12505B23Q0014 Amend 0003 - Questions and Answers dated 12.8.22.pdf

12505B23Q0014 – Repair Leaking Transformers Bldgs A7, A8, Ames, IA

Questions and Answers through 12/8/22

1. Period of Performance indicates 120 days from award – this places the work performance between Jan-Mar 2023 – is this correct? Is the site prepared to take an outage for each transformer during this time?

USDA Response: Yes, the outages will be coordinated with animal care staff and will be weather dependent. P.O.P will be extended to Spring/Summer 2023

2. Are there redundancies onsite for these transformers or backup power supply? Will the duration of the outage for each transformer be limited in any way? (ie: can we perform the work back to back over three simultaneous days, or do the locations of these transformers require outages on certain days only, etc.?)

USDA Response: Since each transformer feeds different locations on campus, each outage will be coordinated separately and will be dependent on weather and animal care staff scheduling. There are no redundancies for these transformers on site.

3. Will USDA’s site electrical staff be de-energizing and isolating these transformers for this repair service as needed for the selected contractor?

USDA Response: Yes

4. These transformers contain FR3 ester-based insulating fluid, according to the nameplates. Are these transformers located in enclosed and heated space? If not, bidders will need to be made aware of this, as FR3 fluid gels in the cold, making it impossible to move through pumps and lines without heating and hoarding if the transformers are located in an outdoor area or a cold area that is not heated/climate controlled. If the transformers are not in a heated location, bidders will need to consider heating and hoarding of the transformers during the work performance period of Jan/March, to ensure fluid movement for draining and refilling. Please advise?

USDA Response: P.O.P will be extended to Spring/Summer 2023

5. The RFQ references the manufacturer’s specifications for vacuum, filling and nitrogen blanket.

Can you provide the manufacturer’s manual for each transformer?

USDA Response: Yes, USDA will provide submittal specs given by installation contractor

6. The RFQ references the manufacturer’s specifications for gaskets at the bayonet fuses. Have you received this information from the manufacturer?

USDA Response: No

7. Do you have extra FR3 fluid on hand for topping up of these transformers? We presume, if leaking, that oil levels must be lower than ideal – please confirm if bidders must include supply of FR3 fluid for topping up these transformers, or if site will have this on hand. If bidders are to supply, please specify the volume required for topping up. FR3 is an expensive insulating fluid, so it is important for all bidders to be quoting to the same fluid volume needed for top up, to ensure fair competition.

USDA Response: No, any additional fluid will be provided by the contractor. USDA does not have this oil on hand.

8. The RFQ indicates leaks and re-gasketing required at the bayonet fuse, however, the images sent under the Amendment 0001 appear to also show leaks at the 35kv 200 bushing wells at H1B, H2B, H3B.

9. There are no photos of H1A, H2A and H3A bushing wells. Are these also leaking?

USDA Response: No

10. Are we correct in understanding there are leaks at all of the following on each transformer?

On TX194, TX A7 and TX A8, there are three bayonet fuses on each transformer requiring leak correction.

USDA Response: Yes, as follows:

o A8 – leak from fuses F1, F2, and F3 o A7 – leak from fuses F1 and F2 o 194 – leak from fuse F1

On TX194, at each of the H1A, H2A, H3A and H1B, H2B, H3B of 35kv 200 Amp HV Bushing Well 1/ 15 kv Feedthru (A Side) & 15 kv Insert (B Side) USDA Response: No

On TX A7 and A8, at each of the H1A, H2A, H3A and H1B, H2B, H3B of 35kv 200 Amp HV Bushing Well w/ 15kv insert USDA Response: No

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