Amendment 1 Q and A.pdf

Question 1: Are you seeking a proposal/quotation for the design, development and integration of a system with the characteristics: Tests a broad range of functions on a larger BMS; Supports 20‐100 cells or more, with 25 to 50 simulated temperature sensors; Fully automated, highly configurable test software for automated execution of test sequences?

Answer 1:

• Simulate cell characteristics and sensors to test response of a BMS

• At least one cell to 24 cells in series (system being procured now), but must be capable of being expanded up to 200 cells (at a later time)

• At least 24 simulated temperature sensors (system being procured now), but must be capable of being expanded to 200 temperature sensors to match up to 200 cells (at a later time)

• Configurable by the test software to test different number and size cells for automated execution of programmed test sequences

Question 2: Can you explain the form of payment for this project that your organization has in mind and the timetable, if any, associated with it?

Answer 2: This project can be funded monthly in arrears for work completed, and proven to the COR. All invoices shall be submitted to IPP for review and approval.

Question 3: Cell Temperature Simulation ‐ If a range of resistance is the provided output, what is the required range of resistance?

Answer 3: 10 ohms to 500 kiloohms

Question 4: Discrete Output Control ‐ For each of the following, how many outputs are required? TTL 5V Answer 4: At least 24 to match the number of cells, thus expandable up to 200 cells (for future expansion)

Question 5: Discrete Output Control ‐ For each of the following, how many outputs are required?

Industrial Answer 5: At least 1 for every 12 cells, thus expandable up to 17 for 200 cells (for future expansion)

Question 6: Discrete Output Control ‐ For each of the following, is there a minimum output current sourcing requirement or should a capability be chosen based on cost and availability? TTL 5V Answer 6: Current range between ‐500 mA to +500 mA

Question 7: Discrete Output Control ‐ For each of the following, is there a minimum output current sourcing requirement or should a capability be chosen based on cost and availability? Industrial Answer 7: Capability can be based on cost and availability

Question 8: Discrete Input Monitoring ‐ For each of the following, how many inputs are required? TTL 5V Answer 8: At least 24 to match the number of cells, thus expandable up to 200

Question 9: Discrete Input Monitoring ‐ For each of the following, how many inputs are required?

Industrial Answer 9: At least 1 for every 12 cells, thus expandable up to 17

Question 10: Discrete Input Monitoring ‐ For each of the following, is there a minimum input current sinking requirement should a capability be chosen based on cost and availability? TTL 5V

Answer 10: Current range between ‐500 mA to +500 mA

Question 11: Discrete Input Monitoring ‐ For each of the following, is there a minimum input current sinking requirement should a capability be chosen based on cost and availability? Industrial Answer 11: Capability can be based on cost and availability

Question 12: Analog Input Monitoring ‐ How many analog input channels are required to be monitored?

Answer 12: 4 channels for every 12 cells, minimum 12 bit resolution

Question 13: Analog Input Monitoring ‐ What is the required voltage range (or ranges) of monitoring?

Answer 13: 0 to 5 V

Question 14: Unit Under Test (UUT) Communications ‐ For each of the following communication interfaces, how many channels of each type? USB are required?

Answer 14: 1 USB

Question 15: Unit Under Test (UUT) Communications ‐ For each of the following communication interfaces, how many channels of each type? Ethernet Answer 15: 1 Ethernet

Question 16: Unit Under Test (UUT) Communications ‐ For each of the following communication interfaces, how many channels of each type? RS232 Answer 16: 1 RS232

Question 17: Note that if the number of I/O is unknown for a given type, please indicate so next to the respective question(s) and we will propose a quantity based on market cost and availability.

Answer 17:

• Discrete Input/ Output Control ‐ TTL 5V: At least 24 to match the number of cells, thus expandable up to 200 cells

• Discrete Input/ Output Control ‐ Industrial: At least 1 for every 12 cells, thus expandable up to

• Analog Input/ Output Monitoring ‐ 4 channels for every 12 cells, minimum 12‐bit resolution, Question 18: Regarding requirement D2, is there a requirement to emulate fault (e.g. opens, shorts) to simulated temperature outputs?

Answer 18: Yes, inject broken wire or short to rail faults for temperature, pack current, discrete, or analog signals

Question 19: Each BMS will likely have its own unique connector. Connecting to different BMS’ will require a unique harness to connect to the ATE. Is there a preferred method to do this? Two examples options are: The overall harness is broken up into two parts; an ATE Harness which is always used; and a BMS harness that is made for each BMS. These two harness’ are connected via generic jack/plug or connectors.

Answer 19: Individual connectors to the BMS are not required. Generic jack/plug/terminal screws that are labeled for the operator to manually connect the BMS to the battery simulator are preferred.

Question 20: Each BMS will likely have its own unique connector. Connecting to different BMS’ will require a unique harness to connect to the ATE. Is there a preferred method to do this? Two examples options are: Option 2: A unique harness is created for each BMS.

Answer 20: No custom BMS connector, generic connectors (jack/plug/terminal screws) are preferred, thus allowing the operator to perform the unique connections for different BMS.

Question 21: If option 1 from Question 19 is preferred, is there a connector or type of jack preferred to be used?

Answer 21: Labeled terminal screws

Question 22: Is there a preferred connector type or connector family to use for the connection to the

ATE?

Answer 22: No, but a common commercially available connector should be used

Question 23: Is a local monitor, keyboard, and mouse desired to be available as a part of the ATE rack or is a remote UI connection hosted on a separate laptop or desktop preferred?

Answer 23: A local laptop or desktop with the system is acceptable but does not need to be mounted on the rack

Question 24: What is the maximum cell voltage that should be simulated?

Answer 24: 5 V

Question 25: What is the maximum cell current that should be simulated?

Answer 25: 500 mA

Question 26: What will be the range of simulated cell resistance, can these be a set of discrete values or is this a continuously variable closed loop solution?

Answer 26: 150 milliohms to 800 milliohms

Question 27: Please confirm that there will be just 1 current stimulus required of each type – voltage analog (±10V) or actual current.

Answer 27: Yes, only one current stimulus of each type

Question 28: Will the cell configuration (arrangement series or parallel) need to be automatically changed or would manual patching be acceptable?

Answer 28: Manual patching is acceptable, but software cell series or parallel configuration is preferred.

Question 29: What resolutions/accuracies of voltage and current will be needed for stimulus and measurement?

Answer 29:

• At least ±5 mV and ±5 mA accuracy

• At least 0.1 mV and 0.1 mA resolution

Question 30: Will the current or cell voltage need to be dynamically profiled, if so what speed of update will be needed?

Answer 30: Minimum 0.1 sec

Question 31: How many resistance temp sensor simulations are needed?

Answer 31: 24, but capable of being expanded to 200

Question 32: How many voltage temp sensor simulations are needed?

Answer 32: 24, but capable of being expanded to 200

Question 33: How many digital in and digital out are needed of each type?

Answer 33: At least 5 bi‐directional for every 12 cells, thus 10 bi‐directional, but capable of being expanded to 25

Question 34: For the 30V digital out simulation will it need to be PNP or NPN type?

Answer 34: PNP type, a positive output

Question 35: How many additional analog channels will need to be monitored or simulated?

Answer 35: 4 channels for every 12 cells, minimum 12‐bit resolution

Question 36: Will a single channel of communication of each type be sufficient?

Answer 36: Yes

Question 37: Can it be confirmed that the 200‐cell battery be run in series creating a 1000V hazard and a stress for any open circuit switching? This is important as the 24‐cell solution will need to be designed to tolerate 1000V isolation.

Answer 37: Yes, 1000 VDC CH‐TO‐CH, CH‐TO‐GND

Question 38: Will the upgrade need to be retrofittable?

Answer 38: Yes

Question 39: With the upgrade to cells will there be a need for additional temperature and IO simulation channels?

Answer 39: Yes, beyond the 24 simulated temperature sensors (system being procured now), must be capable of being expanded to 96 temperature sensors to match up to 96 cells (at a later time)

Question 40: We estimate needing 15‐17U of space to meet the existing requirements. The RFQ requires 35% room for expansion. Would CPSC prefer a 28U (52” tall, with ~35% expandability) or 40U (74” tall with ~60% expandability) enclosure (ie. Would they prefer more compact, or more room for expansion)? Cost is minimally affected; we just want to ensure we propose a system that meets all customer needs for portability as well as expandability.

Answer 40: Prefer 40U (74” tall with ~60% expandability) enclosure

Question 41: The RFQ defines the need for broken wire faults on the cell simulation but does not define the need to inject broken wire or short to rail faults for temperature, pack current, discrete, or analog signals; This is a very common need that we see, and was discussed initially with CPSC. Would CPSC like to see this capability added to the system?

Answer 41: Yes, inject broken wire or short to rail faults for temperature, pack current, discrete, or analog signals

Question 42: The RFQ states that the system shall provide 6’ long cables. Our proposed system will have a front connector panel for access to all instrumentation. Does CPSC want us to provide a set of external cables (6’ long) with mating connectors on one end, and bare wires on the other?

Answer 42: Yes, mating connectors to the system and bare tinned wires on the other end

Question 43: Is there a preferred base development technology (VXI, PXI, etc) and/or programming language like NI/CVI, National Instruments’ LabVIEW Development System platform?

