RFIs.pdf

Question 1: Is this solicitation a IFB or RFP?

Answer: RFP

Question 2: Looking at the one line E4.0A thru E4.0C key notes mention (4) 1/0 cables in 4” conduit. I’m assuming the (3) 1/0 15KV cable and 1/0 600V copper cable for ground? E4.0A note 3, E4.0B note 1, and E4.0C note 2.

Answer: Correct.

Question 3: There is no specification for padmounted switchgear. There is a specification for metal enclosed switchgear. Can you provide a specification for “new pad mounted switch for 174” on page E4.0A?

Answer: 4-way switch at 174.

Question 4: There is a specification provided for the new line up of switch gear SG-1;

however, there is no specification for the new 4 way switch at Bldg 174.

Answer: Yes, we’ll need to add this specification. Dead Front on switch.

Question 5: On the single line drawings, the notes indicate three phase conductors going to the single phase transformers. Are the extra conductors actually required?

Answer: Yes, we’ll use only two wires at the single phase.

Question 6: Based on Section 26 05 33, paragraph 2.4 C, can we assume that schedule 40 pvc duct is to be used for concrete encased ducts, and that schedule 80 is to be used for direct burial of secondary, non-encased, ducts?

Answer: Boring under concrete roads is ok, under gravel or open areas will be encased in concrete. We will also need to add a detail showing the encased concrete.

Question 7: On page E4.0A there is a new pad mounted switch with no information or specification. It appears to be an air switch with 3 switch only positions. Is it live or dead front?

Answer: Yes, we need to add the specification for this switch. Dead front is required.

Question 8: On page E4.0C there is a 25 kva 3 phase transformer listed that needs to be 45kva as that is the smallest 3 phase transformer size available.

Answer: It’s a single phase transformer and it is available in 25 kva.

Question 9: On page E4.0C there are several single phase transformers that are shown to be fed by 4-1/0 15kv cables. We need to know if these are all delta 2 bushing primary fed transformers or WYE type with only a single primary bushing.

Answer: Delta 2 bushing. 2 hots and a grd. But 3 hots and grd to each switch.

Question 10: In relation to the above, there is no single phase pad mounted transformer specification. Please provide.

Answer: The pad mounted oil filled transformer specification covers both 3 phase and single phase transformers.

Question 11: Sheet E4.0C shows both single phase and three phase pad mounted transformers in a 15kv primary loop. We believe that is an error/oversight. 15kv loops are either three phase or single phase, not mixed. The three phase transformer should be separately fed by a three phase circuit. For that loop to be installed as shown the 1/0 15kv cables will be to be spliced in every single phase transformer. Single phase transformers only need one 15kv cable if they are WYE primary or two 15kv cables if they are Delta primary. That means there will be two or three 1/0 15kv cables in each single phase transformer in that loop that have no place to terminate. What is the design intent?

Answer: The intent was to run a 3 phase primary loop and taping off of A and B phase for a single phase transformer and the next single phase would be tapped off of A and C phases and B and C phases, alternating as it comes to a single phase transformer, trying to keep the phases balanced.

Question 12: In most locations where 1/0 15kv cables are shown on the plans the quantity is four each. Should it read 3-1/0 15kv cables and one 1/0 600v ground?

Answer: Yes.

Question 13: The primary cables going to new switchgear SG-1 are shown as 3-500mcm 15kv.

Is a neutral required?

Answer: No, the neutral for the secondary is derived at the transformer.

Question 14: Is the 13.2kv primary distribution system delta or wye?

Answer: Specs call for Delta

Question 15: Key note 3 on sheet E4.0A says “Provide 4#1/0 in 4” C. Capped in concrete”.

Does that mean encased in a typical 3” concrete duct bank? Or just a concrete cap? Are spare ducts required?

Answer: Capped is encased, there are not capped conduits on this project. Spare ducts are required. One spare 4” conduit shall be included in with the primary conduit.

Question 16: Key note 6 on sheet E4.0A requires the contractor to provide two primary electric meters that communicate with the existing power monitoring system. Please advise the manufacturer of the monitoring system. We need to know who the meter manufacturer needs to be.

Answer: GE meters are called out on drawing E4.0A, keynote 5. Control wire will need to be pulled from PCM meters to bldg. 7 data room in 1” pvc conduit.

Question 17: The contract drawings show several of the 4 #1/0 15kv Primary circuits (& 4” conduits) in very long runs. Various runs are over 1300, 1400, and nearly 1600 feet long, with no manholes or pull boxes shown. Those runs are much too long to successfully pull without damaging the cable. The 36” x 24” handhole shown on sheet E1.0C is much too small for primary cable. The drawings should at least show 4x4 pull boxes every 500’. How are we to bid this? Is it up to the contractor to provide pull boxes?

Answer: Addendum will change the size of the pull boxes to 48”X48”X36” deep and shall be spaced every 400 to 500’. They shall not be installed in the roadway or ditches.

A 4” bollard should be installed at each corner of the box.

Question 18: Section 26 05 33, paragraph 3.7.B.3.d says “Under roads, drives and vehicle traveled ways: Direction boring with a minimum of 3” of concrete cover on all sides of conduit.” Question: under graveled drives are concrete encased duct banks acceptable?

Answer: Yes, under graveled drives, concrete encased duct banks are acceptable.

Question 19: Bid Bond – Do you have a specific form that is to be used?

Answer: SF-24 Bid Bond information is located on page 37 and page 40 (FAR) 28.101-4 of the solicitation.

Question 20: Bid Bond – Does it need to be submitted with the bid?

Answer: Yes – please see page 40 of the solicitation. For additional information – submit a scanned copy with the electronic proposal submission and mail the original copy to:

USDA/ARS/AFM/MWA

Attn: Joshua J. Dobereiner 1815 N. University Street Peoria, IL 61604

The original of the bid bond needs to be received within 72 hours of the electronic proposal submission, i.e. if electronic proposals are due on at 1:00 PM CDT on August 9, then the original needs to be received by 1:00 PM CDT on August 12.

Question 21: Can you tell me how many transformers need to be removed? I know the number of locations, but I think some may have 2 or 3 transformers at some locations.

Answer: 29 total transformers. 28 are pole mount and 1 pad mount at building 125.

Question 22: Will contractor be required to follow how the feeder runs are routed on the Site

Plan drawings or will deviations be allowed?

Answer: Yes, but deviations may be allowed after discussions with USDA.

Question 23: What is the pipe diameter size for the transformer and switchgear bollards?

Answer: 4 inch.

Question 24: Sheet E4.0A Note 3, Sheet E4.0B Note 1, and Sheet E4.0C Note 2 state to provide 4#1/0 in 4” conduit. Will all these cables need to be 15kv rated or can one cable be a #1/0 600 v rated cable to be used as a ground?

Answer: (1) Cable will be a #1/0 600v rated for ground.

Question 25: Please advise whether capped in concrete and encased in concrete have the same meaning.

Answer: Capped is encased, there are not capped conduits on this project. Spare ducts are required. One spare 4” conduit shall be included in with the primary conduit.

Question 26: Transformer pad detail on Sheet E5.0 is for 75-300KVA transformers. The drawings show one 500KVA, (2) 25KVA, and (4) 37.5KVA transformers. Will additional details be provided for these size transformers? According to the detail shown, will the spill containment basin need to be included?

Answer: No, make them all the size shown on the detail, and they will all need the spill containment.

Question 27: Sheet E4.0B Note 5 – what is the size of the conduit for this feeder?

Answer: Each set should go in a 3” conduit.

Question 28: Sheet E1.0A states “existing spare 5” conduits. Extend to new switchgear lineup”

– are these 5” conduits existing out to where the new switchgear is to be located?

This statement seems to conflict with the line on Sheet E4.0A indicates installing

(1) 5” conduit with 3-500mcm 15kv cables from each manhole to the new switchgear. Please clarify.

Answer: Figure new 5” conduits from manhole to new switchgear.

Question 29: Please clarify the intent for the primary and secondary conduits in relation to concrete encasement vs. concrete capped, the plans contradict themselves. For example, plan E4.0B note #1 states concrete encased and plan E4.0C note #2 states concrete capped.

Answer: Capped is encased, there are not capped conduits on this project. Spare ducts are required. One spare 4” conduit shall be included in with the primary conduit.

Question 30: Several primary circuits will require pull boxes. The plans do not indicate pull box locations. Is it assumed the locations will be determined by the electrical contractor based on field conditions?

Answer: Addendum will change the size of the pull boxes to 48”X48”X36” deep and shall be spaced every 400 to 500’. They shall not be installed in the roadway or ditches.

A 4” bollard should be installed at each corner of the box.

Question 31: Is detail #2 on sheet E1.0C, “Exterior Handhole Detail” related to the primary and secondary installations or just the secondary?

Answer: Primary.

Question 32: Is the primary routing indicated on the drawings the required route to take or just for informational purposes only?

Answer: Routes are required, but deviations may be allowed after discussions with USDA

Question 33: Sheet A1.0A note #1: Is directional boring allowed under the hard surfaces?

Answer: Boring under concrete roads is ok, under gravel or open areas will be encased in concrete. We will also need to add a detail showing the encased concrete.

Question 34: There is no concrete specification included, will one be added to the project scope?

Answer: E5.0 transformer pad detail, note 1 calls for 3500 psi at 28 days.

Question 35: The drawings call for (4) #1/0 15kV cable, please clarify the count is accurate.

Typically this quantity would be (3).

Answer: This was clarified in Addn. 1. 3 hot cables and 1 ground.

Question 36: Pages 37 & 38 of the solicitation describe the technical proposal instructions.

Under Sub-Factor 2.2 and Factor 3, is it acceptable to use the experience and past performance of our electrical subcontractor or are we as the prime contractor required to show that we have at least 2 projects in the last 5 years of similar size, scope, etc. as a prime contractor.

Answer: The subcontractor’s experience and past performance can be used if the prime contractor and subcontractor worked on that project together. If there is a teaming agreement or joint venture, please provide a copy of the teaming agreement or joint venture with the proposal. In this situation, the subcontractor’s experience and past performance can be used.

Question 37: Sheet E1.0A, for feeder runs from MHA7, MHB7 and existing Pad Mounted

Switch S5 going to the new 13.2KV Switchgear. All of these runs have multiple instances where boring is necessary, could these feeders be directional bored for the entire length without concrete encasement?

Answer: No, per addn. 1 – conduit can only be bored under paved or blacktop roads all other areas are to be concrete encased.