23. RFI_HVAC Projects_FA468624R0014 Version 2.docx

RFIs for Oroville Radar HVAC & Bldg 24177, 24176 & 2443 Chiller Replacement (FA468624R0014) Revision #2

1. What was the last supplier’s amount that was awarded to this contract?

Answer: The amount awarded to the last supplier is not available.

2. Are you allowing prime contractors to utilize subcontractors?

Answer: Yes, prime contractors are allowed to utilize subcontractors. However, it is the prime contractor's responsibility to ensure that all subcontractors comply with the project's requirements. Please ensure that the use of subcontractors is clearly outlined in your proposal and that all subcontractors are vetted and qualified for their respective roles.

3. Are temporary services required for the chiller replacement(s) or can they be out of service? If so, how long can they be down for?

Answer: The need for temporary services will depend on when the chiller replacement occurs and the operational needs of the facility at the time of replacement. If the work occurs during the winter months, it is possible that chillers supporting hydronic systems may not be needed. During chiller replacement, the temperature in occupied spaces shall not exceed 78°F. Work may need to be performed on the weekend or during times when the facility is unoccupied. All outages shall be coordinated a minimum of three weeks in advance. Refer to the individual scope of work for each project for additional information.

Follow Up: To avoid the need for temporary equipment, may the onsite work be scheduled for cooler weather months? This will avoid substantial costs.

Answer: Scheduling of material deliveries and work activities is the contractor's responsibility. Temporary cooling equipment will be required if the chiller outage causes occupied spaces to exceed 78°F. If materials arrive during cooler weather months, it may be possible to perform the work without the need for temporary cooling equipment. If materials arrive during warmer weather months, temporary cooling equipment must be provided to ensure that occupied spaces do not exceed 78°F. Refer to the individual scope of work for each project for additional information.

4. Are there any special coatings requirements for the new equipment?

Answer: Yes, there are special coatings requirements. Refer to each Statement of Work for specific requirements. In general, all new piping shall be galvanized. New pipe to be insulated with UV-resistant material and protective cladding. All valves to be properly coated to ensure durability and corrosion resistance.

5. Please define the requirements of the chemical dosing pump. Is the intent to be an automatic chemical feeding system?

Answer: Yes, the intent is for an automatic chemical feeding system. The system should prevent scale, corrosion, and microbial growth within the system.

Follow Up: In the SOW and construction requirements for CLIN 0001, 1.3.8 calls for a chemical dosing pump. Is just a pump necessary, or do you want initial chemicals with it? If you require the chemicals, what kind and how much? 1ea 55 gallon? In addition, please confirm if this chemical dosing pump is only for the dorm area chiller.

Answer: The contractor should assess the system requirements, water quality, and compatibility with system materials to select the appropriate chemicals and quantities. The initial supply of chemicals should be sufficient to ensure proper water treatment upon startup. The chemical dosing pump is for both chiller projects.

6. Are the new controls required to be by Siemens?

Answer: Yes, the new controls are required to be by Siemens. All costs associated with Siemens integration are the responsibility of the contractor. This includes providing and installing all necessary sensors, controllers, and control wiring.

7. Are the controls to be integrated into the basewide system or standalone per building?

Answer: The Oroville project is to remain as local controls only. The two chiller projects are to be integrated into the Siemens Building Management System (BMS) for centralized monitoring and control.

8. Are the controls required to have their own workstation per building?

Answer: The Oroville project is to remain as local controls only. The two chiller projects are to be integrated into the Siemens Building Management System (BMS) for centralized monitoring and control. The HVAC Controls Shop controls all Siemens BMS equipment from a single location.

9. Please confirm that Geotechnical study and design are required per site.

Answer: The contractor is required to conduct a thorough assessment of each site and develop a comprehensive work plan. It is the contractor's responsibility to determine if a geotechnical study is required for each site based on their assessment of the site conditions and the scope of work. The contractor must ensure that the site is suitable for the installation of new equipment and that any necessary geotechnical evaluations are conducted.

