S05 RFI Answers -Electrical Switchgear Replacement 36C24224B0031.pdf

RFI – Electrical Switchgear Replacement Phase 1

Solicita�on: 36C24224B0031

Contractor ques�ons and answers

Ques�on#1 Are you going to engineer how we are going to temp out the switchgear while you are pu�ng in the new breakers?

Answer: As shown on page 4 of 10 of the SOW, Item #3 provides the details for the circuit breakers within Substa�on MSS1; and Item #4 provides the details for the circuit breakers within Substa�on MSS2. For each Table, the circuit breaker FRAME and RELAY se�ngs are provided. The VA will plan on de-energizing the �e-breaker of MSS1-A to MSS1-B. The VA will also then de-energize one side of MSS1 -either “A” or “B.” The contractor will not be required to supply any downstream loads. A line-item will be added to perform maintenance / cleaning in the back of each side (A & B). During the shut-down of MSS1-A (and then later MSS1-B), the contractor will replace all secondary contact blocks, clean and perform maintenance on the rear of the switchgear and replace all circuit breakers on the side that is shut-down (MSS1-A, and then MSS1-B). All work on one-side (MSS1-A or MSS1-B) is expected to be completed within a 4-hour window and all work will be scheduled a�er-hours and/or weekends. The above would then be repeated for MSS2-A and MSS2-B. The VA may elect to have both sides of one substa�on (MSS1-A and MSS1-B) completed during the same outage, with a separate 4-hour outage for each, or the VA may elect to have the two sides completed during separate outages. Pricing should assume separate outages for the two sides of each switchgear. Note: During the maintenance of the rear of the switchgear, it is understood that no work will be performed in the rear of the �e-breaker compartment, and the adjoining compartments due to energized bus within those compartments.

Ques�on#2 Can you provide the full part and model numbers for the current 480VAC power circuit breakers?

Answer: As shown on page 4 of 10 of the SOW, Item #3 provides the details for the circuit breakers within Substation MSS1; and Item #4 provides the details for the circuit breakers within Substation

MSS2.

Question#3 An accurate single line diagram is required. There is no way of determining the electrical contractor SOW for temporarily feeding the loads without first performing a study to develop a MOP (method of procedure). The MOP will be utilized to then develop the Sequence of Construction in how the switchboards will be back-fed and at which location that will happen.

Answer: As shown on page 4 of 10 of the SOW, Item #3 provides the details for the circuit breakers within Substation MSS1; and Item #4 provides the details for the circuit breakers within Substation MSS2. SEE ANSWER TO QUESTION #1. The contractor will not be required to provide any power for downstream loads. The VA will provide one-side of each substation to be de-energized for all work to be completed on that one-side. Each side of the two switchgear line-ups should be assumed to be completed separately. MSS1-A, then MSS1-B, then MSS2-A, then MSS2-B. The latest single-line diagram is provided for reference. (see solicitation attachment)

The contractor should provide a separate price to perform the cleaning and maintenance of the rear of each side of the switchgears during the 4-hour outages when all work will be performed. A price should be provided for "cleaning and maintenance of MSS1-A, then MSS1-B, then MSS2-A, then MSS2-B - with separate pricing for each. Note: During this 4-hour outage, all secondary contact blocks will be replaced as previously discussed, and as shown on the pricing worksheet.

Question#4 Are there any pictures available for viewing to allow me to complete a proposal?

Answer:

Ques�on#5 Can you please clarify if this job will be performed during normal or off hours?

General Requirement’s note# 18 calls for normal hours while work Objec�ve calls for a�er-hours.

Answer: All work will be completed a�er-hours. Please disregard note #18.

Ques�on#6 Scope of work, Item# 2 note h calls for replacement of �e-breaker, while as per SEUSA will provide a Tiebreaker retrofit for this item. Please advise if it acceptable or not.

ANSWER: Please provide as an adder. This may or may not be selected for comple�on. The supplier must also provide, with the price adder for the �e-breaker – the amount of down-�me required to complete the replacement of the �e-breaker.

