MW Solar Contractor Questions 1-76 rev 16 Nov 09.doc

16 Nov 2009

MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD

FROM: 95 CONS/PKB

5 S. Wolfe Avenue

Edwards AFB, CA 93524

SUBJECT: Submitted Questions and Answers, Purchase of Renewable Solar Electricity at Edwards AFB, Solicitation FA9301-09-R-0029

The government has limited the responses based on their solicitation to purchase renewable solar electricity and has not address questions we feel are design options.

Question 1: In Section D.1.a (page 11 of 50 and Section 2.c. (page 12 of 59) of the Solicitation, it indicates that the respondent is to supply the “Cage Code.” What is the Cage Code?

Answer 1: Each company should have a Dunn and Bradstreet Number (DUNS) and a Cage Code. If your company does not have one, it will need to get one. Both a DUNS and a Cage Code are required to do business with the government. Please ensure your company is registered on CCR and ORCA, which can be accomplished at www.bpn.gov.

Question 2: Performance Work Statement (PWS). What bay position does the generator feed terminate into at each customer Switch Station? Also, will a new bay position have to be built at the Corum Substation to accommodate the generator interconnection?

Answer 2:

1. SCE CORUM SUBSTATION SITE: The information requested is provided in the PWS paragraph 2.3.5. The photo in Figure 1 has been provided as requested during the site visit.

Figure 1 SCE CORUM SUBSTATION

2. MAIN BASE SWITCH STATION 1: The information requested is provided in the PWS paragraph 2.3.2. The photo in Figure 2 has been provided as requested during the site visit.

Figure 2 MAIN BASE SWITCH 1 (VIEW FROM SOUTH)

3. AFRL SUBSTATION 2: The information requested is provided in the PWS paragraph 2.3.3. The photo in Figure 3 has been provided as requested during the site visit.

4. SOUTH BASE SWITCH STATION 3: The information requested is provided in the PWS paragraph 2.3.4. The photo in Figure 4 has been provided as requested during the site visit.

Additional photos are available on FedBizOpps.gov.

Question 3:

A. Will a 34.5kV/12kV circuit breaker, bus and line disconnect switches, associated bus work, and meters and relaying need to be provided at each Switch Station for terminating each generator interconnection?

B. Except for Switch Station #3 where may contractor use existing 34.5kV ABB circuit breaker?

C. Switch Station #2 appears to already have bus and line disconnect switches. Is this correct and can they be used?

D. If circuit breakers are required at each switch station for generator interconnection, please specify current and short circuit rating required.

Answer 3:

A. Yes. See specific Switch Station information under PWS 2.3.

B. No, all material and equipment unless specified shall be furnished by the Contractor for Switch Station 3.

C. They are not available for use by the contractor. See PWS 2.3.1. All material and equipment unless specified shall be furnished by the Contractor for Switch Station 2.

D. The circuit breaker rating is 1200AMPS; current rating is S metrical and x/r ratio = 6.76; short circuit is A symmetrical, 3 phase, 2257 AMPS.

Question 4: PWS. Can the 34.5/12.47kV generator interconnection lines from the project site to each switch station, except for Switch Station #3, be installed via overhead lines?

Answer 4: The information requested is provided in the PWS paragraph 2.3.1.1.

Question 5: PWS. For the generator interconnection at Switch Station #3, can the lines be direct buried from the project site to a minimum of 10 feet, or other specified distance, outside of the Switch Station #3 wall where it would then be installed in conduit as specified for connection to the riser?

Answer 5: The information requested is provided in the PWS paragraph 2.3.4.

Question 6: Is the Air Force a self permitting agency?

Answer 6: Yes.

Question 7: Is there a specific or preferred area for staging?

Answer 7: The contractor shall utilize the site area as specified only.

Question 8: What is the time length to obtain badges for contractors?

Answer 8: Temporary badges can be issued upon the completion of the access applications.

Question 9: Will temporary power be provided?

Answer 9: No.

Question 10: Is there an office that we can use or will it be necessary to bring a trailer?

Answer 10: No office space will be provided by the government. Trailer usage will require prior approval by the government. The contractor can apply for approval by submitting “Request for Relocatable Trailer” for each site to the government.

Question 11: PWS. Paragraph 2.3.6 requires an 8’ fence with iron gates. Is this a requirement for all sites? Is there a specific reason why an iron gate is required?

Answer 11: Yes, it is required at all sites for the security and safety of the solar parcel.

