H312--Service Fire Alarm System INTENT TO SOLE SOURCE

Active

Contract Opportunity

Under Statutory Authority 40 U.S.C. 501 and 41 U.S.C. 251 the VA Great Lakes Acquisition Center (GLAC) intends to negotiate a sole source contract with Johnson Controls, Inc., for testing of all facets of the Simplex 4100u central fire alarm system and ancillary peripheral connected devices.

This acquisition is conducted under the authority of 40 U.S.C. 501 and 41 U.S.C. 251 implemented in FAR 8.405-6, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. This will be a firm fixed price contract for a 12-month base year with four 12-month options. The NAICS Code is 561621.

This Notice of Intent is not a request for competitive quotes. No solicitation documents are available, and telephone requests will not be honored. However, if a firm believes it can meet the requirements it must furnish information about its products and services, as well as references from other customers who are using these products and service to the Contracting Officer by 9:00AM (local time) 09/28/2025. Supporting evidence must be furnished in sufficient detail to demonstrate the ability to comply with the above requirements. Responses received will be evaluated; however, a determination by the Government not to compete the proposed procurement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. If no responses are received, the Contracting Officer will proceed with the sole source negotiation with Johnson Controls, Inc.

Capability statements shall be submitted by email only as a MS Word or Adobe PDF attachment to Lori Eastmead at Lori.Eastmead@va.gov. TELEPHONIC INQUIRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Statement of Work

Scope of work:
The vendor shall provide trained technicians to test all facets of the Simplex 4100u Central fire alarm system and ancillary peripheral connected devices and provide test results and documentation for the following buildings (14, 19, 22, 25, 35, 39, 49, 58, 60, 64, 68, 69, 72, 98, 101, 102, 103, 104, 125, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 136, 140, 211, 212, 214 and 216) located on the campus of the VA Illiana Healthcare System at 1900 East Main Street, Danville, Il 61832. Vendor to provide trained technicians to perform inspections and diagnostic tests for all peripheral devices connected to comprise the facility fire alarm system. (The listed quantities may not be reflective of all devices currently on the system).
The vendor shall provide technicians certified by the International Certification Board and Accredited by the American National Standards Institute in HVAC fire safety or another nationally recognized certifying body to ISO/IEC 17024 in HVAC fire life safety to test all Fire and Smoke Dampers. All testing to be conducted to standards required by the latest edition of NFPA 25, NFPA 72 and NFPA 101. Documentation is to be provided for each device tested to include location, system address or zone location with test results and applicable voltage readings. A summary is to be provided of any deficiencies found.
The vendor is to provide trained technicians to conduct inspections of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems inspections in accordance with specifications in the latest edition of NFPA (25). Annual Wet Pipe Sprinkler tests and inspections to include inspecting gauges, systems valves, components, and signs; operating control valves; testing tamper and flow switches, and local alarms and signals; opening main drain to record static and residual pressure; inspecting the fire department connection and doing a building walk through to visually inspect sprinklers, piping, fitting and hangers from the floor level.
Where semi-annual is required, wet pipe sprinkler tests and inspections include inspecting gauges, water flow alarms, valve supervisory alarms, hydraulic nameplate, and control valves for position. Test mechanical alarms and low-pressure alarms if present. One main drain test conducted downstream of main backflows or pressure reducing valves and test flow alarms and pressure switches.
Where quarterly service is required wet pipe sprinkler testing and inspections includes inspecting gauges, water flow alarms, valve supervisory alarms, hydraulic name plate and control valves for position. Test mechanical alarms and low-pressure alarms if present. One main drain test conducted downstream of main backflows or pressure reducing valves. Each control valve is operated in its full range and lubricated annually. Drain test to be conducted after opening. All accessible components and devices to be logged with test results. Any discrepancies found shall be noted and a summary provided.

The vendor to provide trained technicians to conduct inspections of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems in accordance with standards specified in the latest edition of NFPA (25). Annual dry pipe sprinkler test and inspections to include inspecting gauges, system valves, components, and signs; operating control valves; testing tamper and pressure switches, and local alarms and signals; opening main drain to record static and residual pressures; partial trip test; draining of low point drains, inspecting fire department connections; and doing a building walkthrough to visually inspect sprinklers, piping, fittings, and hangers from floor level.
Where semi-annual is required, dry pipe sprinkler tests and inspections include inspecting gauges, water flow alarms, valve supervisory alarms, hydraulic nameplate, and control valves for position. Test mechanical alarms and low-pressure alarms if present. One main drain test conducted downstream of main backflows or pressure reducing valves and test flow alarms and pressure switches.
Where quarterly service is required, dry pipe sprinkler testing and inspections include inspecting gauges, water flow alarms, valve supervisory alarms, hydraulic nameplate and control valves for position. Test mechanical alarms and low-pressure alarms if present. One main drain test conducted downstream of main backflows or pressure reducing valves. Each control valve is operated in its full range and lubricated annually. Drain test to be conducted after opening.
Elevator Information:
7 of 8 have Elevator recall, 1 has fire call
All 8 elevators have smoke detectors in elevator shafts.