Ques�on#7 Opening and closing of all exis�ng breakers to remain is by others. Please confirm.

Answer: The solicita�on response must provide personnel to operate the circuit breakers as part of the removal and inser�on of the new replacement circuit breakers.

Ques�on#8 On-site parking will be required. The equipment, materials, and tools needed to perform the SOW will require ease of access to/from the actual switchgear room.

Please confirm.

Answer: Parking will be provided by the VA - at a designated loca�on by the VA.

Ques�on#9 Qualifica�on of hospital opera�ons needs to be specified. We do not know what loads are being fed by the exis�ng feeders and therefore SEUSA has no way of knowing what hospital opera�ons will be impacted by the moderniza�on process. SEUSA will provide the required engineering that will be used to develop the MOP & sequence of construc�on. These SOWs will be required for all coordina�on purposes as the temped-out loads need to be iden�fied and an ac�on plan developed. Please advise.

Answer: The VA will plan on de-energizing the �e-breaker of MSS1-A to MSS1-B. The VA will also then de-energize one side of MSS1 - either “A” OR “B.” The contractor will not be required to supply power to any downstream loads. The supplier will add a cost line-item to perform maintenance / cleaning in the back of each side (A & B). During the shut-down of MSS1-A (and then later MSS1-B), the contractor will replace all secondary contact blocks, clean and perform maintenance on the rear of the switchgear and replace all circuit breakers on the side that is shut-down (MSS1-A, and then MSS1-B). All work on one-side (MSS1-A or MSS1-B) is expected to be completed within a 4-hour window and all work will be scheduled a�er-hours and/or weekends. The above would then be repeated for MSS2-A and MSS2-B.

The VA may elect to have both sides of one substa�on (MSS1-A and MSS1-B) completed during the same outage, with a separate 4-hour outage for each, or the VA may elect to have the two sides completed during separate outages. Pricing should note: during the maintenance of the rear of the switchgear, it is understood that no work will be performed in the rear of the �e-breaker compartment, and the adjoining compartments due to energized bus within those compartments.

Ques�on#10 The Supplier will provide a Test Procedure for VA review and approval. The Test The procedure should verify normal, emergency, and abnormal opera�ng condi�ons that may occur during the life of the equipment- Please describe in beter detail what this "ask" entails. This comment does not apply to a breaker upgrade project.

Answer: The supplier will provide the test procedure to ensure that all replacement circuit breakers are opera�ng a�er they are installed. Tes�ng shall be in compliance with NETA acceptance tes�ng for new circuit breakers.

Ques�on#11 Place of performance/Delivery item: This statement contradicts line #13 under General Requirements which states the supplier must provide their own storage of material.

Please clarify.

Answer: Materials can be stored within the MSS1 AND MSS2 switchgear rooms. if there is not sufficient space within MSS1 AND MSS2, then the supplier must provide off-site storage un�l the replacement are to be installed.

Ques�on#12 SEUSA will require the VA tes�ng specifica�on for review as per note# 3 in Tes�ng and acceptance procedure sec�on.

Answer: A past arc flash study will be provided with se�ngs to be applied to each circuit breaker. Tes�ng shall be in compliance with NETA acceptance tes�ng for new circuit breakers.

Ques�on#13 The Supplier shall “SET” each circuit breaker trip-se�ngs (Long-Time Pickup, Long-Time Delay, Short-Time Pick-up, Short-Time Delay, Instantaneous Pick-up, and Ground Fault Pick-up and Ground Fault Delay) at the Trip Se�ngs provided by the VA. - if the breaker se�ngs are provided by the VA all accuracy for such se�ngs is the responsibility of the VA.- Please confirm.

Answer: A past arc flash study will be provided with se�ngs to be applied to each circuit breaker. Tes�ng shall be in compliance with NETA acceptance tes�ng for new circuit breakers.

Ques�on#14 The Scope of Work indicates to supply a Cradle in Cradle (CIC) solu�on to replace QTY -21 (10 for MSS1 + 9 for MSS2 + 2 spares). Cradle-in-cradle retrofits pose the risk of hot spots as you are adding mechanical connec�ons to the bus which cannot be accessed once the retrofit is complete.

Addi�onal, major outages would be required.

Please advise if life extension, via the exis�ng spares that are currently being tested, recondi�on/remanufacture and upgrade them with new solid state trip unit kits, and provide upfront spares where spares don’t exist. This would be followed by recondi�oning/remanufacturing the breakers removed and cycling through un�l all breakers are rebuilt including having enough reliable spares.

These breakers, if serviced and maintained (as currently seen) will outlast any new plas�c retrofill op�on.

To address the arc flash mi�ga�on and maintenance mode (ERMS), we would propose using AC Pro II trip units with door mounted breaker IQ with quick trip arc flash reduc�on systems. With life extension, you don’t need bus outages to install the cradle-in-cradle retrofits.

Answer: The required solu�on is as specified with the cradle in cradle replacement. Only cradle and cradle replacements, which have been fully tested to ANSI standards, will be accepted.

This will address interrup�ng ra�ng needs, elimina�on of the exis�ng current limi�ng fuses, and provide the Arcflash medica�on required.

The alterna�ve you are sugges�ng below does not comply with the specifica�ons and will not be accepted.

Ques�on#15 Is it possible to schedule a �me to visit the site to evaluate the current state of the switchgear and take pictures?

Answer: Pre-bid site walkthrough was conducted on 4/11/24 at 10am EST. No other site visits will be allowed for this project.

Ques�on#16 We were in communica�on with Schneider yesterday who said that they are about 4+ weeks away from pu�ng together their part of the MOP for the work. We of course wouldn’t be able to produce an accurate bid un�l we have seen their plan. Do you an�cipate the bid deadline being extended un�l Schneider is ready?

Answer: The bidders can develop an accurate bid without MOP from Schneider. We never provided MOP in our SOW for any project, it is supposed to be like means and methods. What`s required is what was included in the SOW but regarding how this should be done and what tools to use, this is something that should be provided by the vendor/contractor. We only provided inspec�on and acceptance procedure so we can make sure that the supplier will provide us a test procedure for our review and approval.

Ques�on# 17 Please publish the pre-bid site visit sign in sheets.

Answer: A copy of the Pre-bid sign in sheet is included in the solicita�on amendment.

Ques�on#18 I am reaching out today seeking clarifica�on on an upcoming RFP in which we are interested. A�er reviewing the informa�on provided, could you please confirm whether this RFP is exclusively for an SDVOB firm to submit a proposal?

Answer: This project is 100% SDVOSB set-aside.

Ques�on#19 Do you know if this project will require a bid bond?

Answer: This project requires a bid bond. The magnitude of this VA project is between $2 million and $5 million dollars. The successful bidder is required to submit performance and payment bonds along with General Liability Insurance and Workers Comp before they start work.

Ques�on#20 I am a certified SDVOSB electrical contractor through the VA, but have never performed work on any VA properties as of yet. I’m curious to know if there are any specific insurance requirements that the VA has in place before contractors can successfully bid on work.

Answer: VA requires 20% of the bid price as bid bond and it must be submited with the bid. The successful bidder is required to submit performance and payment bonds along with General Liability Insurance and Workers Comp before they start work.

Ques�on#21 Note #18 states all work is to take place during normal work hours. That contradicts this statement.

Answer: All work will be a�er-hours. Please disregard Note# 18 on SOW.

Ques�on#22 The �e-breaker is a retrofill. We will need to have an ESV (Engineering Site Visit) adder to design the required cell modifica�ons. SEUSA will provide this as a line item adder within the quote.

Answer: Please provide as an adder.

Ques�on#23 Please note SEUSA is the supplier of all material and installa�on labor. There is also electrical contractor work required as part of this proposal and the line of delinea�on between the two needs to be defined.

SEUSA takes excep�on to any switching. All opening / closing of exis�ng circuit breakers is by others.

Answer: The solicita�on response must provide personnel to operate the circuit breakers as part of the removal and inser�on of the new replacement circuit breakers.

