Question_on_project_with_answers_in_Red.docx

Q1. On item 0001 & 002, it specifies that a separate pickup is required for each breaker and that it may be combined with other items (i.e. 0002). I am assuming that the plant has limited spares and that is the reason behind the limit. To facilitate completing the process quickly (within the 1 year specified) CBS has the capability of providing whatever number of cores from our inventory that makes sense to the plant.

For example, I would imagine on the first round we could pick up (1) of item 0001, (6) of item 0002, (2) of item 0003, (1) item 0004 and (1) of item 0005. Once we have the breakers in our inventory we can deliver (2) of item 002, (12) of item 0002, (2) of item 0003, and whatever quantity the government decides to order/make since of items 0004 and 0005. Then we can complete the job by cycling through the remaining units left. This may be mutually beneficial as we can process the job quicker giving you quicker delivery and limiting the number of outages/maintenance support you need.

Basically we will get your cores in the shop to ensure we match the setup/wiring – then we can provide them back in whatever quantities you prefer. The pricing on our proposal will assume that we are either reconditioning your breakers or receiving cores back in exchange for those we provide.

ANSWER: We have no spares for some of these breakers therefore is the reason for the Limit."

Q2. In the reconditioning specification, ITEM F it states, “All pole piece moldings and insulating components shall be cleaned. After cleaning, each component shall be dried to obtain 1000 megohms when IR tested at 1000 Vdc. They shall be sealed with a dielectric grade sealant.”

GE AK-50 and 50S circuit breaker pole assemblies are infamous for failing insulation resistance testing – we typically see values in the 100’s of megohms when testing customer equipment. The recommended minimum insulation resistance is 100 Megohms (NETA-MTS 2016 Table 100.1). In order to meet the 1000 Megohm requirement it is likely that the pole pieces will need to be replaced.

My question is, if the pole pieces require replacement can they be bid separately as an adder or should I assume that they will need to be replaced and add it to the bid now? I am concerned that if I put them in the bid now, I will not be bidding apples to apples and will appear higher than my competitors. Pole pieces can range in price from $500- $5,000 each, and each breaker has three of them.

ANSWER: Some of the question will be addressed by an amendment to the solicitation. The specification states that if a component can't meet the minimum testing requirement it is to be replaced