Electrical Upgrade to the Telephone Rooms for Backbone Upgrade

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the "Electrical Upgrade to the Telephone Rooms for Backbone Upgrade" solicitation (Solicitation No. 69056726Q000010).

• Receptacle Locations: Two TRs are on the first floor, and a third is on the second floor. Bidders should consider all three locations.
• Receptacle and Breaker Specifications: The installation should use L6-30R receptacles and 230v breakers, as determined necessary for upgrade purposes, overriding conflicting information in drawings.
• Conduit vs. MC Wire: MC wire is suitable and recommended for use from the panel to the receptacle due to installation encumbrances and ease.
• Grounding: Grounding should be internal to the MC cable, not separate or external, and must connect to the building's main ground per NEC 250.
• Conductor Quantity for L6-30R: Bidders should price to run 10/3 MC with ground (4 conductors) to accommodate future upgrades.
• Subcontractor Experience: A subcontractor's experience can satisfy the prime contractor's five-year relevant experience requirement. Past performance evaluations will consider both the prime contractor and the subcontractor.

This Q&A clarifies technical specifications and requirements, potentially impacting pricing and material selection. It also clarifies how subcontractor experience and past performance will be evaluated.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the "Electrical Upgrade to the Telephone Rooms for Backbone Upgrade" solicitation (Solicitation No.: 69056726Q000010).

• Receptacle Locations: The solicitation indicates 3 new locations for receptacles, with 4 circuits to be reused in the NOC. The drawings only show 3 new locations. The response clarifies that two (2) TRs are on the first floor and the third is on the second floor.
• Receptacle and Breaker Specifications: The solicitation states L6-30R (230v) receptacles and breakers, while drawings show L5-30R (120v). The response confirms that the installation should use L6-30 (230v) for upgrade purposes.
• Conduit vs. MC Cable: The solicitation mentions both ¾” conduit and MC wire for panel-to-receptacle connections. The response states that MC cable is suitable and recommended due to encumbrances and ease of installation.
• Grounding Conductors: The question asks if main grounding can run from the building's busbar to each room's grounding busbar without conduit. The response confirms that per NEC 250, grounding to the building's ground is necessary, and conductors should be internal to MC cable, not separate/external.
• Conductor Quantity for L6-30R Receptacles: The RFQ specifies 4 conductors for installation, but the L6-30R receptacle is a 3-wire device. Vendors inquired whether to price for 10/3 MC with ground (4 conductors) or 10/2 MC with ground (3 conductors, requiring re-identification of a white conductor as hot), or to include 10/3 with a spare white conductor. The response advises to use 10/3 w/ ground, as this will facilitate future upgrades.

This Q&A document clarifies technical specifications and installation methods, which may impact pricing and proposal preparation. No changes to deadlines or submission rules were indicated.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides vendor questions and government answers related to the "Electrical Upgrade to the Telephone Rooms for Backbone Upgrade" project (Solicitation No.: 69056726Q000010).

• Receptacle Locations: The solicitation table indicates 3 new locations for receptacles, while the drawing shows only 3. The government clarified that two (2) TRs are on the first floor, and the third is on the second floor.
• Receptacle and Breaker Specifications: The solicitation states L6-30R receptacles and 2-pole (230v) breakers, but the drawings show L5-30R (120v) single-pole breakers. The government clarified that the installation should use L6-30, as determined necessary for upgrade purposes.
• Conduit and Wire Type: The solicitation mentions 3/4" conduit and using MC wire from the panel to the receptacle for continuity. The government confirmed that MC wire is suitable and recommended due to encumbrances and ease of installation.
• Main Grounding: For the main grounding from the building's busbar to each room's grounding busbar, the government stated that per NEC 250, grounding to the building's ground is necessary. Conductors should be internal to the MC cable, not separate or external.

These clarifications address discrepancies in receptacle types, quantities, and wiring methods, which may impact pricing and installation approaches for bidders. The answers confirm the use of L6-30 receptacles and MC cable for continuity, and specify grounding requirements.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for an Electrical Upgrade to the Telephone Rooms for Backbone Upgrade. The procurement is for an OPEN-MARKET Firm Fixed Price (FFP) RFQ, and the agency anticipates awarding a Firm-Fixed Price Purchase Order. The expected award date is February 26, 2026.

