A7_RFI_responses.pdf

107th Attack Wing, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station Project RVKQ 18-2255

Commercial Building Lightning Protection Systems Annual Service

RFI Responses

Q1. Regarding the buildings with no ground rod (lightning protection is terminated to building steel) what point(s) shall be used for the fall-of-potential test (article 2.1.5) & (AFI32-1065 Attachment 6)?

A1. All Lightning Protection System (LPS) down-conductors should be in theory bonded to a facility component (grounding electrode) that is in turn bonded to a ground rod. However, in instances where ground rods are inaccessible or non-existent, the furthest outbound point of bonding between the down-conductor and the facility’s grounding electrode system may be used for fall-of-potential test purposes, provided all inbound points leading to the test point have been properly inspected and tested for continuity. In any scenario where the ground electrode under test cannot be disconnected from the system, testing must be accomplished using the Attached Rod Technique

(ART).

Q2. In article 2.1.5 and 2.1.4.2 referring to the connections. Typically the connections are tested using a digital low resistance ohm meter. Please advise how you prefer the connections checked.

A2. Quantitative continuity testing across components, producing measurement values in Ohms, can be accomplished with a digital low resistance Ohm-meter or Multi-meter with a current calibration certificate. A Fluke 1625-2 Kit is the baseline standard for fall of potential test equipment.

Q3. In article 2.1.7.2.1 will you require a CAD drawing of the system for each building. How detailed of a drawing do you require? A basic layout or more detail showing connections, splices, riser, etc.

A3. Attached is a good representation of a building schematic, with LPS system detailed, and a corresponding inspection sheet correlating line items to numbered items on the building schematic. The expectation is that inspection results / reports would incorporate this template or similar for each facility.

Contractor is responsible for building schematic and inspection sheet development that best meets the intent of this service contract.

Q4. Define minor repairs. During the walk through there were multiple lightning rods missing, cables not attached, etc.

A4. The contractor shall be responsible for reconnecting, repairing, replacing, or installing, when necessary, the following components associated with each facility’s LPS:

a. Lightning rods or air terminals and all associated base plates, base extensions, saddles, bracing, extensions, couplers, mounting plates, mounting adhesive, mounting fasteners, and adapters

b. Conductors, cable clips, seam clamps, cable holders, adhesives, and guards

c. Thru-roof and thru-wall connectors, assemblies, and accessories

d. Connectors, straps, and clamps

e. Bonding lugs and bonding plates

f. Any of the above items directly associated with the facility’s grounding electrode system including attachments to the building metal, metal water pipes, ground rings, and ground rods

g. Ground rods

Q5. Can you provide a site map with the buildings identified?

A5. See attached.

Q6. Article 2.1.3. Will you require the contractor to be NFPA 70E trained in electrical safety?

A6. If NFPA 70E pertains to energized work then this is not a requirement for LPS Inspection Services.