Per NFPA 25 13.4.5.2.2.2 a full trip test of dry systems is required every three years, and an air leakage test of dry systems every three years per NFPA 13.4.5.2.9. for the following buildings. Years for testing shall be Base Year Fiscal Year (FY) 26, and Option Year 3 of Fiscal Year (FY) 29.
Building 14
Building 22/69
Building 49
Building 60
Building 128
Building 129
Building 130
Building 131

As of January 2020, (5) Year Internal Inspections are no longer required (see attachment 1).
Gauges shall be tested as a part of the five-year test and recalibrated or replaced if not accurate to within 3 percent, vendor shall purchase and install all replacement gauges, legibly marking the installation date on the face of all gauges. Pressure gauge replacement performed March 2025 with next replacement due Option Year 4, FY30.

The vendor is to provide trained technicians to conduct the required five (5) year standpipe flow and hydrostatic tests per the latest edition of NFPA 25 (6.3.1) Flow test and (6.3.2) Hydrostatic test.

COMPLIANCE REPORTING
The following buildings (39, 58, 101, 103, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133 and 140) require Joint Commission Reporting for the Environment of Care (02.03.05) but reporting for ALL buildings is to be provided in the same format.
RECORDS MANAGEMENT
Contractor shall comply with all applicable records management laws and regulations, as well as National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) records policies, including but not limited to the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. chs. 21, 29, 31, 33), NARA regulations at (36) CFR Chapter XII Subchapter B, and those policies associated with the safeguarding of records covered by the Privacy Act of (1974) (5 U.S.C. 552a). These policies include the preservation of all records, regardless of form or characteristics, mode of transmission, or state of completion.

In accordance with (36 CFR 1222.32,) all data created for Government use and delivered to, or falling under the legal control of, the Government are Federal records subject to the provisions of (44)U.S.C. chapters (21), (29), (31), and (33), the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), as amended, and the Privacy Act of (1974) (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended and must be managed and scheduled for disposition only as permitted by statute or regulation.

In accordance with (36) CFR (1222.32), Contractor shall maintain all records created for Government use or created in the course of performing the contract and/or delivered to, or under the legal control of the Government and must be managed in accordance with Federal law. Electronic records and associated metadata must be accompanied by sufficient technical documentation to permit understanding and use of the records and data.

VA Illiana and its contractors are responsible for preventing the alienation or unauthorized destruction of records, including all forms of mutilation. Records may not be removed from the legal custody of VA Iliana or destroyed except for in accordance with the provisions of the agency records schedules and with the written concurrence of the Head of the Contracting Activity. Willful and unlawful destruction, damage or alienation of Federal records is subject to the fines and penalties imposed by (18 U.S.C. 2701). In the event of any unlawful or accidental removal, defacing, alteration, or destruction of records, Contractor must report to VA Iliana. The agency must report promptly to NARA in accordance with (36 CFR 1230).

The Contractor shall immediately notify the appropriate Contracting Officer upon discovery of any inadvertent or unauthorized disclosures of information, data, documentary materials, records or equipment. Disclosure of non-public information is limited to authorized personnel with a need-to-know as described in the [contract vehicle]. The Contractor shall ensure that the appropriate personnel, administrative, technical, and physical safeguards are established to ensure the security and confidentiality of this information, data, documentary material, records and/or equipment is properly protected. The Contractor shall not remove material from Government facilities or systems, or facilities or systems operated or maintained on the Government's behalf, without the express written permission of the Head of the Contracting Activity. When information, data, documentary material, records and/or equipment is no longer required, it shall be returned to VA Illiana control, or the Contractor must hold it until otherwise directed. Items returned to the Government shall be hand-carried, mailed, emailed, or securely electronically transmitted to the Contracting Officer or address prescribed in the [contract vehicle]. Destruction of records is EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED unless in accordance with Paragraph (4).

The Contractor is required to obtain the Contracting Officer's approval prior to engaging in any contractual relationship (sub-contractor) in support of this contract requiring the disclosure of information, documentary material and/or records generated under, or relating to, contracts. The Contractor (and any sub- contractor) is required to abide by Government and VA Illiana guidance for protecting sensitive, proprietary information, classified, and controlled unclassified information.

