RESPONSE TO RFI 002 - 09-10-2025.docx
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- Solicitation number
- 1232SA25R0056
About this file
This document is a Response to Request for Information (RFI) for a USDA Agricultural Research Service solicitation (No. 1232SA25R0058) regarding Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) Modifications at the Western Regional Research Center (WRRC) in Albany, California. The RFI addresses technical details and clarifications about the project, including design considerations, redundancy requirements, and contractor qualifications. Key responses include confirmation of N+1 redundancy as an objective, preference for weekend work during outages, and flexibility on electrical contractor classifications, with the prime contractor responsible for subcontractor work quality.
The related federal contract opportunity is a Total Small Business Set Aside procurement for UPS modifications, with a 120-day performance period. The project falls under NAICS Code 238210 for Electrical Contractors, with a $19 million size standard. Bonding requirements include a Bid Bond at proposal submission and Performance and Payment Bonds within 15 days of award. The solicitation requires furnishing labor, materials, equipment, and supplies to complete electrical modifications, with the Product Service Code Z1DB for maintenance of laboratories and clinics.
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SOLICITATION NO. 1232SA25R0058 – RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION - 002
The following Request for Information was submitted:
1. After speaking with the Eaton representative, we were informed that the existing design is quite flawed and even after the scope is completed it would lead to inconsistent power supply, increased maintenance costs, and unreliable power supply. Would the USDA be open to removing or altering the solicitation in its current form and working with a design build team to re-engineer the UPS system to meet NEC requirements, N+1 redundancy, and integrate into the building BMS system?
Response: The current Request for Quote (RFQ) is supported by FY25 funding, so we cannot consider this recommendation. If no contractor bids under the existing statement of work, then we would have to consider something along these lines, contingent on available funding in future fiscal year (s). However, we did have an Eaton representative on site last week who indicated that the scope is complicated, but doable.
2. The SOW refers to a N+1 design. The N+1 would be a complete redundancy of the power supply, as in a completely separate UPS in case the first fails. Please advise if the facility wants complete N+1 redundancy or if it is desired to only have increased capacity?
Response: Yes, N+1 redundancy is the objective.
3. During outage requests, is the prime required to provide temporary power?
Response: The hope is that the contractor can perform the work over a weekend.
4. During scheduled outages, what duration and hours are permissible for scheduling?
Response: Refer to the response for Question 3.
5. Is factory-authorized start up and programing required?
Response: Eaton would have to reprogram the units.
6. Can as built drawings of the electrical and the building be provided?
Response: Unfortunately, this is not available and is one of the challenges of the scope of the work.
7. Are Prime contractors required to have a CA CSLB C-10 Electrical classification?
Response: If it is the intention of the Prime Contractor to subcontract the electrical work, the Prime will not be required to have the electrical classification; it would be the responsibility of the electrical subcontractor performing the work.
However, please keep in mind that the Prime Contractor is responsible for all work performed by their subcontractors and will have the responsibility to be knowledgeable in order to verify the work is done correctly and by state codes and classifications.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .