B12_MISC_QA_Document_0001.docx

Questions/Answers 140P6026Q0052 – WACO Install Emergency Generator

1. Basis of design for backed-up loads. We heard both "whole building" and "critical loads only" (dehumidification, AC units, select lighting) discussed on site. Please confirm which governs. Related: Is the 130 kW size a directed requirement, or is the contractor expected to verify sizing with a load study?

A: The whole building is a critical load that needs to be covered for the 130 kw emergency generator. The attachment is how power is distributed through the panels.

2. Utility billing data. To determine actual load, please provide (or authorize release of) the last 12 months of utility billing for the building. We understand the City of Waco holds the account.

A: The contractor is required to contact the City of Waco for utility billing questions because the NPS does not pay for that service.

3. Service and tie-in point. Please confirm the intended point of connection. The building is fed from a pole serving the building group, and it was unclear on site whether a main disconnect exists. Is taking utility power into a service-rated transfer switch ahead of the existing gear the intended approach, or will the Intermountain Region engineers direct the tie-in?

A: The intended approach is to bring the utility service into a service-rated automatic transfer switch (ATS) ahead of the existing electrical distribution equipment please provide pricing for the most cost-effective approach.

4. Fuel source. Is natural gas available at the site, or should bidders carry propane or diesel with on-site storage? No fuel source is located onsite.

A: The contractor shall provide and install a generator that has a diesel belly tank that has a run time no less than 48 hours.

5. Existing drawings. Please confirm the electrical diagrams from the original panel installer will be distributed to all bidders, and when to expect them. We understand true as-builts are not available from the City of Waco.

A: As built drawings are not available from the City of Waco (see attachment)

6. Cutover and temporary power. Site staff indicated climate impacts in the dig shelter begin within roughly 30 minutes of a power loss. Please confirm bidders should carry a temporary generator to maintain climate control during the shutdown, and whether after-hours work is permitted for the cutover (facility operates 9–5 daily).

A: The contractor shall provide backup power for any power shutdown longer than 30 minutes to maintain climate control to protect the resource. After hours work is permitted for the cutover temporary power.

7. Tree removal and ground disturbance. Please confirm bidders are to include tree trimming/removal required for crane access in the base bid, and advise who will mark the protected trees to remain. Also, are there archeological monitoring or ground-disturbance requirements for trenching? We noted an existing water main in the likely conduit path.

A: The contractor shall include tree trimming/removal for crane access. We have an archeological monitor that will make trees for removal and trees to be protected they will also monitor any ground disturbance for trenching. There is a water line in the path of the conduit that should be avoided.

8. Geotechnical data. No soil or footing data is available for the site. Will NPS accept a generator pad design based on assumed bearing capacity, or should bidders carry a geotechnical investigation?

A: The contractor shall verify existing site and subsurface conditions prior to construction of the emergency generator foundation. The generator pad shall be designed and constructed based on the site's soil-bearing capacity, anticipated loads, and applicable building codes. Where existing geotechnical information is unavailable or site conditions are questionable, the contractor shall obtain geotechnical recommendations from a qualified geotechnical professional. The recommendations shall address allowable soil bearing pressure, subgrade preparation, compaction requirements, settlement potential, drainage, and other conditions necessary for proper design and construction of the generator foundation.

9. At the site visit today, we were told that a drawing will be provided that shows the electrical layout of the Dig Site Building.

A: See attached document is the information we currently have, the City of Waco has not been able to provide as built drawings to date

10. In executing this project, can one superintendent fulfill the supervision, safety, and QAQC roles?

A: Yes.

11. Are contractors required to issue a contract specific QA/QC Plan?

A: Yes.

12. Are contractors required to issue a contract specific Safety Plan?

A: Yes.

13. Is this project tax exempt?

A: No.

14. Is there a preference for Generator and Transfer switch manufacturer?

A: A commercial/industrial-grade diesel generator from a manufacturer with strong local service support, such as: Cummins, Caterpillar, Kohler, Generac Industrial

15. Are there any trees that cannot be removed during the installation process?

A: Trees will be identified that can and cannot be removed

16. Of the 4 panels that are being fed from the meter, what panels will need to be covered by emergency power?

A: The emergency generator is needed to operate the Dig Shelter building. All panels need to be powered from the emergency generator.

17. Has an electrical load study been performed to size the generator? If so, can results be provided? If not, are contractors to have an electrical engineer perform a load study to confirm the sizing after award, or are contractors to simply provide a130kw generator?

A: No study has been performed; no results to be provided. Contractor is required to verify proper sizing of emergency generator Contractor are required to verify proper sizing of emergency generator to power all panels. Hensel Electric installed all electrical to the building. In their assessment of the panels a 130 kW emergency generator was recommended.

18. It was mentioned during the site visit that a temporary generator would need to be used during construction to keep power outages to an absolute minimum. Can you verify this?

A: Power outages to the Dig Shelter shall be no more than 30 minutes, if necessary contractor shall provide power to the Dig Shelter to maintain proper climate in building for outages lasting more than 30 minutes.

19. It was also mentioned that the goal would be to keep the building (what building or buildings) completely operational, with the HVAC system being absolutely necessary. Please confirm.

A: The emergency generator is needed to maintain power to the Dig Shelter.

20. What would you consider an acceptable amount of downtime for HVAC and other systems before temporary power is needed?

A: 30 minutes.

21. Where is panel C located?

A: Dig Shelter building.

22. Can you send pictures of panel C and where it is being fed from?

A: NPS cannot provide the interior pics of the panel. Please refer to the pictures provided of panel arrangement on Dig Shelter. Please refer to pictures supplied

23. Is a service entrance rated transfer switch required?

A: The transfer switch shall be compatible with emergency generator. The transfer switch should be automatic.

24. Does the government want an automatic or manual transfer switch?

A: Automatic.

25. Can the government specify which panels, how much load, and what size temporary generator is required for temporary power, as this will be a significant cost difference if each contractor budgets this differently?

A: Emergency generator shall cover all panels on the Dig Shelter building. All panels should be powered.

26. Can the government specify which panels, and how much load is needed for the emergency backup generator to power?

A: See power panel document.

27. How long of a run-time is required for the new generator?

A: No less than 48 hours

28. What generator rating is required: Emergency Standby Power, Continuous Power, or Prime Power?

A: The generator rating that can provide the best power during outages. Emergency generator must switch on automatically and provide continues power during an outage.

29. Will generator power any life safety systems?

A: No.

30. Are power conductors to be copper or are aluminum conductors acceptable?

A: Best for this application.

31. Is a belly tank arrangement acceptable or does the NPS prefer an external fuel tank?

A: Belly tank is acceptable.

32. Does the NPS have electric meter data with hourly or daily usage and peak demand (usually on the electric bill) for the last year which it can share?

A: The City of Waco has meter data.

1. Can you provide any available drawings for the building?

A: Please see attachment

2. During the site visit it was mentioned the City of Waco may have more documentation of the building plans, such as engineered plans, drawings, or as-builts. Can these be provided by the government?

A: Please see attachment

3. Can you provide the name and contact information for the utility company that provides power to the building, and would they be able to provide past usage information?

A: Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC