S06 36C26224Q0866 0001.pdf

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE 7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO. 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office. is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30 PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

(Type or print) (Type or print)

(Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code)

(If other than Item 6)

(Specify type of modification and authority)

(such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

1 5

None

36C262

Department of Veterans Affairs NCO22 Network Contracting New Mexico VA Health Care System 1501 San Pedro Drive SE Albuquerque NM 87108

36C262

Department of Veterans Affairs NCO22 Network Contracting New Mexico VA Health Care System 1501 San Pedro Drive SE Albuquerque NM 87108

To all Offerors/Bidders

36C26224Q0866

03-22-2024

X

X X

See CONTINUATION Page

The purpose of this amendment is to provide answers to questions.

Mayte Diaz Contracting Officer

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question 1: Please confirm the number of outages and that they will be on Friday nights after normal business hours.

Answer 1: Between 9 to 11 shutdowns depending on hospital needs.

Question 2: Please confirm which substations will be tested per outage.

Answer 2: All substations will be tested.

Question 3: Please provide a testing schedule for each outage with tentative date and timeframe of each outage.

Answer 3: Scheduling development will be after contract award.

Question 4: In accordance with NFPA 70E, electrical line drawings for switching are required.

Section 5 under Scope mentions that "a complete shutdown of all equipment listed in one-line drawings will be necessary." Can you please specify when these one-line drawings will be provided? (Before bid time).

Answer 4: The complete shutdown of different section of hospital is need to complete testing, maintenance, and inspection.

Question 5: For the performance of the tasks outlined in this SOW, who will be responsible for the switching of power – the contractor team or the government?

Answer 5: Government with the contractor as backup.

Question 6: Considering the logistical challenges and the period of performance outlined in Section 6, which specifies daytime and evening hours, can you clarify if there is any flexibility to compress the shutdown schedule to enhance efficiency and meet the government's needs more effectively?

Answer 6: Due to the nature of this shutdown the shutdown will be from 9pm (2100) to 5am (0500) on Friday night.

Question 7: Given the current industry environment and the planning and scheduling phase expected to take approximately six weeks, Section 6 of the PWS states that the contractor shall initiate work within two weeks of being contacted. Given the workload, this timeline may not be feasible. We are happy to work on a schedule that is advantageous for both the contractor and the government. Please verify if this flexibility is acceptable.

Answer 7: We can work on a schedule together, but all shutdowns will be on Friday nights from 9pm (2100) to 5am (0500) this time is less impactful to the hospital.

Question 8: Are there any spare breakers required for testing in the switchgear?

Answer 8: Yes, the spares are located the switchgear room for testing.

Question 9: We estimate that the mezzanine requires 4 to 5 shutdowns for proper testing.

Given that shutdowns are only permitted on Fridays, this creates significant challenges in terms of effective and efficient use of personnel. How can the provided shutdown plan be adjusted to address this issue?

Answer 9: The mezzanine shutdown can be completed in one night.

Question 10: The SOW refers to a DC high-pot testing method for medium voltage cables.

However, this method has been superseded by VLF testing. Can you confirm the preferred testing method for this project?

Answer 10: VLF testing can be used.

Question 11: Due to the limited availability of qualified technicians and the constraint of one shutdown night per week, the completion timeline seems unfeasible. Based on our experience at another VA hospital, we estimate we would need between 60-65 nights of partial shutdowns.

Would the government consider a compressed schedule of shutdowns (e.g., 2 to 3 consecutive nights from Friday to Sunday) to enhance efficiency and reduce costs? Can you confirm if this approach is acceptable?

Answer 11: All shutdowns will be on Friday nights from 9pm (2100) to 5am (0500) this time is less impactful to the hospital.

Question 12: During the course of this destructive testing, what is the procedure should a breaker fail to reset or a wire fails or gets blown out? The SOW does not mention spare parts or replacement of failed equipment. Please provide guidance on how these situations should be handled.

Answer 12: See section V. Over and above repair.

Question 13: In light of the need for further clarification on several aspects of the SOW, would it be possible to request an extension for the bid submission deadline, pending the answers to these questions, as they directly relate to our response to the RFP?

Answer 13: No.

Question 14: Can you provide details on the regulations for obtaining PIV badges for contractor personnel, and what prequalifications and requirements are there for contractors' employees and subcontractors? Are the same requirements that apply to the prime contractor in the reps and certs?

Answer 14: PIV will not be necessary. VA staff will be with the contractor.

Question 15: In regard to the infrared scanning, will the scope be limited to only the items listed, or will it include all panelboards, distribution, disconnects, transformers, VFDs, etc.?

Ensuring clarity on the scope of each task is essential for precise execution.

Answer 15: Infrared scanning will consist of panelboards, distribution, disconnects, transformers, switchgear, motor control centers, and substations.

Question 16: The SOW outlines reporting procedures and requirements primarily for infrared scanning. Are there specific reporting procedures related to the other testing included in the contract? Detailed documentation is crucial for the success of this project.

Answer 16: Data sheets for the Electrical inspection survey should be submitted on conditions which are normal and abnormal. Data sheets shall contain the following and any other information required which will be determined at the conclusion of the survey.

1. Date of test

2. Time of test

3. Identification of the equipment under test including descriptions, manufacturer, and serial number.

4. Location of equipment under test

5. Probable cause of the deficiency

6. Provide a photograph of the equipment tested along with a photograph to indicate exact component affected.

7. Additional data determined necessary by the contractor.

8. Comments and recommendations

Reports shall contain a section covering the procedure used to make necessary tests and a description of the test equipment used.

Reports shall have a section containing a summary of all test results and the contractor shall make recommendations based on a component engineering analysis of the test data.

Recommendations will include areas where immediate action is required and recommended areas where additional maintenance needs to be performed.

Reports shall be submitted in an original and four (total of 5) copies to the VA COR (Contracting Officer Representative within 30 days of work completion.

Question 17: Do any of the panels requiring infrared scanning exceed Category 4 (Minimum Arc Rating of 40 cal/cm2)? If so, will the equipment need to be deenergized to remove covers, reenergized to perform the scan, and then deenergized again to replace covers? Ensuring safety while maintaining operational efficiency is a priority.

Answer 17: Category 4 equipment will be infrared the night of the shutdown to minimize downtime.

Question 18: In Sections 2 and 3, the scope of work states that "VALLHCS is required to perform inspections, testing, maintenance, and calibration of all switchgears, switchboards, distribution panels, motor control centers, and all related components." However, the term "panels" is not explicitly included, yet the line items suggest a significant number of breakers. Is every breaker in every panel required to be inspected, thermally scanned, and torqued?

Understanding the full scope is essential for planning and execution.

Answer 18: Yes, every breaker at the substation and switchgear shall be tested. All power panel, motor control centers, and distribution board shall be tested by the government.

Question 19: Are all of the emergency switchgears, switchboards, distribution panels, motor control centers, and all related components included in the scope of work? Comprehensive coverage is key to ensuring system reliability.

Answer 19: Yes.

Question 20: The thermal scanning specification requires that "The detecting system shall be capable of measuring operating temperatures from 0 degrees centigrade to 1,000 degrees centigrade and thermal gradients as small as 1 degree centigrade." Was that meant to read 100 degrees and not 1000? Accuracy in specifications is critical for selecting the appropriate equipment.

Answer 20: Follow NFPA standards for thermal scanning.

Question 21: Based on our experience, we estimate that performing the majority of the electrical tests described will require multiple hundreds of hours and a considerable number of partial shutdowns. Given the limitations on shutdowns, can the government provide clarification on how to address this discrepancy to ensure all work can be completed efficiently and effectively?

Answer 21: Contractor and government will work together to complete the work.

Question 22: The Reps and Certs section raises questions about the applicability of certain requirements to all employees and field personnel of the contractor and subcontractors. Can you clarify whether these requirements apply only to the prime contractor or extend to all personnel involved in onsite work? Understanding these requirements is crucial for compliance and project integrity.

Answer 22: The requirements extend to personnel involved in performing onsite work.

Question 23: Regarding the required submittals: a. Is a 30-hour Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety card holder required on the jobsite at all times when work is being performed? Ensuring safety compliance is a top priority. b. Does the Electrical C-10 License requirement include the prime contractor, subcontractors, or both? Clarification on this matter will help ensure all parties meet the necessary qualifications.

Answer 23: a. Yes. b. It is required for the contractor or subcontractor which is performing the work.

Question 24: In the scope provided, items 90-99 are designated for infrared scanning only, not testing or cleaning, is that correct? Ensuring clarity on the scope of each task is essential for precise execution.

Answer 24: Government will test and clean items 90 -99.

Question 25: In the section about electrical cables above 600 volts, there appears to be no specific mention of testing requirements in the scope of work. Could you please clarify if testing for these cables is expected?

Answer 25: Very Low Frequency (VLF) dielectric withstand voltage testing is preferred.

Question 26: If cables are added to the scope, it is noted that NETA has removed the option for DC dielectric withstand voltage testing. The recommended method is now Very Low Frequency (VLF) dielectric withstand voltage testing. Can you confirm that VLF testing is the preferred method for this project?

Answer 26: Very Low Frequency (VLF) dielectric withstand voltage testing is preferred.

Question 27: If cables are added to the scope, for the Diagnostic Tests section, we recommend using VLF as the option for testing. NETA has removed DC insulation resistance as an option, and Partial Discharge testing is not considered the best use. Can you guide the preferred diagnostic testing methods for this project?

Answer 27: Very Low Frequency (VLF) dielectric withstand voltage testing is preferred.