Hungry_Horse_Excitation_Q_A_Log_Government_Answer_(2)_0002.pdf

140R1025B0003 Hungry Horse Excitation Question & Answers

1. The new transformer for turbine 4 is according to the drawings located behind turbine 4 between the beams. The new transformer panel(s) will completely cover the existing panel named Heating Cooling Center N4A. Does USBR plan to relocate that panel or include the relocation of the panel in the scope of this solicitation?

Answer: Moving the N4A Panel will be accomplished prior to the beginning of the outage for this unit and is not included in the scope of this contract.

2. TIC participated in the site walk together with two of our partners. We had a discussion after the site walk and wanted to make a request to extend the time for questions from 1 week to 2-3 weeks. We think that the 1 week to ask questions after the site walk is too short as we need to markup drawings and ask questions based on these. Can we get an extension to submit questions?

Answer: Amendment #1 extended the deadline to submit questions to October 23, 2025. No further questions are being solicited at this time.

3. I would like to ask you if the USBR would consider eliminating the requirement for the Bid Bond for solicitation 140R10125B0003? Also, I noticed that no percentage for the bid bond is specified in the solicitation document, is that correct?

Answer: A bid bond will be required for this solicitation. FAR Clause 52.228-1 Bid Guarantee is incorporated by way of this Amendment.

4. Does the USBR have a preference for any particular CDMS system like, for example Procore or Oracle?

Answer: The solicitation speaks for itself. Refer to page 469 of the solicitation, I.133 Contract Document Management System (CDMS)-CPN Region (Apr 2021).

5. SECTION 01 11 00 SUMMARY OF WORK - 1.02.C Please clarify why the DC machine stator poles need to be removed. Removal of the DC machine stator poles is typically only required if the generator collector ring is located above the DC machine stator poles.

In the case of Hungry Horse, the generator collector rings are located below the DC machine. We also understand the commutator needs to be electrically disconnected and mechanical supports removed.

Answer: The Government has considered your question and is not revising the specifications at this time.

6. SECTION 26 25 10 METAL-ENCLOSED BUS -1.04.I. Please clarify in which locations that ground ball studs for temporary grounding cables shall be provided. Typically, there would be one ground ball stud per phase on the incoming of the 15kV switch as well as one ground ball stud per pole on the outgoing DC bus from the excitation cabinet.

Answer: The solicitation speaks for itself. Where the specifications are silent, it is the responsibility of the contractor to identify appropriate means and methods to complete the work.

7. 2.01.C. Please confirm that the 13.8kV Busduct, from the generator terminals to the PTs and PPTs shall be a new segregated Busduct, as per the contract drawings and other references in the specification.

Answer: The solicitation speaks for itself.

8. SECTION 48 13 85 EXCITATION SYSTEM -1.04.E. The specification allows for either a fixed or draw-out design. However, in paragraph 2.24.B it’s specified that a removable (draw-out) design shall be furnished. While the draw-out design is a more expensive design to manufacture, it offers the government many advantages related to maintenance and Mean Time To Repair. Based on this, would the government consider clarifying the specification to remove section 1.04.E so that it is not contradicting paragraph 2.24.B

Answer: An amendment will be forth coming. The amendment will likely remove

2.24 B and allow either fixed or draw-out SCR bridges.

9. 1.04.G.16. Please clarify if the 69ECS, 43ECS and 69PSS refers to selector switches and indicating lights that shall be mounted on each excitation cabinet, in addition to the local HMI panel.

Answer: The solicitation speaks for itself.

10. 1.04.J. Please clarify if all interface wiring to control room, PT/CTs, 125Vdc, 120/480Vac etc. shall be new wiring. Also, are there any control/indicating devices being replaced in the control room?

Answer: The solicitation speaks for itself.

11. 1.09.A.3 & 6. The specification outlines that an assembled 3-phase module of SCRs, fuses and cooling fans shall be provided. Please clarify if the intent is for the supplier to provide a complete 3-phase module SCR with fuses, snubbers, redundant fan sets and any accessories (RTDs, fuse indicators etc.) that can easily replace a complete SCR bridge.

Some manufacturers may only quote loose SRCs and fuses, so a clarification will aid in ensuring that all suppliers are bidding on the same scope.

Answer: An amendment will be forthcoming. The amendment will likely add 48 13 85 Part 1.09 A. "Additional Components described as assembled must be a complete assembly allowing the Government Maintenance staff to easily replace a complete SCR bridge."

