HVAC_Questions_and_Answers_(Final)(20250701)_0003.docx

140D0425Q0518 – Replace HVAC unit at the Southern Plains Indian Museum July 1, 2025 Questions & Answers #1:

1. Question: The model number listed for the existing unit indicates it is a 10-ton system. However, the request is for a 15 ton replacement unit with no mention of any required modifications to the existing ductwork. As you are aware, increasing the unit size without appropriately upsizing the ductwork can lead to performance inefficiencies and potential operational issues. To ensure proper installation and system performance, we kindly request clarification on whether ductwork modifications are expected or if the unit sizing requirement should be revisited.

Answer: See Amendment 0003 with revised Statement of Work. The unit being replaced is a 15 ton unit. Due to age of equipment and fading, the information on the serial number and part number of old unit may not have been accurate.

The facility has appropriate ductwork for the 15 ton unit. The government updated the ductwork in 2015 to be compatible.

2. Question: The SOW says 15 ton unit, the serial number shows a 10 ton unit and the duct maps/plans show 2 7.5 ton units. What size is needed?

Answer: See question 1 above. See Amendment 0003. We have removed the duct work map.

3. Question: Are you looking for a dehumidification system or a humidification system?

Answer: We are ideally looking for a system that can ensure the optimum relative humidity level between 45-60%. The system should be able to prevent large sings to highs or lows in short periods of time in order to preserve and protect artifacts in the museum. Weather history data for the past two years is attached for reference

4. Question: I understand the importance of the humidity control for the artifacts in the museum. However, the lead time for the required unit to meet the design specification is around 9 weeks regardless of which manufacture is utilized. Because this unit has a factory option that is not normal to everyday type units, such as hot gas reheat.

Answer: The Government does require humidity control. See answer to number 3 above.

5. Question: There is a humidity requirement, but it does not tell us what humidity to maintain. What is the humidity requirement and what area of the building needs humidity?

Answer: See answer to question 3 above.

6. Question: There is a requirement for a contractor to verify the equipment installed meets the requirement. Can you define this requirement? Do we need an engineering report?

Answer: See Amendment 0003 for Statement of Work Changes.

7. Question: Adding a humidifier and bigger units will take a lot more power, so is there enough power in the building to support these changes?

Answer: The contractor will need to have a qualified electrician or electrical contractor to assess a commercial building’s electrical system to determine if it can handle a new HVAC unit installation. They will need to perform a load calculation to ensure sufficient power is available and can also handle the installation of necessary new circuits or breakers..

8. Question: Will Test & Balance be required after the unit is installed? Does Test & Balance work need to be certified?

Answer: Yes, see Amendment 0003.

9. Question: Is this job going to be on SAM.gov?

Answer: Yes, it is listed at SAM.gov or going to SAM.gov and entering solicitation number 140D0425Q0518.

10. Question: Will a SAM registration or Cage Code number required as well as the UEI number?

Answer: The solicitation includes provision FAR 52.204-7 for System for Award Management which stipulates under (b)(1) that “An Offeror is required to be registered in SAM when submitting an offer or quotation and at time of award…”

The SAM UEI, as a result of SAM registration, generates a CAGE Code.

11. Question: The government has numerous NAICS Codes. Will you be requiring a specific classification code for heating and cooling?

Answer: As indicated on the solicitation on page 1 for block 10, the NAICS Code is 238220 which corresponds to Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors.

12. Question: Will a copy of our State Mechanical Contractor’s license be required?

Answer: Yes, see Amendment 0003 for updated language.

13. Question: Is there a requirement for redundant cooling?

Answer: No.

14. Question: Will a tax exemption be issued if the project is awarded?

Answer: Per FAR 52.212-4(k) Taxes. The contract price includes all appliable Federal, State, and local taxes and duties.

15. Question: Will the new unit need a new service feeder (same size or different)? New breaker?

Answer: The contractor should ensure that they have a qualified electrician or electrical contractor to assess whether a new service feeder is required or breaker. They will need to perform a load calculation to ensure sufficient power and handle the installation of any necessary items.

16. Question: Where is the panel located?

Answer: The Government has a utility closet in the main office of the museum.

17. Question: Where is the unit located?

Answer: On the west side of the museum on the ground.

18. Question: Is the new disconnect to be fused or non-fused?

Answer: The external disconnect for a commercial HVAC Air Handling Unit needs to be fused or unfused depends on the equipment specifications and local electrical codes. The Contractor will need to review the equipment specifications and local electrical codes to make this determination. The contractor will be responsible for field verifying existing equipment, disconnects, and up stream circuit breakers in making this determination.

19. Question: Is there a Fire Alarm Duct Sensor?

Answer: No.

20. Question: Are these considered equivalent to the requirements of the current Trane unit? The only difference in the units is they supply 200k BTU/h of heating as opposed to the 216K in the plans. The unit also come with no curb and fit flush to the concrete pad outdoors that these look like they will be mounted on? (Frances@graingercs.com

Answer: See Amendment 0003 regarding minimum requirements

21. Question: What brands/manufacturers will be accepted?

Answer: All brands/manufacturers will be accepted as long as they can meet the requirements and are compatible with any existing structures.

22. Question: Does the client want any sensors in the artifact area for temp or humidity?

Answer: No

23. Question: Will additional site visits be offered?

Answer: No

24. Question: Is there an incumbent contractor? What was their contract number?

Answer: No, we do not have any company specifically identified for this project. We probably did the last contract for the air conditioner under contract, but it was several years ago and uneasy to access.

25. Question: Has a budget been approved for this contract?

Answer: Yes, the Government does have an independent government estimate (IGE) and funding available (for the IGE amount).

26. Question: Do you have the pricing template in an Excel, PDF or another form to submit back in a clean format?

Answer: No

27. Question: Can we get clarification on the Buy American Act – Construction and Materials as it pertains to HVAC equipment?

Answer: FAR 52.225-9 Buy American Act – Construction Materials is not included. FAR 52.225-1 Buy American – Supplies is included.