6913G623Q300061 Amendment 02.pdf

(x)

6913G623Q300061 x x

1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted ; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE

RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR

OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted , such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

6913G6

Cambridge MA 02142-1001 55 Broadway

VOLPE NAT'L TRANSPORTATION SYS CNTR

V335224410/20/2023

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS. IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) is not extended.

Items 8 and 15, and returning

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended , by one of the following methods: (a) By completing

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers x is extended,

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

FACILITY CODE CODE

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)CODE 6. ISSUED BY

PAGE OF PAGES

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.3. EFFECTIVE DATE2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

09/20/2023

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority) appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not is required to sign this document and return __________________ copies to the issuing office.

ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

The purpose of this amendment is to:

1. Provide answers to offeror’s technical questions. See Continuation Sheets.

All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

The response due date remains unchanged and is still 5:00PM ET, October 27, 2023.

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

15C. DATE SIGNED 16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 16C. DATE SIGNED

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

Patricia Barnett

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 11/2016)

Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

Previous edition unusable x

6913G623Q300061 Amendment 02 Continuation Sheet

Please see below questions submitted, with Government responses in bold.

Based on the SOW, below are the potential issues and answers:

1. (3) axle trucks are not available anymore (confirmed) The Government is aware of this.

2. This car will not be “Free Interchange” due to the 65.75 kips/axle requirement. This will have to be an 8 axle HD railcar and anything over 4 axles or >286GRL is movement by agreement or Controlled Interchange MSRP C2 Chapter 12.

The Government realizes this. The Government will coordinate with the railroads throughout the design process to ensure the railcar can/will be interchanged with minimal problems.

3. Deck height is going to be an issue depending on the span bolster (Fabricated or Span

Bolster)

3.1 Will DOD accept Amsted span bolsters if manufactured in Brazil ?

Yes, as long as the components meet requirements in this solicitation. The Government prefers US-made components but understands if it’s more cost effective to manufacture outside the US. However, since it requires a waiver to the Buy American Act, it is the Government’s strong preference to not get a waiver, due to the delay to the procurement timeline.

a. Will Volpe accept a deck height greater than 51” ?

No. This is the maximum deck height due to circus loading across strings of mixed flatcar types.

b. Will Volpe accept 33” diameter wheels to achieve desired deck height?

Yes.

4. The horizonal curve requirement of 150’ will be impossible - I would assume the requirement is AAR MARP C2 2.1.4.2.1 Minimum Curve Coupled to Base and Like Car. With an eight (8) axle car , this requirement is unattainable. Please re-confirm this is required.

The Government’s understanding is this can be accomplished with a span bolster design.

Questions based on the SOW:

1. Can the AIM be shifted on the car or is it a requirement to follow the dimensions presented in “Drawing – AIM Bulkhead Nut Plates.pdf”.

The AIM cannot be relocated.

2. Are truck mounted brakes acceptable? The curve negotiation is already going to be difficult without the bottom and through brake rods.

Body-mounted brakes are preferable, but truck-mounted brakes are acceptable.

6913G623Q300061 Amendment 02 Continuation Sheet

3. In Statement of Work 1.2 Reference Document #7 & #8, These are (2) different welding standard. Which should we follow if conflicting standards?

Conflicts between these two standards are rare. In the case of conflict, the contractor can request advice from the Government.

4. For 8 axle railcars, the circus style loading is possible, but may be a potential issue. Can we provide bridge plates for loading/unloading purposes?

No, not a requirement for this effort.

5. Will DOT accept alternate design loads for Section 3:3.1: 1 and 6, as these specified requirements restrict the designer from utilizing alternative AAR approved Truck Designs? The specified center bowl and axle design loads are specific to 2 trucks of 3 axles.

Modify the sentence in question at Section 3.3(6) to “Center bowl diameter to be sized for the greater of 394,500 pounds gross rail load or total loaded railcar weight (at maximum load) as determined by design.

3.3- Payload systems

3.) “…max allowed payload while undergoing impact tests…” will the securement system be impacted tested? If so at contractors’ cost?

No. This solicitation does not require contractor impact testing for the securement system.

3.6 Painting and Stenciling

3.) Requirement is for a primer pretreatment, primer, and 2 coats finish. Can this be trimmed down to one coat primer and 1 coat finish? Modern paint formulations are high performance and perform well with a 2 coat system.

The two-coat system is acceptable.

We anticipate that a Dynamic Analysis will not be required, however on a firm fixed quote, we will indicate a separate price in the event it is required. Will that be acceptable?

Yes.

Note: please be advised that the Government is researching an additional question and another amendment to address the question will be forthcoming.