Power Systems Worldwide Engineering_Questions and Answers.pdf

POWER SYSTEMS WORLDWIDE - SOLICITATION NUMBER 19AQMM22R0332

Department of State (DoS)

Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) OPS/FAC/PS/Utility Management Program

QUESTIONS / ANSWERS (Q/A)

1. SF33, Block 9. Would the Government consider receiving proposals electronically versus hard copy?

Hard copy submittals require significantly more time in final preparation, printing, quality control, and delivery. Electronic submittal would allow bidders more time to focus on technical and pricing issues versus hard copy production.

Ans: We will accept electronic submittals, it’s preferred.

2. J.1.3 Case Scenario, II, Sample Task Order Worksheet. BOQ. Offerors may not need all line items for each CLIN in the Case Scenario. Can the Government please clarify if QTY and $/UNIT are needed for each line item in the Case Scenario?

Ans: Yes, quantities, unit price are required too, use CLIN’s line in the BOQ that applicable to the case study.

3. J.1.3 Case Scenario, II. Sample Task Order, CLIN 0005. CLIN 0005 cites SOWs part 1 – SOW part 100.

Can the Government please clarify the location of SOWs 1, 2, 3, 4 through 00?

Ans: Ans: This is general explanation how the SOW will be look like, items from Par1-4, and 100 represent the core statement of work that includes replacing equipment and here are some examples:

Ex.1. Demo the existing equipment that will be replaced with new in this SOW. Work shall include but not be limited to all associated conduit, raceway, cables, and any other accessories if required to be removed. Work shall include but not be limited to demo the MV-AVR and the chancery LV-AVR.

Dispose all equipment per the Post’s directions. The contractor shall also clean any impacted area to a condition equal to or better than the original condition.

Ex.2: Furnish, install, and test a brand-new pad-mounted, liquid-filled transformer, 13.7 KV/ 400/230V, Δ/⅄, Z 5.75%, 3Ph, 50 Hz, 4 wire, 1000 KVA, stainless-steel tank base and cabinet, oil fluid.

Transformer shall have medium voltage dead front with universal-type bushing wells, copper windings, sealed tank construction, self-cooled overload capabilities and meets ANSI C57.12.13, IEEE C57.12.00, IEEE C57.12.22 IEEE C57.12.26 Standards. Four each 2.5% taps, two above and two below rated medium voltage with externally operable tap changer for de-energized use and with position indicator and padlock hasp. Transformer shall have distribution class lightning arresters on the primary side, and surge protectors on the secondary side of transformer. The mineral oil shall be complying with ASTM D 3487, Type II, and tested according to ASTM D 117 flammable type, fire-resistant biodegradable seed oil (Envirotemp FR3 or equal). Transformer insulation temperature shall rise 80 C° when operated at rated KVA in average ambient temperature of 30 C° Cover 24 hours with maximum ambient temperature of 40 C°, without loss of service life expectancy. Basic Impulse Level (BIL) shall be 95 kV. Low-Voltage conductors and cables installation shall be based on section 260518.

Grounding and Bonding installation shall be based on section 260525.

4. J.1.3 Case Scenario, II. Sample Task Order, CLIN 0002 - 0006. How should offerors respond to the QTY column for CLINS 0002 – 0005 that show TBD/TO?

Ans: Consider this case study as a Task Order. This case study designed to evaluate the contractor’s level of experience.

5. J.1.3 Case Scenario, a - l. The requirement states that Project narrative of 500 words or more. Are items b – l included in the 500-word minimum?

Ans: 500 words is the minimum.

6. B.2.1. Contract Type. Can the Government please describe the process to be used in the event of unforeseen delays in executing tasks orders?

Ans: The contractor shall comply with the initial proposed timeline schedule; unjustified delays will be reported for future reference. All excusable delays shall be based on FAR 52.249-14. un excusable delay will reflect on the contractor’s performance for future reference.

7. B.2.1. Contract Type. Are contractors entitled to be reimbursed for domestic and international travel getting to/from sites?

Ans: The contract is of a fixed-price nature. Within the Bill of Quantities (BOQ), the Travel Cost Contract Line-Item Number (CLIN) is itemized as follows: Round Trip Ticket per individual, Labor Travel Cost per individual, Daily Lodging, Daily M&IE (Meals & Incidental Expenses), Miscellaneous Travel per day, and Travel Per Diem per person."

