QA_W911S8-16-R-0002_JBLM_Fire_Suppression_3_March_2017.pdf

Response to Questions W911S8-16-R-0006

Fire Suppression, Fire Alarm, Fire Sprinkler Systems Inspection, Testing & Maintenance Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA

1. Do technicians require 5 years of experience or 2 years of experience? PWS 1.7.3 states 5 years for all ITM technicians and 1.7.6 lists 2 years for some technicians and 5 years for others.

PWS 1.7.3 and 1.7.6

Answer: An amendment addressing this issue is forthcoming. With the exception of those listed in PWS Paragraph 1.7.6, all ITM tasks and repairs shall be performed by a minimum NICET level II technician certification having five (5) years of current experience in the maintenance and repair of various systems. See PWS 1.7.3, PWS 1.7.6 and UFC 3-601-02 para. 1-8 Personnel Qualifications, 1-8.1.1.3, 1-8.1.1.4, 1-8.1.3

2. Does the Government have available a completed list of all the sprinkler systems, hood systems and fire pumps showing the age of the system and the next UFC test/year cycle for the system? This is an important part of pricing to understand how to price the system in for best value services. PWS 1.5, Description of Services

Answer: No, the Government does not have available a completed list of all the sprinkler systems, hood systems and fire pumps showing the age of the system and the next UFC test/year cycle for the system. However, the Government has 100% of the current UFC testing cycle results. See PWS 5.2.3.2.

3. Can the Contractor assume the Government has all the CAD drawings for CAD updates to the Contract. PWS 1.5, Description of Services. PWS 5.7

Answer: The Government does not have all the CAD drawings for CAD updates to the contract.

However, the Government has the CAD drawings for JBLM-Main and North.

4. Does the Government have available to the contractor a listing of “ALL” the fire pumps, showing the flow capability for each pump and the location of the closest location for a drain to flow into for the testing process? This again is an important piece to help provide the Government with the best comprehensive bid for the work being requested. PWS 1.5, Description of Services

Answer: Yes, the Government has a list showing the flow capability for each pump. Drain location: See PWS 1.11.5 regarding restrictions and regulations regarding open flow testing. See Technical Exhibit 2, which contains a list of systems, devices and fire pumps.

5. Is it the contractor's responsibility to manage the foam systems from foam tank liners testing to refiling and testing the foam tank's agent? If so, can the Government provide the amount of foam tanks, the type of agents in use, the quantity/gallons of agents in use, the last test date and results? PWS 1.5, Description of Services

Answer: No. See PWS 1.5. The current systems are within testing requirements.

6. Will existing sprinkler systems in buildings below 15000 sq. feet need to be tested?

Answer: Yes, all listed buildings with sprinkler systems installed shall be tested and an ITM report submitted without exceptions. If the building is listed or exists on JBLM premises it shall be tested.

7. Do any of the buildings have more than one (1) fire pump serving it? If so, can the Government provide a list of those buildings and the amount of fire pump(s) serving it? PWS 1.6.3., Commercial Occupancy

Answer: Yes, JBLM has seven (7) buildings with more than one fire pump supporting the fire suppression system. Please refer to Technical Exhibit 2.

8. Is it the Government's intent to have the contractor test detectors in the pit and shaft of the elevators? If so, does the Government have a listing of all the elevators included in this by building location with what ones need to be tested? PWS 1.6.3., Commercial Occupancy

Answer: Yes, the Government expects the contractor to perform required ITM in accordance with the UFC. See PWS 1.5. The UFC 3-601-02 shall take first precedence over other guidance. See PWS 5.2.3.5. All elevators require or will require pit and shaft testing.

9. There is a conflict in the description area of the Barracks/residential large and small with the

1.6.2 written description. The chart has no reference to sprinkler systems and the written definition does; should the sprinkler system not be added to the chart description definition also?

PWS 1.6.4 Occupancy Chart

Answer: There is no conflict. This is only an illustration to be used as a reference.