The Contractor shall only use Government IT equipment for purposes specifically tied to or authorized by the contract and in accordance with VA policy.

The Contractor shall not create or maintain any records containing any non- public VA Illiana information that are not specifically tied to or authorized by the contract.

The Contractor shall not retain, use, sell, or disseminate copies of any deliverable that contains information covered by the Privacy Act of (1974) or that which is generally protected from public disclosure by an exemption from the Freedom of Information Act.

VA Illiana owns the rights to all data and records produced as part of this contract. All deliverables under the contract are the property of the U.S. Government for which VA Illiana shall have unlimited rights to use, dispose of, or disclose such data contained therein as it determines to be in the public interest.
Training. All Contractor employees assigned to this contract who create, work with or otherwise handle records are required to take VA Illiana-provided records management training. The Contractor is responsible for confirming training has been completed according to agency policies, including initial training and any annual or refresher training.

The Contractor shall incorporate the substance of this clause, its terms, and requirements including this paragraph, in all subcontracts under this [contract vehicle], and require written subcontractor acknowledgment of same. Violation by a subcontractor of any provision set forth in this clause will be attributed to the Contractor.


SITE ACCESS
All personnel working on this project will be required to be in possession of a valid VA flash pass or will need to sign in at Police Service daily to obtain a visitor badge prior to working on this project. Badge application forms (0711) are available from the COR.
All personnel working on VA property are required to complete privacy training and comply with VA Handbook (6500.6) Appendix C, Sections (1), (6), (7), (9a), (3) and 9b.
All personnel on VA projects are required at a minimum to be in possession of a Ten (10) hour OSHA card.
Infection control permits where required will be issued by the Infection Control staff prior to the commencement of work.
COR/POC will assist with coordination and escorts as required.

DELIVERY OF SERVICES
All inspections are to be scheduled and conducted to meet the inspection and testing requirements specified in the latest edition of the NFPA (25, 72 and 101) and Joint Commissions reporting requirements of Environment of Care (02.03.05.) documentation of the test results is to be provided within 10 days. Vendor shall coordinate with VA Engineering Supervisor/COR or the alternate VA Engineering Supervisor to schedule work prior to arriving at the site. Work will be scheduled in such a manner as not to disrupt patient care.

Equipment to be tested, serviced and/or both by building number:
Building Breakout is as follows:
Wet and Dry System Patient Care Buildings:
1.) Bld. 39 (2) Control, (1) Tamper Switch, (1) Flow Switch, (1) Main Drain, (1) Fire Department Connection (FDC), (1) Gauge, (1) Post Indicator Valve
2.) Bld. 58 (20) Control, (18) Tamper Switch, (26) Flow Switch, (12) Main Drain, (2) FDC, (14) Gauge, (6) Inspector Test Valve, (1) Post Indicator Valve
3.) Bld. 101 (6) Control, (7) Tamper Switch, (6) Flow Switch, (1) Main Drain, (1) FDC, (6) Gauge, (3) Inspector Test Valve, (1) Post Indicator Valve
4.) Bld. 103 (6) Control, (7) Tamper Switch, (6) Flow Switch, (1) Main Drain, (1) FDC, (6) Gauge, (4) Inspector Test Valve, (1) Post Indicator Valve
5.) Bld. 128 (2) Control, (1) Supervisory Low Air Pressure Switch, (3) Tamper Switch, (1) Pressure Switch, (1) Main Drain, (1) FDC, (2) Gauge, (1) Inspector Test Valve, (1) Low Point Drain, (1) Post Indicator Valve
6.) Bld. 129 (2) Control, (1) Supervisory Low Air Pressure Switch, (3) Tamper Switch, (1) Pressure Switch, (1) Main Drain, (1) FDC, (2) Gauge, (1) Inspector Test Valve, (1) Low Point Drain, (1) Post Indicator Valve,
7.) Bld. 130 (5) Control, (1) Supervisory Low Air Pressure Air Switch, (6) Tamper Switch, (2) Flow Switch, (1) Pressure Switch, (3) Main Drain, (1) FDC, (4) Gauge, (1) Inspector Test Valve, (1) Low Point Drain, (1) Post Indicator Valve.
8.) Bld. 131 (5) Control, (1) Supervisory Low Air Pressure Switch, (6) Tamper Switch, (2) Flow Switch, (1) Pressure Switch, (3) Main Drain, (1) FDC, (4) Gauge, (1) Inspector Test Valve, (1) Low Point Drain, (1) Post Indicator Valve.
9.) Bld. 132 (3) Control, (4) Tamper Switch, (1) Flow Switch, (1) Main Drain, (1) FDC, (1) Gauge, (1) Post Indicator Valve.
10.) Bld. 133 (3) Control, (4) Tamper Switch, (1) Flow Switch, (1) Main Drain, (1) FDC, (1) Gauge, (1) Post Indicator Valve.
11.) Bld. 140 (4) Control, (2) Inspector Test Valve, (4) Tamper Switch, (2) Flow Switch, (1) Main Drain

