2.1 Plan Review, optimization and consolidation FPE is to review, optimize, and consolidate two independent sprinkler and fire alarm designs for a 70,000 sq ft materials recycling building, and prepare the complete submittal packages for both the sprinkler and fire alarm permits to the Vermont Division of Fire Safety (DFS), under the authority of the State Fire Marshal. The focus is on integration, code compliance with Vermont-adopted codes, hydraulic performance, and overall system functionality. Traditional System Review (Office, Processing Floor, Bale Storage of Plastic* and Water Trunk Line to all sprinkler zones): *Note – both Fire Rover or Traditional sprinkler are being considered for bale storage of plastic depending on code and equivalent coverage. • Review all sprinkler layout drawings, hydraulic calculations, and equipment specifications prepared by the NICET Level III Engineering Technician. • Verify the sprinkler design meets all applicable Vermont-adopted codes and standards. • Review the fire alarm system design and sequence of operations prepared by the EI Electrical Engineer for code compliance and appropriate coverage/device placement (NFPA 72). Fire Rover System Review (Bale Storage (of plastic* and of paper) and Tip Floor): • Review the specialized sprinkler/fire suppression system and fire alarm design documentation provided by the Fire Rover designer. • Verify the system, particularly the sprinkler coverage and density, meets the specific hazard requirements for the high-hazard material storage and tipping areas, referencing applicable NFPA 13 standards for storage and the specific requirements of the Vermont Fire and Building Safety Code. • Confirm the specialized fire alarm system components and coverage are suitable for the hazard and building use. HVAC and Life Safety Integration: • Review the design documents to ensure the HVAC systems (e.g., smoke control, shutdown, or damper operations) interface correctly with the fire alarm system as a whole building life safety system, meeting code requirements for occupant protection and fire department operations. 2.2 Hydraulic and Pressure Optimization The FPE will conduct a detailed analysis and necessary redesign to ensure the water supply is adequate and the integrated systems function effectively. Water Supply and Trunk Line Verification: • Verify the design of the main water trunk line is appropriately sized and routed to meet the highest design demand in the entire building (likely the bale storage/tip floor). • Review and verify the water flow test data used as the basis of the hydraulic calculations. System Pressure and Flow Compliance: • Review all hydraulic calculations for both the traditional and Fire Rover systems to confirm that the required design density and area of operation are met in accordance with Vermont-adopted NFPA standards. • Demonstrate Dual System Demand: The FPE must model and demonstrate that the existing or proposed water supply can handle the concurrent demand (flow and pressure) of both systems running simultaneously, if required by the Vermont Fire and Building Safety Code or meet the most demanding single area while maintaining adequate residual pressure. System Optimization: • Identify and correct any areas of under-coverage, insufficient pressure, or excessive pipe friction in either design. • Optimize the unified system design (pipe sizing, sprinkler types, zone configuration) to ensure maximum efficiency and compliance. 2.3 Whole-Building System Integration and Submittal Preparation The FPE's ultimate deliverable is the preparation and submission of the optimized, code-compliant packages to the Vermont Division of Fire Safety (DFS). Interface and Zoning Integration: • Verify the clear and proper interface points between the two distinct sprinkler systems and ensure the fire alarm systems are correctly interconnected and operating as a single, unified system (reporting to one Fire Alarm Control Panel). Unified Sequence of Operations: • Develop or refine a Master Sequence of Operations for the entire building, detailing the response of all fire protection, alarm, and related life safety systems (including HVAC) to various fire events. Preparation of State Submittal Packages (Permits): • The FPE will prepare two distinct permit packages (Sprinkler and Fire Alarm) for submission to the DFS, ensuring all necessary forms and attachments are included. • The FPE will consolidate and finalize all technical documents into a single, cohesive set for each system. Professional Certification: • The FPE, must demonstrate necessary senior-level experience and competence for handling complex integrated systems by either NICET or professional engineering. Certification demonstrates the final, consolidated design meets the requirements of the Vermont Fire and Building Safety Code and NFPA standards, and that the entire system can be pressurized and meet flow requirements. DFS Liaison: • The FPE will serve as the primary technical point of contact with the Assistant State Fire Marshal/Plan Reviewer during the DFS review process to answer questions and resolve any technical comments related to the integrated system design.
