Q_and_A.DOCX

Q&A Solicitation: M6740018Q0099 Camp Courtney DCO Battery replacement

The followings are a list of the potential offerors’ questions and the government’s response to those questions.

1. Is expectation to work below the bus bar (above the batteries)?

Answer: Yes, as any alterations above or up to that point may cause heavy additional modifications

2. The PWS states that the site batteries present -48 Vdc load at 490 Amps, while the on-site survey showed 390 Amps. The representatives wanted to ensure this was correct.

Answer: This is an additional unit in the switch room which explaines the deficit.

3. Please advise if the 20% allowance for future growth is required.

Answer: It is normal and also requested in this case that they allow 15% for growth and 15% for degradation. A total of 30% and yes, there is ample space in that room for the required ampacity.

PDC location complicates removal.

Vendor will have to plan their strategy when it comes to replacing the batteries, because a forklift will not fit due to size restrictions.

Previous performed work, contractors used hydraulic battery lifts with the assitance of manpower.

4. Question #3 asks whether 20% allowance for future growth is required. Response to Q&A question 3 states 15% plus 15% (total 30%) allowance for future growth is required. To make the requirement equal for all contractors, please provide the total ampere hour capacity required including growth and degradation.

Answer: 650 Amps.

5. I am contacting you because I just saw the above listed battery replacement project listed on fedbiz, and am intimately familiar with his building and battery plant. Our familiarity with the site is due to our performing inspections on the previous battery strings in 2006 and then performing the installation of the batteries and equipment that are presently there and being requested to be replaced.

Since the existing batteries were manufactured in June 2008 and are only ten years old presently, might I ask why they are being replaced? If they are exhibiting some signs of degradation might you tell me what that is, as it might be able to be corrected with a simple IOVR+ project. Much less expensive. This model battery should be good for 14 – 15 years normally. Can you send me a copy of a recent inspection to look at. Just trying to help the Corps save money if possible.

I also notice that your specification calls for the three battery strings, in parallel, being able to support a load of 490 amps for a total of eight hours. It does not state the minimum end voltage but the industry standard is 1.75 VPC, which means that the total string voltage at the end would be 42.0 volts. This is how the system was sized back in 2008 when it was designed.

I also notice that the removed batteries are to be disposed of through the Camp Foster environmental and recycling center. Will they pick up the pallets of removed cells at Bldg. 4219, or must the contractor deliver them to their location? Am I correct to understand that the base wants to recycle the batteries and receive the money from that recycling effort?

Will the base receive the new batteries, and deliver them to Bldg. 4219, or is that the responsibility of the contractor? Can you provide me with a ship to address for where the new batteries must be shipped to?

Does the base have an on base contractor that performs normal ongoing maintenance activities? If so, can you provide a POC for that company? I ask this because we have in the past at other bases utilized (hired) the local on-site contractor to assist with some of the required manual activities involved in a project like this. This is not as a part of any hot swaps or hot connections, strictly manual work.

Unless there has been modifications made to the three battery strings, each had a 600 amp EEE top mount battery disconnect installed in 2008. Please advise if these are still in service, or have been replaced or removed.

Answer: No, the Government will not provide a copy of a recent inspection.

Yes, environmental will pick up the pallets of removed cells at Courtney.

The contractor shall deliver new batteries to building 4219 for installation. Shipping address will be provided upon award.

There is a sustainment contract, but the support is not local and the Government will not provide a POC.

The three battery strings have never been modified nor removed since 2008, and the battery disconnect is still live.

Courtney switch will be shut down when it's disconnected. Attached are pictures of it for the reference.