10. The "contractor shall be licensed to perform this type of work in the State of Washington…" Does that mean that the contractor must hold a valid Washington State business license and Washington State electrical license? PWS 1.7.1, Special Qualifications

Answer: The contractor is responsible to ensure it has the required capabilities to perform in accordance with the PWS requirements.

11. Since there are several critical licenses and certifications required to perform this contract (i.e. UL Certification, NICET Certification, EL06 Licenses, Clearances, etc.); that would take a long time to obtain; are the offerors required to submit their current licenses and certifications with their proposal so that the Government can evaluate as part of Schedule M? PWS 1.7.2 and 1.7.6, Special Qualifications

Answer: Offerors are not required to submit their current licenses and certification with its proposal.

12. The fixes and repairs found during testing that require penetrations and would require lead paint tests: are these tests extra billable items? PWS 1.11.1, Lead-containing paint

Answer: No. If a penetration is required, the contractor will notify the COR and the COR will seek authorization from the Contracting Officer, in consultation with the COR, on how to proceed. If penetration is required the contractor will notify the COR prior to taking any action.

No penetration will be done without COR notification. An amendment addressing this issue is forthcoming.

13. Shouldn’t the security clearances be provided during the evaluation period to evaluate the company's and staff's technical capabilities? PWS 1.13.5, Personnel/Security Requirements

Answer: Security clearances are not required during the evaluation period.

14. Can the Government provide a cost for the utilities annual usage for the laydown area to help for pricing in to the contract? PWS 1.19, Operations and Storage Areas PWS 1.19, Operations and Storage Areas

Answer: The Government cannot provide a cost for the utilities annual usage for the laydown area.

15. How does the Government recommend that the Contractor can ensure the facility manager notifies all occupants? PWS 5.2.2, Notification to Conduct Scheduled ITM

Answer: The contractor shall perform in accordance with the PWS. See PWS 5.2.2.

16. Does the Government have the age of all the fire sprinkler systems and fire pumps for the contractors use? PWS 5.2.3.2, ITM Interval & Exception

Answer: The Government does not have the age information for each sprinkler system. The contractor will assume that all systems are functional and current as of the posting of this Solicitation.

17. Does the Government have an accurate list of all these dry pipe sprinkler facilities for the contractor to schedule appropriately or is it at the contractor's expense to go out to each sprinkler system prior to scheduling and identify it as wet or dry for this purpose? PWS 5.2.3.3, ITM Interval & Exception

Answer: No, the Government does not have a detailed list regarding this question. Contractor shall submit a proposal on the known items identified in the PWS and Technical Exhibits. Due to on-going construction and demolition additional dry/wet pipes or removal of additional dry/wet pipes will be addressed at the time of discovery.

18. As this has an extra added cost and concern can the Government please identify “all” releasing doors by facility location and type of releasing door manufacture for the contractor to price accordingly for activation and resetting? There are many different types of releasing doors and they often take specialized skills, specialized link purchasing for replacement and specialized tools to reset them for activation again. This is why that information is necessary for pricing. PWS 5.2.3.5, ITM Interval & Exception

Answer: No, the Government does not provide the door types. The Government provides the systems and the test standards in the PWS and Technical Exhibits. If any repairs are required, they are negotiated based on the repair complexity.

19. Vertical transportation equipment fire extinguishers will be serviced annually. Can the Government please provide what building the 113 elevators are in are and what size and type of extinguishers they are for the contractor to price accordingly and ensure it gets taken care of during scheduling? PWS 5.2.3.5, ITM Interval & Exception

Answer: No. The PWS does not require the contractor to provide annual service to the fire extinguishers.

20. Does the Government have a listing of all MNS systems installed by building location for the contractor to use in pricing the CLINS? PWS 5.12, MNS

Answer: The Government has provided the list of known MNS systems at the time of this solicitation.

21. Can the Government please list by hood and suppression system and building all alarm interconnects that the contractor is responsible for maintaining to ensure pricing is appropriate and correct? Examples would be UV lighting, gas or power shut offs, etc. PWS 5.13, Kitchen Hood Exhaust Fire Suppression

Answer: The Government is providing this information in the Technical Exhibit 2. It contains a list of hood fire suppression systems. All have an alarm interconnect with them.

