656-22-341 Conduct Substation Upgrade

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This document outlines the technical specifications and requirements for the procurement and delivery of utility transformers.

• System Description: Specifies requirements for two-winding, three-phase, 60-hertz, oil-immersed, 55/65-degree C rise outdoor type station power transformers conforming to IEEE C57.12.00 and IEEE C57.12.80.

• Components: Details requirements for transformer tanks, bushings, cores, coils, cooling provisions, automatic load-tap changing equipment, insulating liquid, and accessories (e.g., space heaters, external voltage source connections).

• Fabrication: Includes requirements for painting and general fabrication standards.

• Factory Testing: Mandates factory testing in accordance with IEEE C57.12.90, IEEE 62, ASTM D3612, and IEEE C57.12.00, including design tests and routine/other tests. The government reserves the right to witness tests.

• Installation: Outlines requirements for transformer installation, including grounding and the provision of installation drawings.

• Field Quality Control: Specifies acceptance tests to be performed by a manufacturer's service representative, including insulation-resistance tests, insulation power factor tests, excitation tests, turns ratio tests, and oil tests (Power Factor, Karl Fischer, Neutralization Number, Dielectric, Dissolved Gas Combustibles).

• Closeout Activities: Requires submission of final test reports and Operation and Maintenance Manuals.

• Performance Requirements: Includes specifications for impedance, short-circuit withstand, voltage ratings, insulation class, and basic impulse insulation levels.

• Testing Standards: References numerous ASTM, IEEE, FM Global, NFPA, OECD, and EPA standards for materials, testing, and safety.

• Acceptable Limits: Specifies maximum acceptable insulation power factor (0.5 percent) and dielectric strength for oil.

Not explicitly stated in this document, but implies delivery to a job site for installation.

• Submittals: Requires various submittals including preconstruction, product data, test reports, certificates, and closeout documents.
• Qualifications: Manufacturers must be regularly engaged in producing similar equipment and have a proven track record of at least 2 years with no less than 150 units manufactured prior to bid opening.
• Delivery, Storage, and Handling: Outlines procedures for shipping, site arrival, and initial government testing before installation.
• Warranty: Requires a 3-copy warranty to the Contracting Officer, supported by convenient service organizations.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a sign-in sheet and agenda for a pre-bid site visit for the Conduct Substation Upgrade project (IFB: 36C26326B0024). It lists attendees from various companies who participated in the site visit on April 13, 2026. The agenda items include introductions, an announcement of the solicitation number, details about the 100% Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-aside, the estimated construction magnitude ($5,000,000.00 - $10,000,000.00), requirements for bonds, the period of performance (870 days after NTP), and wage rate requirements (Attachment C).

It also outlines the process for submitting questions and clarifications, with a deadline of April 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM (CT), to be submitted via email to dwayne.brauch@va.gov. Answers will be published via amendment. The proposal due date is May 11, 2026, at 10:00 AM (CT), to be submitted via email to the same address. Evaluation factors will include Price Proposal.

This document is relevant to potential bidders as it confirms attendance at a mandatory pre-bid site visit and provides key dates and contact information for submitting questions and proposals. It also highlights critical project details such as the set-aside status, estimated cost, performance period, and the importance of wage rate requirements and bonds. The information on the Q&A process and proposal submission is crucial for timely and compliant responses.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment modifies solicitation 36C26326B0024, originally dated 04-06-2026.

Key changes include:

• Proposal Due Date Extension: The deadline for submitting offers has been extended to May 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM CDT.

• Attachment Updates: The following documents are now attached or have been updated:

  • Bid Questions Attachment F: Questions request form answered.
  • Site Visit Agenda
  • Site Visit Sign-in Sheet
  • Pictures of name plates for all units for replacement
  • 337300 Utility Transformer Specification
  • Outage List for Bidders

• New Clause: FAR Clause 52.222-90, Addressing DEI Discriminatory by Federal Contractors (APR 2026), has been added.

• Item 11: The hour and date for receipt of Offers is extended.

• Various attachments and specifications related to the solicitation.

• The proposal submission deadline has been extended.

• Bidders should review all newly attached documents and the updated FAR clause for any impact on their proposals.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to questions submitted by potential bidders regarding the solicitation for substation upgrades.

• Tax Exempt Status: The owner does not intend to issue an ST-3 form; bidders should reference solicitation clause 52.229-3.
• Bollard Specifications: For pipe bollards, use detail 4 of sheet EK501 for a removable bollard, ensuring it meets ASTM F2656.
• Transformer Photographs: Photos are available for most transformers, showing primary and secondary connection bays and nameplates.
• Wiring Methods: Existing wiring methods (duct bank) can be used for new medium voltage primary cabling.
• Outage Durations: Maximum allowable building outage duration will vary by transformer and building use. Specific outage options and building-by-building requirements are provided.
• Switching Operations: VA staff are responsible for switching operations. Contractors will place their Lockout devices. Coordination with COR is required at least two weeks in advance.
• Site Superintendent/SSHO Roles: The Site Superintendent can serve multiple roles (e.g., Quality Control, SSHO) if qualified, but must be dedicated to this project during construction.
• Staging Area: A designated staging area will be provided, consisting of one semi-trailer sized parking stall and a 48’x36’ fenced area.
• Transformer Impedance: Transformer impedance for sizes 150kVA and larger shall not be less than 4.5%, as shown on the drawings.
• Buy American Act: Bidders should reference FAR 52.225-12.

This document clarifies technical specifications, site logistics, and contractual requirements. Bidders should review these answers carefully as they may impact their understanding of the scope and their proposal preparation. Specification section 33 73 00, which was initially missing, has been issued as part of an amendment.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "656-22-341 Transformer Outage Table By Building/Location," provides a table detailing allowable outage timing for various transformers based on current facility needs. It outlines general comments regarding coordination of outages and considerations for temperature sensitivity due to potential impacts on chillers.

The table lists specific transformers (e.g., PRIMARY, TX1, TX2, TX50) and specifies the conditions under which their outages can occur. These conditions include:

• Required advance notice (e.g., 60 days for surgery schedules, 30 days for specific shutdowns).
• Whether outages must occur outside normal business hours or can be scheduled during normal business hours.
• Requirements for providing temporary power if an outage exceeds a certain duration (e.g., 8 hours).
• Specific building or location impacts (e.g., affecting urgent care hours, laundry operations).
• Any special coordination or disconnection requirements.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the constraints and requirements related to transformer maintenance or replacement activities. It informs bidders about:

• The timing restrictions for performing work, which will impact scheduling and resource allocation.
• The need to coordinate with the government and potentially provide temporary power solutions.
• Potential impacts on building operations, such as surgery schedules or temperature control, which may require specific planning and communication.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the agenda for a pre-bid site visit for Solicitation Number 36C26326B0024, PN: 656-22-341, concerning the Conduct Substation Upgrade project. The solicitation is a 100% Small, Disadvantaged, Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-aside, restricted exclusively to verified SDVOSBs listed in the VIP database at the time of proposal submission and contract award.

• The project involves a Substation Upgrade.

• Wage Rate Requirements (Construction) are provided as Attachment C.

• All applicable Federal, State, and Local taxes must be included in the proposal per FAR 52.229-3. A Minnesota sales tax exemption certificate will not be issued for construction materials.

• Magnitude of Construction: Estimated between $5,000,000.00 and $10,000,000.00.

• Bonds: A scanned copy of the Bid Bond is acceptable with proposal submission. Payment and Performance Bonds are required and can be scanned and emailed to the Contracting Officer.

• Period of Performance: 870 calendar days after issuance of Notice to Proceed (NTP).

• Proposal Evaluation Factors: Price Proposal (price factor).

• Questions/Clarifications: All requests must be submitted via email to dwayne.brauch@va.gov no later than April 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM (CT). No questions will be answered via phone or individually. Answers will be published via amendment.

• Proposal Due Date: Monday, May 11, 2026, at 10:00 AM (CT). Proposals must be submitted via email to dwayne.brauch@va.gov and must adhere to instructions within the solicitation regarding formatting and page numbers.

• 100% SDVOSB Set-Aside: Competition is restricted to SDVOSBs ONLY, in accordance with Public Law 109-461.

• SDVOSB Verification: Must be listed as a verified SDVOSB in the VIP database at the time of solicitation proposal submission and contract award.

• This document is a site visit agenda and provides key details for the upcoming solicitation.

• The government reserves the right to not answer RFIs/questions after the stated due date/time if they do not have a significant impact on the project.