Q and A.pdf

Q1: Is there a particular format that Ellsworth AFB has for the proposal?

A1: We would prefer the AF Form 3052 which is the construction cost estimate breakdown that shows each line item.

Q2: Leak detection means and methods vary based on the needs. Since the current requirement is to complete the work within 90 days there are many factors that impact the task:

a. How confident is Ellsworth in the as‐builds that the underground natural gas lines are where the drawings state?

A2a: Use of as‐builts and GIS data is the method requested. Most of the lines will be accurate and there is only a few repair sites where tracer wire may be missing.

b. Regardless of the confidence level, best practice drives the need to first locate the lines (LIDAR or other means) to identify their physical location vs the as‐built designated locations.

A2b: Locating using the tracer wire and or GIS Data is suitable.

c. Then leak detection has a couple of levels of effort.

i. One level of effort is we run a “sniffer’ on the surface/above where the lines are buried. Of course, if we do not locate the lines and run the sniffer based on the as‐built drawings, the efficacy of the results is questionable. Locating using the tracer wire and or GIS Data then using electronic leak detection on the surface is the requested method.

ii. The other level is to pothole (vacuum method) and expose a small section of the gas line and sniff directly above it. This provide a level of accuracy that is not there when one just senses the ground surface above. N/A. Potholing should not be necessary.

iii. If potholing becomes a requirement, does Ellsworth have an idea of how many potholes is acceptable. If not we recommend 5 to 7 potholes per mile as a rule of thumb.

A2c: N/A

Q3: If the project does call for line locates and there is updated information, is it a requirement to update the installation GIS layer for natural gas lines.

A3: N/A

Q4: What is the projected start date, and will we be able to work weekends? Or is overtime an available option?

1.1. A4: The contract is a fixed price, contractors need to factor in overtime into their bids for the project. Weekends are not forbidden, but not recommended. Housing and the Airfield are off limits when not in normal business hours. Reference the SOW 2.2 - HOURS OF OPERATION. Normal working hours will begin no earlier than 0700 hours and end no later than 1700 hours Monday through Friday unless otherwise approved by the Contracting Officer.

Q5: Can we get the GIS layer of the natural gas system to get a site picture of the work area?

A5: Yes

Q6: The SOW includes Prairie View, Black Hills Estates and Rushmore housing area. The assumption is that these housing areas are not privatized if we are to survey the gas lines there. Please confirm?

A6: It is privatized, however CES owns the underground infrastructure. The line of demarcation is the first shutoff coming out of the ground. Leaks checks still need to be made of all exterior gas lines even in housing. Those will be identified in the final report.

Q7: Is there any anticipated government‐furnished equipment to be provided?

A7: No