LIFE SAFETY SYSTEM ANALYSIS
As customers contemplate the need to update or repair their life safety systems it is essential to evaluate the current state of the system and define performance shortfalls. Bernot Best can provide the service to research, organize information, document findings and present the product to the owner.
OWNER CONSULTATION
Building owners and managers are dealing with constant change in operating and maintaining their properties. Aging systems, maintenance costs, remodel projects and vendor relations are a few of the dynamics. Bernot Best can assist you in the evaluation and decision process to get you from the current state to the desired state. Some of the challenges we can provide guidance and recommendations on include; technology evaluation, code updates, vendor considerations, business disruption, scheduling parameters, integration, information management and budgeting.
LIFE SAFETY DESIGN
Having a detail design is a differentiator in receiving accurate and responsible installation proposals. The industry has uniformly moved to providing limited details on life safety system design layouts, relying on vendors and contractors to provide a “design/build” project. This leaves much exposure to argument and debate with all parties. Bernot Best can create a detailed design prior to the invitation to bid process. The benefits of this approach include early engagement with the AHJ resulting in shorter plan approval time. It also translates into a better cost estimate and less change orders.
BID DOCUMENT CREATION AND ADMINISTRATION
Essential to the success of any project is having a clear meeting of the minds between all project parties. Bernot Best can provide the project documents that will determine the roadmap for success. Included in this service is preparation of the scope of work, general conditions and the invitation to bidders. Bernot Best will lead and facilitate pre-bid conference, administer RFI process and issue any addendums. We will receive and evaluate bids including value engineering recommendations.
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
Once a vendor/contractor has been selected Bernot Best can provide essential project management services to ensure a successful journey to project completion. Leadership, communication, documentation and proactive planning are key elements of this service. The tone for the project starts at the kick-off meeting. Other key activities include detailed schedule creation, submittal review, facilitation of meetings with city inspectors and fire department. Documentation of daily progress and weekly meetings are part of the progress report provided to the owner. Contractor payment applications will be reviewed for accuracy and submitted to owner on a monthly basis.
SYSTEM COMMISSIONING
With thousands of connected devices and miles of infrastructure wiring it is critical that the life safety system be tested in accordance with best practices, codes and standards. Bernot Best can provide clients with the leadership to guide the commissioning phase of the project to success. Developing the documentation package format with all stakeholders, defining pre-test expectations and coordinating AHJ participation are precedent activities to final acceptance testing. We will witness 100% testing of the system and verify correct operation of output control devices as defined in sequence of operation. Quality checks of installation details such as wire labels, device labels, panel labels and general craftsmanship will be conducted. Customer training will be facilitated. Owner and maintenance manuals and as-built drawings will be presented to owner.
LIFE CYCLE PLANNING SERVICE
All life safety systems will eventually need to be updated, repaired or replaced. With life cycles 12 years and greater all building owners should consider strategies to optimize their systems while planning for the future. Bernot Best can assist building owners and managers with short-term and long-term planning. Short-term services include vendor performance review, vendor selection, systems testing and maintenance program review/ recommendations and discussion of upcoming building construction projects with associated system expansion strategies. Long-term services include five year planning process, budgeting, review of technology and service trends.