UNC-CH MR Spangler Bldg Fire Alarm Upgrades - Addendum 1_7-31-2025.pdf
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- Attached to
- UNC-Chapel Hill State and local contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- 287-27091
- Issued by
- Orange County, Charlotte City, North Carolina
About this file
This document is Addendum No. 1 for the UNC-Chapel Hill Meredith Riggs Spangler Building Fire Alarm System Upgrades project, issued by McKim & Creed on July 29, 2025. The addendum covers a fire alarm system upgrade project with a 120-day construction timeline, a bid opening scheduled for August 20, 2025, at 2:30 PM at the UNC-CH Giles Horney Building, and a site visit planned for August 5, 2025, at 2:00 PM. The project involves replacing the existing fire alarm system, with specific requirements including potential equipment from Edwards EST4 or Siemens Desigo systems, and adherence to specific installation and documentation standards. Liquidated damages are set at $400 per consecutive calendar day, and the building will be unoccupied during construction.
The addendum includes detailed responses to 36 contractor questions covering technical specifications, equipment compatibility, maintenance requirements, and installation procedures. A bid bond is required, and the project has specific Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) participation goals, with a 10% target for minority or socially and economically disadvantaged business participation. The project requires specific documentation, including Identification of HUB Certified/Minority Business Participation Form and either a State of NC Affidavit A (Good Faith Efforts) or Affidavit B (Intent to Perform Contract with Own Workforce). The university will require on-site fire alarm training and factory training for one technician, with an emphasis on system operation and programming capabilities.
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McKim & Creed Page 1 of 6 4300 Edwards Mill Road, Suite 200
Raleigh, North Carolina 27612
ADDENDUM NO. 1
RE: UNC-CH Meredith Riggs Spangler Building – Fire Alarm System Upgrades
SCO ID No: 23-27091-01A
UNC-CH: CIP 23381
McKim & Creed No: 01488-0088
DATE: July 29, 2025
FROM: McKim & Creed
To: Prospective Bidders
This Addendum issued prior to receipt of bids shall and does hereby become a part of the
Contract Documents for the above Project. This Addendum must be acknowledged on the
Form of Proposal.
All Prime contractors shall be responsible for ensuring that their Subcontractors are properly apprised of the contents of this Addendum.
All information contained in this Addendum shall supersede and shall take precedence over any conflicting information in the original Drawings and Specifications.
PRE-BID MEETING:
Attached are the meeting minutes and attendance from the pre-bid meeting held on July 29, 2025 at 10A. These documents are attached to and part of Addendum No. 1.
CHANGES TO SPECIFICATION:
None currently.
CHANGES TO DRAWINGS:
None currently.
RESPONSES TO CONTRACTOR QUESTIONS:
McKim & Creed Page 2 of 6
Raleigh, North Carolina 27612
Question 1: How can sub-contractors review the site?
Answer 1: A second site visit will be conducted on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 2:00 PM with
David Sharpe – UNC-CH Construction Manager.
Question 2: Can you elaborate on the requirement for the fire watch?
Answer 2: The short answer: A fire watch is required anytime the Contractor (including any sub-contractors). More specific information is included in the specifications.
Question 3: Is the intent for the existing radio alarm transmitter to remain?
Answer 3: Yes. The overall campus radio mesh system is intended to be on-line and functional when this project is ready to go on-line. Any changes will be addressed at the appropriate time.
Additional Questions and Answers from Previous Bid that apply to this package:
Question 4: Will the building be unoccupied during construction?
Answer 4: Yes.
Question 5: Is a bid bond required?
Answer 5: Yes.
Question 6: Supplementary General Conditions Construction Schedule – Please advise if the
Notice to Proceed can be issued after the submittals have been approved and materials procured to avoid material lead time delays.
Answer 6: No.
Question 7: Supplementary General Conditions Fire Safety – Planned Impairment for
Maintenance or Construction:
a. Please advise whether the Contractor is to coordinate with the Facilities
Services directly or have they already been informed of this project?
b. Is the University Fire Marshall expecting a fire watch beyond the eight (8) hour Monday - Friday construction workday?
c. Can the Prime Contractor’s Superintendent conduct the Fire Watch during the construction workday or do they have to be a contract security guard as specified?
d. If the Superintendent can conduct the fire watch during the construction workday Monday through Friday, do they have to be vetted through UNC police?
e. If the Superintendent can conduct the fire watch during the construction workday Monday through Friday, will they need to receive the University fire watch training?
Answer 7a: Facilities is aware of the upcoming project.
Answer 7b: A fire watch is required any time the contractor or associated subcontractor(s) are on site. The building shall be locked down and secured at any other time.
Answer 7c: The Contractor can conduct fire watch; however, the person(s) responsible for the fire watch shall be dedicated to the fire watch. The person(s) cannot work on other things while on site.
McKim & Creed Page 3 of 6
Raleigh, North Carolina 27612
Answer 7d: If the Contractor is performing the fire watch, they do not have to be vetted by
UNC Police.
Answer 7e: The Owner will meet with the person(s) responsible for Contractor performed fire watch and provide brief training as well as provide an example of the required fire watch log that is required to be filled out as part of the fire watch.
Question 8: 013300 Submittal Procedures paragraph C.1. – The Contractor is to allow 20 days for initial submittal review. With a 120 day duration to complete this project, can this review process be expedited to ensure timely procurement of the approved materials and installation?
Answer 8: No, the intent is for the Contractor to provide the necessary personnel to complete the construction within the time allotted.
Question 9: 230100 Mechanical General paragraph 3.6 Record Drawings paragraph B. –
Please advise if two (2) corrected sets of prints and sepias by a qualified draftsman are to be provided on this project or if an electronic copy of redline drawings is sufficient.
Answer 9: Electronic copy of redline drawings is sufficient.
Question 10: 230100 Mechanical General paragraph 3.7 Operation & Maintenance Manuals
– Please advise if three (3) bound sets of O&Ms are required or if an electronic copy is sufficient.
Answer 10: Provide two (2) bound copies and one (1) electronic copy.
Question 11: 230100 Mechanical General paragraph 3.8 Operational and Maintenance
Instructions – Please advise whether this is applicable to this project.
Answer 11: There are no mechanical operational and maintenance instructions required for this project.
Question 12: 26 05 00 Common Work Results for Electrical paragraph 2.1 C. - Please advise if a complete list in triplicate of all electrical materials proposed for use is required.
Answer 12: Single electronic copy is acceptable.
Question 13: 26 05 00 Common Work Results for Electrical paragraph 3.3 B. Please advise if record drawings shall be submitted as reproducible sepia prints (marked blue-line) or if an electronic copy of redlined drawings is sufficient.
Answer 13: Electronic copy of redlined drawings is sufficient.
Question 14: 28 31 00 Fire Detection & Alarm paragraph 2.1 A. 2. – Edwards EST3 is going end of life. Is EST4 acceptable?
Answer 14: Yes, if Edwards, provide EST4.
Question 15: 28 31 00 Fire Detection & Alarm paragraph 2.1 A. 2. – Does UNC have an
EST4 certified technician?
Answer 15: UNC Life Safety does not yet have an EST4 trained technician; however, said training is forthcoming and will be provided from an ongoing fire alarm upgrade project at another building.
McKim & Creed Page 4 of 6
Question 16: 28 31 00 Fire Detection & Alarm paragraph 2.1 A. 4. – Siemens has a newer
Desigo system to replace the Fire Finder XLS system listed in the spec. Please advise if the newer system is acceptable for pricing for this project.
Answer 16: Siemens Desigo system is acceptable.
Question 17: 28 31 00 Fire Detection & Alarm paragraph 2.2 Radio Alarm
Transmitters/Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitters - Specification calls for a DACT capable of using copper telephone lines and meeting numerous other requirements. I am unaware of such a DACT. Please provide the Basis-of-Design make and model of a unit that meets this project’s requirements.