Question 12: PWS. Paragraph 2.3.1.2 states that concrete foundations are required. Can the array have penetrations as long as the foundations are concrete or are no ground penetrations allowed?

Answer 12: Paragraph 2.3.1.2 is referencing the foundations required for the installation of equipment not the ground penetrations of the array.

Question 13: What is the specific acreage that is available for each site?

Answer 13: The government has specified 5 acres at each of the parcels.

Question 14: What are the set-back requirements for each array?

Answer 14: The array shall stay within the allotted parcels.

Question 15: Is there a value that is assigned to the land or are we to assume that the land has no value and there is no advantage to using up less space for each array?

Answer 15: No, not for this acquisition. The government is seeking the greatest electrical production value limited by the 5 acres for each parcel.

Question 16: Where is each of the interconnections points?

Answer 16: See Answer #2.

Question 17: Can we get a copy of the following documents:

a. Edwards Base Design Standards

b. Geotechnical Investigation Report

c. Site Survey Topographical Drawing

d. Zoning information and/or Platt Map noting easements

e. Facility Single Line Drawings

f. Site Underground Utilities Drawings

g. Site Plan Drawings

h. Environmental Informational Reports such as:

i) Erosion Control Requirements

ii) Wetlands

iii) Endangered Species

iv) Regional Quality Control

v) Archeological

i. 1 Month of an SCE bill or Assumed Current Cost of Electricity

Answer 17:

a. Edwards Base Design Standards - PROVIDED ON FedBizOpps.gov

b. Geotechnical Investigation Report - NOT AVAILABLE

c. Site Survey Topographical Drawing - NOT AVAILABLE

d. Zoning information and/or Platt Map noting easements - NOT REQUIRED

e. Facility Single Line Drawings - NOT AVAILABLE

f. Site Underground Utilities Drawings - NOT AVAILABLE

g. Site Plan Drawings - NOT AVAILABLE

h. Environmental Informational Reports such as:

i) Erosion Control Requirements - NOT AVAILABLE

ii) Wetlands - Not applicable

iii) Endangered Species – Once at BSX, select Guest Login to view. https://bsx.edwards.af.mil/Livelink/llisapi.dll/fetch/2000/37554/3531221/2008_INRMP.pdf?nodeid=3709919&vernum=0

iv) Regional Quality Control - NOT APPLICABLE

v) Archeological - Once at BSX, select Guest Login to view. https://bsx.edwards.af.mil/Livelink/llisapi.dll/fetch/2000/37554/3531221/2009_ICRMP.pdf?nodeid=7623125&vernum=0 and https://bsx.edwards.af.mil/Livelink/llisapi.dll/fetch/2000/37554/3531221/2009_ICRMP_Appendices.pdf?nodeid=7595406&vernum=0

i. SCE bills EAFB on TOU-8-EDW rate.

Question 18: Will the pricing be evaluated based on NPV? On page 13 of the RFP, the solicitation states, “An Offerors’s proposed prices will be determined by multiplying the quantities identified in the Schedule by the proposed unit price for each Contract Line Item Number (CLIN).” Without evaluating based on NPV, a vendor could potentially be penalized if they have system that produces more than the minimum energy required as opposed to a vendor that has a system that produces the minimum amount of energy, even if the first vendor has a lower PPA price. In other words, there seems to be a disincentive to produce mo minimum amount of energy stated in the RFP.

Answer 18: No, the price will not be evaluated based on NPV. Under this acquisition we are only seeking 3.5 MW of energy.

Question 19: Please confirm the system size references in the RFP related to 1-MWso rather than 1-MWp.

Answer 19:

The size of South Base shall be 1000 KW.

The size of Main Base shall be 1000 KW.

The size of AFRL shall be 1000 KW.

The size of SCE Corum shall be 500KW.

Question 20: Please release Hydrology studies done at the base and past reference to area flood issues.

Answer 20: Hydrology studies are not available.

Question 21: What are the height and distances of the poles to each of the arrays?

Answer 22: Standard 34.5 KV pole spacing and height shall be used.

Question 23: If a Geotech report is not available in the array area, please provide a Geotech report used for another project in the area or contact information.

Answer 23: There are no existing Geotech reports or comparables available.

Question 24: PWS. Page 5, paragraph 2.3.1.13 talks about control/inverter building. What type of building? Connex, CMU?