12. 2.03 Due to the high symmetric short-circuit current (100kA), there are very few options for off-load disconnect devices that can meet this rating. Gang-operated switches have lower short-circuited rating. Since this switch will only be operated in a de-energized condition, would three (3) individually operated pole switches be acceptable?

Answer: Amendment forthcoming.

13. 2.05 Please provide photo of location where fiber-optic patch/splitter panels can be installed for each unit in the control room, close to the SEL-300G protection relays.

Answer: The specification speaks for itself. Per section 48 13 85 Part 2.05 C, the fiber optic cable is specified as a two-fiber cable. Direct runs between equipment will be permitted. Fiber optic patch panels are optional, but space in the Unit Control Boards is limited.

14. 2.11.M.2 We understand that each six-pulse SCR bridge requires redundant fans that are independent from fans of another six-pulse SCR bridge. Please confirm.

Answer: The solicitation speaks for itself.

15. 2.12.G. The specification requires that there is a disconnecting device in the excitation cabinet. It is also common to add a pole reversal feature that allows for easy pole reversal for even brush wear, without removing large field cables. Would the government condor to add this feature to the specification?

Answer: The solicitation speaks for itself.

16. 2.13.E.3 We understand that both Reactive Differential Compensation (RDC) and Line Drop Compensation (LDC) shall be performed at the same time. Hence, compensating for voltage drop in the step-up transformer as well as balancing VARs between units on the same bus. Please confirm.

Answer: The solicitation speaks for itself.

17. 2.14.G. Please clarify if the contractor shall install CAT6 cable from each unit to a future SCADA location and if so, where that location will be and distance from the existing excitation cabinet.

Answer: The solicitation speaks for itself.

18. 2.16.A. We did not see an existing shaft ground brush assembly in the drawings and potential areas to locate a new shaft ground assembly was not available to be inspected during the site walk. Please provide pictures of potential installation location.

Answer: The solicitation speaks for itself.

19. Interruption of service window available to Contractor, section 01 14 30, item 1.03 A 4 a:

Can we assume that there is another window for G3+4 from July 27, 2028, through January 21, 2029, in case the first window listed under a) can’t be met due to the equipment design and lead times? If not, what is the available window?

Answer: An amendment will be forthcoming to change the outage schedule to accommodate moving this project out approximately 1 year. The amendment will change the outages for G1 & G2 to approximately 8/9/2027-2/10/2028 and G3 & G4 to approximately 8/7/2028-2/15/2029.

20. Will the bidder need to modify the Unit Control board Mimic Bus and add or remove devices?

Answer: The solicitation speaks for itself.

21. Can the bidder use the existing building I-Beam Structures for supporting the new AC and DC bus?

Answer: The solicitation speaks for itself.

22. In order to remove the existing Exciter field polls, it appears we would need to remove the actual exciter. Will the USBR plan to remove the exciter themselves, in order for the bidder to do such removal?

Answer: An amendment will be forthcoming. The amendment will likely require the contractor to provide a qualified crane operator and self-perform all crane operations.

23. Due to longer equipment lead-times, it will be challenging for any supplier to meet the specified outage (July 27, 2026 - January 21st, 2027) for G3 and G4. Can the government provide feedback on how critical this first outage is and if it would be possible to use the outage August 9th, 2027 - February 3rd, 2028) for G1 and G2 as the first outage instead and schedule the G3/G4 outage one year later.

Answer: An amendment will be forthcoming to change the outage schedule to accommodate moving this project out approximately 1 year. The amendment will change the outages for G1 & G2 to approximately 8/9/2027-2/10/2028 and G3 & G4 to approximately 8/7/2028-2/15/2029.

24. In the event that the first outage needs to start on July 27th, 2026, would it be possible to start the outage to remove the existing equipment while only having part of the new equipment at site at the time of removal? We would still be contractually obligated to return G3 and G4 to service before January 21st, 2027.

Answer: An amendment will be forthcoming to change the outage schedule to accommodate moving this project out approximately 1 year. The amendment will change the outages for G1 & G2 to approximately 8/9/2027-2/10/2028 and G3 & G4 to approximately 8/7/2028-2/15/2029.

25. Is there a controls system that currently communicates with the existing excitation system? If yes, what control system is that and what software is used?

