Questions and Answers RFQ 05072025.pdf

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS – Q&As

RFQ NO. 19EC75-25-Q-0002

The Embassy of the United States of America in Quito, Ecuador requires specialized construction services to provide concrete and civil structures to support the installation of the Government Generators, Automatic Transfer Switch and Fuel Tanks in the US Embassy owned and leased residences in Quito for

14 locations.

The questions and answers below are responsive to the inquiries received. The due date for questions was

April 23, 2025.

QUESTION NO. 1

Is it acceptable that the technical and pricing proposals are submitted in Spanish?

ANSWER

No, the technical and pricing proposals must be submitted in English.

QUESTION NO. 2

Is it possible for you to share the Embassy's holiday calendar so that we can take it into account in the schedule?

ANSWER – FOR 2025

HOLIDAY U.S./ECUADORIAN DAY OF OBSERVANCE

New Year’s Day U.S. January 1 (Wednesday)

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday U.S. January 20 (Monday)

Washington’s Birthday U.S. February 17 (Monday)

Carnival Ecuadorian March 3 (Monday)

Carnival Ecuadorian March 4 (Tuesday)

Good Friday Ecuadorian April 18 (Friday)

Labor Day Ecuadorian May 2 (Friday)

Battle of Pichincha Ecuadorian May 23 (Friday)

Memorial Day U.S. May 26 (Monday)

Juneteenth National Independence Day U.S. June 19 (Thursday)

Independence Day (U.S) U.S. July 4 (Friday)

Founding of Guayaquil (*) Ecuadorian July 25* (Friday)

Independence Day (Ecuador) Ecuadorian August 11 (Monday)

Labor Day U.S. September 1 (Monday)

Guayaquil Independence Day Ecuadorian October 10 (Friday)

Columbus Day U.S. October 13 (Monday)

Cuenca Day Ecuadorian November 3 (Monday)

All Souls’ Day Ecuadorian November 4 (Tuesday)

Veterans Day U.S. November 11 (Tuesday)

Thanksgiving Day U.S. November 27 (Thursday)

Founding of Quito (**) Ecuadorian December 5** (Friday)

Christmas Day U.S. December 25 (Thursday)

Note 1:

(*) Guayaquil only (solamente para Guayaquil)

(**) Quito only (solamente para Quito) (moved to Friday, Dec 5)

Any other day designated by Federal law, Executive Order, or Presidential Proclamation.

QUESTION NO. 3

Please confirm that the required technical personnel positions are for the entire project, not one for each

Housing Complex to be intervened.

Supervisory personnel can be assigned to the whole project per the SOW. The personnel shall be dedicated to the project to supervise all the time that the work is being performed.

QUESTION NO. 4.

According to the SOW, should the pricing proposal be submitted in Standard Form 18? If the answer is yes, please provide the form.

No, the pricing proposal must be submitted in SF-1442 (word format) which is published under SAM

Contract opportunities (Civil Works for Residential Generators Installation). See the link below.

https://sam.gov/opp/a707ce48f42f4c9296ce60d943151c93/view

QUESTION NO. 5

Please confirm that the Contractor can request monthly progress payments upon completion of each item included in table 16.1, as outlined in the Scope of Work, item 13.1 (Payments) of the Request for

Quotation (RFQ).

Confirmed. The table is on 16.0 -PRICING.

QUESTION NO. 6

Please confirm, in covered spaces such as underground parking garages, is it possible to use cable trays while maintaining the existing types of accessories, or is the use of conduit piping strictly necessary?

Material and installation must comply with project specifications and codes included in the SOW.

Conduit is the preference for this project. However, a cable tray in compliance with the SOW may be installed.

QUESTION NO. 7

In Rosaleda Compound, next to the location for the Generator, there is a skylight. Please confirm if there are communal use structures beneath the area and whether they will not be affected by the installation of the generator.

The location of the generator is indicated in the below drawing. There is not a skylight close to the proposed generator location.

QUESTION NO. 8

Please confirm if the enclosures/protection for the generators must be removable, in case future maintenance requires moving the generators.

