Attachment E - 618-25-202 Chiller 4 Questions and Answers.pdf

618-25-202 Replace Chiller #4 questions.

1. Will the sign-in sheets from both site visits be made available?

a. Yes

2. Will the VA be providing stamped drawings and specifications for this project?

a. No additional drawings will be issued with this solicitation.

3. Are there any Delegated Design requirements required as part of this project?

a. No. There is not an anticipated explicit delegated design. However, equipment and programming anticipated to be installed is implicitly delegated to selected vendors and shall meet the specified requirements.

4. SOW calls for VA specification section 01-35-26, 03-30-00, 23-05-10, 23-05-11, 23-07-11, 23-08-00, 26-05-11 and 26-64-00 to be used, will the VA be modifying these specification section so that they are project specific?

a. This is an ambiguous question. Please provide conflicts, or ambiguous information that is not clearly conveyed in the specifications.

5. Will any other VA specification section be required and/or provided other than 01-35-26, 03- 30-00, 23-05-10, 23-05-11, 23-07-11, 23-08-00, 26-05-11 and 26-64-00?

a. There are 31 VA specifications for this project. Specification 26-64-00 referenced in A.1.a on the first page of the SOW should be 23-64-00.

6. C. 10 page 5, Page 9 of the RFP under "Bid Submission Documents" specifies that only the Price Schedule is required. However, Section C.10 of the Statement of Work references a cost estimate breakdown. Can you please clarify whether the cost estimate breakdown should also be included with our bid submission?

a. Yes, a cost estimate breakdown is not required, price will be based off lump sum. Lowest Responsive bidder wins.

7. SOW Page 3, There are multiple references to VA Specifications that are not included in the attachments. Please confirm these are referring to the master construction specifications from the VA Technical Information Library (TIL).

a. There is 31 VA specifications provided for this project. Specification 26-64-00 referenced in A.1.a on the first page of the SOW should be 23-64-00. All other specifications referenced in the SOW are included in the 31 specifications provided. Please identify specifications that are referenced but not included.

8. SOW Page 5, C.9, Please confirm that a situation of differing conditions from the as-builts like described in paragraph C.9.a will be handled as a contract modification post award.

a. If a differing site condition has been noticed please let us know now to be corrected.

Otherwise a mod can be made to adjust post award.

9. SOW Page 6 C.12, The schedule outlined in paragraph 12.a does not appear to consider equipment lead times. Construction is starting only 30 days after the submittals are started. Will an extension be provided if lead times are longer than this schedule provides?

a. Yes. VA would consider a no-cost contracting time extension to allow for procurement lead-times.

10. SOW Page 6, Given that the only drawings provided are as-builts from earlier projects, we want to confirm that the awarded contractor is not liable for any delegated design or engineering on this project.

a. VA confirmed with manufacturer for chiller equipment that the existing site conditions are satisfactory for new equipment installation.

11. SOW Page 6 C.10.d Please clarify what will be expected in the shop drawing submittal from the awarded contractor.

a. Please refer to specification 01-33-23. All other specifications also include necessary requirements for shop-drawings and submittal's.

12. SF1442 item 13d, Contractors are required to hold pricing for 90 calendar days at a minimum. How will contracting handle any tariff driven cost increases, if they arise post submission of a contractor bid?

a. This is a firm fixed price contract, so a price increase due to tariffs is not considered.

13. RFP Page 87, Please confirm a tax-exempt certificate will be provided for this project.

a. Tax exempt certificate will not be issued. Reference FAR 31.

14. SOW, Please confirm no asbestos containing materials are expected to be encountered on this project.

a. Asbestos is not anticipated.

15. Attachment F, Is it correct that the design intent of this new project is to follow that of the prior chiller replacements? Specifically, should all controls sequence, points list, and basis of design for valves align with the as-built attachment F?

a. The intent is to follow the prior chiller replacement attachments as a guide for the replacement of the chiller #4 and other equipment in the SOW. All components are like-for-like on this project. All controls sequences, points lists, etc. are sole-sourced to Johnson Controls. Coordinate with VA HVAC shop, VA Energy Center, VA COR, Equipment Manufacturers, and Johnson Controls on programming and sequences.

16. SOW Page 2 of 6 Item 3, Is there a basis of design for the required 1600A quick disconnect panel?

a. VA utilizes Eaton Manufacturers for all electrical breakers, panels, disconnects, etc.

17. SOW Page 2 of 6 item 1g, Is there a basis of design or specification for the required expansion tank?

a. No. Contractor is responsible for providing equipment that is compatible with existing systems and meets the requirements of specifications and applicable pressure-vessel requirements.

18. SOW, A few sections of the SOW, such as insulation on B.6 state to match existing but also reference the latest VA Specification. If there is a discrepancy between existing conditions and the latest specification requirements, which requirement should apply?

a. Refer to FAR Clause 52.236 for more stringent requirements that apply.

19. SOW Page 3 of 6 Item B.7, The SOW section b.7 incorporates VA specification 23-08-00 by reference. Without a project specific and edited specification, section 23-08-00 is broad in it’s requirements. It also references 01 91 00 for general commissioning, which leaves a lot for interpretation on this requirement. Please clarify the commissioning requirements further, including whether the CxA is required to be a 3rd party and what exact systems need to be included in the commissioning effort.

a. VA will provide updated specification 01-91-00. CxA is required by third- party.

Systems to be commissioned include the new chiller. Must be commissioned and sequenced to integrate with the existing chiller plant.

20. Can the VA provide SOW for communications and security required for this project? Will the VA be providing spec for this scope of work? There is nothing listed in the SOW document. Who is the specified vendor/contractor for communication and security in the energy plant?

a. Johnson Controls is the VA’s sole-source vendor for BIS. VA will provide updated specification 01-35-26-Safety and Security as part of addendum.

21. Are we able to core drill through the wall where the disconnect is going? Will this disconnect be outside? What kind of NEMA rating is required? Will the new substation be at ground level or is it on a platform? Will any additional connections be required from the disconnect?

a. X-ray Verification

b. Yes

c. NEMA 3

d. There is not a new substation as part of this project.

22. All existing gear, panels and feeders are to remain?

a. Yes

23. All disconnects, VFD's, and equipment for the new chiller will be provided by mechanical and plumbing per chiller #3 schedule? Electricians are to install the VFD and wire it up?

a. Yes

b. Yes

24. What company is responsible for the controls in the energy plant?

a. Contractor to utilize Johnson Controls for BIS relating to this project.

25. Will the new chiller have different lay out for connection points? Do we have to redo everything from the VFD and on? Will the VFD be mounting the same location as the old one to reuse existing 4160v feeds and terminations? Do we need to use VFD cable?

a. Coordinate with provided vendor drawings and existing conditions. Modifications to existing layout may be necessary to accommodate installation of new equipment.

26. Do we need to use compression type or set screw fittings? Per the pictures is seems they have both.

a. Set Screw fittings

27. Is there a direct disconnect and reconnect? Is all equipment going to be located in the same location? Do we have to account for a variance? +10'? +20"? Do we have to account for new wiring for each new piece of equipment from the panel? Can we junction any of these feeds?

a. See question 25 response.

28. Are we to use the existing feeders and conduits for all new equipment? What is the current age of the medium voltage cables Are we to provide new termination on each cable? Are we to pull new 4160v cable in the existing conduit? If so, what is the length?

a. Yes

b. Medium Voltage cables were replaced between 2022 and 2024

c. Yes

d. No

29. Are we to assume that all the equipment is exactly the same as chiller # 3 scheduled? Are we to assume that chiller #4 is installed in the same way chiller #3 is installed?

a. See provided vendor drawings

b. Contractor to provide coordination and shop-drawings for installation

30. There are alternates called out on the chiller #3 replacement. Are we to price up these alternates or just the base bid portion?

a. Contractor to ignore, there are no alternate pricing required.

b. Chiller #3 is not being replaced. Chiller #4 is being replaced.

31. The Scope of Work references numerous specification sections, but none of these are available in the project provided documents, will these be provided?

a. See response to question #5.

32. Are tie points to be like the plans provided from Chiller 3 replacement? This way all contractors are bidding the same scope of work.

a. Contractor to verify per site visit and reference drawings.

33. Will engineered drawings be provided or will the contractor be required to hire an engineer to produce these for construction (permitting) purposes?

a. What type of engineered drawings does the equipment replacement require?

34. Will Owner isolate and drain/fill the system?

a. Yes. Contractor will coordinate with VA Energy Center. The central chilled water system is inactive from approximately November 15 through April 1 each year.

35. Is there additional information on the pumps, Chem-Aqua water filter and VFD?

a. Identified Manufacturer can provide this information.

36. The specifications call for the flow meters and differential pressure sensors to be calibrated. Could you please define ‘calibration’? is field calibration acceptable? If no, what is your preferred method? How many total units require calibration?

a. All flow meters and sensors provided for this project shall be factory calibrated.

