Amendment_4_Attachment_14_Site_Visit_2_and_Additional_Q_and_A_0004.pdf

Solicitation no. 140P8426R0002, Amendment 4 - Attachment 14, Site Visit Notes and Additional Q & A (6/12/26)

Rehabilitate Westside Power and Cooling Systems, PINN

Site Visit #2

A second organized site visit occurred on June 4, 2026 at 1pm within Pinnacles National Park.

Participants met at the West side Maintenance Building.

Attendee:

Cebuna Construction, Inc.

This site visit including showing an air-handler in one of the housing units and inside the associated control box that were not visited/seen during the first site visit. Therefore, photos are included as follows:

The following six photos were taken inside the garage of Unit #107:

Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

Photo 4

Photo 5

Photo 6

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS/ANSWERS RECEIVED:

QUESTION 4 RE-VISITED

QUESTION 4: Facility Operations During Shutdown. Please clarify operational constraints during the planned electrical shutdown and generator replacement. Will the West Side Visitor Contact Station, housing units, maintenance building, communications systems, refrigeration/HVAC systems, and life safety systems be required to remain continuously operational during construction, or will scheduled full outages be permitted? Please also identify any maximum allowable outage durations.

ANSWER: The following answer provided shall be considered a supplement to Specifications Section 01 11 00 Summary of Work, Part 1

General, Item 1.10 Work Restrictions, Sub-Item C Existing Utility

Interruptions:

Due to occupied park housing, visitor services, facility operations, communications systems, and other mission-support functions, full site-wide electrical shutdowns are not generally acceptable without advance

Government approval and coordination.

For any planned full electrical shutdown expected to extend beyond normal business hours within a single day, the Contractor shall submit a proposed outage plan and coordinate with the Government a minimum of

72 hours in advance to allow for resident notification, operational planning, and determination of required mitigation measures. Approval of such outages shall be at the sole discretion of the Government.

For short-term or intermittent outages during normal business hours, the

Contractor shall sequence work to minimize operational disruption.

Daytime full-site shutdowns affecting park operations, occupied housing, or essential services shall not be assumed acceptable without approved mitigation.

The Contractor shall provide, install, maintain, and remove temporary backup power generation and associated temporary power distribution systems when required to maintain continuity of essential services or where outage impacts cannot otherwise be mitigated through approved sequencing, phased shutdowns, bypass methods, or other means.

Maximum allowable outage parameters:

• Short-term/intermittent daytime outages: Limited to the shortest practicable duration and subject to Government coordination.

• Planned outages extending beyond normal business hours: Require 72-hour minimum advance notice and Government approval.

• Outages affecting occupied housing, communications, life safety systems, refrigeration/HVAC, or other essential services for extended or overnight periods: May require temporary generator support, alternate accommodations, phased work, or other Government-directed mitigation.

Follow-Up Question: After further review with our electrical subcontractor, our current understanding is that once construction activities begin, the existing facility will likely need to transition onto temporary generator power during much of the electrical system replacement and integration work.

Based on our subcontractor’s preliminary assessment, the temporary power period could last approximately three (3) months.

Our subcontractor believes the existing facility loads can likely be supported by a temporary generator approximately sized at 35KW, as the current inverter system reportedly provides approximately 36KW of capacity. The temporary generator would likely connect at the existing

Main Distribution Panel (MDP) to maintain facility operations during construction.

Based on the current system configuration and project sequencing requirements, performing this work using only brief intermittent shutdowns does not appear practical. Instead, the more feasible approach would likely involve:

• A planned transition outage to place the facility onto temporary generator power;

• Continuous temporary power support during construction and system integration activities; and

• A final planned outage to transition the facility onto the new permanent system.

At this time, our expectation is that the full facility would remain operational on temporary generator power during much of the work rather than experiencing repeated periodic shutdowns.

