Switchgear Q_A dated 12.4.25.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 19 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Stafford Building Major Electrical Upgrade - Construction Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- 6973GH-26-R-00009
About this file
This document is a Questions and Answers (Q&A) file for Solicitation No. 6973GH-26-R-00009, a major electrical upgrade project for the Thomas P. Stafford Building at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Q&A covers critical technical details including switchgear installation, noise restrictions, working hours, commissioning requirements, and project logistics. Key specifications include a 730-calendar day period of performance, maximum noise levels of 55dB during working hours, and work primarily conducted during weekends or non-operational hours to minimize building disruption.
The project involves replacing existing electrical infrastructure with new switchgear, requiring careful coordination with FAA operations. Contractors must adhere to specific requirements such as isolating work areas, maintaining building operations, and coordinating power outages. The estimated project value ranges from $1,000,000 to $5,000,000, with a full and open competition procurement approach. The proposal due date was extended to December 16, 2025, at 3:00 PM CT, allowing time for FAA to evaluate questions and clarifications submitted by potential bidders.
View the file
Other files for this federal contract opportunity
Show all 24
On GovTribe
Work with this file on GovTribe
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
Q&A Q&A for SIR 6973GH-26-R-00009 - "Switchgear"
| NO. | QUESTIONS | ANSWERS | |
| 1 | Can Square D and Eaton be made approved vendors for the switchgear? (ABB is stated as the basis-of-design | Government does not provide pre-approval of the vendors. The proposed manufacturers/submittals will be reviewed and approved after the award as long as they meet the project specifications. However, there are some existing electrical equipment being updated. Contractor shall ensure all the proposed material are listed for that purpose. | |
| 2 | On Page 1 of the Solicitation document, it states the Period of Performance is 730 calendar days. However, on page 22 Section I Contract Clauses 3.2.2.3 -71 states the Period of Performance is 365 days. Can you please provide guidance on this matter. What is the Actual Period of Performance for this Task Order? | The clauses is in error and will be updated at time of award. Period of performance is 730 calendar days from Notice To Proceed. | |
| 3 | Clarification on Working Hours. Section F F.1- States Work shall be accomplished between the hours of 0730 to 1600. However during the Mandatory On-Site Pre-Bid Meeting it was stated that due to the buildings sensitive environment NO loud noise was allowed during the hours of 0730 - 0000 (midnight), thus creating a need for contract verification and or clarification pertaining to the section mentioned above. Can we please have clarification on the allowed working hours? | Work related to power outages shall be performed during the weekends or long weekends. The time will start from Friday Midnight till Sunday 6PM (or following Monday in event of a long weekend. After temporary power is in place, contractor shall perform work during normal business hours. Government will provide information of maximum noise level that contractor need to maintain. | |
| 4 | Please provide guidance and or clarification for the Proper Chain of Command for Work Permits | NO permit is required from the City of OKC. Permits associated with hot work, confined space, etc. shall be coordinated with the project manager/Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or the project inspector.. Procedures will be reviewed with the successful offeror at the Pre-Construction Meeting | |
| 5 | What is the maximum allowable noise decibel level permitted during normal daytime working hours? | Maximum noise levels in occupied rooms shall not exceed 55dB. Work that exceeds this threshold shall be scheduled to occur when spaces are not occupied. Regardless of noise level, no work shall take place in a room while it is occupied. | |
| 6 | Who will be the designated FAA representative or authority responsible for monitoring and determining compliance with acceptable noise thresholds? | Tori Hudson, Industrial Hygienist | |
| 7 | If measured noise levels exceed the allowable limit, what corrective or alternate plan will be required to maintain compliance during ongoing construction activities? | When the contractor performs construction activities that promote excessive noise, such as drilling into concrete, this should be done after working hours or on weekends when classes are not in session. Another alternative could be moving Academy classes to other classrooms. | |
