6913G18SS0002QA0001.pdf

RFI 6913G18SS0002 – Q&A Amendment 0001 February 13, 2018

1. AAR Interchange rules limit per-axle weights to 71,500 pounds, or 286GRL. If cars are built with heavier weight per axle capacity, it would preclude them from achieving full interchange compatibility. Is the RFI correct where it states a per axle weight of 78,750 pounds or less?

[A1] Yes. The Government requirement for this RFI dictates that the cars themselves must be strong enough to support 78,750-pound axle loads. We understand that when loaded to create axle loads over 71,500 pounds railroad track limits may constrain the payload of the cars over some routes.

2. In the case of the “emerging near term requirements for low-rate initial production (up to 5 cars)” procurement, will the cars be of one type or various types?

[A2] The low-rate initial production flatcars may be of either one type or of two types, depending upon whether one type clearly stands out as preferred before construction begins, or whether two concepts appear to have almost equal benefits prior to testing and evaluating actual cars.

3. Will the engineering and drawings generated by the “emerging near term requirements for low-rate initial production (up to 5 cars)” procurement (with possible allowances for adjustments resulting from real use testing) be used as the basis for future “large scale production” procurements?

[A3] Yes. Notwithstanding A2 above, the Government currently anticipates that Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) and Full Rate Production (FRP) are anticipated to be the same design, with an expectation that any deficiencies identified in LRIP will be corrected in FRP.

4. Will the successful bidder for the “emerging near term requirements for low-rate initial production (up to 5 cars)” be awarded the contract for the subsequent “large scale production (200 cars per year)” orders or will the subsequent orders be separate solicitations?

[A4] At this time, the Government intends to procure full engineering drawings as part of the LRIP procurement, and to allow full and open competition for the FRP, thereby maximizing competition for all procurements.

5. Does the Army anticipate that each of the “large scale production (200 cars per year)”procurements will be composed of a yet to be determined number of each of the four flatcar types?

[A5] At this time, the Government anticipates that FRP (Large-scale production) will be of one type of heavy-duty flatcar.

6. Will there be a clause stipulating that the flatcars or components be made in the USA?

RFI 6913G18SS0002 – Q&A Amendment 0001 February 13, 2018

[A6] At this time, the Government has not made a determination regarding domestic/international manufacture.

7. Will flatcars or components made in NAFTA member countries be considered compliant?

[A7] At this time the Government has not made a determination regarding other requirements or limitations not specified in the RFI.