22. JBLM has many large buildings and aircraft hangers, can the Government list out all Duct detectors by building and location that need lift rental for access and testing for pricing purposes?

Answer: The list with duct detectors is provided in the Devices tab in Technical Exhibit 2. This is accurate for the purpose of proposal submission to the best knowledge of the Government.

The Government does not determine the means and methods of performance in a Performance Work Statement.

23. Carbon Monoxide detectors as part of the required ITMs can the Government please provide how many and in what buildings are they located for ITM cost calculations

Answer: Yes. See Technical Exhibit 2.

24. Table of Content Question RFP, page 70(2) Electronic Media Offer and Submission: (bullet

5) - Proposal Table of Content files (TBLCONT.PDF). Q: Does this mean to create a Master TOC in its own file?

Answer: This item was inadvertently included in the Instructions for Offerors and is deleted by amendment.

25. I have a three part question regarding Volume 3-Past Performance. a. If the offeror has a subcontractor, teaming partner, and/or joint venture partner can they submit between them a minimum of three (3) Specific Relevant Contract Sheets as part of the Past Performance Volume.

b. What is the maximum number of Specific Relevant Contract Sheets that can be submitted as part of the Past Performance Volume. c. If the offeror has a subcontractor, teaming partner, and/or joint venture partner can they submit between them a maximum of five (5) Past Performance Questionnaires.?

Answer: As stated in the solicitation Section L. 5.(c), “The offeror, shall submit a minimum of three (3) Specific Relevant Contract Sheets as part of the Past Performance Volume; it shall also ensure that a minimum of three (3) Past Performance Questionnaires are submitted on its behalf as described below; a maximum of five (5) Past Performance Questionnaires can be submitted.”

In addition, and as stated solicitation Section L.5.(c)(1), “Past Performance information described herein is required on the offeror and all subcontractors, teaming partners, and/or joint venture partners proposed to perform at least 50% of the proposed effort based on the total proposed price.”

26. Will you consider opening this to SDVOSBs or even all Small Business?

Answer: The procurement is an 8(a) set-aside.

27. What is the previous contract award amount?

Answer: $3,730,042.98.

28. AFFF/HEF – Per PWS 1.5 “aircraft hangar AFFF foam agent systems (to include lab testing of concentrate)” is listed. Question: There is no CLIN offered to price this action.

Should there be?

Answer: An amendment addressing this issue is forthcoming.

29. AFFF/HEF – Pew PWS 1.5 “All performed work shall comply with and be in accordance with (IAW) the Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) 3-601-02”, per the UFC 03-601-2 annual requirements from table 2.8 the foam pumps/proportions are to be tested to verify operability and proper proportioning, and to flush after operation.

Questions:

Is the intent to flow foam per the UFC?

If yes does the foam concentrate level have to be filled back to the beginning levels upon completion, and priced accordingly?

If yes who is responsible for disposal of the foam and flushing wastes?

There is no CLIN to price these actions. Should there be?

Answer: The contractor is required to perform in accordance with the UFC. If the test causes the system to drop below safe operating range or below UFC operational standard the contractor is required to inform the COR. The contractor is required to dispose of all test wastes or discharges, to include flushing, to return the system to normal operating standard in accordance the PWS and EPA regulations.

30. Per PWS 1.11.5 “At no time shall the wastewater be discharged to the ground or storm sewer system. All wastewater generated during fire alarm suppression and sprinkler flushing maintenance shall be collected and tested for contaminants prior to disposal. Based upon sampling results, either a JBLM temporary discharge permit may be requested and approved to discharge the wastewater to JBLM sanitary sewers, or if not approved, the contractor shall proceed to collect the wastewater in portable tanks to be sent offsite for disposal as required.”

Questions:

Who is responsible to provide the storage containers, and who is responsible for the cost for the "sampling test and results”?

Where are the wastewater containers to be stored? Is this the laydown area mentioned in the PDWS, Paragraph 1.18?