Answer 24: The government’s intent is to have these devices (controls/inverters/metering /monitors) protected from the elements using standard weather proof shelters/buildings.

Question 25: PWS. Page 4, paragraph 2.3.1.1 asks for underground cabling. Can we get an exception to use overhead line on the sites where applicable?

Answer 25: See Answers #4 and #5.

Question 26: PWS, Appendix B. Provide exact location of ERP mentioned on paragraph 22, page 16.

Answer 26: The locations of all ERP sites are provided in the Environmental Baseline Study (EBS) for the project posted on FedBizOpps.gov.

Question 27: PWS. At site walk it was mentioned that the sites have been approved by base environmental review, but on paragraph 33, page 17 asks to obtain a biological report from fish and wildlife in regards of the desert tortoise. Please provide more information.

Answer 27: Appendix B, paragraph 33 has been updated. The biological report has been removed.

Question 28: For AFRL site we need to remove Joshua Trees. Who’s responsible for this work?

Answer 28: The Base Environmental Staff will support the contractor but the contractor has full responsibility for safely removing/relocating Joshua Trees.

Question 29: The AFRL site requires an 8’ fence with a double iron metal gate. Will the other sites require anything similar to this?

Answer 29: See Answer #11.

Question 30: Appendix B, point 9, talks about “improving road surfaces.” Please elaborate.

Answer 30:

The checklist, Appendix B for this project (Control No. 08-0015, Construct 1 MW Solar Systems at Four Switch Stations) is covered by the Programmatic Environmental Assessment for Small Building Construction, Relocation, and Modification at Edwards Air Force Base, California (AFFTC, 1998), prepared in support of Control No. 97-125, Environment Assessment for the Construction of Military Family Housing Units in Housing Areas “B, C” and “I” on Edwards Air Force Base, California (AFFTC, 1995), prepared in support of Control No. 94-019, Abbreviated Environmental Assessment for Photovoltaic Solar Panel Array Installation (AFFTC, 1995), prepared in support of Control No. 95-010, and Environmental Assessment for the Construction of a Propulsion Energetics Laboratory, Air Force Research Laboratory, Edwards Air Force Base, California (AFFTC, 2004), prepared in support of Control No. 03-0166, and is being categorically excluded (A2.3.11) off these documents. The road surfaces shall comply with these measures.

Question 31: The RFP asks for MV wires to be underground. Considering all the existing overhead power lines is EAFB open to having MV lines from the solar electric system to the point of connection are overhead?

Answer 31: See Answers #4 and #5.

Question 32: Are Topographical surveys of the sites available w/scales?

Answer 32: See Answer #17.

Question 33: Would it be valuable to the government to share the current electric rate structure for Edwards? This will ensure we provide a proposal that provides value (better rates) to Edwards and it will ensure firms with existing relations with SCE, that are able to obtain it from SCE, do not have a competitive advantage over those without the pre-existing relationships.

Answer 33: See Answer #17-i.

Question 34: What are the design wind loads for Edwards AFB?

Answer 34: The Edwards Base Design standard defines the wind loads as 90 MPH. The Edwards AFB Design Standard is posted on FedBizOpps.gov.

Question 35: Please provide us a copy of the sign in list for the site walk.

Answer 35: Posted on FedBizOpps.gov on 9 Oct 09, along with the slides from the site visit.

Question 36: PWS. Paragraph 2.2.2, indicates native vegetation shall not be extensively disturbed during the solar system installation. Does this refer to areas outside the array footprint? (Previous paragraph indicates that the government understands that the array will require a certain degree of site work to construct.)

Answer 36: No, this only applies to areas inside the parcel. Areas outside the parcel will have to be restored to the original state.

Question 37: PWS. Paragraph 2.1. The minimum annual energy output for all 4 sites was specified to be no less than 7971 MWH per year, please share how this figure was derived.

Answer 37: The solar power generated is 7875MWH and was calculated using the full output power for 300 days/year 6 hours/day with 75% output power for 300 days/years 2 hours /day.

Question 38: During the visit, Ronda briefly mentioned all the EPA clauses are in the RFP. Can you elaborate what that meant?

Answer 38: Ronda was referring to the Economical Price Adjustment clauses which include 252.243-7001 and 252.243-7002.

Question 39: What are the current SCE rates for Edwards?

Answer 39: See Answer #17.

Question 40: Can you please post the Base Line Study on FedBizOpps?

Answer 40: See Answer #27.

Question 41: Can you please provide Longitude and Latitudes for the areas?

Answer 41: Below are the center points for each of the proposed parcels:

South Base: 34:54:28.7, -117:55:13.3

Main Base: 34:58:57.0, -117:53:31.4

AFRL: 34:55:36.9, -117:42:00.7

Corum: 34:56:23.9, -117:57:17.3.

Question 42: Can you please be more specific regarding the tie in area?

Answer 42: See Answers #2, 3 & 4.

Question 43: Why do we need an interconnect agreement with SCE when we are connecting to Edwards AFB substations?

Answer 43: Any changes to the output power provided at these four locations require a interconnect agreement. The government is requiring the Contractor to prepare all interconnect agreements.

Question 44: Why only a 10 year easement?

Answer 44: The base contracting authority is limited to a 10 year period.

Question 45: When does the 10 years start?

Answer 45: Upon production of 1 MW for a 24 hour period.

Question 46: Are extensions beyond the initial 10 years possible?

Answer 46: Not under this contract. It is possible that a new agreement can be negotiated.

Question 47: Can you please provide clarification on abandoning vs. removing the equipment? This will make a difference on available financing.

Answer 47: The information requested is provided in the PWS paragraph 2.2.3.

Question 48: Please add scale on maps.

Answer 48: No scalable drawings/maps exist of this area.

Question 49: When do Past Performance Forms need to be submitted by?

Answer 49: Past Performance Forms are due the same day as proposals.

Question 50: Figure 3 shows a power line; is it above ground or underground?

Answer 50: Above ground.

Question 51: EBS says survey has already done yet #33 on page 17 states the Contractor is responsible. Who is responsible?

Answer 51: Appendix B, paragraph 33 has been updated. The Environmental Baseline Survey (EBS) documents the environmental condition of a site at the time it is provided to the contractor and assists the USAF in meeting its disclosure requirements under CERCLA. The EBS is not intended to function as an all-inclusive analysis of impacts from a given proposed project nor should it be perceived as such. If additional analyses or surveys are necessary in order to satisfy Federal, state or local laws or to quantity potential impacts from implementation of the proposed project, those analyses/surveys are the responsibility of the Contractor.

Question 52: At the site visit it was stated that there are 5 areas available at each site? Where does it state there are 5 areas? The mapped out areas are different sizes and appears it might be 10 areas at some locations. Can you please clarify?

Answer 52: Each site has available 5 acres available. Please refer to Answer #41.

Question 53: Are site plans available?

Answer 53: No site plans of this area exist.

Question 54: Please provide the environmental impact study that was discussed in the site walkthrough.

Answer 54: No Environmental Impact Study is required for this project.

Question 55: PWS. Page 18, #37. Significant site work will be needed at each PV installation; this will result in the removal of virtually all if not all vegetation and habitat in those areas. Per Att. 1-#33 a biology report will be performed after award to determine appropriate mitigation measures to deal with disturbances to desert turtle habitat, and potential impact to Joshua trees. Will additional costs associated with these measures be allowed to be incorporated into revised energy prices?

Answer 55: A biological opinion will not be required. Appendix B-#33 has been updated.

Question 56: PWS. Page 17 #33. The Contractor shall comply with the endangered species act if the systems connect to the state electric grid. Are the interconnect points specified in this RFP considered part of the state electric grid?

Answer 56: Appendix B-#33 has been updated.

Question 57: Please provide layout and single line drawings of each substation indicating which substation is government owned and which switch rack position is the interconnect point. It appeared that relocation or reconfiguration of some overhead lines will be need, is this to be included in the price?

Answer 57: See Answers #2, 3, 4 for response. If your design requires relocation or reconfiguration of overhead lines, your proposal shall include these costs.

Question 58: Please verify that the 12kV portion of the SCE Corum substation is government owned.

Answer 58: No, it is SCE owned.

Question 59: PWS. Page 3, paragraph 2.1. Has the installation of the panels near the flight line (main (South) base location) been examined and determined that the panels will not impact flight operations? Is there a specification for allowable absorption and refraction?

Answer 59: Yes, however the absorptive/refractive requirements in paragraph 2.1 apply to all four locations. There is no specification for allowable absorption and refraction.

