S06 RFIs-561-18-135 Electrical upgrade with responses.pdf

SOLICITATION NO: 36C24220B0010

PROJECT NO: 561-18-135

PROJECT NAME: VA East Orange – Electrical Upgrade

Request for Information

1) Spec Section 26 23 00 requests factory tests to comply with IEEE C37.20.1 and applicable standards 1.6 reference UL 891 and UL 1558. The contract drawings for substations AN, BN, AE, BE ( E603 and E604) display draw out main breakers with group mounted feeder devices. In reviewing the footprint required in existing vaults, our interpretation would be that UL 891 construction would be needed with draw out main breakers and group mounted feeder devices which would negate the testing requirements under UL1558 and IEE C37.20.1. There is a substantial footprint difference along with cost difference so we would request confirmation/clarification on what would be required.

RESPONSE: The original building switchgear is draw out assemblies. The new switchgear is not and has not been indicated with draw out assemblies. New switchgear is fixed insulated cased or molded case circuit breakers per the specifications and drawings.

2) Please provide conduit & wire sizes and quantities for the secondary side of the 5000 kVA Transformer into the new Building 24 Switchgear Enclosure.

RESPONSE: (2) 5”C, 3/C 750KCMIL 5KV, 1-5OOMCM 600V neutral (each) to match existing.

3) Please clarify if the new gen set docking station for Substation CE on drawing E605 is 1200A or 2000A as there are conflicting notes.

RESPONSE: Docking station shall be 1200A

4) Please clarify the design intent and provide direction regarding the 5kV switch on the primary side of each unit substation. Spec 261116 refers to Section 261313 Medium Voltage Circuit Breaker Switchgear, the one-line diagram displays a standard metal clad fused switch and the floor plan states Vacuum Fault Interrupter. Which of these three options should pricing be based on?

RESPONSE: Specification 261313 applies to the exterior 5KC distribution switchgear. The vacuum fault interrupter per the riser diagram applies to the new substation AN/AE, BN/BE. Reference to specification 261313 in the secondary unit substation specification 261116 should not apply.

5) Please clarify the design intent and provide direction regarding the 208V portion of each unit substation. There are several instances within Spec 262300 that lean towards draw-out switchgear as opposed to fixed mount molded case circuit breakers. (Ex. Metal Clad, 30 cycle short time current ratings, IEEE C37.20.1 and NEMA C37.51) However the one-line diagram displays fixed mounted breakers. If it is determined that this equipment is fixed mounted breakers in Switchboard construction, please confirm the need for trip devices in accordance with Spec 262300(2.4)(C).

RESPONSE: Devices at secondary unit substations are fixed molded case or insulated case devices, these are not draw out assemblies. Trip devices per 262300 would apply.

6) Please confirm the following assumptions regarding the testing of medium voltage cables described in Specification 260513-3.7(F)&(G).

Insulation Resistance Testing should be performed as follows:

-Test existing cable prior to performing splice.

-Test new cable prior to performing splice.

-Test complete cable after performing splice.

Online Partial Discharge Test should be performed as follows:

-Test shall occur after ALL cables have been energized, NOT after each cable is energized. Due to the phased nature of transferring circuits from the existing switchgear to the new switchgear, all cables will not be energized at a single time, however the intention is to test all cables at a single time.

RESPONSE: Due to the phasing of the project all cables may not be available for testing at a single time.

Testing as noted should be completed by the certified testing agent when multiple cables are available.

The contractor should make accommodations to include this in its phasing and scheduling of the project and note the required testing process in the CPM schedule.

7) Statement of work (under solicitation document) item 4g1 line 3 shows panel to be replaced in room C-E-10 as EMP-BC but bid drawing E-111 detail 1 & panel schedule drawing E-401 show as EMP-CB also line 4 shows panel to be replaced in room A-E-102 as AD but bid drawing E-111 detail 3 & panel schedule drawing E-401 show as EMP-AD . Please let us know which is correct.