No. The enclosures are required to be fixed.

QUESTION NO. 9

In Quinde’s Building, for the installation of the ATS panels, can the entire area of the meter room be used, given that there is currently a partition?

It is undefined at this moment. Final location will be defined after building owner’s decision.

QUESTION NO. 10

Please confirm if the ATS has security features to prevent unauthorized handling, or if additional protection is required.

No additional protection is needed.

QUESTION NO. 11

Please confirm if material other than masonry can be used for the protection and acoustic insulation of the generators in open areas.

Masonry walls are specified. However, alternative and equivalent options may be considered.

QUESTION NO. 12

Can you confirm the final location of the generator in La Rioja Compound, as there were two possible options?

Bidders shall consider the location closest to the compound entrance door.

QUESTION NO. 13

How many different work points can be executed simultaneously, considering supervision and ease of access?

Contractors must calculate the simultaneous locations depending on the required construction deadline.

QUESTION NO. 14

Can tasks such as concrete pouring or demolitions be carried out simultaneously at different locations on the same day?

Yes.

QUESTION NO. 15

How will permits be managed in residential complexes when the work areas are in common zones, such as exterior sidewalks outside the perimeter?

The contractor shall coordinate it through the Embassy personnel. If municipality permits are needed, the contractor must be responsible for obtaining them.

QUESTION NO. 16

Is it required to have a supervisor and a safety technician at each work front, or can workgroups be managed with a supervisor and safety technician who move between different fronts at the same time?

Refer to question No.3

QUESTION NO. 17

Can a timeline of more than 45 calendar days be considered for the execution of the work, considering the time needed for concrete curing before installing the enclosures?

The contractor will have 60 calendar days to complete the project. RFQ will be amended.

QUESTION NO. 18

Will rainy days stop work due to safety requirements? If so, will these days be considered recoverable?

Yes, all excusable delays shall be justified and approved by the COR.

QUESTION NO. 19

Will the masonry enclosures have a cover, or will they remain open?

Cover or roof is not required.

QUESTION NO. 20

Should stucco and painting be considered for the enclosures, and any type of coating for the concrete bases? Is there any technical specification for the materials or paints to be used?

No, paint or stucco is not required for the concrete base and walls.

QUESTION NO. 21

Will the masonry enclosures have a cover, or will they remain open?

Clearances shall be defined by SOW Residential Generator Installation Sheet G13.

Cover or roof is not required.

QUESTION NO. 22

Is there any technical specification for the support and bracing of the enclosure?

Follow standard construction for a chain link fence.

For masonry walls follow ACI 530/530.1 Building Code Requirements and Specification for Masonry

Structures.

QUESTION NO. 23

If drilling or the construction of foundations causes cracks, stains, or damage, should only the affected areas be repaired, or should the entire surface or a well-defined area be restored to match?

Only the affected area shall be repaired

QUESTION NO. 24

Do the work plans, designs, and deliverables need to be specific to each location?

Yes. However, the contractor must follow the Residential Generator Installation Details included in SOW.

QUESTION NO. 25

Do the generators include fuel tanks? In addition to this, will additional tanks be installed? What will their capacity be in each case?

There will be both daily tank and storage tank in each location. Double tank capacities are as follows:

QUESTION NO. 26

Can the bases for the transfer panels (ATS) in locations with different homes be built as a single base for all the required panels?

Yes. A single base may be used, as long as all conduits are able to be installed properly according to the drawings. U-Channels are part of this SOW.

FUEL

TANK

# LOCATION

Gal

(nominal)

1 Duque's Compound 365

2 Rioja's Compound 365

3 Antzara's Compound 200

4 Properties 99317/99467 200

5 Single House PM

6 Quinde's Building 365

7 Mirlo Compound

8 Aveiro Building 200

9 Antigua Compound 365

10 Bermeo Compound 365

11 Rosaleda Compound 300

12 Vivalto Building 300

13 Perla Rey Compound 200

14 DCMR Campo Alegre 200

QUESTION NO. 27

In Mr. Pimiento, will the tank, generator, and ATS be inside the enclosure?

