Amendment 0003 Questions and Answers.pdf

12805B24R0009 - Ques�ons and Answers Amendment 0003

Q1: Based on the contract documents posted on the SAMS site the new river pump has been specified to be a "Cornell - 8NHTR-VC18DB with 300 HP".

During the site visit I had originally had some concerns about u�lizing a centrifugal pump for this project because of the amount of suc�on li�. Currently all three exis�ng pumps are ver�cal turbine self priming style pumps. Based on the quote received today from Cornell Pump Company the specified pump will not be able to be mounted on the exis�ng I beam pump mount. The manufacturer stated this pump will only provide 2 to 2.5' of suc�on li� allowed. The original email from the manufacturer is atached. A field measurement was taken at the site visit from the exis�ng moun�ng surface to the water level of 12' 7". If the pump was mounted on the exis�ng pump pla�orm it would not func�on at the current river level based on the suc�on requirements.

It is possible to use this pump by building a lower mount inside the pump structure however it will be subject to flooding with river fluctua�ons.

A1: Due to the observed historical river gage height fluctua�ons, and in considera�on of addi�onal field measurement informa�on presented by industry following required site visits, a larger pump is now specified. Contractor’s shall build proposals to install Cornell Pump Size 10NNT-F18DB 350 HP, in lieu of the previously specified 8NHTR-VC18DB.

Q2: Its it possible of an alterna�ve pump may be accepted as we do not expect that the specified pump will work properly for this applica�on?

A2: : Contractor’s shall build proposals to install Cornell Pump Size 10NNT-F18DB 350 HP, in lieu of the previously specified 8NHTR-VC18DB.

Q3: The quan��es for the River Manifold material list do not match the quan��es specified in the spec sec�on.

A3: For bid purposes, contractors shall u�lize the design criteria provided in the River Pump Site Equipment Specifica�ons sec�on 1.02, sec�on G & H for specifics on manifold requirements.

Q4: There is no informa�on on the modifica�ons needed to the exis�ng Pump House. The manifold and Pump House work is a significant por�on of Op�on 1 without addi�onal informa�on it is impossible to es�mate this cost.

A4: Contractors shall reference River Pump Site Equipment Specifica�ons sec�on 1.02, sec�on L and provide bids commensurate with perceived/evaluated necessary modifica�ons to provide a fully func�onal system.

Q5: The wiring in the exis�ng pump house will need to be updated but there is no informa�on what is currently there.

A5 : Contractors shall reference River Pump Site Equipment Specifica�ons sec�on 1.02, sec�on K and provide bids commensurate with observed up-grades needed to the exis�ng wiring layout/pla�orm in order to facilitate a fully func�onal system specified in the Government’s solicita�on.

Q6: Another item I do not see addressed is working within the railroad right of way. From past experience ge�ng the proper permit can be a very long process which would affect the 180 day comple�on �me frame.

A6: Based on the project scoping and loca�ons of proposed systems, USDA, ARS does not an�cipate a BNSF Right of Way to be required for the North Line pipeline, however, if permi�ng is required, the construc�on contractor shall be responsible for obtaining required permits. USDA will allow for contract �me extensions as required for procurement/obtaining any required permit for Right of Way.

Q7: 2024 Season Flood Opera�on- Per site visit it was stated that construc�on may impede this season's irriga�on opera�ons. Will it be acceptable to stop irriga�on opera�ons for the en�re contract period?

A7: In considera�on of the climate at the Miles City site, construc�on performance will need to occur during irriga�on periods, and thus, irriga�on opera�ons will not occur during the performance period of the awarded contract.

Q8: Yaskawa 300HP VFD - Is the river pump drive required to be in an enclosure with Main Circuit Breaker?

A8: Yes.

Q9: BNSF Right of Way - Per Q/A Amendment, ROW was stated to be 200' from the centerline of Railroad tracks. If a permit is required for the North Line pipeline will USDA obtain ? Will contract �me be extended to allow for procurement of BNSF permi�ng process?

A9: Based on the project scoping and loca�ons of proposed systems, USDA, ARS does not an�cipate a BNSF Right of Way to be required for the North Line pipeline, however, if permi�ng is required, the construc�on contractor shall be responsible for obtaining required permits. USDA will allow for contract �me extensions as required for procurement/obtaining any required permit for Right of Way.

Q10: Remote Pump Control - Is the River pump vfd required to be controlled directly by ALL center pivot control panels ? Op�on II does not show any Pivot radios to pump site. Is buried wire control acceptable?

A10: Yes, the pump vfd installed shall have the ability to be controlled by all center pivot panels. Radio, cellular modem, buried wire are all acceptable forms of telemetry.

Q11: River Manifold - Per River Pump Site Spec - G. - It is stated that both flood and pivot irriga�on must be able to take place at the same �me. Does the manifold have to feed the exis�ng 15" and 24" lines simultaneously for flood opera�on while also feeding the new North line op�on #1 with pivot pressure?

A11: Yes. Both aforemen�oned lines will require simultaneous opera�on and contractors shall bid for the manifold to feed both lines at the same �me.

Q12: Screen System - Per River Pump Site Spec - N. - "Screen will need to be self cleaning" What flow ra�ng is required for the screen system?

Is modifica�on to the exis�ng trash rack acceptable? Or is a new screen system required?

A12: The scope concept was for modifica�ons to occur to the exis�ng system, however contractors are allowed to install a new system if deemed necessary. The final system shall be self cleaning. Flow ra�ng is not required.

Q13: Materials List - Op�on I (Clin 0002) - Irriga�on Ditch Shut Off Valve - Per the site visit, a 20" Buried Valve will be required to isolate the exis�ng 21" pipeline to operate the new pivot # 10 . This is not on the materials list. If not installed water will backfeed the canal system.

A13: It is permissible for the contractor to build proposals for capping of the 21” pipeline at the end of the run, or install a new appropriately sized valve. Either is acceptable.

Q14: Materials List - Op�on II (Clin 0003) - Irriga�on Ditch Shut Off Valve - Per the site visit, a 24" Buried Valve will be required to isolate the exis�ng canal. This is not on the materials list.

A14: Contractor shall include installa�on of a new 24” valve to be installed on the south line to isolate the exis�ng canal.

Q15: Materials List - Op�on II (Clin 0003) -Center Pivots # 1,2,3,4 - Materials list shows 11.2 24 Non Direc�onal Tires as where Specifica�on sheet shows in sec�on 1.06 E. - " Tires will be 11.2 x 38""

A15: All �res shall conform to the 11.2 x 38” non direc�onal.

Q16: Center Pivot Specifica�ons - 1.07 - Control Panel - "Telemetry has to be built into the panel" - Is cellular modem telemetry acceptable?

A16: Yes.

Q17: Center Pivot Specifica�ons - 1.07 - Control Panel - # 18 "GPS ready" - Is GPS posi�oning required?

Materials list shows Pivot #10 with gps posi�oning but not #1,2,3,4.

A17: GPS posi�oning is required for all pivots.