Questions_and_Answers_Sheet_0002.pdf

Questions and Answers Sheet for – 140R6026R0008 –

WY UPS & Breaker Replacement

Questions and Answers:

1. Question: There are 2 sheets in the drawing portion of the solicitation that appear to be identical. Sheet 467-D-60006 shows up in the middle of the drawing set and as the last sheet. Is this an error? If not, what is the purpose of the second sheet?

Answer: One was a duplicate, included in the original solicitation package in error. The last instance has been removed.

2. Question: Please confirm that the intent of these bid documents is to reuse the existing battery bank and that no new batteries or battery cabinet is required.

Answer: Confirm, the existing battery is intended to be incorporated with the new system. See 26 33 53 2.01 D.

3. Question: Specification Section 01-14-12 states that “Loads supplied by Transfer Switch MTS can be down no more than three (3) days.” The Contract Documents also include a temporary power single-line diagram and require temporary power and demolition planning.

To properly price and schedule the work, please clarify the Owner’s expectations for this requirement as it relates to both the MTS and the UPS replacement work.

Answer: See revised section 01 14 12 - Work Restrictions and Limitations.

4. Question: MTS Outage Clarification - When the specification states that loads supplied by Transfer Switch MTS can be down no more than three (3) days, does this mean:

(a) The Owner understands that generator backup power will be unavailable during this period, but expects the Contractor to maintain power to loads downstream of MTS via temporary utility power, or

(b) The Owner expects the Contractor to provide temporary automatic or manual transfer capability (generator-to-utility or equivalent) during this period, or

(c) The Owner accepts that loads downstream of MTS may be without power for up to three (3) days with no temporary power provided, subject to coordination and approval?

Answer: See revised section 01 14 12 - Work Restrictions and Limitations.

5. Question: UPS Replacement / Temporary Power Expectations - Is there a maximum allowable duration for temporary power serving UPS-backed loads while the UPS is out of service?

Answer: No. See revised section 01 14 12 1.02 B.

6. Question: UPS Replacement / Temporary Power Expectations - Is there an expectation that UPS-supported loads remain continuously energized via temporary power, or is limited downtime acceptable during transitions between permanent and temporary power sources?

Answer: Limited downtime is acceptable. Planning and coordination with BOR will be required to handle shutting down and starting up of BOR equipment around any outages. BOR will also have to plan for alternative operations of remote facilities. Interruptions to UPS supported loads should be made in coordination with BOR activities, and should be made during normal office hours Monday - Thursday. See revised section 01 14 12 1.02

7. Question: Control Room Downtime Expectations - I Do the Contract Documents assume:

(a) Zero downtime for the control room and critical SCADA/control loads, or

(b) Minimal, planned downtime during cutovers between permanent and temporary power systems, provided outages are coordinated and limited?

Answer: See Revised section 01 14 12 1.02

8. Question: Temporary Power Duration –Aside from the three-day limitation stated for MTS-supplied loads, is there any contractual limitation on: The total duration temporary power may be utilized during demolition, installation, testing, and commissioning of new equipment?

Answer: No limitations on the total duration in which temporary power is utilized. See revised section 01 14 12 1.02

9. Question: We are seeing feedback from multiple suppliers that the basis-of-design UPS referenced in the bid documents does not appear to meet Buy America Act requirements. Based on that, we need clarification on how this should be handled.

Answer: The vendor is to make the determination if 52.225-1 applies to the UPS they propose.

10. Question: Are we bound by Buy America Act requirements for this project?

Answer: 52.225-1 applies to this procurement unless an exception to FAR

25.1101 (a)(1)(i) applies to any supplies to be provided by the vendor.

11. Question: If so, does this requirement apply to the UPS or will a waiver be issued?

Answer: If the unit you plan to propose is made in, say, Switzerland it appears that FAR 25.101 (a)(1)(i) exception (B) would apply. However, if the vendor decided to use an alternate UPS that is equal or better, then the vendor would need to see where that was made and determine if any of the exceptions applied to that particular item.

12. Question: Section 26 33 53 identifies a basis-of-design UPS “or equal” and requires reuse of the existing 125 VDC, 620 Ah battery bank. Please confirm whether bidders may include an alternate UPS that meets all listed essential characteristics, and whether compatibility with the existing battery bank is a mandatory requirement for acceptance of an alternate UPS, or if other compliant solutions will be considered.

Answer: Yes, an alternative is acceptable as long as it meets the essential characteristics listed. Compatibility with the existing battery is not mandatory.

13. Question: During the site walk it was noted that some of the equipment in the Utility Closet had Arc Flash Labels; however, the Solicitation does not mention a requirement for an Arc Flash, Study, Labeling, or trip coordination. Please verify if this is required for submittals and labeling / setting is required for final completion.

