Question and Answer Document

Question and Answer Document
Micro Gin Upgrades
October 20, 2026

1. Motor starter replacement scope

SOW Sections A3 and B4 appear to require both conversion of existing starter control voltages and provision of new starter assemblies.
Does USDA intend for all designated motor starters to be replaced with complete new assemblies, including contactors, electronic overload relays, motor circuit protection, and enclosures? Alternatively, may existing assemblies be retained or modified where they satisfy the new requirements?
A. A few of the existing starters are suitable for conversion. The majority will require all new hardware.

2. Existing disconnect switches and protection

The SOW requires existing wall-mounted fused disconnects to remain in place. Are the new starters expected to incorporate separate HMCP devices in addition to these existing fused disconnects? Please clarify the intended coordination and equipment configuration.
A. The HMCP requirement is for an approach using a Motor Control Center. If a Motor Control Center is not to be utilized, which due to time constraints a MCC is not likely to be utilized, ten the HMCP is not required.

3. Existing government-furnished VFDs

The Appendix identifies several VFDs as "On Hand."
•Are these units installed and operational, or stored for future installation? •Can USDA provide their manufacturers, model numbers, horsepower ratings, and communication interfaces?
•If any government-furnished drive proves defective or incompatible with the new control architecture, how would its replacement be addressed?
A. Existing VFDs are in-place and operational, there are several VFS already installed and the site visit would have been an ideal time to gather the information on the manufacturers, model numbers, horsepower ratings, etc.
All drives currently in-place are operational, should the existing VFD be inadequate for the proposed approach of a particular contractor, replacements would be the responsibility of the contractor.

4. New VFD selection

The SOW identifies Schneider ATV320 among the acceptable VFDs, while the Appendix identifies Schneider ATV340 as the preferred Schneider series.
Please confirm which model series is acceptable and whether functionally equivalent alternatives meeting the electrical and communication requirements will be considered. A. ATV340 would be the preferred Schneider series, but others can be considered based on justification of the contractor.

5. Future motor circuits