Wet and Dry System Non-Patient Care Buildings:
1.) Bld. 14 (6) Control, (1) Air Pressure Switch, (1) Supervisory Low Air Pressure Switch, (7) Tamper Switch, (2) Main Drain, (1) FDC, (9) Gauge, (1) Inspector Test Valve, (1) Post Indicator Valve, (3) Flow Switch, (1) Pressure Switch
2.) Bld. 19 (1) Control, (1) Tamper Switch, (1) Flow Switch, (1) Main Drain, (1) FDC, (1) Gauge, (1) Inspector Test Valve, (1) Post Indicator Valve
3.) Bld. 22/69 (2) Control, (1) Supervisory Low Air Pressure Switch, (1) Tamper Switch, (1) Flow Switch, (1) Main Drain, (1) FDC, (3) Gauge, (2) Inspector Test Valve, (1) Post Indicator Valve, (1) Supervisory Low Air Pressure Switch, (1) Pressure Switch
4.) Bld. 35 (2) Control, (1) Flow Switch, (1) Main Drain, (1) FDC, (1) Gauge, (1) Inspector Test Valve, (1) Post Indicator Valve
5.) Bld. 49 (1) Supervisory Low Air Pressure Switch, (1) Tamper Switch, (1) Flow Switch, (1) Main Drain, (1) FDC, (3) Gauge, (1) Inspector Test Valve, (1) Post Indicator Valve, (1) Pressure Switch
6.) Bld. 60 (1) Control, (1) Supervisory Low Air Pressure Switch, (1) Tamper Switch, (1) Main Drain, (1) FDC, (2) Gauge, (1) Inspector Test Valve, (1) Post Indicator Valve, (1) Pressure Switch
7.) Bld. 64/72 (4) Control, (2) Tamper Switch, (2) Flow Switch, (2) Main Drain, (2) FDC, (4) Gauge, (1) Inspector Test Valve
8.) Bld. 98 (25) Control, (17) Tamper Switch, (17) Flow Switch, (3) Main Drain, (2) FDC, (13) Gauge, (13) Inspector Test Valve, (1) Post Indicator Valve
9.) Bld. 102 (6) Control, (7) Tamper Switch, (6) Flow Switch, (1) Main Drain, (1) FDC, (7) Gauge, (5) Inspector Test Valve, (1) Post Indicator Valve
10.) Bld. 104 (4) Control, (4) Tamper Switch, (3) Flow Switch, (1) Main Drain, (1) FDC, (2) Gauge, (2) Inspector Test Valve, (1) Post Indicator Valve
11.) Bld. 125 (2) Control, (2) Tamper Switch, (1) Flow Switch, (1) Main Drain, (1) FDC, (2) Gauge, (1) Inspector Test Valve, (1) Post Indicator Valve
12.) Bld. 211 (3) Control, (4) Tamper Switch, (1) Flow Switch, (1) Main Drain, (1) FDC, (1) Gauge, (1) Inspector Test Valve, (1) Post Indicator Valve
13.) Bld. 212 (3) Control, (4) Tamper Switch, (1) Flow Switch, (1) Main Drain, (1) FDC, (10 Gauge, 1) Inspector Test Valve, (1 )Post Indicator Valve
14.) Bld. 214 (3) Control, (4) Tamper Switch, (1) Flow Switch, (1) Main Drain, (1) FDC, (1) Gauge, (1) Inspector Test Valve, (1) Post Indicator Valve
15.) Bld. 216 (3) Control, (4) Tamper Switch, (1) Flow Switch, (1) Main Drain, (1) FDC, (1) Gauge, (1) Inspector Test Valve, (1) Post Indicator Valve

Patient Care Communications Side:
Bld. 39- (1) Panel, (8) Pull Stations (28) Smoke Detectors (8) Horn/Strobe
Bld. 58- 29 AHU Fan Shutdown, (1) Annunciator (1) DACT Point (Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter), (14) Door Holder (9) Duct Detector, (15) Heat Detector, (2) Panel, (2) Remote Power Supply, (28) Pull Station, (137) Smoke Detector, (30) Horn/ Strobe, (26) Fire Damper, (14) Smoke Damper
Bld. 101, Boiler Plant 211 devices included- (6) AHU Fan Shutdown, (2) Annunciator, (1) DACT Point (Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter), (18) Door Holder, (1) Duct Detector, (3) Heat Detector, (1) Panel, (40) Pull Station, (121) Smoke Detector, (38) Horn/ Strobe, (9) Smoke Damper
Bld. 103- (6) AHU Fan Shutdown, (1) Annunciator, (1) DACT Point (Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter), (23) Door Holder, (6) Duct Detector, (1) Panel, (30) Pull Station, (125) Smoke Detector, (30) Horn/ Strobe, (11) Smoke Damper
Bld. 128- (1) AHU Remote Key Shutdown, (1) Annunciator, (1) DACT Point (Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter), (2) Door Holder, (1) Duct Detector, (4) Heat Detector, (1) Panel, (5) Pull Station, (3) Smoke Detector, (6) Horn/ Strobe, (2) Strobe, (12) Fire Damper
Bld. 129- (1) AHU Remote Key Shutdown, (1) Annunciator, (1) DACT Point (Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter), (2) Door Holder, (1) Duct Detector, (4) Heat Detector, (1) Panel, (5) Pull Station, (3) Smoke Detector, (5) Horn/ Strobe, (2) Strobe, (12) Fire Damper
Bld. 130- (2) AHU Fan Shutdown, (1) Annunciator, (1) DACT Point (Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter), (4) Door Holder (2) Duct Detector, (4) Heat Detector, 1 Panel, (8) Pull Station, (30) Smoke Detector, (9) Horn/ Strobe, (12) Strobe, (1) Fire Damper
Bld. 131- (2) AHU Fan Shutdown, (1) Annunciator, (1) DACT Point (Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter), (4) Door Holder, (2) Duct Detector, (4) Heat Detector, (1) Panel, (8) Pull Station, (30) Smoke Detector, (7) Horn/ Strobe, (13) Strobe, (1) Fire Damper
Bld.132- (1) AHU Fan Shutdown, (1) Annunciator, (1) DACT Point (Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter), (4) Door Holder (1) Duct Detector, (1) Panel, (6) Pull Station, (12) Smoke Detector, (18) Horn/ Strobe, (3) Strobe
Bld. 133- (1) AHU Fan Shutdown, (1) Annunciator, (1) DACT Point (Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter), (4) Door Holder, (1) Duct Detector, (1) Panel, (5) Pull Station, (12) Smoke Detector, (18) Horn/ Strobe, (5) Strobe
Bld. 140- (4) AHU Fan Shutdown (29), (1) Annunciator, (4) Door Holder, (4) Duct Detector, (2) Panel, (28) Pull Station, (26) Horn/ Strobe, (1) Fire Damper, (4) Smoke Damper