8. B.2.1. Contract Type. What is administrative process needed to arrange for contractors to transport of employees from international site #1 to international site #2?

Ans: Contractor is responsible for obtaining visas and for the transmission of the required bio data and itineraries to the COR for submission to the electronic Country Clearance (eCC) system. Bio data includes: attendee's names, date of birth, place of birth, passport number, employer, and security clearance. The itinerary shall include arriving flight, airline carrier code, flight number, date, and time, departing flight, airline carrier code, flight number, date, and time for arrival and departure from Post.

Additional requirement may be required per the destination country.

9. B.2.1. Contract Type. Will local ambassadors or other senior diplomatic personnel have authority to request additional “over and above work”?

Ans: Contractor is to refer the requestor to the Task Order COR for any potential scope expansion and will request modifications, at their discretion, to the Contracting officer (CO) who has the sole contractual authority to modify and amend the contract.

10. B.2.1. Contract Type. Is a process defined whereby local ambassadors or other senior diplomatic personnel can request additional “over and above work”?

Ans: Contractor is to refer the requestor to the Task Order COR for any potential scope expansion and will request modifications, at their discretion, to the Contracting officer (CO) who has the sole contractual authority to modify and amend the contract.

11. B.6.1. Overseas Travel. Can the Government please clarify how contractors are to be reimbursed if an international diplomatic person requests additional time?

Ans: The contractor shall follow the task order SOW only; further direction shall come from the CO.

(To elaborate on questions 9, 10, and 11) The ambassador and senior diplomats are not involved with the contractors. The Utility Management program has already coordinated the Statement of Work (SOW) with the Post's Facility Manager in advance.

12. B.7. Cost of Material and Equipment. Since task orders will be bid based on information provided by the Government, can the Government please clarify the reimbursement process if additional materials and equipment and tools are needed that were not specified by the Government in the original task order?

Ans: Any out of SoW equipment will be a contract modification (MOD).

13. B.9.1. Prices/Costs. Para mentions that “Rates for local labor shall be established while conducting the survey and included in the contractor task order execution proposal.” Are surveys allowed prior to submitting bids on IDIQ task orders? Are surveys the same as site surveys? If site surveys are allowed prior to TO Award, will international travel for site surveys be reimbursable?

Ans: The Contracting Officer (CO) will invite IDIQ contractors to take part in a Task Order and post the initial Statement of Work (SOW Rev 0) on ProjNet. If you express interest, the CO will grant you access to review the SOW. If you remain interested, you will join other contractors in pre-award discussions. The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) will ensure that you fully comprehend the SOW before submitting your bid.

During the pre-award site survey, the COR will convene with all participants to gather recommendations, identify deficiencies, ensure compliance with relevant codes, and formulate a revised Statement of Work (SOW Rev 1) to be used in the bidding process. A stipend for the pre-award site survey will be specified upfront, and please note that travel expenses for this site surveys will not be reimbursed.

14. When are surveys or site surveys to be conducted; prior to Task Order Proposal Submittal or after TO Award?

Ans: Pre-award site surveys are conducted for bidding purposes before Task Order award, while post-award site surveys are conducted after Task Order award for design-related purposes.

15. B.10. Workforce Minimum Qualifications. Can the Government please clarify resumes needed in the proposal?

Ans: Resumes are required as per section L.14.4.1.3.

16. Background Information. Will contractors be reimbursed for security training, Counter Threat Awareness Training, etc.?

Ans: The Contractor is accountable for overhead costs, and there is no provision for reimbursement.

17. C.1.5. Maintenance and Repair Services General Requirements. Can the Government please define “maintenance and repair services including level 1, 2, and 3 services”?

Ans: Three Maintenance and Repair Services levels are defined, as follows:

The OBO/FAC/PS Electrical Maintenance standards are categorized by the depth of maintenance occurring and the Qualification level of those performing the maintenance. This follows a three (3) tier system which identifies qualification level and responsibility. The format is as follows:

• Tier 1 Operator Level maintenance. End user or Locally Engaged Staff technicians performing routine checks, maintenance, and inspections; daily checks, monthly exercise, engine service, etc.

• Tier 2 Identifies a trained, licensed, certified technician such as IMAP, IDIQ contractors or FAC SMEs, performing planned maintenance such as annual inspections.

• Tier 3 are Factory Certified, OEM technicians performing repairs, comprehensive 5-year maintenance, rebuilds etc.

18. C.1.5. Maintenance and Repair Services General Requirements. Can the Government please clarify the process to obtain certified access to C-GMMS and U-GMMS?

Contractor access to U-GMMS or C-GMMS will not be required under the contract. For each Task Order, the contractor will be provided with the following files with items b, c, and d being mandatory components of the closeout deliverables:

a. Specification 017825, which encompasses administrative and procedural requirements for the creation and submission of a 'Systems Manual' and includes the following three attachments:

b. 017825A CMMS Template

c. 017825B Systems Manual Template

d. 017825C OM Strategy Report Template

19. C.1.5.1. Maintenance and Repair Response Time. Routine Trouble Calls. Does the Government anticipate competing specific maintenance and repair tasks that must be “completed within 7 working days of NTP receipt?

Ans: Repair Response Time will be indicated in the individual Task Order Statement of Work.

20. C.1.5.1. Maintenance and Repair Response Time. Urgent Trouble Calls. Does the Government anticipate competing specific maintenance and repair tasks that requires contractor to be on job with within 2 days after receipt of NTP?

Ans: Repair Response Time will be indicated in the individual Task Order Statement of Work.

21. C.1.5.1. Maintenance and Repair Response Time. Emergency Trouble Calls. Does the Government anticipate competing specific maintenance and repair tasks that requires contractor to be on job with within 1 day after receipt of NTP?

Ans: Repair Response Time will be indicated in the individual Task Order Statement of Work.

22. C.1.5.2. Maintenance and Repair Requirements. Are proper containers located at all State Department facilities to receive oils and lubricants?

Ans: No. Contractor is responsible to coordinate with Post to ensure proper containers are available.

If containers are not available at the facility, contractor is responsible to furnish the needed containers as part of the Task Order.

23. C.3. Phase I: Pre-Bid Site Survey. Is the “Pre-Bid Site Survey” conducted only by the contractor awarded the task order?

Ans: A Pre-Bid Site Survey, if needed, is conducted prior to Task Order award. The OBO Project

Manager/COR, along with all interested and qualified contractors bidding on the Task Order as per

SOW Rev (0) attend.

24. C.3. Phase I. Pre-Bid Site Survey. How should a contractor determine the proper way to bid any specific task order without having the opportunity to see the specific local conditions?

Ans: The contractor is recommended to take part in the pre-bid survey to gain a comprehensive understanding of the SOW's objectives.

25. C.4 and C.5. Phase II – Design Requirements and Phase III – Construction Services. Will contractors be expected to bid Phase I, II, and III as part of the initial task order? If a contractor is awarded work for Phase I, will they automatically receive work for Phase II and Phase III?

Ans: Phase I is available to all interest and qualified parties. Contractors are expected to bid all work as required in the Task Order. Phase II may be awarded to a single offeror at the convenience of the government and is not a guarantee.

26. C.6.7 Removal of Obsolete Equipment. Is the contractor responsible for disposing of obsolete equipment? Will such equipment be disposed locally, or will such obsolete equipment need to be shipped back to the U.S. for secure disposal?

Ans: Always dispose all equipment per Post’s directions unless otherwise indicated in the Task Order.

An example of Task Order language for disposing of equipment in SOW:

“Demo the existing equipment that will be replaced with new as described in the SOW below. Work shall include but not be limited to all associated conduit, raceway, cables, and any other accessories that need to be replaced. Dispose all equipment per the Post’s directions. The contractor shall also clean any impacted area to a condition equal to or better than the original condition. All obsolete siemens R-L circuit breaker shall be salvaged, boxed up and turn to Post, refer to PowerSupport group at PowerSupport@state.gov for further instruction.”

27. Tab E, Factor 6. Small Business Subcontracting Plan. Should the Small Business Subcontracting Plan be included in Vol. II, Price Proposal? Should this plan be excluded from the 85-page count?

Ans: Technical Factor 6, the Small Business Subcontracting Plan, is applicable exclusively to large companies, as elaborated in section M.3 of the Technical Proposal Evaluation Factors.

28. L.14.2, L.14.4. Will the government allow a smaller, legible font size, such as 8pt Times New Roman or Arial for graphics, diagrams, and charts?

Ans: L.14.2(b) Font shall be Times New Roman, Courier New, Arial font or equivalent.

Font sizing for Figure captions shall be allowed at 8 pt.

29. L.14.3.b Will the government allow for colored background and different font colors in graphics and tables?

Ans: Yes, for illustrative purposes only and must allow for grey scale reproductions.

30. L.14.3. Will the government allow for electronic submission on a USB instead of a compact disc?

Ans: No. USB port devices such memory stick etc. are prohibited to be used in Government issue laptops due to the Department cybersecurity measures.

31. The RFP references requirements to address CLINS and projects associated with fire protection (alarm and suppression) as well as mechanical/HVAC systems. Will projects under this contract need to address fire protection systems such as comprehensive fire alarm upgrades/replacements, major fire suppression upgrades, HVAC equipment upgrades (Chillers, Boilers, Air handling systems, controls, etc.)?

Ans: The Utility Management program operates within the Facility Management Division, primarily focusing on projects that involve “like-kind” replacements and some upgrades, with minimal design requirements aimed at ensuring code compliance. Significant rehabilitation falls under the purview of the Engineering Division.

The bulk of utility management work pertains to electrical systems. The Utility Management team has incorporated a variety of labor categories to accommodate the possibility of requiring additional expertise from various disciplines during electrical projects.

32. Maintenance and Repair Services: Is this to be expected as a certain type of task order as opposed to major construction efforts which might include upgrades and equipment replacement tasks?

Ans: Yes, specific task orders will exclusively require maintenance at levels 1, 2, or 3 only.

33. Design submission timelines: Are there any exceptions to the 15-day design submission following site survey. Not sure that a blanket statement of time can be defined until the scope of the project complexity can be identified. Would assume this would be part of a specific task order attribute and not a global commitment.

Ans: “C.4.6. Design the Project: unless otherwise stated in the Task Order, the Contractor shall submit the project concept design to the COR not later than 15 calendar days following the site visit.”

The Task Order Statement of Work (TO-SOW) contains additional design specifics; nevertheless, the contractor is required to furnish a project schedule that delineates each milestone's timeline, as this is an integral component of the technical proposal for initial approval and bidding considerations.

Revised: Design the Project: unless otherwise stated in the Task Order, the Contractor shall submit the project concept design (30%) to the COR not later than 15 calendar days following the site visit.

34. Regarding Commissioning services, is there any expectation as to the relationship of the CxA to project construction/design team? Is there a need to support an independent CxA without affiliation to the design/construction team?

Ans: In commissioning services for construction projects, the relationship of the Commissioning

Authority (CxA) to the project's design and construction teams can vary. It's important to maintain objectivity and independence for effective commissioning. This can involve hiring an independent

CxA without direct affiliation to the design/construction team, using a third-party CxA, or having an integrated CxA with functional independence. The choice depends on project SOW, with the key objective being to ensure systems in the building operate as intended while avoiding conflicts of interest.

35. Is there a process in place to support GMMS or Integrated Workplace Management System changes to asset management? Is this data provided to FAC/MS for their use or will the contractor be provided access to GMMS with the necessary permissions to remove and update asset information?

Contractor access to U-GMMS or C-GMMS will not be required under the contract. For each Task Order, the contractor will be provided with the following files with items b, c, and d being mandatory components of the closeout deliverables:

a. Specification 017825, which encompasses administrative and procedural requirements for the creation and submission of a 'Systems Manual' and includes the following three attachments:

b. 017825A CMMS Template

c. 017825B Systems Manual Template

d. 017825C OM Strategy Report Template

36. Regarding equipment removal: Removed equipment remains the property of the USG. Should Offerors assume equipment removal will be identified in individual task orders? If not specified by task order is there a general approach which OBO subscribes to disposal of unwanted items?

Example, such as transformers/capacitors with PCB oils. Can contractor dispose of materials in a local salvage market as may be available?

Ans: the standard practice is to dispose of all equipment in accordance with the Post's guidelines.

However, it may also vary depending on the specific Task Order. In most instances, the Post handles equipment disposal after the contractor turn it over; otherwise, the SOW will provide detailed procedures for proper disposal.

37. Warranty Requirements: RFP states that all services are required to meet a two-year period. Does this include design, engineering and Cx services? These services typically are not included in a manufacturer warranty but could impact overall costs related these services.

Ans: See section C.5.12.12.

38. Ref. L.14.4.1.5 Tab E Factor 5. Paragraph excludes the HS&E Plan from the 85 page limit but provides two (2) different standalone page limits for the plan. One states not to exceed 10 pages, and the other states that the plan limitation is 15 pages. Please clarify that the offeror is permitted 15 pages for the HS&E Plan.

