Q&A.1.pdf

Q&A.1

1. Page 2 of the RFQ specifies that the Optional Second Basic PTM and environmental chamber must be delivered within 6 months of the effective date of award. This is before the base PTM. Is this an error? If interpreted literally, we would need to deliver the optional device prior to the base device.

Answer: A correction to the SOW shall now reflect CLINs 0002-0004 as “Optional” CLINs and the language “from Effective Date of Award” shall be removed from Optional CLINs on the pricing schedule.

2. Are Title Pages, and Tables of Contents included or excluded from the page limitations of Volumes 1 and 2?

Answer: Title pages and Table of Contents are excluded from the page count.

3. Section 6.4, page 35 specifies that the quote be divided into Volume 1 and Volume 2. Section 6.5, page 36 refers to Section 1 and Section 2. Do the terms “Volume” and “Section” have the same meaning?

Answer: Yes. Section 6.5 of the RFQ has been updated to reflect Volume versus Section.

4. Section 6.4 places a 15-page limit on “Volume 1”. Section 6.5 places a 30-page limit on “Section 1”. Can you clarify the apparent discrepancy?

Answer: Section 6.4 and 6.5 have been updated to reflect “30” pages.

5. Page 5, SOW, Item 18 b – “System software shall be commonly available, expandable, and upgradeable”. What is meant by “commonly available”? Also, is it acceptable that the software be expandable and upgradeable by the manufacturer only?

Answer: “Commonly available” is meant to imply something relatively easy to procure, off the shelf and not exclusively proprietary by or specific to the PMT manufacturer.

6. Page 5, SOW, item 23 – “…any system malfunction.” The system can only shutdown automatically if there is a malfunction in a system that is monitored. Can that be changed to “…any monitored system malfunction”?

Answer: Yes, the SOW has been updated to reflect “monitored” system malfunction. However, in addition, Contractors should identify all monitored systems that would be applicable to automated shutdown.

7. The Government will assess the probability that the instant requirement will be successfully completed in accordance with contract terms.” What is meant by “instant requirement”? I can’t locate that term anywhere else in the RFQ documents.

Answer: Factor 2: Past Performance on page 38 has been updated and the term “instant” has been removed from the RFQ document.

8. (SOW Section 5) 480V connection Pavement Test Facility (PTF)

a. What will be the type of 480V connection utilized for pavement testing operations?

Answer: The Government will provide the power cable that is compatible with the type of connection necessary for the delivered PTM(s). The power connection on the PTM should be appropriate for the needs of the system delivered (480V, 3 phase). The Contractor shall identify the connection type proposed.

b. What is the available PTF site amperage and current limitation of the PTF test areas?

Answer: Currently the PTF has 480Volt, 3-phase, Delta service fused at 400A.

9. (SOW Section 7) During operational testing, does the FHWA expect to enable the wander mechanism during bi-directional loading?

Answer: No. Wheel wander would not be included during bi-directional loading.

10. (SOW Section 10) What is the model and specification of the listed forklift at the PTF facility that can be used to move machinery?

Answer: The model of the forklift at the PTF facility is a Toyota 7FGU70-15500 and the specs are attached.

a. What is the typical surface that the pavement tester will be move over and is it paved?

Answer: The typical surface is asphalt pavement. The pavement testing machine should be capable of moving over previously tested lanes. A typical surface of tested pavement lane will either have fatigue cracks or ruts up to 2” deep.

11. (SOW Section 16) What is the expected time limitation to heat the pavement to 140?

Answer: Heating the pavement is dependent on the ambient conditions. It is reasonable to take several days to heat the pavement to the bottom layers. Quoters shall identify the actual performance capability of the heating system.

a. The listed lower limit temperature threshold is 15, is FHWA expecting to heat the pavement to 140 during these ambient conditions?

Answer: Air temperature of 15F is very unusual in McLean, VA. While the mechanical and electrical system components shall be capable of operating within the lower ambient temperature limit, it is not anticipated that the heating system needs to be capable of maintaining 140F pavement surface temperature at an ambient air temperature of 15F. However, a heating system that can maintain 140F pavement surface temperature at a 40F ambient air temperature or the capability to maintain a +70F temperature difference between pavement surface and ambient air temperature is a reasonable assumption. The Government recognizes the thermal loading issues and requirements to heat the pavement surface at different ambient temperatures conditions and that different capabilities will lead to specific design trade-offs and power requirements. Never the less, the bidder is requested to identify the actual performance capability of the heating system as part of the evaluation.

b. We’re expecting the pavement test sections to have temperature sensors to measure temperature at 1 inch in depth, can FHWA provide the temperature sensor manufacturer and model?

Answer: At this time, the PTF uses thermocouples type T (copper/constantan) from Omega. However, compatibility with current ALF thermocouples is not required. If an alternative type/brand of thermocouple is recommended, Quoters shall identify it in their proposal response.

12. (SOW Section 18) When the pavement tester is in operational mode, what is meant geared passes?

Answer: “Geared passes” is meant to imply the number of passes of the loaded wheel assembly (gear) on the pavement in either unidirectional or bidirectional mode.

13. (SOW Section 34) What is the operational noise limitations at the PTF and Mclean, Virginia?

Answer: The noise limitation is NTE 80 dB averaged over a 5-minute period of continuous PTM operation at a distance of 10ft.