If yes, who is responsible for transportation?

Answer: In accordance with the PWS, the contractor shall furnish all management, tools, supplies, equipment and labor necessary to examine, restore, maintain, repair, clean, inspect, and perform testing as required in the PWS. See PWS 1.5 and 1.18.

31. In several locations in the PWS states deluge sprinklers, which is an open head / total flood system. Per UFC 03-601-02 table 2-4 under the 2 year requirement for deluge valve states to trip the valve to verify operability.

Question:

Is the intent to also full flow the system?

If yes, does the same requirement also apply to the sprinkler system wastewater from question 3 concerning storage?

If yes will the areas be cleared of all equipment prior to the inspection?

Who will be responsible for any unforeseen damages and/or cleanup of the covered areas?

Answer: The contractor will perform in accordance with the PWS and UFC 03-601-02. Refer to the PWS 5.2.1 for coordination of testing. The contractor, when coordinating with the facility manage, is expected to provide a plan to conduct testing and identify the area that will be affected by the test. The facility manager will ensure that the area is clear per the contractor’s plan or the contractor will not be held liable for damages that could be avoided. See PWS 5.2.3.4.

32. Per PWS 1.6.4 “Deluge systems and foam systems will have smoke/heat detection, flame detection, and Infrared (IR) detection throughout protected areas for activation of the system.”

There is no CLIN to testing IR detection, is the intent to test and clean these units?

Question: If yes, do these units have test stations that activate an internal IR radiation source and will that be considered an acceptable test?

Answer: This test is considered and the same cost as for the ion detectors. Technical Exhibit 3 is changed to reflect this oversight. The Government has not identified any test stations associated with these detectors.

33. Per TE#3 pricing, there is no distinction between detectors and their heights.

Question: Is there a method for the contractor to be compensated for any acquired costs associated with needing lifts to access detectors for required testing/maintenance? NOTE: Per PWS 5.2.2“. The contractor is required to furnish their own equipment such as ladders, portable platforms, lifts or other equipment or tools necessary in order to properly and safely complete ITM of the systems.”

Answer: There is no method or particular CLIN to compensate for the contractor to be compensated for any acquired costs associated with needing lifts to access detectors for required testing/maintenance.

34. Per PWS 5.2.3 “The fire suppression system, fire sprinkler systems, and fire pumps do not require a Monthly ITM or an Annual ITM to be performed on this contract. The contractor shall perform the ITM on the Biennial and out-year requirements in accordance with the UFC 3-601-

02. The Fire Alarm Annual requirement is included in this contract.” NOTE 5.2.2 states the contractor shall provide lifts, and ladders so keep this in mind when pricing!

Questions:

What is the definition of an out year inspection requirement?

Is an out-year requirement considered to be a 5 years internal inspection for suppression and a five years smoke detector sensitivity inspection per the UFC? If out-year is equal to the UFC’s 5 year requirements, Does the Government also wish to preform sensitivity testing per a 5 year per the requirements in table 2-1 of UFC 03-601-02?

The annual fire alarm requirement is included in this contract. Per TE#3 there is only one price for manual pull stations, the UFC states to visually inspect manual pulls to verify they are accessible, and a 2 year requirement is to test to verify operability? Does the Government wish for the contractor to provide the same price for each service?

Answer: An amendment addressing this issue is forthcoming. The contractor shall perform sensitivity testing in accordance with the UFC 03-601-02. The contractor shall provide a single price for the efforts of both tasks.

35. Per PWS 5.2.3 the Fire Pumps do not require monthly or annual ITM’s.

Questions:

Do the pumps get run on a monthly basis? Either by automatic run features or by in house manually?

Under this contract will routine maintenance on the fire pumps be required, such as oil, filters, coolant, fuel systems and treatments?

Answer: The pumps are maintained in accordance with the maintenance plan. The contractor is required to report, through the ITM conducted, of any operational differences to the items/systems being inspected.

36. Per PWS 5.7 Updating Computer-Aided Design (CAD) or As-Built facility drawings, it states that “most” facility drawings will be provided for the contractor to update.