Answer 43: Prefer NI/CVI, National Instruments’ LabVIEW Development System platform

Question 44: Are there any objections about using Sub‐contractors in the development process?

Answer 44: No

Question 45: Can you outline the various types of batteries to be tested by this BMS Test System?

Answer 45: Lithium‐ion (Li‐ion) and lithium‐ion polymer (LiPo) are the priorities

Question 46: Will the Department of Treasury consider issuing an amendment to the RFQ incorporating a Standard Form 18, 44, or 1449 template in order to expedite the Offer and Award process?

Answer 46: Due to system constraints, we were unable to provide a 1449 for solicitation. However, a 1449 will be the award document for the best value contractor.

Question 47: Key Personnel‐ page 12 calls out the Replacement of Key Personnel‐ Are we required to provide a list of Key Personnel, if so for what titles or positions?

Answer 47: Key Personnel should be in accordance with the PWS, including the reporters and project managers.

Question 48: Clauses Incorporated by Reference‐page 3‐ Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors‐ Will the Department of Treasury consider providing Accelerated Payments to a VOSB prime contractor?

Answer 48: See question 2 for acceptable payment arrangements.

Question 49: Post Award Conference‐ page 4. What is the projected number of days the Post Award conference will be held with the successful offeror after contract award?

Answer 49: That will be decided between the contracting activity, the program office and the winning contractor.

Question 50: Post Award Conference – page 4(a) (b) or Alternate‐ Does Treasury anticipate the requirement for an attended or an alternate Telephone or Video conference? The response has an impact on projected travel and associated costs.

Answer 50: Given the current situation, the post‐award conference will be via telephone/Skype.

Question 51: Evaluation Factors‐ page 16. 52.212‐ Evaluation – Commercial Items (October 2014‐ (a) ) line 3 states “The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers: Technical, Past Performance and Price‐ Technical and past performance when combined, are more important.” Please provide a percentage % for each Evaluation factor Technical, Past Performance, Price?

Answer 51: Technical approach is more important than past performance, but combined are more important than price. There are no percentages available.

Question 52: Evaluation Factors‐ Page 16‐ Can you provide the anticipated number of days to complete offer evaluations?

Answer 52: The days will be based on the number and quality of proposals received. The government anticipates awarding this purchase order during FY 2020.

Question 53: Required Proposal Documents – page 16 & 17‐ are there any page limits on Volumes 1, Volume II a, IIb. and Volume III.?

Answer 53: There are no page limits.

Question 54: Payment and Invoice Questions (IPP)‐ Page 3 – While the paragraph calls out a website and provides an Accounts Payable phone number, I cannot locate the Invoicing process in the RFQ. Question, are we permitted to Invoice Monthly for submitted Progress Reports, BMS ATE System development, Training and Technical Support?

Answer 54: IPP utilization is mandatory. See answer 2 for answers in regard to frequency of payment acceptability.

Question 55: Are there any additional details available, specifically interface control document describing the BMS interfaces?

Answer 55: The system is intended for a broad range of battery‐powered products, so no description of a specific interface is available.

Question 56: What is the expected start date and delivery date for the project?

Answer 56: November 1, 2020

Question 57: The example battery in section B suggests cells working in parallel, but the description of work in section D has cells tested in series. Which of these will need to be supported by the ATE?

Answer 57: The system may be used to test a BMS used with a series‐parallel battery, but the specifications are for series cell connections

Question 58: Will acceptance testing be performed at the factory or onsite?

Answer 58: Onsite

Question 59: D.1.a. Does BMS monitor individual cells? The statement indicates the ATE is required to simulate 24 individual cells, independently, within a bank. (Note: expandable to 200 cells) Answer 59: Yes

Question 60: D.1.a. Statement suggests the system should be initially designed for 1000V. Does the system (before expansion) need to support 1000V? (insulation concern) Answer 60: Yes, 1000 VDC CH‐TO‐CH, CH‐TO‐GND

Question 61: D.1.f. How many analog channels are required for BMS monitoring?

Answer 61: 4 channels for every 12 cells, minimum 12‐bit resolution, Question 62: D.1.g. Include provisions for fiber‐optic?

Answer 62: Not required

Question 63: D.2 What is the max voltage for overvoltage test?

Answer 63: 5 V for each cell

Question 64: D.5 ‘include the following cables:’ How many, what type of connectors, how many connectors?

Answer 64: The cables or cable bundle must be capable of connecting to a BMS for 24 cells and analog/digital/temperature inputs as required

Question 65: When will example drawings for a Unit Under Test be provided?

Answer 65: No drawings will be provided. The system should be designed for a broad application of testing cells and cell packs.