Air compressor questions V2.docx

Questions and Answers New Hangar Air Compressor

FA252126QB089

1) What voltage, phase and amperage are available at the Government-provided electrical disconnects?

a) Please refer to provided schematics/plans. Compressor Detail.pdf and EP602 Compressor Elect Detail.pdf added to solicitation attachments.

2) Are adequately sized breakers/panels already installed, and approximately how far are they from the equipment location?

a) Please refer to provided schematics/plans.

3) Is there a preferred or base-approved electrical contractor?

a) Electrical contractor will be sourced by vendor. No preference provided.

4) What are the sizes and locations of the existing compressed-air piping connections?

a) Please refer to provided schematics/plans.

5) Is the contractor responsible for electrical upgrades, ventilation modifications, concrete pads, permits or engineered drawings?

a) Yes, the contractor is responsible for performing/providing any required electrical upgrades, ventilation modifications, concrete pads or engineering drawings to complete the system installation.

6) What mechanical ventilation is installed in the compressor room besides the window shown?

a) Please refer to the attached schematics/plans.

7) How many shifts and annual operating hours—2,000, 4,000, 6,000 or 8,000—should be assumed for maintenance?

a) 2 shifts spanning 12 hours daily. We estimate about 3000 hours of operation annually.

8) Does the 60-day period include delivery, installation, testing, BEE certification and Final Government Acceptance? Would a 26–28-week manufacturer lead time be accepted?

a) If 60 days after equipment delivery is too short, please provide a timeframe you believe you can meet. A 26-28 week lead time for manufacturing is acceptable. The government, however, is considering overall timeframe as an evaluation factor. You may wish to provide separate offers for a quick lead-time and long lead-time as prevalent.

9) Should the contractor provide the specified refrigerated dryer or a desiccant dryer capable of meeting ISO 8573-1 water Class 2?

a) We will accept the refrigerated dryer.

10) Must the entire 500–600 SCFM discharge meet Grade D requirements, or only the dedicated paint- and blast-booth manifolds requiring approximately 70 SCFM?

a) Only the breathing air connection points need to meet Grade D requirements at 70SCFM.

11) Please clarify the oil-free requirement in relation to the lubricant and oil/water-separation provisions.

a) Oil/water separation is an EPA requirement for the installation on air compressors. Even oil-free compressors. Please include an oil water separator in your proposal.

12) May (company) identify and rely upon its proposed installation partner’s qualifications and past performance?

a) Company may submit a subcontractor’s qualifications in addition to their own.

13) Are the following equipment origins acceptable: compressor—Japan; refrigerated dryer—Italy; receiver tanks and breathing-air purifier—United States?

a) Overall product must meet compliance standards of the Buy American Act. See RFO 52.225-1 BUY AMERICAN – SUPPLIES.

b) Items can also be subject to a trade agreement Act.

14) (PWS 3.2) Paragraph 3.2 directs the Contractor to install a refrigerated air-drying system and also to meet ISO 8573-1 Class 1-2-1 air quality. These two requirements are technically incompatible. Under ISO 8573-1:2010, the second digit (water) Class 2 requires a pressure dew point of -40 degrees C / -40 degrees F or better, which can only be achieved with a desiccant (adsorption) dryer. A refrigerated dryer is capable of Class 4 (approximately +3 degrees C / +37 degrees F). Will the Government accept a refrigerated dryer meeting ISO 8573-1 Class 1-4-1, or does the Class 1-2-1 requirement govern, thereby requiring a desiccant dryer?

a) A refrigerated dryer will be acceptable. Class 1-4-1 is acceptable.

15) (PWS 3.2 / 3.3) If ISO 8573-1 Class 1-2-1 governs, does that classification apply to the entire shop air distribution system, or only to the breathing air branch serving the future Paint Booth and Blast Booth?

a) Breathing air provisions would only apply to the breathing air portion of the system.

16) (PWS 3.1 / 3.2) A heatless desiccant dryer consumes approximately 15 to 20 percent of rated flow as regeneration purge air. If a desiccant dryer is required, this purge loss must be accounted for in compressor sizing in order to sustain the specified 500-600 CFM. Will the Government confirm that the specified sustained flow is measured downstream of all air treatment equipment (net delivered flow), and not at the compressor discharge?

a) Discharge will be measured at shop air and breathing air connection points. A refrigerated dryer is acceptable.

