140L5726Q0029_Amend_0001_Attachment_004_-_Q_A_0001.pdf

140L5726Q0029 Sand Island PV Renovation Questions and Answers

Q1. Pre-Quote Site Access The solicitation states that no formal site visit will be conducted but encourages prospective quoters to visit the site. May our technical representative/subcontractor visit the Sand Island Ranger Station before quotation submission? If yes, please advise how site access should be coordinated.

A1. Site visits prior to quotation are acceptable. Contact the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) at least 24 hours prior to the visit in order to coordinate. COR can be contacted at sjjohnson@blm.gov or (435) 459-2666.

Q2. Existing PV Array Information If a site visit cannot be arranged, please provide, if available:

o Dimensions and rail spacing of the ground-mounted array;

o Dimensions and rail spacing of both tracker arrays;

o Existing PV module manufacturer, model, wattage, and dimensions; and o Approximate conductor/wire-run lengths from each array to the battery/inverter shed.

A2. The inside dimensions of the battery shed are 9'4" x 11'4". (10'x12' shed)

Q3. Approved-Equal Inverter/Control Architecture Appendix B specifies Victron 5 kW charge controllers “or approved equal.” Would an integrated hybrid inverter/charger system that meets or exceeds all Appendix B functional requirements be acceptable as an approved equal, including systems such as Sol-Ark or EG4 configurations paired with compliant batteries?

If so, should the proposed-equivalent manufacturer's technical documentation be submitted with the quotation for approval during evaluation?

A3. A hybrid inverter/charger will be considered if the Contracting Officer (COR) can determine acceptable equivalence to the listed unit. Please submit adequate technical documentation to allow the CO to determine equivalence.

Q4. Existing Electrical System Information Please provide, if available:

o Nominal DC voltage of the existing battery bank;

o Facility AC configuration (120V only or 120/240V split phase);

o Existing inverter manufacturer/model and rating;

o Existing charge-controller manufacturer/model and rating; and o Any available electrical one-line diagram or existing-system documentation.

A4. Existing Electrical System Information Please provide, if available:

o Nominal DC voltage of the existing battery bank: believed to be 48 volts o Facility AC configuration (120V only or 120/240V split phase): uncertain, but either 120V only, or 120/240V split phase; unable to conclusively determine.

o Existing inverter manufacturer/model and rating: Trace SW 4048 o Existing charge-controller manufacturer/model and rating: Two Outback MX 60 controllers (one for the tracking arrays, another for the ground array).

o One-line diagram or existing-system documentation may be available in a binder, but the

COR hasn’t yet been able to access it.

o Additional dimensions of note:

Ground array is ~20' long/wide.

Rails (vertically aligned) are 24" on center Rails on the tracking arrays are adjustable and are 11'6" wide, 4 rails per tracker/unit.

Sides are 9'7". The middle portion is not flush to the rails. See photos.

• Tracking array rails were previously modified to help the counterweights balance for proper tracking Tracking panel dimensions: 20"x44" (each panel); 12 panels/tracker, 24 panels total Fixed panel dimensions: 47"x21" (each panel); 20 panels total (Siemens model SP75) o Approximate conductor/wire-run lengths from each array to the battery/inverter shed:

o One tracker is ~15'; other tracker is ~40'; fixed array is ~30'

Q5. Existing Generator – Item 5 Please provide the existing generator's:

o Manufacturer and model;

o Fuel type;

o kW rating;

o Output voltage;

o Approximate age/runtime hours, if known; and o Any available photographs of the generator nameplate and control panel.

A5. Existing Generator – Item 5 o Manufacturer and model: Kohler 12RES from 2008 o Fuel type: dual-fuel; natural gas or liquid propane o kW rating: 12 kW o Output voltage: 12 kW (50 Amps at 120/240V, 1-phase, 60 Hz--Liquid Propane); 10.4 kW to 11 kW (43–45.8 Amps at 120/240V--Natural Gas) o Approximate age/runtime hours, if known; ~137 hours (last recorded info) o Any available photographs of the generator nameplate and control panel: See below

Q6. Tracker Array Scope Please confirm whether Item 4 requires replacement/re-paneling of the PV modules on the two existing tracker structures only, using the existing mounting infrastructure where practical.

Please also confirm whether repair, replacement, or restoration of the tracker motors, actuators, tracking controls, or other mechanical tracking components is outside the current scope, and whether the existing tracker structures are presently considered structurally serviceable.

A6. Tracker Array Scope Replacement/re-paneling is limited to the existing tracker arrays only, using existing mounting infrastructure as much as practical. The existing tracker structures are considered structurally serviceable for the existing panels but have not received a structural evaluation to determine their adequacy for alternate paneling. The Government will rely on the expertise of the offeror to determine the level of structural adequacy. Repair, restoration, or replacement of motors, actuators, tracking controls, or other mechanical components is not explicitly listed in the scope of work, but the Government will accept price information concerning those activities for consideration as a possible bid additive.

Q7. Disposal Documentation The SOW requires disposal of removed batteries, controls, and PV panels in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal requirements. Does BLM require any specific recycling manifests, disposal certificates, or other disposal/closeout documentation in addition to regulatory compliance?

A7. Disposal Documentation

The BLM does not require any special recycling or disposal manifests but asks that the winning offeror self-certify proper disposal per project specifications.

Q8. Could electrical plans for the site specifical to the system be shared?

A8. We haven't found any electrical plans to date.

Q9. If no electrical plans can be shared:

• Is the site 120/240V?

o Uncertain.

• Can a photo be shared of the electrical panel with the backed-up loads?

o Unavailable currently but will provide if obtainable.

Q10. Are spec sheets or measurements available for the racking system?

A10. No, but see A4 for dimensions.

Q11. Is the subcontractor responsible to ensure trackers and fixed tilt racking operational or in good mechanical shape?

A11. Yes

Q12. Our proposed inverter will include a DC switch with a surge protector to isolate the DC from the inverter as per the Appendix B requirement, this is a built-in feature of the inverter, would this be accepted? The appendix b calls for a DC breaker, but the inverter comes with this feature already, just not a breaker itself.

A12. The Government does want a breaker as well.

Q13. Could specs or photos be provided of the automatic generator start control?

A13. See A5.

Q14. Is BABA or Domestic Content required for the new components?

A14. Yes, see Buy American Act clause in solicitation.