Non-Patient Care Communications Side:
Bld. 14- (2) AHU Fan Shutdown, (1) Annunciator, (1) DACT Point (Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter), (4) Door Holder, (2) Duct Detector, (2) Heat Detector, (1) Panel, (12) Pull Station, (10) Smoke Detector, (11) Horn/ Strobe
Bld. 19- (1) Annunciator, (1) Duct Detector, (1) Heat Detector, (1) Panel, (7) Pull Station, (51) Smoke Detector, (9) Horn/ Strobe, (13) Strobe
Bld. 22/69- (1) Annunciator, (1) DACT Point (Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter), (4) Door Holder, (2) Duct Detector, (2) Heat Detector, (1) Panel, (11) Pull Station, (15) Smoke Detector, (10) Horn/ Strobe
Bld. 25 Greenhouse- (1) DACT Point (Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter), (1) Heat Detector, (1) Panel, (4) Pull Station, (2) Smoke Detector, (4) Horn/ Strobe
Bld. 35- (1) Panel, (4) Pull Station, (13) Smoke Detector, (4) Horn/ Strobe
Bld. 49- (1) AHU Fan Shutdown, (1) Annunciator, (1) DACT Point (Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter), (2) Duct Detector, (1) Panel, (6) Pull Station, (30) Smoke Detector, (3) Horn/ Strobe
Bld. 60- (1) DACT Point (Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter), (1) Panel, (5) Pull Station, (18) Smoke Detector, (2) Horn/ Strobe
Bld. 64/72- (1) Annunciator, (1) DACT Point (Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter), (2) Duct Detector, (1) Heat Detector, (2) Panel, (7) Pull Station, (2) Smoke Detector, (9) Horn/ Strobe, (13) Strobe, (1) Fire Damper, Smoke Damper
Bld. 68/136- (1) AHU Fan Shutdown, (1) Annunciator, (1) DACT Point (Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter), (1) Duct Detector, (10) Heat Detector, (1) Panel, (3) Pull Station, (4) Smoke Detector, (5) Horn/ Strobe, (4) Strobe
Bld. 98- (1) AHU Fan Shutdown, (3) Annunciator, (1) DACT Point (Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter), (20) Door Holder, (2) Duct Detector, (16) Heat Detector, (5) Panel, (32) Pull Station, (192) Smoke Detector, (2) Horn/ Strobe, (34) Chime/Strobe
Bld. 102- (1) AHU Fan Shutdown, (2) Annunciator, (1) DACT Point (Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter), (19) Door Holder, (4) Duct Detector, (2) Heat Detector, (1) Panel, (24) Pull Station, (118) Smoke Detector, (36) Horn/ Strobe, (7) Strobe, (6) Fire Damper, (1) MBZAM
Bld. 104- (1) AHU Fan Shutdown, (2) Annunciator, (1) DACT Point (Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter), (6) Door Holder, (4) Duct Detector, (6) Heat Detector, (2) Panel, (18) Pull Station, (9) Smoke Detector, (27) Horn/ Strobe, (1) MBZAM
Bld. 125- (1) AHU Fan Shutdown, (1) Annunciator, (1) DACT Point (Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter), (2) Door Holder, (2) Duct Detector, (1) Heat Detector, (1) Panel, (9) Pull Station, (5) Smoke Detector, (8) Horn/ Strobe, (3) Fire Damper
Bld. 211- (0) AHU Fan Shutdown, (0) Annunciator, (0) DACT Point (Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter), (0) Door Holder, (0) Duct Detector, (0) Heat Detector, (0) Panel, (0) Pull Station, (0) Smoke Detector, (0) Horn/ Strobe, (0) Strobe, (0) Fire Damper, Smoke Damper
Bld. 212- (0) AHU Fan Shutdown, (0) Annunciator, (0) DACT Point (Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter), (0) Door Holder, (0) Duct Detector, (0) Heat Detector, (0) Panel, (0) Pull Station, (0) Smoke Detector, (0) Horn/ Strobe, (0) Fire Damper, Smoke Damper, (0) Strobe, (0) Fire Damper, Smoke Damper
Bld. 214- (0) AHU Fan Shutdown, (0) Annunciator, (0) DACT Point (Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter), (0) Door Holder, (0) Duct Detector, (0) Heat Detector, (0) Panel, (0) Pull Station, (0) Smoke Detector, (0) Horn/Strobe, (0) Strobe, (0) Fire Damper, Smoke Damper

Bld. 216- (0) AHU Fan Shutdown, (0) Annunciator, (0) DACT Point (Digital Alarm Communicator Transmitter), (0) Door Holder, (0) Duct Detector, (0) Heat Detector, (0) Panel, (0) Pull Station, (0) Smoke Detector, (0) Horn/ Strobe, (0) Strobe, (0) Fire Damper, Smoke Damper

Vendor to perform semi-annual VRLA Battery/Charger Inspections and provide documented results in inspection documentation.

NFPA 72 Table 14.4.3.2 (9) requires a semiannual test of the VRLA battery/chargers. The testing shall include the temperature, charger, cell/unit voltage and ohms. It also requires a replacement/load test every 3 years.
Acceptable test parameters:
Temperature test: Check the negative terminal of each battery cell/unit with an infrared thermometer. Replace the battery if the temperature is 18 degrees F above ambient.
Charger test: While the battery is fully charged and connected to the charger, measure voltage across the battery terminals. Verify that voltage is within the manufacturer's specifications. If outside of the specified limits, either adjust or replace the charger.
Cell/unit test: With the battery fully charged and connected to the charger, measure voltage of each cell/unit with a voltmeter. Replace battery if reading less than 13.6V
Ohmic test: With the battery charged and connected to the charger, measure the ohmic value on each cell/unit. Record the test date and ohmic value on each cell/unit. Replace battery when the ohmic measurement of any cell/unit deviates from the established baseline by 30% or more for conductance and 40% or more for resistance or impedance. When using the battery or test equipment manufacturer's baseline ohmic values, replace the battery when any cell/unit has an internal ohmic value outside of the acceptable range.
Replacement/load test: (This is only required every three years) Replace the battery or conduct a load test of the battery capacity. Based on manufacturer's specifications for a discharge rate of 3 hours or more by applying the current indicated for the selected hourly discharge rate continuously, until the terminal voltage decreases to the end voltage specified by the manufacturer. Record the test duration and calculate the battery capacity including adjustment for ambient temperature. Replace the battery if capacity is less than or equal to 80% or at the next scheduled test interval if battery capacity is less than 85%. If batteries are required to be replaced due to failed test, VA Illiana will assume responsibility for purchase and replacement of failed batteries once documentation of testing has been received.

