Rev 2_2024 HOTD RFI_ GSA Response to Industry Questions_Updated through 12.13.24 - Google Sheets.pdf

GSA Heating Operation and Transmission Division (HOTD) Request for Information ( )RFQ1733149 and RFQ1733150 GSA Response to Questions from Industry

Question

Source of Question Category Question GSA response

1 Industry Webinar #1 HOTD Customers What is the percentage of employees working in the buildings?

At present, most buildings are not fully occupied although utilization rates vary by building and tenant and can evolve as tenant policies may change. Please refer to the recent GAO Federal Real Property report that provides a general overview of an inquiry into the topic on federal real property utilization:

2 Industry Webinar #1 HOTD Customers How do the buildings receive the steam?

This varies by building. A majority of buildings use heat exchangers for HVAC and hot water, while some reduce the steam from HOTD down to low pressure steam at the building level and to send to radiators. The Smithsonian museums and some of the DC Court Buildings also use steam for re-heat during the summer.

3 Industry Webinar #1 HOTD Customers Do all buildings also receive chilled water?

No, while all buildings receive steam, only a subset also receive chilled water.

GSA's main chilled water customers are the Smithsonian, Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, and the National Gallery of Art. Please refer to the "REV1._HOTD High Level Customer Data and Facility Information" attachment in the RFI announcement which specifies which buildings receive steam verses chilled water.

4 Industry Webinar #1 HOTD Customers Is any inside-the-building envelope work anticipated under the overall program?

GSA would like to electrify the HOTD system as much as possible, but this may not necessarily be feasible for the entire system and its customers. GSA's design standard (The P100) and federal mandates include requirements for GSA's owned buildings to electrify, but this doesn't impact all of HOTD's customers.

5 Industry Webinar #1 HOTD Customers If the future system becomes fully distributed, who will own the individual building assets?

For many buildings connected to the HOTD system, ownership of the building is not likely to change unless the owner chooses to dispose of the building if it is in the owner's best interest (which is informed by many different factors and considerations). GSA for example has a real property disposal program that we can engage if a proposed solution might involve a potential transfer of ownership.

6 Industry Webinar #1 HOTD Customers Do any of the buildings have historical designations?

Yes, most of the buildings, including the HOTD plant itself, are included on the National Register of Historic Places and therefore subject to historic preservation requirements under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The National Parks Service maintains the complete National Register of Historic places, but you can also search on GSA-owned historic buildings at the following link:

https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-106200 https://www.gsa.gov/real-estate/historic-preservation/explore-historic-buildings/ find-a-building

7 Industry Webinar #1 HOTD Customers

Are the current steam and chilled water customers served under a tariff, or are there service agreements with term and duration?

There is a Memorandum of Agreement in place that governs the chilled water rates that we provide to the Smithsonian and the National Gallery of Art which lasts until 2030. We also have similar agreements governing steam rates with our customers. These agreements are similar to service agreements or tariffs, but the structures in place now do not necessarily have to be the long-term solution.

8 Industry Webinar #1 HOTD Customers

Would any facilities served by HOTD require security clearance to access? Would GSA sponsor security clearances?

Yes, but the degree of security does depend on the facility and its tenants.

GSA would sponsor background investigations for security clearances for necessary personnel after an RFP is awarded.

9 Industry Webinar #1 HOTD Customers Can GSA share a balance sheet for revenue and expenses related to the distribution system?

Please refer to the new "Balance Sheet" tab of the RFI attachment titled "Rev.

1_HOTD High Level Customer Data and Facility Information" where a high-level balance sheet has been added.

10 Industry Webinar #2 HOTD Customers What are the restrictions on contract term length for non-GSA customers?

Contract term length restrictions for non-GSA customers varies for receiving services from HOTD and may depend on the nature of the good/service.

11 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Customers How does HOTD track steam and chilled water use for billing its customers.

These utilities are tracked by building/customer utilizing 10 second interval meters that is imported into billing software.

12 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Customers Is the National Gallery of Art on the same chilled water loop at the Smithsonian Institute?

Yes, these customers are on the same chilled water loop. Further, the NGA has an air filter system in place that required a very precise 40.5 degree fahrenheit chilled water temperature (plus or minus one).

13 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Customers How many chilled water loops leave the plant and for what customers?

There are three chilled water loops, one each for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Department of Energy, and the Smithsonian Institute (which also includes the National Gallery of Art). The USDA and SI loops are cross-connected on both the supply and return lines, which gives some capability to divide the chiller plant. Of the 8 total chillers, there is an chiller a and chiller b in series with each other (on four different pods). Chiller A is the inlet for the chilled water and Chiller B is the inlet for condenser water.

14 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations Does any plant equipment have automatic start/stop capabilities?

Only the cooling towers have automatic start/stop capability. Everything else is initiated by the plant operator.

15 Industry Webinar #1 HOTD Operations What is the increase in price from HOTD to its customers and when will it be started?

For a number of years, GSA has sold steam at a flat rate of $38.90 per thousand pounds, regardless of customer size or time of year. Beginning this year, GSA adjusted our rate structure to implement a variable pricing structure, where rates are adjusted based on customer demand per month and time of year. For example, the average summer rate is about $44 per thousand pounds of steam and the average winter rate is about $45 per thousand pounds of steam.

16 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations What voltage does plant equipment operate on? Almost everything in the boiler and chiller plant operates on 4160 volt. Very few pieces of equipment operate on 480 volt.

17 Industry Webinar #1 HOTD Operations Does GSA have a decarbonization plan and/or strategy for the heating plant?

Yes, GSA has performed numerous studies on HOTD in the past to inform an overall strategy for future operations of HOTD. At present, the RFI includes what GSA is able to share, but may be able to provide information in the future as additional decisions have been made. The strategy, which will be implemented in a phased approach, is informed by both the financial viability of the HOTD system as well as the desire to reduce its environmental impact.

18 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations Has GSA examined thermal energy storage?

This has been considered, but there is currently no available footprint, except for the old coal yard where the fuel oil. gas compressors, and black start generators are presently located.

19 Industry Webinar #1 HOTD Operations

Can GSA provide information on the environmental liabilities such as presence of lead or asbestos within the HOTD system?

In 2014, GSA conducted an environmental site assessment (ESA) for hazardous materials at the HOTD Central Plant. The ESA found the presence of lead-based paint and asbestos containing materials. The building components where these materials were found were noted to be in generally good condition at the time of the ESA. Some minor residual Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) contamination was also noted (although fluid samples in the transformers did not indicate the presence of PCBs).

20 Industry Webinar #1 HOTD Operations

Can we assume that the RFI/future RFPs would include physical enhancements to the plant itself?

Potentially, but this would depend on whether the HOTD plant is actually part of the proposed solution (which may not be the case for all responses). For example a future scenario could see the plant fully decommissioned similar to when the West Heating Plant was disposed of by GSA many years ago.

21 Industry Webinar #1 HOTD Operations Is the current HOTD plant and or operation considered a regulated utility?

No, but it may become a regulated utility in the future if a private entity were to undertake the operations.

22 Industry Webinar #1 HOTD Operations

Are you aware of any electricity grid limitations at HOTD? Can electricity supply be increased by Pepco or local electric supplier?

While there are general grid restrictions within the Pepco territory, GSA works closely with Pepco to assess projects that could increase demand and/or capacity on the Pepco system. There is a limit to what current infrastructure can handle, but any proposed solutions would include coordination and collaboration with Pepco to anticipate grid impacts.

Relatedly, HOTD does have onsite electricity production from turbine generators. While much of the electricity is used within the plant itself, some is exported back to the local grid, which is controlled by an interconnect agreement.

23 Industry Webinar #2 HOTD Operations Is HOTD at end of life?

Much of the equipment in operation at HOTD is past its useful life. This paired with a significant amount of deferred maintenance and reduced operating efficiency (as the plant is operating well below its originally-designed capacity) make HOTD no longer feasible to continue to operate under current conditions.

24 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations

For the steam and chilled water distribution system, what is the percentage of tunnels vs.

buried pipe?

For steam, the distribution system consists of roughly 40% buried pipe (approximately 5 miles) and 60% tunnels (approximately 5 miles). The system includes approximately 70 manholes. For chilled water, the distribution system is all buried piping.

25 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations Do any other companies and/or utilities currently utilize the tunnel space?

The Smithsonian Institute and Department of State utilize tunnel space between their buildings for running fiber optic cabling. That is the only shared tunnel space at this time.

26 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations

How many chilled water pumps and condenser water pumps are used in the chilled water plant?

Do any chiller pumps have VFDs?

The chiller plant has 5 condenser water pumps rated at 10,000 gpm and a pony pump rated for 8,000 gpm. Chiller pumps #3 and #4 were recently modified with VFDs. Other than two cooling tower cells with VFDs, there are no other VFDs on fans or pumps in the plant.

27 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations Are the distribution system tunnels double-walled?

No, the tunnels are constructed of reinforced concrete, typically 8-12 inches thick.

28 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations

Can GSA describe the recent investments made in the tunnel system? What was the approximate cost of these investments?

A section of the 15th Street tunnel was excavated and repaired a few years ago, costing approximately $500,000. Over the past 4 years, concrete repairs inside the steam tunnels were performed, costing approximately $2.7 million.

The tunnel security alarm system has been repaired the past year for approximately $800k. Our maintenance contractor repairs and replaces equipment in the steam tunnels and manholes, such as steam traps, valves, expansion joints, and piping, usually costing around several hundred thousand dollars per year.

29 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations In reference to the tunnel distribution system, where is the west end tunnel capped off now?

See the attachment "HOTD Background, Optional Questions, and Privatization Examples" for a map of the current, operational tunnel network. Currently, the furthest customer on the west side of the system is the Department of State Harry S. Truman Federal building.

30 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations How often is GSA required to curtail its natural gas usage?

Washington Gas typically requires an annual curtailment event that lasts for 24 hours. For example there will be a 1-day curtailment on December 10, 2024.

Emergency curtailment events could happen at any time and the length varies based on the severity of the event, which is often weather-dependant.

31 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations

GSA cited a recent study that identified which current buildings are difficult to disconnect from the HOTD system. Can GSA share this information?

At this time, GSA has requested this list from the study developer. If we are not able to post this back to the RFI by the close, this information will be shared as relevant for any potential future solicitations.

32 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations

Are the gas compressors used to increase the incoming gas pressure to run the turbine generators electric?

Yes, they run off electricity.

33 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations Does the chiller plant utilize any optimization software?

There is software running that makes operations optimization recommendations, but as most of the control valves throughout the plant are pneumatic, manual adjustments from plant staff are required to implement the recommendations.

34 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations

How is HOTD complying with Title V of the Clean Air Act regarding nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

The HOTD plant must carefully track its NOx emissions through a continuous emissions monitoring system (CEMS). Under the plant's current operating permit from the DC Government, in a given 2-hour period, NOx emissions cannot exceed .2 pounds per MMBtu, but recent amendments to DC law have further lowered the allowable limit to .05 pounds per MMBtu beginning in January 2023. As a result, GSA must implement NOx reduction retrofits to its existing boilers, which is a significant expense. Low-NOx burners have been installed on Boiler #6 thus far, and a retrofit on Boiler #3 is planned next once it is funded (and in future, new burners will be installed on Boilers #1, #2, an #4.

Boiler #5 does not require this retrofit). Additionally, determinations on which boilers to operate at a given time is in part determined by NOx emissions (e.g.

Currently, boilers #3 and #4 do not operate 6 months out of the year because they are the highest NOx emitters). CO is also monitored in the CEMs system.

The plant's CEMS system is audited on an annual basis using a private contractor.

35 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations What is the typical pressure of the steam HOTD generates for its customers? Steam is generated at 240 pounds per square inch (psi) for its customers.

36 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations Is ammonia or urea-injection used on the boilers for emissions control?

No, there are currently no chemical injections performed on the boiler stacks for emissions control. This is largely a cost constraint issue.

37 HOTD Industry Tour

Operational Models

Would a privatized system or systems have to comply with the Washington, DC Building Energy Performance Standard?

Per D.C. Law 22-257. Clean Energy DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2018, Beginning January 1, 2023, all privately-owned buildings with at least 25,000 square feet of gross floor area; and

(3) Beginning January 1, 2026, all privately-owned buildings with at least 10,000 square feet of gross floor area must comply with the Building Energy Performance Standard. A link to this amendment is located here:

38 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations How many steam lines leave the plant?

The system has 4 main distribution lines. Each tunnel has two supply lines divided east and west for distribution. Most buildings can send back condensate that empties into the hotwell for reuse. Steam trap water also comes back for reuse as much as possible.

39 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations Approximately what percentage of condensate is returned from customers?

This varies by season and customer. In the winter, approximately 50-60% of condensate is returned. In the summer, approximately 40% of the condensate is returned. Building-specific return rates and challenges associated with condensate return are not available at this time.

40 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations How many service lines from Washington Gas feed the plant?

There is one main line for the boilers. There is a separate line that taps off of the main line to feed the gas compressors in order to operate the turbine generators (the turbine generators required 250 psi gas to operate).

41 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations Do the cooling tower fans have VFDs? The fans for cooling tower cells one and two have VFDs. All other cells have low speed/high speed fans.

42 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations

GSA mentioned using temporary boilers in past during plant outages. Are those boilers still in place?

No, these temporary boilers are not stored onsite. They are only brought in via semi trucks during outage events.

43 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations How is the fuel oil used at HOTD?

HOTD has the capacity to store about 1 million gallons of low-sulfur, Number 2 Fuel oil onsite. Is it used in the event of natural gas curtailment and/or a natural gas outage. At currently peak load, the stored fuel oil could maintain the plant between 7-12 days during a gas outage. The fuel oil is transported to the plant through semi trucks and has the ability to handle 25 tanker trucks in a given 24 hour period if needed. Per DC regulations, tanker trucks are not permitted in the city during daylight hours, but exceptions may be made during an emergency situation.

44 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations How often are the black start generators started?

Is load banking conducted?

As a preventative maintenance measure, the black start generators are tested every 6 months. Only if there is an extended electricity outage does GSA rely on these generators as the plant was not originally designed for black start operations or to operate in island mode (although the plant does have that capability in an emergency situation). Loadbanking is done annually.

45 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations

For the chiller plant control software, can the operational team see real-time individual building demand?

Yes

46 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations

Approximately how many steam and chilled water repairs are completed annually? Have repairs required excavation?

In general, chilled water system repairs are infrequent. For the steam system, on average, about 60 steam trap and/or condensate return repairs are completed per month.

https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/laws/22-257

47 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations How often are the tunnels inspected?

The maintenance contractor walks all 7-miles of tunnels once a week to inspect for leaks or other issues. Manholes are inspected once a month.

Maintenance is performed 1 time per year across 12 zones (1 zone is completed per month).

48 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations Is the Architect of the Capitol utility plant connected to the HOTD system in any way? No, and the systems do not share any tunnel space.

49 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations Are the distribution tunnels considered a confined space? Yes, a permit is required for all tunnel spaces.

50 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations What refrigerants are used in the chiller plant? There is one chiller that operates on R-22, all other chillers operate on 134-A.

51 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations Which boiler are the two (2) 5.5 MW turbine generators connected to?

The exhausted heat from the turbine generators is fed into Boiler #5 to help produce steam. Together, they produce an estimated 72,000 cubic feet per minute at about 1,000 degrees fahrenheit, capable of producing 50,000 lbm/h of steam. Much of the electricity produced from these generators is used to offset electricity use in the chiller plant or it is exported to the grid.

52 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations Are the turbine generators currently running at full capacity (11 MW)?

No, due to some current maintenance planned, the generators are running around 8MW total capacity but this is likely to increase back up to 10-11MW once the maintenance is completed.

53 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations What air temperature is needed for the turbine generators to run most efficiently?

The turbine generators are most efficient at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and so in the summer, we utilize some of the chiller plant capacity to cool the intake air for the turbine generators via a plate and frame heat exchanger.

54 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations What is the run time for the turbine generators?

The generators come offline in April and October for preventative maintenance by a contractor. Otherwise, the generators are shut down only in the event of a failure (of the turbine itself or the connected Boiler #5).

55 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations What is the impact of loss of water service from the local utility on plant operations?

Water is required for three major operational areas: condensate makeup water (not all condensate is returned in the system), the cooling towers, and water-cooled bearings for the fan motors. As a result, if an external water outage occurs, the plant is not able to operate. The plant does have a reverse osmosis (RO) system which has saved a significant amount of water usage, both through reusing water from the fan motors as well as increasing the cycles of concentration on the boilers. Today, the plant is operating at 76 cycles of concentration as a results of the improved water chemistry achieved from the RO system.

56 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations How much water does the RO system save?

When first installed, the RO system saved 100 million gallons of water. The project paid for itself in 7 months. Two years, an additional RO system was installed to maintain water demand.

57 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations

Does GSA have a maintenance plan to repair/replace components of the distribution system.

GSA is under considerable funding constraints that limits our ability to conduct the preventative maintenance typical of a utility plant of this size. This is a driver of GSA's issuance of this RFI

58 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations Who is the current natural gas commodity supplier? WGL Holdings; Washington Gas is the distributor.

59 HOTD Industry Tour HOTD Operations Does GSA have a special tariff with Pepco for compensation of exported electricity? No, the credit GSA receives is typically based on spot market price.

60 Industry Webinar #1

Industry Engagement

What is the timing for the HOTD Central Plant and DC Water Tours?

To register to attend a tour of either the HOTD Central Plant or the DC Water wastewater thermal energy system, please email: Kelli.Canada@gsa.gov. At present, we have three pre scheduled tours of the HOTD Central Plant from 12:30-2:00pm ET on 11/26; 12/3; and 12/5. Tours for the DC Water system are pre scheduled from 3:00pm-5:00pm also on 11/26; 12/3; and 12/5. Tour schedules may be adjusted based on demand.

61 Industry Webinar #1

Operational Models

Would GSA be interested in a long term concession model instead of privatization? If so, what is the length of terms that would be acceptable to GSA?

GSA is interested in long-term concession models among other options.

Regarding appropriate term length, we'd like to hear from industry on what acceptable term lengths might be that are financially viable. GSA does have the ability to do long term concessions for physical space.

62 Industry Webinar #1

Operational Models

Could solutions include growing the customer base to connect additional private buildings that would generate additional revenue for steam and chilled water?

While GSA does not have the authority to add other private customers to the current system, a private operator may have that authority which would need to be further explored with the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia. Further, future services don't necessarily need to be limited to steam and chilled water (e.g. hot water, electricity, etc.).

GSA

Stakeholder Coordination

Operational Models

What information can GSA share at this time on the role of the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia in enabling future projects?

The mission of the Public Service Commission (PSC) of the District of Columbia is to serve the public interest by ensuring that financially healthy utility companies provide safe, reliable and quality utility services at reasonable rates for District of Columbia customers. As such, new or modified energy generations projects within DC will require approval by the PSC to operate.

GSA is working closely with PSC on this RFI and its objectives, which could lead to one or more new energy generation projects. Interested parties are encouraged to review related, active applications and PSC orders on the PSCDC website to understand future requirements. Of particular interest may be Docket Number RM48-2022-01-E - 11 a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding Chapter 48 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations concerning multi-tenant microgrids.

64 Industry Webinar #1

Operational Models

If concession or privatization were attractive, would GSA support a private operator's right to pursue franchise or regulatory action to take on additional private customers?

GSA is not presently aware of an objection to a private entity taking that action.

65 Industry Webinar #1

Operational Models

Given the nature of assets serving federal buildings, is there a preference and/or limitation that the concessionary or private owner be headquartered in the US? Would international actors be considered?

The Buy America Act and Build America Buy America Act would apply to subsequent RFPs that may be issued; however this is a complex question that can be further explored in future RFPs.

66 Industry Webinar #2

Operational Models

Is GSA's intent to abandon the existing distribution system in place wherever possible?

Not necessarily, but it depends on the proposed solutions. When GSA decommissioned the West Heating Plant, some of the distribution system was abandoned in place while other sections were repurposed for telecommunications. Solutions may rely on continuing to use parts of the distribution system to deliver services. GSA is open to all ideas.

67 If privatized, would the new system owner/operator have to follow GSA regulations?

No, in the case of complete privatization of the HOTD system where GSA no longer owns the assets, the HOTD system would not need to follow GSA-specific regulations. However, any regulations associated with operating a utility within Washington, DC would still be required.

68 Industry

RFI Information & Objectives

Is the primary focus of this RFI for the GSA to solicit information gathering on viable HOTD central plant Operational and/or Ownership options with Decarbonization and Electrification a minor aspect that could be a subset of one or more options?

The primary focus of this RFI is to solicit information on viable HOTD ownership or decentralization options, which could include options for discreet parts of the HOTD system. All options are on the table. We want to hear from industry on what makes sense. Decarbonization and electrification should be addressed in your response as aspects of the options proposed.

69 Industry Webinar #2

RFI Information & Objectives

Does GSA want to fully electrify the HOTD system?

GSA would like to electrify the HOTD system as much as possible, but this may not necessarily be feasible for the entire system and its customers. GSA'

70 Industry Webinar #2

RFI Information & Objectives

Is GSA looking for a solution that fully covers design, build, ownership, operation, and maintenance?

That is one of a variety of solutions that GSA is interested in, but would necessitate third-party financing. GSA would also consider leasing options in lieu of changing ownership. We want to hear from industry what you think would work best.

71 Industry Webinar #1

RFI Information & Objectives How can I access the RFI?

The RFI is directly accessible at the following link:

https://feedback.gsa.gov/jfe/form/SV_0219Y93qwhr8V9k This link directs you to the RFI language, associated attachments, and is where interested parties will submit their response. GSA schedule holders can also find the RFI in GSA eBuy under RFQ1733149 and RFQ1733150.

72 Industry Webinar #1

RFI Information & Objectives

If I do not currently have a contract with GSA and/or do not have access to the eBuy system, can I respond to this RFI?

Yes, any entity is able to respond to this RFI by submitting their response at the following link: If for example the company does not have a UEI# or CAGE Code, responders may enter "N/A" into the field in order to submit the form and upload an RFI response.

73 Industry Webinar #1

RFI Information & Objectives

What will the impact of the proposed new department of government efficiency be on this project?

That is unknown at this time.

74 Industry Webinar #1

RFI Information & Objectives

Do we risk our ideas becoming an RFP in the future or are they private?

By submitting your response, you grant the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) the authority to share your information with other Government entities including Federal, State and Local Governments as well as the right to publish your market research response (including your company name and POC contact information) on Government-facing websites.

75 Industry Webinar #1

RFI Information & Objectives

What is GSA's schedule for RFI review, evaluation, and release of one or multiple RFPs?

GSA does not have a precise schedule as it will depend on the nature of the RFI responses; however, GSA intends to act quickly and it is possible that one or more Requests for Proposals may be issued in 2025. For example, based on solutions proposed, GSA may need to affirm actions that GSA is authorized to execute.

76 Industry Webinar #1

RFI Information & Objectives

Will responding to this RFI impact a company's response to a future, related RFP?

The information received from this RFI may be used in the preparation of a Request for Proposal(s) (RFPs). Participation in this RFI will not impact respondents’ eligibility to respond to any subsequent RFP that may be issued.

77 Industry Webinar #1

RFI Information & Objectives

What is the greatest priority for GSA?

Decarbonization or Risk transfer through change in ownership and/or operations?

While these are both important priorities for GSA, the main priority for GSA for this RFI is identifying one or more solutions (including partial solutions that may address smaller components of the HOTD system) that improves the long-term financial viability of the system overall.

https://feedback.gsa.gov/jfe/form/SV_0219Y93qwhr8V9k.

78 Industry

RFI Information & Objectives What is the role of DC Water in this RFI?

DC Water and its underground sewer return tunnels are physically proximate to many of HOTD's current customers (for example, buildings along Constitution Avenue). The thermal capacity of this resource could provide a viable solution to heat and cool buildings that might otherwise be difficult to disconnect from the HOTD system. DC Water has installed a wastewater heat recovery system at its headquarters facility and has offered to provide tours to industry that might consider this technology in their response. However, this is just meant to serve as one of multiple potential solutions. For further information on the technology, please refer to the PDF attachment in the RFI, titled " DC Water Wastewater Thermal Energy Overview." We also encourage interested parties to sign up for one of the available tours by contacting: Kelli.Canada@gsa.gov.

79 Industry Webinar #1

RFI Information & Objectives

Do you encourage respondents to include potential partnerships needed to execute their plan or recommendation?

Yes, responses may include proposed partnerships (particularly primary partners) that would demonstrate all the qualifications needed to execute a solution, but as this is an RFI at this point, it is not necessary. Proposed solutions may be evaluated far more rigorously in future RFPs. This RFI is meant to be open and flexible to all ideas even if necessary partnerships have not been developed. GSA expects that interested parties will not have enough time to develop extensive partnerships to include in a response to this RFI before responses are due on 12/20/24.

80 Industry Webinar #1

RFI Information & Objectives

Does the HOTD system in the RFI include the tunnels?

Yes, in addition to the HOTD plant itself, the RFI does include solutions for the nearly 12 miles of tunnels and buried pipes.

81 Industry Webinar #1

RFI Information & Objectives

If GSA issues an RFP, will is specify the list of buildings included?

Yes, the list of included buildings for a particular project will be specified in any future RFPs.

82 Industry Webinar #1

RFI Information & Objectives

For future RFPs, will GSA share building-specific information like floor plans or mechanical drawings?

GSA will share whatever information is available and publicly shareable on building systems to inform RFP responses.

83 Industry Webinar #1

RFI Information & Objectives

In general, chilled water system repairs are infrequent. For the steam system, on average, about 60 steam trap and.or condensate return repairs are completed per month. While infrequent, excavation work has been required for system repair. In FY24, this occurred three times.

This depends. DC is located in a deregulated electricity market, and so while Pepco is responsible for transmission and distribution of electricity within DC, customers have options of where they purchase the electricity from. Whether the energy generation is from renewable or fossil fuel-based sources will therefore vary by producer. For example, under current federal mandates, GSA has procured a significant amount of carbon pollution-free electricity for many of its buildings throughout the country. DC is part of the PJM regional transmission organization, which provides data on the overall grid's generation fuel mix, located here: h

84 Industry Webinar #2

RFI Information & Objectives

85 Industry Webinar #2

RFI Information & Objectives ttps://www.pjm.com/markets-and-operations.aspx

Does the RFI give preference to small and/or disadvantaged businesses?

No, the RFI does not have any limitations and is full and open to all interested responders. For future potential requests for proposals, GSA may decide to invoke these priorities in a solicitation to the extent they are legally required, but that is unknown at this time.

How does this RFI interact with GSA's current national deep energy retrofit (NDER) projects?

GSA is taking action now on a number of it's owned and operated facilities to disconnect from HOTD by both improving the energy efficiency and electrification.

These projects are being executed through energy savings performance contracts that may be supplemented with funds from the Inflation Reduction Act. But, there are many more facilities connected to HOTD, particularly buildings that GSA does not own or operates, that require additional solutions. This RFI is seeking solutions for these facilities.