Amendment 09- Questions and Answers.pdf

Solicitation 12405B21R0002-Mayaguez Underground Power

Contractor Questions & Answers

1.) Can we use HDPE conduit as an alternative for the 3 cell innerduct for communications?

Answer: Intent is to provide 3-cell innerduct to permit future cable additions without requiring additional conduits. Innerduct is to be installed within the conduit. HDPE Microduct system of comparable capacity is acceptable.

2.) Is demolition or removal of existing aerial lines part of the scope of work?

Answer: Yes. Refer to E-100 General Note E.

3.) Electrical plans do not appear to be endorsed by PREPA. Are design/endorsement costs or fees to be paid by the contractor or the government?

Answer: Design/endorsement costs are the responsibility of the contractor.

4.) Are fees to PREPA for Improvements to the System (Aportaciones), Clearances (Vias Libres), or Works on Hot Lines to be paid by the contractor or the government?

Answer: All permitting and fees are the responsibility of the contractor.

5.) Please clarify if PREPA is the owner of the existing electrical infrastructure to be demolished.

Answer: The owner of the existing infrastructure to be demolished is the government. PREPA ownership ends at the pole mounted switch at the facility perimeter.

6.) Please clarify if the existing electrical infrastructure to be demolished has a PREPA Right of Way.

Answer: Electrical infrastructure to be demolished is government property.

7.) Please clarify if the owner of the proposed electrical infrastructure will be PREPA or the Federal Government.

Answer: The owner of the proposed infrastructure will be the government.

8.) Please clarify if the proposed electrical infrastructure shall comply with PREPA standards.

Answer: All work shall comply with the NEC and local regulation.

9.) Will the government provide the survey and topographic drawings in CAD format?

Answer: See attached for survey.

10.) Please clarify if any Telecom provider is the owner of the existing telecommunications equipment to be demolished?

Answer: Understanding is all cabling being demolished is the property of the federal government.

11.) Please clarify if the existing telecommunication infrastructure requiring demolition has a Telecom provider or PR Telecom Regulatory Board Right of Way.

Answer: See answer to #10.

12.) Please clarify if the owner of the proposed telecom infrastructure will be the PR Telecom Regulatory Board or the Federal Government?

Answer: The proposed telecom infrastructure will be the property of the Federal Government.

13.) Please clarify if the proposed telecom infrastructure shall comply with PR Telecom Regulatory Board standards.

Answer: Work shall be incompliance with local regulatory requirements.

14.) Can we get the quantity and locations of pole lights? Will these be fed from the nearest building and is there a spare/available breaker?

Answer: Pole lights are currently fed by existing emergency power circuit. Lights are to be refed underground from this existing circuit. All lights are existing and to remain. No additional lights are intended.

15.) Can you confirm correct pipe size, rating, and material to be used for this project for communication? Drawing mentions 4” Sch 40 PVC conduit for communication, in specification it states HDPE Sch 80.

Answer: Intent is for all communication to be directional bored to minimize impact to site landscaping.

4” D2160 SDR-11 will be adequate.

16.) Can you confirm correct pipe size, rating, and material to be used for this project for electric?

Drawing mentions 3” Sch40 PVC conduit for electrical, in specification it states HDPE Sch 80.

Answer: Schedule 80 HDPE per UL 1990.

17.) Is a spare conduit required for primary conductors?

Answer: Yes

18.) Is a spare conduit required for secondary conductors?

Answer: No

19.) What is the minimum hourly rate applied to this project? Is the federal $7.25 the applied in this project?

Answer: Refer to Davis Bacon Wage Determination PR202200001—02/22/2022—Executive Order 14026.

20.) Demolition plans for this site was not provided, can you please provide a demolition plan or provide total number of post wood/concrete to be demolished/removed and where are they located. It is important to have a demolition plan where everyone has same quantities of light poles to give accurate estimates?

Answer: All overhead power and communications cabling is to be removed. All poles with lights are to be trimmed above the lights. All other poles are to be removed. Refer to V113-V183 for pole locations.

21.) Is the lighting in the perimeter outside scope of work? The is no connection plan provided in the drawing showing directional drill work. It is important to have a demolition plan where everyone has same quantities of light poles to give accurate estimates.

Answer: Lights are to remain on existing poles. Poles are to be trimmed to above the lights after conductors and cabling is removed. Lights are to be re-circuited as existing. Design intent was to bring existing lighting circuit underground to first pole and trench pole to pole.