Yes.

QUESTION NO. 28

In Antazaras, should bases be constructed for the ATS, considering that the location is a parking lot?

Yes, bases need to be constructed based on the sheet G9 of the Residential Generator Installation Details included in SOW.

QUESTION NO. 29

In Antigua Compound, is it considered that the grounding system will be located beneath the generator?"

Grounding must comply with sheet G8 of the Residential Generator Installation Details included in SOW.

QUESTION NO. 30

For the ATS, should a small cover be considered to protect them from rain? Is there any specifications to be followed?

Cover is not required.

QUESTION NO. 31

In case it is required for a specific point or if any connection is found along the installation path, who will carry out the work of disconnecting and relocating electrical and electronic installations that interfere with the passage of the conduits?

The contractor must assess the site and identify the existing infrastructure before excavation starts.

QUESTION NO. 32

Should all connections and conduit routes be made from the meter panels to the ATS, and from the ATS to the generator?

Follow the table below with the type of electrical installation expected in each location. Only underground installation is part of this SOW. Aboveground electrical conduit installation is not part of this SOW.

Note:

GEN: Generator

MDP: Main Distribution Panel

ATS: Automatic Transfer Switch

EEQ: Empresa Electrica Quito

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION AND SPECIFICATIONS

# Location GEN to GDP GDP to ATS EEQ to ATS ATS to Loads

Rioja's

Compound

Underground

PVC 5"

Aboveground

5u IMC 1 1/2"

Underground, handhole is needed.

5u PVC 1 1/2"

Underground, handhole is needed.

5u PVC 1 1/2"

Antigua

Compound

Aboveground

IMC 4"

Aboveground

5u IMC 1 1/2"

Aboveground

5u IMC 1 1/2"

Aboveground

5u IMC 1 1/2" consider additional junction box for splices.

Duque's

Compound

Underground

PVC 5"

Aboveground

4u IMC 1 1/2"

Underground, handhole is needed.

4u PVC 1 1/2"

Underground, handhole is needed.

4u PVC 1 1/2"

Quinde's

Building

Aboveground

IMC 4"

Aboveground

4u IMC 1 1/2"

Aboveground

4u IMC 1 1/2"

Aboveground

4u IMC 1 1/2" consider additional junction box for splices.

Bermeo

Compound

Underground

PVC 5"

Aboveground

4u IMC 1 1/2"

Underground, handhole is needed.

4u PVC 1 1/2"

Underground, handhole is needed.

core drill is needed

4u PVC 1 1/2"

Rosaleda

Compound

Underground

PVC 3 1/2"

Aboveground

3u IMC 1 1/2"

Underground, handhole is needed.

3u PVC 1 1/2"

Underground, handhole is needed.

3u PVC 1 1/2"

Vivalto

Building

Aboveground

IMC 3"

Aboveground

3u IMC 1 1/2"

Aboveground

3u IMC 1 1/2"

Aboveground

3u IMC 1 1/2" core drill is needed, consider additional junction box for splices.

Antzara's

Compound

Aboveground

IMC 2 1/2"

Aboveground

2u IMC 1 1/2"

Above and

Underground

2u PVC 1 1/2"

2u IMC 1 1/2"

Above and Underground

2u PVC 1 1/2"

2u IMC 1 1/2" hand hole is needed.

Properties:

99317 / 99467

Aboveground

IMC 2 1/2"

Aboveground

2u IMC 1 1/2"

Aboveground

2u IMC 1 1/2"

Aboveground

2u IMC 1 1/2" consider additional junction box for splices.

Mirlo

Compound

Underground

PVC 3"

Aboveground

2u IMC 1 1/2"

Above and

Underground

2u PVC 1 1/2"

2u IMC 1 1/2"

Above and Underground

2u PVC 1 1/2"

2u IMC 1 1/2" consider additional junction box for splices.

Aveiro

Building

Above and

Underground.

PVC 3"

IMC 2 1/2"

Aboveground

2u IMC 1 1/2"

Aboveground

2u IMC 1 1/2"

Aboveground

2u IMC 1 1/2" consider additional junction box for splices.

Perla Rey

Compound

Aboveground

IMC 2 1/2"

Aboveground

2u IMC 1 1/2"

Aboveground

2u IMC 1 1/2"

Aboveground

2u IMC 1 1/2" consider additional junction box for splices.

Mr. Pimiento /

99339

Underground

PVC 2"

Aboveground

1u IMC 1 1/2"

Underground

1u PVC 1 1/2"

Underground

1u PVC 1 1/2" handhole is needed.

14 DCMR

Underground

PVC 2"

Aboveground

1u IMC 1 1/2"

Aboveground

1u IMC 1 1/2"

Aboveground

1u IMC 1 1/2"

QUESTION NO. 33

Does the "roofing" include only the bases, or does it also include the connection between the generator and the panel?

For rough-in specifications follow information in question No. 32.

QUESTION NO. 34

Will the exterior pipes running along the wall be of the IMC type?

Aboveground electrical installation is not part of this SOW. Follow information in question No. 32.

QUESTION NO. 35

In Antazaras, which pipes will go through the junction box, and what diameter of hole is required for the exhaust pipe?

Only underground installation is required in this SOW. Refer to table included in question No.32 for the type of installation and conduit sizing per location. For Antazaras compound, the handhole will be located near the meters location and will contain only electrical installation.

No exhaust pipe is required in this SOW. However, one pipe penetration of 6” through the existing wall of the vehicular entrance door is required.

QUESTION NO. 36

In Antazaras, will exposed EMT conduit be used?

QUESTION NO. 37

In Quinde’s Building, can cable trays be used, or is it mandatory to use EMT conduit?

QUESTION NO. 38

In Quinde’s Building, should bases be constructed for the ATS?

Refer to answer to question No. 26.

QUESTION NO. 39

In Antigua Compound, is the connection between the ATS and generator with exposed EMT conduit acceptable?

QUESTION NO. 40

In Antigua Compound, is a hole required for the passage of the exhaust pipe? How many inches in diameter?

Yes. Consider a pipe penetration for an insulated pipe of 6”.

QUESTION NO. 41

In Bermeo Compound, should all the plants in the planter be replaced after the trench is dug?

Yes. The contractor shall restore the original property condition.

QUESTION NO. 42

In Rosaleda, can exposed conduit be used, or is a trench recommended?

Follow information in question No. 32.

QUESTION NO. 43

In Rosaleda, should a box be installed for the general passage of cables?

Yes, a handhole is needed. Follow information in question No. 32.

QUESTION NO. 44

In Vivalto Building, will the conduit runs be made with exposed EMT in the basements?

QUESTION NO. 45

In Vivalto, should any system or protection be considered for the generator’s exhaust pipe?

The exhaust pipe is not part of this SOW in any location.

QUESTION NO. 46

In Perla Rey, do the drains need to be relocated?

Yes, the contractor shall be responsible for relocating the drain.

QUESTION NO. 47

¿En Perla Rey el paso de tubería puede ser EMT vista o es necesario levantar adoquines para instalar conduits subterráneos?

In Perla Rey, can the conduit run be exposed EMT, or is it necessary to lift cobblestones to install underground conduits?

QUESTION NO. 48

In Aveiro Building, should exposed IMC conduit be used?

QUESTION NO. 49

In Mirlo, will exposed IMC conduit be used?

QUESTION NO. 50

Should a specific grounding design be done for each case, or is it sufficient to follow the provided specifications?

No, grounding must comply with sheet G8 of the Residential Generator Installation Details included in

SOW.

QUESTION NO. 51

Should a soil study be conducted at each location to ensure the correct grounding resistance of the earth mesh?

No, soil study is not required. Grounding must comply with sheet G8 of the Residential Generator

Installation Details included in SOW.

