Fire Alarm System Installation, Rehab, and Circuit Tracing and Circuit Directory Creation

Other / Unclassified

This document, Chapter 6: Electrical Design Criteria, specifically section 6.6, details the requirements for Fire Alarm Systems. It outlines general principles, design standards, and specific criteria for various building types within a Job Corps project. It also touches upon security systems and commissioning requirements.

This document is relevant to bidders as it specifies the technical requirements and standards for fire alarm systems that must be incorporated into any proposed design or construction. Key aspects include:

• Compliance: All installations must meet the latest NFPA-72 requirements and relevant building codes.
• System Design: Details on "Class A" zoned systems, monitoring by security staff, and potential direct connections to the fire department are provided.
• Components: Specifies requirements for detectors (heat/smoke), audio/visual notification devices, pull stations, and flow/tamper switches.
• Wiring: Mandates that all fire alarm wiring be installed in a conduit system.
• Testing: Requires testing by an independent agency and witnessed by a registered fire protection engineer.
• Building-Specific Criteria: Outlines specific fire alarm requirements for Administration, Cafeteria, Education, Housing, and Recreation buildings.
• Integration: States that security systems shall not be integrated with fire alarm systems due to life safety considerations.
• Commissioning: Fire alarms are listed as a system requiring commissioning.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides clarifications and answers to vendor questions regarding RFQ 12441926Q0005, specifically addressing the JCH814 Design standard which was omitted from the initial solicitation. It clarifies requirements beyond code minimums and establishes that in case of discrepancy between code, JCH814, specs, or drawings, the most stringent interpretation shall apply.

• Design Responsibility: The contractor is responsible for design-build of fire alarm systems, including layouts, calculations, and NFPA 72 compliance. The government will provide floor plans in AutoCAD format.
• Engineer of Record: A Wisconsin-licensed engineer must be retained, and drawings must be stamped.
• Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ): The USFS is the AHJ. Electrical work requires inspection by a third-party inspector.
• Existing Fire Alarm Panels: Adequate capacity for additional devices is assumed. If not, the contractor must notify the Contracting Officer for direction regarding panel replacement.
• Device Compatibility: New devices must be manufacturer-compatible with existing panels. Substitutions are allowed only if devices are obsolete. If devices for reuse are no longer available, the Contracting Officer must be notified.
• Dormitory Detection: CO devices are to be replaced, following NFPA 101 and NFPA 72 standards.
• Reuse of Conduit: Reuse of conduit varies by building. Wiring not reused or designated for replacement must be removed. Functionality of reused wiring and devices must be verified.
• Acceptance Testing: Government representatives will witness testing during standard work hours (0800-16:30). After-hours testing is not desired.
• Record Drawings: Required in PDF format for review and final record, with a bound paper copy for center staff.
• Training: Duration will vary per building, covering device function, staff locations, and panel reporting. Full system replacements may require more extensive training.

This document clarifies design responsibilities, technical requirements, material compatibility, and testing procedures. It emphasizes the application of the most stringent interpretation in case of discrepancies and provides specific guidance on device compatibility, panel capacity, and conduit reuse, which may impact proposal preparation and cost estimation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a General Decision Number (GDN) for wage determinations applicable to building construction projects in Wisconsin. It specifies the prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits that must be paid to various construction trades working on federal or federally funded projects in the state.

• Applicable Executive Orders: Mentions Executive Order 14026 and 13658, which set minimum wage rates for covered contracts.
• Geographic Scope: Lists all counties in Wisconsin to which these wage determinations apply.
• Construction Type: Specifically for "Building Construction Projects" (excluding residential construction of single-family homes and apartments up to 4 stories).
• Trade Classifications and Rates: Details specific wage rates and fringe benefits for numerous trades, including Asbestos Workers/Insulator, Boilermaker, Bricklayer, Carpenter, Cabinet Installer, Cement Mason/Concrete Finisher, Electrician, Ironworker, Laborer, Landscape Laborer, Millwright, Plumber/Pipefitter, Plasterer, Sheet Metal Worker, Truck Driver, and Welder.
• Modification History: Includes a table of modification numbers and their publication dates, indicating updates to the wage determination.

Bidders must use this document to understand the minimum wage and fringe benefit requirements for labor on any construction project covered by this wage determination. Failure to comply with these rates can lead to contract violations. This information is crucial for accurate cost estimation and proposal development.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document contains electrical drawings and site plans for the Blackwell Civilian Conservation Center. It serves as a reference for the "Multiple Building Life Safety - Fire Alarm and Electric" opportunity, providing detailed layouts of various buildings and their electrical systems.

• Vicinity Map of Blackwell CCC, Laona, Wisconsin.
• Existing Site Plan showing building layouts and numbering.
• Detailed floor plans for specific buildings (e.g., Building 403 - Welding, Building 405 - Gymnasium/Recreation Center, Building 407 - Union Paint Shop, Building 420 - Dining/Career Prep, Building 425 - Administration/Health Services, Building 426 - Carpentry/Electrical, Building 427 - Education, Building 440 - Dormitory #3 & #4, Building 444 - Union Laborer Shop).
• Each floor plan indicates room designations, electrical panelboard locations, and areas of work.
• The document also includes observations and deficiency reports related to panel directories and fire alarm control panels.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the physical layout of the facilities, the locations of existing electrical infrastructure (including panelboards), and the specific areas or buildings where work related to fire alarm and electric systems will be performed. It provides the necessary visual context for assessing the scope of work, planning site visits, and preparing proposals.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This document outlines the requirements for a "Multiple Building Life Safety – Fire Alarm & Electric" project at the Blackwell Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center.

• The contractor is responsible for supplying all labor, materials, equipment, utilities, and licenses for the project.

• Key tasks include:

  • Installation of duct smoke detectors in the Gymnasium (Base Item No. 1).
  • Rehabilitation of the fire alarm system in the Dining/Career Prep building (Base Item No. 2).
  • Installation of a new fire alarm system in the Education building (Base Item No. 3).
  • Rehabilitation of the fire alarm system in Dormitory #3 & #4 (Base Item No. 4).
  • Optional work includes creating circuit directories (Optional Item No. 5).

• Work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

• Construction operations must be confined to immediate work areas, and government operations must not be disturbed.

• Driveways, parking, loading areas, and entrances must remain clear.

• All work must adhere to the latest versions of International Code Council (ICC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes, including NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code) and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code).

• Electrical work requires licensed journey-level electricians or supervised trainees.

• Plumbing work requires licensed journey-level plumbers or supervised trainees.

• Fire alarm work requires NICET certified fire alarm technicians.

• Electrical work requires inspection by a third-party inspector (State-licensed or ICC-certified).

• Fire alarm system installation must comply with NFPA 72 and manufacturer's recommendations.

• Audible and visual devices must be mounted per ADAAG requirements.

• Horn/strobe coverage must achieve sound levels at least 15 dB above average ambient noise levels.

• Location: Blackwell Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center, five miles from Laona, Wisconsin in Forest County.

• Smoking is permitted only in designated areas.

• Government will provide floor plans in AutoCAD .dwg format.

• Contractor must provide drawings, calculations, specifications, and sequence of operations from a licensed fire alarm/electrical engineer.

• Existing conduit and wiring may be re-used where permissible by code, but all new fire alarm wiring must be in electrical metal tubing (EMT) conduit.

• Old, non-code compliant wiring must be replaced.

• Testing and documentation are required as outlined in NFPA 72.

• Submittals (Action, Informational, Closeout) must follow procedures outlined in Section 01 0150.

• Government facilities (water, electrical power) may be used without charge, but must be maintained and restored.

• Sanitary facilities are available and must be cleaned daily.

• On-site staging and storage must be coordinated with the COR.

• Waste disposal must comply with local and federal regulations; government containers cannot be used.

• Environmental protection measures must be followed.

• Safety and fire protection measures must be implemented.

• Work must be examined and verified before installation.

• Progress cleaning and final cleaning are required.

• Project Record Documents must be maintained and submitted.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for Fire Alarm System Installation, Rehab, and Circuit Tracing and Circuit Directory Creation at the Blackwell Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center in Laona, WI. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 561621, with a size standard of $25 Million.

• Installation, rehabilitation, and circuit tracing of fire alarm systems.

• Creation of circuit directories.

• Specific tasks include work on the Gymnasium HVAC Duct Smoke Detectors, Dining/Career Prep Bldg. Fire Alarm System Rehab, Education Bldg. Fire Alarm System Installation, and Dormitory Bldg. 3 and 4 Fire Alarm System Rehab.

• An optional item for Circuit Directories (B403, B405, B407, B425, B426, B444) is also listed.

• Magnitude of Construction Project: Between $100,000 and $250,000.

• Performance Period: 120 calendar days after receipt of Notice to Proceed.

• Contract type is not explicitly stated but implies a fixed-price construction contract.

• Quotes are due no later than February 16, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST).

• Quotes must be submitted via email to cesia.gil@usda.gov.

• Offers will be evaluated using a Lowest Price/Technically Acceptable (LPTA) approach.

• Key evaluation factors include Technical Approach to Performing the Work, Schedule, and Price.

• Offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) at the time quotes are due. Offerors not active in SAM will be rejected.

• The small business size standard is 25.

• A site visit is scheduled for January 27, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM CST. Contact Cody Gorden at cody.gorden@usda.gov or 715-674-7328 for the site visit.

• All questions must be submitted no later than January 29, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST to Cesia Gil at cesia.gil@usda.gov.

• The solicitation includes numerous FAR clauses related to construction, labor, safety, and domestic preference (Buy American Act).