20260716 Questions and Answers Underground Electrical (FWJH262710) - Amendment 0002.pdf

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FY26 Installation of New 3-Phase Primary Underground Electrical Service Ellington Field, TX
Solicitation number
W50S77-26-Q-A001
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This document is a Questions & Answers file for federal contract W50S77-26-Q-A001, issued July 16, 2026, addressing an underground electrical service installation project at Ellington Field. The project involves replacing a failed 3-phase primary underground electrical feeder between an existing primary tap box and an existing transformer serving the Security Forces Modular Gun Range, with an approximate installation length of 120 to 200 linear feet.

The contractor must install 4-inch PVC conduit (Schedule 40 unless Schedule 80 is required by code) via directional boring to avoid existing utilities and structures, though open trench installation may be used where site conditions permit and Government approval is obtained. All new medium-voltage cable, terminations, connectors, splices, and accessories must be rated for 15-kV class service and compatible with the existing 12.47 kV distribution system. The contractor is responsible for field verification of all dimensions, routing, utility locations, and site conditions; performing comprehensive utility locates through Texas 811, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), and potholing; and submitting GPR reports, daily reports, and final as-built one-line drawings. Pre-installation testing of the existing transformer and post-installation testing of the new cable installation are required, including VLF Tan Delta, insulation resistance, continuity, and phase identification testing, all performed by qualified personnel in accordance with IEEE 400 Series, NETA ATS, and manufacturer specifications. All outages must be coordinated through Civil Engineering with a minimum 15 business days' advance notice and written Government approval prior to commencement. The contractor bears full responsibility for protecting existing utilities and restoring all disturbed pavement, concrete, landscaping, and site improvements to original condition or better, with any damage repairs at no additional cost to the Government.

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W50S77-26-Q-A001- Ellington Field 3 Phase Primary Underground Electrical Service

Questions & Answers 16 July 2026

Q1: What is the approximate run length between the tap box and the transformer for the directional bore and 4-inch PVC conduit described in SOW Section 2.1.2? The utility drawings provided with Amendment 0001 do not include dimensions or a scale.

A1: The approximate horizontal distance between the existing primary tap box and the transformer is approximately 120 to 200 linear feet. This distance is provided for estimating purposes only and shall not be construed as exact. The Contractor shall field verify all dimensions, routing, and installation requirements prior to construction. No additional dimensions beyond those shown in the solicitation documents are available.

Q2. What is the voltage class of the medium-voltage primary (for example 15kV class) for the three primary cables and terminations described in SOW Sections 2.1.3 and 2.1.4?

Q2: The existing primary distribution system operates at a nominal voltage of 12.47 kV utilizing 15-kV class equipment. All new medium-voltage cable, terminations, connectors, splices, and accessories shall be rated for 15-kV class service and shall be compatible with the existing electrical distribution system. The Contractor shall furnish and install new medium-voltage cable, terminations, splices (if required), and accessories fully compatible with the existing distribution system and in accordance with the project specifications, NEC, NESC, IEEE Standards, applicable UFC requirements, and manufacturer recommendations. Prior to cable installation, the Contractor shall perform the required testing and submit the test results to the Government for review. Testing shall include, but not be limited to: VLF (Very Low Frequency) Tan Delta testing. Contractor shall perform VLF withstand testing, Tan Delta testing, insulation resistance testing, continuity testing, and phase identification after cable installation and prior to energization. Testing shall comply with IEEE 400 Series, NETA ATS, manufacturer recommendations, and project specifications. All medium-voltage cable terminations, and testing shall be performed by qualified personnel experienced in medium-voltage installations and in accordance with the manufacturer’s written instructions.

Q3: What are the surface conditions along the bore path (asphalt, concrete, unimproved), and are there known utility conflicts on the route?

A3: The Contractor shall field verify all existing site conditions. Surface conditions along the proposed installation route consist primarily of existing pavement, concrete, landscaped areas, and improved grounds. Utility conflicts may exist.

Available utility drawings have been provided for reference only and may not represent all underground utilities. The Contractor shall coordinate utility locates through Texas 811, perform all necessary potholing, utility locating, and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) investigations as required to verify existing utility locations prior to excavation or directional boring. Contractor shall restore all disturbed pavement, concrete, landscaping, and site improvements to original condition or better.

Q4: Could you please advise whether the approximate burial depths of the existing underground utilities are available, including:

• Electrical distribution

• Water

• Sanitary sewer

• Storm drainage

• Gas

The utility drawings identify the approximate locations of these utilities; however, we could not locate any information regarding their approximate burial depths.

A4: Existing utilities include: Electrical distribution, water, sanitary sewer and storm drainage. The Government does not possess verified records identifying the exact burial depths of existing underground utilities, including electrical distribution, water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, or gas utilities. Utility drawings are provided for reference only. The Contractor shall independently verify utility locations and depths using Texas 811, GPR, potholing, and all other necessary means before commencing work. The Contractor shall be responsible for protecting all existing utilities during construction. Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer of any unidentified underground utility encountered during construction.

Q5: Could you please confirm the required specification for the 4-inch PVC conduit to be installed under this project (Schedule 40, Schedule 80, or another applicable specification)?

A5: The required new conduit schedule shall consist of 4-inch PVC conduit scheduling rating shall be per applicable code for specific installation conditions. PVC conduit shall comply with NEC Article 352, NEMA TC-2, UFC requirements, and manufacturer recommendations. Schedule 40 may be utilized for underground installation unless Schedule 80 is required by NEC or where conduit is subject to physical damage. Any transitions, fittings, bends, spacers, and installation methods shall comply with the NEC, NEMA Standards, manufacturer recommendations, UFC requirements, and project specifications. The Contractor shall install the conduit at the required burial depth in accordance with the NEC, UFC criteria, and the Whole Building Design Guide

(WBDG).

Q6: Could you please confirm the exact starting point and ending point of the new underground primary feeder shown on the drawings?

In addition, we would appreciate confirmation of the approximate installation length so that we may prepare a proposal that is accurate and fully compliant with the project requirements.

A6: The new underground primary feeder shall originate at the existing primary tap box and terminate at the existing transformer serving the Security Forces Modular Gun Range as depicted on the contract drawings. The approximate installation length is 120 to 200 linear feet and is provided for estimating purposes only. The Contractor shall field verify all routing, measurements, elevations, and existing site conditions prior to installation. Prior to installation contractor to field verify and test the integrity of the existing transformer. Testing shall include, but not be limited to:

• Transformer Turns Ratio (TTR)

• Winding Resistance

• Insulation Resistance

• Power Factor/Dissipation Factor

• Excitation Current

• Oil Sampling and Analysis (oil-filled units)

• Visual Inspection

• Secondary Voltage Verification

• Phase Rotation

• Grounding Continuity

Q7: Can the Government confirm the approximate route length of the failed underground primary service to be replaced, from the existing tap box to the existing transformer? From the Electrical Distribution Map provided with Amendment 0001, we read the run from the transformer to the nearest primary switch as approximately 120 feet. Is that the correct replacement path, or does the replacement run to a different tap point?

A7: Yes. The intent of this project is to replace the failed underground primary feeder between the existing tap box and the existing transformer. The approximate route length is 120 to 200 linear feet. The Contractor shall determine the exact installation route based on field conditions while maintaining compatibility with the existing electrical distribution system and minimizing disruption to existing utilities and infrastructure. Final routing shall minimize impacts to existing utilities, pavement, drainage, and mission operations. The Contractor shall submit GPR reports, daily reports, and final as-built one-line drawings documenting the completed installation.

Q8: What is the voltage class of the existing primary service (for example 12.47 kV or 15 kV class), and are the existing cables copper or aluminum?

A8: The existing primary distribution system operates at a nominal voltage of 12.47 kV utilizing 15-kV class equipment. Contractors shall assume compatibility with the existing system and furnish all new cable, terminations, connectors, and accessories necessary to provide a complete and operational installation in accordance with project specifications and applicable industry standards. All material submittals shall be submitted to the Government for review and approval prior to purchase.

Q9: Is any portion of the existing conduit or duct between the tap box and the transformer reusable, or is the full run new directional bore?

A9: Existing conduit may not be suitable for reuse due to unknown condition, age, or obstruction. Government makes no representation regarding the condition or suitability of the existing underground conduit system. Contractors shall assume that a new complete directional bore and new conduit installation will be required.

Q10: Since the facility served is currently non-operational, are there constraints on the electrical outage window for the tie-in work, and what lead time does the Government require to approve an outage?

A10: Yes. All outages shall be coordinated through Civil Engineering and all affected stakeholders. All outages shall be coordinated and approved by the Government prior to commencement of work. Contractors shall submit outage requests with, submit outage requests a minimum of fifteen (15) business days in advance, unless otherwise directed by the Contracting Officer.

No outage work shall commence without written Government approval.

Q11: The drawings do not appear to provide measurements for the proposed electrical route. Additionally, the electrical route map identifies both primary and secondary electrical lines; however, it is unclear whether the entire route is intended to be installed via horizontal directional boring or if portions may be installed using other installation methods.

Could the Government please provide the route measurements and clarify which sections, if any, are required to be installed by horizontal directional boring

A11: The electrical distribution drawings (utility) addendum are intended to depict the general routing of the proposed primary feeder and are diagrammatic in nature. The Contractor shall field verify all routing and dimensions. Directional Boring (DB) is required and is necessary to avoid utilities, structures, or other obstructions while minimizing surface disturbance. Open trench installation may be utilized only where site conditions permit and where approved by the Government. Final installation methods shall comply with the contract documents, applicable codes, and industry best practices. Contractor shall determine the most appropriate installation method based on field conditions while maintaining compliance with the contract documents and obtaining Government approval where required. Contractor shall perform all required testing, inspections, commissioning, startup, and operational verification necessary to demonstrate a complete and fully functional electrical distribution system prior to Government acceptance. Any damage to existing facilities or utilities resulting from Contractor operations shall be repaired at no additional cost to the Government. Contractor shall submit certified test reports, manufacturer startup documentation, and as-built drawings prior to final acceptance.

Q12: Will responses to questions submitted during the Q&A period be published on SAM.gov before the July 17 quote due date, and if the route length differs materially from the drawings, will the due date be adjusted?

A12: If it is determined that the due date needs to be extended or if additional technical information is provided, this will be incorporated into the solicitation by amendment. All amendments issued will be posted to SAM.gov. Please monitor SAM.gov regularly to monitor for any postings.

General Note: The information provided in these responses is intended solely to assist Offerors in preparing their quotes. Contractors are responsible for field verification of all dimensions, utility locations, testing, connection start up functionality, existing conditions, and installation requirements. The Contractor shall perform all required testing, utility locating, coordination, and construction activities in accordance with the contract documents, NEC, NESC, NFPA 70, IEEE Standards, UFC criteria, WBDG guidance, applicable local codes, Texas 811 requirements, and all manufacturer recommendations. Any discrepancies identified during construction shall be immediately brought to the attention of the Contracting Officer prior to proceeding with the affected work.

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