506-18-102 - RFIs answers.docx

36C25020B0057 – Project 506-18-102 – Switchgear – Ann Arbor VAMC – Ann Arbor MI

1. Does specification section “Low Voltage Switchgear”, 262300, 2.5.B imply integration of the meters with the Schneider Electric’s Power Monitoring Expert – Buildings Edition v 8.0 software on the VA server is in scope?

Yes

1. Is the connection between the meters in Ann Arbor and the PME Server in Cleveland operational intact?

Yes

1. What is the operating system of the PME server located in Cleveland?

Schneider Electric’s Power Monitoring Expert – Buildings Edition v 8.0 software

1. Does the PME Server located in Cleveland have and existing support contract, if so, is this support contract held by the VA or other vendors?

No. VA supports this.

1. What is the current version of the PME application on the VAMC server in Cleveland, OH?

Schneider Electric’s Power Monitoring Expert – Buildings Edition v 8.0 software

1. Will field engineering be granted access to the Schneider Electric’s Power Monitoring Expert – Buildings Edition v 8.0 software on the VA server to facilitate integrate the new meters into the system? Will there be any access restrictions? If yes, please describe.

Yes there are access restrictions. Access would only be through a VA computer on VA property. Access would have to be coordinated with VA Office of Information Technology (OIT).

1. The existing Power Monitoring system architecture at VAMC in Ann Arbor utilizes Modbus/TCP as the basis of communication both electrical meters as well as data concentrator located in the TELCO Closet A470 in building 1W for existing mechanical metering with Modbus/TCP to BACnet/IP converter enabling BMS access to mechanical systems. Will this architecture remain in place and is it an acceptable method for this project?

Yes, the existing architecture WILL remain in place. We are touching existing larger integrated systems. We are NOT creating new ones.

1. Is the existing AEMS equipment to remain? Will this existing network be part if the final networking architecture?

Yes the existing AEMS equipment shall remain. (With the exception of specific items on electric equipment to be demoed.) Yes existing network shall be part of the final architecture.

1. For Double-Ended Substation SWBA/SWBB, is Auto Throw-over Scheme (ATS) required as shown on contract drawing EP601? If yes, please provide Sequence of Operation. Are feeder breakers required to be controlled? If yes, will the control from the existing Schneider Electric’s Power Monitoring Expert System or ATS?

There is no Automatic Transfer Operation (ATO) for the Main-Tie-Main Breakers in the LV Switchboards, SWBA and SWBB. The ATS in SWBA/SWBB is for the control power supply to the metering and control unit power supply and Electrically Operated Breakers.

1. Specification Section 260519, 2.3, A, indicates mechanical connectors and 2.3, B, indicates compression connectors. There is no mention in the LV Switchgear and Switchboard spec sections regarding the lug type. Would the VA accept mechanical lugs for all equipment connections?

Low Voltage 600V or less - Per 260519, 2.3, A:

Mechanical type of high conductivity and corrosion-resistant material, listed for use with copper and aluminum conductors. So, for low voltage terminations Yes these are accepted.

1. Specification Section 262300, 2.5, Metering has no mention if feeder breakers need metered type trip units. However, contract drawing EP601 shows trip units with LSIG protection and a mention, “to metering & control unit”. Can you please advise which style of trip units would be acceptable for the feeder breakers; Ammeter, Power or Harmonic?

Metered type trip units are acceptable.

1. Contract Drawing EP601 shows the LV Draw-out Switchgear, designations SWBA/SWBB, with Main-Tie-Main ATS (Automatic Throw-over Scheme) and shows a Main-Tie-Main Kirk Key Interlock scheme. Both solutions are not needed and please advise which option is required. Also, there is no ATO sequence of operation provided on the contract drawings or in the specifications. If ATO is required, please provide the sequence of operation.

There is no Automatic Transfer Operation (ATO) for the Main-Tie-Main Breakers in the LV Switchboards, SWBA and SWBB. The ATS in SWBA/SWBB is for the control power supply to the metering and control unit power supply and Electrically Operated Breakers.

13. There is no mention in the specification for seismic anchoring requirements. Please confirm no seismic anchoring is required on the LV Switchgear.

We are not in a seismic zone. Thus no anchoring.

14. Contract Drawings EP602, EP603 and EP604 have feeders showing GFR (Ground Fault Relay) symbol. All the Switchboards are rated 208/120V, 3Ph, 4W and according to NEC (National Electric Code) articles 215.10, 230.95, 240.13 and 517.17 systems with at voltage do not require Ground Fault Protection. If Ground Fault Protection is required will you accept Ground Fault Protection internal to the Circuit Breaker Trip Unit in an Ammeter style with LSIG?

Yes, we will.

15. There is no mention in the specification for seismic anchoring requirements. Please confirm no seismic anchoring is required on the LV Switchgear.

We are not in a seismic zone. Thus no anchoring.

16. There is no mention in the specifications for a Short Circuit Coordination and Arc Flash Study (System Study) for the new equipment. Please confirm that no System Study is required on any new equipment.

Yes we absolutely need Short Circuit Coordination and Arc Flash labeling for the new equipment and possible adjustment of arc flash labeling for downstream equipment which has a reasonable chance of having its short circuit values changed with the new distribution system. See Specification Section 260573