Q A 3.pdf

GSA New England Region

U.S. General Services Administration Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr. Federal Building 10 Causeway Street Boston, MA 02222 www.gsa.gov

4 June 2012

Solicitation GS-01P-12-BW-D-0050

JANITORIAL AND MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE SERVICES AT 9 LAND PORTS OF ENTRY

(LPOE) THROUGHOUT NORTHERN MAINE

Question and Answer 04 June 2012

Q: “ In Reference to the Q&A response posted to WWW.fbo.gov on June 1, 2012, specifically Q&A:

Q: 23. IRT C.14.11 Labeling of Electrical Circuits –

a. Has Arc Flash Analysis ever been performed for these sites?

b. If not, is there any expectation of the contractor to perform ARC Flash analysis?

A: a. Yes. Thermographic testing is being done.

b. Yes. There is an expectation that the contractor perform ARC Flash analysis.

Q: 25. IRT C.14.21.7 Electrical Safety –

a. By site, when were the last 3 year switchgear electrical tests performed?

b. Is it the expectation that the contractor perform the 3 year electrical switchgear test in the base year of the contract or only on the 3 year anniversaries of the last tests?

c. Do you require that an annual Infra Red Thermal scan be performed in years when the 3 year test is not performed?

A: a. Group A and Group B tests were performed in 2010.

b. The test will be required when next due for Group A and Group B sites.

c. The scan is not required for either Group A or Group B.

http://www.fbo.gov/

GSA New England Region

U.S. General Services Administration Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr. Federal Building 10 Causeway Street Boston, MA 02222 www.gsa.gov

Based on the answers provided to questions 23 and 25 in the latest posting to FBO on June 1, 2012, I am concerned that there is confusion about the difference between Arc Flash Analysis and Thermographic Scan which can mislead bidders to incorrectly price their bids.

1. OSHA regulations require that the Owner of the facility be responsible to perform Arc Flash Analysis.

2. Arc Flash Analysis requires:

a An Engineering study to gather data about the facilities electrical system in its entirety

b. A Short Circuit study to identify areas where potential faults are likely to occur

c. A selective Coordination Study to determine what would happen if a fault occurred, what protection is in place and if circuits and breakers are correctly rated.

d The final piece is the actual arc flash analysis findings as measured in Cal/Cm which equates to the energy created and which is used to determine the level of safety equipment and protective clothing that must be worn by workers when performing electrical service work.

3. Arc Flash Analysis is both a lengthy and expensive process with an average facility costing on the order of

$75,000 and larger facilities costing in the $100,000 and up range per arc Flash Analysis.

4. The majority of GSA managed buildings have never had an Arc Flash Analysis performed. The annual infrared or

Thermograpic scan is not an arc flash analysis.

In question 23 a. Has Arc Flash Analysis ever been performed for these sites?

answer 23 a. it states A: a. Yes. Thermographic testing is being done.

The scan and Arc Flash analysis are not the same thing.

In question b. If not, is there any expectation of the contractor to perform ARC Flash analysis?

Answer b. Yes. There is an expectation that the contractor perform ARC Flash analysis.

Please confirm whether or not that you want bidders to perform a full arc flash analysis on the facilities and that they should include the pricing for same in their bids?”

A: GSA does not require any further arc flash analysis under this contract.