CNG Open Bid Proposal Addendum
Released: Friday, May 15, 2015
The Chicago Infrastructure Trust releases the following answers to questions related to its Compressed Natural Gas (“CNG”) Open Bid Proposal Request released on April 8, 2015. The Trust provides a direct answer to each numbered question directly beneath each question.
- Is it possible for Peoples Gas to estimate PSI given specific flow rates and the cost to upgrade each site to receive a higher PSI?
Answer: Yes, Peoples Gas has provided the Trust with the following updated gas pressure information and PSI based on flow rate. Peoples Gas performed a feasibility study for all of the locations at 60, 90, and 120mcfh. Please see this updated pressure availability chart. For sites marked “infeasible,” Peoples Gas cannot upgrade the site because other customers would lose gas service to meet CNG station demand. Understandably, this is a dangerous situation. Peoples Gas will not be able to give fueling providers a new service at those locations.
There are 2 locations that meet a 20 PSIG minimum: 2507-67 W Lake and 401 N Rockwell. The cost estimate for 2507 W Lake St to install~220’ of 6” PLMP is $75,000. For 401 N Rockwell, Peoples Gas will need more information on the location of the proposed building. If a railroad crossing were required, the cost estimate would be significantly higher.
Even though the remainders of the sites were less than 20 PSIG, the upgrade price will vary for each location. If a fueling provider determines that it can accommodate the lower pressure, then Peoples Gas will gladly provide estimates for the other locations.However, it will take longer to compile this request.
- Is the pressure listed in the spreadsheet the operating pressure of the gas main OR the expected delivery pressure to a CNG station meter? In other words, would Peoples Gas regulate a firm delivery pressure below operating pressure or allow full line pressure as the inlet and provide whatever delivery pressure the system could flow?
Answer: The pressure that People’s provided is the main operating pressure, not the expected delivery pressure. Also, they do regulate the delivery pressure at either 7” WC or 2 PSI. Special requests can be made to receive line pressure.
- Can certain requests be provided as attachments/exhibits that do not contribute to the 25-page page count limit?
Answer: Yes
- With regards to the City fleet cards? Are their cards propriety or are they operated through a clearing house like Transportation Clearing House (TCH)?
Answer: The City uses the system from TRAK Engineering, Inc. The City uses their Central Controller for Windows Client System (v)4.0.
- In the “Project Communication” section of the RFP, there’s a requirement for a reference from local government, “Communication with Local Government”. Are you able to elaborate and/or provide additional insight? We want to ensure we’re responsive to the intent of the request.
Answer:Please provide a letter of support from a local government entity if you have this relationship.
- The Trust is soliciting highly sensitive and competitive information - including price - from private sector CNG station developers in order tochoose the best station builder for its specifications, however, havingeconomic self-interest in the promotion of it's selected partner(s), allunsuccessful bidders will immediately become competitors of the Trust.
- Does the Trust have a "conflict of interest" or is the Trust exposingitself to unfair trade practices by defining its role as "master projectdeveloper" for the CNG project beyond City facilities?
Answer: No. The Trust’s role in the Open Bidding process is consistent with its role outlined in the Trust’s Contracting Manual.
- How will the Trust protect unique and differentiated ideas of theunsuccessful bidders from being used by the winning and competing bidder?
Answer: The Trust is committed to protecting proprietary ideas of any potential bidder, as outlined in the Trust Contracting Manual. Please see section on “Confidentiality.”
- Will there be a separation of duties at the Trust between thoseevaluating bids and privy to all bidders ideas and those who are willimplement project with the winning bidder
Answer: The Trust has a team dedicated to ensuring that all duties are performed in a manner that does not compromise confidentiality.
- Are the limitations / restrictions to FOIA discovery absolute or aretheir limitations? If absolute, why would prevent a bidder from marking anentire bid document "confidential & proprietary?" If there arelimitations, please specify.
Answer:There are limitations for FOIA discovery. For instance, FOIA requests must be limited to a specific inquiry, and the request must fulfilled with appropriate Trust resources. The Trust is bound by confidentiality for any document marked “Confidential and Proprietary” as outlined in its Contracting Manual. The Trust cannot release information that is marked “Confidential and Proprietary,” even if a FOIA request is made.