Attachment 3 - Purchase Description-NPS CACO Amended 08 14 2026.docx
DOCX document 53 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Tram Cars for National Park Service
- Solicitation number
- 47QMCA26Q0091
- Issued by
-
GSA Federal Acquisition Service
About this file
This is a Purchase Description specification document for three (3) custom-built open-air tram power cars required by Cape Cod National Seashore (amended August 14, 2026). The trams must be compatible with the park's existing fleet of six non-powered trailer cars manufactured by Chance Rides and be legal for use on public roads in Massachusetts. The power cars shall be based on MY2026 or newer Ford E-450 SRW cutaway chassis (or equal) equipped with 7.3L gasoline engines rated at 325 HP/450 ft-lb torque, 6-speed automatic transmissions, and dual air spring suspension on rear axles. Vehicles must achieve a maximum forward speed of 25 mph (with locked override capability to 50 mph for highway runs), 10 percent gradeability, minimum turning radius of 28 feet at outside front tire, and maximum overall dimensions of 25 feet length, 86 inches width, and 96 inches height with minimum 74 inches interior height.
The specification requires minimum seating capacity for 18 adults with minimum GVWR of 14,000 pounds and maximum gross vehicle weight of 7,500 pounds. Critical features include retractable ramp and wheelchair securement provisions (two positions) complying with ADA, motorized rain curtains, public address system, six LED overhead lights, air compressor for power and trailing units, amber safety strobe light, stainless steel safety bars, and corrosion-resistant materials throughout due to salt air environment. Towing provisions must include 2-5/16-inch ball hitch, 12-pin cannon plugs for electrical systems, and glad hand air supply lines compatible with Chance Morgan Tramstar model LFT trams. Additional requirements include RCA Rubber Transit-Floor covering, Sportworks bicycle rack (up to two fat-tire bicycles), white exterior/interior finish with grey or white OEM seats, and comprehensive warranty coverage (three years/36,000 miles for chassis and powertrain; one year/12,000 miles for other components). The supplier must submit GSA Technical Exception Worksheets, preliminary drawings showing layouts and dimensions, and conduct verification testing (design review within 60 days of order, water spray testing on completed vehicles, and road testing) before production release. Delivery is FOB destination to Cape Cod National Seashore, Wellfleet, Massachusetts, with wheels off ground and off-loading by transport company, scheduled Monday-Friday 0800 AM to 1430 PM local time.
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Purchase Description Open Air Tram Power Cars NPS Cape Cod
06 August 2026
AMENDED
14 August 2026
Note to Supplier: Supplier shall explicitly and completely identify all exceptions taken to the requirements of this specification. Drawings, literature, and any other information submitted with an offer do not constitute a stated or implied exception unless specifically identified in writing as an exception and accepted and implemented by an amendment to the solicitation or modification to a contract. Any exception deemed acceptable by the Government shall only apply to the specific item, requirement, etc. cited, and shall not extend to any other requirement.
The Supplier proposing other than brand name items identified, when an “or equal” may be acceptable, shall furnish with their offer all technical data information, product descriptions, etc. to ensure that a determination may be made as to the equality of the product(s) offered (see clause titled Brand “Name or Equal” set forth in Section FC 11.204 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation Companion V2.0).
The following shall be provided with the quote.
1. Detailed explanation, entered on the GSA Technical Exception Worksheet, of any exceptions to the specification, including alternate equipment proposed or a declaration of comprehensive understanding of the requirements with no exceptions taken.
2. The Supplier shall submit with the offer preliminary drawings that show the following:
a. Layout views of the quoted vehicle including all equipment locations and basic dimensions verifying compliance with the requirements herein.
b. Exterior front, rear, and side view with overall dimensions.
c. Estimated curb weight and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
1. SCOPE
Cape Cod National Seashore needs p non-standard, custom-built open-air (tram) power cars to provide alternative transportation service (via tram) to Nauset Light Beach, due to a shrinking parking lot because of coastal erosion. These new (tram) power cars must align and connect seamlessly to the park-owned fleet of (6) non-powered trailer cars, custom-built by Chance Rides company.
