Electrical Switchboard Upgrade

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the Electrical Switchboard Upgrade opportunity.

• Existing Switchboard Details: The existing switchboard is likely from 2001, the year the building was constructed. Specific manufacturer, make, and model details were not provided.

No specific impacts on solicitation requirements, due dates, or submission rules were mentioned in this Q&A document.

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

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Cotton and Tobacco Program (CTP), requires a contractor to repair and upgrade the main power electrical switchboard at the Corpus Christi Classing Office, Texas. The goal is to ensure reliable power distribution, reduce operational risk, and protect sensitive laboratory equipment essential for cotton classification services.

The contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, testing, and documentation for:

• Inspecting and evaluating the existing main electrical switchboard.

• Repairing or replacing damaged, worn, or obsolete components.

• Upgrading the switchboard to meet current National Electrical Code (NEC), NFPA 70E, and USDA requirements.

• Installing a service-entrance surge protection system if needed.

• Performing all required testing, labeling, and commissioning.

• Providing updated documentation, including as-builts and Operations & Maintenance (O&M) materials.

• Inspection and Assessment: Full inspection of switchboard components (breakers, bus bars, etc.), identification of deficiencies, and a written assessment.

• Repairs: May include replacing breakers, repairing bus bars, correcting overheating, replacing covers, and updating labeling. All replacement components must be UL-listed.

• Code Compliance: Upgrades to meet NEC (latest edition), NFPA 70E, OSHA electrical safety standards, and local/state codes. This may include arc-flash mitigation and updated lockout/tagout provisions.

• Surge Protection: Installation of a UL 1449 4th Edition service-entrance surge protective device (SPD) if the existing system is inadequate.

• Shutdown Coordination: All electrical shutdowns must be coordinated with USDA facility management to minimize operational disruption. Temporary power solutions for critical systems may be required.

• Inspection report

• Repair plan and schedule

• Submittals for components and surge protection equipment

• As-built documentation

• O&M manuals

• Commissioning and testing report

• Training session for USDA personnel on new safety features

Work must comply with NEC, NFPA 70 and 70E, OSHA electrical safety, local/state codes, and USDA facility engineering guidelines.

• Conduct site visit.

• Obtain permits and inspections.

• Maintain a safe work environment.

• Protect existing equipment and operations.

• Dispose of replaced components properly.

• Restore disturbed areas.

• Provide facility access and escort.

• Identify critical equipment needing temporary power.

• Review and approve plans and submittals.

• Coordinate internal communications.

Work acceptance is based on completion of repairs, code compliance upgrades, successful testing, delivery of documentation, and final USDA approval.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for commercial construction services at the USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Cotton and Tobacco Program, Corpus Christi Classing Office located at 3545 Twin River Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78410. The government intends to make one award.

• Refer to Attachment 3 – Statement of Work for a complete list of requirements.

• Refer to Attachment 2 – SF-1442, Schedule of Items for the Schedule of Items.

• Technical data and supporting documentation are available in the solicitation attachments.

• The period of performance requires work to commence within 10 calendar days after the notice to proceed and completion not later than 90 calendar days after the notice to proceed.

• Site Visit: Scheduled for Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 10 am CT. Point of Contact: Donna Purvis, 361-241-4001.

• Questions Deadline: March 27, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time via email to Margaus.G.Nenichka@usda.gov.

• Offer Acceptance: Offers must be held firm for 90 calendar days from the receipt date.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government, evaluated on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) basis.

  • Price: Must include pricing for all items, base period, and all option periods. Quotes will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness.
  • Technical Acceptability: Quoted products must meet or exceed salient characteristics specified in Attachment 3 (Statement of Work) for brand name or equal items. Offerors must provide descriptive literature for "or equal" items. Technical capability will be rated "acceptable" or "unacceptable."
  • Past Performance: Evaluated using ratings of Acceptable, Neutral, or Unacceptable, based on references, past contracts, and CPARS.

• The evaluation process will proceed by evaluating the lowest priced offer for technical and past performance acceptability. If unsuccessful, the next lowest priced offer will be evaluated, and so on.

• Various FAR clauses related to small business concerns, HUBZone, and subcontracting plans are incorporated by reference and may be applicable.

• This solicitation incorporates numerous FAR and AGAR clauses and provisions by reference. Full text is available at https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52.

• Specific clauses for commercial construction are listed, including those related to wage rates, bonds, insurance, and site conditions.

• AGAR Clause 452.203-71 (Anti-Discrimination and DEI Compliance) and Provision 452.203-70 (DEI Certification) are included, requiring contractor compliance with anti-discrimination laws and specific executive orders.

• AGAR Clause 452.232-71 outlines Progress Payments for Commercial Construction Contracts, including requirements for contractor requests, certifications, and access for verification.

• The USDA Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests is described as an alternative dispute resolution process for protests.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "General Decision" providing prevailing wage rates for construction projects in Aransas, Nueces, and San Patricio Counties, Texas. It is used to ensure that laborers and mechanics employed on federal or federally funded construction projects are paid wages at least equal to the locally prevailing wages.

• Lists specific trade classifications (e.g., Boilermaker, Electrician, Carpenter, Laborer).
• Provides the prevailing hourly wage rate and fringe benefits for each classification.
• Includes identifiers explaining the source of the rates (union, survey, state adopted).
• References Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors) and their applicability.
• Outlines the process for appealing wage determination decisions.

Bidders must use these wage rates to accurately calculate labor costs for their proposals on relevant construction opportunities. Failure to comply with these wage requirements can lead to contract violations. The document also informs bidders about potential additional benefits (paid sick leave) and minimum wage requirements mandated by Executive Orders.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for "ELECTRICAL SWITCHBOARD UPGRADE AND MAINTENANCE." The government requires the performance of this work.

• Obtain permit from the City of Corpus Christi.

• Schedule outage with AEP (American Electric Power).

• Mobilize tools and materials to the designated location.

• Perform work after hours on a Saturday to minimize production downtime.

• Verify power is off with AEP before starting work.

• Disconnect and remove existing underground conductors.

• Install new 1600A pressure switch.

• Re-terminate conductors on bus bars.

• Re-energize bus and verify correct voltage and rotation.

• Ensure all work meets City inspection standards.

• Period of Performance: 04/13/2026 to 07/13/2026.

• The performance period is 90 calendar days after receiving notice to proceed.

• Offers are due by 04/09/2026.

• Offers must be submitted in original and 1 copy.

• Offers will be publicly opened at the due date and time.

• Envelopes must be marked with offeror's name and address, solicitation number, and due date/time.

• Offers must be valid for at least 1200 calendar days for Government acceptance.

• An offer guarantee is not required.

• Not specified in the provided pages.

• This is a sealed bid solicitation.

• The document is Standard Form 1442 (Rev. 8/2014).