6-25-12 (Dattco) Champion APPROVED EQUALS.doc

MAINE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

New Question posted for Solicitation: RFQ 17D 12050800000000000969

DATTCO (CHAMPION BUS)

REQUESTS FOR APPROVED EQUALS/EXCEPTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS

SEC.

2.0

SUBJECT:

Dimensions

REQUEST:

Please clarify if the 32” entry door width is a clear opening measurement or a stepwell measurement. If the measurement is a clear opening width, we request that we provide a 30” clear opening between the door panels.

Question Date: 2012-06-25 COMMENTS: Yes, the clear opening at door panels must meet the 32” requirement

APPROVED ( )

DENIED ( )

CLARIFICATION (X)

SEC.

9.2 & 9.3

SUBJECT:

Rear Axle and Final Drive

REQUEST:

Give that the Mor/Ryde system is adjustable and can be adjusted to accommodate the wheelchair lift weight, we request that the extra spring requirement be deleted as it would add unnecessary weight to the vehicle.

Question Date: 2012-06-25

COMMENTS:

The Mor/Ryde system must be provided

APPROVED ()

DENIED (X )

CLARIFICATION ( )

SEC.

9.4

SUBJECT:

Rear Axle and Final Drive Ratio

REQUEST:

The Ford rear axle ratio for the E450 chassis with this configuration is 4.56. We request this be approved in lieu of the requested 4.58.

Question Date: 2012-06-25 COMMENTS: Ford rear axle ratio configuration is 4.58 is fine.

APPROVED (X)

DENIED ( )

CLARIFICATION ( )

SEC.

16.9

SUBJECT:

Electrical System & Components

REQUEST:

We request approval to provide manual reset breakers for the fuse panel in lieu of auto reset breakers. We have been using manual reset breakers and have found that these are a more effective breaker in case there is any potential issues as the breakers doesn’t keep resetting on its own allowing the breaker to get hot and potentially damage wiring.

Question Date: 2012-06-25

COMMENTS:

Circuit breaker must be Auto Reset type

APPROVED ()

DENIED (X )

CLARIFICATION ()

SEC.

18.0

SUBJECT:

Body Construction

REQUEST:

The body has a steel cage construction. When the sidewalls, floor and roof are welded together, they form a strong, durable structure.

The sidewalls are constructed of 1.5” x 1.5” 16-gauge tubular steel studs and corner posts on maximum 48” centers. A 14-gauge, 1-1/2” x 2” tubular horizontal stringer is welded to the top of the studs. A 16-gauge Z-rail is welded to the studs at the bottom of the sidewall. The window corners are reinforced with corner gussets.

The roof consists of 1.5” x 1.5” 16-gauge tubular steel rafters installed on maximum 48” centers. The roof rafters are welded into two 16-gauge steel “U” shaped sidewall caps. The rafters, in conjunction with two 3” 16-gauge flat longitudinal stringers, form a “steel cage” type of construction.

The back wall has a 1.5” x 1.5” 16-gauge tubular steel frame, reinforced with 16-gauge “C” channel. A section of 16-gauge Z-channel is welded to the bottom of the back wall.

The floor frame is constructed of 11 gauge, 2” x 2.8” x 2” channel cross members, on maximum 34” centers, with an outer 14-gauge channel steel impact rail. 11 gauge, 4” flat steel is provided to support the floor track. The wheel well consists of 14-gauge galvanized steel welded to the floor cross members. Any wheelchair tie downs are attached through 11-gauge 4” flat steel welded in the appropriate locations on the floor. The floor frame is secured to the chassis frame in accordance with the chassis manufacturer’s requirements.

When the sidewalls, floor, and roof are welded together, they form a continuous “hoop” structure, which is extremely strong and durable. All structural steel is coated with “Gatorshield” for improved corrosion resistance.

Question Date: 2012-06-25 COMMENTS: Sidewalls, floor and roof need to be bolted as well as welded together only.

APPROVED ()

DENIED (X)

CLARIFICATION ( )