12505B24Q0145-Bidding RFIs-Morris MNL-Replace Elec Panels-USDA responses.pdf

Requests for Information Solicitation 12505B24Q0145 Replace Electric Panels North Central Soil Conservation Research Laboratory (NCSCRL) USDA-ARS, Morris, MN

RFI-1-1

Question 1: Will you Accept New Panel Interiors for the Panels that have Backboxes which are “Piped In” (Conduits Enter from at least 2 Sides). My Question is, if we Extend the Existing Backboxes for Proper Depth, will you accept with the Existing Backboxes Remaining in Place?

The Reason I ask is because the New Panel Tubs of Today are 20” Wide x 42”- 48” Tall x 6” Deep. We’d be Cutting Existing Conduits with Wires in them. Then Trying to “Shoehorn the New Backboxes in without Wrecking the Existing Wires”.

Answer 1: USDA: Proposals shall be based on replacing electrical panels in their entirety (panel enclosure, interior, front, cover, breakers, etc.) and shall include all conduit and wiring modifications for the replacement. Reuse of existing backboxes are not acceptable, this is due to their width of being approximately 16” and concerns that the code-complaint wire bending space will be provided with new panel interiors.

Question 2: How and or Who came up with the 22k AIC Rating for the New Panels? 22kAIC Breakers will Cost a Considerable % More. Did someone do the Calculations? Are there 1 Line Diagrams available to do the Calculations?

Answer 2: USDA: New panels shall have 22K AIC rating as specified. (Note: USDA has performed calculations to determine available fault current at each new panel using information from utility company, information from existing drawings, and on-line fault current calculator – the specified 22K AIC rating was determined from this effort.)

Question 3: Is the USDA Site required to have State or City Electrical Permits and Inspections? Most Government Sites are Not Required to have Inspections but are Required to Follow NEC Rules. I know the Electrical Inspector for this Area (if he has Jurisdiction) will want Available Fault Current Ratings at Each Panel. Do you Require Available Fault Current Ratings be Calculated and Labeled for Each Panel? If Required there would be a lot of Information to be Gathered.

Answer 3: USDA: Local electrical inspectors do not have jurisdiction at federal property. Please see Answer 2 regarding determination of the specified AIC rating. Contractors shall not include any costs in their proposal for calculating available fault currents at each new panel.