If required, please identify if the contractor will be provided an existing ETAP/ SKM model’s and or be required to provide the final models to the client?

Answer: BOR conducts its own Arc Flash studies, labelling, and coordination studies. It is not required of the contractor to assess the existing system or to provide coordination and labelling. Provide coordination curves with submittals requiring manufacturer's data.

14. Question: The solicitation makes mention of the requirement for a Registered Professional Engineer; however, does not define if the engineer needs to be licensed in Wyoming. Many federal contracts are not specific to requiring state registration where worksite is located (with exception of structural and fire at times), please clarify if the PE needs to be licensed in the state of Wyoming.

Answer: Does not have to be Wyoming.

15. Question: During the site walk, it was stated that the existing system has been in bypass for some time now, please confirm the existing system is non operational and phasing execution does or does not take into consideration until final completion that intermediary phases will be double conversion.

Answer: Existing System UPS1 and UPS2 are both in bypass. The controls are operational but the systems will not fully transition to the UPS operational states. The breakers inside the UPS enclosure may be operated including the DC feed, and the 480V feeds, and the system 1 and system 2 outputs. The UPS will not go into operational mode "Load on Inverter" from either system following the manufacturers start sequence. See drawing 467-D-60005 for suggested temporary power plan.

16. Question: The Solicitation does mention Factory Test, Field Test Reports etc, but does not require a conformance to a UPS Test standard such as NFPA 111 or specifics on testing requirements such as an 8hr discharge test, 100% run time test, harmonic monitoring during implementation, power quality base and post upgrade analysis. Please clarify any detailed testing that is required.

Answer: The expectation is that any manufacturer recommended checks or commissioning activities specific to the equipment and anything that is required to certify warranty should be completed. Battery discharge testing is not expected or permitted on the existing battery.

17. Question: Please clarify whether all field testing referenced as being in accordance with NETA ATS-2025 must be performed by a NETA-certified testing firm and/or NETA-certified technicians. Please identify the specific equipment requiring NETA ATS testing and the minimum required test procedures and report format.

Answer: See added section 26 08 00.

18. Question: Utilizing the existing flooded cell batteries, it was noted there is no current battery monitoring system. Is the contractor required to perform battery impedance testing, battery discharge testing, battery capacity testing, or NFPA/IEEE acceptance testing prior to or following installation of the new UPS?

Answer: The replacement UPS and charger components are to include battery monitoring features. Battery discharge capacity testing is not required for the existing battery. The new battery monitoring features require testing.

19. Question: Please provide age, manufacturer, model, installation date and most recent maintenance records including capacity test, cell voltage logs and gravity readings along with any known deficiencies for the existing 125VDC 620Ah wet-cell battery bank.

Answer: See attachments added with this amendment:

• Attachment # 8 – ‘Workorder 6974029’ and

• Attachment #9 ‘Batteryinfo1700160120793’

20. Question: Please clarify if the existing generator provides power to the existing building in its entirety including but not limited to the air conditioning and ventilation system.

Answer: Existing generator does not provide power to the entirety of the building unless the MTS switch is operated. The replacement system should have an automatic transfer switch that will allow the existing generator to pick up the entire building including the 480V loads under MPA. As shown on 467-D-60006.

21. Question: During the site walk, it was mentioned that the existing system at times previously would overheat when active due to cooling not being operational in the room while on UPS Power. The solicitation requires 40C a standard temperatures that are likely not suitable for discharging for 6-8hrs (also mentioned onsite) without cooling. Please confirm the operating range of 40C for the hardware and should the room exceed this temperature that it is not the responsibility of the contractor.

Otherwise, please advise if it is the responsibility of the contractor to confirm operation of a defined run time with adequately specified equipment for the temperatures or cooling added to the room.

Answer: It is expected that the existing HVAC systems will handle it and the emergency power source is expected to carry the HVAC loads.

22. Question: Please clarify if the HVAC NCP1 and NCP2 are servicing the control room, adjacent offices, or the current UPS Room.

Answer: Control room and adjacent offices and the current UPS room, the entire Northern Building is serviced. There is also a Liebert HVAC unit that services the Equipment room and UPS room. Inputs or Controls for the new HVAC features as well as existing electrical system including the changes to the MPA and HVAC system require updated drawings. These drawings are being approved and will be shared with an amendment #3 of the solicitation at a later date.

23. Question: During the site walk, and with supplemental information it was noted the existing run time of the UPS was ~8hrs, what is the expected run time of the

UPS?

Answer: The existing battery is 467 Ah.

24. Question: Please confirm the minimum required UPS salient characteristics and identify whether any additional industrial-duty requirements apply beyond those expressly listed in Section 26 33 53.

Answer: Required salient characteristics are listed in 26 33 53.

25. Question: The solicitation is vague regarding spare parts, please clarify if the requirement is for manufacturer spares of X years, or specifically extra UPMs, Air Filters, Maintenance materials for X years is required as a delivery?

Answer: Manufacturer recommended spares for critical and consumable components and maintenance materials. Provide spares within contracts period of performance.

26. Question: The PWS does state 5 years of Warranty but does not clarify if this includes both Parts and Labor, Travle, Freight, Emergency Response, factory Technician Support, Preventative Maintenance and software updates. please advise if as an Alternative to spares, the government would require 5 years of warranty and maintenance with emergency response (clarify response time requirement) for the manufacturer or authorized service company of the equipment being installed.

Answer: 5 years hardware warranty. No labor or software support services.

Software support services including access to updates that are used for installation and activation of products should be associated with Reclamation and deliverable. Section 26 33 53 1.09 has been updated to reflect ‘HARDWARE’ Warranty.

27. Question: The existing battery bank does not have any battery monitoring, does the government complete regular battery impedance testing, battery discharge testing, battery capacity testing, or NFPA/IEEE acceptance testing? Is battery monitoring to ensure an operational system, required by the government? Please confirm whether the battery management requirements in Section 26 33 53 require a dedicated individual-cell battery monitoring system for the existing 125VDC wet-cell battery bank, or whether the UPS manufacturer’s standard battery charger/monitoring functions satisfy this requirement.

Answer: BOR conducts a battery maintenance program. Battery monitoring features can be integrated with the UPS charger/monitoring capabilities or a standalone unit. Individual cell and connection quantity data should be accessible from a battery monitor communications port, or through communications capabilities with the charger and UPS. Battery monitoring is for the existing 125VDC bank.

28. Question: During the site walk, it was mentioned all loads on CPP1, CPP2, and PPAA were single phase. Additionally with the re-alignment and potential consolidation of panel loads, is it required that the contractor complete a power study (and if so, please identify length of time and sample rate per load) and alignment of loads to accomplish the minimum phase imbalances to maximize efficiencies of the UPS.

Answer: We do not require a power study.

29. Question: Please identify the size, rating, model and installation date of the AC Unit within the adjacent room which services the current UPS Room.

Answer: Libert Model VH290AUAAEI. The other building HVAC system also serves this room.

30. Question: The cable and conduit schedule indicates multiple existing cables are to be reused. Please confirm whether the Contractor is required to test existing reused cables before reconnecting them. If testing is required, please identify required test methods, insulation resistance values, acceptance criteria, and responsibility if existing cables fail testing..

Answer: Re-use cables where possible that are not affected by changes to conduit and enclosure location installations. Re-used panelboard branch circuit conductors do not need to be tested. Re-used cables are to be tested in accordance with 26 05 10 3.03. Refer to 3.03 D 2 c for minimum insulation resistance.

31. Question: The UPS specification states that the Government reserves the right to inspect the UPS at the supplier’s manufacturing plant prior to final testing and lists factory test items. Please clarify whether factory witness testing is mandatory or optional, how much advance notice is required, whether the Contractor must include Government travel costs, and whether factory test failure/retest costs are the Contractor’s responsibility.

Answer: The government may inspect the UPS but is not obligated to perform an inspection. Government travel costs will not be the contractor’s responsibility. Provide 21 days’ notice of factory test date.

32. Question: Please clarify the Contractor’s responsibility regarding existing electrical working clearances and other existing code-related installation conditions in areas where equipment is being replaced, reused, or modified. Specifically, please confirm whether: The Contractor is required to bring all existing electrical equipment and installation conditions within the project work area into compliance with current NEC requirements or is only required to install new/replacement equipment in accordance with the contract drawings and not correct existing deficiencies with equipment not called out for replacement by the contract drawings

Answer: Contractor should propose any corrections that they are concerned with in the work area by requesting modifications after award. All new or reused parts of the installation should be in alignment with NEC. See section 26 05 02 3.01 B.

33. Question: Please identify all critical loads that must remain energized during construction and cutover, including SCADA, communications, control center, security, HVAC, battery charger, lighting, and receptacle loads. Please confirm the maximum allowable interruption for each panel/load and whether the Contractor is responsible for temporary power to each load during demolition, installation, testing, and commissioning.

Answer: See amended section 01 14 12.

34. Question: Applicable Wage Determination for Bidding - The solicitation documents for this bid include the prevailing wage determination for heavy and highway construction. Please confirm whether this is the applicable prevailing wage determination on which bidders are to base their bids. If not, please identify the correct prevailing wage determination to be used

Answer: This amendment includes providing correct the Wage Determination from 'heavy and highway construction' to 'Building'.

35. Question: Treatment of Revised Wage Determinations After Bid Date - If a revised prevailing wage determination is issued after bid date but before project completion, please confirm whether such revision will or will not be incorporated into the contract requirements and, if incorporated, whether the resulting cost impact will be addressed by contract modification.

