140R3024R0025_Questions_and_Responses_01_0002.pdf

140R3024R0025

Hoover Dam Powerplant Station Service

RFP 140R3024R0025

Questions and Responses

1) The bid schedule includes 12 CLINS for different sizes and arrangements of cable, each listing a linear footage for unit pricing. Section 26 05 20, paragraph 1.01.A. Measurement and Payment states that payment will be made for the length of installed permanent conductor or cable. Installation of cabling requires a certain amount of excess cable and slack at each end of the pull in order to ensure proper fitment and slack. Will the government include this excess cable and slack in the measurement for payment or should the contractor adjust unit pricing to cover this cost?

a) TOPIC: price schedule B, conductor

b) A safe margin should be included in conductor distances to ensure one continuous run with no splices or defects. The government will pay a price per foot of cable installed. In accordance with the Request for Proposals’ (RFP) Section B, Paragraph B.1(e), the quantities in the price schedule are estimated quantities for comparison of offers only. Offers must be based on the estimated quantities in the Price Schedules.

2) Do the listed quantities of cable in the bid schedule include slack at each end of the circuits?

a) TOPIC: price schedule B, conductor

b) Slack should not be assumed to be included, as these are estimates.

3) Can the government provide a number of circuits included in each of the 12 cable CLINs?

a) TOPIC: price schedule B, conductor circuits

b) A CLINs are for differential protection relaying and DSN replacement. B CLINs are estimate replacement distances for cables that would fail when testing them.

4) If the contractor purchases cable amounts according to the linear footages shown in the bid schedule and all of the cable is not used, will the government pay for the unused cable or is the contractor stuck with the cost of the unused cable?

a) TOPIC: price schedule B, conductor

b) The government will pay a price per foot of cable installed. Variations in the estimated quantity will be paid in accordance with the RFP’s Section F.1 clause 52.211-18, Variation in Estimated Quantity.

5) How would the government handle the following scenario. The contractor purchases the 1,800 linear feet of 350 MCM cable as shown in the bid schedule. There is one last 200’ circuit of 350 MCM to be installed and only 180’ is left on the spool that was ordered according to the CLIN. The contractor has to purchase an additional 200’ to install the last circuit without splices. Will the government pay for the 180’ that couldn’t be used?

a) TOPIC: price schedule B, conductor

b) Any conductor sections to be replaced must be continuous, free of splices and defects . If the conductor is not long enough, then the requirement for replacement is not satisfied. A pull string with length markers can be used to gauge conductor run distances. Price per foot of cable installed will be paid for. See the response to question #4.

6) Can the government provide a conduit and cable schedule for new conduit and cable required to be installed?

a) TOPIC: price schedule B, conductor circuits

b) Conduit drawings are included in the solicitation package and additional information can be provided upon award. See response to question #3.

7) Would the government consider lump sum pricing for cable CLINs instead of unit pricing?

a) TOPIC: price schedule B, conductor circuits

b) No, the quantities are estimated quantities. RFP Description of Specifications, Section 26 05 20, 1.01, A.2.

8) Can Elevation View Details for Secondary Unit Substations DSB, DSC, and DSN showing their existing dimensions be provided?

a) TOPIC: main section dimensions, elevation view

b) DWG # 45-D-1616 and 45-D-16332.

9) Specification paragraph 26 16 14 1.06B states that the new equipment shall not exceed the physical size of the existing equipment. Spec paragraph 26 05 04 3.03.C.1.c states to remove existing 36” rear walk in enclosure. Can this 36” of space be used for the new equipment?

a) TOPIC: main section dimensions, walkway

b) Conductor lengths may not be long enough if termination points are pushed back. The space currently serves as a walkway to view terminations behind the existing equipment. This would encroach on workspace behind the switchgear. See RFP Description of Specifications, Section 26 16 14, 1.06, part B.

10) Can dimensions of the panelboards to be replace be provided?

a) TOPIC: panelboard dimensions

b) Existing panelboard dimensions vary, as some are from original construction and others are more modern. Some are flush with the bulkhead and exact dimensions are hard to determine without removing existing cover plates, others are mounted to the bulkhead. The new equipment that meets requirements for arc flash protection may be larger.