Ans: the limit is set at a maximum of 10 pages. The government's intention is to encompass all contractors' proposals within this concise space, hence the page constraint.

39. Reference L.14.4.1.5 and L.14.4.2. The Small Business Subcontracting Plan is required in two volumes (Volume I Technical and Volume II Price Proposal. In Volume I, the Small Business Subcontracting Plan is required to be provided as Tab E which is already designated to L.14.4.1.5 Factor 5 HS&E Plan and would be included in the 85-page limit. If the Small Business Subcontracting Plan is required in Volume I, please clarify that it should be Tab F. In Volume II, the Small Business Subcontracting Plan would be excluded from the page limitation. Offeror recommends that the Small Business Subcontracting Plan be required in Volume II (Price Proposal) only and be excluded from the Technical Proposal page limits.

ANS: The contractor is required to submit two distinct proposals:

1. Technical Proposal - This proposal should be structured as follows:

a. Project Management:

i. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the Statement of Work (SOW).

b. Project Execution:

i. Develop a comprehensive work plan.

ii. Conduct a preliminary design site survey.

iii. Provide design services.

iv. Detail the process for equipment and material procurement.

v. Describe the shipping arrangements.

vi. Explain the mobilization strategy.

vii. Outline pre-planning activities.

viii. Detail equipment staging procedures.

ix. Present a temporary power plan.

x. Specify demolition activities.

xi. Describe the installation process.

xii. Explain the testing procedures.

xiii. Outline documentation practices.

xiv. Provide information on training programs.

c. Subcontractor Plan: Describe subcontractor engagement strategy.

d. Past Performance: Provide relevant past performance information related to the SOW for acceptance.

e. Preliminary Project Schedule: Present a realistic preliminary project schedule for acceptance.

f. Site Specific Safety Plan: Outline the safety measures specific to the project site.

g. Key Personnel: Share details of personnel qualifications, resumes, and valid licenses. All staff must meet the minimum qualifications specified in Section B.

h. Manufacturer Equipment Data Sheets: Include relevant data sheets for equipment from manufacturers.

2. Cost Proposal: Utilize the Bill of Quantities (BOQ) spreadsheet to provide all necessary equipment and materials, labor, shipping, travel, and design based on the provided case study.

The Government will use this case study to assess the contractor's capabilities.

**Note: The Government will specify both the quantity and specifications of equipment and materials for future actual Task Orders.

40. Section G- Contract Administration: G.1.652.232-70 Payment Schedule and Invoice Submission (Fixed Price) (a) General. States “The Government shall pay the Contractor as full compensation for all work required, performed and accepted under this contract, inclusive of all cost and expenses, the firm fixed price stated in Section B of this contract.”

(b) “The progress payments will be based on the Schedule of Values (SOV). A SOV template is attached in Section J.”

Question: The SOV template indicates Max Progress % column. However, this contradicts (a) General above for full compensation for all work required. If all material is delivered and inspected the progress payment percentage should be 100% of material and equipment delivered to site.

The SOV only allows Max 25% payment of the LABOR value and 0% of MATERIAL value upon delivery and inspection. Payment for material value appears to be tied to installation labor milestones: 10% upon “Demolish and dispose existing material, and provide temp power to existing load”, 70% at “Install all equipment, pass static checkup, no-load test, load test and all control functions.”, and the 20% balance upon commissioning, training, and close out. It appears that the contractor will not be paid for the bulk of material costs for the equipment delivered to site until installation completion.

Please confirm this is the intent of the Schedule of Values? Additionally, there is a 10% retention column which implies retention being withheld. Retention is not indicated in the contract language.

Please provide the RFP contract section where this is defined?

Ans: Solicitation number 19AQMM22R0332 requires the provision, installation, labor, and testing of services. It's crucial to understand that while delivering 100% of the required material and equipment is integral to the project, their delivery alone does not ensure the proper functioning of the equipment or compliance with the approved design during the installation process.

According to Clause 52.232-5, which pertains to Payments in Fixed-Price Construction Contracts, retention signifies the withholding of 10% of the burdened rate from the contract payment until the work is satisfactorily completed.

41. The BOQ (Bill of Quantities) (h.) indicate “All invoices shall not exceed the allowed milestone maximum percentage….” If this is the case coupled with retention is not equitable to the contractor and is not in the spirit of a Firm Fixed Price contract that allows progress/percentage complete invoicing. The contractor’s real effort/expenses may well exceed the max allowed percentage indicated via the government developed SOV within an invoice period. If only paid per the government mandated SOV max allowed percentage, it denies the contractor the earned amounts for that pay period and increases0 the burden on the contractor’s cash flow. How will this be handled? These task orders historically include large equipment purchases comprising 70% or more of the total task order value which is paid by the contractor prior to shipping to site.

Previously the SOV is mutually developed by the contractor and OBO. Once approved it becomes the basis for payment. Other OBO IDIQ’s have this mutually developed SOV method.

Ans: In the construction phase (while the actual work is being carried out at the Post), the

Government will make payments for equipment, materials, and labor based on Schedule of

Values.

42. Section B.8 Cost of Shipment, Packaging and Crating. The cost associated with container shipping is stated to be reimbursable for actual cost only. The FAR section 47.104-2 referenced does not state the associated shipping costs and expenses are to be reimbursable. Please provide where this is indicated as reimbursable? FAR 47.104-2 clearly states: (a) F.o.b. destination. 49 U.S.C. 10721 and 1 3712 rates do not apply to shipments under fixed-price f.o.b. destination contracts (delivered price).

The FAR 47.104-2 terminology quoted in B.8 “the contractor (shall use a commercial bill of lading and) be reimbursed for the direct and actual transportation cost…” applies to F.o.b. origin. These task orders are not F.o.b. origin, but are F.o.b. destination.

Ans: The shipping cost shall be unburdened based on 47.104-2 Fixed-price contracts.

(a) F.o.b. destination. 49 U.S.C. 10721 and 1 3712 rates do not apply to shipments under fixed-price f.o.b. destination contracts (delivered price).

43. On the sample task order what are the SOW elements that are to be priced on the BOQ form for CLIN 5 ? Please clarify the construction breakdown cost of CLIN 5 of the sample task order. The document shows SOW Par1-4, and 100. Define required parts.

Ans: Here is a generic explanation of how the Statement of Work (SOW) is structured, featuring elements from Parts 1 to 4. The "100" signifies the core Statement of Work, which includes equipment replacement and the relevant work. Here are a couple of examples:

Example 1:

Scope: Demolish existing equipment to be replaced in this SOW. This work encompasses, but is not limited to, the removal of all associated conduit, raceway, cables, and any other necessary accessories. The scope also includes the demolition of the MV-AVR and the chancery LV-AVR.

Equipment disposal must adhere to the Post's guidelines. The contractor is responsible for cleaning any affected area to a condition equal to or better than its original state.

Example 2:

Scope: Provide, install, and test a brand-new pad-mounted, liquid-filled transformer with the following specifications: 13.7 KV/ 400/230V, Δ/⅄, Z 5.75%, 3Ph, 50 Hz, 4 wire, 1000 KVA, stainless-steel tank base and cabinet, oil fluid. The transformer should feature medium voltage dead front with universal-type bushing wells, copper windings, sealed tank construction, self-cooled overload capabilities, and compliance with ANSI C57.12.13, IEEE C57.12.00, IEEE C57.12.22 IEEE C57.12.26

Standards. Additionally, it should include four 2.5% taps, two above and two below the rated medium voltage, with an externally operable tap changer for de-energized use, position indicator, and padlock hasp. Distribution class lightning arresters are required on the primary side, along with surge protectors on the secondary side of the transformer. The transformer's mineral oil must comply with ASTM D 3487, Type II, and be tested according to ASTM D 117 for flammability and fire-resistant biodegradable seed oil, such as Envirotemp FR3 or an equivalent. The transformer insulation should experience an 80 C° temperature rise when operated at the rated KVA in an average ambient temperature of 30 C° over 24 hours, with a maximum ambient temperature of 40

C°, without affecting the service life expectancy. The Basic Impulse Level (BIL) should be 95 kV.

Installation of low-voltage conductors and cables shall follow the guidelines in section 260518, while grounding and bonding installation shall be based on section 260525.

44. B. 10.1 Project Manager qualifications state BS in Electrical engineering, PMP Certificate, and 10 years’ experience. It also stated subject to CO approval. Will the CO allow other qualifications in lieu of what is stated? For example, 15+ years of experience on similar projects with OBO.C Ans: All laborers shall meet the minimum qualification that listed in section B. The Contractor will grant 180 days after award to hire a qualified PM as require in section B.

45. C.3.4 Please clarify the requirements for Prebid survey report the requirements listed for submission after the Pre-bid survey are more in line with that expected with the design survey (post award) they are quite stringent at this stage of a project.

Ans: Once SOW Rev(0) is placed on ProjNet, the CO will notify all Contactors to participate.

Interested Contractors shall participate in the Prebid survey to fully understand the intent of the

SOW and observe the existing condition. After the Prebid survey, all Contractors shall provide technical reports about their findings such as recommendations, code complying issues, out of SOW items that need to be corrected or included etc.

The COR will create SOW Rev(1) incorporating all Contractors inputs after evaluations, The CO will notify the Contractors that SOW Rev(1) is posted and specify a date to submit technical and cost proposals "Bid". After awarding a task order, the Contractors shall conduct an award site survey with

Professional Engineer to collect all the data to provide full detailed design for the government approval.

46. Please Clarify C.4.6. Project design within 15 calendar days of design survey is not probable.

Ans: “C.4.6. Design the Project: unless otherwise stated in the Task Order, the Contractor shall submit the project concept design to the COR not later than 15 calendar days following the site visit.”

Task Order (TO)-SOW has further details about design; However, the contractor shall provide a project schedule that shows each milestone timeline as it is part of the technical proposal for initial acceptance and bidding purposes.

Revised: Design the Project: unless otherwise stated in the Task Order, the Contractor shall submit the project concept design (30%) to the COR not later than 15 calendar days following the site visit.

47. C.5.12.9 Please define travel and labor costs associated with training for OBO and Post staff.

Ans: All training will be conducted locally by Original Equipment Technicians (OEM) at the Post.

In the event of a factory acceptance test, the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and Subject

Matter Experts (SMEs) will attend at the Government's expense.

48. C.9.3.3 States no partial or progress payments. This is in conflict with the SOV. Please confirm partial or progress payments will be made.

Revised Ans: The Contractor shall submit invoices based on SOV template is attached in Section J.

49. C.9.3.4.3 Please define the DOS commissioning representatives if not the COR that will “approve for payment” Ans: revised: The Department of State (DOS) commissioning representatives will provide recommendations to the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) regarding the acceptance of the work and payment. This acceptance is contingent upon successful testing, proper documentation, and the fulfillment of all project requirements.

It is the Contractor's responsibility to ensure that all commissioning tests are carried out, documented, and meet the Government's approval in alignment with the agreed-upon project schedule and the approved execution proposal.

50. Section C.9.3.4.4 Define further certifications required.

Ans: As per certain Office of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) technical specifications, there might be a need to furnish certifications. The process for obtaining these certifications will be managed during the approval of submittals. These certificates including documentation of post agreement on satisfactory completion, post training on new equipment has been accomplished and that all requirements of the Task Order issued by the COR have been met.

51. Contractor is required to submit a pre-invoice for pre-approval. What is the acceptable time constraint put on the COR for pre-approval.

Ans: The specific timeline for a task or action is either set at 7 days or will be determined and agreed upon during the kick-off meeting following the awarding of the project.

52. Section L14.4.1.3 Resume guidelines require use of new provided Resume format. Can we utilize the standard government format provided in SF330?

Ans: Please refrain from using the SF330 form. Instead, utilize the provided resume template specified in J.10, as outlined in the resume guidelines under L14.4.1.3 1.(d). The resume template can be found in the section titled "Resume Template."

53. Can the Government issue the required DD 254 with Top Secret requirements?

Ans: Yes. The DD-254 will specify the facility clearance level and level of work that the contractor can perform under or any restrictions on clearance requirements that a contract/contractor may be held under. The DD254 will also specify whether or not safeguarding is a requirement and how access to classified information is to be handled or any special procedures or restrictions that might be applied as directed by DS/IS/IND.

54. Under L.14.4.1.1 TAB A Factor 1: Offeror’s Relevant Past Experience (page 120), #2 states: “Surveys should include contracts that were executed on behalf of OBO/CFSM/FAC/PS – Utility Management Program.” Can the Government kindly remove this requirement as it is very restrictive? We are an electrical contractor with exceptionally good past performance.

Ans: revised 2. Surveys should include contracts that were executed on behalf of OBO/OPS/FAC/PS/Utility Management Program if applicable.

55. Can we present past performance when we were the subcontractor on the project?

Ans: Yes, please include the contracts for review and consideration.