22.) Can tree branches be trimmed appropriately to have better clearance for cranes and heavy machinery?

Answer: It is understood that some trimming may be required. All trimming must be coordinated with and approved by the site.

23.) Interconnection with AEE has an added cost fee, which is unknown until outage and connection is done. Can an allowance be set aside for this part of scope to benefit everyone in costing same type of work? Please provide more information.

Answer: Identify AEE interconnect allowance separately.

24.) Can you provide drawings with existing utilities?

Answer: No. Utilities have been provided to extents known.

25.) Is the contractor responsible for paying all filing fees, tax stamps, CIAPR stamps, public notices, or any other cost associated with the filing or submittal of documents or permits, or agency endorsements required for this project.

26.) Is this building categorized as historic building? Will material for building repairs be required to be same as they are currently, e.g., red bricks.

Answer: Yes. Design intent was to connect to existing underground secondary to Building 1. No impact to building 1 anticipated.

27.) Will the use of water and electrical power service from the facilities while performing work will be provided to the Contractor?

28.) Can you provide a soil study report?

Answer: No soil study report is available.

29.) Can you provide more details as to how we will connect communication and electrical line to the existing buildings? Can an allowance be set aside for this part of scope to benefit everyone in costing same type of work?

Answer: Electrical connections are to be made at existing points of connection. Intent is to minimize building impact and interior work and connect to the first device, be it meter base or switchboard.

Existing underground secondary for building 1 may be reused.

30.) Scope states to cut 1ft above the light fixture in wooden poles according to note E in general note, this does not apply to concrete post?

Answer: No. This applies only to wood poles with light fixtures.

31.) Will an area be provided for equipment storage and temporary facilities office?

32.) Can the project superintendent also serve as QC Manager and Site Safety Manager?

33.) What does ‘Not Applicable’ mean for Wage Determinations?

Answer: This is in error;

FAR Clause 52.222-25 DOES APPLY-Refer to Davis Bacon Wage Determination PR202200001— 02/22/2022—Executive Order 14026.

34.) Please indicate if the project is on land owned by the federal government. This establishes the permit requirements outlined as responsibilities of the contractor on Description of work item C 2.1. For projects in Puerto Rico that are not on federal owned land, the designer of Record and consultants must be licensed in Puerto Rico.

Answer: Project is on federal land.

35.) For projects on federal land, the project must comply with Puerto Rico environmental permit requirements. Please confirm that the following costs shall be included in the cost proposal:

a.) Environmental Compliance Permits (Filing and related Fees) b.) Municipal Taxes (“Patentes” to Municipality of Mayaguez) c.) Municipal Construction Taxes and Fees (Municipality of Mayaguez)

Answer: Contractor is responsible for all permitting, taxes and fees.

36.) In Puerto Rico, the permit process takes longer than in many other jurisdictions, please indicate if the “Notice to Proceed” will be issued after the permits are obtained.

37.) Are the existing meter bases for Puerto Rico Power Authority (PREPA) billing purpose or for internal use? Does the facility currently have a single power service meter?

a.) If the metering equipment for all buildings is for PREPA, the project must be submitted to PREPA for approval by a licensed engineer authorized in Puerto Rico.

b.) If that is the case, who will be responsible to develop the design documents, procure the permits, and obtain the agency approval / endorsement? This process will take several months therefore contract time for permit procurement shall be allocated / considered.

Answer: Building metering is for USDA use for tenant billing. PREPA metering is to be a single meter at the point of connection. Contractor is responsible for all permitting and coordination with PREPA.

38.) The Equipment Schedule on sheet E100 describes Single Phase Transformers of 45 KVA. The commercially available transformer capacities are 37.5 KVA and 50 KVA. Please indicate if the larger 50 KVA transformer shall be considered or if a custom transformer sized to 45 KVA shall be considered.

Answer: 50kVA. Refer to revised E100.

39.) The Equipment Schedule on sheet E100 describes Three Phase Transformers of 175 KVA. The commercially available transformer capacities are 150 KVA and 225 KVA. Please indicate if the larger 225 KVA transformer shall be considered or if a custom transformer sized to 175 KVA shall be considered.

Answer: 150 KVA will be adequate for both. Refer to revised E100.

40.) Electrical One Line diagram on sheet E200 specifies the primary stribution feeder with 10KV insulation. In Puerto Rico, per Utility entity standards, the minimum insulation level for distribution systems is 15 KV, please indicate which insulation level shall be considered.

Answer: 15KV

41.) The primary wire size is indicated in MM, can you specify it in AWG or kcmil?

Answer: #2 AWG

42.) The telecommunication scope (fiber optics) calls for service to begin at Building 1 patch panel and end at each building patch panels. The plans do not show any interior runs / pathway inside any of the buildings. Please indicate how to account/estimate for interior pathway work, or if during the site visit the locations of the patch panels can be accessed.

Answer: Assume 30’ typical interior pathway

43.) The telecommunication scope for copper calls for service to begin at Utility Point of Service and extend to service locations at each building served. The plans do not show any interior runs/pathway inside any of the buildings. Please indicate how to account/estimate for interior pathway work, or if during the site visit the locations of the buildings’ demarcation points can be accessed.

Answer: Design intent is to reconnect to existing termination point in building. Assume less than 30’ of cabling inside of building.

44.) Please indicate if interior telecommunication runs are required to be 2 sets @ 4” conduit or if they can be via smaller conduits.

Answer: Interior telecommunication runs may be smaller conduits or J-hooks. 4” Conduit is required to building penetration.

45.) Please provide geotechnical report and/or engineering recommendations.

Answer: No geotechnical report is available.

46.) Section E.2, FAR 52.246-12 related to inspection of construction, and Spec 01 00 21. Please indicate if a full-time quality control professional, independent of the project superintendent and/or project manager is required.

Answer: See response to 32.

47.) Section H.9: Please indicate if a Subcontractors List required as part of the proposal or if it will be submitted in the Post Award phase.

Answer: Include in proposal.

48.) Please provide or indicate if a proposal price breakdown specific form/format will be provided by the government as part of the Solicitation Documents.

Answer: No.

49.) The directional drilling process requires the use of water. Please confirm if the government will provide access to water within the facility (Utility service, water irrigation canals or ponds) at no cost to the contractor.

50.) Confirm if an area within the facility can be designated for the collection/stockpiling of the daily excavated/bored material.

51.) For the transferring of the old electrical service to the new infrastructure, there will be a period of time for each building where no Utility power service will be available. Please confirm if provisions for temporary power service shall be considered.

a.) Scenario 1: buildings/structures that do not have power generators and new power connections can be done in a 4-hour power interruption.

b.) Scenario 2: buildings/structures that have power generators and new power connections work can take several days. Can Generators supply power while performing connections work? Will government provide diesel fuel and maintenance to the existing generators?

Answer: It is understood that limited outages of buildings will be required. Outages are to be scheduled and coordinated with the site.

52.) The Electrical One Line suggests 3-phase loop with switches on each transformer (1PH or 3PH).

Confirm if the design intent is to provide Padmount Sectionalizing Cabinets right next to each transformer.

Answer: Site request was loop feed of these buildings for added reliability. This functionality can be achieved with switches integral to the transformers or sectionalizing cabinets.

53.) Detail 5 on Dwg. E500 shows the connection of the new underground secondary feeders to the existing meter bases. Existing bases are configured for overhead service. Please confirm if the intent is to replace the existing meter bases with new meter bases rated for underground service.

Answer: Intent is to replace existing meter bases with new meter bases rated for underground service.

Point of connection is to be the meter base.

54.) Detail 4 on Dwg. E501 shows the termination of the new telecom cables at the existing head equipment inside the buildings. Since there was no access to all the buildings during the site visit, please clarify/confirm the scope of work for the interior of the buildings, or indicate an allowance of linear feet of raceways / wiring that shall be considered.

Answer: Assume allowance of 30’ within building to point of connection.

55.) SOW calls for the removal of the existing overhead electrical infrastructure. Please note that there are exterior lighting fixtures installed in some of the existing utility poles to be removed. Please confirm if there is any scope of work for site lighting, and/or for the existing lights at the poles that are to be removed.

Answer: Existing lights are to remain. Poles are to be trimmed above light. Secondary is to be refed underground. Refer to RFI 14 and 21.

56.) Please confirm if the existing pole type transformer will be returned to PREPA or if the Contractor will be responsible for its disposal.

Answer: Contractor is responsible for disposal.

57.) E-100 confirms ATS4-1 will be ATC type.

58.) E-100 Note 4. Do we need to re-install the generator tank?

Answer: The generator tank is integral to the unit.

59.) What type of material will be required for construction of the PM transformer enclosures?

Answer: Stainless steel cabinet that is compliant with ANSI C57.12.29 2014. See attached 26 12 21 and 26 12 19.10 for transformer specifications.

60.) E100 confirms secondary voltage on PM XMERS X2-4, X3-1, X3-2 & X4-1.

Answer: Three-phase voltage to be 240V. See attached revised E100.

61.) How many spare conduits will be required per connection?

Answer: 1 Spare for all primary circuits. No spare secondary. No spare communications (Spare capacity is managed through use of the 3-cell innerduct)

62.) What type of Fiber Terminations will be used?

Answer: LC

63.) What will be the amount of Backbone Copper Cable Pairs necessary at each building?

Answer: 2 pairs

64.) Will each building need a Cabinet? How many Rack Unit are required? Electrical power requirements?

Answer: All interior telecom is existing.

65.) Please confirm if the Calculation of Self-Performed Work is a separate sheet where we must make a breakdown.

Answer:Yes

66.) Confirm if the Experience Modification Rate is the Rate Experience Plan Certificate issued by Corporacion del Fondo del Seguro del Estado (Worker’s Compensation).

67.) PREPA will require an endorsed drawing by that agency for the new primary metering service requested at S1. Will that approved drawing be made available?

Answer: See revised E200 for detail of proposed metering service. Contractor responsible for coordination with PREPA.

68.) There are some areas were moving equipment/ infrastructure slightly will have less impact on vegetation. As an example, if X2-3 on drawings is moved a few yards to the northeast it will lie on a grass area instead of a vegetation dense area. Please comment on whether this will be possible.

Answer: Yes. Modifications to layout are permissible but require site preapproval.

69.) Drawings call for directional boring for all conduits. There are a great deal of areas were this will certainly be necessary given the amount of vegetation. There are other grass or lawn areas where we believe the use of a backhoe loader or similar will be better. Will this be permitted provided new lawn is planted or the existing replanted?

Answer: Trenching will be acceptable provided the area is repaired to existing conditions.

70.) Reviewing the documents of both projects, Isabela and Mayagüez, in these it indicates the construction of concrete pads for equipment and in another detail it indicates the construction of a metal canopy. Please clarify if you are going to require us to quote these structures and pads, if so we need you to indicate quantities and dimensions of each one per project.

Answer: Refer to associated keynotes. Sheet E100 Keynote 3 identifies items requiring a metal canopy.

All structures and pads are to be sized for based on the equipment.

71.) 1-At Equipment Legend table inside drawings package, needs to know the equipment specifications. 2-At Equipment Schedule table inside drawings package, needs to know the equipment specifications.

Answer: See attached 26 12 21 and 26 12 19.10 for transformer specifications.

72.) Reference specification section 33 82 00.3.1.11. Please confirm we are to provide grounding as indicated for all new and existing telecommunications equipment.

Answer: New surge protection is to be grounded. No modifications are to be made to existing telecommunications equipment.

73.) Reference specification section 33 82 00.3.10. Please confirm we are to provide surge protection on each end of each copper telephone conductor.

74.) Reference specification section 33 82 00.3.1.11.3. Are we to provide a new plywood backboard for each new entrance facility (there are 16 entrance facilities indicated on telecommunication drawings)?

Answer: No. Facility infrastructure is existing.

75.) Reference drawing E500, Detail 4, note 5. There are many locations where a 12”x24”x24” plus a 12”x12”x24” added section will not allow for installation of telephone and fiber splices. Please confirm we are to make adjustments to sizes to accommodate these splices.

76.) Reference specification section 33 82 00.2.3.2. Please confirm we are to provide fiber-optic termination closures in each of the 16 buildings indicated.

Answer:Yes

77.) Reference specification section 33 82 00.2.3.1. Please confirm we are to provide copper cable closures along with building protectors for the 13 buildings indicated.

78.) Please confirm we must use coated-rigid galvanized steel conduit for all conduits above finish grade.

Answer: All conduits above finish grade must be rigid galvanized steel. All conduits in contact with the ground or penetrating the ground must be coated-rigid galvanized steel.

79.) Please confirm the Government will allow for an on-site slurry pit for the contractor’s use. After completion of the work, this slurry pit will be removed and the site brought back to original condition.

80.) Please confirm if we are to remove the ariel electrical service mast for each service and if so are we to repair the roof penetration.

Answer: Remove mast and repair roof.