RFI Official Responses - 1.pdf

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

127EAW24R0055 - Placerville Subpanel Replacement

RFI responses will be responded to as necessary in amendment format which will be posted to the solicitation via beta.SAM.gov

Telephone requests for information will not be accepted or returned.

RFI #1 – Current Amp rating on 1ph panel is 125A, will it remain 125A?

USFS Response – No New panel will be 200A 3phase 120/208

RFI #2 – What is parking availability during this project?

USFS Response – Long term parking must be approved via an on-site space committee; ample parking is available for contractors working on this project.

RFI #3 – What is the arrangement for loading and storing of material on job site?

USFS Response – The government is not responsible for damage to personal property or equipment while performing work or after work hours.

RFI #4 – While work is being performed by the contractor, will there be generator support to the building supplied by the USDA? If not, does this need to be a part of contractor bid?

USFS Response – USFS will not provide a standby generator. We require 3 days of notice prior to shutting off power to the facility for any taps/connections in the main. The power can be off for no more than 8 hours at a time to preserve science materials in the freezers connected to the panel being replaced.

RFI #5 – What amperage 3-phase panel is being installed?

USFS Response – 200A 120/208

RFI #6 – What amperage ratings for the circuit breakers within the panel are requested?

USFS Response – What ever is currently in the existing panel for this project. This should be information that will be determined by the initial report required in the contract.

RFI #7 – What future connections are being made to the new panel being installed, e.g. ATS, knife switch, generator, etc.?

USFS Response – there will potentially be an emergency back up project to support this facility.

RFI #8 – Is our sub contractors state license sufficient?

USFS Response – No, the awardee / offeror must possess the required licensing

RFI #9 – Will our Sub contractors experience suffice for the past performance requirement.

USFS Response – No, the awardee / offeror must possess the past performance

RFI #10 – Can you please confirm if a bid guarantee is required, and if so does it need to be mailed in by the date the bid is due?

USFS Response – See 52.228-1 Bid Guarantee (SEP 1996) within the soliciation

RFI #11 – Location of Panel LA?

USFS Response – Look at attached drawing in the contract solicitation. It will be in the wall across from existing panel 37 FT.

RFI #12 – Manufacturer of Panel LA?

USFS Response – Eaton Cutler-Hammer

RFI #13 – Circuit Breaker Frame type in Panel LA. (To be able to order the correct feeder

CB to match existing)

USFS Response – Panel L.A is a four wire three phase panel. Hex size 3/16 in. wire 14-10

RFI #14 – Confirm Amperage size of New panel is same as the one replacing it (125A)

USFS Response – 200A 120/208 3phase

RFI #15 – List of Equipment and their name plate rating to be fed from New Sub-Panel. (To fill the New panel with correct circuit breakers)

USFS Response – The circuit breakers for the existing equipment is shown on the image in the solicitation packet.

RFI #16 – Will there be a permit pulled for this work?

USFS Response – A permit is not required to be pulled, but we require you to annotate what codes are used to install the panel and the references provided, i.e. NEC, local electrical codes, etc.

RFI #17 – Will we need to provide Electrical Drawings for this?

USFS Response – Not required

RFI #18 – The Amperage was not Spect. Should be 200amp 120/208 3Phase

USFS Response – that is correct new panel should be 200A 120/208 3 Phase

RFI #19 – Should be a Panelboard bolt on Breakers

USFS Response – Bolt on Breakers type should be installed

RFI #20 – Panel B is being Moved to new location. Existing branch circuits to be moved VIA a junction box at existing sub panel location

USFS Response – An approved J-box can be used in the existing location (where the panel to be removed ) to extend the circuits to the new panel.

RFI #21 – Pathway to Main VIA main Junction Box inside behind Main Panel

USFS Response – Not sure what is the question.

RFI #22 – Existing Sub Panels and Panelboards DO NOT HAVE A MAIN BREAKER LUG

ONLY

USFS Response – The new panel should have a 200A Main breaker.

RFI #23 – 2”EMT with Compression Fittings for New Sub Feed

USFS Response – Must be in compliance with current NEC.

RFI #24 – 1 ¼ EMT with Compression Fittings to extend existing Branch Circuits to New

Panelboard

USFS Response – Must be in compliance with with current NEC.

RFI #25 – Phasing will be required for those Loads that feed Compressors

USFS Response – Yes.

RFI #26 – Clarification on Electrical Panel and Circuit Breaker Requirements

RFI Description:

From our review of the contract documents, it specifies replacing a 125 amp single-phase, 240-volt panel with a new 42-space electrical panel rated for 120/208 volts three-phase. The documents also call for installing a new 100 amp circuit breaker to feed the new 120/208 volt panel.

Given the existing panel is rated at 125 amps and the new panel has 42 spaces to accommodate future electrical needs, we are considering whether a 200 amp breaker might be a more suitable option for this project.

RFI Question:

Would a 200 amp breaker be a better option than the specified 100 amp breaker, given the existing panel's 125 amp rating and the new panel's capacity for 42 spaces for future electrical expansion?

Supporting Information:

• Existing Panel: 125 amp single-phase, 240 volts

• New Panel: 42-space, 120/208 volts three-phase

• Specified Breaker: 100 amp circuit breaker

Request for Guidance:

Please advise if upgrading to a 200 amp breaker is recommended or if we should proceed with the specified 100 amp breaker. Your guidance will ensure we meet the project's electrical demands and future expansion needs effectively.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

USFS Response – Yes, we are requesting a 200A panel due to potential future need.

RFI #27 – Per the contract documents the following is called out - The Contractor must provide the Contracting Officer Representative with a before and after report displaying the power consumption of the sub-panel B. Please advise if the USFS has an official document to provide these reading on or if we should make our own template

USFS Response – The contractor should make their own template. The report should include:

power consumption data for 24 hours prior to the work and for 48 hours after the installation.

RFI #28 –

USFS Response –

RFI #29 –

RFI #30 –

RFI #31 –