Question: In the event there are no existing drawings for the facility, does the contractor have to create the facility drawing?

Answer: No, in the event there is no existing drawings for the facility, the contractor does not have to create the facility drawing. PWS 5.7.

37. Per PWS 1.5 a copy of the updated CAD drawings will be left at the FACP in each facility.

Questions:

Do the drawings have to be updated with the date of the most recent inspection even if there have no changes to the system?

What are the size requirements for the drawings?

Answer: If CAD drawings are available, the contractor shall update them. In the event that no CAD drawing exist, the contractor is not required to create them. See PWS 1.5. If no changes to the system exist the contractor does not have to update the CAD drawings. The contractor is not required to provide the CAD drawings. If no CAD drawings exist, the contractor shall notify the COR. An amendment that addresses this issue is forthcoming.

38. 5.8. SYSTEMS BATTERIES. Generally, the basic batteries used at JBLM fire alarm systems are 7/8AH, 12AH, 18AH, 26AH, 35AH, 55AH, 79AH, and 105AH batteries. This is not a complete list of batteries to be used for this contract. The Newer JBLM fire alarm systems may have different size or type batteries installed. The labor associated with replacing batteries is incidental to and shall be factored into the overall cost of the appropriate ITM cost.

Question: The labor costs associated with replacement is incidental and to be factored into the overall cost of the ITM. Who is responsible for the cost of batteries in excess of the $50.00 parts threshold.

Answer: The Government is responsible for the cost of batteries in excess of the $50.00 parts threshold. PWS Paragraph 5.10.6 states "Parts and Materials costs beyond the first fifty (50) dollars shall be invoiced with the Parts and Materials CLIN 0004 for both JBLM and YTC." The batteries will be invoiced under this CLIN and the funding is provided by the Government.

39. Per PWS 5.10.2, 5.10.3, 5.10.5 and 5.10.5 repair costs are broken down into 2 types for hours. Small, medium and large. A large repair is listed as hours from 5 to 8 hours.

Question: How will the contractor provide pricing for over 8 hours for a repair?

Answer: The contractor will not provide pricing for costs above an 8 hour repair. Large repairs that require work to exceed 8 hours are not addressed in the PWS and would therefore not be executed on this contract.

40. Per PWS 5.11 “The contractor shall keep a copy of the latest test report in each FACP, and along with the report a backup copy thumb drive with the current FACP software program.”

Questions:

Are there currently existing thumb drives at each panel and will they remain in place for the new contractor?

Does the Government have the manufacturers’ programming information and software for each panel location?

Answer: Yes, there are currently existing thumb drives at each panel and they will remain in place for the new contractor. No, the Government does not have the manufacturers’ programming information and software for each panel location.

41. Does the Government have an updated Tech Exhibit 2 with accurate device counts?

Answer: The Government provided Technical Exhibit 2 that best reflects its requirement.

42. Does the Government have an inventory of spare parts that the contractor will have access to upon award?

Answer: No, the Government does not have an inventory of spare parts that the contractor will have access to upon award.

43. Is there a Government provided contractor lay down area?

Answer: Yes, there is a laydown area available. See PWS 1.18.

44. There are details as to the inspection type and the quantities, but no information about systems within each building. We are looking for a breakdown for each building stating the quantities of Wet Risers, Dry Valves per each location. Is that available?

Answer: There is no information about systems within each building or a breakdown for each building stating the quantities of Wet Risers, Dry Valves per each location.

45. Within the list of buildings is there a matrix of which do and do not have fire sprinklers and/or the systems included in each?

Answer: No, there is no matrix of which do and do not have fire sprinklers and/or the systems included in each. The Government provided Technical Exhibit 2 that best reflects its requirement.

46. Is there any history on age of the exiting systems and/or last tests completed/results?

Answer: For this solicitation, the offeror shall assume that all systems are current with preventative maintenance and testing standards; historical test records will be made available to the awarded contractor. The Government does not have the age of all systems to provide at this time.