Questions_and_Answers_1.pdf

IFB15B11419B00000002 – Replace Cooling Towers – FCC Petersburg Questions and Answers – 6/27/2019

Question 1:

Is the cold water make‐up to the tower to be sch 80 pvc pipe or copper pipe as existing?

BOP Response: Change - Cold Water Make‐Up piping shall be provided per SOW page 26, revised Paragraph 2.7.A. See Amendment 00002.

Question 2:

Do we want to install 150# flanged stainless steel flex connectors at or near tower connections? Most cooling tower vendors required flex connector. This is usually denoted in installation manual. Do you want them or not?

BOP Response: Clarification Cooling Tower shall be installed per SOW Page 29, Paragraph 1.1.A.1.

Question 3:

The installation of sch 80 pvc pipe will require more supports for the plastic pipe compared to the existing steel. Would it be ok to use dura‐block supports or add additional angle under the tower between the two existing concrete supports?

BOP Response: Clarification Piping supports shall be installed per SOW Page 16, Paragraph N.

Question 4:

Please denote the material & size with the drain and overflow locations on the contract documents for new cooling tower? Existing drain & overflow are sch 40 pvc pipe.

BOP Response: Clarification Refer to SOW Page 29, Paragraph 1.1.A.1 and Page 26, Paragraph 2.7.

Question 5:

The contract documents denotes flow control/shut‐off valve furnished with cooling tower. The existing tower has butterfly valves.

Is this acceptable?

BOP Response: Clarification Refer to SOW Page 29, Paragraph 1.1.A.1.

Question 6:

The existing tower has gear operated butterfly valves in locations (top & bottom of tower, and equalizer line) Are the new valves to be pvc or can they be cast iron lugged butterfly valve w/gear operators like existing?

BOP Response: Clarification Refer to SOW Page 29, Paragraph 1.1.A.1.

Question 7:

Will the owner accept value engineering price for steel pipe that may be cheaper?

BOP Response: Clarification The Bid shall be per SOW. Value engineered ideas may only be considered/evaluated/go thru formal approval process after the construction contract is awarded.

Question 8:

The contract documents discuss “Balancing.” The existing system has no balancing valve nor any other method valves, orifice plates, etc. to

BOP Response: Clarification Refer to SOW Page 29, Paragraph 1.1.A.1. Balancing is required per SOW , thus installation requires provision for cooling tower testing and balancing.

balance the system and none are shown in the contract documents.

Please advise.

Question 9:

We have capacity of pumps on documents but no way to ensure the correct amount of flow to the towers. What is it?

BOP Response: Clarification Refer to SOW Page 11, Paragraph 1.2.B.

Question 10:

We assume each tower is to see 1800 gpm by each condenser water pump associated with each chiller? (the pumps have no balancing valves or orifices to check flow here either)

BOP Response: Clarification Refer to SOW page 35, Paragraph 1.2.F

Question 11:

We also assume one pump is a standby and does this get balanced?

BOP Response: Clarification Refer to SOW page 35, Paragraph 1.2.F

Question 12:

If balancing valves are to be installed where are the valves to be installed so they have the proper upstream & downstream requirements for the valves?

BOP Response: Clarification Refer to SOW page 30, Paragraph 1.1.D

Question 13:

We would suggest on the 10’ pipe to the last tower & use the butterfly to the top connected on the first tower to control flow to the first tower. Please advise.

BOP Response: Clarification Refer to SOW page 30, Paragraph 1.1.D

Question 14:

The SOW states to provide analysis of the existing structure and replace if necessary. The problem with this is we have no idea if its fine as‐is, needs modifications or needs complete replacement. The difference between best and worst case is a substantial cost. There is no way to know until the engineers do the analysis. We propose to have the analysis included in the base bid price and modifications/replacement (if needed) be added to the contract via change order. It will take some structural analysis to know this and no engineer bidding a job is going to invest the time to say one way or another.

BOP Response: Clarification Site visit is highly encouraged. Provide Bid in accordance with the SOW.

Question 15:

The drawings state to use Sch 80 PVC. We would typically expect to see standard weight carbon steel pipe. Please confirm the BOP want

BOP Response: Change ‐ Provide piping per SOW Page 26, revised Paragraph 2.7.A, or new paragraph 2.7.M. See Amendment 00002.

to use PVC over the typical carbon steel pipe. Using carbon steel pipe will end up being cheaper than PVC too.

Question 16:

Are we to tie into an existing heat trace controller or simply cut the tape where it leaves the building and reconnect at that point? Where is the tie in point?

BOP Response: Clarification Provide Heat Trace System in accordance with SOW including but not limited to SOW Page 16, Paragraph O.2., and Page 28, Paragraph L.

Question 17:

Is there an existing electrical circuit for the heat trace that is to be reused?

BOP Response: Clarification Provide Heat Trace System in accordance with SOW including but not limited to SOW Page 3, Sub‐ Paragraph 1.2.D, Page 16, Sub‐Paragraph O.2., and Page 28, Paragraph L.

Question 18:

The SOW states “Water Treatment Program, start‐up, tests and inspections”. What specifically are we to bid regarding inspections and water treatment program? Only enough services to return the water treatment to preconstruction conditions.

BOP Response: Clarification Refer to SOW Page 32, Paragraph H and other SOW requirements for Delegated Water Treatment Specialist Services.

Question 19:

How long are we expected to monitor the water treatment after the towers are installed and running?

BOP Response: Clarification The contractor shall monitor treatment until the Water Treatment Plan is accepted and the contract is officially closed.

Question 20:

Can contractors work a 4 10’s schedule? Hours would be from 7am to 530pm.

BOP Response: Clarification Refer to SOW Page 4, 1.3

Question 21:

Given that the construction site is outside of the prison fence, will employees be subject to searches, daily tool inventories, etc. which will reduce the actual hours spent working? We’re trying to determine how many hours per day needs to be allocated for non‐ work activities.

BOP Response: Clarification Refer to SOW Page 8, 1.9

Question 22:

The solicitation states a 119‐day POP, but the cooling tower lead time is 10 weeks ARO (after receipt of order). By the time the contracts are negotiated and issued, engineering, issuance of submittal drawings, review of drawings and likely a second round of revisions to confirm the changes from the first submittal, this will be at more than 119 days. Adding the construction and the upfront engineering that’s

BOP Response: Change ‐ The performance period has been changed to 161 days after the issuance of the Notice to Proceed. See Amendment 00002.

required, as‐builts in CAD, TAB, etc. a 119 day is not achievable. We don’t know when the NTP will be given or when the 119‐day clock begins and ends. If NTP is issues on the back end, after engineering and all submittals are approved, 119 days is achievable. If on the very front end, 119 is far too short. We still don’t know the extent of the cooling tower structural supports so there are quite a few unknowns when considering the 119‐day POP.

Question 23:

Does the 119 days include ONLY construction, or does it include post construction activities (commissioning, punch list items, final submittals, as‐builts, final documentation, final invoice, etc.).

BOP Response: Change ‐ The performance period has been changed to 161 days after the issuance of the Notice to Proceed. See Amendment 00002.

Question 24:

Please advise when the Liquidated Damages would begin, based on the 119‐day POP.

BOP Response: Change ‐ The performance period has been changed to 161 days after the issuance of the Notice to Proceed. See Amendment 00002.

Question 25:

Can contractors weld inside of the Chiller Plant during times of inclement weather (if the spec if changed to steel pipe)?

BOP Response: Clarification Yes

Question 26:

Does the BOP have existing welding receptacles that can be used?

BOP Response: Clarification No

Question 27:

Will the BOP allow a scrap dumpster onsite during construction?

BOP Response: Clarification Yes, BOP will allow space for scrap dumpster

Question 28:

Please explain the badging process. How many hours should be allotted per employee for badging?

BOP Response: Clarification Refer to SOW Page 8, 1.9

Question 29:

Who is required to get badges?

BOP Response: Clarification All workers on site, delivery drivers will not need clearance.

Question 30:

Will temp personal require badges (material deliveries, crane operators who will pick and set the towers, etc.)?

BOP Response: Same as question 29

Question 31:

Will replacement of the towers require a phased construction approach or can both towers be demoed/replaced simultaneously?

BOP Response: Clarification Both tower will be replaced at the same time

Question 32: BOP Response: Clarification There are factory authorized service representatives to test and inspect components, assemblies, and

SOW states to enlist the services of a factory authorized and qualified manufacturers rep for the heat trace, but to our knowledge there is no such thing regarding heat trace and we’ve never had one onsite to test heat trace. Please advise if this is a requirement and we will have to determine if this is possible or if that exists.

equipment installations, including connections. In lieu, a qualified testing agency hired by the contractor to perform tests and inspections is acceptable, however.

Question 33:

SOW states to hydro piping to 1.5x operating pressure and hold for 15 mins. Given that there is only a few linear feet of piping please advise if this is a requirement. If it is, what is the system boundary and what systems are to be hydroed? We will have to install valves to hydro if needed and need to know what size valves and where to install them in order to hydro. We would typically expect to see an in‐ service test for Condenser Water piping but can hydro if it’s really a requirement. It will add cost to the project, and we feel the same thing can be accomplished with the in‐service test.

BOP Response: Clarification Perform testing in accordance with the

SOW.

Question 34:

The SOW states a preconstruction (as‐found) TAB report is required as well as one at the end of the project after the towers are commissioned. Please confirm this is the intent.

BOP Response: Clarification Refer to SOW Page 11, Sub‐Paragraph 1.2.B and Page 35, Paragraph F.

Question 35:

SOW states contractor shall enlist Architect Engineer support for structural design as well as “engineered sealed record drawings” and submittal review. Please confirm these are only for “as‐builts” and no review of the BOP provided drawings is required.

BOP Response: Clarification Refer Page 15, Sub‐Paragraph M.2.

Question 36:

Please confirm no onsite visits are required by the non‐structural AE services (mechanical, electrical, etc.).

BOP Response: Clarification Site visits for the non‐structural AE Services are encouraged but not required, for Bid phase. Site visits may be required for the construction phase, pending engineer’s option, in order to sign off on all the SOW’s required documentation under the delegated engineering services.

Question 37:

Are the engineers to review the cooling tower drawings too or only contractor submittals?

BOP Response: Clarification Refer to Page 15, Sub‐Paragraph M.1.

Question 38:

If new towers are procured that are the same size and weight of the existing BAC towers, does the need still exist for structural analysis?

The tower capacity and size aren’t changing so we expect the existing structural support is sufficient.

BOP Response: Clarification The structural support shall be verified regardless and in accordance with the SOW for both the towers and the piping system.

Question 39:

Is the BOP interested in 304SS hot and cold‐water basins to extend the life of the towers? The price of the material is higher than galvanized but lasts much longer and the water treatment required for galvanized is more expensive. The life cycle cost on thee stainless steel ends up being cheaper because of these two factors.

BOP Response: Clarification The bid shall be in accordance with the SOW. Contractor may provide value engineering upon award of the construction contract.

Question 40:

The SOW states to provide fan deck handrails w ladder AND louver face platforms w handrails and ladder. Both aren’t typical as both gain access to the fan deck and adding BOTH adds nearly $15,000.

Please advise if both are needed.

BOP Response: Clarification The bid shall be in accordance with the

SOW.

Question 41:

The SOW specifies sump sweeper piping in the cold‐water basins, but the existing towers did not include this when sold new and the system must be set up with a condenser water filtration system. If the BOP doesn’t have this set up, the sweeper piping is of no use and adds several thousand dollars. Please advise if this is needed.

BOP Response: Clarification The bid shall be in accordance with the

SOW.

Question 42:

The SOW states to provide design calculations and detailed fabrication and assembly of pipe anchors and anchors. There are only going to be a handful of hangers on the piping. We don’t know what design calcs would be provided or what purpose they would serve.

The piping will be field fabricated and not shop fabbed. Please advise if this requirement still stands and advise what calcs we are to provide. Pipe stress and hanger loading is typically done for steam piping and spring can hangers. There are neither on this project.

BOP Response: Clarification The Structural Engineer shall determine what supports the piping systems require, and shall provide the analysis report with recommendations on the supports which will do the job.

Question 43: BOP Response: Clarification Electrical Engineering Services are required for Quality Assurance to approve the product data satisfying

The SOW states to provide engineering services for the design of wiring and aux components, but again we’re not certain what they are to provide. The motor sizes aren’t changing so the existing electrical (wiring and breakers) should be adequate. Please confirm if we need to provide AE services for the electrical scope and state what they are to provide. We can and will size the wiring and breakers based on NEC standards.

the SOW. Refer to SOW Page 16, Paragraph O. Also refer to Page 17, Paragraph 1.5, and Page 15, regarding approvals and closeout documentation.

Question 44:

SOW provides similar statements for the heat trace also. Please confirm we are to enlist an AE to design the heat trace. Typically, we work with a heat trace manufacturer and provide them with the location of the project, the range of water temps and they provide the size and type of heat trace required to provide freeze protection.

This is what the AE would do too, reach out to the heat trace manufacturers and let them size the system since that’s their specialty. Please advise if this requirement stands.

BOP Response: Clarification Refer to response above for Question 43.

Question 45:

In general, we’re unsure if this is a design‐build project or a bid‐build project where we enlist an AE to support some areas of the project.

The SOW specifies AE involvement that we would consider design‐ build, but maybe the BOP has other intentions and we don’t understand. Can the BOP provide an overview of their expectations from the AE on this project including structural, mechanical, electrical, heat trace, submittal review, Cx, as‐builts, etc.?

BOP Response: Clarification This is a Bid Project with Delegated Design Services, as outlined in the SOW.

Question 46:

There is no option for VFD bypass specified. This is a good idea that will allow the VFD to be bypassed in the event of failure or issues with the VFD itself, otherwise the fan motors will be out of service (and towers too) until the issue is resolved.

BOP Response: Clarification The bid shall be in accordance with the SOW. Contractor may provide value engineering upon award of the construction contract.

Question 47:

The wet bulb temperature on the Cooling Tower Schedule is 81.81°F.

The ASHRAE 0.4% design evaporation wet bulb temperature for Richmond, VA is 78.4°F. Please confirm what is design wet bulb

BOP Response: Clarification The bid shall be in accordance with the SOW. The selection was done knowing this.

should be for the cooling tower. Using 81.81F will result in a larger tower being selected which ultimately costs more.

Question 48:

Does the BOP have a small office space in the powerhouse that a Superintendent can occupy during construction or should be include money for a temp office?

BOP Response: Clarification No, The BOP does not have space for office use.