Government Responses to Questions 2.docx

SITEWIDE TRANSFORMER OIL ANALYES

RFQ-1333ND26QNB190490

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS

1. About the draw down line item. On the spreadsheet, there is not a place to put an amount. There is a place for an amount on the bid form but was not sure if they want me to put an amount in there.

Ans: We will provide the amount for the drawn down account.

2. Draw-Down Account (CLIN 0002): the bid schedule shows this as TBD. Please confirm the NTE dollar amount quoters should carry per year, and the estimated annual quantities for the covered items (nitrogen filler adapters, gauge replacements, additional oil samples).

Ans: We will determine the amount for the drawn down account.

3. Leak Repair (CLIN 0003): please confirm the expected repair scope for the two Building 206 transformers, reseal/gasket at the OID handle vs. OID switch replacement, and whether draining/refilling oil is required.

Ans: The leaks are found at the OID handles. It may require to drain the oil to the level below the OID switches and also to refill when the leak repair is complete. It may require to replace the gasket for leak repair.

4. Our proposed service provider has advised that it cannot safely collect oil samples from an energized pad-mounted transformer unless an external safe-sampling kit is already installed. This kit relocates the sampling port outside the energized cabinet. Could you please confirm:

· Whether external safe-sampling kits are currently installed on the pad-mounted transformers;

Ans: Based on our previous transformer oil analyses projects, our previous Contractor performed oil sample collection with transformers under energized conditions. The Contractor is to verify the current condition during the site visit for proper safety adapter for collecting oil samples.

· If not, whether NIST would consider de-energizing those units before oil sampling;or Ans: The Government does not plan to de-energize the transformers for oil sampling. Note that an Outage of a transformer requires a minimum of 4 week notification and the work may take place on the weekend.

· Whether the contractor would be permitted to provide and install safe-sampling kits.

Ans: The Contractor is allowed to install the safe sampling kits as long as there is NO power interruption.

5. Is there a maximum number of badges that can be submitted?

` Ans: NIST has NO requirement for maximum number of badges. For Paper badge application, It is limited to 14 days per year for each field service personnel under escort condition. Refer to section Security badge of the Attachment C for more details.

6. Annual transformer quantities: The RFQ references approximately 121 transformers, and Attachment A appears to list 121 units for inspection, oil-quality analysis, and dissolved gas analysis. However, Attachment B requires pricing for 122 units annually. Please confirm the quantity offerors should be used for pricing and performance.

Ans: The Attachment B (Bid schedule) is revised to change from 122 to 121 transformers for testing, and also to change from 36 PCB analyses to 33 PCB Analyses. Refer to Attachment A for Transformer list and oil analysis requirement for each transformer. Any additional transformer will be addressed with a contract modification after the award.

7. PCB-testing quantities: Attachment A appears to identify 33 transformers for annual PCB testing, while Attachment B requires pricing for 36 units. Please confirm the correct annual quantity and identify the applicable transformers.

Ans: Refer to the revised Attachment B. It revised from 36 PCB analyses to 33 PCB analyses. Refer to Attachment A for specific transformers that require PCB analyses.

8. CLIN 0003 transformer identification: The RFQ schedule identifies two Building 206 transformers as FA-1 and FB-2, while the SOW and Attachment E identify FA-1 and FB-1. The SOW’s CLIN summary also references one transformer in Building 233. Please confirm the exact transformers and total quantity included under CLIN 0003.

Ans: For CLIN 0003, It confirms that two transformers at Building 206, feeders FA-1 and FB-1, require the transformer oil leak repair services. The SOW is revised. Transformer oil leak repair for Building 233 is not required.

9. CLIN 0003 repair scope: Please clarify the specific repair requirements for each transformer, including known deficiencies, required seals or components, anticipated fluid replacement, testing, cleanup, containment, and waste-disposal responsibilities.

Ans: For transformer oil leak repair for two transformers at Building 206, it may require draining, refilling the oil, and replacing the gasket. Work also includes oil leak inspection, oil containment, site cleanup, and waste disposal.

10. De-energization and outage support: For CLIN 0003, will NIST perform switching, de-energization, isolation, lockout/tagout, grounding, and re-energization, or must the contractor provide these services? Please also identify the anticipated outage duration and permissible work windows.

Ans: For CLIN 0003 repair service, NIST shall perform switching, de-energization/energization. The Outage is required for repair service. The Outage takes place on the Weekend. Work shall be performed on the weekend.

11. Drawdown CLIN pricing: The SOW requests per-unit pricing for a nitrogen filler adapter, broken-gauge replacement, and additional samples and analyses, while Attachment B provides a single TBD drawdown line item. Please clarify the required pricing format, estimated quantities, applicable ceiling, and how this CLIN will be evaluated.