VRLA Battery/Charger Inspections to include the following on a semi-annual basis:

Fire Alarm Node Designations


Node#

Building
Inside building
Main Nodes

Node 1

Bldg.64/72
Men s locker room
Node 2

Bldg. 98
Front entrance of 98
Node 3

Bldg.102
Cop Shop behind dispatch desk
Node 7

Bldg. 49
Chapel

Catholic side
Node 8

Bldg. 22
South entrance
Node 9

Bldg.64
NW Entrance
Node 10

Bldg. 68
Cemetery
Node 12

Bldg.14
Center Basement
Node 13

Bldg.125
Elec. Closet
Node 15

Bldg. 58
Basement RM-6
Node 17

Bldg.101
Big service room
Node 18

Bldg. 102
Big service room
Node 19

Bldg. 103
Big service room
Node20

Bldg.104
Big service room
Node 21

Bldg.128
Freedom

Garage
Node23,

Bldg. 130
Honor

Basement Rm 4
Node 24

Bldg.131
Va!or

Basement
Node 25

Bldg. 132
Independence

Inside Rm-119
Node 26

Bldg.133
Courage

Inside Rm-119
Node 27

Bldg. 140
Mental Health

Service room
Node 28

Bldg. 58
MATOC

Basement RM-6
Node29

Bldg.19
Warehouse

1st floor
Node 30

Build.100
Back office
Node 31

Build. 60
front door
Node 32

Build.98
Old Panel

Basement
Node 33

Build. 129
Liberty

Garage
Node 34

Bldg. 98
New Panel

1st floor
Node 35

Bldg. 58
New Panel

Front door
NO Node

Bldg. 25
Greenhouse

Inside

(Attachment 1)
Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Risk Analysis for
Internal Piping Condition and Obstruction Investigation
January 2020
This risk analysis is to establish the frequency for performing an assessment of the internal condition of piping of water-based fire protection systems for the presence of foreign organic and inorganic material in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard NFPA 25 (2020 edition), section 14.2.1.2, shown below.
14.2 Assessment of Internal Condition of Piping.
14.2.1 * An assessment of the internal condition of piping shall be conducted on a frequency determined by 14.2. I .1 or
14.2. I .2 for the purpose of inspecting for the presence of foreign organic and inorganic material.
14.2.1.1 An assessment of the internal condition of piping shall be conducted at a minimum of every 5 years or in accordance with 14.2.1.2 for the purpose of inspecting for the presence of foreign organic and inorganic material.
14.2.1.2* Where an assessment frequency has been established by an approved risk analysis, the assessment shall be performed at a frequency determined by the approved risk analysis.
Risk of Concern
The risk of concern is a condition that would prevent the successful operation of a water-based fire protection system (e.g., a fire sprinkler system). For the purposes of this analysis, that condition would be that the piping is obstructed such that not enough water would be delivered by the sprinkler system when called upon for a fire.
Risk Analysis
Statistics:
NFPA statistics l for SPRINKLER OPERATION, EFFECTIVENESS AND PROBLEMS are shown below:
Sprinklers operated in 92% of the fires in which sprinklers were present and the fire was considered large enough to activate them.
Only one sprinkler activated in four out of five fires in which sprinklers of any type (79%) or wet pipe sprinklers (80%) operated.
In 97% of the fires in which one sprinkler operated, it was effective.
In three of every five (59%) incidents in which sprinklers failed to operate, the system had been shut off.
In half (51%) of the fires in which sprinklers were ineffective, the water did not reach the fire. The above NFPA statistics cover all sprinkler hazard types and the percentages would likely be more favorable for VHA facilities since most VHA facilities are light hazard sprinkler designs. The risk to a property protected by a light hazard sprinkler system is less than the risk to a property protected by an ordinary hazard sprinkler system or an extra hazard sprinkler system because light hazard sprinkler systems require less water for successful operation upon demand than ordinary hazard or extra hazard sprinkler systems. The NFPA data also shows that when a sprinkler system did not operate, or was not effective after operation, it is not likely that the problem was due to piping that was internally obstructed.
Since its inception in 2007, the VHA Fire Incident Data system 2 has recorded over fifty fires that activated automatic suppression systems. Of these fires, there were only three fires where more than one sprinkler operated. This included two fires where three sprinklers operated and one fire where two sprinklers operated. VHA data is consistent with the NFPA data.
Hydraulics/System Design:
Most sprinkler systems are hydraulically designed in accordance with NFPA 13, which requires the piping to be sized large enough to have five or more sprinklers operate to control a fire. The pipe sizes required to meet the NFPA 13 design requirements to provide for a typical hydraulically designed system are much larger VHA Risk Assessment for Internal Piping Condition and Obstruction Investigation January 2020 than what would be necessary for a sprinkler system where less than five sprinklers would operate, which is typical in 97% of the fires as identified in the NFPA statistics. Thus, even where sprinkler piping might be partially obstructed by foreign debris or corrosion, the likelihood that there is enough water and pressure available for a light hazard sprinkler system is very good so long as the piping is not totally blocked.
VHA sprinkler systems are typically designed to be electrically supervised 3 and report alarms to a remote supervision station or fire department. This ensures that sprinkler control valves that are partially closed will be reported to the fire alarm system, which will notify staff to provide prompt attention. In addition, if water flows from a single sprinkler, a water flow alarm connected to the fire alarm system will automatically call for the fire department to respond to the site. This will provide a quick response with backup manual firefighting resources to assist with suppression activities for any sprinkler system activation including a sprinkler system that might have partially obstructed piping.
Inspection Process:
The requirements of NFPA 25, 14.3.2.2 mandate an internal examination be performed at not less than four points, which include the system valve, riser, cross main, and branch line. Conducting an examination at these four points will provide a view of the internal condition at those points but will not provide an understanding of the internal condition of the entire system.
Through the nonrecurring maintenance (NRM) program, VHA facilities are routinely renovated in order to update the facilities to maintain a high level of quality healthcare. As a result, the internal condition of sprinkler system piping is routinely observed during renovation activities by VHA facility personnel, as well as sprinkler contractors, allowing piping problems to be identified.
Other Tests/lnspections:
VHA healthcare sprinkler systems are typically segregated into many zones. Each zone is provided with a control valve and water flow switch. The semi-annual water flow alarm testing that is required by NFPA 72 demonstrates that water sufficient for at least one sprinkler is reaching each zone and verifies that piping is not fully obstructed prior to the flow switch in each of the zones in the building. This routine testing of each water flow alarm switch provides a better indication that the sprinkler piping is not fully obstructed than what is required by the inspection requirements in Chapter 14.
Routine annual and quarterly main drain testing that is required by NFPA 25 would identify fully blocked piping leading into buildings protected by sprinkler systems.
Other considerations:
Routinely draining and refilling piping systems is known to be detrimental to black iron piping by introducing new oxygen into the system. The actual internal inspection could be more detrimental than helpful for VHA systems.
The safety provided by the sprinkler systems remaining in service for the occupants and property protected by the systems would be reduced by removing the sprinkler systems from service to perform a routine assessment of the internal piping condition.
VHA is required to address piping problems where there is cause to do so. NFPA 25, 14.3.1 identifies numerous triggers that require a facility to perform an obstruction investigation as follows:
Defective intake for fire pumps taking suction from open bodies of water
The discharge of obstructive material during routine water tests
Foreign materials in fire pumps, in dry pipe valves, or in check valves
Foreign material in water during drain tests or plugging of inspector's test connection(s)
Unknown materials are heard in the system piping during draining, refilling, or otherwise flowing water through the system
Plugged sprinklers
VHA Risk Assessment for Internal Piping Condition and Obstruction Investigation January 2020
The presence of sufficient foreign organic or inorganic material is found in the pipe
Failure to flush yard piping or surrounding public mains following new installations or repairs
A record of broken public mains in the vicinity
Abnormally frequent false tripping of a dry pipe valve(s)
A system that is returned to service after an extended shutdown (greater than 1 year)
There is reason to believe that the sprinkler system contains sodium silicate or highly corrosive fluxes in copper systems
A system has been supplied with raw water via the fire department connection
Pinhole leaks
A 50 percent increase in the time it takes water to travel to the inspector's test connection from the time the valve trips during a full flow trip test of a dry pipe sprinkler system when compared to the original system acceptance test
Conclusion
In accordance with NFPA 25, 14.2.1.2 and based on the analysis above, VHA will perform obstruction investigations where required by NFPA 25, 14.3.1, but will not routinely perform internal piping obstruction investigations in the absence of one of the triggers identified in NFPA 25, 14.3.1 noted above.
Peter A. Larrimer
Larrimer 162861
162861
Date: 2020.01.23
Peter A. Larrimer, PE
VHA Fire Protection Operations Manager
Approved:
for
Operations
and
Management
Veterans
Health
Administration
1 U.S. Experience with Sprinklers, Marty Ahrens, National Fire Protection Association, July 2017 2 VA Fire Incident Data is available through an internal VA intranet web site at http:llvaww.ceosh.med.va.gov/01FS/Pages/FirelncidentReporting.shtml
3 The Life Safety Code generally requires new sprinkler systems to be electrically supervised. In addition, it is VA practice to provide electrical supervision for sprinkler systems even when electrical supervision is not required.

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