Queston#24 Is there a parking lot on-site? The equipment and tools needed to perform the SOW will require ease of access to / from the actual switchgear room.

Answer: Parking will be provided by the VA - at a designated loca�on by the VA.

Ques�on#25 (General Requirements #7) SEUSA will ensure all personal are OSHA cer�fied.

Answer: This is required.

Ques�on#26 (General Requirements # 13) This comment is contradictory to comment in "Place of Performance and Delivery". Please clarify.

Answer: The supplier must ensure that the rooms associated with MSS1 and MSS2 are secure and in a safe manner during all work being completed. VA personnel will be available to ensure the rooms are locked when not doing work.

Ques�on#27 Qualifica�on of hospital opera�ons needs to be specified. We do not know what loads are being fed by the exis�ng feeders and therefore SEUSA has no way of knowing what hospital opera�ons will be impacted by the moderniza�on process.

SEUSA can provide the required engineering that will be used to develop the MOP & sequence of construc�on. Theses SOW's will be required for all coordina�on purposes as the temped out loads need to be iden�fied and an ac�on plan developed.

Answer: The VA will plan on de-energizing the �e-breaker of MSS1-A TO MSS1-B. The VA will also then de-energize one side of MSS1 - either “A” or “B.” The contractor will not be required to supply any downstream loads. A line-item will be added to perform maintenance / cleaning in the back of each side (A & B). during the shut-down of MSS1-A (and then later MSS1-B), the contractor will replace all secondary contact blocks, clean and perform maintenance on the rear of the switchgear and replace all circuit breakers on the side that is shut-down (MSS1-A, and then MSS1-B). All work on one-side (MSS1-A or MSS1-B) is expected to be completed within a 4-hour window and all work will be scheduled a�er-hours and/or weekends. The above would then be repeated for MSS2-A and MSS2-B. The VA may elect to have both sides of one substa�on (MSS1-A and MSS1-B) completed during the same outage, with a separate 4-hour outage for each, or the VA may elect to have the two sides completed during separate outages. Pricing should assume separate outages for the two sides of each switchgear. Note: During the maintenance of the rear of the switchgear, it is understood that no work will be performed in the rear of the �e-breaker compartment, and the adjoining compartments due to energized bus within those compartments.

Ques�on#28 (General Requirements # 18) This contradicts comment #1. Is this job to be performed during normal or off-hours?

Answers: All work will be a�er-hours and/or weekends.

Ques�on#29 Please note a single line diagram is required as the very first step in determining the Electrical Contractor SOW. SEUSA will conduct an engineering study to understand the impact the outages will have on the electrical distribu�on system. The study cost can be added to this quota�on and should be addressed as an addendum to the RFP.

SEUSA takes excep�on to the installa�on of any required generators and temp power as that SOW is to be performed by an electrical contractor.

Answer: The requirement for the contractor to provide any back-up power is removed from the scope of work. A single-line will be provided for reference.

Ques�on#30 (General requirement # 23) Please describe in beter detail what this "ask" entails. This comment does not apply to a breaker upgrade project.

Answer: The supplier will provide the test procedure to ensure that all replacement circuit breakers are opera�ng a�er they are installed.

Ques�on#31 All Autodesk Construc�on Cloud requirements are the responsibility of the electrical contractor awarded the project. The SEUSA Project Manager will coordinate closely with the electrical contractor to provide �mely and accurate informa�on.

Answer: This is required for sharing of documenta�on.

Ques�on#32 (Safety Requirements #2) SEUSA takes no responsibility for pa�ent or staff safety & health programs. If SEUSA work is interrupted because pa�ent or staff safety & health program being non-compliant, SEUSA will seek a C/O for lost �me.

Answer: The contractor will not be required to provide back-up power.

Ques�on#33 (Place of Performance/Delivery) This statement contradicts line #13 under General Requirements which states the supplier must provide their own storage of material. Please clarify.

Answer: Materials can be stored within the MSS1 AND MSS2 switchgear rooms. If there is not sufficient space within MSS1 AND MSS2, then the supplier must provide off-site storage un�l the replacement are to be installed.

Ques�on#34 (Inspec�on and Acceptance Procedure #3) SEUSA will require the VA tes�ng specifica�on for review.

Answer: The supplier must provide their test procedure to ensure that all circuit breakers are opera�ng both manually and electrically a�er installa�on is complete.

Ques�on#35 (Inspec�on and Acceptance Procedure #6) Please note if the breaker se�ngs are provided by the VA all accuracy for such se�ngs is the responsibility of the VA.

Answer: A past arc flash study will be provided with se�ngs to be applied to each circuit breaker.

Ques�on#36 (Government Furnished Property) All removal & disposal of exis�ng circuit breakers is by the electrical contractor.

Answer: This is required.

Ques�on#37 (Warranty) The standard SEUSA warranty of one (1) year from energiza�on or eighteen (18) months from shipment will apply. SEUSA will extend the warranty to twenty four (24) months based on SEUSA performing start-up.

Answer: This solicita�on requires that the circuit breaker manufacture perform the start-up of each replacement circuit breaker.

Ques�on#38 Page 6 of the Solicita�on, the Objec�ve states that minimal outages are allowed; and states for any downstream outage, back-up resources are required.

a. What amount of �me for an outage is to be considered as exceeding the “minimal outages”

b. Any replacement of a breaker will cause a downstream outage. How do we iden�fy which circuits will require us to provide “backup resources?

Answer: The VA will plan on de-energizing the �e-breaker of MSS1-A to MSS1-B. The VA will also then de-energize one side of MSS1 - either “A” OR “B.” The contractor will not be required to supply power to any downstream loads. The supplier will add a cost line-item to perform maintenance / cleaning in the back of each side (A & B). During the shut-down of MSS1-A (and then later MSS1-B), the contractor will replace all secondary contact blocks, clean and perform maintenance on the rear of the switchgear and replace all circuit breakers on the side that is shut-down (MSS1-A, and then MSS1-B). All work on one-side (MSS1-A or MSS1-B) is expected to be completed within a 4-hour window and all work will be scheduled a�er-hours and/or weekends. The above would then be repeated for MSS2-A and MSS2-B.

The VA may elect to have both sides of one substa�on (MSS1-A and MSS1-B) completed during the same outage, with a separate 4-hour outage for each, or the VA may elect to have the two sides completed during separate outages. Pricing should note: during the maintenance of the rear of the switchgear, it is understood that no work will be performed in the rear of the �e-breaker compartment, and the adjoining compartments due to energized bus within those compartments.

Ques�on#39 Please provide As-Built One-Line electrical diagrams for both MSS1 and MSS2 switchgears, showing their feeders and their loads.

Answer: A past arc flash study will be provided with a past single-line diagram. This diagram is not 100% accurate and is for reference only. As discussed above, the contractor does not need to provide any back-up power. This report will provide the se�ngs to be applied to each circuit breaker. Tes�ng shall be in compliance with NETA acceptance tes�ng for new circuit breakers.

Ques�on#40 Please provide floor plans of the switchgear rooms and the area surrounding these rooms.

Answer: Materials can be stored within the MSS1 AND MSS2 switchgear rooms. If there is not sufficient to be installed.

Ques�on#41 Please iden�fy the space(s), outside the switchgear room where we can install temporary switchgear and/or temporary generators in order provide backup resources when required for the project.

Answer: Materials can be stored within the MSS1 AND MSS2 switchgear rooms. If there is not sufficient to be installed. As discussed above, temporary generators will not be required for back-up power to the hospital, but you must provide your own power source to test the new circuit breakers prior to installa�on.

Ques�on#42 The Statement of Work page 2, 1.f.xi asks us to provide Shunt Trip Communica�on. What is the number of circuits and distances required to be installed for this shunt trip communica�on?

Answer: One shunt trip circuit will be required for each circuit breaker. The approximate length of communica�on wiring is 50 feet per circuit breaker.