656-22-341 Conduct Substation Upgrade

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document contains the "Transformer Schedule" which lists existing and new transformers for the "Conduct Electrical Substation Upgrade" project. It provides detailed specifications for each transformer, including KVA rating, primary and secondary voltages, phase, and whether it is existing or an alternate.

• Existing Transformer Schedule: Lists transformers designated as "EXISTING" with their specifications.
• New Transformer Schedule: Lists transformers designated as "PRIMARY" or "ALTERNATE" with their specifications.
• Deduct Alternate 1: Specifically notes the exclusion of work associated with Transformer TF-50 for this alternate bid.

This schedule is crucial for bidders to understand the scope of work related to transformer replacement and installation. It details the specific units to be removed and the specifications for new units, directly impacting procurement, installation, and project cost estimations. Bidders must pay close attention to the "Deduct Alternate 1" to understand potential scope reductions.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document is a template for recording questions and answers related to a solicitation. It is intended to capture vendor inquiries and the government's responses to provide clarification on the solicitation requirements.

This document is a blank form and does not contain any specific questions or answers at this time. It is structured with columns for:

• Item Number
• SOW Reference
• Question
• Answer

As this is a blank template, it does not currently impact the solicitation. Once populated with specific questions and answers, it would serve to clarify solicitation details, potentially affecting bidder understanding of requirements and submission strategies.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment E - Limitations on Subcontracting - Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction," outlines the specific subcontracting limitations that will apply to an awarded contract. It requires the offeror to certify their compliance with these limitations.

• Services: Contractors will not pay more than 50% of the contract amount to firms that are not certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) or Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs).
• General Construction: Contractors will not pay more than 85% of the contract amount to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs or VOSBs.
• Special Trade Construction: Contractors will not pay more than 75% of the contract amount to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs or VOSBs. This section is marked as applicable ('[x]') in this specific instance.
• Certification Requirement: Offerors must complete, sign, and return this certification with their bid, quotation, or proposal. Failure to do so will result in the offer being deemed ineligible for evaluation and award.
• Compliance Verification: The offeror acknowledges that submission of the offer constitutes an understanding that they may be required to provide documentation to verify compliance with these limitations during contract performance and upon completion.
• Penalties: False or fraudulent certifications are subject to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties, including prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1001.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the subcontracting restrictions applicable to the opportunity. Bidders must ensure their proposed approach and pricing comply with these limitations, particularly for special trade construction. The completed and signed certification is a mandatory submission requirement for bid eligibility.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the "Conduct Substation Upgrade" project (Project Number: 656-22-341). The contractor will be responsible for furnishing all labor, materials, tools, and equipment to remove and replace two large 5000KVA utility grade transformers with two 6000 KVA utility grade transformers, and to remove and replace 16 smaller medium voltage transformers (30 KVA to 750 KVA). The project also includes providing passive, anti-ram rated bollards and replacing transformer pads as needed.

• Removal and replacement of two large 5000KVA utility grade transformers with two 6000 KVA utility grade transformers.

• Removal and replacement of 16 smaller medium voltage transformers (30 KVA to 750 KVA).

• Installation of passive, anti-ram rated bollards per ASTM F2656 crash rating requirements (minimum M30/P1).

• Replacement of transformer pads with new pads meeting 4000 psi concrete strength and reinforcement.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price.

• Period of Performance: Within 16 calendar days after notice to proceed, with a total performance period of 870 calendar days.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but the magnitude of construction cost is between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000.

• Proposals must be submitted via email to Dwayne Brauch (dwayne.brauch@va.gov) by 10:00 AM CT on Monday, May 11, 2026.

• The subject line for submission must be: PN: 656-22-341 Conduct Substation Upgrade.

• Bids will be evaluated based on price to determine the most advantageous offer to the Government.

• A site visit is scheduled for Monday, April 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM CT.

• Technical questions and inquiries must be submitted in writing via email to dwayne.brauch@va.gov by April 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM CT.

• This solicitation is a set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) concerns.

• Offerors must represent that they are a verified SDVOSB in www.veterans.certify.sba.gov, a small business concern under the assigned NAICS code, and meet other eligibility requirements.

• Applicable NAICS Code: 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors) with a $19 million small business size standard.

• Offerors must acknowledge all amendments to the solicitation.

• A bid guarantee is required.

• Performance and payment bonds are required within 10 calendar days after award.

• The solicitation includes numerous FAR and VAAR clauses and provisions related to representations, certifications, small business status, labor requirements, and other contractual terms.

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

This SOW outlines the requirements for the Conduct Substation Upgrade project (#656-22-341) at the St. Cloud VA Health Care System.

• Transformer Replacement: Remove and replace two large 5000 KVA transformers with two 6000 KVA transformers. Remove and replace 16 smaller medium voltage transformers (30 KVA to 750 KVA).

• Bollard Installation: Provide and install passive, anti-ram rated bollards (ASTM F2656 M30/P1 minimum) around transformer pads, spaced no more than 5 feet apart and removable where necessary for electrical clearances.

• Pad Replacement: Replace transformer pads with new pads meeting 4000 psi concrete strength and reinforcement as per project drawings.

• Demolition & Disposal: Remove and dispose of existing transformers and concrete not scheduled for reuse. No asbestos or lead finds are anticipated.

• New Construction: Work includes substation area and vicinity of replaced transformers.

• Trades: Electrical, Landscape, and Site Concrete trades are expected.

• Perform all medium-voltage cable testing (Insulation Resistance, Tan Delta, VLF withstand).

• Provide arc-flash labeling per Division 26 specifications.

• Contract Working Hours: 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal Holidays. Work outside these hours requires two weeks advance approval.

• Anticipated Schedule:

  • Contract Award: D
  • Notice to Proceed (NTP): D+16
  • Construction Completion: D+886 calendar days after NTP.

• Substantial Completion: Anticipated 870 calendar days after NTP.

• Outage Coordination: Develop and submit a phased outage plan maintaining loop continuity for VA COR approval. A minimum of 2-week advance notice is required for any power disruption. Work outside contract hours also requires two weeks advance approval.

• Submittals: Contractor must provide project schedule, safety plans, and coordination documents early. Order long lead time items promptly.

• The anticipated cost range for this project is between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "General Decision" which provides prevailing wage rates for building construction projects in Stearns County, Minnesota. It is intended to inform bidders of the minimum wage rates required for various labor classifications on federal or federally funded construction projects subject to the Davis-Bacon Act.

• General Decision Number: MN20260099 (effective 01/02/2026)
• Superseded Decision Number: MN20250099
• Construction Type: Building
• Geographic Area: Stearns County, Minnesota
• Applicability: Building construction projects (excluding single-family homes or apartments up to and including 4 stories).
• Labor Classifications and Rates: Lists specific job titles (e.g., Electrician, Carpenter, Plumber) with their corresponding hourly wage rates and fringe benefits.
• Executive Orders: Notes applicability of Executive Order 13706 (Establishing Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors) and Executive Order 13658 (Establishing a Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors).

Bidders must use this wage determination to ensure compliance with federal labor laws. The listed rates represent the minimum wages that must be paid to laborers and mechanics employed on the covered construction work. Failure to comply can result in penalties. Bidders should factor these wage rates into their cost proposals.

Technical Specifications / Other

This document contains the technical specifications for the "Conduct Substation Upgrade" project (Project Number 656-22-341) at the St. Cloud VA Health Care System. It details the requirements for various aspects of the construction project, including:

• General Requirements: Outlines general project intentions, safety requirements (including hazardous material awareness, PPE, and training), contract working hours, site visit procedures, and security protocols (identification badges, background checks).
• Electrical Systems: Specifies requirements for electrical installations, medium-voltage cables, grounding and bonding, raceways and boxes, overcurrent protective device coordination studies, and pad-mounted transformers.
• Safety and Environmental Controls: Details safety requirements, accident prevention plans, activity hazard analyses, fire safety, electrical safety, fall protection, excavation, crane operations, lockout/tagout procedures, and construction waste management.
• Demolition and Restoration: Covers demolition of existing structures and utilities, and requirements for restoring disturbed areas.
• Quality Control: Outlines requirements for contractor quality control, submittals, testing, and inspections.
• Specific Systems: Includes specifications for passive vehicle barriers, and various electrical components such as conductors, cables, splices, terminations, and transformers.

This document provides detailed technical requirements and specifications that potential bidders must understand to accurately estimate costs, plan their approach, and ensure compliance if awarded the contract. It highlights critical aspects such as safety protocols, specific material and installation standards, testing requirements, and quality control measures.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a presolicitation notice for a firm fixed-price contract to complete the "Conduct Substation Upgrade" project (Project Number: 656-22-341) at the St. Cloud VA Health Care System in St. Cloud, MN. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) intends to issue an Invitation for Bid (IFB) in accordance with FAR Parts 14 and 36.

• Remove and replace two large 5000KVA utility grade transformers with two 6000 KVA transformers.

• Remove and replace 16 smaller medium voltage transformers (30 KVA to 750 KVA).

• Provide passive, anti-ram rated bollards meeting ASTM F2656 crash rating requirements (minimum M30/P1).

• Replace transformer pads as required, meeting specific concrete strength and reinforcement details.

• Demolition and removal of existing transformers and concrete.

• Disposal of equipment and materials not scheduled for reuse.

• Electrical, Landscape, and Site Concrete trades are expected.

• New construction includes the substation area and vicinity of replaced transformers.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price

• Period of Performance: 886 calendar days from Notice to Proceed (NTP).

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

• An Invitation for Bid (IFB) is planned to be issued on or about May 1st, 2026.

• Award is anticipated within 90 calendar days from the bid opening date.

• Further details on dates, events, locations, site visits, and bid due dates will be provided in the solicitation.

• All questions must be submitted in writing via email to dwayne.brauch@va.gov. Telephone inquiries will not be answered.

• This is a TOTAL 100% SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESS (SDVOSB) SET-ASIDE.

• Bidders must be registered and certified as an SDVOSB in the Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) at https://veterans.certify.sba.gov.

• Only bids from verified SDVOSB's at the SBA database at the time of bid submission will be deemed responsive.

• NAICS Code: 238210 (Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors).

• Small Business Size Standard: $19 million.

• Bidders must represent to the Contracting Officer that they are a small business concern under the assigned NAICS code.

• This notice is for informational purposes only and is not a request for bid submission.

• The IFB documents will be available for download at SAM.gov (https://sam.gov/content/opportunities).

• The Contract Opportunities website is the only official location for solicitation information and documents.

• Bidders are responsible for obtaining all bidding documents and monitoring the site for amendments or changes.

• A bidder's list will not be maintained.

• Hard copies will not be mailed or made available outside the website.

• There is a 60-day window after the Post Award Conference and prior to NTP for badging submission and processing. No additional expense will be allowed for badging items.