Answers - 36C25722B0014 Replace Primary MV Switchgear Waco VAMC RFI Questions - 1-66.pdf

36C25722B0014 Waco TX VA MC Replace Primary MV Switchgear

RFI Questions note: Some responses below are from L. Perry PE #75283 (lp)

1) it was discussed yesterday at the Waco Site Visit that the government based its design on Eaton but with the lead times on equipment exceeding the POP. Can bidders submit alternate equipment from other sources if equal and more available? Would this be acceptable for the Waco VA and can it apply also to the Dallas VA?

Answer: The prospective bidder can submit alternate equipment from other sources if sources is equal to the basis of design and as described in the contract. And per the contract, “The switchgear assembly shall be completely functional with all the necessary parts including all the required electrical equipment, test devices, required lifting mechanisms, etc.”

The RFI and answers to RFI are for our contract only and shall not set precedence over other contracts.

2) What is the fire alarm panel manufacturer and model number?

Answer: Answer: All equipment is Simplex. (lp)

We have a contract in place to install new Fire Alarm Panels. We will have a new fire alarm panel with backnet connections.

3) How long is Warranty period for this project?

Answer: Warranty per FAR 52.246-21. Separate specifications have different required specialized warranty. Refer to contract documents.

4) Is there any training hours required for Fire Alarm System?

Answer: No. (lp)

5) Are there any spare parts required for fire alarm system?

Answer: No. (lp)

6) SEL 751 Relays will be utilized not only for main breaker protection, but also to perform the automatic transfer operation as specified. Please advise if `Future Gen’. Breaker may be integrated into the Automatic Transfer scheme in the future. If so, a set of VT’s may be required and connected on Generator side of the `Future Gen’ Breaker? For now. it seems integration of `Future Gen’ breaker and both utility Mains is via manual operation with electrical and key interlocking to prevent paralleling incoming utility feeds.

Answer: Answer: It is anticipated at this time that automatic transfer between the two utility sources will be provided under this project while a future generator installation will be manual transfer only. Electrical and keyed interlocking per your description above shall be provided under the current project. If the current working assumption changes in the future, reprogramming will be provided at that time and VT’s will be provided at the genset location, not in this project’s switchgear. (lp)

7) Please advise intended application of the Bus VT’s.

Answer: The bus VT’s should be considered a provided for future. (lp)

8) Please confirm we should include in our bid the `Future Gen’ Breaker, or only a prepared space for a breaker?

Answer: A new breaker, not a prepared space shall be provided. (lp)

9) Please confirm we should include in our bid the `Future Gen’ Breaker, or only a prepared space for a breaker?

Answer: See item 8 above. (lp)

10) Drawing E5.2, Note #13- Please confirm a continuous SEL Fiber Loop routed through all cable compartments is the requested application.

Answer: A combination of Individual sensors and loop sensors are to be provided. See Sheet E5.2 notes 13 & 14 for additional details. (lp)

11) Section 26 13 13, Spec. # 2.11. C- Please advise where Lightning Arresters should be supplied as they are not shown on one-lines.

Answer: Locate in the rear termination compartments for breakers 5C & 6C. (lp)

12) Document Drawing `Waco Electrical Feeder Drw. Pdf’ appears to depict existing switchgear one-line. Are items such as Zero-Sequence Ground Fault CT’s, Analog Ammeters, AM Switches, Device 57, 62 and 86 relays with associated CT’s required?

Answer: We are not aware of a drawing referenced above - please clarify.

Details of certain breaker auxiliary devices such as you describe were inadvertently omitted from the issued specification.

Zero sequence ground fault will not be required - I.e. The ground fault detection will be by residually connected CT’s A removable Device 57 shorting and grounding device is not required.

We assume that the Device 62 timing device relates to whether a programmed time delay before transfer is to be included in the main breaker through-over sequence. If so, yes.

Specification Section 26 13 13 ‘Medium Voltage Circuit Breaker Switchgear’ will be augmented and issued by addendum to address the items listed above. (lp)

13) Please advise power cable entrance and exit locations. (Top or Bottom?)

