1333ND21QNB680212 Q-A.pdf

NIST RFQ 1333ND21QNB680212 ATTACHMENT E 7/16/2021

RFI # Reference Page Question NIST Response

1 1.6 41/68 QCP - The level of a QCP and the documentation required probably will raise the cost considerably?

Quoted price should reflect the cost of meeting the requirement.

It mentions that changes to the QCP must be approved by the CO. Does that mean that production ceases until the revised QCP is approved?

No. Unless a stop work order has been issued by the Contracting Officer, work should continue per Statement of Work (SOW), Part 4.4.

If so, than the schedule will need to altered.

2 1.8 41/68 Is a in-person meeting going to be required? Or is electronic media acceptable?

No. All meetings will be conducted via phone or computer. A link to collaborative communication platform will be provided. Reference SOW, Part

1.8 whereas These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the Government.

If in a in-person is required adequate time should be provided to make travel arrangements at the low-cost to the contractor.

N/A

If in-person meeting will be required than those travel costs need to be built into the cost of the specimens. N/A

3 3.1 44/68 GFM - What additional measure is NIST taking to make sure the material is consistent with the AISI-SAE 4340/9310 steel across the entire ingot (4,000 lbs.)?

NIST is continuously exploring how to ensure material consistency throughout the entire ingot.

4340 steel has a large range of % additives. If the base material (ingot) is not consistent than as the bars may have spots that dramatically vary which makes heat treating difficult to bring into NIST specifications.

When can the contractor bring into question the quality of the GFM? As written only the government can question the quality?

Reference the SOW, Part 10, Defective Government Material. In addition, Contractors are encouraged to bring up any technical concerns by reaching out to charpy@nist.gov and allow 3 - 5 business days for a response.

4 4.4.1.5 45/68 Management of Sub-Contractors - quality and time line.

Quality - Heat treating is a sub-contractor for us. 4340 Steel is a difficult material to work with, because of the range of %additives, especially for the low energy lot. We are not sure how we are going to be able to control this?

Reference the SOW, Part 2.1.14 and Subcontractor; 4.4.1.5- Contractor Furnished Supplies. Heat treatment is a critical and challenging component of the contract and should be taken into account. However, as the Prime Contractor, you are responsible for all subcontractors and their quality of work and/or performance.

Time-line - I'm not sure if you have ever had a house built, auto repairs, or life - Sometimes you fall into their timelines which may cause un-believable stress. Again, not sure how to control this.

Managing subcontractors and timelines is an inherent part of the process. The Quality Control Plan can assist with identifying potential issues and mitigations.

5 7.2.1/.4 51/68 We ship in three wooden boxes weight approximately 85Lbs The wooden boxes contain two smaller boxes inside each weighting less than 45 lbs.

Question 1- Is this sufficient to meet the 45lb requirement?

Reference the SOW, Part 7.2.2. As long as there are discreet packages within the box, each weighing less than 45 lbs, this is not an issue. The intent is to be able to move specimens by hand if needed.

If not than cost of shipping will dramatically increase.

NIST RFQ 1333ND21QNB680212 ATTACHMENT E 7/16/2021

Question 2 - labeling - Is it expected that all of the requested information be on the outside of the wooden box in our case or on each of the two sub-boxes. It mentions "OR" shipping labels. It was always our belief that NIST wanted a permanent identification on the outside of boxes.

Shipping labels may mean stickers (not permanent)?

Reference NIST LOCAL-39MARKING/PACKING INSTRUCTIONS page 38 of 68 and SOW, Part 7.2.2.

Question 3 - Would this information be better placed on a packing list/slip? Then simply add the order #/ lot # to all adjacent exterior sides of all boxes. Lot # is the most unique reference #.

Reference NIST LOCAL-39MARKING/PACKING INSTRUCTIONS page 38 of 68 and SOW, Part 7.2.2.

6 12.2 54/68 Is it possible to add 10 days to the initial 60 day order?

Reference the SOW, Part 12, Delivery Schedule, Figure 4: Schedule Due Dates and Figure 5: Sample of Dynamic Schedule. In addition, SOW, Part 12.1, 12.2, and Part 13, Invoice Deductions for Late Deliveries, are applicable.

Is it possible to add 5 days to the 45 production lot?

Reference the SOW, Part 12, Delivery Schedule, Figure 4: Schedule Due Dates and Figure 5: Sample of Dynamic Schedule. In addition, SOW, Part 12.1, 12.2, and Part 13, Invoice Deductions for Late Deliveries, are applicable

7 12.2 55/68 Can the figure have example of the GFM failing and how that would effect the schedule?

If lot failure is due to defective GFM, the schedule would start over with the receipt of new GFM; however, written notification it the Charpy Coordinator promptly per SOW, Part 10.1 and 10.3 is critical to schedule. Moreover, a contract modification will be issued.