Attachment Questions upgrade substation Final Answers.docx

Solicitation Questions and Answers

Reference

an ST-3 form confirming tax exempt status?

No, please reference solicitation for 52.229-3

do not appear to meet ASTM F2656 as called out in Spec. 34 71

13. Please clarify?

Use detail 4 of sheet EK501 of a removable bollard

identifying primary and secondary connection bays for all transformers, including substations?

Yes, photos are available for most of the transformers with the bay doors open which show the connections.

are not indicated on the contract drawings?

No vaults at transformers.

terminations, which existing type/brand is used?

Unknown

primary MV conductors would dictate a change?

No other are known at this time.

currently in place for primary cabling per location (eg. duct bank, multicell, direct bury, ect.)?

Duct bank

medium voltage primary, can existing wiring method be used?

Yes, use existing wiring methods.

transformer nameplates for all units scheduled for replacement?

Yes, photos are available for most of the transformers with the bay doors open which show the nameplates Available photographs are provided with the answer.

building outage duration for transformer replacement activities?

This will vary with transformer and building use.

required to occur outside of normal working hours?

Please see included description of the outage options for each building.

required during transformer replacement operations?

Will depend on required outage duration. Many buildings have emergency power available via generator. See list of building-by-building requirements.

operations required to isolate transformers for replacement?

VA staff with either open our MV loop, or de-energize the transformer, as required. Contractor will place their Lockout devices for the duration of their work. Coordinate at least 2 weeks in advance with COR.

components attached. Please confirm whether this equipment is active and if it is to be replaced as part of this scope.

This is part of a metering system and should be salvaged and installed on the new transformer (unless this transformer is deducted)

cover the position of Quality Control and SSHO? Or do they need to be individual roles Yes, they can serve multiple roles as long as qualified.

16.

Can the Site Superintendent also serve as the Quality Control Manager (QCM) for this project, provided all qualifications are met, or does the Government require these to be separate individuals?

Yes, they can serve multiple roles as long as qualified.

17.

18.

saying to retain existing pad are suitable for reuse.

19.

the phasing plan, which requires VA approval.

20.

In applying the Limitations on Subcontracting requirements under FAR 52.219-14 for this construction project, please confirm whether the “cost of the contract incurred for personnel” excludes all material costs, including those procured and installed by subcontractors, and that only the labor and service components are used in determining compliance with the 25% self-performance requirement The Prime contractor cannot pay more than 85% the cost of the contract to subcontractors for labor.

21.

We’ve been going through the bid package for PN: 656-22-341 and just wanted to check in on a few things. From what we can see, the scope outlines the transformer replacements pretty clearly, but we’re not seeing the detailed specifications needed to build out an accurate equipment quote The specifications were posted with the solicitation. Ask specific questions where more detail is required. Missing specification section 33 73 00 is included in the amendment.

22.

Specifically, we weren’t able to locate the full sections for 26 12 19 (Pad-Mounted, Liquid- Filled, Medium-Voltage Transformers) and 33 73 00 (Utility Transformers), or any associated transformer documentation. Normally those would include the key details like ratings, voltages, impedance, losses, and configuration These can be provided. Some of this information ratings, voltages, impedance, and configuration are on the sheets. Refer to EP601 and 602. Spec 26 12 19 begins at page 162 of 174 in the bid package. Spec 33 73 00 was missing and is issued as part of the amendment.

23.

Could you point us to where those sections and drawings are included, or let us know if they’ll be issued in an addendum

24.

25.

VEHICLE BARRIERS. See detail 4 on sheet EK501

26.

What is the expected down time on these transformers?

a. Will it vary per transformer or is there an average that you would expect the building to be down?

It will vary with each transformer depending on size and function of the building.

27.

Building off of the outage, can you schedule for like a federal holiday for those online to be closed?

Work will not be allowed on Federal Holidays.

28.

29.

30.

Is there any factor except testing on any of the equipment that was provided?

a. Can you say a little about factory acceptance testing?

b. Is a representative needed to be able to see the work A factory representative for on-site tests?

a. The government reserves the right to witness factory testing. An example is paragraph 2.5.1 of specification 33 73 00.

b. Field quality control acceptance tests require an on-site manufacturer’s representative when required in the specifications. An example is paragraph 3.2.1 of specification 33 73 00.

31.

Were you going to be able to see the connection types?

a. Going to be terms full breaks, dead breaks?

b. Vaults?

a. Refer to Note B of Demolition General Notes on sheet E-001.

b. No vaults

32.

33.

is preferred, though not a requirement unless in the specifications.

34.

We may be changing well heights, that will determine the downtime

a. How are we supposed to identify what type of termination types? Are we actually able to see this?

Yes, photos are available for most of the transformers with the bay doors open which show the terminations.

35.

36.

Are we fighting any sort of provisions? To protect those, should we be parking on a DUCT bank?

a. Imagine Locates on the contractor.

b. Anything more than the factory test is that necessary on site as well?

Concrete encased duct bank will remain and be used.

a. Locates and imaging are the responsibility of the contractor.

b. The tests required for Part 3 in the specifications need to be performed.

38.

39.

40.

41.

42.

spliced. The intent is to set the transformer so that the MV cables can be re-used. Cables 480 volts line-to-line can be modified.

43.

Concern when cable is destroyed through the process, want to see cables, terminations, and sizes.

Refer to GENERAL NOTES on most ED and ES series sheets. Damage during demolition shall be repaired or replaced at no additional cost to the VHA

44.

45.

power be shut down? Spec. section 01 00 00-14 indicates to maintain utility service at all times.

This will vary per building. Contractor to propose schedule for approval. Most of the buildings have backup generator power available. Please see included outage description for each building.

transformers contain PCB's?

No, none of the transformers contain PCBs

splicing i.e. cables are of sufficient length?

Yes, a record is needed of the cable condition before being reconnected.

condition before being reconnected.

51.

Transformer specification indicates a Delta primary connection. Is that also the case for the two loop feed transformers?

These transformers are wye as shown on sheet EP601

There is a note about the study incorporating the MV loop and transformer feeders. Will any of the changes recommended from this study be a project change - if incorporated?

No, not as part of this project.

indicated in Spec. section 34 71 13?

Yes, as said in paragraph 2.2.A.

59.

68.

69.

In Spec Section 26 12 19 - 7, 2.9 (D) states that transformer impedance shall be not less than 4.5%.

The power one-line diagram on EP602, show multiple transformers with an impedance less than 4.5%.

Transformer impedance shall not be less than 4 ½% for sizes 150kVA and larger. Impedance shall be as shown on the drawings.