Questions_and_Answers_for_GSA_SolicitationR3 R7042013.docx

Questions and Answers for GSA Solicitation # GS-00P-13-BSC-0957 – GSA Regions 3 & 7 Demand Response

Q1: Does GSA Region 7 require any automation be installed by Qualified Scheduling Entities (QSEs) to be able to curtail or do they simply require notification from QSEs and will be able to shed within the 10 minute notification timeframe based on what they already have in place?

A1: There is no requirement for QSEs to install automation as part of this bid. GSA Region 7 (R7) already has a Tridium Niagara-based building automation system in place in each building but has no programming in place to allow curtailment within the 10 minute notification timeframe with their existing system. Also, they cannot guarantee that sufficient manual curtailment would happen within the 10-minute timeframe. Region 7 needs help in identifying equipment that can be reduced for participation in this program. The QSE and Region 7 may also desire a software solution be put in place to interface with their automation system (if this does not interfere with security protocols). QSE’s should take this into consideration when bidding.

Q2: Can we have a list of all buildings R7 manages and their addresses?

A2: At this time, R7 is only releasing information on the 5 accounts they would like to include in this solicitation. GSA may elect to provide additional information to the winning QSE post-award.

Q3: Will GSA consider deleting the language that allows R7 to switch from being an ERS participant to a LR participant?

A3: Yes. The following language will be deleted in Amendment 1.

“****GSA-R7, at their sole discretion and with 3 months’ advance notice to the winning QSE may opt. to switch from an ERS participant to a Load Resource participant (LR) at any time during the term of this Agreement. Enrollment periods are defined as June-Sept., Oct-Jan., and Feb.–May.”

Q4: What type of Building Management System does R7 have in place currently?

A4: R7 has a Tridium Niagara -based building automation system in place in each building.

Q5: If any unforeseen cost are discovered by QSE’s after contract award, is recouping these costs from the gross payment considered a cost/charge to the government?

A5: No additional payment will be provided to QSE’s post award. All costs/charges should be included in QSE’s bid prices.

Q6: With the PJM double counting rule, is there a reason as to why the GSA customers want to utilize the Guaranteed Load Drop methodology? I am yet to find an instance where it is beneficial for the customer to utilize the GLD vs. the FSL after the double counting rule was implemented.

A6: This is the initial preference of R3. If the CSP feels differently after reviewing the data, the FSL methodology can be utilized if R3 approves this in advance registration

Q7: In PJM, we need to have minimum registrations of 100kW. Would the customers behind PECO, BGE, and PSE&G have the same LSE (which would allow us to aggregate them for registration)?

A7: The kW nominations are extremely conservative for these sites. R3 is open to suggestions of a higher kW nomination if this makes sense. GSA will be awarding a contract to one CSP for all R3 sites. These sites are under third-party electricity supply contracts with different electricity suppliers currently.

Q8. In DPL there is only 40kW of curtail-able load…who is their LSE? If we have other customers in DPL with the same LSE we may be able to cobble them with an existing registration.

A8: GSA will not be providing information on who the current third-party electricity supplier for each account is.