561A4-18-101 Replace Central Chillers RFI for Construction.pdf

Project Name: Replace Central Chillers Date of Walkthrough: 7/20/2023 10am

Project Number: 561A4‐18‐101 RFI's Due by: 7/25/2023 NLT 2pm

CO: Victoria Clark Response requested by : 7/28/2023 NLT 4pm

COR: Patricia Bonilla

Alternate COR: Gary Boehner

A/E: Fellenzer Engineering

RFI Question A/E response VA Response CO Response

#1 Who is the on‐site BAS contractor?

Matthew Brown, Innovative Controls Group

(matthew@icgsystems.com)

#2 What manufacturer is used for the basis of design? York or approved equal.

#3 Which form of bid delivery is required for this opportunity? Electronic bid packages submitted via email will be the only accepted bids

#4

The performance data for WC‐2 and WC‐3 on drawing 136‐MH‐701 is based on R‐134A refrigerant. This refrigerant is being phased out at the end of the year, and due to project award schedule and equipment lead times, will not be able to be provided for this project. There are new refrigerants such a R‐1233zd, R‐513A, R‐514A, but they all have different performance data than R134A. Will the equipment schedule performance be updated based on the new refrigerant?

YES. See attached revised "Refrigeration Machine Schedule" to replace the existing on MH‐701. This shows revised refrigerant R‐

513A and performance data.

#5

Specifications call for magnetic bearing compressors based on higher efficiency and lower maintenance costs. This is a newer technology that is not proven reliable over a

25+ year period. CH‐1 which was replaced already has an oil‐based compressor, and low pressure oil‐based compressors have a significantly higher full load efficiency. Oil based compressors have lower maintenance costs that magnetic bearing compressors because they have less electronics to maintain, and do not require capacitor bank maintenance. Oil provides better serviceability because you can pull oil samples to monitor the internal health of the compressor without performing a tear down. The only way to check the internal health of a magnetic bearing compressor is to perform a costly tear down. New oil‐based compressor chillers were recently installed at the East

Orange Campus and have performed without issue wince 2013. Will traditional oil‐ based compressors be allowed?

Specifications to remain as written utilizing oil free magnetic bearing technology. Oil‐based compressors are not acceptable.

#6

Please confirm the two 750KVA transformers are not already purchased by the owner and are to be provided by the Electrical Contractor.

The two 750 KVA transformers are to be furnished and installed by contractor not VA.

#7

Please confirm the 1000A ATS and 1000A MTS are to be provided by the Electrical

Contractor

The 1000A ATS and 1000A MTS are to be furnished and installed by contractor not VA

#8a

Drawing ES‐101 related to the new 600A disconnect switch related to the new 500‐ton temp unit, as well as the info shown (or NOT shown) on the one‐line diagram on ES‐601

a) on the ES‐101 in the related note, there is a reference to one line on drawing ES‐602.

This drawing does not exist. Please advise

a) The reference to ES‐602 on ES‐101 should be written as ES‐601.

Substitute ES‐601 for ES‐602 on ES‐101.

#8b

b) there are two feeders indicated to the temp chiller. One 1200A and one 600A.

However, the feeder sizes are not shown. Now, if we add the drawing GS‐101 and

General Note #1 to the discussion, there is a statement that the power cables will be provided by the chiller manufacturer.

b) In General Note #1 on GS‐101: Delete "… the temporary chiller manufacturer." and add"… contractor in coordination with the temporary chiller provider and manufacturer."

#8c

c) Can you please provide (if known) the numbers of sets and sizes of the cables that will arrive with the chiller (by the chiller manufacturer) for the 600A feeder AND for the

1200A feeder? Contingent to this answer the question that ultimately we are interested in is the number, the size, and the type of conduit needed between the new temp chiller and the two (new 600A and ex 1200A) disconnect switches. (for the type of conduit part we are questioning, please see question below)

c) The 500 ton chiller requires two 600 amp circuits at

480V/3ph/3W, w/gnd. Feed one from the 1200A (refuse as required to 600A) and one from the 600A. If rental chiller supplier is not supplying power cabling the provide two sets of (3) 350

MCM with 2/0 ground in 4" Galvanized Rigid Conduit (GRC).

#9

ES‐001, Electrical General note #9, indicates all conduits to be Galvanizes Steel conduit.

In addition, the construction keynotes #1 and #3 (specifically related to the HV runs in conjunction with the one‐line on ES‐601, and its feeder designation "O" requires PVC‐ coated galvanized conduit. Can you please confirm this is correct? Please note that the other six conduits (feeders #2 and #4 per ES‐101) are not required to be PVC coated, but just regular GRC conduit. Please advise. (the note on ES‐102 up left is describing this conduit as "Rigid" only)

All conduit referenced in question shall be Galvanized Rigid

Conduit (GRC). PVC coating is not required.

#10

One line diagram ES‐601, related to the new ATS #8; There are two disconnects shown between the TR‐5 and ATS #8 and between ATS #8 and MTS #8. Are both of these disconnects 1000A/3p and is the Electrical Contractor responsible to provide them? In addition, the disconnect between the TR‐5 and ATS #8 is actually indicated on the floor plan on ES‐102 (upper left corner of the building) and if the size is 1000A, we don't think the dimension is to scale. Question a) Will it be enough room in that corner to install this disconnect? Following, question b) will be: Where is the location of the other disconnect switch (on the one‐line indicated between the ATS#8 and MTS #8 on the floor plan?

Both Disconnects are 1000A/3p and the contractor shall furnished and install. By this RFI Addendum Both Disconnects shall be provided with NEMA 3R enclosures. A) The disconnect between

TR‐5 and ATS #8 Shall be relocated to the adjacent exterior of the building should adequate clearance cannot be met. b) Per note on the drawing (the other disconnect switch between the ATS#8 and

MTS #8) is to be located on the interior wall. For bidding purposes there appears to be adequate clearance on the side opposite to the interior wall where there is a HVAC Control panel is noted on

ES‐102.

#11

Key‐note #2 on Detail #8 on ES‐701 is also referring to drawing ES‐602. Is this a typo again or ES‐602 is a drawing that was never issued?

The reference to ES‐602 on ES‐701 should be written as ES‐601.

Substitute ES‐601 for ES‐602 on ES‐701.

#12

Note on ES‐001 (right below the "Preventive maintenance scope of work" section, indicates the scope of work that is not quite crystal clear. The part where the listed equipment units (text copied from the drawings) "that are likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing or maintenance while energized... should be field marked... so they are visible to the qualified personnel BEFORE the examination, adjustment, servicing or maintenance of the equipment". Can we have a written scope of all the equipment that needs to go thru this process?

This note refers to the requirements within the Specification section "26 05 73 ‐ Overcurrent Protective Device Coordination

Study" that the Contractor is responsible for.

#13

The specification includes section "26 05 73 ‐ Overcurrent Protective Device

Coordination Study". Please confirm this requirement will still be needed and that the

Contractor is responsible for it. This one line is involved and the coordination study might be very costly given the fact that the majority of the system is existing and the length of the feeders are unknown. (unless there is an existing one that can be provided to us for data usage).

YES, Specification section "26 05 73 ‐ Overcurrent Protective

Device Coordination Study" is a requirement of the contract that the Contractor is responsible for it. it is understood that some existing feeders are unknown and have to be measured. See atached Power System Study perfromed in 2009 for additional information.

#14 Is this a tax‐exempt project?

See reply by CO.

No. The solicitation requires all taxes to be included in the bid. The contractor is responsible for payment of all taxes and the government will not provide a tax exemption certificate or any other information resulting in a tax exemption. If the contractor seeks and receives a tax exemption after award of the contract for any materials or supplies purchased by the contractor to perform any work required under the contract, any such tax savings must be returned to the government.

#15

If tax‐exempt, will the government be providing a tax‐exempt certificate to the Prime

Contractor for use by subcontractors and vendors? See reply by CO. See previous answer

#16

Can the Superintendent be shared across multiple projects, or should they be dedicated full‐time to this project and this project only? See reply by CO. Superintendence should be IAW 52.236‐6

#17a Can the Superintendent fulfil multiple roles? See reply by VA or CO. Yes

#17b If so, can they also fulfil the Quality Control role? See reply by VA or CO. Yes

#17c What about the SSHO role? See reply by VA or CO. Yes

#18

Will the VA provide a spot for the Prime Contractor to set up a temporary office or should contractors include monies for a temporary office, utilities, etc.? (We ask this because we know the VA has very little spare real estate).

Contractor should include costs for temporary Office and all utilities required to perform work per the contract documents.

#19 Will the VA provide parking near the project site for this project? Parking is available near project site.

#20 Will the VA provide laydown space close to the project site for this project? Yes and all material must be secured from public.

#21a Does the VA anticipate this project will require off hours work? Contractors discretion at no cost to the VA.

#21b If so, what trades or scopes will be required to perform off‐hours work? Contractors discretion at no cost to the VA.

#22

Please confirm the scope of work related to painting in this project. During the site visit we noticed some condenser water piping was painted and some was not.

All installed material shall be painted per Specification 09 91 00

Painting. In Specification 09 91 00 Painting delete reference to 09

06 00 Schedule of Finished. This includes all piping, concrete, steel, Ferris metal, touch up, Identity painting, over 600 volt electrical conduit, building components and etc.

#23

Please confirm the existing chiller pads are to be demolished in their entirety, then new pads poured consisting of no reuse of existing pads.

Yes.

#24

Please confirm that the only allowable insulation within the Chiller Plant is closed cell glass and that mineral fiber is not allowable.

See specification ‐ 23 07 11‐ HVAC and Boiler Plant Insulation as part of contract documents for specific requirements.

#25

Can the VA provide the Distech Point of Contact for the Chiller Plant Controls integration? If not Distech, the POC for the integration contactor who performs controls integration for the VA.

Matthew Brown, Innovative Controls Group

(matthew@icgsystems.com) is a controls contractor ferrous with the site.

#26

During the site visit we were unable to get on the roof. Can the VA provide some pictures of the roof, specifically in the areas of the new exhaust fans and abatement?

Can VA provide?

#27a Does the Chiller Plant roof have an existing warranty? No existing warranty on roof. VA to confirm?

#27b Is so, please provide the roofing contractor that maintains the warranty. No existing warranty on roof. VA to confirm?

#28 Is access to the roof free and clear or are there ladders to climb to access it?

Access to roof by contractor. No fixed or temporary access provided by the VA.

#29 Please confirm the VA will engage the Cx agent under separate contract.

Contractor to commission all work under the contract. VA may contract additional Commissioning agent at the VA's discretion.

#30

Drawing 136‐MG‐101, does the new Expansion Tank go on a house keeping pad? If yes to the above, please provide pad details.

Housekeeping pad not required for expansion tank.

#31

Drawing 136‐MG‐101, is the intent to reuse the existing Chilled Water and Condenser

Water pump inertial bases?

All new pumps shall have new bases per the written specification including 23 05 41 Noise and Vibration Control for HVAC Piping and Equipment and 23 21 23 Hydronic Pumps

#32

Will the VA be responsible for clearing out the items currently surrounding the work areas inside the plant so that we have free and clear access to the work areas (chillers, pumps, piping, etc.)?

Supplies and surplus materials stored on floors and shelves will be removed or relocated by VA to allow reasonable access to work areas. VA to Confirm?

#33

Drawing 136‐MG‐101, Keyed Note 6 – Please clarify what shop drawings we are to provide.

Complete coordinated shop drawings are required for all materials installed. See 23 05 11 Common Work Results for HVAC for details as well as all the contract documents.