As discussed during the site visit, the facility is fully off-grid. While newer battery systems are reportedly installed, the existing generator does not appear intended for continuous long-term operation throughout construction. Based on our current understanding, maintaining facility operations during the project would likely require a dedicated temporary diesel generator system operating continuously throughout the temporary power duration.

Operational requirements established by NPS, including occupancy of housing units and continuous operation of communications, HVAC, refrigeration, and life safety systems, will significantly affect the final sequencing, temporary power design, fuel consumption requirements, and overall project logistics.

We appreciate any additional clarification the Government can provide regarding acceptable outage windows, occupancy requirements during construction, and operational priorities for the facility.

Follow-Up Answer: NPS acknowledges the Contractor's understanding that maintaining facility operations during construction may require the use of temporary power generation for an extended period.

The approach described appears generally consistent with the operational objectives outlined in the previous response, provided continuity of essential services is maintained and planned outages are minimized and coordinated in advance.

The Park’s intent is to maintain occupancy of housing units and continuity of essential services to the greatest extent practicable during construction.

Operational priorities include occupied housing, communications systems, life safety systems, essential refrigeration, and other mission-support functions necessary for park operations. Temporary interruption of systems directly affected by construction activities may be acceptable when coordinated in advance and approved by NPS.

NPS does not approve or endorse any specific generator size, connection method, load calculation, temporary power duration, or system design through this response. Contractors remain responsible for evaluating site conditions and developing appropriate means and methods to satisfy contract requirements.

Planned transitions to and from temporary power shall be coordinated with

NPS and remain subject to the outage notification, approval, and coordination requirements previously provided.

QUESTION 5 RE-VISITED:

QUESTION 5: Are As Built drawings available?

ANSWER: The A/E firm who provided us our specs and drawings took the as-builts and incorporated those directly into the drawings.

Follow-up Question: The original question was asked about the As Builts so that existing conditions of underground utilities could be known in the area where the

PV Systems piers are to be place. This information does not appear to be included in the plans.

Follow-Up Answer: The contractor will need to do all utility locates when necessary to build this project.

QUESTION 6 RE-VISITED:

QUESTION: Can the Superintendent perform the role of QCM and SSHO as well given the limited number of trades?

ANSWER: Look at Amendment 01, Attachment 11 Site Visit Notes - a similar question was asked:

PREVIOUS QUESTION: Refer to Solicitation Attachment 1

Terms Clauses Provision, under Key Personnel, it states that a

Project Manager, On-Site Superintendent, On-Site Quality Control

Manager, and an On-Site Safety Manager are to be assigned to this project. Can the last two positions (quality control manager and safety manager) be performed by one individual?

ANSWER: One person can perform the combined roles of the

Quality Control Manger and Safety Manager

Follow-up Question: The answer above indicates a full time (1) Superintendent and (2)

QC/SSHO will need to be on site full time. For other Federal Projects of similar size and complexity these roles are often completed by a single 3 hat Super/QCM/SSHO. Can this approach be reconsidered for this Project.

Follow-up Answer: Yes, that is permissible.

QUESTION 10: Generator Rating/Air Permitting Clarification. Specification Section 26 32

13.16 identifies the generator as “Prime Rated” and requires compliance with EPA Tier 4 requirements for prime generator sets. However, Drawing

E-104 identifies the Basis of Design generator as a Generac SG070 LP generator, which appears to be a standby-rated unit rather than prime-rated. Please clarify the intended generator classification and confirm whether the specified Basis of Design complies with Monterey Bay Air

Resources District permitting requirements for this off-grid application.

References:

• Section 26 32 13.16 – Power Rating: Prime

• Drawing E-104 – Basis of Design: Generac SG070

ANSWER: Coordinate all underground routing with existing utilities and adjust as necessary to avoid obstruction and damage. provide potholing or ground penetrating radar if necessary.

QUESTION 11: In addition to reusing roof penetrations, can existing electrical conduits and boxes be reused?

ANSWER: Yes. They may be reused as long as the installed system is compliant with all electrical and building code.

QUESTION 12: Is water available for use during construction and from where?

ANSWER: Refer to Specifications Section 1.8: Construction Contractor Use of Site

Construction Water

Park-provided water for construction use will be available from a designated hydrant located at the Chaparral Parking Lot on the West Side of Pinnacles National Park, approximately 2.5 miles northeast of the work area. Approximate location: 36.48840562140754, -

121.21362549907376 (map reference: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SJYiJEdgzp2vJcjX7).

Access to this location is via a narrow, winding public road with limited visibility and several blind corners, and contractors shall account for these access conditions in their work planning.

The Contractor shall track and report daily water usage in daily construction reports.

Water shall not be drawn from the local water system serving the work area, including associated well, pump, storage, or distribution infrastructure, as that system has limited pumping and replenishment https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmaps.app.goo.gl%2FSJYiJEdgzp2vJcjX7&data=05%7C02%7Cphaedra_fuller%40ios.doi.gov%7C73ec1fe83920436e1c8208dec0e9fc4a%7C0693b5ba4b184d7b9341f32f400a5494%7C0%7C0%7C639160308344934090%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=h8ZrmK7frdZjWHjjSrJIkmHUhBWs1tUBnT01AvK0wqU%3D&reserved=0 capacity and must remain available for park operations. Contractors shall use the designated Chaparral hydrant source unless otherwise specifically authorized by the Government.

The Contractor shall be responsible for transport, storage, handling, and any temporary distribution of construction water from the designated source.

QUESTION 13: Can previously completed PPQs with similar content from other Federal solicitations be used in addition to the forms provided and final CPARS?

ANSWER: You can submit a previously completed PPQ from a different project for this solicitation if the work is similar enough. We want to know how well your firm performed on other jobs in the past for recent similarly performed tasks/work.

QUESTION 14: Please confirm whether the concrete footings, trenching, and other civil work associated with the ground-mounted photovoltaic system are the be provided under the prime contractor’s scope, with the PV subcontractor responsible for racking design and above-grade installation only?

ANSWER: NPS does not define means and methods. This is up for the prime contractor to decide.

QUESTION 15: What is the subcontracting percentage allowed for this project?

ANSWER: Solicitation Attachment no. 9, Limitations of Subcontracting (excel worksheet) is for contractor to include at end of the contract. Solicitation

Attachment 1, Terms Clauses Provisions, Section I, Contract Clause, incorporates by reference FAR clause 52.219-14, Limitations on

Subcontracting. The clause in full text states: The Contractor shall perform on the site, and with its own organization, work equivalent to at least fifteen (15) percent of the total amount of work to be performed under the contract. This percentage may be reduced by a supplemental agreement to this contract if, during performing the work, the Contractor requests a reduction and the Contracting Officer determines that the reduction would be to the advantage of the Government.

QUESTION 16: Generator Rating / Air Permitting Clarification

Specification Section 26 32 13.16 identifies the generator as “Prime

Rated” and requires compliance with EPA Tier 4 requirements for prime generator sets. However, Drawing E-104 identifies the Basis of Design generator as a Generac SG070 LP generator, which appears to be a standby-rated unit rather than prime-rated.

Please clarify the intended generator classification and confirm whether the specified Basis of Design complies with Monterey Bay Air Resources

District permitting requirements for this off-grid application.

References:

• Section 26 32 13.16 – Power Rating: Prime

• Drawing E-104 – Basis of Design: Generac SG070

ANSWER: Offerors should propose the project as-is; after award, NPS will consult with the A/E firm to address any issues through RFIs and possible modifications. At this time, NPS is unable to communicate with the A/E firm until they’re under a new task order which is in progress and will be in place by the time of contract award.

QUESTION 17: Generator Runtime / Duty Cycle Requirements

Please clarify the anticipated operational runtime and duty cycle requirements for the new generator system. Since this is an off-grid photovoltaic system with battery integration, bidders request confirmation regarding expected annual operating hours and whether the generator is intended for continuous prime operation, peak shaving, battery charging support, emergency backup operation, or a combination thereof.

This clarification is requested to confirm compliance with the specified generator rating and applicable air permitting requirements.

ANSWER: The generator for the rehabilitated off-grid PV-battery system is not intended for continuous prime operation. It will be used as an auxiliary source for battery-charging support, supplemental capacity during peak conditions (this is not expected with the expansion of the PV system capability), and emergency/resiliency backup. Annual operating hours are not prescriptively defined and will vary with solar production and load demands. The design intent is for the PV + battery system to serve as the primary power source, reducing dependency on the generator.

QUESTION 18: SRC and our electrical subcontractor have identified a conflict between the project specifications and drawings regarding the generator size for the

Pinnacles NP – Rehabilitate Westside Off Grid Photovoltaic System project.

Specification Section 26 32 13.16 – Gas Engine Driven Generator Sets, Paragraph 2.3 identifies the following:

• Service Load: 70 kVA

• 240V AC

• Single Phase, 3 Wire

However, Drawing E-601 identifies the generator as an 85 kW generator.

Please clarify the required generator size for bidding purposes:

1. 70 kVA / 70 kW Generator or

2. 85 kW Generator

Please also clarify which requirement governs in the event of conflict between the drawings and specifications.

ANSWER: 70 kW Generator, not 85 kW generator, and the specifications govern.

QUESTION 19: Request clarification regarding the solar PV array and inverter sizing shown in the solicitation documents.

After review of the Government design we identified a potential conflict between the specified inverter size and the PV panel/string configuration shown. The design appears to call for 18K inverters, but the indicated panel configuration appears to provide only approximately 12,600 watts of

PV input per inverter, based on the following:

420W panels x 10 panels per string x 3 strings = 12,600 watts per inverter

12,600 watts of PV input appears low for an 18K inverter. The panel configuration should be reviewed. We noted that 40 panels per inverter would appear to provide a more appropriately sized PV input, calculated as follows:

420W panels x 40 panels = 16,800 watts per 18K inverter

We also noted that the Basis of Design PV panel may no longer be available. The currently available panel may be 435W. If 435W panels are used, 40 panels per inverter would provide approximately:

435W panels x 40 panels = 17,400 watts per 18K inverter

Please clarify the following:

1. Is the Government’s intent to provide only approximately 12,600 watts of PV input per 18K inverter, as currently shown?

Answer: At 72kW total output required per the design, the basis of design hybrid inverters (which are sized in 12kW output), should provide ample power to support most of the load.

(c) Inverter AC Output (Each): 12 kW, 240/120V, 1-phase

(d) Inverters in Parallel: 6

(e) Inverter System Size (AC): PInv = 6 x 12 kW = 72kW, 240/120V, 1-phase.

The basis of design inverter: EG4 18kPV has a 18kW PV input and

12kW output. This 12kW output matches the design calculations above.

2. Should the PV panel quantity and string configuration be revised to provide approximately 16,800 to 17,400 watts of PV input per 18K inverter, depending on the final approved panel wattage?

Answer: No, see above answer

3. Please confirm the required number of PV panels, string configuration, and inverter input requirements that bidders should include in their proposals.

Answer: PV panels, string configuration, and inverter input requirements are provided in the project documents.

4. If the Basis of Design PV panel is no longer available, please confirm whether an equivalent currently available panel, such as a 435W panel, is acceptable.

Answer: A 435W panel may be acceptable, but that is a discussion during the submittal process (see Section 01 33 23, Section E in the specifications)

ANSWER: Offerors should propose the project as-is; after award, NPS will consult with the

A/E firm to address any issues through RFIs and possible modifications. At this time, NPS is unable to communicate with the A/E firm until they’re under a new task order which is in progress and will be in place by the time of contract award.