Balclutha_Drydock_Question_Responses_0002.pdf

BALCLUTHA 2026 DRYDOCK: RFI

Part 7: Carpentry and Caulking

1. On page 74, a tolerance of 1/64 inch is called out for the deck planking. Mills can work to a tolerance of +/- 1/32 inch and the atmospheric moisture content will cause expansion/contraction of the material to +/- 1/32 inch +, therefore a tolerance of 3/32 inch would be achievable.

• The proposed 3/32 inch is acceptable.

2. In addition to the above, the plank dimensions shown in 2.B.4., page 75, do not indicate a net dimension of sufficient precision to gauge a 1/64” tolerance.

• Douglas Fir, (Pseudotsuga menziesii var.glauca) deck planking 5” wide by

4” thick (main deck), 3-5/8” square (poop deck), caulking bevel, and with bead detail on underside. Ship Plank Grade or Clear, Vertical Grain.

Moisture Content not to exceed fifteen percent (15%)

• If referencing 2.B.7 - will requires onboard measurements to be taken by the contractor.

3. Cost to fully protect open deck structure will be significantly affected by season.

What is the anticipated period of performance?

• The performance period of this contract is 120 days from haul out at a commercial shipyard facility for the base CLINs. (Sol 140P8652Q0019, Synopsis_Solicitation_Revision_1_0001, pg 2)

• Exercise of option items would add to the PoP.

4. What is a “belt” as referred to multiple times in the spec?

• The “belts” the wider pieces of hardwood on the deck that receive the connections for headsail sheet blocks (see photos below).

5. 30 foot lengths of pine decking may be obtainable, but will more than likely be long lead and expensive.

• Please quote as specified.

• Indicate the lead time required in your proposal and resultant haul out availability period for your facility (Sol 140P8652Q0019, Synopsis_Solicitation_Revision_1_0001, pg 3. Award Selection Process,

1. Technical Approach, c and pg 4, 5. Schedule)

6. Teak plugs are called out for all deck bungs; is it the intent to install teak plugs in fir and pine decking?

• Yes, teak plugs are to be installed in all decking material (per original builder’s specifications).

7. No doubt the government is aware, but teak for the wide margin planks will be astronomically expensive, if obtainable.

• Please quote as specified.

• Indicate the lead time required in your proposal and resultant haul out availability period for your facility (Sol 140P8652Q0019, Synopsis_Solicitation_Revision_1_0001, pg 3. Award Selection Process,

1. Technical Approach, c and pg 4, 5. Schedule)

8. To allow for responses to the above, and specification and sourcing of specialty materials and technical personnel, we request an extension of time of 3 additional weeks from the current May 1 deadline.

Solicitation will be extended three (3) additional weeks as requested.

Forecastle Deck Belts (Port and Starboard symmetrically).

9. Please define the term “margin” as used in the specifications.

• “Margin” plates are meant to indicate the perimeter longitudinal plating connecting deck beams. They are identified as “stringer” plates on the Lloyds midship section drawing in Attachment 5. (see image below)

• “Margin” planks are meant to indicate the outboard wooden plank, most often made of teak or other hardwood on the main deck that separates the wooden decking from the iron structure. They are also meant to indicate the waterways on the forecastle and poop decks.

• Please refer to the SAFR transcription of original builder’s specification for reference (attached).

10. Please define the term “chock” as used in the specifications.

• “Chock” is defined as a reinforcement to the deck plating where the bitts were situated, distributing the load over a wider area.

• Please refer to the SAFR transcription of original builder’s specification for reference (attached).

11. Is the margin board replacement called out in item 7.03 100% additional to scope specified for margin board replacement in item 7.02?

• Yes.

12. Item 7.02.E Poop Deck calls for replacement of decking and margin boards 25’ ahead of and 25’ aft of the break bulkhead. Where is Poop Decking to be found 25 ahead of the break bulkhead?

• CLIN 7.02.E “Break Bulkhead” refers to the bulkhead located on the shelter deck (beneath the poop deck) separating the officer’s accommodations. This is roughly 15 stations forward of the aft perpendicular.

13. Various references are made to coating deck structure in accordance with item

6.07 which specifies underwater body coating. Is this the right coating reference?

• This is the correct section reference for steel items related to deck structure. Steel surfaces should be prepared and coated with a three-coat vinyl-ester resin coatings system. No application of AF coatings (identified as CLIN 3.01) but rather coated with AC and top coating per CLIN 3.02 following application of the three-coat vinyl-ester resin coatings system.

Margin Plank/Board (CLIN 7.03

“Margin plate” aka “Stringer” plate.

“Chock” reference:

“Margin” reference: