ATS Testing and Generator Load Bank Testing RFIs.docx

ATS Testing and Generator Load Bank Testing RFIs

1. Will serial numbers be provided for 1 of each of the ENGINE makes, Cummins/CAT/Kohler/Triton/John Deere?

· Please see the revised ATS List 2025 excel sheet with updated serial numbers.

2. Will a site visit be offered? Sight unseen pricing is typically more expensive as we don’t have an accurate picture of where everything is located and any other variables we need to accurately price the job.

· Site visit was conducted on February 5th at 12:00 PM

3. Where are the docking stations located for each of the 10 buildings listed? Knowing the location of where we would tie into the unit for load banking is a crucial part of this procedure.

· The docking stations are generally next to the generator house. Generator 8, 19, 10, 22 , and Water tower Generator have no docking stations. The remaining generators are single purpose docking station for temporary generator hook-up.

4. Do you have a copy of your most recent load bank test confirming that the units make the desired rated output?

· Please see attached copy of monthly PM’s. Bedford VA hasn’t load banked the permanent generators since installation.

5. Is there a maintenance requirement for the 500kW standby units? Industry best practices combine maintenance (i.e.., quarterly, semi-annually) with annual load bank testing.

· Yes, we have annual preventive maintenance contract for generators, but no-load banking has been performed since the installation. Load banking would be conducted annually under this contract and shall meet, but not be limited to, the NFPA 99 and NFPA 110 requirements.

6. Amperage size of each switch and whether it is bypass or non-bypass.

· Please look at the last ATS PM report for amperage size and its characteristics.

7. Data tag info of each switch Catalog # and Serial # A couple Cummins and Kohler Switches didn't appear to have a visible tag or data plate.

· Please see the revised ATS list.

8. Facility Electrical One lines for equipment to be tested and serviced.

· Please see the attached one-line diagrams.

9. Does Load bank and ATS service/testing need to be done off hours (nights weekends)?

· The testing can be done during normal working hours if the building loads are not affected, i.e. no power outage. The transfer of loads during ATS testing can be done during normal hours if its instantaneous transfer.

Load banks can be done during normal hours if the building doesn’t suffer outages.

These generators can be load banked tested during normal working hours - Generator 19,22 Water tower.

These generators shall be load banked during off hours/weekend – Generator 8,10,61,92,93,94 and 95 unless approved by the VA.

10. Can the VA support concurrent Testing, Service and Shutdowns if scheduled in advance? (one mobilization)

· VA will support patient care building during outages. VA onsite staff can take the contractor to the equipment locations. The contractor is responsible for the work onsite.

11. Can you post the walkthrough sign in sheet?

· Please reach out to the contracting officer.

12. 3.1 “Contractor’s technicians/electricians shall be qualified per most current NETA-MTS for but not limited to following ATS: Zenith, Onan, Cutler-Hammer, Russ Electric, Kohler and ASCO switches.”

Do field technicians need to be NETA certified?

· Yes, field technicians shall be NETA certified.

13. 4.1.12 “VA Master Spec – Division 26”

SOW for ATS’s asks for these guidelines to be followed, will this spec. be provided?

· Please refer to https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/spec.asp#26 for VA Master Spec Division 26. I have attached the Automatic Transfer Switch Spec 26 36 23 and Engine Generator Spec 26 32 13 from the above site.

14. 4.3 “In locations where the ATS has no Bypass function; Contractor shall request a shutdown two weeks in advance of work in writing form to the COR. The VA will review the shutdown request for review and approval. Contractor shall provide all equipment, fuel, and labor required to provide temporary power.

Do any of the ATS’s not have bypass?

· VA’s understanding is that the ATS’ in the facility have by-pass function. Please review the previous ATS preventive maintenance report.

15. 4.7 “Normal working hours are from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Contractor is advised that this is a Medical Facility with isolation rooms, patient care areas, and other critical areas. Work will be performed to accommodate business operations of the facility. When required by affected area or directed by authority having jurisdiction work will be performed after work hours, on weekends, or reschedule if needed.

Please indicate what work is expected to be performed during normal working hours and which work should be performed during Off-hours.

· Any work that causes power loss (excluding instantaneous transfer of power) shall be done off hours. Instantaneous transfer requires prior VA notification and onsite VA approval.

(1 Test’s suggestions) Where most, if not all, of the ATSs are bypass/drawable type, work can be performed during reg hours. Load Banking prep can be done on reg hours and then performed on off-hours.

· VA agrees. ATS testing can be done during normal hours with bypass capability. Load bank prep can be done during regular hours and work performed during off-hours.

16. 4.8 “The contractor shall provide quote to the VA to fix any deficiencies or any specific problem on the systems under the scope.

Would you like this presented at a T&M rate? Will not know extent of deficiencies until testing is complete.

· The quote can be presented after the findings. Please reach out to contracting officer for full requirements.

17. 4.9 “Contractor shall schedule all work and inspections with facility’s Electrical Supervisor or VA designated COR.

Would all work be able to be completed in a continuous span of time? i.e., could all generator testing be on subsequent days to reduce cost of load bank and generator rentals?

· Yes. Load banking can be done on subsequent days / continuous span of time. Building cannot have power loss during testing. Any power loss shall be a weekend work with 3 weeks of advance notification to the VA with agreed plan in place prior to the electrical shutdown.

18. 7.1.5 “VA work Contract Number, name and number of VA Contracting Officer.”

· Who will be our VA Contracting Officer?

Please reach out to the contracting specialist Carissa Sarazin ,Carissa.Sarazin@va.gov, for any contracting question.

19. 7.1.7 “Copies of contractors’ valid licenses, professional and training certificates.”

· What specific licenses are you looking for? NETA (InterNational Electrical Testing Association) certifications?

Please see section 3.1 and 3.2 from scope of work, NFPA 70 , NFPA 99 , NFPA 110 for all the requirements.

20. We would also like to request the following information:

· One Line drawings for each building showing the Generator/ATS EM system. (Some generators supply multiple buildings; these will give us a better look at where we would want attach for load banking.)

· Please see the attached one-line drawings. E701 – 706 are the original one-line drawings from the 2017 Electrical study. Generator phase 1, phase 2 and electrical distribution one lines were updated on 3 subsequent projects.

21. A copy of the VHA Directive 1028. (Section 5.1 Load Banking).

· Please see the attached copy.