The requirements are for three (3) power cars. The tram power cars shall be legal for use on public roads in Massachusetts.
2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS
2.1 FEDERAL STANDARDS AND CODES.
· Code of Federal Regulations 49 CFR 393 (FMCSR) and 571 (FMVSS)
Application for copies of DOT publication should reference the code of Federal Regulations, 49 CFR, and the Federal Register and should be addressed to the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.) They may also be accessed on the Internet through GPO Access at http://www.access.gpo.gov.
2.2 SOCIETY OF AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERS, INC.
· SAE J1292 Automobile, Truck, Truck-Tractor, Trailer Wiring- Recommended Practice
2.3 ORDER OF PRECEDENCE
In the event of a conflict between the text of this purchase description and the references cited above, this purchase description takes precedence. Nothing in this purchase description, however, supercedes applicable state and federal safety laws and regulations and the requirements set forth in the vehicle manufacturer’s Bodybuilders and Incomplete Vehicle Manuals.
3. REQUIREMENTS
Materials shall be as specified herein. When materials are not specified, the vehicle and all parts thereof shall be furnished to provide the intended function, durability, safety, and maintain good long term appearance. All materials shall be new, shall be suitable for the intended purpose, and shall be free of any characteristics or defects in material and workmanship, which may affect the performance, function, durability, and serviceability of the finished vehicle, or detract from its appearance. The government reserves the right to make the final determination of the suitability of all components and their arrangement on and in the vehicle. The chassis and completed vehicle shall conform to FMVSS and FMCSR regulations.
The final tram layout drawings (overall lengths of the power car and trailing units that meet the requirements below) shall be furnished at the verification design review and final approval given by the Government at that time.
All modifications and additions to the chassis shall conform to all requirements of the chassis manufacturer’s Body Builders Layout Book.
3.1 Tram Power Car
The tram power car shall meet the requirements specified in this document.
· The tram power car color shall be OEM standard white interior and exterior with OEM standard grey or white seats in the chassis cab.
· The tram power car shall meet the following requirements regarding compatibility with existing trams at Cape Cod National Seashore:
The trams offered shall be furnished with towing hitch, electrical, and air systems that are compatible (interoperable meaning-no intermediate connection systems or adapters are required).
· with the following:
The Chance Morgan Tramstar model LFT tram
· The tram power car shall be legal for use on public roads in Massachusetts.
· Performance:
Maximum Forward Speed 25 mph Locked override for highway runs up to 50 mph Gradeability 10 percent
3.1.1 Tram Power Car
Ratings and Dimensions:
Minimum passenger seating capacity: 18 adults
Minimum GVWR: 14,000 pounds @ 20 MPH
Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight : 7000 7500 pounds
Minimum turning radius: 28 feet @ outside front tire
Minimum turning radius: 29 feet @ outside corner front body
Maximum overall length: 25 feet
Maximum overall width: 86 inches
Maximum overall height: 96 inches
Minimum interior height: 74 inches
Maximum step height: 15 inches
3.1.2 Tram Power Car Chassis Cab
MY2026 or newer Ford E-450 SRW cutaway chassis, or equal. The chassis shall be equipped as required by the tram manufacturer and the following:
Engine: 7.23 7.3 L gasoline rated at 325 HP/450 ft-lb torque
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with overdrive
Fuel Capacity: 22 gallons
Air conditioning: Cab only
Tires: LT 225/75 R16 Load Range E
Alternator: Minimum 210 ampere
Brakes: Hydraulic power discs with dual pistons
Front Suspension: heavy duty spring coil
Mirrors: One (1) rear view and two (2) side view
Horn: OEM
Front tow hooks: OEM quantity two (2)
3.1.3 Tram Power Car Chassis Cab Modifications
The power car body frame shall be constructed of steel tubing.
Dual air spring air ride suspension on rear axle
Back-up alarm
Undercoating: Wax/paraffin-based material
Fire extinguisher: A-B-C dry; 5 pound; floor-mounted adjacent to driver seat in a manner that the extinguisher is easily accessible.
To enable the tram driver to have adequate visibility from the driver’s seat to the passenger portion of the power car, a rear window with automotive safety glass that is a minimum of 51 inches long X 20 inches high shall be furnished centered in the cut-away cap of the cab such that the passenger portion of the power car is visible to the driver through the rearview mirror in the cab.
The interior of the chassis cab “B” pillars and rear cab area shall be professionally trimmed where the OEM has not furnished trim for the convenience of the upfitter. The trim shall be of the same quality and color as the other OEM trim furnished in the cab.
3.1.4 Tram Power Car Body and Accessories
An inflatable jack with 30 feet length x 3/8-inch I.D. air hose with male quick disconnect coupler on one end and female quick disconnect coupler on the other end.
Retractable ramp and wheelchair securement provisions for two (2) positions with flip up or fold down seats shall comply with ADA. The ramp shall be located at the passenger seating positions 1 and 2, installed on the right side (passenger side)
Rain curtains-motorized deployment/retraction and controlled from power car cab, operates simultaneously with trailer car rain curtain
Storage bays or luggage rack
Public Address system for power car and trailing units, with microphone and source input
Amber safety strobe light on top of cab
Overhead lighting: Six (6) LED recessed light fixtures; (3) installed on the right side of the passenger compartment and (3) installed opposite, on the left side.
Air compressor for power car and trailing units, shall supply air to an adjustable air bag suspension in the power car and air-ride suspension and air-braking system in trailing unit; mounted under rear seat of passenger compartment.
Safety Decals: “WATCH YOUR STEP” Quantity two on entry side of tram car—minimum 2 inch black letters
Safety Decals: “REMAIN SEATED” Quantity one-red letters- mounted approximately eye level on forward wall of tram car—minimum 1-3/8 inches letters.
3.1.5 Towing Provisions
The trams shall be furnished with a towing hitch, electrical, and air systems that are compatible (interoperable meaning-no intermediate connection systems or adapters are required) with the Chance Morgan Transtar model LFT tram. The following shall be provided as a minimum:
A 2- 5/16-inch ball hitch towing system complete with trailing unit electrical connection, wiring, and safety chain hooks. The ball hitch shall be mounted 9 inches above grade and centered at 40-1/2 inches
Stainless Steel Connection Plate: 7-inches(h) x 12-inches (w), mounted 15-inches from the ground.
12-volt Power Supply Hook-up: (1) positive and (1) negative centered on stainless steel plate at 6- inches.
Cannon Plugs (12-pin): Provides electric supply for public address (PA) system, back-up alarm, rain curtains, marker lights, turn signals, back-up light, brake lights, and running lights; (1) 1-1/4 inches plug mounted 2-1/2 in. in from the left side of the plate and (1) 1-1/2 inches plug mounted 2-1/2 inches in from the right side of the plate.
Glad Hand (Air) Supply Lines: Mounted on the stainless-steel plate on each side below the cannon plugs.
3.1.6 Bicycle Rack
A Sportworks model VeloPorter2 or Apex 2 bicycle rack for carrying up to two bicycles with fat tires, or equal, shall be furnished and installed on the front bumper of the power car.
3.1.7 Bench Seats and Safety Bars and Storage
Four (4) rows of seating; foldable molded seats with backs (to allow for wheelchair access) in seating rows 1 and 2, row 1 facing rear and row 2 facing forward; molded bench with back in seating rows 3 and 4, each facing forward; all seating installed with maximum 15-inch floor height.
Vertical Safety Bars: 1-1/2 inch stainless-steel; attached with non-corrosive hardware; minimum (6) bars on each side of passenger compartment; to assist passenger boarding/un-boarding and standing/sitting safely.
Horizontal Safety Bars: 1-1/2 inch stainless-steel; attached with non-corrosive hardware; mounted on left side of passenger compartment to prevent seated passengers from falling out of power car.
Cargo Storage: 12-inch (w) x 16-inch(d) x 6-feet(l); located in passenger compartment between seat rows 3 and 4; provides secure storage space for passenger’s belongings (i.e. backpacks, coolers, etc.).
3.1.8 Corrosion Resistant Materials
Due to the salt air operating environment of Cape Cod National Seashore, corrosion resistance is a primary objective. The use of stainless steel, aluminum, or other corrosion resistant materials shall be used wherever possible. The tops of visitor equipment storage racks, and storage compartments, shall be coated with a spray on liner, Rhino TuffGrip, or equal.
3.1.9 Power Car Floor Covering
The passenger floor areas of the power car shall be rubber transit floor covering, RCA Rubber Transit-Flor, or equal. The sub-floor (and sub-floor preparation) to which the covering is applied shall be appropriate for the type of covering offered and provide for a watertight seal between the covering and the sub-floor. Any exposed edges shall be trimmed and sealed with molding strips of a non-corrosive material.
3.1.10 Noise Reduction
Noise reduction in the passenger areas of the tram is an important objective of Cape Cod National Seashore. Compartments containing mechanical operating equipment, such as the air compressor, if not engine mounted, shall be sound insulated. The air intake of the compressor shall be contained within the compartment and not extend through the top into the passenger area. An intake muffler shall be furnished.
3.1.11 Spare Tires + Wheels
One (1) front axle and one (1) rear axle spare tires mounted on wheels shall be provided, shipped loose. The spare tire/wheels shall be secured to the power cars for shipment.
3.2 Wiring
All automotive 12-volt DC wiring shall be in accordance with the applicable requirements of SAE J1292. All wiring shall be copper stranded and protected by SXL, GXL, or Hypalon type insulation. All in-line wiring connections shall utilize locking lip seal type connectors. Wiring shall be routed in a flexible loom or conduit. All fasteners, conduit, and conduit fittings shall not exhibit electrolysis with adjacent materials. All wires and looms shall be routed to assure that they do not abrade or be damaged by any part of the chassis, engine, or body. Grommets or electrical bulkhead fittings shall be furnished when wires or harnesses pass through walls or structural members. All conduits, looms and wires shall be secured to the body or frame using insulated metal cable straps. Wiring terminals shall be crimped to assure that they grip both the wire insulation as well as the conductor. Terminal attachments shall comply with SAE J163, and the terminations themselves must comply with SAE J561 (ring and spade types), SAE J858 (blade type), or SAE J928 (pin and receptacle type). Circuit protection shall be accomplished by the use of circuit breakers, fuses, or fusible links conforming to SAE specifications. All switches, relays, connectors, and all other electrical components shall be rated for a minimum of 125 percent of the maximum current for which the circuit is protected. Environmentally sealed switches shall control 12-volt lighting systems.
Wire sizes and circuit breaker ratings shall comply with the following:
Wire Size (minimum) Circuit Breaker Rating (maximum)
| 18 AWG | 5 AMPS | ||
| 16 AWG | 10 AMPS | ||
| 14 AWG | 15 AMPS | ||
| 12 AWG 20 AMPS | |||
| 10 AWG | 30 AMPS | ||
| 8AWG | 50 AMPS |
3.3 Finish and Color
All exterior surfaces shall be smooth and free of wrinkles and dents. Exterior surfaces to be painted shall be properly prepared as required by the paint system supplier, prior to application of paint to assure a proper bond between the basic surface and successive coats of original paint for the service life of the bus. Drilled holes and cutouts in exterior surfaces shall be made prior to cleaning, priming and painting to prevent corrosion.
Sub-assemblies shall be painted prior to final assembly on the tram.
Depending upon the primer/topcoat system selected, surfaces shall be cleaned with solvent, chemical, or mechanical methods meeting the paint manufacturer’s recommendations.
A rust inhibitive primer, Dupont Corlar 824S, or equal, and a two-part polyurethane topcoat, Dupont Imron 5000, or equal, shall be applied with a minimum total dry film thickness of 4.0 mils.
The power car shall be painted to match the power car chassis OEM white.
Paint shall be applied smoothly and evenly with the finished surface free of dirt and the following other imperfections:
| A. | Blisters or bubbles appearing in the topcoat film. |
| B. | Chips, scratches, or gouges of the surface finish. |
| C. | Cracks in the paint film. |
| D. | Craters where paint failed to cover due to surface contamination. |
| E. | Overspray. |
| F. | Peeling |
| G. | Runs or sags from excessive flow and failure to adhere uniformly to the surface. |
| H. | Chemical stains and water spots. |
| I. | Orange peel |
All dents, roughness, or other surface imperfections shall be corrected prior to the application of the priming coat. Primer and finish paint shall be supplied as a system by a single manufacturer. Preparation for paint application shall follow the paint manufacturer’s recommendations. As a minimum, prior to paint application, surfaces shall be cleaned to remove all traces of contamination.
Paint shall be applied evenly, and the finished surface shall be free of dirt, runs, "orange peel" or other imperfections. At least two coats of paint shall be applied, with appropriate surface preparation between coats. Touch-up paint shall be identical in all respects to the original paint.
Prior to assembly, all low-alloy steel areas shall be painted with one coat of an approved primer followed by one coat of an approved sealer to prevent rusting.
3.4 Water Spray Test
The supplier shall perform a water spray test on the chassis cab rear partition. The water spray test shall be performed on the completed vehicle, after road testing.
3.5 Warranty
The supplier shall provide the following equipment warranties against parts failure or malfunction due to design, construction or installation errors, defective workmanship, and missing or incorrect parts:
Power car cutaway chassis bumper-to-bumper: 3 years or 36,000 miles
Chassis power train: 3 years or 36,000 miles
All other power car components: 1 year or 12,000 miles
If the supplier receives from any supplier or sub-supplier additional warranty or any component of the tram (s), in the form of time or mileage, including any pro rata arrangements, or the supplier generally extends its customers greater or extended warranty coverage, the Government shall receive corresponding warranty benefits. The warranty begins when the government accepts the vehicle from the supplier FOB point of origin/destination. Warranty certificates shall be furnished to the Government at the vehicle inspection.
3.6 VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
The successful offeror shall verify compliance to the requirements herein prior to first vehicle production release, based on the following verification matrix. Verification may be in the form of successful offeror production line bill of material, drawings, instructions, test results, vendor documentation, certifications, or design analytical data. The successful offeror shall not proceed with production before receiving agreement from the Government that verification of compliance is satisfactory. Acceptance of designs by the Government does not relieve the successful offeror from the successful offeror’s responsibility to meet all the requirements and specifications herein, whether reviewed by the Government or not. It shall be the successful offeror’s responsibility to assure all production documentation results in the production of vehicles that comply to these requirements and specifications.
| PAC | Post Award Conference | Contract Award + 5 Days | |
| VDR | Verification Design Review | Receipt of Order + 60 Days | |
| FVI | First Vehicle Inspection | ||
| BOM | Bill Of Material |
The type of verification to be submitted for acceptance is listed below:
ET Engineering Test- to be performed by the successful offeror and results accepted by the Government. Engineering tests are tests resulting in data output from engineering instruments used to take measurements of parameters such as temperatures, sound levels, etc. Verification may be in the form of an engineering report, test result sheet, or test summary with results documented.
COC Confirmation of Compliance- Validation by analysis or production build documentation to be performed by the successful offeror and submitted for acceptance by the Government. Verification may be in the form of analysis summaries, build documentation, purchase orders, or similar written documentation.
QAPVT Quality Assurance Performance and Verification Testing- to be performed by the successful offeror and verified by the successful offeror to the Government. QAPVT tests are functional tests that do not involve instrumentation. The results are observable and recorded as pass/fail, i.e. wheelchair lift platform functions as intended; lights function as intended, etc. Systems or components that fail shall be annotated with the corrective action taken and retested until passed.
The successful offeror shall, within 60 days after receipt of order, submit detailed plans for the performance of all ET tests. These plans, at a minimum, shall include all instruments to be used, their calibration certification, and the procedures to be followed.
Government acceptances of verification and designs shall constitute design freezes and enable the successful offeror to proceed with production activities relative to the accepted designs. The design freeze shall be effective for the duration of the production of the entire quantity of vehicles being procured.