Answer: All medium voltage cable entrances and exits are bottom located. (lp)

Questions 14 thru 16 are for clarification on Alternate Bid 1 items.

14) Page 01 00 00-3 and 4 list 4 transformers for alternate bid 1 but pages 01 00 00-5 thru 7 only mention 3 transformers for alternate bid 1.

• If it’s only 3 transformers which ones?

Answer: There are 4 transformers.

15) T18 transformer we were shown on the site visit is in the basement of Building 18. The area inside and the door opening isn’t large enough for a pad mount transformer (see attached T18 picture). I was also shown T145 which is not identified in Alternate 1 but per the existing electrical feeder drawing supplies building 18.

• Is a new T18 transformer required to fit inside the existing building B18, or will a pad mount transformer built to the specs be mounted where T145 is currently mounted?

(See pictures of T145)

Answer: Revised drawings for work in The T18 vault area will be issued by Addendum. The work will include providing a new 300 kVA 4160 to 120/208 V 3 phase padmount transformer (T8) replacement. However, it will not be located in the existing transformer T145 location; it will be located north of the existing transformer T18 vault in the grassy area beyond the sidewalk.

Note for reference that existing transformer T145 per VA documents is a 12,470 to 4160/2400 V 3 phase unit. It will remain in place and will serve to feed the downstream replacement T18 transformer. (lp)

16) ) T159 appears to be close coupled to a piece of switchgear During the site visit I was told just to provide a quote for the transformer that can mate up to the existing flange but then I was then told go by the spec. I have found anything in the spec that mentions the cabinet mounted to the right side. (See cabinet on the right side of the pictures of T159). If it needs to connect to the existing flange can you provide drawings with flange mount dimensions. I suspect the existing equipment coupled to T159 is even usable due to large rust holes in the structure. Is the plan is to use a transformer similar in design to the other pad mount transformers like T216 and T24 or are you expecting a flange connection?

T160 reference in alternate bid 1 was not part of the site visit but I’ve located it on the drawing and have enough information from the spec document.

Answer: Revised drawings will be issued by addendum. An existing 15 kV load break switch and the existing transformer will be removed from the lineup. An existing secondary terminal cabinet will be retained as a splice and metering box. A new pad mounted transformer will be provided south of the splice box and will be inter-connected to the new transformer through a flanged 12 x 12 wireway. (lp) T160 reference in alternate bid 1 was not part of the site visit but I’ve located it on the drawing and have enough information from the spec document.

17) Drawing E2.2 shows note #8 which refers to E5.4 for further relay details We did not receive E5.4 and think it might be helpful when reviewing the SEL 351-7 application.

Answer: Drawing E5.4 will be issued for reference use. Information is from the original construction drawings but has not been field verified (lp).

18) Since Utility lines are entering into the switchgear, we would like to know if there are any applicable Utility requirements that might be imposed on the gear. Utility requirements sometime specify certain lug height restrictions, barriers, interlocking, etc…

Answer: We assume that ‘the switchgear’ refers to the main switchgear to be installed in Bldg 216. If so, these conductors are not utility company service lateral conductions.

They are VA owned feeder conductors. Accordingly, utility company requirements do not apply. (lp)

19) Is the COGEN sequence of operation available for our review so we can evaluate the required Services for conducting a functional witness test?

Answer: Please see item 17 above. (lp)

20) Is this a tax-exempt project? If tax-exempt, will the government be providing a tax-exempt certificate to the Prime Contractor for use by subcontractors and vendors?

Answer: A tax-exempt certificate will be provided to the contract awardee upon request to be used by the Prime Contractor.

21) Can the Superintendent be shared across multiple projects, or should they be dedicated full-time to this project and this project only?

Answer: The intent of the contract is to have a Superintendent that is responsible for the project and will be on-site during construction. The VA is expecting a full-time Superintendent for this project.

22) Can the Superintendent fulfil multiple roles? If so, can they also fulfil the Quality Control role? What about the SSHO role?

Answer: The intent of the contract is to have a Superintendent that is responsible for the project and will be on-site during construction.

Others are described to have other roles and responsibilities.