#34

Drawing 136‐MG‐101, Keyed Note 7 ‐ Will the VA’s HVAC water treatment contractor treat the new system under this contract or under the VA’s existing contract with the current water treatment contractor?

Water treatment to be under VA's existing contract.

#35

If we are to carry the water treatment cost under this contract, please provide the point of contact for the water treatment contractor.

Water treatment to be under VA's existing contract.

#36 Please provide pipe spec for Make‐Up Water. Water treatment to be under VA's existing contract.

#37

Please advise what Scope of Work in this project will be relative to specification 07 08

00.

Anywhere water might enter building such as the new exhaust fans, roof and wall penetrations.

#38 Please confirm there is no ACM insulation on the piping to be demolished. Piping insulation has been tested for ACM and is negative.

#39 Please confirm the only ACM abatement in this project is the ACM on the roof.

The only ACM abatement is per the drawings and specifications provided.

#40

Spec 09 91 00 specifies painting of the following, and stated “as shown on the construction documents”: a.

Ferrous metal

b. Galvanized ferrous metal c.

Pipe coverings, conduit, insulation, hangers, supports and other mechanical and electrical items and equipment exposed to view.

We don’t see any painting requirements called out on the drawings. Please advise what systems get painted as well as what surface prep spec applies (SSPC) as well as the paint spec for each system if painting is required.

All installed material shall be surface prepared and painted per

Specification 09 91 00 Painting. In Specification 09 91 00 Painting delete reference to 09 06 00 Schedule of Finished. This includes all piping, concrete, steel, ferrous metal, touch up, Identity painting, over 600 volt electrical conduit, building components and etc.

Color as approved by VA.

#41 Please advise where we can find the pipe labelling specifications. Pipe labeling is in Specification 09 91 00 Painting.

#42

The existing fence will need to be removed to place the temporary chillers. Is the SOW to remove, replace the fence to be included in this contract?

Contractor to include in bid price all necessary removal and replacement of fencing other obstructions to complete installation and removal of temporary equipment including chillers. The secured area around the chiller plant shall have permanent fencing secured through project. Temporary fence panels shall only be allowed for 5 days.

#43

Please advise if we can place temporary fence panels up during construction (in place of the permanent fence that has to be removed to get the temporary chillers into place), then place the permanent fence back after construction.

Contractor to include in bid price all necessary removal and replacement of fencing other obstructions to complete installation and removal of temporary equipment including chillers. The secured area around the chiller plant shall have permanent fencing secured through project. Temporary fence panels shall only be allowed for 5 days.

#44

Our measurements don’t show the same space for the temporary chillers as the drawings show. Is the intent both chillers will stay trailer mounted? We have concerns that both will not fit in the space provided and will have to be removed from the trailer to sit on the ground, but we are still confirming this.

It is not the intent to that both chillers remain trailer mounted.

#45a

Drawing 136‐ES‐001 states to retain Asco or qualified party to perform PM of all seven

ATS and all seven MTS, then goes on to provide a list but states its not all inclusive.

Please provide a full list of PM services required.

Preventative Maintenance Scope of Work on ES‐001 to remain as written.

#45b

Continuation of the above, please confirm any out‐of‐scope repairs identified in the PM will be handled via contract mod and that contractors are not expected to cover unknowns in a firm‐fixed price. There is no way for anyone to know what may or may not be found and pricing a possible unknown would be unreasonable.

Confirmed that any out‐of‐scope repairs identified in the PM will be handled via contract mod and that contractors are not expected to cover unknowns in a firm‐fixed price.

#46

Per specification Chiller # 3 will not be getting a new ATS, is this correct? Per knowledge of facility and discussion with the shop, the original request was to have a new ATS for this system.

Per VA request: Add to project replacement of 200Amp 5KV

ATS#2 that povides power to Chiller #3. Replace with new ASCO switch to match origional installation. The specification cut sheet for this ATS is provided in the Poewer System Study of 2009 at attached. Match all existing options and functions.