| 8 | If FAA elects to require work during nighttime hours, will a different noise threshold or operational limitation apply? | If no classes are in session, FAA will not be concerned with the noise levels; however, the contractor should still enforce the OSHA limits for their employees. This includes their employees wearing hearing protection and adhering to the applicable OSHA 1910.95 standards. | |
| 9 | Will there be any adjustment or cost consideration for work performed during night hours versus the “normal working hours” stated in the solicitation? | Reference contract document for the scope of the work | |
| 10 | If such a change affects cost or duration, will FAA issue a formal clarification or modification acknowledging the adjustment? | See response above | |
| 11 | In lieu of construction involving major electrical disconnects and tie-ins, what duration or time window will FAA authorize for planned system shutdowns to safely perform disconnect, reconnect, and testing activities? | Reference the notes on sheets E-001 and E-101 | |
| 12 | Additionally, will these shutdowns need to be coordinated through a specific FAA operations or facilities representative for approval? | Reference the notes on sheets E-001 and E-101 | |
| 13 | Do the Superintendent, SSHO, and QC Manager need to be three separate individuals? | Yes | |
| 14 | Is the General Contractor required to provide a job site trailer for on-site project management? Is a separate trailer required for Government personnel? | Government could provide a space near the job site if contractor wishes to have a job site trailer. No job site trailer is required for government personnel. | |
| 15 | Is this project tax exempt? | NOT tax exempt. | |
| 16 | Please provide the site visit attendee sign-in sheet. | This has been posted to SAM.gov since 12/1/25. | |
| 17 | Please provide photos of the job site and existing conditions. | Pictures will be uploaded along with this Q&A document to SAM.gov. | |
| 18 | Are there any phasing requirements beyond what is shown on the drawings? | NO | |
| 19 | If the building remains occupied, how many people will be in the building during typical work hours? | The building will operate as usuall during normal business hours. The number of people in the building is irrelevant to the scope of this project. | |
| 20 | Can the work area be fully isolated, or must pedestrian/employee access be maintained during work hours? | Yes, The work area where the general public will be exposed need to be isolated. There shall be no obstruction at employees/students usual work place. | |
| 21 | Can the period of performance be extended after award based on actual equipment lead times once submittals are approved? | No, lead times for equipment should be known prior to proposal submission. | |
| 22 | Can required power outages occur after hours or weekends, or are any outages allowed during standard daytime hours? | Reference the notes on sheets E-001 and E-101 | |
| 23 | Are there any temporary heating or cooling requirements associated with maintaining building operations during construction? | There shall be no interruption to building cooling/heating system during normal business hours. No power outages will be granted during excessive heat or freezing cold | |
| 24 | Are there any specific temporary power requirements needed to maintain building operations beyond what is shown on the drawings? | No. Reference the notes on sheets E-001 and E-101 | |
| 25 | Are there any specific temporary power requirements needed to maintain building operations beyond what is shown on the drawings? | No. Reference the notes on sheets E-001 and E-101 | |
| 26 | Please confirm the required scope for the temporary power substations, temporary feeders, and temporary distribution equipment shown on E-603. Are alternate temporary power solutions acceptable? | Requirement are on sheet E-603. Government may review any proposed alternate solution after the award. | |
| 27 | Regarding temporary door closures and the roll-up door infill structure (Keynote #9, Sheet E-101), please confirm: | See below: | |
| 28 | Required construction (framing, sheathing, security, weatherproofing) | Per contractor's means and method. | |
| 29 | Whether the roll-up door must remain operable | Yes | |
| 30 | Required structural load capacity | Will depend on what contractor has selected to assemble. | |
| 31 | Required sleeve size/quantity for temporary feeders | Quantity and size of the sleeves shall match the conductors | |
| 32 | Required water intrusion protection | Not Applicable | |
| 33 | Please confirm testing and commissioning requirements for the new switchgear: | See below | |
| 34 | Is manufacturer startup sufficient, or is third-party/NETA commissioning required? | Manufacturer startup is sufficient | |
| 35 | Will the FAA require pre-functional and/or witness testing? | Yes | |
| 36 | Are specific test standards (NETA ATS, NFPA 70B) required? | Yes, Reference part 3 of spec section 260519. | |
| 37 | Section 017900: Please confirm whether training must occur after commissioning and whether live system demonstration is required. | Yes. Training after the commissioning is complete and training the maintenance personnel after the equipment are energized without removing protective covers. | |
| 38 | Will the contractor be responsible for preparing a new arc flash study, short-circuit study, coordination study, and updated labeling? If yes, please confirm required standards (NFPA 70E, IEEE 1584, NETA ATS). | Reference note 21 on sheet E-001 | |
| 39 | Please confirm who is responsible for performing commissioning of the new switchgear and associated equipment: | Contractor | |
| 40 | Is manufacturer startup sufficient, or is third-party/NETA commissioning required? | Manufacturer startup is sufficient | |
| 41 | Will the FAA require pre-functional and/or witness testing? | Yes | |
| 42 | Are specific test standards (NETA ATS, NFPA 70B) required? | Yes, Reference part 3 of spec section 260519. | |
| 43 | Section 017900: Please confirm whether training must occur after commissioning and whether live system demonstration is required. | Yes. Training after the commissioning is complete and training the maintenance personnel after the equipment are energized without removing protective covers. | |
| 44 | Will the contractor be responsible for preparing a new arc flash study, short-circuit study, coordination study, and updated labeling? If yes, please confirm required standards (NFPA 70E, IEEE 1584, NETA ATS). | Reference note 21 on sheet E-001 | |
| 45 | Please confirm who is responsible for performing commissioning of the new switchgear and associated equipment: | Contractor | |
| 45 | Will the Government provide its own Commissioning Authority (CxA)? | No | |
| 47 | If not, must the Contractor provide a third-party independent commissioning agent? | No. Manufacturer representative commissioning is sufficient | |
| 48 | Is manufacturer/factory-authorized startup sufficient to meet commissioning requirements, or is additional formal commissioning required (functional testing, integrated systems testing, documentation, etc.)? The specifications reference testing and training but do not clearly indicate whether a third-party CxA is required, or whether factory startup satisfies the commissioning requirement. Clarification is needed for pricing and responsibility assignment. | Yes. Manufacturer representative commissioning is sufficient | |
| 49 | Beyond commissioning, are any of the following tests required for final acceptance? Insulation resistance (megger),Dielectric/hi-pot, Infrared (IR) scanning, Grounding system verification | ||
| Please confirm required tests and applicable standards. | Yes. Reference part 3 of the spec sections |
| 50 | Will FAA/MMAC provide existing load data, short-circuit values, or existing arc flash analysis for the existing switchgear? | Government will provide the required information after the award. |
| 51 | Will MMAC provide utility locates or as-built drawings prior to excavation/trenching? | There should be no excavation required. However, Contractor is responsible for any locates. |
| 52 | Are soil boring/geotechnical reports available? If not, may the contractor assume normal excavation conditions free of rock or major obstructions? | Not Applicable |
| 52 | Will the project require any roof penetrations or modifications to the existing roofing system? If so, please confirm the roofing manufacturer and warranty holder. | No |
| 54 | Please provide bidding quantities for any deteriorated roofing underlayment or paving base course, if applicable. | Not Applicable |
| 55 | If the new switchgear interfaces with the building automation system, please provide the contact information for the BAS contractor. | JCI supports BAS |
| 56 | Please provide the contact information for the building fire alarm contractor for integration/testing. | JCI supports Fire alarm systems |
| 57 | Where can materials be staged, and are there any restrictions on delivery hours, truck routes, or laydown areas? | Government will provide an area for staging. The delivery date and time shall be coordinated with government. |
| 58 | Will the FAA take ownership of salvaged copper bus and internal gear components, or is contractor disposal required? | No. All salvaged materials are responsibility of the contractor and shall be recycled per contract. Contractor is responsible to dispose the "existing to be removed" equipment per "construction Waste Management and Disposal Spec". |
