VA255-17-R-0552-00004005.pdf

589-17-101 Replace Boiler Controls KC VAMC VA255-17-R-0552 Bidder Questions & Answers 1-75 A00004

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Answers to questions are in RED

1. Section 23 09 11, Instrumentation and Control for Boiler Plant: Part II, Section 2.1 #18 Lists the Hays Cleveland AC station as an acceptable controller. The boiler room controls listed under section 01 00 00 1.3 A thru D are not mentioned here. Will Hays Cleveland be accepted as an “or equal” for this project under section 01 00 1.3 A thru D? Note that AES, with a local field service team, is bidding and providing these controls. AES is qualified to perform all combustion testing and certified by Hays Cleveland for service on these controls. YES

2. Section 01 00 00 1.3A: Boilers 1 and 4 have functioning linkage-less controls that were commissioned about 4-5 years ago. These should remain. The modifications to these controls if by Hays Cleveland, would require new VFD’s and tachometers on the burners. YES The gas train, oil train and burner modifications listed other than this should require only testing to verify operation and not replacement. The summary under 1.1 allows for repair and testing of gas valves and O2 system. Repair or replace The new flue outlet damper actuator should still be functional. This should be tested with new feedback potentiometers installed. The existing oxygen analyzers should be functional only probes replaced. All transmitters existing should still be functional as well as gauges. Signals from outlet damper and economizers are resistive and straight to Hays Cleveland UPAC. Oil gun pressure is gauge only, no transmitter. Mass air flow and wind box pressure is not required for parallel positions systems. These could be tested and replaced if required.

YES Some transmitters are not currently installed or required by VA standards. The feed water flow meter will be replaced. Steam flow meter is existing and we plan to replace orifice plates. Would this be acceptable? Relocate and replace

3. Section 0100 00 1.3A Boilers 2 & 3: These boilers will have new linkage-less control systems installed. All other notes above under boilers 1& 4 apply here. YES

4. Section 01 00 001.3A 5 Remote Work Station: Spec calls for 4 displays. New SCADA system will have one large display for all 4 boilers. YES

5. Section 01 00 00 1.3A 6 Feed Water Modification: Nema 12 control panel is specified. New Hays Cleveland Master Control panel will have all feed water controls integral to include control system features. OK

6. Section 0100 00 1.3A 7 DA Tank Modifications: Nema 12 control panel is specified. New Hays Cleveland Master Control panel will have all feed water controls integral to include control system features.

7. Control system features call for automatic regulation of steam flow. This should be done at the steam regulator valve and not remote from valve. Part of spec calls for remote monitoring and control of DA from any touchscreen (i.e. boilers). This contradicts 23 09 11 page 8 , letter h. All boiler touchscreens limit display to dedicated local device parameters. Correct. We need remote monitoring and control from dedicated/standalone touchscreen.

8. Drawings Marked for reference from the boiler replacement projects have contradictions to the new written specifications. Which takes precedence? New Written Specification takes preference.

9. Section 23 09 11, 2.1B, 7: Displays are to be 3840 x 2160 resolution. This is not available for boiler control panels or SCADA. 2.1 D 3 of same section calls for 640 x 480-pixel LCD resolution which is possible. Would this be the standard for screen resolution on control displays? Yes, that would be acceptable

10. Can you please confirm that the General Contractor is not responsible for hiring or submitting for the Commissioning Agent, ant that the VA will hire separately? VA will Hire Commissioning agent

11. Section 01 00 00 / page 5 A.6, Scope calls for an air conditioned cabinet but in 23 09 11 page 25 2.3 B7 the scope calls for a ventilation fan assuming the boiler room temp is 100 deg. Which is required, a ventilation (exhaust fan) or air conditioning (cooling coil)? Ventilation for control room and fan to circulate Provide fan-type ventilation if necessary to protect equipment from overheating. Assume boiler room temperature of 38 degrees C (100 degrees F). Ventilation for Control Room and fan to recirculate is correct.

12. Section 01 00 00 / page 10 6.A, Scope requires replacing the 3 feed water pumps, does this refer to the Deaerator pumps? YES Are the condensate tank pumps in the basement to be replaced as well? NO

13. Section 01 00 00 / page 10 6.A / Page 11 7.A.1 / 8.A.1, Per the scope on the DA tank, Condensate and feed water system all say Allen Bradley controls specifically, will an approved equal be allowed for controls on the feed water systems? YES

14. Section 23 09 11 / page 7 2.1.B.18, Scope does not even mention Allen Bradley as an example of acceptable control system. Is Allen Bradley an acceptable control system? Programable controllers are not allowed. Allen Bradley or equivalent.

15. Section 23 09 11 / page 12 J.1.G, Scope requires the installation of a new main steam flow meter. What sort of planning or temporary steam may be needed for this work since it will require shutdown of the entire hospital boiler plant as Section 23.05.10.O.4 states that the plant will be required to provide continuous steam and condensate to the hospital at all times? Installation of a new main steam flow meter is not possible without interruption of steam and condensate to the entire medical facility.

Understand, however it is assumed that a short duration will be required to install the new flow meter.

16. 23 09 11 / Page 11 I.3, Scope is requiring spare parts and tools, contractor to provide an Electric Power Drive Unit, does this refer to replacements for all boiler plant VFD’s? YES

17. 23 09 11 (A. 1 Page 25) Scope requires reusing boiler 2 & 3 control panels, is this correct? Yes, this is correct

18. Each of the 4 burners is to have a VFD added to control the forced draft fan. Example page 5 1.3, A f 5 also describes a disconnect and bypass to be furnished. They bypass would only be used should a failure occur on the VFD providing some redundancy. However this adds complexity to the combustion control.

We have been providing spare VFDs in lieu of bypass in that the redundancy is already with multiple boilers. Can the bypass switches be eliminated? Yes if you spare VFD’s are provided.

19. In place of having three PLCs to cover the condensate tank, deaerator and feed water pumps, we would like to provide a panel with redundant processors for all the Balance of Plant and put all of the I/O in a main BOP panel. Remote HMI panels will be provided where required, three in total. Is this acceptable?

12 will be required.

20. Section 01-00-00 page 4 1.3, A, 1 – The system will be dual fuel, fully metered and cross limited. Just to confirm this is a gas or oil operation not simultaneous firing of gas and oil combustion control system? Correct

21. Section 01-00-00 page 12 – demolition notes:

a. existing main control panel in control room

b. removal of systems that are no longer needed, plant and boilers

c. removal of system that are no longer needed

What is exactly to be done other than boiler, feed water, deaerator and condensate systems which are the only items defined. Are there more systems to be moved into the new plant panels? No

22. Is the main control panel to be demo’ed? The control Cabinet should be reused however the General Contractor can replace the whole cabinet if so desired.

23. Specification Section 01 00 00 – General Requirements | 1.3 Statement of bid items

a. It is referenced in many locations in the bid documents that the following instrumentation (transmitters, RTDs, meters, valves etc.) will be provided and installed for all effected boilers - (Reference A.1.h.1-14 for this question). How is the contractor to handle warranty on materials purchased by others. General contractor is responsible How is the contractor to handle incorrect or damaged material being provided others? General contractor is responsible. The contractor is responsible for all warranty issues General Requirements 010000 paragraph 1.22. Contractor is the general and will remedy the problem General Requirements 010000 para 1.22.

b. Reference A.1.h.14.b – All systems will be rewired. Can the VA expand on this requirement. Will this include dangerous gas systems, emergency stop buttons, etc. Can existing raceways be utilized? All the wiring will be replaced/rewired and on a case by case basis government will review leaving existing wiring but with a deduct. Yes existing race ways can be utilized and expected to have all wiring utilize raceways.

c. Reference A.1.f.5 – Can the VA confirm if all of the FD Fan Motors are premium efficient and VFD rated? Does the existing FD motors have shaft grounding apparatus? If no shaft grounding will the contractor be required to modify existing FD motor? Unknown of the condition. Unknown. Yes. Yes

d. Reference A.1.f.5 – There is no VFD specification as part of this solicitation. It is in the boiler specifications Please see specification 23 09 11

e. Reference A.1.a.6 – New panel air conditioner. There is no specification as part of this solicitation.

Please use Specification 23 07 11

24. Specification Section 01 00 00 – General Requirements | 1.1 Project Identification – Project Summary Description

a. Reference 1.1 Project Summary Description – 1 | Scope item # 1 references that the combustion control upgrade will me VA Safety Device Testing Manual ‘ Current’ Edition. The 4th edition was released per amendment # 1, however there is many areas in the scope of work that references 3rd edition. Please confirm that the entire project will utilize the 4th edition. Please use the 4th edition

b. Reference 1.1 Project Summary Description – 1 | Scope item # 4 – Repair or install Forced Draft Blower Current Relays. What constitutes “repair”; should all contractors carry replacements? Please replace

c. Reference 1.1 Project Summary Description – 1 | Scope item # 5 – Repair and test Maxon automatic gas valves on Boilers 1 & 4. What constitutes “repair”, should all contractors carry new Maxon gas valves since there may be a reliability issue? Please replace

d. Reference 1.1 Project Summary Description – 1 | Scope item # 6 - Repair and calibrate the Low Flue Gas Oxygen level alarm. What constitutes “repair”, should all contractors carry new Flue Gas Oxygen system since there may be a reliability issue? Please replace

e. Reference 1.1 Project Summary Description – 1 | Scope Item # 8 – Upgrade existing SCADA System – What constitutes “ upgrade”, should all contractors carry a new SCADA system? Please provide newest version SCADA System to include computer monitor and work station with hardware.

25. Does the main boiler control panel have the doors on the back side of the panel or the front. The Backside

26. Can the main panel be delivered in three sections as shown in the drawing or one large panel? Only if a replacement panel is provided.

27. Is there any instrumentation and electrical schematic drawings available for the main plant control panel? See for reference Drawings provided in solicitation, If not in package we do not have the drawings.

28. Do boilers 1 & 4 panel have the doors in front of the panel or rear, or both? UNKNOWN

29. What Are the mechanical dimensions available for the two boiler control panels H X W X D UNKOWN could change

30. Can anyone provide input for items 22 fire alarm monitor panel and 23 medical gas alarm system instruments shown on 4-MPI-5 drawings Notifier is our fire alarm system, panel not to be touched during project. Powerex panel not in controls project.

31. Please provide the two most recent boiler safety device test reports. Not necessary for project.

32. The current boiler plant SCADA system does not appear to be integrated with the station’s building automation system. Please confirm. True Will the upgraded SCADA system need to be integrated with any control systems other than the dedicated boiler burner management systems? NO

33. VHA released a new edition of the Boiler Safety Device Testing Manual this past October (VHA Boiler and Associated Plant Safety Device Testing Manual, Fourth Edition). Amendment 1 to this solicitation provided this edition. Please confirm that the Fourth Edition is to be used for this project. Yes

34. Will the contractor be given a single boiler at a time for performance of the project work and will the boiler be required to pass the safety device tests prior to being placed back into service? Yes

35. Is passing the safety device testing as prescribed by the applicable edition of the VHA safety device testing manual required for the station to accept the project as complete? Yes

36. If boiler safety devices and controls components (sensors, valves, actuators, switches etc…) are currently functional and pass the safety device testing, is it acceptable for these devices/components to remain in place/service? No

37. Parallel positioning vs fully metered: Section 01 00 00 – General Requirements, 1.3 Statement of Bid Items, A.1, 2, 3 & 4 (beginning on page 4 of 27) states all four boiler control systems will be fully metered and cross limited fuel to air ratio control.

Section 23 09 11 – Instrumentation and Control for Boiler Plant, Part 2 – Products, 2.1 A.3., page 5 of 41, states Boilers 2 and 3 will be parallel-positioning. Please clarify which method. Boiler outlet draft exists on boilers 1 & 4 as independent drives. Boilers 2 & 3 will be converted from Jackshaft configuration to independent drive with Parallel-positioning upgrade. Correct

38. Burner Mounted Control Panels: Section 01 00 00, 1.3, A.1 & A.4 (Boilers 1 and 4) pages 5 and 9 of 27, states Existing burner mounted control panel will be stripped and removed from burner. Can these panels be stripped and left in place to use as junction boxes and new panels installed? New Panels Installed

39. Annunciator Panels: Section 23 09 11, 2.2 K. Annunciator Display and Alarms, page 17 of 41, Is it acceptable to display first out alarms on the new touch screen operator displays in each boiler panel and on the SCADA system instead of a dedicated annunciator panel? Yes

40. Recorders: Section 23 09 11, 2.12 Recorders, C. Paperless Recorders, page 33 of 41, Is it acceptable to display and record (trend) operating data on the new touch screen operator displays and the new SCADA system instead of providing paperless recorders? Yes with the ability to print out

41. Tools: Section 23 09 11, 2.16 Tools, page 35 and 36 of 41, Are all of these to be provided by the contractor? YES

42. Request copies of all existing boiler combustion control, BMS and plant master panel wiring drawings. All Drawings available have been provided

43. 01 00 00- page 5 of 27; 589-17-101 line “h. The following instrumentation will be provided and installed” is the contractor the provider or are the instruments VA provided? Contractor shall provide.

44. 01 00 00- page 7 and page 9 of 27; 589-17-101 line three in paragraph 3. BOILER #3 WTB 20000 PPH “startup / shut down sequences” is this line intended to require new BMS logic and logic processors rather than relocating the existing BMS hardware into the new combustion control back panes or new cabinets? A section in other boiler scopes seems to imply new PLC based processors as in “Boiler 4 Hurst FTB 24000 PPH:

The scope is to replace existing controls. We are proposing Allen Bradley Compact Logix based boiler control system or approved equal. The system will handle all air flow / fuel flow processes, startup / shut down New, proposed is ok.

45. 01 00 00- page 11 of 27; 589-17-101 paragraph 7. DA Tank Modifications line” c. Provided instrumentation”. Is the instrumentation listed supplied by the VA or contractor? Contractor

46. 01 00 00- page 14 of 27; 589-17-101 paragraph D; feedwater modification. Is the intent to replace the feedwater pumps or to add VFDs to the existing to the existing pump motors. Both

47. 23-05-10 page 15 of 34 section 2.9 Is a temporary boiler plant part of the intended scope for this project. No

48. Section 23-09-11 page 14 of 41 paragraph 5 Boiler water level. Can we supply pneumatic feedwater control valves to handle the “instantaneous load swings of 20 percent” as electric drives may be too slow for the response required? No

49. Section 23-52-33 page 12 of 20 paragraph 2.4. 6 “Provide removable igniter”. Is the contractor required to remove and replace the existing igniters? No

50. Section 01 00 00, Page 5, 6, 7 and 9, Subsections a, paragraph 4, states reusing the existing cabinets and building off site sub panel for each cabinet. For the purpose of aesthetics uniformity, and expediency, would a proposal for new cabinets in lieu of reusing existing cabinets be entertained on the conditions the locations of the new cabinets are clear of all obstructions, maintenance procedures, pathways and aisleways.

The new cabinets would be fitted with factory air conditioning and factory lights. It is intended the existing cabinets can be reused, and pricing should be provided as such, but it is up to the contractor if you want to include pricing for new cabinets.

51. Verify that the intent of the Plant Masterwork is to have a dedicated Allen Bradley PLC and HMI touchscreen installed in the Plant Master Cabinet. Allen Bradley or equivalent.

52. As drawings don’t indicate can you advise where the panel doors should be on the panel front or back? Back

53. Also on Page 4-MPI-5 main plant panel drawing. Item 22 fire alarm panel and item 23 medical gas alarm.

I have been through the specs and can find only reference, but no specified model or make. Any help would be appreciated. Notifier Fire Alarm panel , POWEREX gas monitoring to remain.

54. Which set of drawings are accurate the ones with color comments on it or the black and white eversion as they are by 2 different engineers. Both plans are correct one is for boilers 1 &4 and the other set is for 2&3.

The boilers were previously installed separately, by 2 different engineering firms.

55. Does VAMC want 1 panel to serve as the main plant control panel to house all the controllers to control all 4 boilers? Or will there need to be 2 panels for boiler 2 and 3 and use the existing if nay for boilers 1 and 4? Main Plant control will be in Main Control Room and all respective boiler control panels will be local.

56. Were struggling a little trying to find some of the specified equipment. Pade 4-MPI-5 main plant panel drawing. Item 22 fire alarm panel and item 23 medical gas alarm. I have been through the specs and can find only reference, but no specified model or make. Any help would be appreciated. Notifier Fire Alarm panel , POWEREX gas monitoring to remain.

57. The supplied drawings are from 2008, please confirm that they are current/relevant. Yes, the for reference drawings provided are correct from previous project.

59. Has a control company been selected? If so, are their drawings for the upgrade readily available? No.

None available

60. Boiler 1 & 4 are being converted from pneumatic control to digital per the drawings and scope of work.

Are there demo drawings available for this? All Boilers are digital currently. No.

61. Is an instrument list available for review to determine mechanical requirements, tubing install, piping changes to meet sensor requirements, etc? No

62. The request to Repair and calibrate the flue gas oxygen level alarm and interlock to all four boilers; is the current oxygen monitoring system compatible with the new controls? Yes

63. Is there a sequence of operations drawing available? No

64. Scope item E. states repair and test Maxon automatic gas valves. This work is not normally accomplished by a contractor due to the NFPA Performance requirements for the valves. If the automatic gas valves are faulty or damaged, they are replaced to ensure compliance and liability remains with the OEM? Replace or Repair? Replace.

65. Which set of drawings are accurate the ones with color comments on it or the black and white eversion as they are by 2 different engineers. Schematics that were used were for illustration of what we have, and should be accurate. Boilers 2 and 3 were done separate from 1 and 4, hence the 2 different engineer firms.

Both plans are correct one is for boilers 1 &4 and the other set is for 2&3.

66. Does VAMC want 1 panel to serve as the main plant control panel to house all the controllers to control all 4 boilers? Or will there need to be 2 panels for boiler 2 and 3 and use the existing if nay for boilers 1 and 4? The main control Booth will have a panel to monitor /control remotely all 4 boilers (act as plant master), each boiler will have a separate control panel that feeds the main plant master. Controllers will be local and tied into master panel in booth.

67. Related to the VFD on the burner forced draft fans section 23-09-11 page 10 2.1.F.2, provide feedback and motor speed and direction of rotation to the burner management system. This requires a motor encoder to acquire this data for safety control. Are the existing burner motors encoder-duty or do they have to be replaced or are the current relays that are required to meet the VHA 4th edition all that is required. VHA

5.6.1 F.D. Fan interlocks. Replace burner motors and relays

68. Solicitation Page 8 of 71; Proposal Submittal Contents Shall Include: 5.2029-5 REPRESENTATION BY COPORATIONS REGARDING AN UNPAID TAX LIABILITY OR A FELONY CONVICTION UNDER ANY FEDERAL LAW (DEVIATION) (MARCH 2012). a.Question: We have not been able to locate this Clause. We believe it may be a typo. Please confirm if this Clause should be 52.209-5. Yes, clause should be 52.209-b.Question: Please confirm how we should satisfy this requirement. Is it acceptable to submit our standard Reps & Certs from SAM? Yes, Reps & Certs from SAM satisfies 52.204-8.

69. Solicitation Page 8 of 71; Proposal Submittal Contents Shall Include: Bid Bond (Photo Copy).a.Question:

We are used to submitting an originally signed Bid Bond with the original hard copy proposal. Is this acceptable, or would the VA still like a photo copy of the originally signed Bid Bond with the original hard copy proposal? Photo copy or original signed Bid Bond is acceptable.

70. Question: Are we to place the originally signed/executed SF 1442 and Bid Bond in a separate envelope from the binder submission of the original hard copy proposal? This would mean that the binder submission of the original hard copy proposal would then contain photo copies of these originals. No, one envelope is acceptable.

71. Solicitation Page 14 of 71; FACTOR 2: TECHNICAL CONSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE: 5 (a) The name and location of the pre-cast parking structure project. a.Question: Is pre-cast parking structure left over from a previous solicitation? If so, what criteria should go in its place? This should read “The name and location of the boiler controls or installation project”.

72. Confirmation of Price Proposal Contents/Layout. a. Question: The solicitation is unclear as to what items should actually be included in the Price Proposal. Please confirm if the following contents/layout is acceptable for the Price Proposal. If not, please clarify what items the VA would like to see in the Price Proposal. The CALCULATION OF SELF-PERFORMED/SUBCONTRACTED WORK - Appendix 1, outlines format and what should be included in price proposal. Divisions not included on worksheet in solicitation should be added by bidder.

73. Solicitation Page 13 of 71; FACTOR 2: If submitting as a Prime/Sub teaming arrangement under FAR 9.601(2), the designated prime must meet this specific requirement for the teaming arrangement to be deemed acceptable. Subcontractor experience will not be considered.a.Question: Please confirm that this above requirement only applies to prime/sub teams that are not governed by a formal SBA-approved

Mentor-Protégé Agreement (MPA). The purpose of a MPA is to allow the protégé to utilize experience and past performance of the mentor in situations just like this one. As indicated in Factor 2: TECHNICAL CONSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE, If submitting as a Prime/Sub teaming arrangement under FAR 9.601(2), the designated prime must meet this specific requirement for the teaming arrangement to be deemed acceptable. Subcontractor experience will not be considered.

74. Solicitation Page 14 of 71; FACTOR 3: Technical Qualifications of Proposed Key Staffing a.Question:

Please confirm that the intent is to have the Site Superintendent on-site full time during all construction activities; the other three positions (Project Manager, QC Manager, and Safety Officer) will be part time on-site as required. Correct, the expectation is site superintendent or approved qualified designee will be on-site during all construction activities. The other three positions on-site part time as required.

75. Solicitation Page 22 of 71; CALCULATION OF SELF-PERFORMED/SUBCONTRACTED WORK - Appendix 1:

Costs for “Submittal Exchange or equal” a. Question: We understand that Submittal Exchange has a contract with the Dept. of Veterans Affairs to provide web-based construction management services, so the associated cost is not borne by individual projects. Please confirm if this arrangement applies for this project.

There is no arrangement at the KCVA with Submittal Exchange, the cost for this service or equal shall be included in proposal.

END SUMMARY OF CHANGES