36C24226B0042
Amendment 1
630A4-17-433 Replace Boiler Plant Main Electrical Switchgear
36C24226B0042
Amendment 1
630A4-17-433 Replace Boiler Plant Main Electrical Switchgear
36C24226B0042
Amendment 1
630A4-17-433 Replace Boiler Plant Main Electrical Switchgear
Please confirm the correct Davis-Bacon wage determination. The solicitation currently includes a New York 'Heavy Dredging' wage determination, which appears unrelated to this building electrical project.
VA CO: See attachment
Please clarify whether bidders are pricing Base Bid only, or Base Bid plus Alternate No. 1. If Alternate No. 1 remains, provide a clear bid schedule.
VA COR: Base Bid only
Please confirm whether this is strictly design-bid-build. The solicitation references 100% IFC drawings, but the SOW also states the contractor is responsible for the 'design' of replacement systems.
VA COR: It s considered design-bid-build.
Please provide complete existing equipment data for substations, transformers, MCCs, ATSs, breakers, and feeders (manufacturer, ratings, dimensions, weights, available fault current, trip settings, etc.).
VA COR: VA has limited information from its database. GC to conduct full investigation and field verification before work.
Please confirm whether existing transformers contain PCBs and provide testing documentation. If unknown, confirm whether an allowance will be issued for hazardous disposal.
VA COR: AE shall confirm if the survey was done based on the initial contract. If not, please include service(s) during CPS.
Please define allowable outage windows for each shutdown/load transfer, including permitted days, times, duration limits, and blackout periods.
VA COR: COR to communicate with St. Albans M&O for shutdown coordination. GC to provide phasing plans and area of work.
Please confirm whether shutdowns must occur after hours/weekends and whether premium labor should be included in bids.
VA COR: utility shutdown can be performed during normal business hours, depending on location and time. OFF hours work can be established when affecting facility s normal operation.
Please identify who is responsible for utility switching/LOTO of the 5kV system (VA staff, utility provider, contractor, or third party).
VA COR: Applies to all. Work can be coordinated in between parties, depending on work area and needs.
Please confirm whether new short-circuit, coordination, and arc flash studies are required and whether existing studies are available
VA COR: Yes, it is required since the contractor shall install a complete new equipment AE shall confirm as well.
18. Please provide hazardous materials survey information for asbestos, lead paint, refrigerants, contaminated oil, and other regulated materials in demolition areas.
VA COR: Hazardous sampling and abatement are required. GC to provide abatement service, A/E to provide Air Monitoring service.
20. Please confirm all required permits (NYC DOB, FDNY, utility, environmental, crane permits, etc.) and identify whether the contractor or VA is responsible for obtaining them
VA COR: GC is responsible for work permits. VAMC is a federal facility, however, certain city permit is required i.e.. Asbestos abatement, Fire suppression system related, crane safety .etc.
Please provide complete existing equipment data for substations, transformers, MCCs, ATSs, breakers, and feeders (manufacturer, ratings, dimensions, weights, available fault current, trip settings, etc.)
VA COR: duplicate of question No. 5
Please confirm whether existing transformers contain PCBs and provide testing documentation. If unknown, confirm whether an allowance will be issued for hazardous disposal.
VA COR: duplicate of question No. 6
Please define allowable outage windows for each shutdown/load transfer, including permitted days, times, duration limits, and blackout periods.
VA COR: duplicate of question No. 7
Please confirm whether shutdowns must occur after hours/weekends and whether premium labor should be included in bids.
VA COR: duplicate of question No. 8
28. Please provide temporary power requirements including capacities, connection points, conductor routing, grounding requirements, and acceptable temporary equipment locations.
VA COR: proposed action plan or phasing plan is required before any coordination with the VA.
Please identify who is responsible for utility switching/LOTO of the 5kV system (VA staff, utility provider, contractor, or third party)
VA COR: duplicate of question No. 13
Please confirm whether new short-circuit, coordination, and arc flash studies are required and whether existing studies are available.
VA COR: duplicate of question No. 14
Please provide hazardous materials survey information for asbestos, lead paint, refrigerants, contaminated oil, and other regulated materials in demolition areas
VA COR: duplicate of question No. 18
Please identify rigging/logistics constraints including access routes, crane requirements, loading limitations, door openings, and staging areas for large electrical equipment replacement.
VA COR: staging areas is available. GC to conduct field investigations and condition verification for proper work requirements. COR to establish communication in between parties.
Please confirm all required permits (NYC DOB, FDNY, utility, environmental, crane permits, etc.) and identify whether the contractor or VA is responsible for obtaining them
VA COR: duplicate of question No. 20
Spec section General Requirements page no.2 states ALTERNATE NO.1: BASE BID except minus 2nd switchgear unit. But the Bid pricing sheet does not have any alternate listed. If there is any alternate work, then please modify the bid pricing sheet accordingly
VA COR: Base bid only.
43. Spec section 01 90 00 has General Commissioning Requirements. Please confirm the Commissioning agent will be hired by VA.
VA COR: A/E to cover or responsible for Commissioning service on behalf of the VA.
The time limit to complete this project is 730 calendar days. Why is the agency anticipating such a long time for completion?
VA COR: extended timeline to cover, equipment lead-time/ delivery / contracting and paperwork process in terms of any new proposed work.
The work of demolition of concrete pads, construction of new concrete pads and switchgear replacement is on the lower level. Please advise if there is access at the exterior street from this lower level to haul the construction materials in and out.
VA COR: Multiple exits and stairway are available.
Please confirm work hours are regular M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
VA COR: All work shall be performed under normal business hours, unless otherwise, special circumstances and specific timeline applies.
Is the 5KV wiring being replaced from the substations back to the manhole 2A?
VA COR: No, the 5kV wiring is being replaced from the substation back to the splice enclosure inside the same electrical room.
Where are the starting and the ending points for the feeder s replacement?
VA COR: In accordance with drawings ED-101 and ED-601, the 5KV feeders extending from the splice enclosure to the transformer are to be replaced both located inside the electrical room. Also, see drawing cut below for clarification.
Is the walkthrough sign sheet available?
VA COR-Yes. Will be attached to the Amendment.
Will the concrete bases for substations 1 and 2 need to be replaced, or can they be reused?
VA COR- No, due to differences in dimensions and positioning for the new equipment, the existing pad must be removed and replaced with a new one. Also, conditions and capacities of existing concrete pads are unknown.
52.What is the distance from the substations to the splice point for the 5KV medium voltage wire?
VA COR-: Refer to drawing ED-101 enlarged plan D6. Both the substation and the splice enclosure are located within the electrical room.
Will aluminum conductors be allowed or only copper conductors?
VA COR: Aluminum conductors and materials are strictly prohibited. Refer to the VA specifications and construction manual for compliance requirements, use copper only.
How many floor mounted transformers are being replaced? 54.1. D2X/Ramboll - Refer to drawing ED-101 and ED-601. Two 300KVA transformers, two load interrupter switches and two motor control centers are being replaced.
Can the transformers being replaced be mounted in the air?
VA COR: No, the new transformer is a 300kVA transformer and needs to be floor mounted.
Specifications call for the installation of a chain link fence around the construction area. Is this in addition to the dust barrier?
VA COR: Yes. Chain link fence is in addition to the dust barrier.
Will the duct barrier require venting to the outside of the facility? 57.1. 5/5/26-VA agreed item 9 Will the duct barrier require venting to the outside of the facility? Should read Will the Dust barrier require venting to the outside of the facility?
VA COR: Venting/exhaust to the exterior is not specifically required for the Class II dust-control barrier shown, unless required by the Contractor s approved dust control plan, VA Infection Control, or if work conditions require negative-pressure containment. If exhaust is used, the Contractor must verify that construction exhaust is not reintroduced into the medical center through intakes or openings, and HEPA filtration is required where exhaust dust may reenter the facility. This needs approval by the COR.
Will the facility hoist be allowed to be used to lower equipment to the lower level of the facility? VA COR: No.
What is the required height of the Dust Barrier in the work zone?
VA COR: For the Class II precautions identified on GI-003, provide dust-control barriers as shown and as required by Section 01 35 26. Where a full containment barrier is required or directed by VA Infection Control/COR, the barrier shall extend from floor to ceiling with seams sealed to prevent dust migration. Final barrier limits and door locations shall be coordinated in the field with and approved by the VA COR.
