B12_MISC_QA_Doc_0001.docx

1. What are the critical systems that will need temporary power while the DP-2 Panel is down? Please provide panel locations of each system, the breaker size, and system details.

· The work will exceed the requested 2-3 hour down time. The downtime could be anywhere from 8 – 16 hours down time. If the DP-2 panel can stay in place and act as the junction box, then the down times will be significantly less.

Answer: The primary systems that will need to continue operating are the fire alarm and the server. I would say lighting, but we have probably around thirty breakers just for lighting. If this is done on a Tuesday or Wednesday when the VC is usually closed, lighting will not be important. However, if the superintendent plans to work in his office that day he will need lights and the internet. Noting as well all HVAC power distribution is from the MDP to Panel DP-1 and DP-3 and should not be affected in transferring DP-2 to new distribution panel.

2. Can the down time be completed on a weekend?

Answer: No, those are our busiest days. It is best to have this done on a Tuesday and/or Wednesday.

3. Are there any specific days or times when electrical shutdowns are preferred or strictly prohibited?

Answer: Tuesday and/or Wednesday

4. For work outside of normal business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday), what is the typical lead time required for approval from the CO and COR?

Answer: We require 48 hour notice and written approval.

5. If generators are needed, are there any regulations or restrictions on their use (e.g., noise, emissions, placement)?

Answer: We have no park-specific regulations. Contractor is required to comply with all OSHA regulations.

6. Are there any specific local recycling facilities or procedures that the National Park Service prefers for the disposal of non-hazardous construction waste?

Answer: No, we have no preference for construction waste.

7. Will the NPS have the appropriate Fire Alarm Technician, Security Alarm Technicians, and HVAC Technicians onsite and readily available for them to properly take systems offline, startup, commissioning of the systems when they are taken offline and re-energized either on permanent power or temporary?

Answer: No, the Memorial does not have techs of that nature. We will have to bring them in from the appropriate companies. The HVAC systems should not be affected as they are powered from the MDP to panels DP-1 and DP-3 provided you can isolate panel DP-2 shut down off of the MDP.

8. Due to the distance of spread for the conduits entering the bottom of existing panel exceeds the distance of available pre-manufactured junction boxes, can the existing DP-2 panel back box remain to be utilized as a junction box to facilitate the extension of the conductors to the new exterior panel?

Answer: Yes. It is to note, there is currently 30.5” clearance between the AHU and the face of the existing panel box face which is the primary reason for relocation to outside face of the facility. In review of NFPA 70, NEC part 110.26 A., it is interpreted the clearance less than 36” for this to serve as a junction box may be reduced in working area under definition of not likely to require working access while energized. The existing yellow caution label on the panel face will need to be removed by the Contractor and box properly labeled as junction box to new exterior mounted panel.

9. Does the feed for the existing circuits that were cut when louver was installed must re-use the existing conduit from panel LP-1, or can a new conduit be utilized to refeed the circuit?

Answer: Yes. New conduit surface mounted to exterior wall that does not obstruct other functions within the mechanical room may be provided.

10. What is the typical process and timeline for approving contract changes or modifications, especially if they impact cost or schedule?

Answer: This will depend on funding availability, dollar thresholds, etc. Modifications will be addressed and issued as quickly as possible to avoid impacts to cost and schedule.

11. If material lead times exceed the Period of Performance will an extension be allowed?

Answer: Period of Performance extensions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

12. When core drilling the walls, will the contractor need to put dust mitigation practices into place? If so, what is the preferred method of dust mitigation for the site?

Answer: Yes, the contractor will need to mitigate dust for the protection of staff and visitors. We have no preferred method of dust mitigation so long as it is effective.

13. Is it acceptable to remove all of the internal electrical components from the existing DP-2 panel and retain the existing enclosure (can) to use as a junction box. This approach would allow them to install the new exterior panel and complete all preparations ahead of time, requiring only a single shutdown to make the final connections.

The plans don’t clearly state whether this is permissible. However, they do show that the gutter beneath DP-2 containing all underground conduits will remain. Based on that, the contractor believes that leaving the existing panel can in place wouldn’t intrude into the space any more than the existing gutter already does. Our proposal is:

Option 1 (preferred): Use the existing DP-2 panel can as a tap/junction box, which would allow for taps to be made and wire extensions to be run to the new breakers. This would minimize the work to one shutdown.

Option 2: If Option 1 isn’t allowed, they would need to extend the feeders directly into the new panel, which would require 3–4 separate shutdowns and significantly increase labor costs.

Can you please confirm if reusing the existing DP-2 panel can as a junction box is acceptable under the current design intent?

Answer: See response to question 8 with describes allowing existing panel to be re-purposed as a junction box to feed through the wall to new exterior hung panel.