10. Please confirm the intent is to match the existing design for energy efficiency, sound transmission, insulation R value, and electrical demand.

Answer: Yes, the intent is to match or exceed the existing design standards for energy efficiency, sound transmission, insulation R-value, and electrical demand.

11. Can the SSHO, CQC, and site superintendent be the same person?

Answer: No, the roles of SSHO (Site Safety and Health Officer), CQM (Quality Control Manager), and Site Superintendent cannot be combined into a single person. However, dual hatting (combining two of these roles) is acceptable.

CLIN 001 - BAEY240008 REPLACE 60T CHILLER AFCOMAC DORM B24176 & B24177

12. On the Beale AFB projects (CLIN 001 & CLIN 003), can you confirm Siemens is the BMS DDC system being used for the equipment?

Answer: Yes, Siemens is the Building Management System (BMS) Direct Digital Control (DDC) system being used for the equipment. Both projects require integration with the existing Siemens BMS

13. Statement of Work specifies that they want the piping and appurtenances replaced. Since the heating system and chilled water system are being used currently as a "2 pipe system" as in the heating and Chilled water uses the same main supply/return piping. What exactly do you want us to change out?

Answer: Refer to Statement of Work for specific requirements. In general, the project is intended to replace all equipment and appurtenances associated with the chilled water side of the two-pipe system.

Follow Up: Can you please detail the exact components or appurtenances the base desires to be replaced?

Answer: For the AFCOMAC project, appurtenances include components related to the chilled water system, piping and insulation, electrical connections, control and integration with the Siemens BMS, and chemical treatment. This includes but is not limited to valves, flex connectors, vibration isolators, check valves, flow meters, temperature sensors, insulated piping, protective cladding, pipe supports, pipe labeling, conduits, cables, disconnects, protective devices, circuit breakers, sensors, controllers, pressure gauges, thermometers, air release valves, strainers, and a chemical dosing pump.

14. The piping seems to be in very good condition it just needs additional insulation in spots. From what I saw, one pump is brand new, the other pump is old and should be replaced but overall the piping appears to be in very good condition and any rust is topical from lack of insulation. Please clarify what exactly is the demo/install scope for the piping?

Answer: The contractor may reuse pipe that is in good condition. During construction, any pipe that is determined to be in poor condition shall be the responsibility of the contractor to replace. Final determination shall be made by the Contracting Officer with input from 9 CES personnel. The heating hot water pump has also been identified for replacement. Revisions have been made to Paragraph 1.3.3 and Paragraph 1.3.4.

Follow Up: To simplify the scope, may all CHW and HHW piping be included in the CLIN 0002 and CLIN 0003? Up to the discretion of the COR and Prime is very vague.

Answer: Yes, for bidding purposes and to simplify the scope, all chilled water pipe and heating hot water pipe may be included in CLIN 0002 and CLIN 0003. Revisions have been made to Paragraph 1.3.1, 1.3.3, and 1.3.4.

15. Where exactly is the POC for it? (It seems the most logical point of connections would be the copper to steel dielectric flanges on both supply and return pipe to the chiller and insulate them after installation. Is this true?)

Answer: The contractor is responsible for determining the point of connection. However, it is agreed that a logical point of connection (POC) for the chiller piping is at the copper to steel dielectric flanges on both the supply and return pipes.

16. Please clarify that TRANE equipment is only to be used on this project.

Answer: Yes, only TRANE equipment shall be used on this project.

17. Please clarify that all existing electrical and panels will remain and be reused.

Answer: All costs associated with electrical connections to equipment are the responsibility of the contractor. The intent is to connect equipment to existing electrical panels. If any upgrades are needed to support new equipment, they should be included in the contractor proposal.

18. Current Trane chiller lead times with the California compliant 454B refrigerant are about 50 weeks after approved submittals. The current standard (CA non-compliant chillers) is currently a 6-month lead time. Does the USAF have a preference on which chillers to use?

Answer: R-410A (current) or R-454B (future) TRANE units are both acceptable. The base currently operates many chillers that use R-410A refrigerant.

CLIN 002 - BAEY240007 REPLACE PACKAGE AC UNITS OROVILLE RADAR SITE B1017

19. Please confirm temporary cooling can be on a trailer inside the gate as it needs to be in a secured area to be tied into the electrical disconnect and temp ductwork to the existing main ducting during demo/installation.

Answer: Yes, temporary cooling can be located inside the gate. Specific location shall be coordinated with the government to ensure buildings remain accessible.

20. Please confirm the working hours for this site.

Answer: Typical working hours are Monday–Friday, 8AM–5PM.

21. Do we need 2ea redundant package unit temp cooling or is 1ea 10-ton unit satisfactory for the Air Force?

Answer: One 10-ton unit is satisfactory as temporary redundant cooling during construction.

22. Are we able to reuse the existing support structure for the package unit?

Answer: No, per Paragraph 1.3.4, a new support structure shall be provided.

CLIN 003 - B2443 Replace CDC Chiller

23. Do you require galvanized piping?

Answer: Yes, galvanized piping is required to ensure durability and resistance to corrosion.

Follow Up: Are galvanized fitting and piping required on both chillers?

Answer: Yes, galvanized fitting and piping is required for both chillers. Dielectric fittings shall be provided at the transition between any dissimilar metals.

24. Since this is a childcare facility, I assume that we will be performing the chiller crane pick on a Saturday instead of a weekday. Please confirm.

Answer: Yes, weekend work may be required to complete the project. All outages shall be coordinated a minimum of three weeks in advance.

25. There is a scrap metal/unit mandate in the specifications regarding turning over equipment and piping to the base for recycling. Since the units must be lifted by a crane and trucked over, will the base accept them since we have to truck over and offload by crane at the recycling site or do we haul away off-site for recycling/disposal?

Answer: The base will accept scrap metal for recycling. Disposal of chillers and equipment are to be disposed of by the contractor. All costs associated with disposal are the responsibility of the contractor.

General Requirements

26. May the superintendent SSHO and QC be covered by the same individual?

Answer: Yes, dual hat roles of SSHO (Site Safety and Health Officer) and CQM (Quality Control Manager) is acceptable.

27. Have all 3 locations been tested for lead and asbestos?

Answer: No, the three locations have not been tested for lead and asbestos.

28. May a second round of RFIs be submitted once Amendment #3 is released?

Answer: Yes, a second round of RFIs may be submitted once Amendment #3 is released.

B1017 Specific Questions

29. Does the base want to receive the recovered refrigerant or is the contractor responsible for recycling?

Answer: No, the contractor is responsible for proper disposal of all recovered refrigerant. Refer to Environmental Appendix A for additional information.

30. Does the new support structure need to include seismic calculations?

Answer: Yes, seismic calculations shall be provided for the new support structure.

31. As both systems are package units, can this line item be omitted?

Answer: Question unclear, Paragraph 1.2.3 refers to project schedule requirements that shall be followed.

32. Please elaborate on the requirements for “local control”. Is the existing system connected to the EMCS?

Answer: No, the units at the Oroville Radar Site are controlled locally at the site. The units are not connected to Siemens BMS. The end user receives a temperature alarm notification if the server room exceeds normal operating conditions. The HVAC shop and/or end user respond as needed. Control is to remain local at the site.

33. Please provide the existing panel information. Panel name and schedule of existing loads, manufacturer, model, and size of existing breaker.

Answer: The contractor is responsible for gathering this information at the pre-bid site walk. As-built drawings are not available for this facility.

34. Please provide the size of existing conductors.

Answer: The contractor is responsible for gathering this information at the pre-bid site walk. As-built drawings are not available for this facility.

35. As all the airflow is going to one room and single register and there aren’t balancing dampers installed, may this line item be omitted?

Answer: No, there are still testing requirements as part of the Testing and Balancing process. These include airflow testing, temperature testing, pressure testing, refrigerant charge testing, electrical testing, control system testing, and functional testing.

B24176 & B24177 Specific Questions

36. Due to the age and condition of the existing HHW boiler pump and integral components, it is highly recommended to replace these items at the same time as the chiller. This will provide a cost saving to the Government and permit a cleaner and more cohesive installation and layout. Please advise.

Answer: Yes, the government is approving the replacement of the Heating Hot Water (HHW) boiler pump as part of this project. Revisions have been made to Paragraph 1.3.3.

Follow Up: The intent of this question was to ask if the (Boiler) (HHW Pump) (additional components) be replaced. The intent would be to remove all piping and equipment in the boiler chiller yard, and completely repipe with new equipment to provide a clean and organized installation.

Answer: Yes, the government is approving the replacement of all piping and specified equipment, to include the heating hot water pump. Revisions have been made to Paragraph 1.3.1, 1.3.3, and 1.3.4.

37. Can as-built drawings be provided? Please provide Mechanical drawings.

Answer: Yes, As-Built information has been provided as Tab 8 in the solicitation.

38. Can as-built drawings be provided? Please provide Electrical drawings.

Answer: Yes, As-Built information has been provided as Tab 8 in the solicitation.

39. Is the system currently being treated and with what chemical?

Answer: No, the system is not currently being treated.

40. Please provide the CxA report requirements for the commissioning.

Answer: The Commissioning Authority (CxA) report shall include a comprehensive overview of the commissioning process, detailed test results, verification of system performance, documentation of deficiencies and resolutions, and complete O&M manuals. Additionally, the report shall document all training provided and include a final summary of the overall system performance and compliance.

Follow Up: Our intent was to obtain the CxA Plan. A CxA plan with all the testing parameters is provided by the Base’s Commissioning Agent. If a Commissioning Plan is unavailable, may a complete start up by a factory authorized technician be acceptable?

Answer: Complete startup by a factory-authorized technician is acceptable, provided it includes comprehensive documentation of startup procedures, test results, deficiency resolutions, operational verification, O&M manuals, training documentation, and a final summary report. The contractor is responsible for verifying that newly installed equipment can meet or exceed the original design parameters as identified in the provided as-built drawings.

41. Please provide the parameters for the performance test.

Answer: The performance test shall include verifying the cooling capacity, energy efficiency, power consumption, flow rates, pressure drops, control system integration, temperature and humidity control, leak testing, sound and vibration levels, system stability, and water treatment parameters.

42. During the walkthrough, we noticed the boiler and chiller are sharing the same piping to the Dorms. Is this control from heating to cooling controlled manually or by EMCS control?

Answer: Control for heating mode and cooling mode of the two-pipe system is accomplished remotely by Siemens BMS. The same functionality shall be maintained after the project is complete.

43. Trane makes 2 types of the same chiller. Buy American is still at 50 weeks after approved submittals. A Trane unit NAFTA made would be substantially less time (3 to 6 months delivered after approved submittals). Does the buy American act apply to this project, or can we provide a NAFTA Trane chiller?

Answer: In accordance with Clause 52.225-9, the Buy American Statue applies to all projects/CLINs under this solicitation.

44. The solicitation is not specific on design requirements but seems to imply some of the following: 65% design, Specifications, Third party design verification, shop drawings, and confirmation of proper HVAC equipment sizing as well as capacity of existing electrical panels. Geotechnical analysis is also described. Please confirm that all these components of design are required for each of the three items of work.

Answer: The contractor is required to provide both a draft and a final work plan. The draft work plan should be detailed and similar to a 65% design, while the final work plan should be comprehensive, similar to a completed design. These plans should be in a narrative form and include all necessary supporting documentation. Additionally, the following components are required for each of the three items of work: specifications, third-party design verification, shop drawings, HVAC equipment sizing confirmation, electrical panel capacity verification, and geotechnical analysis.