REPOST ATTACHMENT C GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO VENDORS QUESTIONS.pdf

ATTACHMENT C – Vendor’s Questions and Government Responses Solicitation No. 36C24825Q0454 – Epoxy Coating of Chiller Condensers

No. REFERENCE

(PWS, SOW,

Price/Cost Schedule Structure, etc.)

COMMENT(s)/QUESTION(s) GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE

General Question

Can you provide us with the drawings of the 3-chiller condenser? Refer to ATTACHMENT F.

2 General Question What is the preferred method of surface preparation for each condenser?

This question is similar to information requested by the government to evaluate vendor’s technical capability. Refer to Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 – Instructions to Offerors, paragraph e. ii. Application Methodology.

3 General Question What is the test requirements for the condenser? Refer to ATTACHMENT G, paragraph 9.

4 General Question Can you provide pictures of the surrounding area around each condenser?

Vendor were encouraged to take pictures at the site visit on 04/16/2025.

5 General Question What is the weight of condenser? Approximately 11K-12K LBS.

6 General Question Have the condenser heads been removed, or is this a requirement for the contractor? Refer to ATTACHMENT G, paragraph 8.

7 General Question Clarify, what fluid is on the shell side and what fluid is on the tube side?

Shell Side- refrigerate/ Tube-side water.

8 General Question What is the normal operating pressure of the condensers?

Water Pressure 10-20 PSI.

9 General Question What is the test pressure for each condenser? Test pressure is 45psi.

10 General Question What is the total condenser length? Total condenser length is 153”.

11 General Question How many tubes for each condenser? Refer to ATTACHMENT G, paragraph 10.

12 General Question Could you provide data sheets for each condenser? Refer to ATTACHMENT F.

13 General Question What is the manufacturer’s serial and model numbers of the chillers? Refer to ATTACHMENT G, paragraph 10.

PWS Section B.3 – Scope of Work

Has a Non-Destructive Test (NDT), such as ultrasonic thickness testing or dye penetrant inspection, been conducted to evaluate the structural integrity of the condenser end sheets and water boxes prior to coating? If not, is the contractor expected to recommend or perform such evaluation before proceeding?

Refer to ATTACHMENT G, paragraph 8.

PWS Section B.3 – Government Responsibility

The scope states that the chillers will be shut down “one at a time.” Is this a strict sequencing requirement, or could the VA consider allowing multiple chillers to be taken offline concurrently to reduce project duration?

This is a strict sequencing requirement for our facility.

16 PWS Section B.3 – Scope of Work

Have any of the chillers previously been coated with an epoxy or corrosion-resistant material? If so, are the specifications (e.g., material type, thickness, or age) of the existing coating available to the contractor?

None of the chillers have received epoxy or corrosion-resistant material.

PWS Section B.3 – Scope of Work (Surface Prep)

What surface preparation profile is required following sandblasting? (e.g., SSPC-SP10 Near- White Blast or NACE No. 2). Is verification of anchor pattern or cleanliness required before coating?

This question is similar to information requested by the government to evaluate vendor’s technical capability. Refer to Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 – Instructions to Offerors, paragraph e. ii. Application Methodology.

18 PWS Section B.3 – Safety Requirements

Are there any containment or fume control requirements, particularly regarding sandblasting and epoxy application, considering the building is active and may contain staff or patients during work hours

This question is similar to information requested by the government to evaluate vendor’s technical capability. Refer to Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 – Instructions to Offerors, paragraph e. ii. Application Methodology.

PWS Section B.3 – Government Responsibility

Will VA staff fully isolate the chillers (e.g., disconnect piping and ensure water system separation), or is the contractor responsible for providing and installing any mechanical isolation materials such as blind flanges, temporary valves, or bypass piping?

Refer to ATTACHMENT G, paragraph 11 and 12.

20 PWS – Introduction / Scope

Will the VA require or accept any post-application coating testing, such as holiday (pinhole) detection testing, dry film thickness verification, or adhesion testing to validate proper epoxy application per ASTM or SSPC standards?

Yes

PWS – Hours of Operation / Safety Requirements

Will the contractor be permitted to perform work outside of normal duty hours (e.g., early mornings, evenings, or weekends) to accommodate curing times, reduce interruptions to clinical operations, or improve

Refer to ATTACHMENT G, paragraph 5.

22 VAAR 852.211-72 /

ASTM C881 Reference

Does the government require the contractor to submit documentation or third-party verification demonstrating the epoxy system conforms to ASTM C881 standards or will a manufacturer's data sheet with technical specs suffice.

Yes

Section E, Technical Capability and Past Performance

Would the government like the offeror to submit this information on separate offeror created PDFs?

Yes, contractor’s technical capability and past performance can be submitted on a separate offer created pdf.

24 B.3, PWS Can the government please provide the maximum concentration of chlorine in the water? 1ppm.

25 B.3, PWS

Can the government provide the maximum concentration of Nalco 3D TRASAR™ 3DTS68 in the water?

33ppm.

26 B.3, PWS

If available, can the government provide a historical graph detailing the concentration of chlorine and Nalco 3D TRASAR™ 3DTS68 chemicals over time?

Refer to ATTACHMENT D.

27 B.3, PWS Can the government please share the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemicals added to the water? Refer to ATTACHMENT E.

28 B.3, PWS What is the maximum temperature of the fluids circulating inside the condenser? 87 degrees

29 B.3, PWS Is the condenser subject to any washing or cleaning process? Quarterly washing with a pressure washer

30 B.3, PWS If so, what cleaning agent is used? None

31 B.3, PWS What is the maximum temperature of the cleaning fluid? Cleaning fluid not utilized

32 B.3, PWS What is the chemical concentration used during cleaning? None

33 B.3, PWS What is the overall diameter of the condenser? 28 inches

34 B.3, PWS What is the diameter and total number of the tubes within the tube sheet? 336 tubes