SFSIAQ16Q4008_Q A_Final.docx

Electrical Power Generation Solicitation Q&A

(1) Please advise what size (kW or KVA) and brand generators are used by the Foreign Service. This will aid in understanding the range of systems that the students would encounter and thus affect the course material.

Response:

Depending on the Embassy footprint there is a wide range of commercial and residential sizes used and many of the power systems being installed during the construction of New Embassy Compounds (NECS) are state of the art. Locations that have reliable city power may have a back-up power configuration of multiple generators ranging from 300 – 550 KVA.

Some critical locations have unreliable city power and may operate 24hour mission critical power generation plants to support a footprint the size of a small city. The power plants at these locations may use a range of prime generators up to 1200 kVA in a multiple configuration.

Residential generators can range on average from 25- 125 VA

(2) Please advise of the range of qualifications and current knowledge of generators by the Facility Managers and LES. What is the expectation of the students in performing repairs once trained? Will they be required to troubleshoot and implement minor repairs such as replacing breakers and sensors, or major repairs such as replacing the alternator or fuel pump?

Response:

DOS Facility Managers hired have a wide range of knowledge in the various trades disciplines. Depending on their past work experience they may have varying degrees of knowledge and experience in the electrical field. Locally employed staff is required to have a good working knowledge of electrical principles and theory, and some practical hands on experience to qualify for employment. The Facility Manager and the LES staff are required to maintain, troubleshoot and initiate a full range of minor repairs. The FM team also works with vendors and electrical engineers in Washington to keep critical systems online. The level of preventative maintenance and top end rebuilds done in-house will vary by staff experience, location, and certified service and repair vendors in country.

(3) It is understood that pricing is provided on a per session basis. However, it is necessary to have some indication of the Government’s best estimate of the number of sessions per year, the frequency of the sessions (sporadic or regular intervals), and the number of students per session. This will determine resourcing and ultimately effect pricing.

Response:

The number of sessions is based on the official FSI training course catalog published each year. Electrical Power Training Course offerings historically average between 3 – 5 per year.

(4) A large commercial generator is required for conduct of the hands on portion of the training. Will the Government provide a generator or is the contractor required to provide the generator?

Response:

Contractor is required to provide all generator(s) and related system components such as, (automatic transfer switches and voltage regulators, etc.) used for instructor demonstration and student hands on training.

(5) Section F 2 of the RFP indicates the place of performance is within 50 miles of the FSI address in Arlington, but Section G 3 Travel indicates “Travel outside of Metropolitan Washington, DC may be required for the delivery of training at U.S. Diplomatic Missions located overseas as well as other locations throughout the United States.” Will the contractor be required to travel to other US locations and overseas in execution of this contract? If so, please define potential locations and frequency of travel. Also, will any of the locations overseas be designated Danger Pay posts by the US Department of State? If so, how is the contractor to address costs such as post hardship differential and danger pay? Section G 3 only addresses travel costs. Also, will the Government provide generators at those locations or will the contractor be required to provide one for hands on training?

Response:

The service requested is primarily to provide training within 50 miles of FSI. A nearby training facility that has a full working mechanical room with generators, voltage regulators, transfer switches, and switch gear would be ideal. As we begin to move toward the regional training concept we may potentially be asked to provide two one week training sessions per year at the regional centers. These services would be initiated on a task order, if required.

The primary target group for regional training is the local embassy technical staff. Contractor selected may on a case by case basis be required to deliver training at the Florida and Frankfurt Regional Centers. The frequency of training will depend on the number of field requests in a given year. Offering the training once or twice a year is envisioned. The government will provide generators and related power system components at these locations. Travel to danger zones to include danger pay will not be required.