Answer 17: The intent is for the successful Contractor to provide a DACT that will provide capability to utilize existing copper phone lines until the University RAT system is completely functional. At that time, the communication will be transitioned from the copper phone lines to RAT.
Question 18: 28 31 00 Fire Detection & Alarm paragraph 3.2 M. – The spec call for direct access to the manufacturer. Edwards requires end users to be sponsored by an Edwards
Partner, which is the current arrangement for UNC. Is this acceptable?
Answer 18: Sponsorship through an Edwards’ partner is acceptable.
Question 19: 28 31 00 Fire Detection & Alarm paragraph 3.5. – Please confirm that the
Maintenance Contract is Alternate FA2 and not FA1 as noted.
Answer 19: Correct, maintenance contract is FA2.
Question 20: Please provide UNC’s Fire Alarm Training Guidelines.
Answer 20: UNC Life Safety will need on-site fire alarm training on how to operate the system. They will also need factory training of one (1) technician that will include programming level training that will enable Life Safety to fully program and maintain any and all of the installed fire alarm equipment. Below is the link to the current UNC Fire
Alarm Guidelines:
https://facilities.unc.edu/resources/design-guidelines/
Question 21: Are As-Builts available for this building?
Answer 21: Original Mechanical and Electrical design drawings (not as-builts/record drawings) can be provided to the successful bidder.
Question 22: Throughout the building, the acoustical ceiling system differs in tile size where the existing devices are mounted. Tiles range in size from 2x2, 2x4, and 2x5. Where the existing devices are removed and a new replacement ceiling tile is required, please advise whether Contractor is to replace the ceiling tile to match the existing tile size in each location?
Answer 22: Yes, match existing.
Question 23: Please confirm that the new fire alarm ceiling mounted devices are to be installed in the salvaged reinstalled acoustical ceiling tiles.
McKim & Creed Page 5 of 6
Answer 23: Existing tiles can be utilized if in good condition; otherwise, provide new tiles.
Question 24: When the ceiling tiles are removed for overhead access to run conduit, some locations are missing grid components that may prevent proper re-installation. If Alternate
FA1 is not awarded, is the intent to install new grid components where missing?
Answer 24: Intent is for ceiling to be re-installed in existing configuration and devices supported from structure per the specifications.
Question 25: All drawings General Notes #1 – Patch, clean, and repair any damage to the existing space is a general statement. Please confirm this refers to only the areas and scope of work performed by the Contractors under this contract.
Answer 25: The intent is for anything that is damaged or dirtied as a result of this contract, it shall be corrected accordingly.
Question 26: Please confirm that the Contractor is not responsible for replacing damaged acoustical tiles that are not removed for construction purposes.
Answer 26: Contractor shall document existing conditions prior to construction. Intent is for the condition when leaving is the same or better.
Question 27: If the existing tiles are damaged prior to removal for salvage, please advise if the Contractor is responsible for replacing the tile with new.
Answer 27: These items will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis with the Owner. Thus the reason for an allowance.
Question 28: If the Contractor is replacing damaged salvaged tiles, please confirm they are to be the same size.
Answer 28: Yes.
Question 29: Please confirm that the Contractor is responsible for only cleaning rooms where construction activities take place.
Answer 29: Similar to previous, the intent is for anything that is damaged or dirtied as a result of this contract, it shall be corrected accordingly. When in doubt, document existing conditions prior to construction.
Question 30: FA0.1 Demolition Notes #1 – If the existing light fixtures are removed, please confirm the salvaged light fixtures are to be reinstalled.
Answer 30: Yes.
Question 31: Can existing conduit be reused?
Answer 31: Yes, but only in limited locations based on the requirements for the new fire alarm system requiring Class A wiring for addressable devices (including required separation, etc.). In addition, the conduit, etc. are required to be in good condition and meet all current Code requirements as well as SCO requirements as noted in the specifications. The majority of the conduit system, if not all, shall be new.
