the contractor from maintaining full fire protection within the facility. The fire protection impairment plan must comply with the following:

1. The plan must comply with the latest edition of the IBC section for Safeguarding Construction.

2. The plan must comply with Section 01 35 25, Fire Prevention and Protection in Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Projects.

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3. An organized program of inspection of sprinkler and standpipe systems must be included within the plan to assure the operation and availability of both before any fire protection is impaired for work during the phased replacement project.

4. Fire watches assigned as a part of any impairment plan must be trained and have documentation of hands-on fire extinguisher training within the previous twelve months.

Likewise, they must be trained on how to sound the alarm within the building during any impairment and to independently notify the public fire department of a fire emergency within the building. All fire watch personnel must have a direct means of communication with the project superintendent.

5. Hot work or open flames must not be permitted within the building during the fire protection impairment.

F. All parts of the existing fire alarm system including the devices and control unit, raceway, wire and wiring related materials must be properly disposed of off-site by the Contractor.

1.9 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING

A. Protect equipment delivered and placed in storage from the weather, excessive humidity, temperature variation, dirt and dust, and other contaminants in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

B. Coordinate the proposed storage arrangement and location with the Contracting Officer’s Representative.

C. Deliver and store products in shipping containers/boxes, with labeling in place.

1.10 WASTE REMOVAL

A. At the conclusion of each day’s work, clean up and stockpile on site all waste, debris, and trash, which may have accumulated during the day as a result of work by the Contractor and of his presence on the job. Remove all waste, debris, and trash from the building at the end of each day’s work.

1.11 EXTRA MATERIALS

A. Repair Service/Replacement Parts: During warranty period, the service technician must be on-site within 24 hours after notification. All repairs must be completed within 48 hours of arrival on-site.

B. Interchangeable Parts: Spare parts furnished must be directly interchangeable with the corresponding components of the installed system. Spare parts must be suitably packaged and identified by nameplate, tagging, or stamping. Spare parts must be delivered to the Contracting Officer’s Representative at the time of final acceptance testing.

C. Spare Parts: Furnish the following spare parts and accessories:

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1. Four (4) of each initiating device and notification appliance installed.

2. Surge protective devices: Two low voltage, one telephone or ethernet, and one 120 VAC surge protective devices.

3. Two (2) of each addressable control module, relay module and monitor module installed.

4. Keys: A minimum of six sets of keys must be provided and appropriately identified.

D. Special Tools: Software, connecting cables, and proprietary equipment necessary for the maintenance, testing, and reprogramming of equipment must be furnished to the Contracting Officer’s Representative.

E. Spare Parts Cabinet: A metal, locking cabinet, no less than 22 gage steel in black baked-on enamel must be provided and installed by the Contractor, adjacent to the main FACU or another location as directed by the Contracting Officer’s Representative. The cabinet must be sized to hold all spare parts and one copy of the O&M manual and training manual. An inventory list must be made of all items to be kept inside the cabinet. Include on the list the number of all spare parts and keys to be provided. Give inventory list to the Contracting Officer’s Representative during acceptance of the fire alarm system for verification of items in the cabinet. The Contracting Officer’s Representative will sign off on the list when all items on the list appear in the cabinet. The cabinet must be provided with a permanent label stating, “FIRE

ALARM SYSTEM SPARE PARTS”.

F. Documentation Cabinet: A wall-mounted, metal, locking cabinet, no less than 22 gage steel, must be provided and installed adjacent to the main FACU or another location as directed by the Contracting Officer’s Representative. Cabinet must be sized to fit all system record documentation. The cabinet must be prominently and permanently labeled “SYSTEM RECORD

DOCUMENTS”.

1.12 WARRANTY

A. Warranty and Guarantees: The contractor must comply with the requirements of FAR 52.246- 21 Warranty of Construction. Final Acceptance includes, but is not limited to, successful final acceptance testing, the receipt of approved as-built drawings and the receipt of approved operation and maintenance manuals.

B. The contractor must furnish evidence that there is an experienced and effective service organization that carries a stock of repair parts for the system in order to readily effect repairs throughout the warranty period. Should the contractor fail to comply with the service requirements of this specification section, the Government may make the necessary repairs and back charge the contractor without any loss of warranty or guarantee as provided by the contract documents.

C. The contractor must provide a service organization, during the warranty period, that has an established office, which has been in existence for a minimum of 5 years and is so located where the response to the project site can occur within 2 hours or less. The service organization must be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for repairs during the construction and subsequent warranty period.

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1.13 DOCUMENT SECURITY

*****NOTE*******************************************************************

Contact the Contracting Officer to determine if this specification section is required to be marked as CUI.

*****NOTE*******************************************************************

A. All Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), either in electronic or paper formats, must be appropriately marked.

B. Drawings, test reports, O&M data and training documentation must be provided with a CUI coversheet or label complying with SF901 or SF902. Battery calculations and voltage drop calculations are not CUI.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.1 MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

A. Standard Products: Material and equipment must be the standard products of a manufacturer, where possible, and not a combination of manufacturers for any particular classification of materials. Materials and equipment must be the standard products of a manufacturer regularly engaged in the manufacture of the products for at least 2 years prior to bid opening. FACU manufacturer to provide written documentation indicating current discontinuation date. If a discontinuation date is not available, manufacturer to provide the year the FACU model was first manufactured. ]All materials and equipment supplied must be new, first quality and the manufacturer's best type and latest model capable of complying with all requirements of this specification section and must have been in continuous production and in continuous service in commercial applications for at least one-year. Obsolete equipment must not be used.

B. Nameplates: Major components of equipment must have the manufacturer's name, model or serial number, and date of installation provided on a nameplate. Nameplates must be etched metal, permanently attached by screws to panels or adjacent walls.

C. Expansion/Spare Capacity: Spare capacity must pertain to quantities of devices, circuits, amplifiers, raceway, and conductor ampacity (size) and length. The system must have spare installed capacity enabling it to support a 25 percent increase in the number of initiating devices and monitor and control points (addressable points), notification appliance circuits, and power supplies. Spare circuit capacity to accommodate installation of the required device increases must be evenly distributed throughout the system.

2.2 EQUIVALENT TECHNOLOGIES

A. Nothing in this specification section is intended to prevent the use of systems, methods, or devices of equivalent or superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety over those prescribed in this specification section. Technical documentation must be

FIRE ALARM/EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM 28 3176 - 17

submitted to the Contracting Officer’s representative. The system, method, or device must be approved for the intended purpose prior to being utilized. Systems, methods, or devices that are submitted for review after construction of the fire alarm system begins, may be summarily rejected due to contractual considerations or technical considerations.

2.3 SYSTEM OPERATIONS

A. The fire alarm/emergency communication system must be a complete, supervised, non-coded, networked, addressable fire alarm system conforming to PBS-P100, NFPA 72, UL 864, and UL 2017. The system must be activated into the alarm mode by actuation of any alarm initiating device. The system must remain in alarm mode until the initiating device is reset and the control unit is reset and restored to normal.

B. Functions and Operating Features: The system must provide the following functions and operating features:

1. The FACU must provide power, annunciation, supervision, and control for the system.

Addressable systems must be microcomputer (microprocessor or microcontroller) based with a minimum word size of eight bits with sufficient memory to perform as specified.

2. Provide Class B initiating device circuits.

3. Provide Class B signaling line circuits for each floor.

*****NOTE*******************************************************************

Provide a minimum of two Class B Signaling Line Circuits (SLC) per floor. The system must be designed and installed so that a single open, wire to wire short, or any other Class B impairment on an SLC does not affect more than 26,000 ft2 of gross floor area. A single Class A SLC per floor can be an acceptable alternative, if compliant with performance standard above and approved by the GSA Regional Fire Protection Engineer.

*****NOTE*******************************************************************

4. Provide Class X signaling line circuits for the network.

5. Provide Class X audio risers to service remote fire alarm control units and amplifiers throughout the building.

6. Provide Class B notification appliance circuits.

*****NOTE*******************************************************************

A minimum of two distinct fire alarm audible notification appliance circuits and a minimum of two distinct visible notification appliance circuits must be provided on each floor. Class A notification appliance circuits can be an acceptable alternative, if approved by the GSA Regional Fire Protection Engineer.

*****NOTE*******************************************************************

7. Provide Class D circuits from addressable control relays to electromagnetic door hold-open devices, and emergency control function relays and module interfaces.

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8. Pathway Survivability must be Level 1 for circuits as detailed on the drawings.

*****NOTE*******************************************************************

For buildings with an emergency communication system, two vertical risers (e.g., supply and return interconnected network circuits Class X) must be installed as far from each other as practicable so that a single fire does not impact both risers. The two vertical risers must be protected as noted below.

All circuits (loudspeaker/audio, SLC, network, and/or power) necessary for the operation of the notification appliances must be protected until they enter the evacuation signaling zone (usually a floor) as noted below.

Protection of vertical risers and notification circuits

1. Buildings that are protected by an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with NFPA 13, and circuits installed in metal raceway meet a pathway survivability of Level 1 as defined in NFPA 72.

2. Buildings that are not protected by an automatic sprinkler system must meet one or more of the following requirements:

a. 1-hour fire-rated circuit integrity (CI) or fire-resistive cable

b. 1-hour fire-rated cable system [electrical circuit protective system(s)]

c. 1-hour fire-rated enclosure or protected area

*****NOTE*******************************************************************

9. Electrical supervision of the primary power (AC) supply, presence of the battery, battery voltage, and placement of system modules within the control unit.

10. Power for each remote fire alarm control unit must be from an emergency power panel located on the same floor or be from a power riser supplying remote FACUs only. Power and wiring for remote FACUs must be identical to that provided for the main fire alarm control unit (i.e. surge suppression, dedicated circuit breaker).

11. Where remote fire alarm control units are provided, equipment for notification appliances may be in the remote fire alarm control units.

12. An audible and visual trouble signal to activate upon a single break or open condition, or ground fault that may prevent the required operation of the system. The trouble signal must also operate upon loss of primary power (AC) supply, absence of a battery supply, low battery voltage, or removal of alarm or supervisory panel modules.

13. Alarm, supervisory, and/or trouble signals must be automatically transmitted to the remote supervising station.

14. Alarm functions must override trouble or supervisory functions. Supervisory functions must override trouble functions.

15. Provide a switch or equivalent to operate a voice message stating that the system is being tested. Operation of these switches must indicate each action as a trouble signal on the FACU display and trouble log.

FIRE…

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