23) Electrical Sheet E2.2 note 7 references adding a new access gate and note 8 references a new chain link fence around the proposed new power metering pedestal. The reference is to Civil Sheet C2.0 which shows fencing as existing with no notes, details, or indication that it is new. How tall is the fence and does it have barbed wire on top? Looks to be a double 12’ gate. Is this correct? Are there any Specifications for this new chain link fencing, gates, or posts (or “match existing”)?

Answer: Should match existing; however, confirm this with VA-COR on their preference.

Match existing.

24) Should this new chain link fencing meet the Buy America provision as it is for some other VA projects?

Answer: Yes

25) Is Client Viewer Software (CVS) required? If yes, how many workstations will need the

CVS installed unto and is the contractor responsible for installing the CVS onto?

Answer: N Client Viewer Software (CVS) is required for this project.

26) Will a Client Mobile App be required? If yes, how many mobile devices will need to have the App loaded onto and is the contractor responsible for loading them?

Answer: No Client Mobile App is required for this project.

27) Where will the client video to be viewed?

Answer: The Security Control Center

28) Is the NVR Server to be connected to a Federal Network?

Answer:

29) Does the NVR Server need to be FIPS and FICAM Compliant?

30) Will the NVR Server need to have STIGS, and ACAS scans performed by the contractor prior to the NVR Server being placed on to the VA’s Domain?

31) The 2.0C-H4IRPTZ-DP30 camera specified on page 42 of the drawings requires a minimum of 71 watts to power the camera and the IR illuminator therefore a POE-INJ2-

95W PoE injector must be used. A POE-INJ2-60W is specified which will only power the camera and not the IR illuminator. Is the IR illuminator need to be used as part of the design for surveillance?

Answer: The IR Illuminator is part of the design, but the camera is designed to pull 71 W of power only when connected to a POE-INJ2-95W. Operating temperature will be -40 °C to +60 °C (-40 °F to 140 °F) with external power or 95 W PoE and de-rated to -10 °C to +50 °C (14 °F to 122 °F) with the POE-INJ2-60W. The de-rated operating temperature is within the extreme weather conditions for the Waco, TX region. See page four, second footnote of the camera datasheet for additional information.

https://assets.avigilon.com/file_library/pdf/h4-ir-ptz/avigilon-h4-ir-ptz-datasheet-en-rev8.pdf

32) Due to the building being used to house campus critical infrastructure why is there no

PACS? Why is there no IDS?

Answer: PACS (Physical Access Control System) --- IDS (Intrusion Detection System). We do not have system currently. Contract is for locks to remain.

33) Will building 216 be in use during the construction? Will the buildings supplied from building 216 be occupied? Do we need to provide temporary power to this building?

Answer: Building will NOT be used by the VA nor occupied by the VA. Materials viewed during site visit will be removed by VA. Currently, NO the VA does not need temporary power.

34) Alternate #1 call to replace transformer to buildings 5, 6, 16, 17, 20, 21, 24 & 99.

a. Will these buildings be occupied?

b. Do we need to include temporary power to the buildings during the replacement of the transformers?

c. Can you provide cut sheet for existing transformer? We would like to confirm the window for the conduit matches the transformer we propose to provide.

Answer A: T-18 Serves buildings 18, 19, 20 and 21. Building 18 is in use, and main fire alarm loop goes thru buildings.

T-24 Serves buildings 24 and 99 and both buildings are in use.

T-160 Serves buildings 5 & 6 and both buildings are in use.

T-159 Serves building 17 which is not in use.

Answer B: Buildings in use during normal business hours and work can be performed after hours or weekend. Follow documents on utility outage request.

Answer C: Reliable cut sheets for the transformers are not available. (lp)

35) The specs mention that the duct bank has been designed by the Civil Engineer. (Section

26-05-41, paragraph 1.2)

a. Can you provide profile drawing that will show the depth of the utilities between Building 216 and Building 15?

Answer: Reference Electrical drawings for Ductbank details.

36) Spec 01 00 00.10.4.A.1 indicates that Contractor is to store items.

a. Can you provide the location?

Answer: There are no items listed or noted on drawings or specifications.

37) Will there be BIM coordination during the project?

Answer: Coordination drawings are required.

