Vendor_Q_A_0002.pdf

Q&A with answers marked in red below:

I).

Hardness requirement = 87.4/ 89.5 on the Rockwell 15n scale.

The 15n scale uses a Spheroconcial Diamond.

What area on the Pivot should test be applied to? - Per spec section #3: REQUIREMENTS

Required Hardness: 87.4 - 89.8, measured on the Rockwell 15N scale, in the conical point and the adjacent reduced-diameter section of the pivot.

Hardness is to be from the pivot point down to the shoulder of the pivot.

Any indentation made the by Spheroconcial Diamond will be left on the pivot. - Test should be made above shoulder of pivot.

See the attached Sketch 2022-01-05-Rev-O, for details. - Sketch is pointing below shoulder of pivot.

II).

Machining:

Clarification regarding the RMS surface finish on the threaded surface Is it 8RMS or 63 RMS. -

Threaded area should be 63 surface finish, area between threads and shoulder of pivot should 8 surface finish.

III).

Material:

Clarification required.

We believe Material call out for Pivot #0631019= Carpenter 440S/S, it is not noted as such on

Drawing # 0626015.

- Material is specified in the material box in the Title Block of the drawing on 0626015. See screenshot below. Material was listed in "Notes" on 0631019 drawing.

IV).

Assembly of parts:

Parts being assembled together are basically 440 Stainless Steel with Stainless 18-8 Hardware.

This may result in Galling, in order to prevent Galling we suggest coating the parts during shop assembly with "Bostik" Never -Seez or equal. - No "anti-seez" or coating required. This will interfer with operation of mating parts of current meter.

V).

Does all material required to be of USA origin? - Not required

Does the 440S/S Material need to be by "Carpenter" or may we use an or equal product? - Yes, needs to meet material specified on drawings.

VI). Does USGS require certification of 44o S/S Material? - No certification needed.

VII). Delivery date specified extremely tight given Covid pandemic and metal market current situation , can this date be extended? - Delivery date can be extended to 120 days after award.

VIII).

Drawing #0631018,using Pan head screw. - Yes

Drawing #0626014 using Set screw. - Yes, smaller pivot. Pan head screw interferes with meter performance.

The problem is that when you tighten Pan head screw it damages the 4-40 thread on the pivot -

Pan head screw used on pivot with 10-32 threads (dwg 0631018).

The same thing occurs when when you tighten the Set screw damages the10-32 thread on the pivot - Set screw used on pivot with 4-40 threads (dwg 0626014).

Another option is to machine a loose nylon pad and use as a buffet between the set screw / pan head screw and the pivot threads. - No additional "pad" or nylon screw are not acceptable.

Screws are to only be snug to hold on pivot assembly and not cause any damage to threads.

Screws should not be over tightened.

THE LAPPED CONE ANGLE =+1/2 degree is this correct." - Yes, this is the standard angle tolerance as stated in drawing title block.

The nut and screw assembly referred to is an adjustment nut that allows the pivot to be moved to the needed height in the current meter assembly. This nut assembly should only be "snug" on the threads in question. They should not be over tightened to cause any damage to the threads. No additional item is needed for the assembly as it can cause interference on the meter assembly.

This design has been in use on the USGS meters for over 90 years.