Question 60: PWS. Page 5, 6, and 7: 2.3.2.1, 2.3.3.1, and 2.3.5.1. Scopes of work for each substation appear to indicate that the power lines will be routed to the substations underground in sch80 conduit. It appears that only the Main (South) Base SS3 location actually uses this method. Can the power lines be connected from the solar fields to SCE Corum, AFRL and North base substations using Overhead lines?

Answer 60: See Answers #4 and #5.

Question 61: It appears that the designated interconnect breaker for the main (south) base substation (which requires an underground feed) is in the center of the substation. Are there provisions underground for installing the new conduit without disruption to the remaining underground conduits, it appeared that there was no conduit stubbed up?

Answer 61: The Contractor will be required to install solar dedicated conduits and will not be allowed to share existing underground conduits. Yes, under the Edwards AFB digging permit process, the government will provide locations of underground utilities. Refer to PWS 2.3.11.1.

Question 62: PWS. Page 5, paragraph 2.3.1.13. Can inverters be designed for outdoor installation instead of installed in the specified building?

Answer 62: Yes.

Question 63: PWS. Page 5, 6 and 8: paragraphs 2.3.2.2, 2.3.3.2, and 2.3.4.5. Please indicate locations for the required connections to telemetry and SCADA systems for each location.

Answer 63: The Air force currently communicates with the SCADA system through a wireless connection located near the Main Breaker at each of the switch stations.

Question 64: PWS. Page 5, 6, and 8: paragraphs 2.3.2.3, 2.3.3.3, and 2.3.5.3. The scope calls for motor operated fused disconnect switches only, will the Contractor be responsible for providing the outdoor medium voltage circuit breakers and protective relays for the empty switch racks?

Answer 64: All material and equipment unless specified shall be furnished by the Contractor.

Question 65: Numerous test wells were noted at the AFRL site, is this area contaminated with hazardous material?

Answer 65: There are no hazardous materials. Please refer to EBS for additional information.

Question 66: PWS. Page 13, Figure 4. Can the AFRL solar site be accessed from outside the secured location; the actual site is not within the secured area as shown on in the RFP?

Answer 66: No.

Question 67: Please provide dimensions of the proposed sites, there was conflicting information available during the walkthrough.

Answer 67: See Answer #17-g.

Question 68: PWS. Page 18 # 39. Please define the “Cultural resource” that could impact the area available at the North Base SS1? How much area does the resource occupy?

Answer 68: The Cultural Resource in question is an approximately 1,300 square-meter historic period refuse deposit. It is near the North Base SS1, but whether it is actually in the Area of Potential Effect cannot be determined until a final site plan is available for review. Avoidance of the resource is preferred. If this is not possible an evaluation/mitigation effort will need to be performed before site construction begins.

Question 69: Design Standard Page 92. Since system ownership will be by non-Government entity on an easement with provisions for removal at end of PPA, will the UFGS need to be used on this project?

Answer 69: Yes.

Question 70: PWS. Page 4, paragraph 2.3.1.8. Differential protection of step up transformers would not necessarily be mandatory for transformers of the anticipated size, is this required?

Answer 70: No, if the developer provides differential protection to the step up transformers as part of their standard design than additional protection is not required.

Question 71: Some sloped areas appeared to have loose sand/gravel at AFRL, can a geotech report be provided for each site?

Answer 71: A Geotech Report is not available.

Question 72: PWS. Page 4, paragraph 2.3.1.2. Concrete stanchions are specified, can other methods be used to secure the array base to the ground be used?

Answer 72: PWS paragraph 2.3.1.2 is referring to installed equipment not the arrays.

Question 73: Is Southern California Edison (SCE) the current provider of electricity to the base and the target sites in the RFP?

Answer 73: SCE delivers the electricity at the 4 target sites.

Question 74: If so, is the current electrical supply for the target sites on a single meter connected to SCE or on multiple meters? Is there one meter for each site?

Answer 74: Edwards has multiple meters, one at each delivery point.

Question 75: What is the annual usage (in kilowatt hours) at each site?

Answer 75: The FY09 consumption is provided below:

Question 76: Can solar panels from other countries such as China be used?

Answer 76: The Buy American Act does not apply to this Utility Service Acquisition.

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE HEADQUARTERS 95TH AIR BASE WING (AFMC)

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE CALIFORNIA

Figure � SEQ Figure \* ARABIC �3� AFRL SUBSTATION 2 (VIEW FROM EAST)

Figure � SEQ Figure \* ARABIC �4� SOUTH BASE SWITCH STATION 3 (VIEW FROM SE)