Answer: The solicitation speaks for itself.

26. Is the current excitation system manually controlled? Will the new excitation system be controlled manually or via a controls system?

Answer: The solicitation speaks for itself.

27. Is there a preferred excitation system in mind? A certain vendor? Is there a desire to keep this consistent with the excitation systems from other hydropower plants or will the Dept entertain new solutions?

Answer: The solicitation speaks for itself.

28. Does the Government require that excitation controls interface via Modbus TCP only, or will DNP3 or IEC-61850 protocols also be accepted for integration with the existing SEL-3530 RTAC and plant supervisory control system?

Answer: The solicitation speaks for itself.

29. Please confirm whether Siemens fully static digital excitation systems (e.g., SIMATIC EXC, PCS 7-based S7-410 control architecture) would be “considered an acceptable 'equal' under the requirements of Division 48 13 85, provided that WECC compliance, redundancy, and Modbus TCP/RTU communication are met.

Answer: The solicitation speaks for itself.

30. Please clarify whether the Government will provide the interface signal list or Modbus register map for the existing SEL-3401/3530 devices to support interoperability validation.

Answer: The solicitation speaks for itself. There is no existing communication interface between the listed devices and the excitation system.

31. Will the Bureau of Reclamation accept manufacturer-developed Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) procedures from Siemens for review and approval prior to testing, under the submittal process defined in Section 01 33 00?

32. Section 48 13 85 indicates the use of metal-enclosed buses (15kV, 635V AC, 800V DC).

Please confirm if existing conduits and raceways are expected to be reused where practical, or if all conduit replacement is required for new system installation.

Answer: The solicitation speaks for itself.

33. The solicitation identifies outage windows for each unit (G3/G4: July 2026 – January 2027; G1/G2: July 2027 – January 2028). Please confirm whether these windows are flexible if procurement or commissioning activities shift due to lead times or FAT schedule adjustments.

Answer: Amendment will be forthcoming to change the outage schedule to accommodate moving this project out approximately 1 year. The amendment will change the outages for G1 & G2 to approximately 8/9/2027-2/10/2028 and G3 & G4 to approximately 8/7/2028-2/15/2029.

34. Will the Government’s operations team manage unwatering of penstocks and isolation procedures, or is the awarded contractor responsible for coordinating and performing this work?

Answer: The specification speaks for itself. Switching to establish clearance boundaries, including unwatering penstocks, will be performed by HHFO facility staff. See Section 01 14 30 Part 1.03 A 4.

35. Please confirm whether the contractor will be permitted to ship and store all four excitation systems onsite simultaneously, or if storage limitations will require phased delivery per Section 01 14 10 (Use of Site).

Answer: The solicitation speaks for itself.

36. Section 01 31 30 (Contract Document Management System) specifies Primavera P6 compatibility. Will MS Project format submittals also be accepted for monthly schedule reporting?

Answer: The solicitation speaks for itself.

37. Since the solicitation incorporates FAR 52.204-21 (Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems), please confirm whether compliance with NIST SP 800- 171 controls is required for any network-connected control components.

Answer: The solicitation speaks for itself.

38. Section 01 79 20 requires on-site training following commissioning of the first unit.

Would hybrid (onsite and remote) training sessions satisfy this requirement for additional personnel beyond the 3-day course?

Answer: The Government has considered your question and is not revising the specifications at this time.

39. Will access to the existing excitation system or digital data (e.g., single-line diagrams, relay configurations, excitation logic) be provided during proposal development for system architecture planning?

Answer: The specification speaks for itself. Documentation for the existing excitation system is provided in Section 51 00 40 and on the For Information Only Drawings.

40. Would a Performance Bond be required for this project? If so, can you tell us the amount (Percentage of the contract value) that the bond needs to have, and the duration?

Answer: The solicitation speaks for itself.

41. Would a Payment Bond be required for this project? If so, can you tell us the amount (Percentage of the payment value) that the bond needs to have, and the duration?

Answer: The solicitation speaks for itself.

42. Regarding point 6 of clause 2.11 SCR Bridges of section 48 13 85-22. Is it acceptable to BOR for the signals from detecting device in each AC bridge circuit be bought to the redundant controllers, and the controllers to provide the alarm and trip contacts for annunciations, supervisory control, and shutdown circuits? Or is this circuitry to be independent from the main redundant controllers?