Sitka_elec.mech_design_SOO_v4.docx

Statement of Objectives USGS Sitka Magnetic Observatory electrical and mechanical upgrade design Background The USGS operates the Sitka Magnetic Observatory at:

500 Geodetic Way Sitka Alaska 99835

There is an Office/Quarters building (“Big House”), a Small Quarters building (“Small House”) and a Garage on-site. There are also a number of smaller buildings that are used for scientific studies and observations. These buildings were constructed in 1940 to establish a Geomagnetic Observatory. The Observatory is used to study the Earth’s magnetic fields and generate vital geomagnetic data that is used internationally.

The Big House needs to be rewired. Both the Big House and the Small House need new furnaces, and the Big House also needs the attic insulation to be upgraded.

Objectives Big House electrical upgrade The Big House needs to be rewired. It was previously partially rewired. The office and basement service equipment and panel boards are modern as is most of the exposed work serving the basement. However, much of the original wiring, found in the upper levels of the Big House, remains concealed behind the walls and is in need of replacement. Some original light fixtures and electrical elements remain as well, they too will need upgrading. The original work is 24 years beyond its estimated 50 year service life. The objective is to replace the remaining original wiring and bring the system up to current code requirements for tamper resistant receptacles, arc-fault circuit interrupters, etc. The new system must be sufficient to support the new furnace (see below).

Both Houses furnace upgrade Both Houses need new furnaces.

Heating for the Big House was formerly provided by an oil-fired, 200,000 British thermal unit per hour (BTUh) output forced-air furnace installed in the basement. Hot air was circulated through galvanized steel ducts exposed at the bottom of the floor joists. This system has since failed and some of its ductwork has been removed to repair plumbing. The Office portion of the Big House is now heated by electric baseboard heaters on a separate meter; these are to remain. The Quarters portion is now (partially) heated by two small oil-fired space heaters, one in the basement and one in the living room. These are to be eliminated and a new furnace system installed. The objectives are:

· Cap branch ducts formerly serving the Office

· Repair/restore (include cleaning) system ductwork to current code to serve Quarters

· Perform load calculation for Quarters only

· Remove old furnace. Install new high-efficiency (at least 95% annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE)) oil-fired furnace to serve Quarters only.

· Install programmable thermostat

· Chimney flue will probably need relining due to age of house. Existing is 6”.

· Connect to upgraded electrical The Small House is currently heated by an oil-fired furnace that was installed in 1996 and so is approximately 19 years old, making it 4 years older than its estimated 15 year lifespan. As in the Big House, hot air is circulated through galvanized steel ducts exposed at the bottom of the floor joists. Some of the ductwork supplying hot air into the basement is deficient. The basement hot air supply ducts have 3 openings to supply warm air to the basement. Only one contains a register and damper, and the damper interferes with airflow in the main duct. There is no provision for return air as required by code. A new furnace system is to be installed. The objectives are:

· Repair/restore (include cleaning) system ductwork to current code, including necessary repairs in basement

· Perform load calculation

· Remove old furnace. Install new high-efficiency (at least 95% AFUE) oil-fired furnace.

· Install programmable thermostat

· Chimney flue will probably need relining due to age of house. Existing is 5”.

· Connect to existing electrical In both Houses, the designer shall coordinate and consider the attic insulation when sizing the new furnaces. Current attic insulation in the Big House is deficient and in need of upgrade (see below); current attic insulation in the Small House was recently upgraded but warrants investigating to determine whether further upgrade is recommended.

Big House attic insulation upgrade In the Big House, existing attic insulation (where visible) is 4” rock wool. The objective is to upgrade attic insulation to minimum R38, target R49.

Scope The contractor will:

· Inspect, engineer, and redesign the Big House electrical system in accordance with the objectives above. This includes the elimination of any unnecessary electrical elements, with USGS coordination and approval.

· Inspect, engineer, and design replacement furnace systems for both Houses in accordance with the objectives above.

· Inspect attic insulation in both Houses. For the Big House, make recommendations for upgrades to achieve minimum R38, target R49. For the Small House, make recommendations regarding whether further upgrades would be cost and/or energy efficient. Consider insulation in both Houses when designing new furnace systems.

· Develop the Statement of Work (SOW), the CAD drawings, and the specifications needed for the construction portion of this effort. The goal is a “bid ready” package. CAD drawings shall be provided in AutoCAD 2010 .dwg, .pdf, and .dwf formats. Specifications will be provided in hard (three copies) and soft copies. Specifications will be appropriately “stamped.”

· Develop a detailed construction cost estimate appropriate for the area.

· During the solicitation and construction phases of this effort, be available to address questions regarding the design.

· During the construction phase of this effort, inspect work as it progresses to ensure it conforms to specifications. This shall include in-process and final inspections. The contractor shall also be available to address questions regarding the design, respond to requests for information (RFI), or advise on proposed change orders.

· Develop final “as-built” drawings if there are changes from the originals.

Other requirements

· Both Houses are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The design shall follow the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation (36 CFR 67.7) where appropriate.

· The Big House space shall be considered a residential space for illumination purposes.

· The use of “green,” energy-efficient outlets and fixtures shall be maximized, to include sensor switches for occupancy and time-out switches for items such as heat lamps and exhaust fans in which prolonged ongoing activation poses a fire hazard.

· Front porch exterior sensory lighting shall be designed both for ingress/egress illumination, to allow for safety and security. Exterior light fixtures will need to be consistent with the existing architecture and approved by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).

· Energy efficiency shall be a primary consideration in designing the furnace systems and the insulation.

· There is likely lead-based paint and asbestos insulation in both Houses. The contractor shall investigate these possibilities and advise the USGS as to the extent and location. The SOW/design shall minimize the disturbance of these substances where possible, and consider remediation where necessary to achieve this project’s objectives.

· Design schedule shall accommodate USGS design review at the 65% and 95% milestones.

· The contractor must provide “stamped” specifications.

END

Sitka electrical and mechanical upgrade design - Page 3 of 3