BZ-2024-06 QA v1.pdf

RFP BZ-2024-06 Q&A 1

May 20, 2024

RFP BZ-2024-06: Energy Storage Systems for PRFTA Questions and Answers

Q1: The RFP section 1.4 (NAICS Code and Small Business Size Standard) indicates that the

NAICS Code for this acquisition is 335910 (Battery Manufacturing). Is it acceptable if the Battery Energy Storage System provided is classified as NAICS 335910, even if subcontractor is not? Does this also apply to lower-tier subcontractors/suppliers?

A1: The NAICS Code is based on the work being performed/product being supplied and not the supplier's NAICS code registered in SAM.gov. So yes, it is acceptable that the item is classified as NAICS 335910 while the subcontractor and/or lower-tier subcontractor is not.

Q2: Does subcontractor need to qualify as a small business under the NAICS code to qualify as an offeror?

A2: This RFP is not a small business set-aside so the subcontractor does not need to qualify as a small business to be an offeror.

Q3: The power requirement is from 0.5MW to 1MW. Is there any specific power do you require?

A3: We deliberately left the range open so vendors could propose what they consider the best solution. We do not have an absolute requirement for this specification.

Q4: The RFP on page 7 under Factor 1 (Battery Management System) states that it should be capable of communicating battery operating parameters to, and receiving set points from, a central microgrid control system. Please provide the make/model of the central microgrid control system, the specifications and a point list that need to be communicated between the two systems. Please confirm whether the dedicated control system will follow the set commands received from the microgrid controller.

A4: Central Microgrid Controller: Schneider Ecostruxture Points List:

AUTO TRANSFER CONTROL, BESS HEARTBEAT, DC CURRENT, DC VOLTAGE,

DC VOLTAGE HIGH LIMIT, DC VOLTAGE LOW LIMIT, ENERGY, UF MODE

VOLTAGE ADJUST, VOLTAGE UF DROOP SLOPE, BESS FAULT RESET,

INVERTER TOTAL CURRENT, PHASE A CURRENT, PHASE B CURRENT, PHASE

C CURRENT, VOLTAGE AB, VOLTAGE BC ,VOLTAGE CA, MAXIMUM

APPARENT POWER LIMIT, MAXIMUM CHARGING ACTIVE POWER,

RFP BZ-2024-06 Q&A 2

MAXIMUM DISCHARGE ACTIVE POWER, MAXIMUM REACTIVE POWER

LIMIT, ACTIVE POWER CURTAIL GRADIENT, OUTPUT POWER COMMAND,

ANTI ISLANDING, SOC IN PERCENT OF CAPACITY, BESS MODEL.

Q5: The RFP on page 7 under Factor 1 (Battery Management System) states that it should meet

Department of Defense cybersecurity requirements for any proposed communications crossing the PRFTA fence line. Please provide the Department of Defense cybersecurity requirements so we can verify.

A5: UFC 4-010-06 Cybersecurity Of Facility-Related Control Systems (FRCS) https://www.wbdg.org/ffc/dod/unified-facilities-criteria-ufc/ufc-4-010-06 Q6: Are there any seismic requirements?

A6: We do not require any Seismic requirements for this proposal.

Q7: Sample Subcontract Scope of Supply includes “Develop design documents, including electrical schematics, batter system layout, and controls and communications.” Please clarify if we need to include the electrical design to interconnect to the existing Nodes? Who will be providing the design for the ESS concrete pads?

A7: The electrical design to interconnect to existing Nodes does not need to be included. The installer (a licensed general contractor to be identified through a separate RFP still in development) will design the concrete pads with input from the ESS manufacturer selected for this RFP’s award.

Q8: Sample subcontract page 14 states “Perform thorough testing, commissioning, and system integration to ensure proper functionality. However, RFP Page 1 only states “Supervision during start-up/commissioning.” Please clarify the scope for commissioning. Who will be providing the commissioning plan? Who will be performing commissioning?

A8: ESS commissioning plan and performance of commissioning should be included in the proposal.

Q9: Regarding the United Facilities Criteria (UFC) for the Energy Storage System, the following codes may be included in the final product:

• United Facilities Criteria 4-010-01

• United Facilities Criteria 4-022-01

However, additional engineering is needed to determine the final cost. We can provide an estimated price with the caveat that this price is subject to change based on the engineering https://www.wbdg.org/ffc/dod/unified-facilities-criteria-ufc/ufc-4-010-06

RFP BZ-2024-06 Q&A 3

outcomes. Is the proposed price intended to be the final price, or is it an estimate?

A9: Typically, the proposed price is intended to be the final price. In cases where there are unknown costs (e.g. additional engineering) an offeror can calculate the risk and build it into the final price, or an offeror can include a caveat regarding price subject to change.

Q10: What is the project timeline, when will the subcontract be awarded, and when is the commissioning date?

A10: The timeline is immediate. Proposal evaluation is expected to take four to six weeks after proposals are submitted, and should there be an award it will follow shortly thereafter. The commissioning date is uncertain; delivery lead time is an evaluation factor of this RFP and installation will be performed separately, so a definitive answer cannot be given at this time.

Q11: Please confirm that supplying Cables & Conduits, Glands, termination kits, and all site related activities (apart from commissioning) are excluded from the scope of work.

A11: Confirmed.

Q12: Please provide the following parameters:

1. C - Rate of the Battery

2. Battery operation cycle (Charge & Discharge) per day as well as per annum

3. Max. wind speed

4. Design ambient temperature

5. Average ambient temperature/annum

6. Corrosion category for consideration

7. Grid power factor

8. Voltage tolerance range

A12:

1. 0.5

2. 1 cycle per day, 180 per annum

3. Check historical data for Dublin, CA

4. Same as above

5. Same as above

6. Unknown

7. Unknown, but it’s not an industrial site so no large motors

8. Unknown

RFP BZ-2024-06 Q&A 4

Q13: Please provide the duration of warranty required for the key equipment (Battery, Inverter, Control System).

A13: One year from date of commissioning.

Q14: Please confirm whether or not installation supervision should be included in the scope.

A14: Installation supervision should be included, however there will be no “hands-on” work performed by the ESS manufacturer team during the installation.

Q15: We have considered ESS to deliver 2MWh at Beginning of Life at Point of interconnection

(21kV) including auxiliary loads. Please confirm.

A15: Confirmed.

Q16: Please provide further clarity on what is meant by an “Environmentally Controlled

Enclosure.”

A16: A weather-proof enclosure with whatever HVAC is needed to keep the ESS in designed operating environment.

Q17: Please confirm that a redlined terms & conditions document can be submitted.

A17: Yes. The RFP instructions explain what is required if an offeror chooses not to accept the

LBNL terms and conditions.

(END OF Q&A DOCUMENT)