3.7 Workmanship.
A. Vehicles shall be free from defects that may impair their serviceability or detract from appearance.
B. All bodies, systems, equipment and interfaces with the chassis shall be done in accordance with the OEM’s Body Builders Book. Whenever dissimilar metals are used, they shall be insulated against corrosive action.
C. All components shall be new. Defective components shall not be furnished. Parts, equipment, and assemblies, which have been repaired or modified to overcome deficiencies, shall not be furnished without the approval of the purchaser. Component parts and units shall be manufactured to definite standard dimensions with proper fits, clearances and uniformity. Welded, bolted, and riveted construction utilized shall be in accordance with the highest standards of industry. General appearance of the vehicle shall not show any evidence of poor workmanship.
D. The following shall be reason for rejection:
1. Rough, sharp or unfinished edges, burrs, seams, corners, and joints.
2. Non-uniform panels. Edges that are not radiused, beveled, etc.
3. Paint runs, sags, orange peel, “fish eyes”, etc.., and any other imperfection or lack of complete coverage of paints or coatings.
4. Body panels or components that are uneven, unsealed, or contain cracks, dents or have voids.
5. Misalignment of body fasteners, glass, viewing panels, light housings, other items with large or uneven gaps, spacing etc. such as door, body panels and hinged panels.
6. Improperly fabricated and routed wiring or harnesses, and electrical connections.
7. Improperly supported or secured hoses, wiring harnesses, mechanical controls etc., including interference with other components.
8. Interference of chassis components, body parts, doors, etc.
9. Leaks of any gas, vacuum, or fluid lines (air conditioning, coolant, oil).
10. Noise, panel vibrations
11. Inappropriate or incorrect use of hardware, fasteners, components, or methods of construction.
12. Incomplete or improper welding, riveting or bolting.
13. Lack of uniformity and symmetry where applicable.
14. Loose, vibrating, abrading body parts, components, subassemblies, hoses, wiring harnesses or trim.
15. Improper body design or interface with the chassis that could cause injury during normal use or maintenance, and which fail to provide access to routine or mandatory repairs or maintenance on vehicle electrical and mechanical systems. In addition, the improper combination of options which by their combination and installation are inherently incompatible regarding function or safety.
16. Sagging non-form fitting upholstery or padding, holes, tears, discoloration, etc.
17. Incomplete or incorrect application of rust proofing.
18. Visual deformities and equipment malfunctions.
19. Unsealed appurtenances or other body components, gaskets, etc.
20. In addition, any deviation from specification requirements or any other item, whether stipulated herein, that affects form, fit, function, finish, durability, reliability, safety, performance or appearance shall be cause for rejection.
4.0 Quality Assurance
4.1 Government verification. Quality assurance operations performed by the contractor will be subject to government verification at unscheduled intervals. Verification will consist of observation of the operations to determine that practices, methods, and procedures, of the contractors’ inspection are being properly applied. Failure of the contractor to promptly correct product deficiencies discovered shall be cause for suspension of acceptance until correction has been made or until conformance of product to specification criteria has been demonstrated.
4.2 Vehicle inspection. The contractor shall validate that the vehicle has been manufactured to the requirements in this document and provide verifying documentation of such validation to the government inspector at the government vehicle final inspection. The government inspector reserves the right to inspect the completed vehicle or any portion thereof at the final vehicle inspection.
4.3 Weight
The power car shall be weighed to determine the curb weight. The rated capacity of each load carrying component shall exceed the load imposed on that component.
4.4 Road Test
The power car shall be road tested. The road test shall be of sufficient duration to bring the engine and transmission to their normal operating temperatures and demonstrate articulating and steering.
5.0 Delivery- FOB Destination
Cape Cod National Seashore, 99 Marconi Site Road, Wellfleet, MA. 02664
Point of Contact: Erik Anderson
Email:Erik_Anderson@nps.gov
Phone: 774-216-0329
Delivery hours are Monday through Friday 0800 AM to 1430 PM local time. No after-hours availability. Closed Federal holidays. The contractor shall schedule all delivery activities with the identified delivery points of contact.
The power cars shall be delivered to the park “wheels off ground” and off-loaded by the transport company upon arrival.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .