Consolidated RFI for Underground feeder Responses.pdf

Consolidated RFI(s) for 36C25722B0001NRM Upgrade Underground Feeder, El Paso, Texas

Q1. The Prints indicate to provide conduit for the Primary from El Paso Electric, where is the connection point?

A1. This project does not include primary side work. Please reference sheet E-1 Key Note 8 [Two 2500 KVA transformers supplied by El Paso Electric Company (Utility)] as point of connection.

Sheet E-2 shows and indicates to provide conduits for primary service. Coordinate conduit requirements with El Paso Electric.

Q2. Please provide contact information for the Primary Point of Contact for El Paso Electric & Rio Grande Electric Utility.

A2. El Paso Electric Company

Manuel Orona, Distribution Design Engineer

Office: (915) 521-4701

Cell: (915) 478-5713 manuel.orona@epelectric.com

Rio Grande Electric Cooperative

Abraham Vasquez, Project Management

Office: (915) 778-0152

Cell: (915) 309-8132 avasquez@rgec.coop

Q3. What will the Commissioning requirements be for the relocated existing Condensing unit?

A3. Please see section 23 05 11 Common Work Results for HVAC paragraphs 3.11, 3.12, 3.13 and 3.14, section 23 08 00 Commissioning of HVAC Systems and VA to amend contract specifications to include 01 91 00 General Commissioning Requirements. It requires a series of inspections which includes pre-functional performance test, functional performance test, and training. Common inspections to include refrigerant line pressure testing, voltage testing on compressor, all supports are properly installed. VA to be present in all QC inspections.

Q4. Is there a 3000-amp tie between switchboards MSA and MSB such that only the main breaker cubicles will be de-energized during the secondary cable replacement?

A4. There is no tie breaker available for both MSA and MSB. Each main switchgears are fed by individual transformers.

Q5. What is the current wire installed and the reason for the upgrade?

Speed? Durability? Both?

A5. Rio Grande Electric is phasing out of our existing VA footprint. El Paso Electric to provide the electrical service.

Q6. Specification Section 014500-6 Item C (page 106) lists that the Commissioning Agent is to be directly employed by the General Contractor. However, Section 230800-1 Item 1.1B (page 195) lists that the Commissioning Agent is to be appointed by the VA.

Could you please clarify who is responsible for hiring the Commissioning Provider, and if you still would like a commissioning proposal from my company?

A6. General contractor is responsible for hiring commissioning agent.

However, El Paso VA will approve the commissioning agent.

Please submit qualifications of commissioning agent for VA approval after bid award.

Specification 23 08 00 will be updated to reflect this response.

Q7. Specification Section 230800 mentions Section 019100 General Commissioning Requirements. However, I could not find that specifications section could you please provide a copy.

A7. VA to amend contract specifications to include 01 91 00 General Commissioning Requirements. See Addendum 1 Drawings.

Q8. The majority on the work area is under existing concrete, what type of soil conditions are to be expected under the concrete? Are boring logs available for the area? If so, would it be possible to get them?

A8. Scope of work requires the contractor to perform a site exploratory. Part of this site exploratory includes to identify the existing thickness of the concrete and type of soil.

Q9. Who’s responsibility is it to coordinate and pay for Rio Grande Electric Cooperative (Ft Bliss Utility) transformer to decommission its existing equipment?

A9. The Contractors responsibility to decommission the existing equipment by coordinating and contracting Rio Grande Electric Cooperative (Utility) for this work.

Q10. Electrical drawing E-1: Key Notes-Note16: “This manhole is new, should it be included in the contractor’s proposal?

A10. Yes, this manhole is new and should be included in the contractor’s proposal.

Q11. How thick is the existing concrete?

A11. Scope of work requires the contractor to perform a site exploratory. Part of this site exploratory includes to identify the existing thickness of the concrete and type of soil.

Q12. Did it include Primary side?

A12. No, it does not include Primary side.

Q13. Bi-directional meter installation.

A13. Solar power system has existing bi-directional meter mounted on transformer which feeds MSA. Contractor responsible to coordinate and pay all applicable fees to install new bi-directional meter at new El Paso Electric transformer.

Q14. Who’s responsible to obtain dig permit from Ft Bliss Directorate of Public Works (DPW).

A14. Contractors’ responsibility to obtain dig permit from Ft Bliss Directorate of Public Works (DPW). VA to assist ONLY.

Q15. Key Notes 7,8,9, and 10. On sheet E-1 indicate to us that El Paso Electric will furnish and install all the primary duct banks, primary cables, terminations, pad mounted transformers, primary switch and related concrete pads. The Contractor is to provide the secondary duct banks, manholes, related cable connections and concrete work. Please confirm? This is the basis of our bid.

A15. Contractor is responsible for all secondary power side as per the contract documents to include coordinating with El Paso Electric Company and Rio Grande Electric Cooperative.

Q16. At the prebid site visit it was mentioned by a government representative that the rock excavation could be required and that the contractor is required to include associated costs in its proposal. Specifications Section 31 20 00, Paragraph 1.4, C, 5 states “Definitions of rock and guidelines for equipment are presented for general information purposes only. The Contractor is expected to use the information presented in the Geotechnical Engineering Report to evaluate the extent and competency of the rock and to determine both quantity estimations and removal equipment and efforts”. We cannot find a Geotechnical Engineering Report in the included in the contract documents. The Contractor does not have the opportunity to perform a Geotechnical report prior to the bid. Without the Geotech report an estimate of quantities and cost cannot be determined. Hence, it is our interpretation that rock excavation would be covered under the Differing Site Conditions Clause of the specifications. Please confirm how rock excavation costs would be handled.

A16. Excavation cost to be determine per Site Exploratory stated in the specifications. Only a registered professional geotechnical engineer in the State of Texas can determine the type of existing soil.

Contractor shall bid project anticipating that the soil conditions are rock. Once contract has been awarded the contractor shall order a site exploratory survey to be performed on the site.

Q17. During the site visit a Government Representative stated Key Note 16 on sheet E-1 may be incorrect and that it should be Key Note 13 indicating a new manhole. Please advise if a new manhole is required at that location>

A17. To add key note symbol 13 in addition to key note symbol 16.

Q18. During the site visit it was stated by a Government Representative that the two existing Rio Grande Electric transformers would be removed by Rio Grande Electric but that the Contractor must contract with them and pay them to so. If this is correct, please provide a point of contact with Rio Grande Electric so an estimated cost can be obtained.

A18. It is correct. Contact information is provided in question number 2 response.

Q19. What is the personnel requirement for the project supervision?

Can the site superintendent also act as the Quality Control Manager, provided they have the qualifications and experience to do so?

A19. The size of this project requires to have a separate superintendent and QC.

Q20. Can the Site Superintendent also act as the SSHO, provided they have the qualifications and experience to do so?

A20. Site superintendents cannot act as SSHO for this project. QC can act as SSHO.

Q21. Has the building area where work is to be completed been tested for presence of any hazardous materials (lead paint, and ACM materials)? Provide reports if available.

A21. This facility is 100% asbestos free.

Q22. Have the existing electrical components and electrical equipment been tested for lead. ACM materials and PCB materials (El Paso electrical transformers and equipment to be removed).? Provide acknowledgment that testing has occurred or reports if available.

A22. Only utility company can remove their equipment. Contractor to pay Rio Grande Electric (RGE) to remove existing transformers.

Q23. Please provide the location of GC lay down area on VA campus in proximity of the work to be completed?

A23. Lay down area to be determine once contract is awarded.

Q24. Confirm that the VA will provide temporary power available for GC use at GC trailer with understanding that GC will be responsible for connection/disconnection?

A24. VA does not have space for GC trailer. VA will not provide temporary power for GC to use a trailer.

Q25. Can photos of the exterior be provided to show us the complete path for new electrical work?

A25. Please see pictures below:

Q26. Please confirm the locations of any fiber optic lines within the construction area.

A26. Site exploratory to determine existing lines. Contractor responsible to perform site exploratory.

Q27. Sheet M-2

• Mechanical Plan F1:

a) Provide specification and project specific information of existing

York condensing unit?

A a). Contractor to determine roof penetrations and structural supports.

Submittals to be provided after bid award for approval. Please see picture below for existing York information:

b) Please provide detail showing the existing condensing line and location of existing roof penetration?

A b). Currently no existing roof penetration. Scope of work requires to install new refrigerant lines and roof penetrations. Please submit shop drawings to VA after bid award for approval. Please see picture below:

c) Provide path for new condensing unit lines both exterior and interior?

A c). Please coordinate with VA COR and submit shop drawings to the VA after bid award for approval. Please see pictures below:

d) What is the elevation difference between coded note 1 and coded note 2 on the plan?

A d). Approximately 20 feet. Elevation to be field verified by contractor.

Provide new refrigerant lines from FCU to new CU location.

e) What repairs are to be completed at location of York unit removal?

A e). Demolition of concrete pad bring back to grade & match landscape, patch, and paint exterior wall penetrations.

f) What is the existing roof type/composition? Does anyone hold a warranty on roof? If so, who holds the warranty?

A f). Please see pictures below:

There is no existing warranty for this roof.

g) What is thickness of existing concrete where new 4: sump drain is to be installed.

A g). Scope of work requires the contractor to perform a site exploratory. Part of this site exploratory includes to identify the existing thickness of the concrete and type of soil.