McKim & Creed Page 6 of 6
Raleigh, North Carolina 27612
Note: In the limited locations where conduit is being reused, it is acceptable to only paint the junction boxes and covers red. All new conduit and boxes shall be factory painted red per the specifications.
Question 32: FA1.0 New Work Notes #2 – Please provide the elevator manufacturer service group/contractor information.
Answer 32: TKE is the current elevator service contractor for the Owner. Contact information can by provided once the contract is awarded.
Question 33: Should there be an allowance for patching? If so, what is the amount?
Answer 33: There will not be a separate allowance for work related for patching. The amount of patching is based on items being removed including devices, conduit, boxes, etc.
as well as any patching required associated with the new work.
Question 34: Unit Price No 1 says to provide a per square foot price for replacement of existing ceiling tile, but there are 3 different sized existing tiles (2x2, 2x4, and 2x5). Each size tile has a different per square foot price. Which ceiling tile size are we to present as a per square foot price for the bid?
Answer 34: Contractor shall provide a per square foot unit price for replacing ceiling tile for tile sizes 2x2 (Unit Price 1A), 2x4 (Unit Price 1B), and 2x5 (Unit Price 1C). The contractor shall provide the allowance based on the unit price per square foot for the 2x5 tile.
Question 35: The plans note to match the existing finishes. Is it safe to assume there is only
1 Color and Sheen being utilized on this Project and that it is strictly Latex Paint in an
Eggshell with no Epoxies?
Answer 35: The color is SW 6112 Biscuit – Flat finish. Latex is acceptable.
Question 36: What is required for painting for demolished devices?
Answer 36: It is acceptable to paint the patched location, corner to corner painting is not required.
COMMENTS/CLARIFICATIONS:
The bid date has been changed to Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 2:30 PM UNC-CH Giles
Horney Building, 103 Airport Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599.
ATTACHMENTS:
2025-07-29 Pre-Bid Meeting Minutes
2024-07-29 Pre-Bid Attendance
UNC-CH HUB Requirements Supplemental Information
Pre-Bid Meeting
Meeting Minutes July 29, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Item Description Person
1. Introduction of Lead Design Firm Rep. Designer
a. Engineer: Andrew (Andy) D. Sigmon, PE
McKim & Creed asigmon@mckimcreed.com Phone: 919.233.8091 (Office) 919.815.1105 (Cell)
2. Welcome to Pre-Bid Meeting for UNC-CH Designer
Meredith Riggs Spangler Building –
Fire Alarm System Upgrades
Chapel Hill, NC
3. Introduction of UNC-CH Team Members: Designer
Members:
a. University Project Manager: Sejal Vasavada
b. Construction Manager: David Sharpe
c. Life Safety Shop: John Chick (Not in Attendance)
4. Preferred Brand Alternate Meeting: Stop Pre-Bid Meeting Designer
a. Informed everyone of transitioning into our “separate
Preferred Brand Alternates meeting.”
b. Read the following:
In accordance with General Statute GS 133-3, Specifications may list one or more preferred brands as an alternate to the base bid in limited circumstances. Specifications containing a preferred brand alternate under this section must identify the performance standards that support the preference. Performance standards for the preference must be approved in advance by the owner in an open meeting. Any alternate approved by the owner shall be approved only where the preferred alternate will provide cost savings, maintain or improve the functioning of any process or system affected by the preferred item or items, or both.
In accordance with GS133-3 and SCO procedures the following preferred brand items are being considered as Alternates by the Owner for this project:
• Preferred Alternate FA3: Provide Owner Preferred Alternate for Ditek DTK-TSS4D Surge Protector in UL Listed NEMA 4X enclosure.
There were no questions.
Ended the preferred brand alternate meeting and resumed with the pre-bid meeting.
5. Review of HUB Goals:
a. Brief Review of HUB Requirements Designer
b. As noted during the pre-bid, additional information about the HUB Requirements will be included in the addendum as requested by the Owner.