Answer: With a few exceptions, the wage rate is generally "locked in" at award. Post-award revisions are not normally incorporated for standard fixed-price construction contracts.

36. Question: Existing Battery Bank - Please confirm that the existing battery bank is to remain in place and be reused, and that no new batteries or battery cabinet are required under this project. Please also confirm that new disconnect YBD is to be installed on or adjacent to the existing battery cabinet.

Answer: Existing batteries are to be reused per 26 33 53 2.01 D. Install new disconnect on or adjacent to existing battery cabinet per 26 41 14 3.01 D.

37. Question: Specification Section 01 14 12: Outage and Temporary Power Clarifications - Specification Section 01-14-12 states that “Loads supplied by Transfer Switch MTS can be down no more than three (3) days.” The Contract Documents also include a temporary power single-line diagram and require temporary power and demolition planning. To properly price and schedule the work, please clarify the Owner’s expectations.

Answer: See amended section 01 14 12.

38. Question: MTS Outage Clarification - When the specification states that loads supplied by Transfer Switch MTS may be down no more than three (3) days, please confirm which of the following applies: (a) the Owner accepts an outage of up to three (3) days for loads downstream of MTS with no temporary power required, subject to coordination and approval; (b) the Owner accepts loss of generator backup during this period, but requires the Contractor to maintain downstream loads by temporary utility power; or (c) the Owner requires the Contractor to provide temporary transfer capability during this period, whether automatic, manual, or equivalent.

Answer: See amended section 01 14 12.

39. Question: UPS Replacement / Temporary Power Expectations - Please confirm that because the existing UPS is non-functional and presently operating in bypass mode, the Contract Documents do not impose a specific maximum duration between removal of the existing UPS and energization of the new permanent UPS system, provided temporary power is installed to continuously serve the critical loads in accordance with the temporary power single-line diagram.

Answer: See amended section 01 14 12.

40. Question: Critical Panel Downtime - Please confirm whether a maximum allowable downtime applies during cutover to the following panels: PPAA, CPP1, and CPP2.

Answer: See amended section 01 14 12.

41. Question: Temporary Power Duration - Aside from the three-day limitation stated for MTS-supplied loads, please confirm whether any contractual limitation applies to the total duration temporary power may be used during demolition, installation, testing, and commissioning.

Answer: See amended section 01 14 12.

42. Question: Service-Entrance Conductor Existing Conditions, Routing of Service- Entrance Conductors Through Panel MPA - Based on Drawing 467-703-2628, field observations, and prior experience at this site, the service-entrance conductors from the utility transformer enter the gutter below panel MPA, pass through panel MPA, and then terminate at MTS. This places unfused service conductors within equipment that is not the service disconnecting means. Please confirm whether correction of this existing condition is required as part of this project, or whether it is to remain unchanged.

Answer: Correct this condition. Service entrance conductors may pass through conduit/gutter and are to land in ATS as shown on 467-D-60006.

43. Question: Service-Entrance Conductor Existing Conditions, Existing Neutral Conductor Sizing - Based on Drawing 467-703-2628 and field observations, the incoming service-entrance conductors for phases A, B, and C are 350 kcmil copper, while the neutral is #1 copper. A similar reduced-neutral condition also exists on the incoming generator feed, which consists of three runs of 4/0 conductors with a #1 neutral. While these configurations may have been accepted under the original installation, reduced neutral sizing of this type is not typical of modern design practice for systems serving significant nonlinear loads. Please confirm whether the Owner intends for these conditions to be corrected under this project, or whether they are to remain as existing conditions with no modification required.

Answer: Re-use service entrance conductors per drawing 467-D-60004. If conductors fail testing, notify COR.

44. Question: ATS Auxiliary Contact for HVAC Shutdown, Intended HVAC Shutdown Operation - Section 26 30 10 and the drawings indicate an HVAC shutdown auxiliary contact associated with the ATS. However, based on the most recent HVAC upgrade, control panels NCP1 and NCP2 were removed and no longer exist. Please provide a narrative describing how this contact is intended to operate so the HVAC system can be programmed accordingly.

Answer: The HVAC systems should come on with a delayed start after an ATS operation in either direction. See section 26 30 10 2.01 K + L. Systems were replaced and current electrical and HVAC systems will be reflected in updated drawing with the forthcoming amendment #3. BOR will provide manuals and access to the HVAC controls to implement a delayed start although it may just achieve the desired delay through a thermostat input.

45. Question: ATS Auxiliary Contact for HVAC Shutdown, Generator Operation / HVAC Shutdown Sequence - Please confirm whether this contact is intended to shut down the HVAC system for the full duration of generator operation, or whether a different operating sequence is intended, such as staged startup or another controlled sequence.

Answer: The HVAC systems should come on with a delayed start after an ATS operation in either direction. Settings for time delays are not specified at this time.