Questions and Answers.pdf

1. Industry standard rental periods are 7 days, 14 days, or 28 days. The contract is requesting a 30-day rental period. Can this be adjusted to reflect the industry normal of 28 days?

a. Yes, the rental periods can be 28 days. This information should also be noted and shown on the proposal to indicate the rental periods.

2. The solicitation is asking for cellular glass, polyisocyanurate, or phenolic closed cell piping insulation on the hoses from the chiller to the building. This is a very costly addition to the contract and provides minimal performance benefit. Can this requirement be removed, or altered to allow a less expensive type of hose insulation?

a. Insulation identified during solicitation is meant to assist in keeping chiller lines cooler with the long distance between chillers and building. A different material may be used but must maintain chiller line temperatures at the connection point to the building.

3. Does the facility have ample 480v power or will a stepdown transformer be needed?

a. The VA is able to provide 480v power, but alternate power connections can be discussed between the Contractor and VA after award, if there are no additional costs to the government.

4. If the facility has ample 480v power do you have 3 individual breakers or will a 3000 amp panel with isolation breakers be required?

a. The VA has individual breakers that can be tied into. An additional 3000amp isolation breaker is not required.

5. How far from the facility power source to where the temporary chiller plant will be placed?

a. Contractors should anticipate about 450’ for each electrical line/connection.

6. How far from the facility chilled water lines supply and return to the placement of the chiller plant?

a. Contractors should anticipate about 450’ for each chiller line/connection.

7. For the tie points of the temporary supply and return chilled lines is there a header in place.

a. No, there is currently not a header in place and one will need to be provided.

8. Has using HDPE pipe been discussed or are we looking at using Hose?

a. Contractors may propose HDPE or other alternate piping for the extended rental duration, but this needs to be identified in the proposal and should include a note as to why the Contractor is proposing this alternative to be better.

9. Can Contractors provide alternate bid items that deviates from the VA’s anticipated locations or setup?

a. The VA sees no issue with a deviation being proposed but cannot guarantee that any deviations will be approved. Value Engineering may be beneficial to the VA but will need to be pre-approved and come with an understanding that the information released with this solicitation be a basis of intent.

10. Can Contractors use “permanent piping” or are materials restricted to cheaper, flexible piping?

a. The VA sees no issue using hard piping (permanent type) in lieu of flexible piping, if the

Contractor wants to provide a cost alternate within the bid to show two different types of piping.

11. Can Contractors bury piping to help maintain chiller line temperatures?

a. The VA cannot require or recommend burying any lines with a service contract but sees no issue with the Contractor providing dirt to cover and help insulate lines.