11) Specs call for NEMA 12 enclosures. This is not offered in C37.20.1 Metal Enclosed Switchgear. Can offer NEMA 1 with gasketing, screens, and rodent proofing (floor plates). Would this be acceptable?

a) TOPIC: main section, equipment ratings

b) Enclosure ratings must provide a degree of protection against the ingress of water.

12) Is busway used to feed the main breakers? Or is this cable fed?

a) TOPIC: main section, feeders

b) Overhead busway with stranded flex rated connectors.

13) Specs call for grounded metal safety shutters, Eaton will provide standard safety shutters which are not metal.

a) TOPIC: main section, safety shutters

b) Amendment 0003 will provide a response.

14) Specs call for Eaton Digitrip 1150+, this trip unit is being obsoleted and is replaced with PXR25 trip unit. Will this be acceptable?

a) TOPIC: main section, trip units

b) An equal unit can be included in the proposal that will satisfy all the requirements and salient characteristics from RFP Description of Specifications, 26 16 14, 2.02(P.).

15) Drawout type PTs would not be offered as these are not standard design in C37.20.1 switchgear. Is this acceptable?

a) TOPIC: protection scheme, equipment, PT’s

16) Secondary test kit not provided for PXR trip unit Magnum breakers. Secondary injection testing is performed with laptop and USB cable.

a) TOPIC: main section, trip units, testing

17) Our proposed switchgear design will have through the door breaker design. Is that acceptable over older behind the door metal frame LV breaker designs?

a) TOPIC: main section, equipment

b) The requirement is for new equipment. See RFP Description of Specifications, Section 26 16 14,

2.02 for salient characteristics required.

18) Our proposed switchgear design will be wider than existing. Would this be acceptable?

a) TOPIC: main section, dimensions

b) The details of proposed switchgear should be included in the proposal and is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure proper fit and function. See RFP Description of Specifications, Section 26 16 14, 1.06.

19) Are glastic shutters acceptable for LV switchgear? Grounded metal is typical for medium voltage metal-clad switchgear.

20) Exception to NEMA 12 construction. We can provide indoor drip proof w/gasketed doors and filtered vents.

b) Enclosure ratings must provide a degree of protection against the ingress of water.

21) We cannot provide C200 accuracy CTs in the LV design. Proposal will be based on C50 which would meet requirements based on available short circuit and burden of relays.

a) TOPIC: protection scheme, equipment, CT’s

b) C200 accuracy is desired; a different accuracy will need to be evaluated upon submittal and may require a contract modification.

22) In LV switchgear potential transformers are typically fixed mounted. Will fixed mounted be acceptable be acceptable?

a) TOPIC: main section, equipment, PT’s

b) Fix mounted PT’s are acceptable if they meet performance and space requirements.

23) Are key interlocks required?

a) TOPIC: main section, equipment

b) The secondary unit substation section requires mechanical interlock functionality for “test” and

“connected” positions to provide protection for personnel. SOW section 26 16 14, 2.02, J.

24) Exception to NEMA 12 construction. Would N3R gasketed be acceptable?

25) Please provide footprint requirements for the new switchgear lineups.

a) TOPIC: main sections, dimensions

b) The footprint is to remain the same as the existing equipment, see RFP Description of

Specifications, Section 26 16 14 – 26, E. See DWG # 45-D-60005 through 45-D-60011, and 45-D- 16382.

26) Can panel schedules be provided for the new panelboards to be installed?

a) TOPIC: panelboards, schedules

b) CLINs A-27 and A-28 to include new panel schedules. Government will provide existing schedules for reference; contractor is to provide new panel schedules.

27) Please clarify main-tie-main controls scheme.

a) TOPIC: main section, controls scheme

b) RFP Description of Specifications, Section 26 16 14, 1.06, E. & 2.03, address main-tie-main. It is unknown if this question is asking for more detail about hardware, protection, or electronic devices.

28) Spec paragraph 26 16 14 2.05.A states to provide eight identical differential relay and install in

Switchgear USA. Please confirm that this is correct as there is no mention anywhere else in the solicitation documents on work with Switchgear USA. If correct, please provide existing drawings for Switchgear USA.

a) TOPIC: main section, protection scheme, USA

b) DWGs: 45-301-9142, 45-301-9207 are included in the solicitation. Additional drawings will be provided after award.

29) Spec paragraph 01 14 12 1.02C states that allowable work hours are Monday through Thursday. Also, states that alternate work schedules may be allowed including Fridays. Contractor plans on working Monday through Friday from start to finish. Would this be acceptable?

a) TOPIC: contractor work schedule

b) The offerors can propose a routine standard schedule during the hours of 6am to 5pm, M-F; 5 days a week, or 4 days a week. Note: some of the outages are required to be off-normal working hours to not affect powerplant operations, visitor center operations, and public tours. As stated in the SOW, some outages will be required on the weekends. The standard schedule must be formally submitted and agreed to by the government. Off-normal working hours outages and work outside of the standard schedule must also be submitted in advance and is subject to CO approval. In addition to work schedules, interruption of service requests will also require special attention (01 14 30).

30) Request 4-week extension on bid date to obtain responsive quotes from switchgear manufacturers after all questions have been answered.

a) TOPIC: solicitation, extension

b) The proposals due date was extended to August 16, 2024, at 5:00 pm PDT.

31) On page L-10 of the solicitation documents, paragraph 6 under Factor 2 states that there is a 10-page limit. Graphs and tables are not part of the 10-page limit. Please confirm that the proposed project schedule to be provided is considered a graph and does not count towards the 10-page limit.

a) TOPIC: solicitation, proposal

b) The contractor’s proposed project schedule can be considered NOT to count toward the 10-page limit. Please ensure the project baseline schedule, Gantt Chart or similar, is large enough and readable to show pertinent details of the schedule.

32) Based on the Pricing Schedule Bid Item's A-2 to A-7 Spec Section 01 33 26 are these drawings and DATA submittals to be stamped by an EE or are these just the shop drawings from the manufacturer?

There is also reference to clause 1452.232.83 we don't see this in the specification please advise where this is located

a) TOPIC: price schedule, PE, clause

b) See RFP Description of Specifications, Section 01 33 00 – 3. Shop drawings; with an emphasis on accuracy and completeness so that quality as-builts can be created and referenced.

33) Per the Bid Sections the temporary cable tray to be described in the specifications to be in the A-26 installation?

a) TOPIC: price schedule, temp cable trays

b) Yes, raceways and boxes, and cable trays sections to be included in CLIN A-26.

34) Line items A-14 through A-16 and B-1 through B-9 to include the labor component with the procurement of the particular cable?

a) TOPIC: price schedule, labor cost

b) Yes.

35) How do we respond to these quantities online Items A-14 through A-16 and B-1 through B-9 if we exceed these Quantities listed?

a) TOPIC: price schedule, quantities

b) See answer to question #4.

36) We would like to formally request a 30 day bid extension to allow our manufactures more time to prepare an accurate quote following the site walk.

37) Given the complexity of this project related to DSD,DSN,DSA we foresee a complication related to the functional timeline and predicted completion date see the Spreadsheet alone this is a preliminary look at the potential push due to the delivery of the critical gear components we will need a third water season (the term the Government Used at the walk through) with the paperwork approvals and the amount of temporary and then reinstallation we doubt we could do more than 2 reinstallations in 2026. Please advise should overtime or shift work be advisable, we still do not believe there has been enough allotted time for this rework. Possibly 26 months once we have gear in hand

a) TOPIC: contractor work schedule

b) The offerors’ proposed schedule should capture all work required in the Description

Specifications. The critical portions of work that are required to take place during “maintenance season” (window stated in the Description Specifications) are the main sections of switchgear.

The load bank, panelboard replacements, and circuit breaker replacements are not required to be in the window stated for the switchgear removal/replacement. Required coordination meetings and submittals have taken place and been approved.

38) Spec Section 1.02 Work Restrictions states the allowable Work Hours are 7:00 to 4:30 Monday through Thursday. This is an abnormal set of working hours for us to maintain a 40-hour work week.

I understand the Reference to Section 01 14 30 but I'm concerned on the production schedule outside the schedule. Will the Government Entertain either a 10 hour a day work week 6am to 4:30pm or a 8hr Mon -Thursday or work week from 7-3:30 Mon-Friday?

a) TOPIC: contractor work schedule

b) See response to question #29.

39) Preliminary feedback from Supply houses tells us 14-month delivery based on approved Submittals for Panels DSA, DSN, DSD Putting us in an awkward time schedule based on the October want by the Government to avoid the Water Season so depending on the award being in September October the 28-month Delivery seems unachievable based on sequencing the magnitude of the work on these 3 boards alone. 2 might be achievable but i don't see enough time in the water season to achieve the 3 can we get an extension based on the 2 additional water seasons? Possibly a 36 month Delivery?

a) TOPIC: contractor work schedule

b) See response to question #37. Water season is when outages cannot take place, in order to ensure water deliveries. Maintenance season is when the main sections of switchgear are to be removed/replaced. Panelboard and loadbank work is not restricted to the maintenance season.

40) Reviewing the Drawings 45-d-16116 and Drawing 45-D-60000 seems there is a conflict on the ID of the panels can we get clarification as to which one is correct? See below.

a) TOPIC: main section, equipment designations

b) For equipment designations, use 45-D-60000. CSB1 and CSB2 are to remain in place, see RFP’s

Description Specifications, Section 26 16 14, 3.02, G.

41) Preliminary dimensioning of the DSA, DSN, DSD seems 36 inches deep gear looking at Photo 51 00 10 13 it appears the DSN gear is 24 inches deep How to we compensate for the code Clearances we need in front to this 480-volt gear?

a) TOPIC: main section, dimensions

b) The limitations of the space behind the switchgear, the walkway area, is fixed as it is a concrete bench. No reference to code is included in the question and it is unclear if this is related to arc flash protection, equipment limitations, or specific equipment ratings. DWG 45-D-16382.

42) Reviewing the sequenced Temporary Plan for the replacement of Board DSN is understood but if we have 3 Switchboards we need to replace and a lot of temporary cabling coming through a Vent to the Load Cables coming out of the floor and walls in each switch board why would we do most of the cabling twice why would we focus on the farthest switchboard first being DSA and then pull back the cables to DSD and then ultimately DSN the sequence listed has us either dealing with a unused cabling that will be tangled in our way or adding additional cables for each Cutover. Given the fact would the Government entertain a similar sequence just doing the sequence for DSN for DSA First?

a) TOPIC: main section, temp power plan, conductors

b) The contractor can propose a temporary power plan and provide details. RFP’s Description

Specifications, Section: 26 20 10 – 2, Part 1.05 (project conditions), section B.

43) Based on market conditions related to these long lead time Switch boards how would the Government entertain the increase costs of materials once they arrive in 14 months after the approval. Is FAR 52.216-4 applicable for the Contractor to recover these price increases that the manufacturers place on us post bid? For Example, our pricing X is good for 30 days this is put on our quotes the Government takes 60-90 days to award then 60 days to get approved submittals back then 14 months for delivery so this could be 19 months later we notified by the manufacturer that the delivered price is Y how do we recover the Delta even if we in good faith put a contingency in this? If this is not the right FAR which one applies to unforeseen increases?

a) TOPIC: solicitation, pricing, FAR

b) The award will be a firm-fixed-price contract.

44) Section 01 54 20 1.05 Crane Use Please clarify the Government will assist in overhead cranes and also forklift given the contractor coordinate such effort with the COR ahead of time Lifting of floor plates etc. Gear lowering will need assistance by the Government.

a) TOPIC: crane use, contractor

b) The government will provide crane operators. Overhead crane use will be coordinated with the government in advance IAW RFP’s Description Specifications, Section 01 54 20. The contractor should provide their own forklift for use in the dam, for equipment offload/onload (in the dam) and staging for crane lifts.

45) Based on the bid Schedule B-2 on the footage of cabling bid items and the Spec Section 26 05 20 is the intent for this cable footage to be used for the temporary feeds to the loads based on the temporary plan? also is this multi conductor cabling to be TC cable or Armor?

a) TOPIC: price schedule, conductor

b) SOW section 26 05 20 describes conductor requirements. Temporary power conductor requirements are not included in this section; it is separate, but must meet or exceed the requirements of the cables and conductors section. Note conductor voltage ratings. Temporary power conductor should be itemized into the temporary power equipment CLIN.

46) Given today's timelines and the complexity of the Switchgear and all the "New technology going into these replacement boards" my distributors are asking for a 2-3-week bid extension, is this possible?

All 3 major manufactures are stating the same thing

47) Confirming we can utilize the Shipping and receiving dock as long as we coordinate deliveries at appropriate times. With the understanding that its on us to relocate down to the Lower Dam on our truck

a) TOPIC: warehouse, equipment deliveries

b) Coordinated deliveries will be accommodated by the warehouse staff, which includes offload and temporary storage in the non-climate controlled warehouse. Receiving docks and forklift services will be available for loading gear onto the contractor’s vehicle for transport down the lower portal road. The contractor is responsible for equipment transport down to the dam, offload in the dam from their vehicles to the crane lifting area. The contractor is also responsible for loading existing equipment and transport to the warehouse for disposal.

48) Temporary power for storage container and Office Container, will there be adequate power for these connection's withing 100ft?

a) TOPIC: contractor work space

b) A prospective contractor’s work space location is listed in the RFP’s Description Specifications.

Power for contractor office use will be provide based on the location. An alternate office location on the second floor has also been identified. Power for temporary electricity (switchgear work) is in RFP’s Description Specifications, Section 01 51 00, 1.03.

49) For the temporary power panel being fed from transformer being fed from transformer KSD Has the Government enabled the switchgears tiebreaker in order for the load to picked up from the board on the KSB transformer? is it in working condition? And will the Main hold? And will the Main on the KSD side be sufficient clearance for us to Disconnect the feed buss to the line side of the Main Breaker for re-use to feed the temporary board?

a) TOPIC: temp power plan, KSD feed

b) Transform KSD is in working condition as it is one of the active supply feeds to the switchgear.

Sufficient clearance exists for the temporary power connections. RFP’s Description Specifications, Section 26 20 10, 3.02.

50) During the walk through it was determined that a Vent was to be used for all the temporary feeds for the loads in panel DSD, is it permissible for us to core up high for the main 1600-amp feeds to the new 1600-amp temp board? and if so, would it be permissible for temp cable tray to be installed to support these temp feeds to get them off the floor so we can remove the gear pieces?

a) TOPIC: temp power plan, conductor layout

b) Core drilling on the bulkhead will not be allowed. Temporary steel structures may be used. Or an alternative temporary power plan can be submitted for review by the government.

51) Looking at the door apposed from DSD can this be removed in its entirety to remove old gear?

a) TOPIC: main section, equipment removal

b) Yes, the door is attached to a removable section of bulkhead for the equipment to be removed and replaced. Coordinate with the government for bulkhead removal, as there are controlled access devices that will need to be properly removed by Bureau staff.

52) Section 2.04 &3.04 Contractor Field Quality Control testing is this to be 3rd party testing i.e. NETA certified Electrical testing.

a) TOPIC: QC, NETA testing

b) Yes.

53) Section 3.05 Training, is there a length of time that the load bank needs to be in service prior to the training and or operation to calculate fuel consumption to replace?

a) TOPIC: load bank, commissioning

b) A 100% functional load bank test will be a part of the commissioning plan. The government will share the details of the periodic maintenance intervals performed to ensure the proposed commissioning plan will satisfy internal requirements.

54) As it relates to Panelboard AM given the new gutter requirements how do we proceed if the replacement gear does not fit the opening of the old gear can we encroach on the maintenance bay?

a) TOPIC: panelboard AM, dimensions

b) Yes, the backside of Panel AM is removable and will accommodate expansion.

55) What is the Governments intent on disposing of the old gear and breakers?

a) TOPIC: existing equipment disposal

b) The contractor will bring all existing equipment up to the warehouse. After the government assesses inventory, the government may keep some equipment for critical spares, the contractor can dispose of it in the warehouse scrap pile, and/or the contractor may salvage/recycle the equipment. Where required, the contractor will follow guidance from RFP’s Description Specifications, Sections 02 82 20, 02 83 33 and 51 00 30.

56) In photograph 51 00 10 38Panel MCC I don't remember anyone identifying this to be replaced if so, can all the loads be shut down while replacing this?

a) TOPIC: panelboards, MCC

b) This was the last stop during the site visit. This work can be requested/accommodated to be completed outside of normal working hours, as to not disrupt Visitor Center operations and public tours.

57) Based on the Environmental report and the original breakers we see some scratches and markings of the covers and a note stating that no Asbestos was found. But given the nature of what asbestos was used for back then (heat) were the arc Shutes tested for asbestos?

a) TOPIC: environmental, testing, arc chutes

b) At no cost to the government, the contractor may do any additional asbestos testing outside of what the government has already completed.

58) In table 51 00 30A Sample Breakers #HSSR002, HSSR014 had traces metals as part of RCRA are also to abate these and dispose of them properly

a) TOPIC: environmental, equipment

b) The contractor is responsible for any abatement that may be required.

59) In table 51 00 30A Sample Breakers #HSSR005, HSSR012, HSSR017 are we to have Asbestos company abate these breakers and dispose of them properly?

a) TOPIC: environmental, equipment

b) See response to question #58. Abatement related work must be conducted by qualified individuals and IAW asbestos hazard abatement plan, and the disposal plan.

60) Panels CSB1&CSB2,MSB were supposed to be integrated into the DSD gear and The Panel MSE was supposed to be integrated into DSN along with Panel MSF being integrated into DSA but according to the temporary Gear I do not see accommodations for the temporary powering of these circuits in the

(4) auxiliary panels. The Government had stated they were to be integrated into the new DSN,DSD,DSA boards but I don't see the Temporary plan. Can these loads be off? I am also concerned about the length of DSD putting all those new loads into it this is why I would like to see it again.

a) TOPIC: main sections, equipment consolidation

b) There are multiple critical loads on MSB; 30HP Pump #1 (to be moved to another section) and

30HP Pump #2 (to be moved to another panel). One of the pumps needs to remain on, or should have limited time off. This will need to be a coordinated event for one pump to remain on as long as possible. MSB is to be completely removed, disposed of, with loads relocated to DSD and DSN.

MSE, MSF, and the RTU (CSB 1/2) are to remain in place.

61) Regarding the temporary Panels per the drawing 45-D-60002 the feeds for the temporary panel are spelled out as (3) 4/0 with multiple circuits exceeding this has this feeder been Designed to hold the loads it seems alittle small when we have multiple loads fed with 250 mcm see green below.

a) TOPIC: temp power plan, conductor

b) Measurements were taken at the motor control center and the 480VAC feeds were observed to be less than 40A on each leg. This did not include lift pump operation.

62) Also looking at the temporary plan further We see no temporary power plan for Panels MSE,CSB1&2,MSE,MSF ,Panelboard AM,Cabinet P6,Cabinet #5,Cabinet #7,Panel DSE,Panel MSE,Panel DSJ,Panel HAD,Panel LAD,Panel STP,Panel P4, Panel P5, Panel L7,Panel HG,Panel LG, Panel P1, Panel MCC, Panel DSG,Panel HA, Panel HB, Panel MDP,Panel P5, please clarify how these loads can be off for hours possibly days with no power feeding them.

a) TOPIC: temp power plan, panelboards

b) All equipment should be onsite and ready to install before any panelboard is de-energized.

Demolition and removal plans must be submitted in advance for review/acceptance by the government, and should state the expected time anticipated until the panelboard is re-energized.

Submittals for approval data, approval drawings, panelboard and breaker replacement plan, and time impact analysis will all be reviewed by the government to ensure outage lengths are kept to a minimum. The panelboard loads are not expected to be powered with any temporary power, so it is imperative the submittals are received and the equipment is onsite and ready. Interruption of service request and an equipment clearance (outage request) will also be submitted for Hoover Operations to hang the clearance to ensure there is no work on energized equipment.

63) On the gear Line ups DSN,DSD DSA we do not see provisions being requested for to accomodate refeeding CSB1,CSB2,MSE,MSF please clarify how we are permanently repowering these panels.

a) TOPIC: main sections, equipment consolidation, temp power plan