Attachment 1 Pre-Bid RFI 550-23-104 responses.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 26 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- 36C25226B0024
About this file
This file is a Pre-Bid Request for Information (RFI) responses document for VA solicitation 36C25226B0024, covering the installation of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems across multiple buildings at Veterans Affairs Illiana Healthcare System (VAIHCS) in Danville, Illinois. The document compiles 20 RFI submissions from bidders (primarily Panacea Construction Group and Armcop Construction Inc) submitted on April 30, 2026, with responses incorporated into Amendment 0001, issued May 8, 2026.
Key project requirements clarified through the RFI responses include: contractors must maximize usable rooftop solar coverage while maintaining required clearances and structural limitations, utilizing ballasted racking systems without mechanical roof attachments unless approved; a 20 percent system loss percentage should be factored into calculations; contractors must field-verify all existing rooftop conditions, equipment dimensions, structural capacity, and interconnection points prior to final design; no specific equipment basis of design is mandated, but all systems must comply with VA specifications (Section 48 14 00), NEC, UL standards, Buy American requirements, and local AHJ requirements; structural calculations must be submitted confirming roof capacity for solar arrays, ballast weight, wind uplift, snow, and seismic loads while maintaining existing roof warranties; and commissioning requirements focus on PV system startup, inverter operation, grounding verification, monitoring/BAS/eDART integration, and utility interconnection testing. The bid opening was extended to June 3, 2026, at 1:00 PM CST at Great Lakes Acquisition Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with only in-person hard copy and mailed submissions accepted.
View the file
Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| 36C25226B0024 0003.docx | DOCX document | |
| Attachment 2 FAR 52.228-1 Amend 0002.pdf | ||
| Attachment 3 Corrected Base Bid Info Amend 0002.pdf | ||
| 36C25226B0024 0002.docx | DOCX document | |
| Attachment 1 Pre-Bid RFI 550-23-104 responses v2.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| 36C25226B0024 0001.docx | DOCX document | |
| Attachment 2 Site Visit SIGN IN SHEET Hard Copy 550-23-104.pdf | ||
| Attachment 3 - 550-23-104 BID Drawings.pdf | ||
| 36C25226B0024_1.docx | DOCX document | |
| Attachment 1 - 550-23-104 SOW Synopsis.pdf | ||
| Attachment 4 - Wage Determination.pdf | ||
| Attachment 2 - 550-23-104 BID Specifications.pdf |
Show all 12
On GovTribe
Work with this file
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
Pre-Bid RFIs
| 550-23-104 Install Rooftop PV Multiple Buildings CON | |||||
| Pre-Bid RFIs - 36C25226B0024 | |||||
| No. | Date Submitted | Requested By: (Name of Firm) | SUBJECT/COMMENT | Amendment # | |
| 1 | 4/30/26 | Panacea Construction Group | Is there a standard system loss percentage that they would like us to factor in? Typically, it's between 15 and 20 percent. | Amend 0001 | ARH: 20% |
| 2 | 4/30/26 | Panacea Construction Group | Are the areas where they show back fed breakers fed by a generator? | Amend 0001 | Existing documents do not indicate the PV interconnection points are generator backed. Contractor shall field verify existing normal/emergency distribution conditions prior to final installation. |
| 3 | 4/30/26 | Panacea Construction Group | For Building 103. The one line shows a 1600A main breaker. Is this true? The placard on the machine shows 2,000A which would let us go up to 800A of back fed availability if the main breaker is de-rated. Please advise. | Amend 0001 | ARH: Assume 1600A as indicated on the drawings, unless verified with as-builts or short circuit coordination study. |
| 4 | 4/30/26 | Armcop Construction Inc | I see it noted that the bid opening is at Great Lakes Acquisition Center (GLAC) 115 S. 84th Street, Suite 101 Milwaukee, WI 53214-1476. Can you confirm that bid opening is in Milwaukee though the site is in Danville? | Amend 0001 | Yes, the BID opening is at Great Lakes Acquisition Center (GLAC) 115 S. 84th Street, Suite 101 Milwaukee, WI 53214-1476. The place of work location is at Veterans Affairs Illiana Healthcare System (VAIHCS), 1900 East Main Street, Danville, Il 61832-2222 |
| 5 | 4/30/26 | Armcop Construction Inc | Is the goal of this project to safe-harbor and get the ITC? If so, is meeting FEOC a requirement to be considered a qualified respondent? | Amend 0001 | Safe harbor, ITC qualification, and FEOC requirements are not identified in the contract documents. Bidders shall provide systems compliant with the VA contract documents and all applicable governing requirements |
| 6 | 4/30/26 | Armcop Construction Inc | Will the project be entered into the IL Shines program to monetize the RECs? If so, is it a requirement to be an approved vendor to be considered a qualified bidder? | Amend 0001 | Illinois Shines participation and REC monetization are not identified as project requirements. Approved vendor status is not required by the contract documents. |
| 7 | 4/30/26 | Armcop Construction Inc | RFP indicates 0 copies are due. How many copies would you like to be submitted? | Amend 0001 | 0 copies of the solicitation/RFP package are due; acknowledgement of all amendments in the bid package are required. |
| 8 | 4/30/26 | Armcop Construction Inc | What modules, racking and inverters are used as the basis of design? | Amend 0001 | No specific basis of design manufacturer is identified. Provide a complete coordinated PV system meeting VA requirements, Section 48 14 00, NEC, UL, utility interconnection, and Buy American requirements. Final equipment selection and layout shall be submitted for VA/COR review. |
| 9 | 4/30/26 | Armcop Construction Inc | What is the minimum DC system size that bidders should consider? | Amend 0001 | Minimum DC system size is not specifically identified. Contractor shall maximize usable rooftop solar coverage while maintaining required clearances, pathways, equipment access, and structural limitations. |
| 10 | 4/30/26 | Armcop Construction Inc | Can you share specs or heights of the RTUs, cooling towers, and any other equipment that is over 2 feet tall? | Amend 0001 | Existing rooftop equipment dimensions/heights were based on limited field information. Contractor shall field verify all rooftop conditions prior to final layout. |
| 11 | 4/30/26 | Armcop Construction Inc | Are there structural limitations on roof / added weight? This will determine the allowable weight of the solar array and, in turn, how many mechanical attachments may be required. Please advise. | Amend 0001 | The PV system shall utilize a ballasted racking system secured by weight, without mechanical roof attachments unless specifically approved by the VA. Contractor shall provide signed and sealed structural calculations confirming the existing roof can support the final solar array, ballast weight, wind uplift, snow, seismic, and applicable roof loading requirements. Roof warranty requirements shall be maintained. |
| 12 | 4/30/26 | Armcop Construction Inc | Please confirm that the awarded contractor can design the system per their discretion as long as it meets code requirements (UL3741, MLPE, optimizers, etc)? | Amend 0001 | Contractor may finalize the photovoltaic system layout, module selection, inverter configuration, MLPE/optimizer approach, racking configuration, ballast design, and conductor routing provided the complete system complies with the VA contract documents, VA Master Specifications, NEC, UL requirements, utility interconnection requirements, Buy American requirements, roof manufacturer requirements, and all applicable federal, state, and local codes. |
The final system design shall maintain required rooftop access pathways, equipment clearances, roof drainage, and access to existing rooftop equipment. Final engineered calculations, product data, structural calculations, ballast calculations, wind uplift calculations, and system layouts shall be submitted for VA/COR review and approval prior to installation.
13 4/30/26 Armcop Construction Inc What demolition work is necessary per 010000 General requirements 1.1A? Amend 0001 Demolition shall include all work necessary to accommodate the new rooftop photovoltaic system installation and associated electrical infrastructure. This includes removal of existing abandoned/extraneous conduit, wiring, supports, devices, and miscellaneous electrical materials within the project work areas that interfere with the new installation.
Contractor shall coordinate all demolition activities with the VA/COR and maintain operation of existing systems intended to remain. Any existing roofing, electrical, or rooftop systems damaged during construction shall be repaired/replaced to match existing conditions and maintain existing roof warranties.
Contractor shall field verify existing conditions prior to demolition and coordinate removal requirements with the final PV system layout, conduit routing, inverter locations, and interconnection equipment.
14 4/30/26 Armcop Construction Inc General requirements, 1.1B – testing laboratory retained by contractor – please clarify what testing requirements are for this scope of work? Amend 0001 Contractor shall provide all testing, inspections, startup services, and commissioning support required to verify proper installation and operation of the photovoltaic system and associated electrical equipment. Testing requirements shall comply with the VA contract documents, manufacturer requirements, utility requirements, applicable UL standards, and governing codes.
Testing shall include, at a minimum, verification of system startup, inverter operation, monitoring functionality, grounding/bonding, insulation resistance where applicable, utility interconnection coordination, and operational verification of the installed PV system. Contractor shall also support all required commissioning activities, functional testing, and final acceptance testing required by the VA/COR.
Contractor shall coordinate all required testing and shutdowns with the VA/COR.
15 4/30/26 Armcop Construction Inc Drawing E103, General note A indicates to provide walking space between rows for panel cleaning or maintenance. Please clarify that the intention is NOT to have a walk path between each row of modules as most racking systems have a set dimension between panels for ballast / ballast tray. Is it acceptable to not have walk paths between all modules if we leave a path to each piece of equipment? Amend 0001 Continuous walk paths between every module row are not required. The intent of the drawings is to maintain safe and code compliant rooftop access for maintenance personnel, emergency responders, and access to existing rooftop equipment and roof drainage systems.
Contractor shall maintain required rooftop access pathways in accordance with applicable NEC, IFC, VA, and AHJ requirements while coordinating the final tilted panel and ballasted racking layout. Access shall be maintained to rooftop equipment, disconnects, inverters, roof drains, hatches, ladders, and other serviceable components.
16 4/30/26 Armcop Construction Inc What building code requirements should be considered for the engineered racking design? Amend 0001 Engineered racking and ballast design shall comply with the following, at a minimum:
• International Building Code (IBC) as adopted by the VA/AHJ
• ASCE 7 Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures
• NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (NEC), including Article 690 Solar Photovoltaic Systems
• International Fire Code (IFC) rooftop access and pathway requirements
• UL 2703 Mounting Systems, Mounting Devices, Clamping/Retention Devices, and Ground Lugs for PV Modules
• UL 3741 Photovoltaic Hazard Control, where applicable
• VA Master Specifications Section 48 14 00 Solar Energy Electrical Power Generation System
• Existing roof manufacturer requirements and warranty requirements
• Applicable Illinois and local AHJ requirements The PV system shall utilize a ballasted racking system without roof penetrations unless specifically approved by the VA. Final ballast requirements, panel tilt angles, wind uplift calculations, and structural loading calculations shall be included in the contractor’s engineered submittal.
| 17 | 4/30/26 | Armcop Construction Inc | Depending on the final solar module selection, the module dimensions will vary. Pending the final design, can we assume that it is acceptable to adjust the rooftop walk paths per E301? | Amend 0001 | Minor adjustments to rooftop walk paths are acceptable to accommodate final module dimensions/layout provided required clearances, rooftop access, and life safety pathways are maintained. |
| 18 | 4/30/26 | Armcop Construction Inc | There are extensive commissioning specifications that don’t necessarily seem to apply to this project. Please clarify what the commissioning requirements are for this project? | Amend 0001 | Commissioning requirements are intended to apply primarily to the photovoltaic system and associated electrical systems included within the project scope, not full facility commissioning. The most applicable specification sections include: |
• Section 48 14 00 – Solar Energy Electrical Power Generation System
• Section 26 08 00 – Commissioning of Electrical Systems
• Section 01 91 00 – General Commissioning Requirements Critical commissioning requirements include, at a minimum:
• PV system startup and operational verification
• Inverter startup/configuration
• Verification of grounding and bonding
• Monitoring system/BAS/eDART communication verification
• Utility interconnection coordination and testing
• Functional performance testing of the installed PV system
• O&M manuals, as-built documentation, warranties, and owner training Contractor shall provide all required startup reports, testing documentation, and closeout documentation necessary for VA/COR acceptance.
| 19 | 4/30/26 | Armcop Construction Inc | Please clarify if conduit will require painting? | Amend 0001 | Rooftop conduit associated with the photovoltaic system is not required to be painted unless specifically directed otherwise by the VA/COR. Rooftop conduit shall be installed in accordance with the rooftop conduit support details and applicable specifications. Exposed conduit installed within interior finished spaces shall be painted in accordance with Section 26 05 33 and Section 09 91 00. |
| 20 | 4/30/26 | Armcop Construction Inc | Spec 481400 section 2.9 notes for system monitoring package. Other areas of the documents (i.e. 2/E203) appear to note that the monitoring will be done with an existing BAS and Client eDart system. Please clarify requirements for monitoring. | Amend 0001 | Provide a complete photovoltaic system monitoring package in accordance with Section 48 14 00. The PV monitoring system shall additionally interface with the existing BAS and client eDART systems as indicated on the drawings. |
Contractor shall provide all required meters, communication devices, gateways, programming, licensing, accessories, and coordination required for a complete and fully operational monitoring system acceptable to the VA. Coordinate all BAS/eDART integration requirements with the VA/COR and BAS vendor prior to installation.
&F &P of &N
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .