FASPP_Q A__2.pdf

FASPP – QUESTIONS & ANSWERS #2

QUESTION: How should the existing PV system at Carson City relate to the new system?

ANSWER: They can operate separately, except the interrelationship between the two may need to be considered in designing the systems and in obtaining approvals for interconnection with NVEnergy. If it is more efficient to combine the operation of the two systems that will be permitted, except the Contractor cannot charge for power generated by the existing system.

QUESTION: Can the east side of the secure parking area of the C.Clifton Young FB (Reno) be re-striped to allow PV along the east fence, to minimize shading?

ANSWER: Yes, this can be done. The Contractor must perform the re-striping.

QUESTION: Can wall-mounted inverters be put in room G23B of the Peckham FB (San Jose)?

ANSWER: Yes, there is adequate space. The Contractor must assure that inverter installation meets code, and does not impede access to other equipment.

QUESTION: Does San Jose have a PG&E distribution level network grid similar to downtown San Francisco?

ANSWER: No (verified with PG&E).

QUESTION: Can antennas be relocated at the Peckham FB (San Jose)?

ANSWER: We have asked the project manager for the roof replacement project to be sure the A/E considers antenna locations with the roof replacement.

QUESTION: Can trees be removed in the main parking lot at USGS Menlo Park?

ANSWER: Yes, but in compensation the campus must be surveyed for locations for replacement (native) trees, and such trees planted. Landscaping where trees are removed must be done as shade conditions permit.

QUESTION: For NARA (Ryan FB), San Bruno, is the ground area preferred to the roof?

ANSWER: No the ground and/or the roof areas may be used in any efficient combination.

QUESTION: Can there be an electrical shutdown given NARA’s special conditioning requirements?

ANSWER: Yes, a shutdown of a few hours is possible, but must be scheduled for mild weather.

QUESTION: Can the lane on the north side of the NARA facility be used for staging or storage?

ANSWER: Yes, the lane isn’t used and can be used. The Contractor will be responsible for the security of materials.

QUESTION: Can trees at NARA be removed?

ANSWER: Eucalyptus trees can be removed. Others probably cannot, but the pine at the NW corner can be removed if important to remove. Eucalyptus trees must be replaced with other native trees (which may be shorter or in locations that do not interfere with the PV system).

QUESTION: Can roofs of NARA mechanical penthouses be used for PV?

ANSWER: Subject to verification of structural requirements, yes they may be used.

QUESTION: Can exterior conduit be run at NARA (sides of building, across transite panels, etc)?

ANSWER: Yes if painted to match and made to blend in reasonably well.

QUESTION: What landscaping must be done if the ground area is used at NARA?

ANSWER: Gravel the area, and plant native, drought-tolerant plants between rows of panels.

QUESTION: What roof warranty requirements apply at 2800 Cottage Way (Sacramento)?

ANSWER: The roof is under warranty. All penetrations require use of a Dura-Last approved contractor. Dura-Last should be consulted in general about use and maintenance of the roof.

QUESTION: In general do state or local codes apply? What are GSA’s standards for system clearances?

ANSWER: Refer to section 6.5.14 of the 2014 version of the PBS-P100 standard. This gives minimum clearances.

In addition local code standards should be considered, although GSA is not under the jurisdiction of local authorities. There should be consultation with local planning authorities when systems have significant visible impact outside of the federal property.

QUESTION: What are the roof cleaning requirements at 2800 Cottage Way?

ANSWER: When the Constellation system has been purchased, the Contractor should remove it and thoroughly clean the roof. The Contractor should consult with Dura-Last about methods to be used.

QUESTION: We would like to obtain the sign-in sheets for the walk-thrus for these projects. Can you please let us know when and where they will be available?

ANSWER: These are being posted.

QUESTION: Can we remove the 11kW system at Carson City and replace it with a higher efficiency system producing more electricity?

ANSWER: No, due to the difficulty in structuring the PPA contract to give the Government full credit for the existing Government-owned system removal of the existing system will not be permitted. The Contractor may however interconnect the two systems, so long as production of the existing system is submetered and backed out of electricity charges to the Government.

QUESTION: Would the employees like to have carport solar in Carson City as opposed to solar on the roof of the building? This eliminates any issues with roof replacement and provides shelter from the sun.

ANSWER: There is no preference for carport versus rooftop systems at Carson City. If solicitation requirements can be met with carport systems alone that is acceptable.

QUESTION: What is more important to the government – lowest price or site location? Would a lower energy price get more weight in proposal scoring than putting solar where employees prefer? Carport may be more desirable to employees but will cost more overall because of adding steel structures. Carports may cost less than removing and returning roof PV systems (if necessary).

ANSWER: The evaluation criteria (Section M) describe how the Government will evaluate and weight price versus non-price factors. The Government has not stated a preference for carport systems, so there will be no preferential treatment in the evaluation.

QUESTION: Are there other federal buildings in CA and/or Nevada that could replace sites from the first list of 9 sites replacing the sites which have minor or major shading issues?

ANSWER: No. Adding buildings takes time. GSA assessed its buildings in these areas and the ones covered by the solicitation are the best available.

QUESTION: What are the expected wind speeds that must be met for Reno and San Francisco.

ANSWER: Structural design, to include wind speeds, must be in accordance with local codes and ordinances (except for the actual permitting process).

QUESTION: What are the acceptable locations at USGS in Menlo Park if the trees around the parking lot (and some buildings) cannot be cut?

ANSWER: The trees between rows of cars in the USGS Menlo Park main parking lot may be removed, subject to planting replacement trees (drought-resistant native species) in other areas of the campus with consultation with

GSA.

QUESTION: Who pays for roof repairs if needed when the old PV system in Sacramento is removed? There could be damage hidden by existing panels that must be corrected before new solar is added. This is a roofing issue.

ANSWER: The Contractor will be responsible for consulting with Dura-Last over work on the roof, and must clean the roof after panel removal. The Contractor will be responsible for damage to the roof from panel removal. GSA will be responsible for pre-existing damage hidden by panels. If such damage is discovered GSA must be notified immediately.

QUESTION: If Santa Rosa is kept as part of the solicitation, what trees can be removed?

ANSWER: The trees causing shade problems at Santa Rosa are mostly redwoods, and cannot be removed.

QUESTION: In general, should contractors propose that they feel are most cost effective design strategy or follow the preferences outlined in the statement of work? For example, San Bruno has a hierarchy of roof sections. Do contractors need to follow this hierarchy, or can they propose whatever systems they deem most valuable?

ANSWER: There may be an amendment to address preferences stated in the site statements of work, but there is no change until an amendment is posted. Specifically for NARA (San Bruno), there is no preference for some roof areas over others, so long as the design makes efficient use of roof space (e.g., small scattered systems should not be used as they may impede future system expansion).

QUESTION: If Santa Rosa is still part of the solicitation, where should the inverter be placed in the building? Space was at a minimum for inverters inside.

ANSWER: The preferred location is the generator room in the penthouse. A drawing is being provided (posted for explicit access) showing this location.

QUESTION: What is the age of the roof at the Shea FB (Santa Rosa)?

ANSWER: The roof was completely replaced in 1999; the new roof uses asphalt roll. In 2007 the asphalt was removed and reinstalled. Some repairs were done in 2013.