VLF (Very Low Frequency) Testing Power Lines

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

For VLF Testing of the 911th Air Force Reserve Base Medium Voltage Power Lines Revision: 1 DATE: 21 July 2026

I. PRINCIPAL FEATURES OF WORK:

The Contractor shall provide all materials, labor, and equipment for the requirements specified in this Statement of Work (SOW). The Contractor shall submit all required documents in accordance with the below instructions. The Contractor shall verify site conditions and conduct all field surveys and measurements as necessary to complete this project.

This contract utilizes a performance-based approach in accordance with FAR Part 37.6. The primary objective is to verify the integrity and insulation strength of the designated medium voltage power lines to ensure safe and reliable operation.

All references to government and industry standards must be based on the versions current at the time of the solicitation. All work shall be in accordance with the following applicable standards:

All DoD Unified Facility Criteria (UFC). See Whole Building Design Guide: http://www.wbdg.org.

Air Force Engineering Technical Letters. See https://www.e-publishing.af.mil Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: Publication 408 Applicable industry standards (ASHRAE, ANSI, AASHTO, OSHA etc.)

State and Federal OSHA regulations National Fire Protection (NFPA-70, NFPA-70B) Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE 400.2, 400-2012, IEEE 43) International Electrical Testing Association (NETA) VLF testing is the preferred method. It is a non-destructive method that verifies the integrity of the cable insulation by applying an AC voltage at a low frequency, typically between 0.01 Hz and 0.1 Hz. All installation of materials shall be completed by qualified personnel, certified in VLF testing and medium voltage cable testing.

1. Scope: VLF Testing

1.1. General: The contractor shall develop and execute a comprehensive VLF testing plan that ensures the integrity and reliability of the medium voltage power lines. The plan must be submitted for government approval and, upon execution, must verifiably demonstrate that the system meets or exceeds the performance standards outlined in IEEE 400.2.

1.1.1. Stages: Work may not proceed until the Government has certified the testing schedule.

1.1.2. On-site design kick-off shall occur within two weeks after notice-to-proceed. The contractor shall spend a minimum of 16 hours on site (exclusive of travel time) to review existing equipment, utilities, drawings, client operations, client requests, and scenario development. Verify conditions and dimensions of existing power distribution. If necessary, remove existing construction to expose concealed elements or systems requiring verification. Patch exploratory areas to maintain integrity, weather-tightness, and safety of electrical system.

1.1.2.1. Design mid-point (50%) shall occur within two weeks after design kick-off. This stage shall include all calculations and layouts required to complete the VLF Testing. On-site meeting, if necessary, shall be coordinated via the Contracting Officer.

1.1.2.2. Design completion (100%) shall occur within two weeks after the government accepts 50% design. This stage shall include the final construction schedule.

1.1.2.3. Government acceptance of the completed design and schedule approval is expected within two weeks of receipt of the completed design.

2. Pre-Testing Activities:

2.1. Site Survey and Planning:

2.1.1. Conduct a site visit to assess the accessibility of the power lines and identify potential hazards.

2.1.2. Review existing documentation and drawings of the power line system.

2.1.3. Develop a detailed testing plan, including testing procedures, test voltages, duration, and safety precautions.

2.1.4. Coordinate with the facility owner for power outages and isolation of the test circuit.

2.2. Equipment Preparation and Calibration:

2.2.1. Inspect and verify the proper functioning of the VLF testing equipment, including the VLF tester, grounding equipment, and safety devices.

2.2.2. Calibrate the VLF tester according to manufacturer's specifications and document the calibration results.

2.2.3. Ensure that all personnel involved in the testing are properly trained and qualified to operate the equipment and perform the tests safely.

2.3. Safety Briefing and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures:

2.3.1. Conduct a comprehensive safety briefing for all personnel involved in the testing, emphasizing potential hazards and safety procedures.

2.3.2. Implement proper Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures to ensure that the test circuit is completely de-energized and isolated from the power source.

2.3.3. Verify that all grounding connections are properly installed and functioning before commencing testing.

2.4. Testing Activities:

2.4.1. Isolation and Grounding:

2.4.1.1. Visually confirm that the circuit is de-energized and isolated from the power source.

2.5. VLF Testing:

2.5.1. Equipment operation may need to be performed prior to testing. Engineering must be notified, and additional coordination needs to be performed prior to energization or de-energization.

2.5.2. Apply the specified VLF voltage to the power lines for the specified duration, gradually increasing the voltage to the test level.

2.5.3. Monitor the leakage current during the test and record the readings at regular intervals.

2.5.4. Continuously observe the power lines for any signs of insulation breakdown, such as arcing, tracking, or audible discharges.

2.5.5. In case of insulation failure, immediately reduce the voltage to zero and investigate the cause of the failure.

2.5.6. Perform insulation resistance testing IAW IEEE 43 to objectively identify the location and extent of the damage.

2.5.7. Install temporary grounding connections at both ends of the test section and at any other necessary points.

2.5.8. Verify the integrity of the grounding connections using appropriate testing methods.

3. Post-Testing Activities:

3.1. Removal of Test Equipment and Grounding:

3.1.1. After the test is completed, gradually reduce the voltage to zero.

3.1.2. Restore the power lines to their normal operating configuration.

3.1.3. Discharge the cable using a discharge rod for a minimum of 5 minutes.

4. Data Analysis and Reporting:

4.1. Analyze the test data, including the leakage current readings, to determine the condition of the insulation.

4.1.1. Prepare a comprehensive report in a digital spreadsheet format that includes the following:

4.1.1.1. Project description and objectives.

4.1.1.2. Testing procedures and equipment used.

4.1.1.3. Test results detailing: Circuit ID, Test Voltage, Test Duration, Leakage Current Readings at 1-minute intervals, and a definitive Pass/Fail determination for each segment.

4.1.1.4. Time-stamped photographs or videos of any defects or anomalies observed during testing.

4.1.1.5. Recommendations for repair or replacement of damaged equipment.

4.1.1.6. Calibration certificates for the testing equipment.

4.1.1.7. Safety procedures followed.

4.1.2. Defect Resolution:

4.1.2.1. Repair or replace any damaged equipment identified during testing, according to the manufacturer's recommendations and applicable standards.

4.1.2.2. Retest the repaired sections to ensure that the insulation integrity has been restored.

5. Safety:

5.1. All testing activities shall be conducted in accordance with applicable safety standards and regulations, including but not limited to OSHA, ANSI, and IEEE standards.

5.2. All personnel involved in the testing shall be properly trained and qualified to operate the equipment and perform the tests safely.

5.3. A detailed safety plan shall be developed and implemented before commencing testing.

6. Quality Assurance:

6.1. All testing activities shall be performed in accordance with a quality assurance plan that ensures the accuracy and reliability of the test results (IAW FAR 46.401).

6.2. The testing equipment shall be calibrated according to the manufacturer's specifications and documented.

6.3. The test results shall be reviewed and any defects shall be addressed.

7. Acceptance Criteria:

7.1. The project shall be considered complete when all testing activities have been performed in accordance with this scope of work, the test results have been documented and approved, and all defects have been repaired or replaced.

7.2. The acceptance criteria for the VLF testing shall be based on the applicable industry standards, the manufacturer's recommendations, and the latest National Electrical Testing (NETA) standards. Specifically, the power lines will be deemed acceptable if they withstand the test voltage for the specified duration without any insulation breakdown. The maximum acceptable leakage current shall not exceed the thresholds established in IEEE 400.2 for the specific cable type and length.

7.3. Maintenance Test (Aged Cables): The recommended minimum testing time is 30 minutes.

7.4. Installation/Acceptance Test (New Cables): The recommended minimum testing time is 60 minutes.

8. Changes to Scope:

8.1. Any changes to this scope of work must be agreed upon in writing by both the Contractor and 911th Air Force Base Contracting.

II. PERTINENT INFORMATION:

A. Performance Period: The performance period shall be 300 days from Notice to Proceed (NTP). The Contractor shall submit the schedule upon receipt of NTP. The reschedule will reflect the design period mentioned in paragraph "1.1." above. Expect the affected buildings to be occupied during the construction phase. In order to maintain the building environment, the Contractor will include alternate sources of heating sufficient to maintain an indoor temperature of no less than 65°F during construction. No work is to be performed over a Unit Training Assembly (UTA) weekend unless required for emergency work as determined by the Government.