38) MCC in Room 1A-101 - This gear shown to remain. During the site walk this gear seem to have parts missing. Are we to repair and test?

Answer: No (lp)

39) What type relay is required for `Future Gen’ Breaker?

Answer: Provide the same type breaker as provided for the feeder breakers. Please also see related response in question 12 above.

40) What is to be done with the existing transformers after removal?

Answer: To be removed and disposed of by the contractor.

41) During shutdown, will there need to be temporary power. If so, to what extent?

Answer: For transformers, please see response to 34 above.

Main electrical switchover will have to be coordinated with Medical Center. We will need to discuss with successful bidder. Most of our buildings have their own emergency power but depending on the weather, time of shutdown, duration, etc. we will have to discuss at that time with known variables.

42) What are the requirements transformer pads? Will they need to be replaced or extended?

Answer: New pads will be required for replacement transformers T18 and T159 if add alternate #1 is accepted.

43) Does the government anticipate any hazardous material disposal/testing for the project?

Answer: No

44) Is the original refrigerant charge in the chiller that is showing to be removed in the alternate?

Answer: Price as if system is charged and recover refrigerant.

45) If the alternate is chosen, equipment salvage to the contractor?

46) Specs call for unarmed guards and surveillance 24/7 but solicitation does not. Does the contractor need to provide unarmed security and surveillance 24/7?

Answer: Guards will not be required.

47) Do you have the prevailing wage rate for the Fire Sprinkler Pipe Fitter?

Answer: No, the prevailing wage rate for Fire Sprinkler Pipe Fitter is not listed on Wage Determination TX20220260 01/07/2022 for this project. Contractors are responsible for determining the appropriate staffing necessary to perform the contract work.

Contractors are also responsible for complying with the minimum wage and benefits requirements for each classification performing work on the contract. If a classification considered necessary by the contractor for performance of the work is not listed on the applicable wage determination, the contractor must initiate a request for approval of an additional classification along with the proposed wage and benefit rates for that classification.

48) Will there be a location to place a dumpster? If so then what locations will be available?

Answer: Will discuss location with successful bidder.

49) What crane access is available?

Answer: Yes but will discuss with successful bidder.

50) Would the North West gate be available for the crane?

Answer: Gate 3 will remain closed for VA use. Can open Gate 3 for special cases during construction. Will discuss with successful bidder.

51) Can cranes be used during regular working hours?

52) Can the North West gate be utilized for the duration of the project?

Answer: Gates along Beverly Drive will remain closed. Gate #3 beside Building 216 can be opened during construction for special cases. Will discuss with successful bidder.

53) Are we to dispose/abate of any asbestos, lead, mold or other hazardous material as part of this project? If so, provide appropriate hazardous material site survey report.

54) What will the ICRA level be for this project?

Answer: Follow Contract Specifications

55) Are there any required or proprietary subcontractors that used as part of this contract?

56) On page 1 of the 1442 Submission of bids tells us to email the bid. On page 19 paragraph A it says to submit bids via the Vendor Portal. Please clarify which method of bid submission we should use.

Answer: SUBMISSION OF BIDS: All bids shall be submitted via email to the following email address: michael.walls2@va.gov

57) The drawings ask for galvanized grate landing, is this just for the landing? Or does the whole staircase need to be made of galvanized?

Answer: Review Structural Plans.

58) The stairs show to have pans with concrete fill steps. Is this correct when the landing is made of galvanized grate?

59) Could you please specify the size of the round or square bar used for the handrails?

60) Does the handrail guard need to be made of 2” and handrail made out of 1 ½” or is it all made of 1 ½” pipe?

61) The landing shows C-Channel exposed around the edge. It does not call or specify if it sits on angle and if there are any braces on landing to support grate

62) Please specify grate height

63) If there is bracing on the landing should it be made from galvanized or just metal?

64) We recommend 540 Days after NTP due to material lead times and global supply chain delays

Answer: Follow solicitation.

65) Verify the term abandon means leave in place on sheet C1.1 regarding existing duct banks & conduit

66) Sheet AP102 shows the contractor to install new lighting. Is the ceiling to be removed and replaced as well?

Answer: No Ceiling