Contractor shall confirm calibration with vendor when submitting product data and ordering these devices. Reference details 5/1127-H6 and drawing 1127-H7 in the “Chiller 4 Replacement Reference DWGs” document. Chiller #4 meters and sensors are to be installed in the same orientation as shown for chiller #3.

37. For the vibration analysis – could you please confirm how many (total) pumps or other pieces of equipment you require to be tested?

a. This question is unclear regarding the requirement for “testing” the new mechanical equipment vibration. Vibration isolation devices are to be installed per the division 23 specifications, details as shown in the “Chiller 4 Replacement Reference DQGs” document, and manufacture recommendations. Please advise if further clarification is needed regarding vibration analysis.

38. Does this project require a full time SSHO with no other duties separate from the project superintendent? Can the superintendent be the SSHO for this project?

a. No. Superintendent can serve dual roles.

39. Can the General Contractor's superintendent be the Quality Control Manager for this project?

a. Yes. Superintendent can serve as QA/QC.

40. Do we need to demo existing equipment pads and put in new? If so can the VA provide a detail on new pads?

a. All new ground-mounted equipment is required to be installed on an equipment/housekeeping pad. Equipment pad replacement is not anticipated.

Contractor to verify with manufacturer and site conditions that existing equipment pad dimension are adequate for new equipment.

41. Will the VA be providing drawings and specifications specific for this project? Is this a design build project?

a. This is an equipment replacement project. See reference plans and specifications.

It is greatly encouraged the solicitation contractors attend one site-visits for field verifications.

42. What chilled water temps and condenser water temps is the VA currently running these chillers at? The old chiller performance schedule for “CH3” that was included with the bid documents indicates EWT of 57F / LWT of 42F on the chilled water side and EWT of 85F / LWT of 95F on the condenser side. Some of our previous cooling coil performance schedules for separate VA projects have shown an EWT of 56F / LWT of 44F on the chilled water side. Just want to make sure this replacement chiller is selected to support the desired water temps of this system.

a. Parameters are +42 degrees F to +55 degrees F.

43. During this walkthrough in November, Rick and Chris at the VA were interested in a factory witnessed performance test for this chiller and they requested a price ADD for this. I didn’t see anything in the bid documents requesting this. Can you submit a question to see if they still would like to see this factory witnessed performance test of the chiller and how they want in presented (i.e. in our base price or as an add)?

a. A factory video performance test is acceptable.

44. Will we be able to set up an office in the chiller plant?

a. Yes. Make sure to coordinate with COR and Energy Center Supervisor.

45. Specification section 26-64-00 is referenced by mistake we believe this to be 23-64-00 can the VA confirm?

a. Yes that is correct. 26-64-00 should be 23-64-00.

46. Do we need to provide a temporary chiller? If so what size? Location?

a. No.

47. Specification 26-05-11 is reference, since this specification is not included in the documents, are we to use the unedited TIL version?

a. Update specs to be include project specific.

48. The SOW is vague for the electric work, with the disconnect and reconnect does the VA want the conductors, conduit and feeder breakers replaced for Chiller 4, water pump P18, or vertical turbine pump p17 or reuse the existing?

a. Use existing.

49. For temporary disconnect panel feed from Sub #2, there is not a breaker in the space that is shown on attachment "D". Is this breaker contractor provided or VA provided? Is the space been tested to receive breaker?

a. Contractor provided.

b. Yes

50. For the outside 1, 600-amp 3R disconnect, what type of connection point does the VA want for temporary cables, Cam lock?

a. Cam Lock.

51. Is this project anticipated to happen during the winter months?

a. It is expected that this will occur through winter.

52. Is this project tax-exempt? If yes, will a certificate be issued?

a. This project is not tax exempt and will not have a tax exempt certificate issued.

53. Can the superintendent fulfill duties as the Quality Control Manager?

a. See responses to 38 and 39

54. Can the superintendent fulfill duties as the SSHO?

a. See responses to 38 and 39

55. Can the superintendent fulfill duties as both the QC and SSHO?

a. See responses to 38 and 39

56. What are the typical working hours?

a. 07:00-17:00 M-F

57. Will PIV badging be required?

a. Yes

58. Where is chiller 4 located at?

a. The chiller 4 is in building 69 at the Energy Center. It is located next to the roll up doors in the chiller section of the building.

59. Where are the two pumps located at?

a. The two pumps are in the general area of chiller 4 in building 69 Energy Center.

60. Where are the VFD’s for the pumps going to be located at?

a. These VFD’s are to be located near chiller 4 at building 69 Energy Center.

61. Where are the tees, flanges, blank flanges going to be for the emergency chiller hook up?

a. These items will be installed in the chiller room at building 69 at the Minneapolis Energy Center.