RFP Amendment 3.pdf

NATIONAL

LABORATORY

OF THE ROCKIES

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION

Request for Proposal No. SUB-2025-

10354 Amendment No. 03

Date: 12/15/2025

ISSUED BY:

NATIONAL LABORATORY OF THE ROCKIES

15013 Denver West Parkway

Golden, CO 80401

PROJECT NAME: "Integrated Biorefinery Facility North

High Bay Revitalization Custom Equipment"

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth below. The hour and date specified for receipt of offers

[ ] is not extended. [X ] is extended to 1/30/2026

FAILURE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS AMENDMENT MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER.

EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE SOLICITATION DOCUMENT

REMAIN UNCHANGED AND IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.

Subcontract Administrator: Todd Labosky

The purpose of this Amendment is to document questions and answers provided on the above-mentioned

Request for Proposal (RFP) and to extend the proposal due date.

Part A – Questions/Answers

*Please note that revised/updated PIDs are attached to this document and will be incorporated into the final documents/Statement of Work for this work effort.

Question 1: Does NLR/NREL want a turnkey solution with complete skids delivered? Or … the measurement and control devices only with skids fabricated locally?

Response 1: NLR/NREL is requesting complete skids delivered. NLR/NREL is not using this RFP as a way to purchase individual pieces of equipment.

Question 2: Does NLR/NREL have a preferred fabrication partner for delivery of the complete package? Or … can Offeror work with our approved vendors and integration companies?

Response 2: The preferred fabrication partner needs to be one that is technically competent with a work product that backs up that claim. Examples of previous skids fabricated are a big plus. You may work with whichever vendors you’d like as long as the skid meets ASME B31.3 and other applicable codes as outlined in the documentation with this RFP.

Question 3: Is there a feed system NLR/NREL would like quoted as well? As it is right now, the feed system is not included in the P&IDs, so there will be no control of the feed to the Hydroprocessor and Distillation units.

Response 3: The feed tank is shown in RFP Revision 2. The tank and associated instrumentation will be provided by NLR/NREL (a tank we already own). The feed pump is the new item needed on that P&ID.

Question 4: Documents describe interest in adding vacuum pump/equipment for distillation tower in the future. Should this equipment be included as separate, optional line item in this quote? Distillation tower will be rated for full vacuum.

Response 4: The distillation tower does need to be rated for full vacuum because steam out is anticipated as a maintenance/cleaning method. NLR/NREL is purchasing a separate vacuum skid NOT included in this RFP.

Question 5: Will the blower for air coolers as shown in P&ID D.004 in Amendment 2 be provided by the facility or is it within the offeror’s scope of work?

Response 5: The air cooler needs to be included with the offeror’s scope of work as it is required for both the hydroprocessing unit and distillation column.

Question 6: Are the liquid and vapor sample systems, shown in P&ID D.004 in Amendment 2, to be included in the offeror’s scope of work?

Response 6: They can be constructed from parts and pieces as long as they meet the process condition requirements (MAWP/MAWT/materials of construction/etc).

General:

Question 7: Does NLR/NREL already have pipe specifications they would like to be used?

Response 7: NLR/NREL does not have pipe specifications beyond what’s required by ASME B31.3 and B31.12.

We prefer ANSI pipe labelling standards and colors.

Question 8: Does NLR/NREL have any preferred vendors for purchased equipment and/or catalyst?

Response 8: NLR/NREL cannot specify preferred vendors. The catalyst will be supplied by whatever researcher at NLR/NREL. Please do NOT supply catalyst.

Question 9: Do ladders/platforms need to be included for access to the top of equipment, or will ladders/mobile lifts be used?

Response 9: It is preferred to have access to the top of the equipment if it can fit within the NLR/NREL IBRF high bay space. We do have mobile lifts if needed.

Question 10: Offeror is assuming that no cranes/hoists need to be included for equipment maintenance. Please confirm.

Response 10: Correct. Do not include cranes or hoist. However, NLR/NREL’s facility will have structural locations within our processing bay to erect and hoist. Having locations to hoist from, if it makes sense, is appreciated.

