Question___Answers_0002.pdf

Christiansted National Historic Site

Customs House Electrical Renewal

Solicitation 140P5425R0008

Questions and Answers

1. During the site visit, we noted overhead lines entering the roof, which appear to be low voltage (e.g., telecom or data) rather than primary power. Based on review of the drawings and context, we are assuming that WAPA electrical service is delivered underground to a meter base equipped with an integral breaker that serves as the main disconnect. Can the government confirm that this configuration is correct, and that no additional transfer switch or main shutoff is required under this contract? The Power enters the Customs House overhead

2. Can the government confirm that any issues upstream of the meter, including WAPA connection or suspected neutral imbalance prior to the panel, fall outside the scope of this contract? If a problem is identified upstream of the meter, would it be addressed by WAPA? WAPA is responsible for the transmission of power until the point of the power meter for the structure.

3. There was a general indication during the site visit of a potential neutral issue. We are assuming that the existing neutral to the panel is currently functioning. Please confirm that any neutral troubleshooting upstream of the panel is not in scope? We do not know of any confirmed existing Nuetral problems, just that the building does give you a small electrical discharge if you touch in the wrong location during a rainstorm.

4. Are all existing surface-mounted wire mouldings, receptacles, switches, and associated wiring to be removed as part of the demolition scope? Please see scope of work, I believe its says all existing conduit and runs to be removed or reused, please refer to the SOW and plans for guidance.

5. Can we use raceway-style baseboards with integrated outlet and telecom provisions (such as those with compartments for power and comm) where suitable? Please see details on plan and SOW.

6. Are we permitted to reuse existing conduit, especially for outdoor lighting circuits, where the existing conduit appears functional and meets current code? Please see plans for details.

7. Is it acceptable to install specified EMT surface-mounted on interior walls after the subfloor has been completed (e.g., between Panel 1 and Panel 2)? Please see Plans for specifications.

8. Can the contractor confirm that jackhammering or in-wall trenching is not required? We are assuming all conduit routing will be surface-mounted or via baseboard raceways. Please see Plans for specifications.

9. Do the drawings intend for a full electrical replacement, or is selective reuse of circuits allowed? Our reading suggests a complete system rewire, but we’d like confirmation.

The plans call for full replacement of all electrical.

10. Do the drawings include any dedicated circuits for critical loads such as refrigerators, microwaves, or the data rack? If not, should those be included? Please see Plans for specifications.

11. Is grounding of the new electrical system part of this scope? Are existing ground rods available for reuse, or is the contractor expected to furnish and install new ones? Please see Plans for specifications.

12. During the walkthrough, several rooms showed non-functional switches and ceiling fixtures. Given that most of these areas have no accessible conduit paths, is it acceptable to route new wiring via surface raceways from baseboards up to switches? Please see Plans for specifications.

13. The existing wall-mounted HVAC systems are fed through shallow white moulding which appears outdated. Can the government confirm that full removal of those systems and their associated electrical pathways is part of the demolition scope, including any wall-anchored elements. Please see Plans for specifications.

14. In locations where baseboards must be removed to accommodate surface raceways or conduit, is the contractor expected to reinstall matching historic profiles (which may not be readily available), or is it acceptable to use substitute trim materials that match in size and function? Please see Plans for specifications.

15. The drawings do not identify or label existing raceways or conduit paths clearly. Can we reuse raceways that are present, functional, and up to code? Please see Plans for specifications.

16. For existing junction or device boxes that are no longer in use, is it acceptable to leave them in place and cover or cap them, provided they are safe and compliant, to avoid additional work on the historic concrete walls? Please see Plans for specifications.