RESPONSE: Provide for panel replacement per the construction documents and labelling. At C-E-10 the panel is EMP CB, at A-E-102 the panel is EMP-AD.

8) Drawing E-101 (A vault), E-102 (B vault) & panel schedule drawing E-402 show to replace existing panel VAE(A vault), VBE(B vault) & add new sub-panels VAEA(A vault) & VBEA(B vault) but these panels are not shown in statement of work. Please let us know which is correct.

RESPONSE: Contractor is responsible for the panels and related electrical work shown on the contract documents. Replacement of panels is part of the replacement of the substations and related accessory systems.

9) Statement of work item 4h states “the existing Short Circuit and Arc Flash study for the East Orange Campus will be updated” whereas Drawing E-001 Sheet note 1 & Specification section 26 05 73 (Over current protective devices & coordination study) item 1.1.B clearly state that “the existing (East Orange VA Phase 1 Improve Electrical Deficiencies) short-circuit and selective coordination study, and arc flash calculations and analysis will be updated for the related electrical overcurrent devices to be installed and or modified under this project”. Please clarify which is correct.

RESPONSE: The contractor will update the existing Short Circuit and Arc Flash study. The limitations of the updates will be all the related electrical and overcurrent devices installed or modified on this project.

This would include and not be limited to the first panel or electrical assembly downstream of an overcurrent protective device that may be affected by the replacement of the device under this project.

10) Statement of work item 4i Phase II A/B Phasing states “The new substation shall be energized by extending a temporary armored multi conductor 5-kV cable from the line side of the energized 5-kV bus in the existing substation to feed the new service transformer for the new substation” please clarify whether this temp 5KV cable is for new substations in Vault A & B if so please provide the size of the conductor/detail for supporting this cable.

RESPONSE: Existing primary (5KV) feeder cables are noted on sheets E-601, E-602. Temporary services would apply to Vault and or Vault B as required.

11) Drawing ES-101 sheet keyed note 9 & 12: Please provide trenching details for new underground duct banks for 5KV cables.

RESPONSE: Trenching detail will be provided for reference. Minimum depth for new duct bank assemblies would be 24” below grade (coordinate with switchgear shop drawings). When extending or attaching to existing duct bank systems, match existing depth.

12) Drawing G-002 Keynote” A”: Please provide the specification for the new fire extinguisher cabinet & fire extinguisher.

RESPONSE: See specification section 104413

13) Drawing E-101, E-102 & E-501: Please provide the specification for new Exhaust fan & motorized dampers.

The fan schedule indicated on drawing E-501 does not give enough information such as construction of the fans, motor efficiencies & details for motorized damper.

RESPONSE: See Mechanical Specifications (attached).

14) The requirement of temporary construction fence is not shown either on the bid drawings or in the specification. Please clarify.

RESPONSE: See specification 013526 (accident prevention plan). Extent of fencing to be determined by the contractor and related safety staff for the construction site.

15) Specification section 01 91 00: Witness Factory Testing –Please let us know what all the factory testing VA appointed commissioning agent would like to witness for the major equipment such as Secondary unit substations/pad mounted liquid filled Medium voltage (service entrance) transformers/5KV medium voltage SWGR so as to enable our equipment vendor to price them accordingly.

RESPONSE: Commissioning agent has not been assigned at this time. Equipment that would be anticipated to be included in this process would be the Secondary unit substations, pad mounted liquid filled Medium voltage (service entrance) transformers, and 5KV medium voltage switchgear.

16) New 5KV Distribution SWGR

-Please provide battery specification section detailing all the requirements for this system.

-Drawing ES-101 Partial site plan Electrical: The site electrical plan shows keynote 18 @ the two new service entrance transformers 26400V/4160Y but sheet key notes end up with note 17 & do not show 18. Similarly, the site electrical plan does not show note 17 but keynote show 17. In our opinion the site electrical plan note #18 to be changed to #17. Please clarify.

-Does the New Metalclad Switchgear lineup need to match existing conduits? Or can we match the front elevation/plan view on drawing E-502?

-Drawing E-501 Keynote 2: Please clarify whether the existing 5KV termination enclosed cabinet (which is to be retained) is a part of 5KV switchgear or a separate section bolted to SWGR. Also does this have enough space to splice the existing distribution feeders with new feeders to be extended to the proposed 5KV SWGR on the new over-head enclosed cable tray as indicated on keynote 8 on drawing ES-101.

RESPONSE:

See specification 261313 paragraph 2.8 for battery requirements at the MV switchgear.

Note 17 applies to the new distribution transformers at the electrical yard.

The new 5KV switchgear does not connect to any existing conduits. All conduit routing and penetrations are to be coordinated with approved shop drawings prior to installation.

The termination cabinet is part of the existing 5KV distribution switchgear. This switchgear is rear access with an opening to the electrical yard. The cabinet is part of the switchgear assembly and is intended for cable terminations and connections.

17) Substation AE/AN/BE/BN

-Section 261116 points to other spec sections for the MV and LV gear requirements. Is there a Substation Transformer specific spec section for the AE/AN and BE/BN subs? Right now, only 261116 makes mention of the transformer requirements.

-To address layout and space constraints Substation AE/AN & BE/BN secondaries are required to be front access UL891 Switchboards. Please advise that this is acceptable.

-Please provide detailed description(s) or specification on existing remote Generator interfacing with Substation Secondary’s AE/AN & BE/BN. Note #3 on E603/E604 does not provide enough detail.

-Please confirm that only the 480V Main and Gen breakers in AE/AN & BE/BN are required to be electrically operated?

-Please confirm ONLY the substation secondary Main and Generator breakers are required to provide contacts for interfacing with existing Generator controls.

RESPONSE:

Section 26116 is for secondary unit substations and covers the transformer specification.

Correct, due to space limitations the new switchgear assemblies AE/AN, BE/BN need to be front access.

These are existing Generators with generator control systems that will need to be field verified by the installing contractor. The new switchgear will provide voltage sensing and start/stop control signals to the existing generator controls.

The main breakers at the respective switchboards are to electrically be operated in conjunction with the generator breaker to complete the ATS function at the switchboards. The tie breakers will remain manually operated.

The substation secondary main breakers and generator breakers are to be part of interface with generator controls and the ATS function of the switchboards.

18) Power Monitoring:

-Is integration into the VA National System required for the new PM meters?

RESPONSE: Integration into the existing VA East Orange power monitoring system is required.

19) In Vault C (Drawing E-103), we may have to penetrate a large concrete column/wall where six 3 ½” conduits penetrate to leave Vault C and enter the existing area way:

-Can you provide a Structural As-Built of this column/wall?

-If an As-Built does not exist, can you identify is any Structural Steel Members are cast into this concrete column/wall?

RESPONSE: Raceways would be routed through the wall above the existing door opening. Existing building drawings will be made available for reference prior to installation for coordination of the routing within the area well.

20) At the Outdoor Substation (Drawing CD-1), we are to demolish a portion of a Cast in Place Concrete wall and a Block Wall near Building 24:

-Could you provide an as built of these two walls we are to demolish?

-Could you identify the depth and the size of the footings for these same two walls?

RESPONSE: Contractor will need to field verify. See notes which are provided on the CS 502 and CD 101 plan sheets. Note, the proposed top and bottom of wall elevations have been provided on CS 502 plan sheet. Match existing stone wall.

21) On Drawing E-151, you show conduit drops down solid exterior masonry/plaster walls. There is existing Wire-mold on these walls. Can we use Wire-mold to bring these Building 5 circuits down the wall from ceiling to the receptacle boxes?

RESPONSE: Wiremold in limited applications (branch circuit drops from above ceiling to devices) would be acceptable for this application.

