FA303023Q0002 - Questions - B3311 - 28 Feb 2023.docx

Questions B3311 Chiller Replacement

FA303023Q0002

B3311 Chiller Replacement Questions

1. What is the Magnitude of this project in your estimation?

No project magnitude will be released for this project due to it being solicited as a Product with Installation.

2. Is there an official site visit scheduled because I did not see it stated? Or do we just simply request a site visit and fill out the appropriate form attached to the solicitation?

If a site visit is requested, please submit your request through email with Base Access Letter included and one will be scheduled if the Contracting Officer Determines it necessary. A site visit was conducted 2/8/2023 and 2/23/2023

3. What type of chiller is this?

Trane Chiller.

4. Air Cooled or Water Cooled?

Air Cooled.

5. What voltage?

See: SoW 2.4.a.2 - 460V/60Hz/3 Phase.

6. Does it have to be a Trane or can it be equivalent?

Must be a Trane Chiller, please see Attachment 5 – HVAC Chiller System Justification and Approval, 7 Aug 19.

7. Will the government please provide a well-defined detailed SOW?

The SOW was revised February 2023 to make significant adjustments and posted to SAM.gov on February 14, 2023 the most recent revision of the SOW will be posted with the most current Amendment for this project.

8. Will there be opportunities for other manufactures to bid on this project? The J&A is dated in March 2018.

No other manufactures are authorized for this project, this J&A is the most current and still recognized as current for this project.

9. Will any additional electrical work require upgrading other than transfer switch?

Possible relocation of the existing electrical service may be required as it will likely have to move back to the west enclosure wall 10 to 12 ft west of current location. This is to accommodate additional sizes of new chillers. (See: SoW – Part 3.0, 3.1, 3.1.1.f)

10. Will the government provide photos of the name plate data of the model and serial?

Trane Model # - RTAC 1704 UDON UAFN N1NY 1DDN BA0F N10C R0EX N Serial # - U02J06582

11. Please provide photos of chiller that is being replaced.

See photos in the most current Amendment – 0004 posted on SAM.gov.

12. My manufacture rep did not have access to this Trane project; therefore, it appears there might be a disconnect in communication with manufactures and the reps having the information this project.

All contractors and representatives registered in SAM.gov will have access to this requirement.

13. Please specify how long the government want the temporary chiller?

No temporary chiller is required for this project, please review the Statement of Work – Attachment 1 – B3311_ASoW_Replace Chiller_1135105_V6 in detail.

14. Please provide additional information on the PSI of the concrete requires the government wants.

Minimum 3000 PSI

15. What size temporary chiller do the government want? Same size?

No temporary chiller is required, please review the Statement of Work – Attachment 1 – B3311_ASoW_Replace Chiller_1135105_V6 in detail.

16. Are there temporary pipe connections for the temporary chiller?

No temporary chiller is required, please review the Statement of Work – Attachment 1 – B3311_ASoW_Replace Chiller_1135105_V6 in detail.

17. Will there be a staging area for the temporary chiller on the grass, sidewalk, parking lot etc? Please specify?

No temporary chiller is required, please review the Statement of Work – Attachment 1 – B3311_ASoW_Replace Chiller_1135105_V6 in detail.

18. Your SOW mention research was conducted on the new chiller. What are the dimensions?

Market research was conducted to determine the likelihood that a contractor would be capable to provide a chiller to fit the location and size, it was determined that a contractor can and should be able to provide us a solution.

19. Are there temporary power connections available for temporary chiller?

No temporary chiller is required, please review the Statement of Work – Attachment 1 – B3311_ASoW_Replace Chiller_1135105_V6 in detail.

20. Assuming government facility will be fully occupied by staff during construction, correct? Will the transfer of chiller services be during the working hours while staff are working?

Please review the Statement of Work – Attachment 1 – B3311_ASoW_Replace Chiller_1135105_V6, Section 4.2.

21. Has government considered down time to transfer services? Will this task happen during afterhours or during the disruption of the staff members workday?

Please review the Statement of Work – Attachment 1 – B3311_ASoW_Replace Chiller_1135105_V6, Section 4.2.

22. Are there any special concerns that the government should highlight regarding crane set up?

Crane set location will be approx. 45 Ft. north of the center of the existing chiller inside the chiller enclosure, off of the North parking lot/street. No set up for the crane will be allowed on sidewalks nor grass areas. Please size crane accordingly.

23. Will the government provide the researched manufacture make (Trane) and model information?

Trane manufacturing can provide any market research Contractors would require. See Questions 18, 43 and attached detail for guidance concerning Government research and requirements.

24. Has the government performed an asbestos test?

There is no known asbestos associated with the execution of this SoW.

25. How old is the building?

Facility was turned over to the Government after construction in 1988.

26. What is the current status of the chiller?

Currently the chiller is off due to B3311 being 2 pipe Hydronic system. The existing RTAC air-cooled chiller is operational but has major compressor bearing degradation.

27. Will the existing chiller be operational while the new chiller is on order?

Yes, the existing chiller will operate as needed.

28. Will the temporary chiller be operational until new arrive?

No temporary chiller is required, please review the Statement of Work – Attachment 1 – B3311_ASoW_Replace Chiller_1135105_V6 in detail.

29. What is the name of EMS system?

Automated logic - The current controls are Start/Stop (Only) inside the existing chiller.

30. Who has the contract to repair and maintenance EMS? Provide point of contact information?

There is no contract for R&M of EMS is the responsibility of 17 CES, (EMCS) Energy Management Control Systems. The area Authorized, Automated Logic Representative is Sult Systems, POC John Sult.

Further information will be provided upon request after award.

31. Will there be business opportunities for qualified Veteran Own or Service-Disabled Veteran Own Business on this project?

This solicitation is for a 100% Small Business Set-Aside, any company that meets these criteria is encouraged to submit a quote.

32. When I arrive this Thursday for the jobsite Prebid meeting. Do I need to bring a ladder for access?

A ladder is not needed to access the chiller.

33. Typically, when we change chillers, we treat the water. However, I do not see water treatment in the SOW. Please advise. Did I miss something?

No water treatment will be required at this location or time.

34. Considering the Government’s J&A dated 7 Aug 2019 on the bottom of page 2. Has the government revised the estimated construction cost to reflect what the project will cost 455 days from now?

The government has considered this and is expecting contractors interested in submitting a quote, to reflect this in their quote.

35. What is the new projected estimated construction cost?

No project magnitude will be released for this project.

36. Will I be allowed to take photos and videos while surveying facilities on this Thursday 8 February 2023 @ 1300 hours?

Photos and videos of the site are authorized.

37. Will government provide name plate data on switch gear?

Picture attached of main panel in Mechanical room, but the chiller is powered directly from the transformer to the existing service disconnect and then to the chiller, not from the main distribution panel in the mechanical room.

38. SOW Paragraph 3.1.1.f requires modification of the existing concrete pad for the chiller. Will the modification of this pad require structural drawings signed and sealed by a Registered Structural Engineer?

Red line drawing (only) will be required to depict the proposed and finished pad modifications outlined/specified/required in the SoW and Details provided. No engineering seal will be required.

39. SOW Paragraph 3.1.1.i requires a new service disconnect for the chiller and 3.1.1.j requires a new 3 pole transfer switch. Is it acceptable for the contractor to install a properly sized double throw switch to meet these requirements?

No, a double throw switch will not be acceptable. The separate transfer switch is intended as emergency access allowing no special requirement for electrical access.

40. SOW Paragraph 3.1.1.l and 3.1.1.m require the contractor to obtain 120 volt power for a service equipment outlet and for heat trace. Where is the contractor to obtain the 120 Volt power from?

The separate 120 V circuit can be installed from the existing Square D panel in mechanical room. 17 CES Electric Shop will assist with identification on an appropriate circuit that can be used/added.

41. SOW Paragraph 3.1.1.o requires two (2) new emergency tee connections and states one in both the supply and chilled water lines within the enclosure. Please confirm that these tees are to be inside of the chiller enclosure? If not, what is meant by within the enclosure?

Yes, the Tee’s are to be located at the chiller, inside the chiller enclosure as stated in the SoW

42. SOW Paragraph 3.1.1.s refers to insulation requirements for new exterior piping installation. Please confirm that no insulation will require repair or any other alternation inside the mechanical room where the pumps are located. If work is required, please confirm what is to be done?

Insulation requirement is only for the piping reconfiguration outside at the chiller, where all new piping work will be executed. No Hydronic pipe work will be done outside the enclosure nor inside the facility according to the SoW.

43. Attachment 7 Drawings show location of new transformer. What is the measurement from the existing transformer of where it will now be located?

The existing transformer “housekeeping pad” will remain in place. The Transformer will not be relocated as stated in the previous version of the Statement of Work. The existing mechanical pads will be modified to provide a solid foundation for the new chiller. The newly created pad must utilize the current space constraints of the enclosure to fit the new chiller while maintaining all manufacturers clearance requirements, or the contractor will be responsible for the cost associated with modification of the current enclosure. (See: Attached drawing) Drawing details the existing and new configuration proposed to achieve the above stated requirement.

44. Will the housekeeping pad that the existing transformer is on be demolished by the contractor or by the government when they relocate the transformer?

The existing transformer “housekeeping pad” will remain in place. The Transformer will not be relocated as originally expected and stated.

45. It appears a new concrete pad will have to be placed for the new chiller. To do this the existing chiller will have to be removed. How long can the facility be without chilled water to allow the chiller pad to be placed and adequate cure time to elapse for the pad?

Preferably, this replacement will occur in the timeframe when the chiller is shut down for winter (late October to mid-March) If not, the Government will require sufficient time to notify the Facility Manager and occupants for the required scheduled outage (outlined in the SoW) *Typically, Standard cure time would be 5 to 7 days after the pad is placed. Allowing 5 days for pad prep and 7-day cure time would add up to 14 to 16 days from shut down to ready to set and start the new chiller. Provided, the new piping can be worked in conjunction with the overall process.

46. Does the government have a temporary chiller plan for a multi-day outage to remove the existing chiller and pour a new concrete pad?

No temporary chiller is required, please review the Statement of Work – Attachment 1 – B3311_ASoW_Replace Chiller_1135105_V6 in detail.

47. What is the maximum duration a chiller water outage can take place?

The duration can and will be determined on schedule. The facility has a 2-pipe hydronic configuration. If this project can be scheduled within the off season there is no real limit to the outage. If this is not possible the Government would work with the Contractor to limit the outage to no more than necessary. Approximately 20 days. See: SoW 1.7

48. Please confirm that all primary underground, manholes, etc. required for relocation of the transformer will be performed by the government. Strategic change to SOW execution - The existing AEP Texas transformer will remain in place. The Transformer will not be relocated as originally expected and stated. Please review Question 43 for more details.

49. Would the government consider a new outdoor switch gear to serve as the main disconnecting means for the building and chiller and to provide a spare for the temporary chiller in lieu of a double throw transfer switch?

The existing Service disconnect is actual acting as the Mai Switch gear. There is no electrical service from the facility to the existing chiller main poser connection. The current configuration has the existing service disconnect connected directly off of the trans former in the mechanical enclosure. This configuration will continue to be utilized but the new Service disconnect, and new transfer switch will be installed on the South wall as depicted in the attached detail.

50. Please confirm that the government will be relocating the metering associated with the transformer. See: SoW 1.0 Scope of Work, 1.2 Project Description The meter and transformer are owned by AEP Texas, and will be relocated by AEP Texas

51. Is the Transformer privately owned or a public utility?

The meter and transformer are owned by AEP Texas. The Government owns the secondary side after the transformer.

52. Does the Transformer need to be replaced?

The transformer is slotted for replacement in an agreement between AEP Texas and the Government but will not be accomplished before this project is finalized as originally expected.

53. Will the old chiller be hauled away by the government or contractor?

The existing chiller will be removed and disposed of by the Contractor with no liability to the Government. SEE: SoW 3.1.1e

54. Has the government considered extending the masonry work (brick around the chiller) out to accommodate the size of the new chiller? See: SoW 1.0 Scope of Work, 1.2 Project Description Government has not considered the extension of the chiller enclosure. AEP Texas will relocate the existing Main transformer to a location outside the existing enclosure to accommodate the size of the new chiller.

55. How many pumps does the old chiller have?

The existing chiller has (No on-board pumps), but there is a chiller circulation pump located inside the mechanical room that is piped in series with the building circulation pumps and piping.

56. Variable Frequency Drive, are there any on the site?

No Variable Frequency Drives are present at this location/site and will not be included in the project scope.