Q A Chet FB PV.doc

ARRA Chet Holifield FB PV Questions and Answers

1) Please confirm, the system size referenced in the RFP is referring to the PTC rating of the array prior to inverter efficiency losses, correct? To be perfectly clear, a 600kW minimum system is required and this rating is calculated as such, (number of modules) x (PTC rating per CEC)= System rating. Please confirm

ANSWER: The referenced system size it the STC rating. The STC rating will be entered into PVWatts.

2) Please confirm that prevailing wages are required and that the scope of the work requires the use of state licensed electricians and apprentices in an approved apprenticeship program.

ANSWER: The contract will require compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act and the attached wage determination. As this is a federal site there is not a requirement for electricians to have California state licenses (although we will expect electricians to be properly trained and qualified).

3) Please provide an as-built single line diagram for the building

ANSWER: This was posted on Februrary 6.

4) Please provide exterior elevation plans for the facility. We need these to do proper modeling

ANSWER: We'll provide to the contractor during the design phase. It's not immediately available. However note that the height of the first floor roof is approximately 20 feet (from the slab), and another 20 feet to the second floor roof.

5) Please provide plan view, as built layouts for the electric rooms ANSWER: Full drawings of the electrical rooms will be provided during the design phase. A roof layout with electrical room locations annotated has been posted.

6) Please provide the structural roof plans for the proposed array locations

ANSWER: We will provide whatever is available during the design phase. We do not anticipate any loading problems with the roof (which is steel deck), but the Contractor is responsible for a structural assessment during design.

7) Please confirm that modules which are assembled in the United States, but comprised of foreign parts, are eligible for use on this project. Please clearly outline what is required on this project to be in compliance with “Buy American”

ANSWER: Final assembly in the U.S. is required. The ARRA Buy American provisions do not have a component requirement. (Note however that simply attaching components together on site as part of construction is not final US assembly, or the Buy American requirements would become meaningless).

8) Please confirm that all respondents must utilize the same algorithm for determining system performance, PV Watts V1 (Long Beach) so as to insure uniform bidding and performance calculations. If you allow one company to use a different algorithm, you would have to allow us all to do the same.

ANSWER: We are being supportetd by NREL, which will independently run PVWatts to verify calculations. In the event of an unexplained discrepancy we will use NREL's calculations.

9) There are multiple “one way” roof vents across the upper and lower roofs. Please describe the function of these vents. Are they sewer vents? Can they be covered with modules provided there is air flow about the vent?

ANSWER: the vents were intended to ventilate the roof (they don't penetrate the deck) due to roof leaks in the past. These may be covered so long as air flow is not impeded.

10) Statement of work Page 2.3.1 Bullet 1, please clarify who the actual utility (electric) provider is

ANSWER: Southern California Edison

11) Statement of work Page 8 item 4.4.1

a. Bullet 3, can the utility bills for the last year be provided for the facility in order to perform this calculation? or at least the annual KW usage and average kilowatt cost

ANSWER: This is a design phase requirement. Utility bills will be provided during the design phase.

b. Bullet 4 will GSA be the recipient of all incentives and rebates or will these be assigned to the contractor?

ANSWER: GSA will be the recipient.

12) Statement of work Page 13 item 8.5.1 is the cost of the ten years of the maintenance cost to be borne by the contractor?

ANSWER: The Contractor has an extended warranty requirement, but not a maintenance requirement, for the system overall. The requirement at paragraph 8.5.1 refers only to providing a website for 10 years, not to any on-site maintenance.

13) Statement of Work (SOW) page 1 bullet item 2 in topic 2.2.1.1 can an offeror provide multiple offers addressing the varying potential of the system alternatives ? For example can an offeror provide different system (i.e. permanent fixed vs., seasonal tilt adjustments) options while only posting a single bid guarantee for the award ceiling amount?

ANSWER: Yes, we will consider alternate offers from the same source, so long as they are clearly distinguished from each other, and all documenrts marked as to which offer they apply to. In such a case a single bid guarantee can be provided, calculated based on the highest priced alternate.

14) Can you verify if the government is sales tax exempt on equipment costs?

ANSWER: GSA is exempt from state and local taxes including sales taxes. However, a contractor working for GSA is still responsible for sales tax for equipment purchased for the job (because the contractor is the purchaser, not GSA).

15) What are the layers of the roof?

ANSWER: See Statement of Work, page 15 of 18, section 8.7.2.

16) Do you have elevation drawings?

ANSWER: As mentioned above we will provide drawings during the design stage.

17) Are you going to do the roof repairs?

ANSWER: No, the contractor is responsible for protecting the roof during construction, and arranging for any repairs needed due to activity of the contractor. Leaving the roof in good condition is of great importance.

18) Is Western the only roofing company that can do repairs?

ANSWER: The warranty has been posted. The contractor must assure that terms of the warranty are not violated.

19) Has a structural engineer checked the load of roof?

ANSWER: No, we have not assessed this. The contractor will be responsible for a structural assessment as part of design.

20) Are you self-certifying? In other words, are the locals needing to inspect?

ANSWER: GSA is not subject to local jurisdiction inspections or permitting. GSA will do inspections with its own personnel, and will probably hire a construction manager to assist.

21) Will structural as-builts be provided?

ANSWER: No major structural changes have occurred since the original drawing, we can provide those to the awarded contractor for use in the design phase.

22) Is contractor required to coordinate with local utility?

ANSWER: Please see The Statement of Work, page 6 or 18, section 3.2.

23) When is the expected completion date?

ANSWER: See "Agreement", I.C. "Period of Performance"

24) Is NEC the standard for this project?

ANSWER: see page 4 of 18, Section 2.3.1. NEC compliance is required.

25) Will removal of structures (unused equipment enclosures) on the roof areas be allowed?

ANSWER: No

27) Does the Switch Gear room have a clear opening to the upper roof or do we have a chase?

ANSWER: there is a chase.

28) Is there an electrical room on the 2nd floor?

ANSWER: No

29)Can we use space outside the electrical room to install equipment?

AGREEMENT: Yes within reason; this was discussed at the Second Site meeting on the 17th.

30) Can we get a copy of the BLCCV.5.5-9?

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/information/download_blcc.html

31) Is the MCC East interior wall with double doors load bearing?

ANSWER: Discussed at meeting – space outside room is available and chain link enclosure will need to be installed by awarded contractor consistent with current enclosures (height, lock, gate, etc)

36) Are new permanent walkways to be affixed to the roof to facilitate array inspection and maintenance?

ANSWER: Yes, new walkways are required to be installed from the door to the main array areas

37) Are special installation provisions required to protect the roof during installation e.g., plywood?

ANSWER: The contractor is required to protect the roof during installation. Methods should be developed during design, and approved by GSA.

38) Where will be the allowed use for staging? Can we or do we need temporary fencing around the area?

ANSWER: A staging area is available in a covered area surrounded by a chain link fence near the MCC East. Contractors are responsible for securing material and equipment.

39) Can we leave a construction container onsight during duration of project?

ANSWER: Please use the staging area indicated.

40) Are we able to operate construction activities during nights and weekends?

ANSWER: This will need to be addressed on a case by case basis during construction.

41) Can we use loading area to stage crane to lift materials?

ANSWER: Yes, depending on size and placement.

42) On the monitoring, are you looking for string monitoring or array monitoring? Or both?

ANSWER: The monitoring is for the array only, string monitoring is not required.

43) Can we pipe and mount (if not already there) a water spigot on the rooftops where the array is to access water for cleaning/maintenance?

ANSWER: There are already active spigots available.

44) Would there be any requirement for any part of the solar system, even independent smaller self islanding system included with battery backup for emergency lighting and computers, for earthquake or other major event?

ANSWER: No

45) Based on the roofs age, would team need to guarantee the existing roof for the life expectancy of the panel warranty period for 25 years? Should we include NPV costs associated for removal and replacing solar system at year 15 to replace existing roof?

ANSWER: No

46) Would GSA also like the inclusion of an energy monitoring kiosk to be located in the front entrance lobby for employees and visitors to view energy production and sustainability efforts of the GSA?

ANSWER: Such a kiosk has been added as an amendment.