F103--HVAC Cooling Towers Testing and Maintenance for VA Palo Alto Health Care System

Question and Answer
What is the system volume of each CT? The specifications vary depending on the cooling tower. Please refer to the make and model information outlined in the Performance Work Statement, Scope of Work, or inventory for these details.
What are the cubic feet of each CT (including underground sumps)? Please refer to the make and model information provided in the inventory. For PAD (VA Palo Alto), Building 100, the cooling tower sump dimensions are 25 feet by 44 feet, with an approximate depth of 6 feet.
What is the annual average continuous cooling tonnage for each CT? It varies depending on the location. Please refer to the Performance Work Statement or Scope of Work for further details.
Who owns the existing chemical tanks, chemical pumps, and water treatment controllers? The VA owns the existing water treatment controllers, chemical base tanks, and chemical pumps.
Should the cost of new water treatment controllers, chemical base tanks, and chemical pumps be included in the bid? The VA owns the existing water treatment controllers, chemical base tanks, and chemical pumps; therefore, the cost of these systems should be excluded.
What is the current chemical delivery process? What package size is used for chemical base tanks, and who is responsible for transfer into the base tanks? The contractor shall be responsible for determining the appropriate size of the chemical base tank at each location, as well as for the delivery of chemicals and their transfer into the base tanks.
What are the closed-loop volumes, and should the cost of biocide treatment be included? The VA is unable to provide this information currently. The contractor may need to utilize estimation tools to approximate the volume of these closed loops. Additionally, chemicals may be added incrementally until the required parts per million (ppm) of corrosion inhibitor are achieved.
What is the approximate annual closed-loop makeup water volume for determining inhibitor treatment demand? We do not have a specific number for this, as it fluctuates frequently due to leaks and ongoing maintenance activities. The demand for inhibitor treatment will vary in accordance with the condition of the loop at any given time.
Water samples could not be obtained during the site survey. Please provide the cooling water makeup quality or target cycles for cooling water makeup quality or target cycles at this time. All cooling towers and closed loops are currently maintained in accordance with VA HVAC standards and are operating within established limits. At this time, we are unable to provide detailed information; however, a sample report may be made available to the awardee following contract award, in accordance with the Performance Work Statement or Scope of Work.
Will the onsite team pull samples for Nalco field water testing? No, the contractor (awardee) representative will be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting sample data as required by the contract. VA representatives will not collect samples on behalf of the contractor.
Can we propose monthly CT service with a smart controller and continuous remote monitoring as a substitute for weekly non-connected controllers? No. The contractor s representative is required to perform testing in person to ensure that all aspects of the system are thoroughly evaluated, and so that the technician can observe and report any changes to the COR for awareness. Please refer to the Performance Work Statement or Scope of Work for this contract for additional details.
Can we use third-party chemical drum drop-off delivery? It is preferred and recommended that the contractor (awardee) receive and store chemical deliveries at their local site, as the VA will not be responsible for any missing or stolen deliveries.
Could you provide the model and SN?
Please refer to the Performance Work Statement or Scope of Work for a detailed inventory, which includes make and model information.
Could you provide information on the sort of testing and maintenance you are looking for? Please refer to the Performance Work Statement or Scope of Work for this contract for detailed information regarding the maintenance checklist for cooling towers (CT) on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, as well as the types of tests required for cooling towers and closed loops.
Do they want a rep onsite for weekly testing?  Yes, it is required as per contract.
Will a total of 20 samples be collected from the entire campus or 20 samples from each individual building? Please refer to the Performance Work Statement or Scope of Work for information regarding the number of loops and cooling towers, as well as the total number of samples to be collected. Samples are to be obtained from various buildings, campuses, or locations.