Q and A 3 for IFB RFP FA283522B0002 25 April 2022.pdf

FA283522B0002: Repair (Sustain) Central Plant at Hanscom AFB Questions and Answers #3

25 April 2022

1. Question: The replacement of Boiler #1 will require creating an opening and shoring of the walls while the unit is being demolished, removed, and replaced with new. Can the government confirm that this modification to the building structure is acceptable?

Response: There is a roll-up door near Boiler #1 (reference Final Concept Design Analysis, Appendix I, Sheet A-101), which may be used for the replacement of Boiler #1.

2. Question: There is an existing sewer line being removed on the demo plan. On the proposed plan it shows the sewer line being in the same location, but it runs under the new generator pad. Is this sewer being replaced in the same location with a stronger pipe? Also, it does not appear that the sewer line has any connections. Are there sewer connections to this line that are not shown?

Response: The new generator will be installed where the existing generator currently resides (Reference the Final Concept Design Analysis, page 26, section D5082, paragraph 3.a). Sanitary sewer line will be removed and replaced (Reference the Final Concept Design Analysis, Appendix I, sheet C-200 keynote 3). Contractor is responsible for verifying utilities (Reference the Specifications, Section 01 11 00, page 18, paragraph 1.5 Location of Underground Utilities).

3. Question: There is new impervious area associated with the generator pads and transformer pads. Will infiltration of the increased runoff need to be infiltrated?

Response: Reference the Hanscom AFB Contractor Environmental Guide, Appendix G Stormwater Management Guidance for New Construction and Redevelopment Projects.

4. Question: RFP section 1A scope for Mechanical note “Repairs/Upgrades to the Boiler Control

System”. This control system upgrade does not appear to be detailed elsewhere in the documents.

Boiler 1 is called to be replaced with a new boiler that will tie into the new controls that were installed in the Cogen project. The other burners are called to be replaced but not detailed on the other boiler controls if any work is required. Please clarify intended scope of controls upgrades.

Response: The Cogen project did not install new controls for the boiler control system.

This project will replace the existing boiler controls.

5. Question: RFP section 1A scope for Mechanical notes “Hanscom AFB has a requirement to procure chillers from Trane”. The chiller #3 is scoped to be replaced with a steam absorption chiller. Trane does not currently manufacture any chillers directly that are steam absorption type.

D3028 references the chiller selection and refers to the preliminary data sheets in appendix E which appears to be from Thermax. Trane does “partner” with an absorption chiller manufacturer BROAD currently and may have represented Thermax in the past. Please clarify what manufacturer Hanscom has a requirement for if any.

Response: There is a Justification and Approval (J&A) regarding HVAC chillers. The manufacturer identified for Hanscom AFB is Trane.

6. Question: It has been noted that the major manufacturers of steam absorption type chillers likely will not comply with Buy American Act. Please advise if this is an issue or if waiver will be provided.

Response: The Contractor may request from the Contracting Officer a determination concerning the inapplicability of the Buy American statute for specifically identified construction materials as outlined in the Federal Acquisition Regulations Part 25 and 52.

7. Question: RFP section 1A scope for Mechanical notes to “Provide pipe labelling”. D3030 references that all new piping shall include new pipe labels. Does this scope item refer to new piping only, or if existing piping must be labelled, what piping requires labelling?

Response: Reference the Final Concept Design Analysis, Basis of Design, D3030: “All new piping shall include new pipe labels…” New piping only.

8. Question: RFP section 1A scope for Mechanical notes to “Develop a valve schedule and label valves”. D3031 states all new or relocated valves shall be included in a valve schedule. Does this scope item refer to new valves only, or if existing valves must be labelled, what valves are to be included and is there an approximate quantity?

Response: Reference the Final Concept Design Analysis, Basis of Design, D3031: “All new or relocated valves shall be included in a valve schedule…” This item refers to new and relocated valves.

9. Question: D3026 mentions it is likely that most if not all the exterior condenser water piping shall need to be replaced, and that all new piping should be fully insulated, and heat traced. The condenser water piping runs underground from the cooling towers to inside B1201. Is it the intent to replace ALL cooling tower condenser water piping including the aboveground supply and return and equalizer piping at the three cooling towers as well as the underground portion?

Response: Reference the Final Concept Design Analysis, Basis of Design, D3026: “Although it may be possible to keep and re-use a portion of the existing exterior condenser water pipe at the cooling towers, it is likely that most if not all the existing piping shall need to be replaced.” Assume that all of “the existing exterior condenser water pipe at the cooling towers” will need to be replaced.

10. Question: For D3026 If underground condenser water is to be replaced, can an as-built drawing be provided to confirm the routing and any potential underground obstacles or conflict with items that may be above the piping?

Response: The Government does not confirm the completeness or accuracy of the as-built or record drawings, however those drawings that are available will be provided as part of the Step Two IFB process. Reference the Specifications, Section 01 11 00, Page 18, Paragraph 1.5 Location of Underground Utilities.

11. Question: For D3026, reference is made to the existing “Cooling Tower Plan” for sizes and length of piping to account for. This drawing was not found in the package. Can this drawing be provided?

the Step Two IFB process.

12. Question: D3028 references that CH-1 and CH-2 are to remain in service, and specifically mentions that CH-1 only was recently refurbished and is in very good working order. Can it be confirmed that no work or refurbishment is required under this scope for CH-2.

Response: No work or refurbishment is required under this scope for CH-2.

13. Question: Page 6/452 of RFP Section J Attachment 01, Mechanical, A. Boilers, sentence no. 2 states “Repairs/upgrades to the Boiler Control System.”. Please provide the manufacturer name of the existing boiler control system and the name of any subcontractor that services the existing boiler control system.

Response: Manufacturer is Sixnet. There is not a current service contract for the existing control system.

14. Question: Page 15/452, D3027 – CHILLED WATER SYSTEM STRAINER second paragraph, last sentence states “Provide automatic blowdown valve that shall be controlled by the DDC System.”.

Please clarify if this valve is to be controlled by the plantwide boiler control system or the building DDC system ? Is the building DDC system Johnson Controls?

Response: Neither, the valve will be controlled by the Plantwide chilled water controls DDC SCADA system.

15. Question: See Section J, Attachment 01, Page 4/452, Phasing para C, states “The #2 fuel system should be installed while the #6 system is still in operation.”. Please explain how this requirement can be met. Will the entire fuel oil system be allowed to be out of service? How much #6 fuel oil will be left in the existing tanks that will require disposal? How much waste material at the bottom of the tanks will need to be disposed of? Please confirm that the Government will be responsible for filling the cleaned tanks with #2 fuel, including for use during testing periods.

Response: Reference the Final Concept Design Analysis, Page 12-13, Basis of Design Section D2099. The Government will burn off as much of the fuel as possible. We estimate there will be about 40,000 gallons of #6 oil left in each tank. The Contractor will be responsible for emptying and cleaning out the residual. The Government is not able to confirm how much waste material will be at the bottom of the tanks, but the tanks have been cleaned out in the past few years. The Government will fill the cleaned tanks with #2 fuel.

16. Question: May the Offeror utilize the Inspection Reports in the RFP (such as Chimney Stack Inspection, Asbestos & Lead, etc.) as they currently exist in order to develop the D-B Scope of Work documents or will it be necessary for the Offeror to confirm, update, provide new reports during design?

Response: The inspection reports in the Final Concept Design Analysis may be utilized to develop the Scope of Work documents, however the Government does not confirm the completeness or accuracy of the inspection reports.

17. Question: In that this a Title V Air Permitted facility, please advise as to the emission limits the new Boiler #1 and the burner retrofits to serve Boilers #2-#4 shall be required to meet. (NOx, CO, etc.) The existing Air Permit on record at MassDEP is dated 2014 which states “pending review by Mass DEP”. Please provide a copy of the current 2022 MassDEP authorized Air Operating Permit.

Response: See https://www.mass.gov/lists/massachusetts-operating-permit-facilities

18. Question: Specifications “Boiler Replacement” section 01 11 01 page 6 indicates “D” style boiler be installed. Due to limited existing boiler #1 footprint dimensions would an “O” style boiler be acceptable?

Response: Contractor should propose in accordance with the stated criteria in the RFP and requirement documents.

19. Question: Does the facility have the original boiler with burner design information & drawings for

Boilers #2 -#4 indicating furnace dimensions, combustion chamber construction, etc. Please advise.

the Step Two IFB process.

20. Question: Sect J Attach 02 MXRD180040 Specifications table of contents indicates Division categories that are not all included within the specification but are referenced (Division 23, etc.).

Please clarify.

Response: Reference the Hanscom AFB Design Guide, Section 4.3 Specifications and Section 5 Submittal Requirements. Specifications will be prepared by the A/E during the design process and submitted as part of the design deliverables.

21. Question: D3022- Conversion to #2 Fuel: The existing Boilers #2-#4 utilize dual (2) tandem fired burners per boiler. Is it the intention of the design to duplicate this design and just replace the oil gun assembly to burn #2 Oil or is the intent to replace of the burners as a whole to burn #2 Oil & Natural Gas? Please clarify.

22. Question: If the burners are to be replaced as a whole, can a single burner design be utilized for the retrofit to serve existing boilers #2-#4 burners?

23. Question: The basis of design states that for oil firing, compressed atomizing air will be utilized in place of atomizing steam. Is the source for the compressed atomizing air existing or new? Please clarify.

Response: There is an existing source for compressed atomizing air.

24. Question: The basis of design calls for the conversion of the plant from #6 to #2 fuel Oil. This would impact the existing fuel trains. Is the intent to have the existing burner fuel trains cleaned and modified to burn #2 oil or the replacement of existing fuel trains with new #2 oil compatible hardware? Scope alludes to reuse existing. Please clarify.

Response: Reference the Final Concept Design Analysis, Basis of Design, D3022. To clarify, they will be replaced with new.

25. Question: The basis of design calls for the repair/upgrade of the boiler control system. Does this apply to Boiler #2-#4 burner flame safeguard controls, combustion controls and Balance of Plant (Plant Master control, feedwater control, DA control, etc.) controls? Please clarify.

Response: Yes, the repair/upgrade of the boiler control system will include work on the Boiler #2, 3, and 4 burner management and Balance of Plant controls.

26. Question: Specifications section 01 11 01 page 6 states “Packaged controls for the boiler shall be tied into the new boiler control room in the COGEN plant.” Will this apply to the boiler controls serving boilers #2-#4 as well? Please clarify.

Response: The new controls serving Boiler #2, 3, and 4 will be tied into the new control room.

27. Question: The basis of design states “Relocate remnants of boiler controls from the old control cabinets to “New CP-2” in new electrical room.” Please clarify intent.

Response: Replacing the existing boiler control system should eliminate most or all of the old control components. However, if needed the remaining old controls components can be relocated to the “New CP-2” in the new electrical room.

28. Question: The existing Boiler #2-#4 have old safety limits switches (some contain Mercury), fuel train components, transmitters, etc. How will old existing hardware components be addressed as it applies to liability if not specified to be replaced? Please clarify.

Response: The components referenced are part of the boiler control replacement.

29. Question: The basis for design specifications 01 11 10, page 10 -11 indicates all new equipment will be tied into the existing system. Is this just for HVAC (Building heating, etc.) equipment not BOILER specific equipment, correct? Please clarify.

Response: This is just for the HVAC equipment, not the boiler equipment.

30. Question: RFP page 5, item i., requires the inclusion of an Acronym List. Please confirm this Acronym List is excluded from the 20-page limitation.

Response: The Acronym List is excluded from the page count.

31. Question: Will the government consider increasing the page count to allow offerors adequate space to provide the detail requested in the technical approach of the RFP?

Response: The page count is 20 pages.

32. Question: RFP page 6, item 18.a.i., requests the inclusion of a phasing plan and schedule that meets the POP. Please advise if the phasing plan and schedule will count toward the 20-page limitation.

Response: See FA283522B0002, Repair (Sustain) Central Plant at Hanscom AFB Questions and Answers #1, dated 18 April 2022, Question #10 and Response.