6. Review of Bid Documents Designer
a. General overview of project scope
b. Basic review of Plans and Specifications
c. Review of Contract Documents
1. Instructions to Bidders and General Conditions of the Contract
2. Supplemental General Conditions
a. Construction Time/Preliminary Schedule - 120 Days from date specified in Notice to Proceed
b. Liquidated Damages - $400 per consecutive calendar day
c. Fire Watch
d. Staging Area/Parking – Coordinate with Construction
Manager
3. University of North Carolina Requirements
4. Guidelines for Recruitment and Selection of Minority Business
5. Form of Proposal
a. Alternates – FA2, FA3, and FA4 as noted in project documents
b. Unit Prices – As noted in project documents
6. MBE Affidavits
7. Bid Bond
8. Other Forms – Post Bid
7. Bid Opening Date, Time, and Location Designer
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 2:30 PM
UNC-CH Giles Horney Building, 103 Airport Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
1. Time cut off for accepting bids – 2:30 PM on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 – No exceptions.
8. Processing of Addendum prior to bid opening Designer
1. Cutoff date for Contractor questions (the last
Addendum will be sent no later than 7 days prior to the bid date. All questions shall be submitted no later than 10 days prior to the bid date (to allow time to complete the addendum). Please provide any additional questions by Monday, August 11, 2025.
2. All questions must be submitted in writing to Designer (via email per above)
3. Date that last Addendum will be published. Wednesday, August 13, 2025
9. Closing of Pre-Bid Meeting Designer
1. Thank everyone for your interest in the project.
2. Questions? See addendum for Q&A.
3. Reminder about bid opening date, time, location.
4. Explained how site visit will be conducted following Pre-Bid meeting.
10. Site visit followed Pre-Bid Meeting Owner and Designer
February 14, 2024
Facilities Services HUB Pre-Bid Review for Projects $30K+ _______________
UNC Chapel Hill abides by G.S. 143-128.2 which has a verifiable 10% goal for participation by minority or socially and economically disadvantaged businesses in the total value of work for each State building project.
Minority is defined as a citizen or lawful permanent resident of U.S. who is: Black, Hispanic, Asian American, American Indian or Female. Socially and economically disadvantaged person is defined by 15 U.S.C 637.
To be considered toward the statutory goal of 10%, minority businesses must be certified by the State HUB Office.
o To verify certification prior to submitting a bid package, please go to https://evp.nc.gov/ o If not currently certified, it is recommended that minority businesses become certified by the State HUB
Office. For information, please go to https://ncadmin.nc.gov/divisions/historically-underutilized-businesses-hub/certifications
Designers, Contractors and Subcontractors are reminded to carefully read the State Minority Guidelines and forms that are in the specifications. Each has responsibilities outlined within.
For Construction Contracts $30K+ ALL BIDDERS MUST SUBMIT WITH THEIR BID:
Identification of HUB Certified/Minority Business Participation Form.
-AND-
State of NC Affidavit A – Listing of Good Faith Efforts (must total 50 points for bid to be considered responsive).
-OR-
State of NC Affidavit B – Intent to Perform Contract with Own Workforce.
The above information must be provided as required. Failure to submit these documents is grounds for rejection of the bid.
Within 72 hours of notification of being named the apparent lowest responsible, responsive bidder, provide one of the following:
o State of NC Affidavit C – Portion of the Work to be Performed by HUB Certified/Minority Businesses if the work to be executed by HUB firms is equal to or greater than 10% of bidder’s total contract price.
-OR-
o State of NC Affidavit D – Good Faith Efforts if work to be executed by HUB firms is less than 10% of bidder’s total contract price. All evidentiary documents to prove Good Faith Efforts as outlined in paragraphs A-I on the form must also be provided.
Appendix E – MBE Documentation for Contract Payments must be submitted along with each Payment Application and FINAL Payment Request.
Specific questions regarding HUB guidelines or forms, please contact Tanya Vogel at tjvogel@fac.unc.edu, 919-843-
1424.
HUB resources can be found at https://facilities.unc.edu/resources/historically-underutilized-businesses/.
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