B. Working Hours: The facilities will be made available to the Contractor from 7:00am to 6:30pm, Monday through Friday, five (5) days a week, excluding U.S. Federal holidays. The Contractor shall notify the Government three (3) working days in advance if work needs to be performed outside of these working hours. No work will be performed on Unit Training Assembly weekends. Vehicles must be inspected prior to installation access; inspection services are only available between 7:00am and 4:00pm unless prior arrangements are made. Work may be conducted on nights and weekends: Work outside of these weekdays and hours may – and should be – considered by the contractor in preparation of bids for this project and coordinated via the Request For Information (RFI) process with Contracting and Engineering. Work schedule shall be discussed at site visits during the pre-bid process.

C. Installation and Building Access: Contractor personnel will require base passes and escorts to access buildings. Access times will be scheduled with building Facility Managers through the 911th Civil Engineering Government Representative. The Contractor’s site superintendent will maintain a copy of the AF Form 103, “Base Civil Engineering Work Clearance Request,” on site at all times.

D. Technical Requirements: Those qualified personnel with a license or certification shall be at the job site, either directly supervising or performing site work. The Contractor is responsible for identifying these requirements. The Contractor is further responsible for executing abatement and environmental controls required to comply with Federal and state regulations concerning these hazards within the confines of all areas affected by this project.

E. Statutory Cost Limitation (IAW DFARS 252.236-7006): This project is not applicable to the Statutory Cost Limitation.

F. Drawings: The Government has provided drawings of the intended repair area of the existing facility only. These drawings are for reference only. Contractor is responsible for verifying all final locations and quantities. Drawings provided are to be red-line marked up for as-built condition by the Contractor and returned to the Government upon project close out.

G. Documents Required: All documents required under this Contract include, but are not limited to, as-built drawings, all correspondence of any nature whatsoever, and all other written communications documents, drawings, reports, etc. All submitted documentation will follow instructions provided by Attachment, “Specification Section 01 78 30 – Project Record Documents.” Contractor shall submit all materials to be installed and brought onto the installation for approval prior to commencement of work.

H. Base Requirements: Contractors will follow the base specifications in Attachments. This lays out facility access requirements, behavior expectations, and other general conditions and Air Force requirements while performing this work.

ALL personnel entering the Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station (ARS) are required to have a pass; escorting is NOT permitted. Five (5) business days prior to the desired date of access or start of on-site work, the Contractor shall submit applications for base passes to the Contracting Officer for all employees, subcontractor employees, and vehicles requiring access to Pittsburgh ARS.

It is recommended that contractor personnel requiring regular access over an extended period can apply for a Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) card. This identification card can be renewed at six-month intervals.

ALL commercial vehicles accessing the installation must be inspected in the Commercial Vehicle Inspection facility prior to entry, regardless of Contractor credentials. It is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure that vehicular traffic is coordinated with Security Personnel to ensure Quality Control of materials.

Upon completion of this Contract, the Contractor shall return all employee and vehicle passes to the Visitor Control Center (Building 107) and obtain a Certification of Receipt. Final payment will be withheld until the Contractor has submitted the Certificate confirming all passes have been returned.

The Government shall not be held responsible for any delay to the contract period of performance if the Contractor failed to submit required documentation in a timely manner or their employees are refused entrance due to failure to follow specified procedures.

I. Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) and Options. This project is a single line item effort.

III. WARRANTY:

A. Manufacturers warranty: A twenty-year no monetary limit full system manufacturer’s warranty is required. The warranty shall cover materials, full system water-tightness, and be from the source manufacturer. The full system warranty value shall not be prorated over the warranty period.

B. General Contractor Warranty: In addition to the above, require a Five Year General Contractor Bonded Watertightness Warranty is required. The signatures on the bond must be between the Bonding Company and the Government.

IV. Attachments:

A. Drawings B. Photos C. Specification Section 01 14 00 – Work Restrictions D. Specification Section 01 32 00 – Construction Progress Documentation E. Specification Section 01 34 00 – Submittal Procedures F. Specification Section 01 40 00 – Quality Requirements G. Specification Section 01 41 00 – Environmental Specifications H. Specification Section 01 59 50 – Safety Requirements I. Specification Section 01 73 00 – Contract Close-Out Procedures J. Specification Section 01 73 89 – Cutting and Patching