QUESTION NO. 52

Can an active electrode be used to ensure an adequate grounding resistance value?

No, follow the method specified in the SOW/Standard Residential Generator Installation Details/G8.

QUESTION NO. 53

In Quinde’s Building, is the grounding considered as if it were under the generator's location?

Grounding must comply with sheet G8 of the Residential Generator Installation Details included in SOW.

QUESTION NO. 54

Is it possible to submit a single standard design and construction detail (descriptive text and DWG or PDF plans - technical proposal) for the generator, fuel tank, and transfer switch bases applicable to residences with identical equipment, or is an individual package design required for each location?

An individual proposal is required for each location.

QUESTION NO. 55

Is it possible to submit a global financial proposal for all concrete bases or is an individual budget required for each location?

Pricing needs to be summarized in the following table:

# LOCATION QTY UNIT UNITARY EXTENDED

1 Duque's Compound 1 LT

2 Rioja's Compound 1 LT

3 Antzara's Compound 1 LT

4 Properties 99317/99467 1 LT

5 Single House PM 1 LT

6 Quinde's Building 1 LT

7 Mirlo Compound 1 LT

8 Aveiro Building 1 LT

9 Antigua Compound 1 LT

10 Bermeo Compound 1 LT

11 Rosaleda Compound 1 LT

12 Vivalto Building 1 LT

13 Perla Rey Compound 1 LT

14 DCMR Campo Alegre 1 LT

TOTAL

Bidders still must submit the breakdown in the table below individually for each location.

CLIN DESCRIPTION

QT

Y

UNI

T

UNIT

PRICE

EXTEND

ED

PRICE

A

ENGINEERING. Design concept verification, and submission of construction documents. The contractor shall inspect the construction site and provide the engineering documents to construct civil structures and install all generator parts. Fulfill submittal process for all products: shop drawings, construction details, datasheets, installation, quality control, safety documents, working procedures, and other pre-construction documents based on conceptual design and requirements shown in Attachment 1: Standard Residential Generator Installation

Details Sheets G1 to G12, project specifications and codes, and contractor site inspection information.

1 LT

B

ELECTRICAL ROUGH-IN. Provision and installation of electrical and control conduits and grounding embedded in pad for future generator installation as per approved construction documents of item A and Attachment 1: Standard Residential

Generator Installation Details Sheets G1 to G8.

1 LT

C

CONCRETE PADS AND BASES. Building of concrete pads and concrete bases for installation of the generator, ATSs, electrical panel boards, and fuel tank as per approved construction documents of item A.

1 LT

D

GENERATOR ENCLOSURE AND FENCING. Building of finished enclosure around the generator as per approved construction documents of item A based on requirements of

1 LT

Attachment 1: Standard Residential Generator Installation

Details Sheets G14 to G15.

QUESTION NO. 56

Could you please provide the exact dimensions (length, width, height) and weight (in kg) of each generator model, as well as the precise location of the electrical cable outlet?

Based on the information (model of the generator) contained in the SOW, bidders must determine the size and weight of the equipment. The location of the ATSs and Panels are indicated in the attached drawings.

QUESTION NO. 57

What are the dimensions and weight of the fuel tanks to be installed?

Based on the information (model of the generator) contained in the SOW and answer No. 25, bidders must determine the size and weight of the equipment.

QUESTION NO. 58

What are the dimensions and weight of the automatic transfer switches?

Based on the information (model of the generator) contained in the SOW, bidders must determine the size and weight of the equipment.

QUESTION NO. 59

For residential complexes with multiple Embassy-leased units (e.g., Bermeo Complex, with 4 units and one 100 kVA generator), is it correct to assume that multiple transfer switches will be installed side by side? Will these be powered from a main distribution panel? If so, please provide the dimensions of that panel.

Yes. MDP size may be considered the same size as the ATSs.

QUESTION NO. 60

In case we are awarded the contract, will it be possible to physically inspect the generators, tanks, and switches before execution of the works?

Yes. The equipment can be inspected when available.

QUESTION NO. 61

What are the minimum specifications for the enclosures to ensure safety and noise reduction? Can mesh fencing be used in areas where noise is not a concern?

Follow the information on the table below.

Property Type of fence

Duque CMU block type

Rioja CMU type

Antzara Chain link fence

99339- Mr. Pimiento CMU type

Houses E19-27 Chain link fence

Quinde Chain link fence

Mirlo CMU type

Aveiro Chain link fence

Antigua Chain link fence

Bermeo CMU type

La Rosaleda CMU type

Vivalto Chain link fence

Perla Rey Chain link fence

CMU: Concrete Masonry Unit.

QUESTION NO. 62

Should these enclosures have roofs in open spaces? If so, what type of roof is recommended?

Roofs are not required.

QUESTION NO. 63

From an aesthetic perspective, what guidelines should be followed to ensure the enclosures do not negatively impact the appearance of the residences? For example, can enclosures be made of block or brick painted to match the surroundings?

Follow information of answer of question No. 61 with definition on the type of enclosure per location.

Painting of walls in masonry enclosure is not required.

QUESTION NO. 64

Is there a possibility for the type and design of each enclosure to be jointly decided by the Embassy and the property owners, on a case-by-case basis?

The design will be standard for all. Follow the SOW and this document for further details.

QUESTION NO. 65

In cases where it is necessary to remove trees, garden beds, or flooring for electrical duct installation, who is responsible for making and authorizing these decisions: the property owner, the Embassy, or the contractor?

The Embassy will be responsible for any communication with the property owners. The contractor is responsible for restoring property’s original condition.

QUESTION NO. 66

Is it necessary to submit the construction details (description and plans) for the access stairs and the type of door to be installed from the street to the generator area?

For Duque compound, yes. The contractor shall follow SOW requirements for pre-construction documentation.

QUESTION NO. 67

What are the required dimensions for the trench that will connect the garden to the basement where the generator will be installed? What type of cover will be used metal or concrete?

In Antzara compound, there is an underground piping from the meter to the handhole that is part of this project scope. Follow information of question No. 32 regarding specific electrical installation requirements. The contractor shall provide a cast iron cover.

QUESTION NO. 68

Who is responsible for removing the existing damaged 45 kVA generator and its transfer switch— contractor or client?

DCMR current generator will be removed from the property by the Embassy.

QUESTION NO. 69

Will the existing concrete base be reused?

Requirement on the SOW on the specification of the concrete bases shall be complied. New bases shall be provided.

QUESTION NO. 70

Can the existing grounding system be reused, or must a new one be installed?

A new grounding system shall be provided.

QUESTION NO. 71

Since the electrical system could not be fully assessed during the technical visit, could the Embassy’s technical staff conduct a thorough inspection and define the exact location for the transfer switch or inspection pit, so that all bidders can base their proposals on unified criterion?

Refer to the drawings attached to this document with specific location of the generators, ATS and panels.

QUESTION NO. 72

As per the generators specifications sheets, we see that these generators are MOBILE DIESEL

GENERATOR SETS. These generators have already an enclosure and are mounted over a rolling chassis.

1) Is it required to dismount the generator to place them over the concrete pad?

The provided generators don’t have the trailer and are ready to be directly mounted on the concrete bases.

2) Is it required to connect generators to the automatic transfer switch?

Only underground rough-in conduit is required. Folow the requirement included in answer to question No. 32

3) Is it required to provide any kind of wiring between generators and houses electrical panels?

No. Wiring is not part of this project scope.

4) Is it required a fencing or an enclosure?

Follow information of answer to question No. 61.

If an enclosure is required

5) Is it required to provide an additional enclosure for the generators?

Follow information of answer to question No. 61.

If that is the case,

6) Which is the expected material required for walls, roofs and doors?

Roofs are not required in any location. In the locations indicated in table of question No 61, walls must be CMU blocks type. Doors are required to be metal type, painted so they are suitable for exterior, and capable of being locked.

7) Are control panels required to have a separated concrete pad for each generator?

Refer to answer to question No. 26.