AHEC-26919-Q_Answers to Questions_Electrical Distribution System Plan_FINAL.pdf

Answers to Questions Request for Qualifications AHEC-26919-Q

Campus Electrical Distribution System Comprehensive Plan Auraria Higher Education Center (AHEC or Auraria)

This document contains all questions submitted by the deadline specified. Inquiries are in black text and AHEC’s answers are in red text.

Q1. Can you confirm if there are any existing electrical system models (CYME, Synergi, ETAP, etc.)

available for use as part of this study?

A1. Confirmed - Auraria has a recently developed SKM model of the electrical system that can be provided.

Q2. Are there any preferred standards or coordination requirements with Xcel Energy beyond what is noted in the RFQ?

A2. Auraria Campus' Xcel account representative needs to be the point of contact for Xcel and involved in all coordination with Xcel. Contact will be provided once consulting partner is contracted. Additionally, Auraria, and as schedule permit, the Institutional representatives need to be included in all communications and meetings with Xcel.

Q3. Can you clarify expectations around stakeholder engagement (campus facilities, utilities, etc.)

during the planning process?

A3. Primarily discussions with Auraria Campus Facilities and Planning staƯ, including but not limited to Director of Facilities, Campus Engineer, Campus Architect, Project Managers, electricians, and others who have involvement in the oversight and maintenance of the campus electrical grid and associated costs.

Q4. For the near-term solutions (through 2035), is there a preference for conceptual-level recommendations vs. detailed engineering-level analysis?

A4. Near-term solutions need to be developed at a level that enable Auraria Facilities, Operations and Planning to pursue the additional funding or resources to fully design and implement impactful upgrades, modifications, or alterations to the Auraria Campus Distribution system that better situate the campus for additional growth, improved eƯiciency, increased deployment of renewable generation and resiliency for Life Safety, IT, and laboratory services in select buildings.

Q5. Please confirm whether the four new all-electric buildings are a mandatory requirement or if alternative approaches (e.g., natural gas or hybrid systems) will be considered, as this assumption may significantly impact electrical demand and infrastructure planning.

A5. There are four new buildings in construction or about to start construction:

i. Summit House Tower - All electric except for first floor commercial kitchens

ii. MSU Denver Health Institute Tower - Natural Gas heating

iii. Campus Safety Center - All electric

iv. Early Learning Center & Housing Tower - All electric except for first floor commercial kitchens

Q6. Please confirm whether the 2025 electrical capacity study is to be accepted as the baseline or if the selected consultant is expected to validate and/or update the analysis.

A6. The selected firm should review, understand, and revise the estimated or projected values in the 2025 capacity study. The electrical load and peak demand values for the new construction buildings were projections and designs have changed since those projections were made.

Q7. Are covers and tabs/divider pages included in the page count?

A7. No.

Q8. Is the consultant agreement to be submitted with the proposal and included in the page count? Do we need to provide a consultant agreement for any subconsultants that we intend to work with for the project?

A8. The Consultant Agreement is only for review at this stage for firms to complete Appendix B, which is required to be submitted. No, it is not necessary to provide a consultant agreement for any intended subconsultants.

Q9. Is there a capital planning budget that the master plan is expected to align with? Is funding allocated at certain intervals that would require project phasing?

A9. No, this plan will help guide budgeting and planning activities.

Q10. Appendix C, Task 2, Key Activities, “include identification of critical loads and potential reduction in redundancy for non-critical loads” - are all site loads currently identified and documentation maintained or is as-builting required?

A10. Auraria has as-builts of existing electrical distribution systems.

Q11. Appendix C, Task 2, Key Activities, last bullet point – please provide clarification what is meant by, “Mitigation plans for upgrades associated with capacity plan and active load management systems to be included in master campus energy plans.”

A11. Auraria would like to evaluate options such as active load shedding, electrical or thermal energy storage systems, and increased on-site generation.

Q12. For the study, can AHEC provide the electrical analysis program file (SKM), with information on electrical sources, loads, equipment, and overcurrent device ratings/settings?

A12. Yes, the SKM model will be made available to the selected consultant.

End of Q & A document.