17) (PWS 3.1) Please confirm whether the required 125 PSI discharge pressure is to be maintained at the compressor discharge or at the designated facility drop points. This distinction materially affects compressor sizing, as the plant must be set at a higher discharge pressure to overcome pressure drop across the dryer, filtration train and distribution piping.

a) 125 PSI at facility drop points.

18) (PWS 3.3) The per-user flow rates listed in Paragraph 3.3 (Blast: 2 users at 15-20 CFM each; Paint: 2 users at 4-15 CFM each) appear to reflect respirator demand only and to exclude the additional consumption of the Vortex cooling tube attachments referenced in the same paragraph. Commercially available vortex cooling tubes consume up to approximately 35 SCFM each. Will the Government confirm that the breathing air manifolds are to be sized for vortex-equipped supplied-air respirators (approximately 25-35 SCFM per user)?

a) The vortex cooling tube CFM consumption should be included in the calculations to be able to deliver the appropriate amount of flow to the breathing air users.

19) (PWS 3.2) Paragraph 3.2 references effluent from synthetic compressor lubricants. Paragraph 3.1 specifies an oil-free rotary screw compressor, which does not introduce lubricant into the air stream. Will the Government confirm that an oil/water separator sized for the plant, plus a documented effluent sample demonstrating 15 ppm or less total oil and grease, satisfies this requirement?

a) Yes, this will satisfy this requirement.

20) What are the badging and background investigation requirements for Contractor and subcontractor personnel at Patrick SFB, and what is the current processing lead time? Will escorted access be permitted in lieu of individual badging for subcontracted trades, and if so, will the Government furnish escorts?

a) Badging and background checks are handled by security forces and may be better inquired at the local visitor center for Patrick SFB. Current anticipated timeline for badges is about two weeks but may be greater. The government will not furnish escorts for regular performance of the work effort. Contractor personnel should be able to pass a background check and gain access to work on a military installation. Please contact the Patrick SFB visitor center for more information or specific questions.

21) What are the authorized work hours for this project, and are there mission-driven access restrictions? Specifically, how do SLD 45 launch operations affect hangar access and base road closures, and will launch-related standby or lost time be treated as an excusable delay under the contract?

a) Authorized work hours would be from 0700 to 1800 Monday to Thursday and 0700 to 1530 on Fridays. Days lost to potential government delay as proven may be added onto the contract period of performance. Currently there is no anticipation of operations causing delay to this contract.

22) Are Contractor vehicles permitted on the flightline apron adjacent to the C-130 hangar? Please describe the process and lead time for obtaining vehicle passes.

a) Contractor vehicles would not, normally, be permitted on the flightline. Contractor vehicles would be allowed at the rear of the hangar. If needed, vehicle passes can be obtained through airfield management.

23) Are all Contractor and subcontractor personnel required to be U.S. citizens?

a) To become properly badged to work on the installation personnel must be able to complete a background check and be of legal working status within the U.S. To that end employing U.S. citizens is not strict but highly recommended. Work visas holders may qualify as well. Please contact the Patrick SFB visitor center for further guidance and specific information regarding base access.

24) (PWS 6.0) Is the compressor housekeeping pad existing or Contractor-furnished? Please provide the floor loading rating for the designated equipment footprint. The proposed compressor package weighs approximately 9,940 lbs on a footprint of approximately 136 in. x 76 in.

a) This would be contractor furnished. Please refer to provided schematics/plans for floor load rating.

25) (PWS 6.0) Paragraph 6.0 states the Government will provide access to existing electrical disconnects. Please confirm (a) the ampacity and voltage of the available disconnect, (b) its distance from the designated equipment location, and (c) whether feeder conductors and conduit from the disconnect to the equipment are within the Contractor's scope.

a) Please refer to provided schematics/plans. If feeder conduits or conductors are required, they would be in the contractor’s scope.

26) (PWS 6.0) Paragraph 6.0 states the Government will provide access to existing electrical disconnects. Please confirm (a) the ampacity and voltage of the available disconnect, (b) its distance from the designated equipment location, and (c) whether feeder conductors and conduit from the disconnect to the equipment are within the Contractor's scope.

a) Please refer to provided schematics/plans. If feeder conduits or conductors are required, they would be in the contractor’s scope.

27) (PWS 6.0) A 150 HP air-cooled compressor package rejects on the order of 380,000 BTU/hr into the surrounding space. Please confirm the ventilation capacity of the designated equipment room. If ventilation is inadequate, will the Government accept a water-cooled package, or permit ducted heat rejection to the exterior?

a) Please refer to provided schematics/plans. If ventilation is inadequate, gov will accept a water cooled package. Ducting to exterior may not be possible if not already installed.

28) (PWS 2.0 / 6.0) Paragraphs 2.0 and 6.0 reference pre-installed facility compressed air distribution piping. Please provide (a) the piping material and specification, (b) confirmation of whether the system has been pressure tested, cleaned and purged, and (c) copies of any available as-built drawings and test records.

a) As built drawings are not being provided as part of the solicitation. This would publicly disclose the design of the military hangar. Contractors are responsible to attend the site visit which the government provided two opportunities to do so.

b) Vendors who missed the site visit may still submit an offer but are responsible for their own estimations of work to be completed and associated risk of not having all measurements desired.

29) Will the Government warrant the internal cleanliness and condition of the pre-installed distribution piping? If a Grade D air sample or ISO 8573-1 verification fails due to particulate, weld slag, flux, oil or other debris originating within Government-furnished piping, will remediation and retesting be treated as a change to the contract scope?

a) Yes.

30) Paragraph 3.4 requires leak testing on all new joints. Please confirm that the Contractor bears no responsibility for leakage within the existing Government-furnished distribution piping. Please also provide any known leak rate for the existing system, as system leakage directly affects the Contractor's ability to demonstrate sustained flow under Paragraph 3.4.

a) Contractor bears no responsibility for leakage within the existing system. We will confirm whether or not the shop air system has been leak tested. Breathing air system is currently pressurized with nitrogen and capped.

31) Please confirm the designated location and configuration of the compressor air intake. Specifically, is the intake to draw from within the hangar or machine shop, or from an exterior location?

a) Please refer to provided schematics/plans.

32) Carbon monoxide is the most common cause of Grade D air quality failures, and its source is typically intake siting rather than equipment performance. If the designated intake location is subject to entrainment of aircraft, ground support equipment or vehicle exhaust, will the Contractor be permitted to relocate or extend the intake, and will such relocation be treated as a compensable change?

a) Such change would occur as modification to the contract. Actions completed without a related SF 30 modification would be not binding and not subject to compensation. Should such change be necessary, please discuss with the contracting officer prior to engaging in any action.

33) (PWS 3.4) Please provide numeric acceptance criteria for the simulated load test, specifically (a) the required sustained duration at 500-600 CFM and (b) the maximum allowable pressure drop, expressed as a numeric value. The phrase "excessive pressure drop" is not objectively measurable as written.

a) 45 minutes at 125 psi, 550 CFM without more than a 10% drop in pressure or flow.

34) (PWS 3.4) Is atmospheric venting within the hangar permitted during simulated load testing? Please specify the applicable noise threshold and the measurement distance at which it applies, and confirm whether the hangar must be cleared or a hearing protection zone established during testing.

a) Yes, atmospheric venting is permitted. Coordinate date and time of testing with building occupants to ensure safety of gov personnel.

35) (PWS 3.4) Must the simulated load test be witnessed, and if so, by which office? What advance notice is required to schedule a witnessed test?

a) No, written contractor certification will suffice.

36) (PWS 3.4) If the simulated load test must be repeated for reasons outside the Contractor's control (including Government scheduling, facility power interruption, or the condition of Government-furnished piping), will Contractor remobilization be compensated?

a) The government will negotiate a modification as necessary. The government is not placing contingencies in the base contract for potentially failed actions in advance.

37) (PWS 3.4) What is the typical lead time to schedule a 45th Bioenvironmental Engineering survey once requested by the COR, and how many days of on-site Contractor support should be assumed for planning and pricing purposes?

a) Unknown at this time. The Government will accommodate unreasonable delay outside of the contractors control as relevant. It is currently anticipated Bioenvironmental will respond within a reasonable amount of time.

38) (PWS 3.4) How many BEE survey attempts are included within the base scope of this contract? If the survey is rescheduled or cancelled by the Government after the Contractor has mobilized, who bears the cost of remobilization?

a) The contractor is responsible to provide a successful certification regardless of attempt amounts. Delay or failure directly attributed to the government may be claimed or negotiated. Contractor should provide reasonable flexibility in scheduling or otherwise state their own terms in their quotation for what they require to schedule such surveys.

39) (PWS 3.4) If the system fails the 45th BEE survey for a cause attributable to Government-furnished conditions (including intake siting, existing distribution piping condition, or facility power quality), how will responsibility and cost be adjudicated?

a) Contractor will be held harmless if 45th BE survey fails for causes attributed to government furnished conditions. Changes to performance subject to negotiation on cost and handling.

40) (PWS 3.4 / 4.0) Is a specific accredited laboratory required for the Contractor's preliminary third-party air quality test, or is any A2LA-accredited compressed air testing laboratory acceptable?

a) Any A2LA accredited compressed air testing laboratory is acceptable.

41) (PWS 3.3 / 3.4) Will 45th BEE accept air samples drawn from the manifold test ports specified in Paragraph 3.3? Does BEE require a specific test port fitting, coupler type or sampling adapter that the Contractor should furnish and install?

a) 45th BE will accept air samples drawn from manifold test ports specified in para 3.3

42) What is the period of performance for this contract, and are liquidated damages assessed for late completion? If so, please state the daily rate.

a) 120 days after system delivery with a $200 per day penalty for late completion.

43) (PWS 4.0) Paragraph 4.0 requires equipment submittals within 15 days after contract award. What is the Government's committed review and approval turnaround for those submittals? Will the period of performance be equitably adjusted for review periods exceeding that commitment?

a) Period of performance will be equitably adjusted.

44) (PWS 4.0) Current manufacturing lead times for oil-free rotary screw compressors, desiccant dryers and ASME receiver tanks are significant and are driven by submittal approval, as equipment cannot be released to production prior to approval. Will the Government consider a period of performance extension where submittal approval delays push equipment release?

a) Yes.

45) (PWS 4.0) Paragraph 4.0 requires the Simulated Test Plan 30 days prior to testing. Please confirm whether Government approval of the plan is a prerequisite to commencing testing, and state the Government's review turnaround for the plan.

a) Government approval is a prerequisite to commence testing. Government will approve/reject the testing plan within 10 business days.

46) Is this contract subject to the Davis-Bacon Act (construction) or the Service Contract Act? Please provide the applicable wage determination number and revision date.

a) Contract will be subject to the service contract act.

i) See: https://sam.gov/wage-determination/2015-4555/30

47) (PWS 7.2) Paragraph 7.2 requires 12 months of preventative maintenance visits following Final Government Acceptance. Please confirm which wage determination governs those PM visits - the construction wage determination or a service wage determination. This materially affects the labor rate applied to seven scheduled service visits.

a) Maintenance service would be subject would be subject to service wage rates.

i) See: https://sam.gov/wage-determination/2015-4555/30

48) Are payment and performance bonds required for this contract? If so, please state the required percentage and the dollar threshold at which they apply.

a) Performance bonds are not required. Those are a requirement for construction projects. This project is being performed as delivery + install of a commodity product.

49) (PWS 7.1) Paragraph 7.1 states that the warranty period commences on the date of Final Government Acceptance, which is contingent on passing the 45th BEE survey. Manufacturer warranties customarily commence at equipment startup. Will the Government accept manufacturer warranty commencing at startup with the Contractor covering the interval through Final Acceptance? If not, please confirm how a prolonged BEE scheduling delay will be addressed with respect to warranty commencement.

a) Government will accept manufacturer warranty commencing at startup with the Contractor covering the interval through Final Acceptance.

50) (PWS 7.2) Will Contractor preventative maintenance personnel require re-badging over the 12-month PM period? Will escorted access be available for scheduled quarterly, semi-annual and annual visits?

a) Yes & yes. This can be coordinated via a government provided representative.

51) (PWS 7.1) Paragraph 7.1 requires on-site technical support within 48 hours of notification for critical failures. Does the 48-hour period run on calendar hours or business hours? Does the clock pause during base closures, restricted access periods, or launch operations?

a) The 48-hour period runs on business hours. Clock pauses during base closure and restricted access periods.

52) (PWS 7.1) Paragraph 7.1 states the warranty shall not be voided when the Government or a secondary contractor connects the future Paint Booth and Blast Booth to the valved stub-outs. Please confirm that the Contractor bears no responsibility for contamination, damage or air quality degradation introduced downstream of the isolation valves by others.

a) Yes, the Contractor bears no responsibility for contamination, damage or air quality degradation introduced downstream of the isolation valves by others.

53) (PWS 4.0) Paragraph 4.0 requires one training session for up to five DoW personnel. Please confirm that a single session satisfies this requirement regardless of shift coverage, and that the Government will make personnel available within a defined window following system handover.

a) Yes, this is confirmed.

54) (PWS 5.0) The Contractor is prohibited from using base dumpsters for hazardous waste without written approval. Who is the generator of record for spent desiccant media, activated carbon media, filter elements and collected condensate - the Government or the Contractor? If the Contractor, must disposal be manifested under the installation's EPA identification number or under the Contractor's own?

a) The contractor will arrange for the disposal of all waste, including haz-waste, in accordance with all applicable laws. Under no circumstances will the government assist in the disposal of haz-waste.

55) (PWS 5.0) What is the required coordination lead time with the 45th CES Environmental Flight prior to disposal of any hazardous materials, and is a specific manifesting or profiling procedure required?

a) The contractor will arrange for the disposal of all waste, including haz-waste in accordance with all applicable laws. Under no circumstances will the government assist in the disposal of haz-waste.

56) Connecting Material Type: Requesting confirmation on the connecting material type (copper, stainless steel, or aluminum).

a) This question is too vague.

57) Engineer Drawings: Are there drawings detailing pipe sizes (length and diameter) from the equipment to termination points? Also requesting manifold sizes and configurations.

a) Please refer to provided schematics/plans.

58) Contractors must size their system to meet the CFM. What are the CFM specifications?

a) Answered in PWS.

59) Please clarify section 3.2. Is the refrigerator dryer allowed?

a) Yes, a refrigerated dryer is acceptable.

60) Request of map of compressed air and breathing schematic.

a) Please refer to provided schematics/plans.

61) How many connections are in the hanger?

a) Please refer to provided schematics/plans.

62) Will the project require an oil water separator for runoff?

a) Yes, but the government does not expect much runoff. It is however a requirement of the complete system.

63) What testing is required or certification of the system will be required?

a) Answered in PWS.

64) What PSI level does the government want the system to be able to maintain. Is there an acceptable pressure range to maintain maximum usage? Minimum PSI at full use?

a) Answered in PWS.

65) What are the limits of what the pipes can handle?

a) Please refer to provided schematics/plans.

66) Can the government provide a cost estimate or a construction cost range for the project?

a) Project is not a construction project. Product purchase with incidental install. Cost estimate will not be provided.

67) Is there a Plan holders list/bidders list?

a) No.

68) Have addenda been issued?

a) This Q&A document will be part of addenda and all postings on sam.gov are current to the requirement.

69) Is there a forklift that can be used to install the air compressor?

a) Government furnished property is not included by default.

b) You may submit an alternative proposal of how much it would cost if the government was to provide this item but at this time we cannot confirm availability of such equipment.

70) Will the compressor be outdoors?

a) No, the compressor is in a mechanical room, indoors.

71) Is there a desiccant dryer already in place?

a) No

72) Is an oil water separator needed for condensate?

a) Yes

73) Incumbent contractor?

a) No, a contractor is not already providing the air handler.

74) The history of previous awards including award amounts.

a) This is a new acquisition, and the first air compressor is being installed in this building.

75) The vendor(s) who were awarded in the past.

a) This is a new acquisition, and the first air compressor is being installed in this building.

76) Is this purchase under the BUY AMERICAN ACT?

a) Yes. Most recent solicitation includes Buy American and Trade Agreements clauses.

b) This will not be waived without substantial reasoning.

77) Please post the salient characteristics for all equipment called out.

a) Requirements are detailed in the solicitation. See solicitation and related attachments.

78) Is there sufficient power at the site or wire /new service be needed?

a) Sufficient power statement does not have a defined requirement to answer.

b) The building is electrically powered and active.