22) Bid drawing ES-101 & E602: Please provide the size & number sets per phase for the new 5KV cable from new 5000KVA service transformer to incoming feeder of new 5KV SWGR.

RESPONSE: See response to item No.2

23) Bid drawing ES-101 & E-601: Keyed note 5 on drawing ES-101 shows to remove existing 5KV SWGR (with exception of rear terminal splice cabinet) after activation of new 5KV SWGR but the key note 2 on drawing E601 shows to retain existing 5KV terminations enclosure/cabinet section of the SWGR to remain. Please clarify whether to retain complete enclosure (after drawing out the breakers) of existing 5KV SWGR or only cable terminal/splicing cabinet @ the back of SWGR.

RESPONSE: Terminal Splice cabinet and or Termination enclosure are the same item. Design intent is to only leave the termination enclosure section of the existing equipment.

24) Bid drawing ES-101: Keyed note 5 on above drawing shows to provide new cable tray for 5KV overhead distribution circuits. Please clarify whether part of the cable tray runs inside existing 5KV SWGR building/ new 5KV SWGR building & the balance of tray run outside in between two 5KV SWGR buildings. If so, please confirm whether there is enough headroom available between the top of existing 5KV SWGR & the roof to install the new cable tray/trays. Above drawing shows provision of new duct bank (with eight UG conduits) from existing MV Manhole (with live MV cables) to eight distribution feeder terminal cabinets of the new 5KV SWGR. Penetration of eight holes for new conduits in existing MV Manhole may need outage on the existing MV feeders inside this MH.

Please clarify.

RESPONSE: Cable tray is to be routed outside the new and old switchgear assembly buildings.

All required outages are to be scheduled with VA and noted on the CPM schedule required.

25) Bid Pricing sheet states completion time of 730 calendar days for the base bid and also for deduct Alternate no.1. --- Please confirm if this is correct?

RESPONSE: Verified with COR, 730 days total construction period.

26) Spec sec 01 32 16.15 para 1.3 states ‘contractors consultant…’ – Please advise if contractor must hire an independent consultant for scheduling or can be done contractor’s project manager/team member.

RESPONSE: Contractors may use existing Qualified staff, provided they meet the specification requirements and receive the COR’s approval.

27) Spec sec 01 35 26 para 1.9B. states CSP shall randomly conduct a monthly site safety inspection. – Please advise if this CSP must be an independent/third party? Also please confirm that contractor’s supervisor can perform the duties of SSHO simultaneously.

RESPONSE: Third party CSP is not required, provided the individual submitted meets all the specification requirements.

28) Spec sec 01 91 00 has extensive specification for commissioning. Please advise if all the commissioning work can be performed by contractor’s supervisor/subcontractors or contractor has to hire an independent/third party or VA will perform all the commissioning work.

RESPONSE: Contractor is required to provide a third-party commissioning agent.

29) Drawing G-002 sheet keynote no. B states to protect existing equipment with plastic sheeting and sheet keynote no. C states to daily wet mopping of entire space. --- Please confirm that daily wet mopping of entire space is required as the labor may have to work after hours/after the work is completed every day.

RESPONSE: Wet mopping to be end of last day of work week. Once a week.

30) Spec section 02 82 13 has specs for asbestos floor tile and mastic abatement, para 1.1.2.B states 4480 square feet. – Please identify locations of this area on project drawings. There are no asbestos abatement drawings.

RESPONSE: Disregard specification section 02 82 13, there is no asbestos abatement for floor tile and mastic.

31) Spec section 02 83 33.13 has specs for lead-based paint removal and disposal, para 2.1 states chemical stripper to be used. --- Please identify locations of this lead-based paint on project drawings.

RESPONSE: There is no lead-based paint removal related work on this project.

32) Drawing CS 502 indicates proposed stone wall. – can agency provide drawing section, elevation and type of stone for this new wall.

RESPONSE: See response to question No. 20.

