REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) RESPONSES.pdf

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) RESPONSES

127EAW24R0051 - HUME LAKE SCADA INSTALLATION

SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST

RFI #1 – Regarding the solar power system for the SCADA installation, could you provide specific requirements for the solar panel output and battery capacity to ensure the system operates continuously for three days without sunlight?

Response:

Solar system requirements are described in the scope of work under SCADA Requirements paragraph 3.

The new system must meet the power requirements of the new SCADA system, the existing pressure transducer monitoring system (AMCI panel), and the generator battery which powers the generator in standby mode. The battery setup and solar panel requirements will depend on the system that is chosen and the SCADA design. There needs to be enough battery backup to monitor the site continuously and to operate the controls remotely or automated. Assume up to 6 data transfers and signals to operate the valve per day. The current AMCI setup is maintained with a 12 V 7 Ah battery and a small 5 watt solar panel. This is not considered sufficient for the existing lake level monitoring. Units at other locations are being changed to a 12V 20 Ah battery to provide autonomy. The energy requirements are to maintain the current system, and any additional power requirements to operate the SCADA system. Adding the SDADA system will require auxiliary batteries and larger solar panels. The pressure transducer that is used is a model number Dynotek Slimline-G.

The intent is to keep the generator from having to cycle on and off during monitoring activities, but if the battery levels get low enough, the generator should cycle on to charge up the batteries and to maintain connectivity. 3 days of autonomy for the monitoring without starting the generator is what the Government is seeking in this solicitation. It is assumed if the valves need to be operated, the SCADA system would start the generator to operate the valves.

RFI #2 – For the integration of the video monitoring system, are there any specific brands or models of cameras and communication equipment preferred by the Forest Service, or are we free to choose based on performance criteria?

Response:

We do not have a specific brand or model, and the contractor is free to choose based on performance criteria. Durability and longevity of the unit should be considered when choosing a camera.

RFI #3 – What are the environmental and safety regulations specific to the Hume Lake Dam site that we need to comply with during the installation of the SCADA system and associated components?

Response:

The contractor is required to comply with all OSHA regulations.

Boring into the dam, or excavation at the toe of the dam will not be allowed without review and approval.

RFI #4 – Could you provide more details on the existing control system designed by McJunkin Redman, Valve & Engineering Center, and AMCI Wireless to better understand the integration points for the new SCADA system?

Response:

A description and schematics of the existing system designed by McJunkin is included in the solicitation at Attachment 2. Photos are included in Attachment 10 Site Photos.

A component listing and schematic of the AMCI panel is included in the solicitation at Attachment 3.

Photos of the system are included in Attachment 10 Site Photos on page 9.

Conceptually the input to the SCADA control system is the output from the pressure transducer and AMCI panel which represents the water level elevation in the reservoir. The output of the SCADA system is adjusting the knifegate and ball valves on the outlet of the dam to adjust release of water from the reservoir to maintain or adjust the water level elevation. The system provides continuous feedback on the water level in the reservoir and allows independent control of the target water level and direct control of the knifegate and ball valves for adjustment as needed.

RFI #5 – Is there existing wiring that returns the valve position back to the existing controller, or no?

Response:

As noted in the Scope of Work near the bottom of page 3 under item 4) of SCADA Requirements, the valve actuators do not currently have position indicator circuits installed. The SCADA system to be installed needs to include position indicators for both valves; extra control wires are available between the control panel in bay 6 at the outlet works and the generator building as needed for the SCADA system.

RFI#6 Is a pre-proposal site visit required?

Response:

A pre-proposal site visit is not required.

Regarding the line item 0001 for a site visit in the Schedule of Items; the awarded contractor will need to go to the site to do some initial planning work. These site visits should be coordinated with the Forest to gain access to the control room and generator room. Any travel the contractor anticipates as part of the planning site visit(s) should be included in this line item.