• Detail B1:

h) Please provide the path from relocated York unit to tie in, in order to determine pipe supports. Provide path from unit to other equipment.

A h). Please coordinate with VA COR and submit shop drawings to the VA after bid award for approval. New location for Condensing unit will be directly above existing FCU.

• Detail B3:

i) Provide size (diameter) of Neenah lid to fit in existing opening of manhole?

A i). Please see pictures below:

j) What is depth of existing manhole?

A j). Existing manhole is own by Rio Grande Electric Cooperative (RGEC-Utility). Please coordinate with VA COR and RGEC to determine depth of manhole.

k) What is depth of new vent line to be installed below finished grade?

A k). Depth of vent line to be determined at construction. Drains for electrical manholes shall be from bottom of man hole (depth to be determined). Duct-bank minimum 3’ from the top of the bank to grade level. Bottom of manhole/pullbox will be at least 1’ deeper.

• Detail F1:

l) Provide York curb prefabricated metal support specification.

A l). Detail F1 has been modified to identify equipment support.

m) What is the thickness of the roof deck to bolt thru?

A m). Contractor shall anticipate or account for a minimum of 4”.

n) Is there access under the roof to make ¼” bolt attachments accessible?

A n). Yes.

o) Does the relocated York unit require any structural reinforcing?

A o). Yes. Contractor will need to provide 4x4 angle iron for mid-joist support of the new equipment curb.

Q28. Sheet E-1:

a) Provide contact at El Paso Power to coordinate potential costs for removal of existing El Paso equipment?

A a). Rio Grande Electric Cooperative is the owner of the existing primary power infrastructure and equipment. Contact information is provided in question number 2 response.

b) Show coded note 2 on plan F4 Project Site Plan

A b). Please see F1 Project Site Plan – Demolition on Sheet E1.

• Key note 4:

c) Please provide photos of electric room and location of electric panel

A c). Please see attached E6_07 Drawing.

• Key note 5:

d) Show electrical power routing to light pole.

A d). Contractor to identify existing conditions and determine routing based on Site exploratory. Please follow NEC requirements.

• Key note 6:

e) Is there any work within vault A e). Existing electrical vaults to be use as a pull box to switchgears inside main electrical room.

• Key note 7 & 8:

f) Provide contact at El Paso Power to coordinate potential costs for removal of existing El Paso equipment

A f). Rio Grande Electric Cooperative is the owner of the existing primary power infrastructure and equipment. Contact information is provided in question number 2 response.

• Key note 9:

g) Provide primary feed electrical ductbank information and wire size.

A g). This project does not include the primary side.

• Key note 10:

h) Provide conduit / wire information A h). This project does not include the primary side.

• Key note 16:

i) Provide elevation change dimensional information.

A i). Site exploratory to determine elevation information. Contractor responsible for site exploratory.

• Key note 17:

j) Provide location and available path to electrical panel in the

Emergency Distribution Room A j). Existing conduits between Rio Grande Electric Cooperative transformer pads to MSA and MSB to be reused. Please see attached drawing E6_07. See key note 14 sheet E-1.

Q29. Sheet E-2:

a) Clarify if new grounding rod is required and where it is to occur

A a). Yes. Please see single line diagram on sheet E-2.

Q30. Sheet E-3:

• Detail C3:

a) Provide concrete foundation dimensions, as there is no structural information as called out.

A a). VA to amend sheet E-3 Detail C3 to structural information for concrete foundation dimensions. Please see new detail C1 in sheet E-3

• Detail F7

b) Provide locations of pull boxes on site plan.

A b). Please see F4 Project Site Plan on sheet E-2.

c) Provide specification for pull boxes. Are these units to be traffic bearing?

A c). Per Specification 260541 2.2 A. pull boxes are to be traffic rated per ANSI 77 Tier 22 or AASHTO H-20 loading.

Q31. Specifications

• Table of Contents

a) 1.31 and 1.33 listed as “not defined”. Provide clarification

A a). Sections 1.31 and 1.33 are NOT USED for this project.

• Section 01 00 00

b) 1.6 / I: Provide location of area to be enclosed by fencing.

A b). To be determine once contract is awarded.

c) 1.29 Construction sign: provide sign details and location of proposed sign installation.

A c). Please comply with OSHA 29CFR1926, construction

• Section 05 50 00

d) Provide clarification on what portion of the project falls within this specification.

A d). Structural steel.

• Section 23 05 11

e) 1.4 Submittals / G: With limited scope, are coordination drawings required for relocation of existing York unit?

A e). Yes. Coordination / Shop drawings are required.

f) 1.4 Submittals / H: Can this be deleted as we are relocating existing equipment.

A f). No.