33) Drawing G-002 sheet note # 3 states to provide new 3’ – 0” wide switchboard mat (corrugated surface) around all electrical equipment. --- Please specify the material, thickness, and preferred manufacturer if any for this new mat. Also, this mat will be around all the new and existing equipment? Please confirm.

RESPONSE: Basis of Design: Grainger, switchboard runner, corrugated, black, ¼” thickness. Brand name: NOTRAX. Runner to be installed around all new and existing equipment.

34) Drawing CD 101 general note # 1 states Contractor to provide temporary fencing in form of a 6’ high galvanized chain link fence around the proposed improvements. --- Drawing CS 502 is showing 10’ high permanent fence. Please identify locations of temporary 6’ high fence on project drawings.

RESPONSE: See response to item No.14 as it relates to temporary construction fencing.

35) Drawing ES-101 key notes 7 and 13 states to provide walk in enclosure/Utility control cabinet/switch gear bldg. – Please provide elevation drawing, make and manufacturer for this switch gear bldg.

RESPONSE: See specifications, the enclosures are to be provided by the equipment manufactures as part of the equipment package. Shop drawings and approvals will be required.

36) There is extensive work of concrete duct banks. Please provide a sectional drawing with the required depth, width and what type of restoration is required.

RESPONSE: See item, No38, and duct bank bridge details on sheet CS-505.

37) Drawing ES-101 plan indicates keynote # 18, but there is no description of this note.

RESPONSE: See response to question No. 16

38) Drawing ES-101 plan note states ‘Portion of existing underground electrical to remain underneath bldg. use duct bank bridge if necessary.’ --- Please confirm if this concrete bridge is required as it will have impact on the cost and all contractors can bid on the same information or if not sure then provide an allowance amount.

RESPONSE: The bridge over the duct bank will be required to some extent and constructed per the details on the civil/site documents. Exact location of duct bank to be verified.

39) Specs has section 09 05 16 Subsurface Preparation for Floor Finishes. --- Please advise where is this work applicable in this project.

RESPONSE: Specification Section 09 05 16 is applicable for the epoxy anti-slip epoxy paint. Application is at the substation vaults. See drawings, and item 42 (below).

40) Please advise if reinforcing steel/rebars must be epoxy coated and structural steel required hot-dip galvanizing.

RESPONSE: Rebar does not need to be epoxy coated. Structural steel needs to be hot dipped galvanized.

41) Dwg S-301 detail # 3 CMU wall details – as per this detail it looks like 4” thick wall. Please confirm no footings are required, what is material of 4” cap? Also drawing S-101 note # 2 states this is a 8” thick reinforced masonry wall. Please confirm which is correct.

RESPONSE: The CMU will be 8” thick, the cap height is 4”. No footing will be required. Cap will be stone cap.

42) Floor of vault and B requires anti-slip epoxy paint as per dwgs and specs. Please confirm there is no primer requirement for floor and no painting required for the walls and ceilings of vaults A and B.

RESPONSE: Basis of Design for anti-slip epoxy floor paint. Sherwin Williams, Armorseal 1000HS, high solid, two component epoxy coating with SW skid inhibiting additive. No painting required for the walls and ceilings.

43) Drawing S-101 vault A indicates portion of exist 13’ – 1 3/8” length wall to be removed. Drawing S-102 vault B indicates portion of exist 19’ – 0” length wall to be removed. At both these locations there is an existing sliding door assembly ( and opening ) which has to be removed as per Drawing E-101 and E-102 demo plan, as there is already an opening then what is the additional length of concrete wall which needs to be demoed. Please advise.

RESPONSE: Expand existing opening, verify with Architectural plan.

44) Dwg S-101 and S-102 roof framing. --- Please confirm the new HSS 4 x 4 x ¼” posts sits on the top of the existing concrete wall and elevation height of the new roof deck will be same as the existing vault roof.

RESPONSE: HSS post will sit on top of existing wall. See E-501 for steel frame elevations.

45) Refer to detail 5/S-301. Please identify location of this work on plan.

RESPONSE: The section between areaway slab and interior slab to make even floor elevation and remove existing curve for flush finish.

46) Detail 3/S-301 says that vault A top of the wall height is 9’ – 6” and vault B is 16’ – 0” whereas detail 11/S-302 says that vault A top of the wall height is 16’ – 0” and vault B is 9’ – 3”. Please clarify which is correct.

RESPONSE: Vault A= 9’6” wall Vault B: 16’-0” wall

47) 10’ chain link and 10’ chain link w/ barbed wire: Detail 4/CS 505 & 3/CS 505 calls for 2 tension wires at bottom and a 5/8” top rail, whereas Detail 5/CS 505 & 7/CS 505 calls for 1 tension wire at bottom and 1 5/8” top rail. --- Please advise which is correct?

RESPONSE: All chain link fence to have two tensions wires at bottom of fence and a 1 5/8” top rail.

48) Detail 5/CS 505 & 7/CS 505 calls for 11 ga x 2” black vinyl coated wire fabric, and in the notes: ALL FENCING SHALL BE GALVANIZED. --- please advise which is correct?

RESPONSE: All chain link fence is to be galvanized.

49) Drawing E-101, sheet keynote # 4 temporary generator note states to provide concrete bollards. --- There are no bollards shown on civil/site details.

RESPONSE: Concrete bollard detail is shown on civil site details sheet CS 505.

50) Please advise if work at electrical yard, vault A, vault B and work of replacement of electrical panels in various bldgs. can be done concurrently/same time and no phasing is required.

RESPONSE: Some phasing will be required, see scheduling requirements, and note on the required CPM schedule required at time of bid submission.

51) Drawing E-151, work shown is only of sheet key notes nos. 4 and 5. No work shown for sheet keynotes nos.

1, 2 and 3. --- Please confirm this is correct.

RESPONSE: When noted on the plan, Keyed notes would apply. Keyed notes, 1 thru 3 would not apply if not indicated.

52) Drawing E-501 detail 4 states to shore existing masonry wall above opening prior to removing wall and installing lintel at the new door opening section. --- Drawing does not show any shoring required at the other openings of 13’ and 19’ lengths where portion of concrete wall is removed at vaults A and B respectively. Please advise.

RESPONSE: See detail 2 on sheet S-301.

53) Spec section 07 40 00 is for roof and wall panels. Drawing E-501 detail 3 and 4 indicates fixed louver system typical at all elevations. --- Please confirm that painted architectural drainable fixed louver system is used at all the 3 sides/elevations and not wall panels.

RESPONSE: Painted architectural drainable fixed louver system is used at all the 3 sides/elevations and not wall panels.

54) IS any DDC controls work required for the three ( 3 ) exhaust fans shown on dwg E-501?

RESPONSE: DDC controls are not required, local thermostatic control.

55) Drawing E-602: There is a symbol for a Sheet Key Note 5 shown adjacent to the 5Kv Switchgear, however there is no Sheet Key Note 5 on this drawing.

RESPONSE: Keyed note 5 would not apply.

56) Drawings ES-101, E-101, and E-102 All of these drawings indicate that cable tray is to be installed, however there is no specification for cable tray in the bid specification. Please provide us the copy of specification section for cable tray.

RESPONSE: Section 260533 Raceways and Boxes for Electrical Systems will be modified as follows:

2.2 CABLE TRAY

A. Cable Tray Materials: Aluminum, suitable for indoors or outdoors

B. Ladder Cable Trays: Widths as shown on the drawings (match existing where cable tray is extended), with a rung spacing of 12 inches (305mm) with water drop, 90 degrees, 45 degrees, fittings, support and related materials. Provide for 3” Nema VE1 loading depth, 4” side rails.

Cable tray to be Nema 20B,16C, Cooper B line series 34 or equal. For outdoor applications provide peaked/flanged cover. Provide shop drawing submittal with load/ratings based on cable density/capacity for related cables as noted.