Attachment 1_Project Abstract.pdf

» Preliminary For Information Only - Final Scope of Work to be Provided in Phase Two

Project Abstract

1.1 Background

The Launch Complex (LC)-39 Area Power Duct Bank System was constructed in the 1960s to support the burgeoning space program and its launch epicenter at the Kennedy Space Center.

Two primary launch pads, LC-39A and LC-39B, were constructed and fed by a new Medium Voltage (13.8 kV) power distribution system that utilized readily available “Orangeburg” pipes (named after the city in New York where it was manufactured) to construct the duct bank.

These pipes, made from layers of wood pulp and coal tar pitch, have degraded over the decades and have now exceeded their operational lifespan of approximately fifty years. The pipes are known to have failed and collapsed, making electrical feeder cable installation or replacement impossible. This puts the entire electrical power distribution system in a precarious condition as it can no longer be properly maintained or support any significant growth.

The LC-39 Area power distribution system begins with the C-5 substation, where power comes in via high-voltage (115 kV) transmission lines from the local utility, Florida Power and Light (FPL). High power transformers step down the voltage from 115 kV to 13.8 kV and this voltage (13.8 kV) is delivered to the LC-39 area facilities via various feeders. A ‘trunk’ (or core) section of the system consists of the duct bank line from the C-5 substation to Switching Station 900.

Here, the feeders are split and head out to each of the LC-39 pads. Throughout the system, Orangeburg pipes were utilized and serve as the primary component of the duct bank. Aging manholes, electrical switches, and other Medium-Voltage equipment comprise other key elements of the system.

In addition to the problems with the Orangeburg pipes, there are known deficiencies at the C-5 substation and LC-39B that this project aims to rectify. The C-5 substation has an exterior Medium Voltage buss and circuit breaker system that has also been deteriorating and presents maintenance challenges as well as a non-efficient use of space. At LC-39B, there are various Vacuum Fault Interrupters (VFIs) that are also in poor condition and need to be replaced to sustain the long-term needs of the pad.

Additional information and requirements will be provided during Phase II of the two-phase design-build solicitation process.

1.2 Overview of the LC-39 Area Power Duct Bank System Replacement

The proposed project will mitigate the known deficiencies in the power distribution system in the LC-39 Area by providing: (1) the means to replace aged and deteriorated Medium Voltage (MV) feeders, (2) increased capacity to support NASA facilities’ electrical demand growth, and

(3) increased power reliability by creating a more robust electrical power ductbank and power distribution system.

To this end, NASA has initiated a Design-Build project to be performed in accordance with the Design Build Institute of America (DBIA) best practices. A key benefit of this procurement strategy is to ensure the Government achieves the greatest value for a given / established budget. This is achieved by having three highly qualified Design-Build firms (selected in Phase 1 of the procurement process) compete in a process to determine which firm will provide the most value for the given budget (i.e. biggest ‘bang for buck’). NASA has engaged the Architect & Engineering (A&E) firm Jacobs Engineering to assist in developing a ‘Design Criteria Package’ (DCP) that will be used in Phase 2 of the solicitation for the Design-Build Contractor to implement the project. One of the key functions of the DCP is to establish and detail the project goals, summarized in the next section. The DCP will also layout specific and detailed requirements for each of the goals.

1.3 Goals for the LC-39 Area Power Duct Bank System Replacement

Based on the known deficiencies of the LC-39 Area power distribution system, several key goals have been established for the project, as summarized here:

(1) Construct a new Medium Voltage (MV) (15 kV class) power distribution duct bank raceway system (i.e. conduit array and manholes / handholes (or equivalent)) to augment and replace the existing deteriorated raceway system between the C-5 substation and Switching Station 900, and from Switching Station 900 to Pad 39B. The new duct bank system shall be able to accommodate feeder cable replacements and future growth per the requirements in the Design Criteria Package.

Once the feeder replacement work is complete (Goal #2), vacate and abandon the old/existing ductbank sections and manholes east of MH E24 to Switching Station 900 (MHs P1 - P15 are to be abandoned).

(2) Provide & install new Medium Voltage (MV) feeder cabling to replace and relocate existing underground feeders from the old/deteriorated duct bank system to the new duct bank system. The key feeders to be replaced are the Pad 39A and 39B feeders: 518, 606, 612 between the C-5/C-5A substations and Switching Station 900, and between Switching Station 900 and Pad 39B. The new pad feeders shall have double their present capacity and meet other requirements in the Design Criteria Package. Feeders 605 and 611 shall be replaced and vacated from manholes P-1 through P-15 along Saturn Causeway (these manholes are to be abandoned as part of this project) in accordance with requirements in the Design Criteria Package.

(3) Improve the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) of the LC-39 Area Medium Voltage feeders and power distribution system by (1) Incorporation of MV sectionalizer cabinets (in lieu of manholes) to enhance splice and feeder maintenance and improve switching operations;

and (2) Incorporation of other methods to enhance equipment maintenance and switching operations.

(4) Construct a new indoor switchgear facility (C-5B) to replace all exterior busses and breakers comprising the existing C-5 substation. Requirements for this facility are provided in the Design Criteria Package.

(5) Construct a new switching station at Pad 39B to consolidate the existing MV power distribution equipment at the Pad 39B ‘Pad Terminal Connection Room’ (PTCR) apron.

Replace and consolidate six (6) VFIs (1002 series) with a new Switching Station. The new Switching Station shall:

- Retain present redundancy.

- Be modeled after the setup at Pad 39A / Switch Station 902.

Detailed requirements for this goal are provided in the Design Criteria Package.

In addition to the ‘core’ goals listed above, the DCP will provide ‘desirements’ or stretch goals, in case the budget allows for implementation by the selected Design-Build Contractor.