Question 11: Will NLR/NREL be responsible for purchasing equipment spares, or does Offeror need to provide any?

Response 11: NLR/NREL to purchase spares. Please provide a recommended equipment spare list with the equipment final engineering package.

Question 12: Note, HAZOP is not included in Attachment 1- SOW's Review Meetings and Travel Requirements

(5.0), but an in-person HAZOP at NLR/NREL's site is assumed to be required. Please confirm.

Response 12: In person HAZOP is preferred, but not required. NLR/NREL will frequently perform PHA’s/HAZOPs in a hybrid setting with partners.

Question 13: Will NLR/NREL provide models for previously created heat and material balances, or do these need to be developed by Offeror? If provided, what software is used? If Offeror provided, please confirm if there are any limitations on software used to create the balance beyond the previously stated prohibition of Excel.

Response 13: NLR/NREL will provide the previous heat and material balances. Aspen software was used to develop. No other limitations – most software applications for process modeling should be fine.

Question 14: Does there need to be a single electrical feed to each skid, or will motors, heaters, etc. be wired to an existing MCR? Will NLR/NREL provide motor starters and VFDs, or will the Offeror supply?

Response 14: There will be 3 phase 480V, 3 phase 208V, and 120volt power supplies available for each skid. We would prefer a minimal number of electrical feeds to each skid, but realize that may not be achievable.

NLR/NREL will not supply motor starters or VFDs. The offeror is to supply those, typically located in a vendor-supplied panel proximal to the skid.

Hydroprocessor

Question 15: Att. 2- Pg 3 notes that a hydrocracker should be considered as an alternative case. Do the HDO reactors need to be designed for both uses, hydrodeoxygenation and hydrocracking, or just one or the other?

Response 15: Both is preferred because NLR/NREL does not believe the severity of the hydrocracking done by researchers will be severe enough to warrant a different design.

Question 16: Is there benefit in adding a hydrocracking reactor step between the HDO reaction and the distillation column?

Response 16: There is a benefit, yes. This could be listed as scope add item/optional upgrade in offeror’s bid.

Question 17: Will soybean oil and canola oil be mixed and processed at the same time, or only processed independently in separate campaigns?

Response 17: They will be mixed.

Question 18: For relief valve design, is any evaluation required of the impacts of relief valve discharges on the flammable gas header? Or is that system known to have sufficient capacity already?

Response 18: The flammable gas header is new and is currently sized at 6”. The Thermal Oxidizer it is routed to will have a knockout pot upstream, but none of that has been sized or purchased yet. An evaluation of the relief valve design is expected as a part of the detailed design phase. Offeror’s quote/proposal should reflect that scope of work.

Question 19: Assuming that first fill of catalyst for the two installed HDO reactors is required, but no additional catalyst needs to be supplied. Please confirm.

Response 19: No catalyst is to be supplied. NLR/NREL will provide as it will change depending on research needs.

Distillation Column

Question 20: Att. 3- Pg 2 notes that "The overhead receiver should be sized for five minutes of holdup and surge time at a minimum." Is this meant to imply 5 minutes holdup + 5 minutes surge capacity or 5 minutes total (minimum)?

Response 20: Five minutes total

Question 21: Is any evaluation of the vacuum system required, or can that utility support the expected demand?

Response 21: The utility will support the expected demand. The skid is being purchased outside of this RFP but is using the same design basis.

Question 22: Att.3 - Pg 2 notes another option being live steam for stripping. Does this feature need to be incorporated into the tower design?

Response 22: Good catch. A nozzle on the bottom for steam should be included in the fabrication with the ability to blank/blind it for cases where it is not needed.

Question 23: Per Att.3- Pg 30, assuming that 4 packing support plates and 1 liquid distributor plate will be required. Please confirm.

Response 23: Yes – we need to discuss this in a detailed design phase as to if the sizing of the column will need to change slightly to accommodate those. Please plan for that work appropriately in your bid.

Question 24: Confirming that all connections to the tower should be hard piped and that no piping/hoses needs to be supplied for tower configurations with less than the full amount of sections installed.

Response 24: The hard piped assumption is correct. NLR/NREL will purchase whatever is required to retrofit a shorter column in the future.

Question 25: Consider if pressure transmitters at the bottom and top of the tower are an acceptable alternative to a dP transmitter. This would provide more data, and it would make it simpler to remove tower sections by providing slack in the cabling to accommodate different distances, and not needing to retube the dP transmitter.

Response 25: Please purchase a capillary differential pressure transmitter for this service. The spec sheet for 2300-dP-001 has been revised to reflect this specific change in Revision 2 of the information package.

Question 26: Offeror is assuming that first fill of random packing for distillation column is required, but no additional packing needs to be supplied. Please confirm

Response 26: Correct assumption.

Question 27: RFP+Amendment+2 notes that the clear height is 24'. The distillation tower is 20' tall; with piping and the skid frame, there will be less than 4'. Is this enough room of NLR/NREL to install rigging to change piping/column sections for future experiments? Consider if two distillation towers, each nominally 10 ft tall, in series would be a desirable alternative. This would be easier to move through the building and would be easier to modify in the future.

Response 27: This, unfortunately, is cost dependent. Adding another distillation tower will increase the overall price and may make this more expensive than NLR/NREL would like. NLR/NREL would prefer one tower. This subject should be discussed in a detailed design and the time/labor for this should be reflected in your bid. If detailed design warrants a change, a change order should be issued for the difference in price.

Administrative and Proposal Requirements

Question 28: May the hydroprocessor and distillation column be included within one combined proposal document, or should each be submitted separately?

Response 28: As stated in RFP Amendment 1, NLR/NREL is requesting a separate technical proposal and proposed payment schedule (ie price proposal) for the hydroprocessor unit and distillation unit. Separate proposals are requested for evaluation purposes so NLR/NREL can keep options open for most advantageous selection for each individual unit. If an offeror is proposing on both, and a discount is offered for selection of both, please provide the details on any such discounts. NLR/NREL has added a revised proposed payment schedule to the RFP, Attachment 5- Revised Proposed Payment Schedule, which provides a breakout by each individual unit.

Question 29: Could you please confirm that proprietary information included in engineering documents and models will be protected under the “Rights in Data - Facilities” clause?

Response 29: Proprietary information included in engineering models and documents that is marked as "limited rights data" or "restricted computer software" is protected under the Rights in Data - Facilities clause. The marking requirements are in the Rights in Data-Facilities clause.

Question 30: Could NLR/NREL please confirm whether fabrication of process equipment in foreign country is acceptable under the Buy American Act (BAA) provisions referenced in Section 7 of RFP No. SUB-2025-10354?

Response 30: Yes, fabrication of process equipment outside of the US is acceptable. Offerors should be aware that NLR/NREL will evaluate offers in accordance with the policies and procedures of Part 25 of the FAR. In compliance with the Buy American Act, preference will be given to domestic offers., and foreign offers will be adjusted for evaluation purposes in accordance with FAR 25.106 and Subpart 25.5 (as such terms are defined in

FAR 25.003).

Question 31: If fabrication occurs in a foreign country but final delivery, installation, and commissioning take place at NLR/NREL’s site, would this be considered compliant under FAR Part 25 and DOE procurement rules?

Response 31: Yes, however Buy American Act evaluation factors may apply.

Question 32: If foreign fabrication is permitted, will NLR/NREL require a country-of-origin certification or Buy American compliance statement to be submitted with the proposal or prior to award?

Response 32: This is addressed in the Offeror’s Representations and Certifications which is a required document to be submitted with Offeror’s proposal package. The NLR/NREL Representations and Certification form can be found at https://www.NLR/NREL.gov/workingwithus/forms https://www.nrel.gov/workingwithus/forms

Question 33: Would NLR/NREL prefer that major materials and components (such as pressure vessels, valves, or controls) be sourced from U.S. suppliers even if the system is fabricated in a foreign country?

Response 33: NLR/NREL is seeking the best value on the equipment purchase. Preference is given to US products though the Buy American Act. If the cost of components mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States exceeds 65% for items delivered in calendar years 2024-2028, the product could be considered a “domestic end product.” See FAR 52.225-1 for further information.

Scope of Work Clarifications (Attachment 1)

Question 34: Could NLR/NREL please clarify which commissioning activities will be led by NLR/NREL personnel versus the subcontractor/Offeror, particularly regarding hazardous commissioning?

Response 34: NLR/NREL will be installing the equipment onsite. This installation includes hazardous commissioning.

Question 35: May the subcontractor/offeror use standard licensed control software (such as Opto 22 or Allen- Bradley) without violating the “no open-source” code requirement?

Response 35: Yes, standard licensed control software is required to satisfy the technical requirements of this

RFP.

Question 36: Does the requirement for photo release forms apply to factory acceptance test (FAT) photos and internal project documentation?

Response 36: NLR/NREL is not planning on publishing the purchase of the equipment but we may want to use photos from the FAT for marketing purposes.

Question 37: If a subcontractor/Offeror uses simulation tools other than Aspen Plus (e.g., HYSYS), will NLR/NREL accept equivalent file formats for process calculations?

Response 37: That is acceptable to NLR.

Engineering and Technical Design (Attachments 2 & 3)

Question 38: Could NLR/NREL please provide detailed information on available utilities at the IBRF North High Bay, including pressures, flow rates, and connection locations for cooling water, nitrogen, steam, and power?

Response 38: Connections will be within 10’ of the skid. Specifics on utilities will be discussed during detailed design. All utilities are sized appropriately to maintain a constant battery limit pressure and flow.

Question 39: Could NLR/NREL please confirm the applicable electrical and area classification standards for equipment fabricated offsite?

Response 39: For the finalized skid delivered to NLR/NREL, there is no general area electrical classification for the plant floor. The skid should be enclosed with UL 94 V-0 polycarbonate (or similar) so it can be ventilated with our local exhaust snorkels. Instrumentation inside the skin is anticipated to be at least Class I, Div. 2 Group B due to processing flammable liquids and gases. All electrical components shall be NRTL-listed, noting that CE is not a standard recognized in the United States. For components not available in the appropriate electrical classification (e.g. the PLC panel) these can be installed on the skid outside the ventilated enclosure in the general space.

Question 40: Will NLR/NREL supply PLC and HMI hardware, or should the subcontractor include these systems in the proposal?

Response 40: NLR/NREL requires the subcontractor/offeror to specify, procure, install, program, and commission local PLC hardware to handle all I/O, controls, alarms, and interlocks on the delivered system. A plant-wide Ignition SCADA system is currently implemented and we will be integrating data via OPC-UA/MQTT over Ethernet. Ignition software modules are available for all major PLC vendors. Therefore, local HMI hardware is not required but developing HMI screens in Ignition (free download) ahead of time will expedite SAT.

Question 41: Will ASME U-stamped pressure vessels be required, or are design verification calculations sufficient for acceptance?

Response 41: Calculations are not sufficient for ASME code compliance. ASME pressure vessels will require the stamp certifying fabrication and inspection per ASME.

Question 42: Could NLR/NREL please confirm whether relief valve discharge connections should tie into an existing vent header or discharge locally?

Response 42: Relief valves are expected to discharge into the flammable vent header located at the adjacent piperack. The header is currently designed to be 6” and detailed design of piping/sizing of relief valves should be considered as a part of detailed design that needs to be completed as a part of this scope. Please include the labor/scope for detailed design in your bid/proposal.

Question 43: May equivalent materials such as 304 stainless steel be proposed in non-critical applications, provided that performance is not affected?

Response 43: After a conversation with NLR/NREL as what constitutes as a “non-critical” application, the 316SS may be able to be downgraded, yes.

Question 44: Could NLR/NREL please provide layout drawings or dimensional constraints for the pilot bays (10 ft × 15 ft × 20–23 ft tall) to aid in equipment arrangement and constructability planning?

Response 44:

• Garage Doors are 11’ Wide x 11’ Tall

i. Equipment that is too tall can be moved into the space horizontally and lifted via the structural steel inside the building.

• There are five spaces that are roughly in line with the space diagram on the right.

• Spacing can potentially change as facility design goes through detailed design but values given in the space diagram are conservative.

Question 45: Could NLR/NREL please specify the preferred CAD and document formats for P&IDs, 3D models, and drawing submittals?

Response 45:

P&ID - Autocad Files - .dwg 3D Models – any file format editable with SolidWorks or AutoCAD is acceptable. Exported file formats which would require reconstruction of internal model details are not acceptable.

Drawing Submittals - .dwg & .pdf

Question 46: Will NLR/NREL require calibration certificates or specific instrument manufacturers for instrumentation installed at the facility?

Response 46: Manufacturer calibration certificates are sufficient for correctly ranged instrumentation.

Question 47: May the factory acceptance test (FAT) be conducted at the subcontractor’s facility, or must it occur at a location approved by NLR/NREL?

Response 47: FAT can be conducted at the location of choice by the vendor.

Commercial and Contractual Questions

Question 48: Could NLR/NREL please confirm whether milestone payment percentages in the sample payment schedule (Attachment 5) are negotiable?

Response 48: Yes, Offerors may propose changes to the sample payment schedule which will be negotiated and agreed upon prior to award with selected vendor(s).

Question 49: Will NLR/NREL allow reasonable schedule adjustments for delays caused by long-lead procurement or supply chain issues?

Response 49: NLR/NREL expects the selected offer to deliver within the schedule they propose. We do realize that there are factors that are out of the selected offeror’s control, and these will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

Question 50: Will lower-tier subcontractors require pre-approval by NLR/NREL prior to fabrication or purchase order issuance?

Response 50: NLR/NREL does evaluate lower-tier subcontractors listed in the proposal. However, NLR/NREL does not provide a specific approval/acceptance. It is the responsibility of the Subcontractor to ensure/complete delivery of the products/services.

Question 50: After project completion, may the subcontractor reference the project in marketing or promotional materials with NLR/NREL’s written approval?

Response 50: Yes. See the “Publicity Release, Public Affairs and Data Rights article” in Attachment 4 – Sample Subcontract for additional details/approvals process.

Site and Logistics

Question 51: Will NLR/NREL be able to provide short-term indoor or covered storage for delivered modules before installation begins?

Response 51: Yes, NLR/NREL will be able to provide short term covered storage for the equipment prior to installation.

Question 52: Are there any environmental documentation or compliance requirements (such as NEPA or hazardous materials declarations) that must be met before equipment fabrication or delivery?

Response 52: There are generally only environmental documentation and compliance when NLR/NREL operates somewhere offsite, not applicable to a third party constructing equipment. At this point the NLR/NREL project team does not foresee any NEPA compliance requirements during fabrication or delivery for this procurement.

Design Clarifications

Question 53: Drawing #2100.D.003 identifies two (2) “Micro GC” units. Could NLR/NREL please confirm whether these analyzers are to be included in Offeror’s scope, and if so, provide additional details or specifications for each unit?

Response 53: These are NOT to be included in the scope. They are a part of a larger analytical equipment package being issued at a later date.

Question 54: Where operating temperature and pressure exceed 350°F, could NLR/NREL please confirm whether Swagelok Series NB needle valves are acceptable alternatives to standard ball valves?

Response 54: The NB needle valves will work as a substitute. NLR/NREL asks that the valves be similar types (needle valves, ball valves, etc) in varying metallurgies, or as close as possible. A ball valve in the C276 hastelloy tubing with a needle valve in the 316SS tubing upstream is not preferred. We would prefer operators know that the valves surrounding the reactors are one type of valve, not a variety.

Question 55: Instruments in C276 tubing are listed as either Hastelloy or Inconel. Could NLR/NREL please confirm which material grades are acceptable for this service?

Response 55: Hastelloy C276 is preferred because of the possibility of feeding or forming acids within the reactor system.

Question 56: Could NLR/NREL please confirm the required material of construction (MOC) for all valves associated with the C276 tubing systems?

Response 56: Hastelloy C276

Question 57: Could NLR/NREL please confirm tubing requirements, including wall thicknesses for various outside diameters for both 316SS and C276 tubing?

Response 57: The tubing thickness will vary depending on the conditions of the line. The C276 Hastelloy tubing should be a minimum of 0.049 inches because those process lines are generally higher pressure (around 2000 psig) and 500-700 deg F. The stainless steel tubing can vary. A line list is added in Revision 2 information packages for each process unit.

Question 58: Could NLR/NREL please confirm that heat tracing shown on Drawing #2100.D.002 is to be included in Offeror’s scope?

Response 58: Yes, the heat tracing should be included in the scope.

Question 59: Could NLR/NREL please confirm that heat tracing depicted on Drawing #2300.D.001 (V-002) is to be included in Offeror’s scope?

Response 59: Yes, the heat tracing should be included in the scope.

Question 60: Could NLR/NREL please confirm that insulation noted on Drawing #2300.D.001 (T-001) is to be included in Offeror’s scope?

Response 60: Yes, the heat tracing should be included in the scope.

Question 61: Could NLR/NREL please confirm that Offeror will be required to provide the following tie points on the module: Hydrogen Source, Flammable Gas Header, Aqueous Products Tank, Liquid Feed Tank, Liquid Feed Tank II, and Feed to Distillation Package?

Response 61: Cooling water supply, cooling water return, nitrogen (all of these are in a standard details drawing that is in Revision 2 of the information packages), hydrogen source, flammable gas header, aqueous product tank, vacuum system, liquid feed tank, liquid product tank, hot air out, and possibly one or two others that need to be discussed in detailed design. Please include the labor/scope in your proposal for items like this in an FEL-3 engineering phase.

Question 62: Could NLR/NREL please confirm that Offeror will be required to provide the following tie points on the module: Feed from Hydrotreater Package, Heavy Liquid Product Tank, Light Liquid Product Tank, Flammable Gas Header, Aqueous Products Tank, Vacuum System, and Hot Air Outlet from Blower?

Response 62: Cooling water supply, cooling water return, nitrogen (all of these are in a standard details drawing that is in Revision 2 of the information packages), hydrogen source, flammable gas header, aqueous product tank, vacuum system, liquid feed tank, liquid product tank, hot air out, and possibly one or two others that need to be discussed in detailed design. Please include the labor/scope in your estimate for items like this in an FEL-3 engineering phase.

Question 63: The package includes a datasheet for 2100.P-001 “Feed Pump,” which does not appear on the P&IDs. Could NLR/NREL please confirm whether this pump is to be included in Offeror’s scope, and if so, provide clarification on the pump details. The listed 2100 psi differential pressure does not appear feasible for a centrifugal design.

Response 63: A new reference P&ID is included in the Revision 2 information package illustrating where the new feed pump will sit. That is the only piece of equipment on that page that the subcontractor would be responsible for. A reciprocating or positive displacement pump would be fine if necessary. The controls may need to change some versus what is shown on the P&ID to accommodate that change. This is to be included in the FEL-3 engineering phase that should be included in your offer/bid.

Question 64: Equipment B-001 is listed in the datasheets (but not shown on the P&IDs) as the blower for the air coolers. Could NLR/NREL please confirm whether Offeror is to include the required piping or ducting to route air from the blower to the air cooler, as well as the associated hot air outlet ducting?

Response 64: The blower can be found on the standard detail P&ID included in the Revision 2 Information Package. NLR/NREL apologizes for this oversight of forgetting the page. We would like for the piping directly to the blower and a pup piece, or a short piece of ducting to be used for the outlet and then we will make the connection for the wall penetration of the waste air/heat. More detail should be discussed in detailed design.

Please include time/labor in your estimate for this.

Question 65: For 2100.P-002 “Reactor Quench Pump,” due to the low flow rate (19 gph / 0.32 gpm) and high operating pressure, would NLR/NREL consider allowing a positive displacement-style pump as an alternative?

Response 65: A reciprocating or positive displacement pump would be fine if necessary. The controls may need to change some versus what is shown on the P&ID to accommodate that change. This is to be included in the FEL-3 engineering phase that should be included in your offer/bid.

Question 66: For 2100-C-001, could NLR/NREL please confirm whether the required compressor duty may be achieved using a single-stage compressor instead of the three-stage configuration shown? If acceptable, please confirm that heat exchangers 2100-E-001 and 2100-E-002 may be removed from the scope.

Response 66: If an outlet temperature at or below 210 deg F is achievable with a single stage of compression, please feel free to change the process flow to reflect those changes in your bid. The details will need to be discussed in detailed engineering.

Question 67: If a single-stage compressor is not acceptable for 2100-C-001, could NLR/NREL please confirm whether combining the first and second stages into one single-stage compressor is permissible? If acceptable, please confirm that heat exchanger 2100-E-001 may be removed from the scope.

Response 67: As long as the outlet temperature of the compressor is at or below 210 deg F, you are welcome to combine stages and make the appropriate deletions of equipment

Question 68: For 2100-E-003, the exchanger style specified is not available from Xchanger or similar suppliers due to high pressure. Would NLR/NREL allow the use of a standard shell-and-tube heat exchanger with air as the cooling medium?

Response 68: A shell and tube heat exchanger or another appropriate design is perfectly acceptable. This can be discussed in detailed design if necessary.

Question 69: The datasheet provided for 2100-E-004 appears to be a duplicate of 2100-E-002. Could NLR/NREL please provide the corrected datasheet for 2100-E-004?

Response 69: A worst case scenario is included in a corrected datasheet in revision 2 of the information package.

Question 70: For 2300-E-001, the listed outlet flow rate of 0 lb/hr and heat duty of 2 BTU/hr appear to be incorrect. Could NLR/NREL please review and provide a corrected datasheet?

Response 70: At this point the hydrogen electrolyzer (source) is currently being designed. We don’t expect to have saturated hydrogen, but in revision 2 a worst-case scenario is included in a corrected datasheet.

Question 71: For 2300-E-002, would NLR/NREL consider placing this exchanger upstream of pump 2300-P-001 so that the pump’s operating temperature can be reduced?

Response 71: As long as NPSH for the pump can be achieved, yes. The main concern is pump cavitation due to high pressure drop in the suction of the pump.

Question 72: We noticed a discrepancy between the tagged item list and the data sheets provided. Will additional data sheets be provided for the missing tags?

Response 72: The additional data sheets are for gauges, thermocouples, and rotameters. The data sheets for these are expected as a deliverable from the vendor in detailed design. The detailed design effort should be reflected in the scope/price of your bid.

Question 73: We would like to set up a call to review the multipoint temperature application. Would this be acceptable?

Response 73: We’ve had success using Pyromation and ThermX Southwest as vendors for these items. As part of the detailed design, please include sufficient labor time to specify this item.

Question 74: Are all documentation and testing requirements captured in Task #4 of STATEMENT OF WORK?

(RG II-001, Exhibit A (09/30/2020))

Response 74: This question is unclear to the team. Is the documentation in relation to Task 4.4 or Task 4 in its entirety?

Question 75: Please confirm area approvals for instrumentation.

Response 75: There is no area electrical classification for the general plant floor. Individual skids including these will be skinned with UL 94 V-0 polycarbonate (or similar) and ventilated. Because these systems will be processing flammable liquids and gases it’s anticipated at least a Class I, Div. 2 Group B (hydrogen) rating will be required for instrumentation inside the enclosure. Note NRTL-listed electrical components are required and CE is not a standard recognized in the United States.

Question 76: What is the preferred SCADA system?

Response 76: Our facility currently has the Ignition SCADA platform implemented. Software modules are available for all major PLC vendors including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and Opto 22. Individual skids should have local controllers installed in an adjacent electrical panel capable of controlling the system. Local HMI screens are not required as we will be integrating individual skids into our plant SCADA system. Developing Ignition HMI screens ahead of time will expedite SAT.