• Install dedicated UPS-backed electrical circuits from Panel UPS1A to each Telecommunications Room (TR), including all breakers, cabling supports, terminations, receptacle installation, and labeling.

• Provide two (2) new 30A/230V circuits terminated in twist-lock L6-30R receptacles for each TR (NOC, Alaska TR, Denali TR, Annex TR).

• Install six (6) 30A receptacles (twist-lock L6-30R) at designated locations for the NOC TR for PDU power input.

• Support power for twelve (12) Tripp Lite / Eaton PDUMNH30HV units across four (4) Telco rooms.

• Install appropriate bonding conductor from the building grounding electrode system to each TR.

• Perform continuity and polarity testing for each circuit, and validate UPS operation and failover for each TR circuit.

• Install UL-listed firestop assemblies where new firewall penetrations are made.

• Deliver as-built drawings for cable routing.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP)

• Period of Performance: To be completed no later than thirty (30) days after receipt of the order.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but the NAICS code is 238210 with a size standard of $19 million.

• Quote Response Due: February 24, 2026, 1400 PT.

• All questions must be submitted in writing electronically to WFL.Purchasing@dot.gov no later than 04:00 pm PT on 02/23/2026.

• Evaluation Factors: Price, Technical Compliance with Solicitation Requirements, Relevant Past Experience, and Relevant Past Performance.

• Award Basis: Lowest priced quote that is technically acceptable.

• This solicitation is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• NAICS Code: 238210

• Size Standard: $19 million

• Attachments include: Price Schedule, Offeror Work Experience Template, Past Pref Questionnaire, Plans, Wage Determination, and Site Visit document.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains electrical drawings and specifications for an "Electrical Upgrade to the Telephone Rooms for Backbone Upgrade" project. It details the scope of work, performance standards, and general provisions for the installation of new electrical circuits and receptacles.

• Scope of Work: Installation of two L5-30R receptacles on dedicated circuits in specific telephone rooms (Annex TR, Alaska TR, Denali TR) on the first and second floors.
• Power Source: Circuits will feed from Panel UPS1A in the first-floor main electrical room. The contractor must verify the correct breaker type and utilize available spaces.
• Branch Circuits: Wiring method to be 10/2 MC cable, routed through the first-floor T-bar ceiling and along structural lines. All cabling and panels must be labeled.
• Receptacles: Installation of 4" square bracketless back boxes with industrial raised covers, using L5-30R receptacles.
• General Provisions: Includes housekeeping, testing, commissioning, permits (none required for federal property), firewall penetrations, and a 12-month warranty on all new wiring and devices.
• Panel Schedule (UPS1A): Details existing and proposed circuit descriptions, pole configurations, and trip ratings for Panel UPS1A.
• Drawing Index: Lists the cover sheet (E0.1), first floor (E1.0), and second floor (E2.0) drawings.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the specific electrical upgrade requirements, including the scope of work, materials, installation methods, and performance expectations. It provides the technical details necessary for preparing an accurate proposal and understanding the project's physical and electrical layout.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a price schedule (Attachment 0001) for the opportunity. Bidders should use this to provide their pricing for the CLINs listed.

• CLIN: 00101
• Description: Electrical upgrade to the Telephone Rooms for Backbone Upgrade
• Pricing Type: Firm-Fixed Price
• Columns for Quantity (QTY), Unit (UNIT), Unit Price, and Amount are provided.

This attachment requires bidders to input their proposed pricing for the specified electrical upgrade. The "GRAND TOTAL" field will likely be a key component of the overall bid evaluation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the Offeror Work Experience Form, to be completed and submitted by offerors. It is intended for the evaluation of past or present contracts that meet or exceed the stated criteria for Evaluation Factor 3.

• Offeror Information: Includes fields for Company Name, Company Address, Point of Contact, Phone Number, and E-mail Address.

• Contract Information: Includes fields for Contract Title, Owner/Agency Name, Location/Address, Point of Contact, and Contact E-mail Address/Phone #.

• Contract Details: Requires indication if the firm was the PRIME contractor (YES/NO), and if so, the number of subcontractors. It also requests Original and Final Completion Dates, and Original and Final Contract Values.

• Work Description: A section to describe the work performed under the contract.

• Submit this completed form with your proposal.

• DO NOT EXCEED A MAXIMUM of five (5) pages total for contract and management experience per identified relevant contract.

This form is crucial for bidders to document their relevant past performance. It directly impacts the evaluation of Evaluation Factor 3, as it requires details on contracts that meet or exceed specific criteria. Bidders must carefully complete this form, adhering to the page limit, to demonstrate their experience effectively.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Reference Questionnaire designed to collect feedback from references regarding a contractor's performance on previous contracts. Offerors/quoters are to provide this questionnaire to their references, who will then submit it directly to the government.

• Contractor Information: Fields for the contractor's name, contract number, and contract description.
• Rater Information: Fields for the reference's name, contact details (phone, email), and their role in relation to the contract.
• Rating Definitions: Provides clear definitions for performance ratings ranging from Exceptional (E) to Unsatisfactory (U), including criteria for each.
• Performance Categories: The questionnaire asks for ratings on various aspects of contractor performance, including:
  • Quality of technical abilities
  • Timeliness and adherence to schedules
  • Cost management effectiveness
  • Ability to meet special needs
  • Management team effectiveness
  • Subcontractor management
  • Small business subcontracting
  • Compliance with laws and regulations
  • Resource and personnel management
  • Recommendation for future similar requirements
• Narrative Justification: Space is provided for the rater to offer supporting narrative for each rating.
• Signature and Return Instructions: Requires rater signature and specifies submission via email to WFL.Purchasing@dot.gov by the RFQ due date and time (2:00 PM Pacific Time).

This questionnaire is crucial for bidders as it outlines the specific criteria the government will use to evaluate their past performance. Bidders must ensure they provide this to appropriate references and that their references understand how to complete and submit it accurately and by the deadline. The ratings and narrative justifications provided by references will directly impact the bidder's past performance evaluation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Wage Determination (No. 2015-5563, Revision No. 27) issued under the Service Contract Act. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations when performing contract work in specific geographic areas.

• Area Covered: Oregon Counties of Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, and Washington Counties of Clark, Skamania.
• Occupational Listings: Provides a comprehensive list of job titles, corresponding occupation codes, and the required minimum hourly wage rate.
• Fringe Benefits: Indicates that fringe benefits are required and follow the occupational listing, though specific fringe benefit amounts are detailed separately.
• Executive Order (EO) 13706 (Paid Sick Leave): Details requirements for paid sick leave for federal contractors awarded contracts on or after January 1, 2017.
• Executive Order 13658 (Minimum Wage): Outlines minimum wage requirements for contracts awarded between January 1, 2015, and January 29, 2022, with adjustments for 2025.
• Vacation and Holidays: Specifies paid vacation and holiday entitlements for service contract employees.
• Footnotes: Provides clarifications for specific groups like Computer Employees and Air Traffic Controllers/Weather Observers regarding applicability and special pay rates.
• Hazardous Pay Differential: Details additional pay for work involving ordnance, explosives, and incendiary materials.
• Uniform Allowance: Outlines requirements for providing and maintaining uniforms.
• Conformance Process: Explains the procedure for classifying and determining wage rates for occupations not explicitly listed in the wage determination.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the labor costs associated with performing the contract. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and fringe benefits meet or exceed the minimums specified in this wage determination for all covered employees. Failure to comply can lead to contract violations. The document also provides details on paid sick leave, vacation, and holiday pay, which are essential components of total compensation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document announces an organized on-site walk-through for the "Electrical upgrade to the Telephone Rooms for Backbone Upgrade" project.

• Date and Time: Tuesday, 02/10/2026 at 1:00 PM PT
• Location: 610 E 5th St, Vancouver, WA 98661
• RSVP: Interested attendees must send their name(s), company name, and contact information to wfl.purchasing@dot.gov.
• Arrival: Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled time.
• Requirements: Compliance with "REAL ID" Act requirements is necessary for facility access. A link to TSA.gov/real-id is provided for review.
• Contractor Responsibility: Contractors are responsible for satisfying themselves regarding all conditions affecting contract performance. The Government is not responsible for contractor interpretations or understandings not expressly stated in the contract.
• Site Inspection: Failure to inspect the site will not be grounds for a claim after contract award.

This site visit is crucial for potential bidders to understand the physical conditions and requirements of the project site. Attendance and thorough inspection are strongly advised to ensure accurate proposal preparation and to avoid potential claims after contract award.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for an OPEN-MARKET Firm Fixed Price (FFP) procurement. The U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Western Federal Lands Highway Division, is seeking to procure an "Electrical Upgrade to the Telephone Rooms for Backbone Upgrade." The anticipated award date is February 26, 2026. This solicitation is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• Install dedicated UPS-backed electrical circuits from Panel UPS1A to specific Telecommunications Rooms (TRs).

• Each TR requires two (2) new 30A/230V circuits terminated in twist-lock L6-30R receptacles.

• Specific TR locations include Network Operations Center (NOC), Alaska TR, Denali TR, and Annex TR.

• Work includes conduit installation, circuit wiring, breaker installation, receptacle installation, grounding and bonding, and testing.

• A site survey and planning phase is required to assess breaker space, amperage capacity, UPS load, and routing feasibility.

• Deliverables include a testing and commissioning report, and as-built drawings for cable routing.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP)

• Anticipated Award: Purchase Order

• Period of Performance: To be completed no later than thirty (30) days after receipt of the order.

• Quotations must be submitted electronically by the due date and time specified on page 1.

• Questions concerning the RFQ must be submitted in writing electronically to WFL.Purchasing@dot.gov no later than 04:00 pm PT on 02/23/2026.

• Evaluation factors include Price, Technical Compliance with Solicitation Requirements, Relevant Past Experience, and Relevant Past Performance.

• The Government will award to the responsible Offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation is the lowest evaluated price of quotations meeting or exceeding the requirements for acceptability.

• This solicitation is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• NAICS Code: 238210

• Size Standard: N061

• Offerors must have an active Federal Government contracts registration in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• A site visit is urged and expected. See Attachment 0006 for details.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Wage Determination (No. 2015-5563, Revision No. 27) issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, under the Service Contract Act. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations performing work on federal contracts in specific geographic areas.

• Geographic Area: Oregon Counties of Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington, Yamhill, and Washington Counties of Clark, Skamania.
• Occupational Listings: Provides a comprehensive list of job classifications with corresponding minimum hourly wage rates.
• Fringe Benefits: Indicates that fringe benefits are required and follow the occupational listing.
• Executive Orders: Notes applicability of Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (minimum wage for federal contractors), with specific rates and conditions.
• Vacation and Holidays: Outlines paid vacation and holiday provisions for covered employees.
• Footnotes: Includes specific details for Computer Employees and Air Traffic Controllers/Weather Observers regarding exemptions, night pay, and Sunday pay.
• Hazardous Pay: Details differential pay rates for work involving ordnance, explosives, and incendiary materials.
• Uniform Allowance: Specifies requirements for contractor-provided uniforms and maintenance.
• Conformance Process: Outlines the procedure for classifying and determining wage rates for occupations not explicitly listed in the determination.

This wage determination is critical for bidders to understand the labor costs associated with performing the contract. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and fringe benefits meet or exceed these minimum requirements for all covered employees working within the specified geographic area. Failure to comply can lead to contract violations. The document also provides information on paid sick leave, vacation, and holiday pay, which are essential components of total compensation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a price schedule (Attachment 0001) for the opportunity. Bidders should use this to provide their pricing for the CLINs listed.

• CLIN: 00101
• Description: Electrical upgrade to the Telephone Rooms for Backbone Upgrade
• Pricing Type: Firm-Fixed Price
• Unit of Measure: Lot (LS)
• Fields for Unit Price and Amount are provided.

This attachment requires bidders to input their firm-fixed unit price and total amount for the specified CLIN. This information will be crucial for proposal preparation and evaluation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "Offeror Work Experience Form" which is to be completed and submitted by offerors. It is intended for the evaluation of past or present contracts that meet or exceed the criteria for Evaluation Factor 3.

• Offeror Information: Includes fields for Company Name, Company Address, Point of Contact, Phone Number, and E-mail Address.
• Contract Information: Includes fields for Contract Title, Owner/Agency Name, Location/Address, Point of Contact, and Contact E-mail Address/Phone #.
• Contract Details: Requires indication if the firm was the PRIME contractor, the number of subcontractors (if applicable), Original and Final Completion Dates, and Original and Final Contract Values.
• Work Description: A section to describe the work performed under the contract.

Bidders must complete this form for past or present contracts to demonstrate relevant work experience as part of their proposal submission. The form has a strict page limit of five (5) pages total for contract and management experience per contract. This information will be used for evaluation purposes under Evaluation Factor 3.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Reference Questionnaire designed to be completed by the offeror/quoter and provided to a reference. The reference will then submit the completed questionnaire directly to the government Point of Contact.

• Contractor Information: Fields for the contractor being rated, contract number, and contract description.
• Rater Information: Fields for the rater's name, contact details, and role.
• Rating Definitions: Provides definitions for performance ratings (Exceptional, Very Good, Satisfactory, Marginal, Unsatisfactory) and guidance on justifying each rating.
• Performance Categories: Sections to rate the contractor's technical abilities, timeliness, cost management, ability to meet special needs, management team effectiveness, subcontractor management, small business subcontracting, compliance with laws/regulations, and resource/personnel management.
• Recommendation: A question asking if the contractor would be recommended for similar requirements.
• Narrative Justification: Space for additional supporting narrative for ratings.
• Signature: A section for the rater's signature and date.
• Return Instructions: Specific instructions for submitting the completed questionnaire via email, including the recipient address (WFL.Purchasing@dot.gov), required subject line format, and deadline.

This questionnaire is crucial for bidders as it outlines the specific criteria and rating scales the government will use to evaluate past performance. Bidders should use this document to guide their selection of references and to understand what information their references need to provide to effectively support their bid. It also details the submission process and deadline for these reference questionnaires.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains electrical drawings and specifications for an "Electrical Upgrade to the Telephone Rooms for Backbone Upgrade" project. It details the scope of work, general provisions, and provides a drawing index and panel schedule.

• Scope of Work: Installation of two L5-30R receptacles on dedicated circuits in three telephone rooms (Annex TR, Alaska TR, Denali TR).
• Power Source: Circuits will feed from Panel UPS1A in the main electrical room. The contractor must verify the required breaker type for 30A/120V and utilize available open spaces in Panel UPS1A.
• Branch Circuits: Wiring method to be 10/2 MC cable, routed through the first-floor T-bar ceiling and along structural lines. All cabling and panels require proper labeling.
• Receptacles: L5-30R receptacles with specific back boxes and covers are required.
• General Provisions: Includes housekeeping, testing, commissioning, permits (none required for federal property), firewalls, and a 12-month warranty.
• Panel Schedule (UPS1A): Details existing and proposed circuit assignments, including breaker ratings and descriptions.
• Drawing Index: Lists the cover sheet (E0.1), first floor (E1.0), and second floor (E2.0) drawings.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the specific electrical work required, including the number and type of receptacles, wiring methods, power sources, and locations. It outlines the technical requirements, materials, and general conditions for performing the upgrade, directly impacting proposal preparation and cost estimation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document announces an organized on-site walk-through for the "Electrical upgrade to the Telephone Rooms for Backbone Upgrade" project.

• Date and Time: Tuesday, 02/10/2026 at 1:00 PM PT.
• Location: 610 E 5th St, Vancouver, WA 98661.
• RSVP: Interested attendees must send their name(s), company name, and contact information to wfl.purchasing@dot.gov.
• Arrival: Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled time.
• Access Requirements: Compliance with the "REAL ID" Act is required for access to the federal facility. A link to further information is provided.

This site visit is crucial for potential bidders to understand the site conditions and gather information that may affect their cost estimates and proposal preparation. Failure to inspect the site may preclude a claim after contract award. Contractors are responsible for satisfying themselves regarding all conditions affecting performance.