Site_Visit_Questions_and_Answers.pdf

Environmental Chamber 2016-N-17909

Questions and Answers from Site Visit on July 20, 2016

1. Are the window air conditioning units staying in the windows?

No. New air conditioning units will be installed on the roof of Building 40. The government also intends to install new windows in that portion of the building before the chamber will be installed.

2. Will the overhead crane remain in the building?

Yes. The overhead crane is operational and will remain in the building. The crane has enough room to clearly pass over the top of the environmental chamber(s).

3. What else will be located in this area of the building?

Another environmental chamber will be installed in the coming months.

4. Will the chamber that will be installed in the coming months have a compressor unit inside?

No. The compressor and condenser will be located outside.

5. Is there compressed air available in the building?

Yes. An amendment to the solicitation will include that this utility can be provided by

NIOSH/NPPTL.

6. Can vendors use the existing compressor in the building?

Yes. The compressor is a 30HP / 150 maximum psi / 92cfm unit at max psi. An amendment to the solicitation will include this specification.

7. There is a second compressor in that area of the building. Can that also be used by vendors?

No.

8. Will the portion of the room with the compressors be closed off from the environmental chambers?

No, not at this time.

9. The specifications in the RFP indicate that the noise level inside and outside the chamber cannot exceed 80 decibels. What is the distance used to measure that decibel level?

The noise specifications cannot exceed 80 decibels at a range of three (3) feet from the equipment. An amendment to the solicitation will include this specification.

10. How many individuals will be in the chamber at one time?

Up to three (3) individuals may be working in the chamber at any given time.

11. What kind(s) of testing will take place in the chamber?

The chamber will be used predominantly for conditioning and equipment testing, however, it may also be used for human subject testing.

12. The specifications indicate that LED lighting is required. Why?

An amendment to the solicitation will indicate that the type of lighting is left to the discretion of the vendor.

13. Per the specifications, the ante-chamber is narrower than the rest of the chamber. Is there a purpose?

No, there is no specific purpose. An amendment to the solicitation will provide the minimum and maximum dimensions for the ante-chamber.

14. What will the ramp be used for?

The ramp will be used to move shelving and various pieces of equipment into and out of the chamber. The ramp must have a load bearing capacity of 600 lbs./ft2 per section 2(b)(i)(5) of the Statement of Work.

15. Where will the condensate drain be located?

Per the section 2(b)(iv) of the Statement of Work, the condensate drain will be located above floor level and run up through the ceiling.

16. What power is available in the building?

Per section 2(b)(iv) of the Statement of Work, titled Utilities Provided by NIOSH/NPPTL, 480/3/60 is required if needed. All other available power for various controls is provided in section 2(b)(iv) of the Statement of Work.

17. What is the current power load?

NIOSH will accommodate whatever the vendor needs.

18. There is a grate in the floor that expands the length of the building in the area where the chambers will be placed. Will that grate be filled in with cement?

No. The grates in the floor have been welded down and the chamber(s) will be placed directly on top of the grates. These grates are solid steel plates and level with the floor.

19. What is the time required for the chamber to reach specific temperatures?

Two (2) degrees per one (1) minute is the minimum time for the chamber to reach a given setting. An amendment to the solicitation will include this specification.

20. Can the vendor provide a performance curve to demonstrate the time to reach specific temperature/humidity settings?

Yes. The vendor may provide a performance curve in their proposal, however, the submission of a performance curve is not required.

21. Is there room behind the building to put equipment outside?

Yes. There is approximately 20 feet behind the building on which vendors can place equipment if needed. The area behind the building is covered in gravel.

22. Does the government require a specific amount of space between or around the chambers?

If the option to purchase the second chamber is exercised, a minimum distance of 48” shall be allotted between the chambers in order to access the equipment for maintenance.

23. The requirements indicate that there is to be a window on the side wall of the chamber. Which side will the window be placed?

That detail will be addressed with the successful offeror when reviewing the chamber drawings that are required to be submitted 45 days after the date of contract award per the solicitation.