| 59 | Are there any FAA-specific crane or lift restrictions for gear removal/installation (wind limits, flight-path restrictions, overhead clearance, etc.)? | Use of crane/lifts is in contractor's discretion and equipment manufacturer recommendations. Contractor shall obtain crane permit for cranes taller than 27'. |
| 60 | Please confirm whether updated specifications for wire size and insulation type (base bid and options) will be issued prior to award. | No updates is needed. Reference E-101 |
| 61 | Please confirm whether this contract is subject to the 2% withholding under 26 U.S.C. 5000C and whether IRS Form W-14 is required. | Please consult with a professional tax advisor. |
| 62 | Please confirm that all existing feeders identified as “to be reused” in the base bid are confirmed to be long enough, code-compliant, and in acceptable condition for reuse without replacement. If any feeder is found to be too short or non-compliant, will this be handled as a change order or within bid options? | Confirmed per available record drawings and existring conditions. Any discrepancies will be addressed during the construction |
| 63 | Please confirm that adequate access, clearances, and laydown space exist within the electrical rooms to install temporary substations, remove existing switchgear sections, and rig new equipment. If obstructions exist, please identify required modifications. | Temporary substation shall be located outside of the building. Reference sheet E-101 |
| 64 | Please confirm whether any building modifications, door removal, wall removal, or structural modifications will be required to rig existing switchgear out and new switchgear in. Dimensions of existing openings vs equipment have not been provided. | There shall be no modifications to the building to remove the "existing to be removed" equipment. They should be dismantle before moving. |
| 65 | To ensure proper planning and to avoid routing temporary feeders or moving equipment through areas not permitted by FAA/MMAC operational or safety requirements, please confirm the following: | See Below |
| 66 | Access Path Dimensions: Please provide the required clear opening dimensions (height and width) for all doors, corridors, and access points intended for removal of existing switchgear and installation of new equipment. | Reference the drawings. They are produced to scale. |
| 67 | Room Elevations & Overhead Obstructions: Please confirm the electrical room ceiling height and identify any overhead obstructions (beams, ductwork, piping, trays, etc.) that must be maintained or avoided during temporary feeder installation and rigging. | All "existing to remain" equipment or any equipment not in the scope of this project shall be protected and maintained. |
| 68 | Rigging Path Requirements: Please identify any FAA/MMAC restrictions on rigging paths, including prohibited areas, required travel routes, or areas where equipment movement is not permitted. | Reference the drawings. They are produced to scale. |
| 69 | Temporary Feeder Routing Constraints: The temporary one-line does not define routing through walls, ceilings, or corridors. Please confirm whether any areas are restricted for temporary feeder routing, and whether penetrations or overhead pathways require FAA approval beyond normal coordination. | There shall be no wall/door penetrations to route the temporary cables. Reference note 9 on sheet E-101 |
| 70 | Please confirm selective demolition requirements for existing conduits, conductors, supports, and raceways associated with the switchgear replacement. Specifically, which items are to remain in place, to be removed, or to be abandoned-in-place? | Reference riser diagrams on sheet E-600 |
| 71 | General comment: | Work related to power outages shall be performed during the weekends or long weekends. The time will start from Friday Midnight till Sunday 6PM (or following Monday in event of a long weekend. After temporary power is in place, contractor shall perform work during normal business hours. |
| 72 | General comment: | Requirements for electronic submittals: Newforma is not a contract requirement. Contractors may use Procore or similar system. A/E will be responsible for coordinating their own software with this system |
| 73 | General comment: | Fencing shall be chain-link, 6-foot tall |
| 74 | General comment: | Use of existing restroom facilities by Contractor is acceptable so long as they are kept neat and tidy. If this does not occur, Contractor is required to provide temporary toilet facilities for their workers. |
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .