Questions_and_Answers_for_W9128F19R0015.pdf

Questions and Answers for Ft. Randall GSU Transformers, W9128F19R0015

1. For the subject GSU transformer solicitation, we notice from your specification that Buy American – Supplies clause (FAR 52.225-1) is checked while Buy American – Free Trade Agreements (FAR 52.225-3) is not. Does that mean that this solicitation would accept a proposal of domestic (USA) end product only with no exceptions on foreign manufactured (outside of USA) product? Please clarify.

Answer: FAR 52.225-1 is included due to the requirements within FAR 25.1101(a)(1) are applicable to this acquisition, but FAR 25.1101(b)(1)(i) are not applicable to this solicitation. Amendment 0001 will include FAR 52.225-2, Buy American Certificate.

2. Specifications state that the transformers shall be delivered according to the provided delivery schedule for each unit and placement on the pad will be coordinated with the installation contractor. Will the pads be ready for placement of the units upon delivery or should the bidder assume that each unit will need to be delivered and offloaded in a temporary location until the existing unit(s) are removed.

Our understanding of the specifications require the following sequence for each unit:

- First mobilization to receive, inspect and offload transformer in temporary location prior to outage on existing unit.

- Separate contractor to remove existing transformer and prepare location for new transformer.

- Second mobilization to transport transformer to final location, assemble, fill, process and test transformer.

- Separate contractor to make all external connections and anchor transformer.

- Third mobilization for commissioning agent to participate in transformer commissioning and training for first unit.

This would require 3 mobilizations for each unit under this contract, please confirm.

Answer: As required in Section 48 20 00.04 26, paragraph 1.2, each transformer will be delivered to Fort Randall Dam, off-loaded, and moved to the new mounting pads for reassembly. The required delivery schedule is based upon the expected completion dates of the switchyard modifications as required to accept placement of the new transformers.

3. I was wondering if you accepted foreign manufacturers on this proposal.

Answer: The use of foreign manufacturers must be compliant with the provisions and clauses listed within the solicitation. Amendment 0001 will include FAR 52.225-2, Buy American Certificate.

4. In reference to Solicitation W9128F19R0015 for the GSU Transformers for Ft Randall, the CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE lists 252.247-7023 Transportation of Supplies by Sea APR 2014 which requires the use of U.S. Flag Ships. It has been our experience that there are very few US Flag Carriers available with the requisite break bulk cargo capacity. GSU transformers have large overall shipping dimensions and tend to be extremely heavy thus requiring shipment on a ‘break bulk’ carrier as opposed to the far more common container ship. Additionally, the extreme weight of the GSU transformers (150,000+ pounds) requires special lifting equipment to off load the GSU from the ship onto the pier – most major shipping terminals in the US are designed for Contain loads and may not have adequate crane capacity for a GSU which requires either a barge mounted crane to be brought in to off load from the ship to the shore or a self unloading ship. All this adds to the cost of shipping being paid by the COE. It has been our experience to have these costs exceed 300% the normal fee.

We would ask that you consider replacing this FAR with 52.247-64 which we believe allows the shipment using the best and most economical ship available per (e) (4) (ii) (A) providing a significant cost savings to the USCOE.

Answer: Government agencies acquiring supplies which require ocean transportation are to be transported on privately owned U.S.-flag commercial vessels, per the requirements of the Cargo Preference Act of 1954 (46 U.S.C. 1241(b)). The major ports in Houston and Seattle have the capability of off-loading large GSU power transformers.

5. Please confirm if foreign manufacturers will be allowed to bid the GSU’s per FAR 52.225-1?

Answer: Use of foreign manufacturers must be compliant with provisions and clauses listed within the solicitation. Amendment 0001 will include FAR 52.225-2, Buy American Certificate.

6. In regards to the Ft Randall GSU’s, what constitutes “Delivery” per 52.211-8? Is it delivery to site or completion of Commissioning?

Answer: The required delivery schedule as indicated in Clause 52.211-8 are the dates each transformer is to arrive at Fort Randall Dam.

7. Transformer manufacturer has requested more time to develop their proposal. Would the government consider a two week extension to the current bid date?

Answer: An amendment will be posted to extend the due date two weeks.

8. I am not finding in the solicitation if this RFP can be submitted electronically or if it needs to be mailed to you at the Omaha District address.

Answer: Amendment 0001 will provide guidance on electronic submission of offers.

9. Page 54 of the solicitation under Factor 3 states to use past projects that have included the supply of breakers and disconnect switches, similar in size class to the ones specified for this contract. Should this state transformers? If so, can this be corrected?

Answer: Amendment 0001 is correcting this language in the evaluation Factor 3 to be applicable to the transformers.

10. Page 54 also instructs to send PPQ forms for past performance, can we use CPARS instead of sending out new forms?

Answer: Amendment 0001 is adding the ability to use CPARS or PPQ form to be submitted for past performance.

11. Clause 52.211-16 seems to cap the economic price adjustment to a 15% increase. This still puts risk on the offeror if pricing increases more than 15%. Why is there a cap?

Answer: The 15% is not the cap and instead is the threshold to be met for this clause to be utilized.

12. What is the minimum and maximum ambient temperature to be considered in the design?

Answer: The drawings will be included in Amendment 0001.

13. Will there be storage space available on government property for the new GSU transformers prior to installation?

Answer: The intent of the specifications is to stage the transformer deliveries to be coincident with the preparation of the new mounting pads by a separate installations contractor. Storage of the transformers on-site is not anticipated.

14. CLIN 0009 only shows a quantity of 3. Does the EPA only apply to 3 of the units?

Answer: Only the three transformers which are being manufactured and delivered in the out-years should be applicable for the EPA. The first transformer is subject to the normal submittal review, manufacturing and delivery times.