Ans: For drawdown CLIN, this item includes oil sampling/analyses of any missing transformer, and for minor repair (broken gauge, proper adapter for Nitrogen filling or oil draining). It will cover material and labor. If it is possible, please provide labor rate in advance for regular time and OT.

12. Applicable wage determination: The RFQ references Wage Determination MD2015-4269, Revision 33, dated July 30, 2026, but the complete wage determination does not appear to be included. Please provide the applicable wage determination and confirm whether FAR 52.222-41 applies to this acquisition.

Ans: Added with this amendment. See attached WD 2015-4269, Rev 34 with this amendment.

13. Report deliverables: The SOW contains differing requirements for report copies—one electronic copy plus two hard copies in one section and one electronic copy plus one hard copy in another. Please confirm the required number and format of reports.

Ans: Provide one hard copy and one electronic copy (in pdf). For the report, provide a summary sheet, recommendations, detailed report of each transformer. The report shall be sorted according to Building #. The detailed report of each transformer includes visual inspection and analyses. Refer to attachment D for a sample report.

14. Historical data and trend analysis: Will NIST provide prior inspection, oil-analysis, DGA, and PCB-testing records for the listed transformers? Please confirm whether the contractor’s reports must include historical comparisons or trend analysis.

Ans: NIST may have historical data from previous oil sampling/analyses. However, the previous report is for reference only. The Contractor’s report is not required to include the historical data for comparison. No trending analyses is required.

15. Schedule, notice to proceed, and badging: Please confirm the required completion date for the first annual inspection cycle. If permanent badging requires approximately 60–78 days, will escorted or temporary access be available so performance can begin while badging is pending?

Ans: NIST recommends the paper badges (visitor badges) for this type of service. Refer to attachment C, section Security badge for more details.

16. Applicability of Attachment C: Attachment C contains several construction-oriented requirements, including construction key personnel, daily reports, temporary fencing, and other site-management provisions. Please identify which portions apply to this transformer inspection, sampling, testing, and limited-repair requirement.

Ans: Fencing and daily reports are not required for this contract. These are requirements for a construction contract. The contractor must comply with all applicable sections of Attachment C, except for construction specific requirements. For this service contract, the technician shall collect oil samples at each transformer. NIST shall escort the Contractor’s field service personnel during the oil sampling.

17. Work hours and outage notices: The solicitation documents reference different normal work hours and utility-outage notification periods. Please confirm the governing work hours and the required advance-notice period for planned outages under this requirement.

Ans: The normal working hours: 7:30 am thr. 5:30 pm. Refer to Attachment C, section Site Access and Working Hours. For outage notices, provide a written request at least 21 days before any planned utility system outages. Complete building outages require 50 days written notice. Outages to more than one building require a written 190-day notice. All outages and road closures shall be scheduled for Saturdays unless otherwise noted within your contract documents.

18. Incomplete transformer information: Several Attachment A entries contain missing or provisional information, including room, feeder, serial number, kVA, and fluid-type data. Please provide the missing information available and confirm that all listed transformers will be accessible and included in the base annual scope.

Ans: The Contractor is to verify data out in the field during their visits, per information in attachment A. The missing information will be gathered during the transformer inspection and included in the final report.

19. Sampling and waste responsibility: Please confirm ownership and disposal responsibility for collected oil samples and any contaminated fluid, absorbents, seals, components, or other waste generated during testing or repair.

Ans: The Contractor is responsible to dispose collected oil samples and any contaminated fluid, absorbents, seals, components, or other waste generated during testing or repair.

20. Regarding Safety Equipment page 6 in file "Attachment C- Guidelines for Contractors_Rev1" states that Building 215 and portions of Building 216 require cleanroom safety visual and in-person training prior to access. Please clarify when this training will be conducted and when personnel must complete the training before starting field work.

Ans: There is no requirement to access the Clean room. No Clean room training is required. All 15 transformers at AML Buildings are in high voltage rooms, in the basement of Building 215.

21. Please confirm how many hours are required to complete the NIST badging process for contractor personnel.

Ans: It is recommended to submit a list of full names, exactly as they appear on their driver’s license, with US citizenship status in advance (24 hours) for visitor badge (paper badge).

22. For personnel requiring a Facility Access Card (FAC), can the application process be initiated and completed remotely/online, or is an in-person visit to the NIST site required for registration and processing?

Ans: If the Facility Access Card (FAC) is required, the applicants shall submit the applications to COR via email. They will need to come to site to get fingerprinted as well. This process may take months for processing. It is recommended for Paper badge (with 24-hour registration) for this kind of service. Refer to Attachment C for more details.

23. SOW Rev.5 includes Optional CLIN 0003 (Transformer Oil Leak Repair at Building 206); however, Attachment B Bid Schedule Rev.2 does not include a corresponding pricing line item. Please confirm whether pricing for CLIN 0003 is required as part of this solicitation.

Ans: Yes, the pricing for CLIN 0003 is required. The CLIN 0003 will be awarded when funding is available.