Response_to_QA_693JJ919R000084__FMVSS_No._108_and_125_Final_APM_edits.pdf

Solicitation #: 693JJ919R000084 Title: Compliance Testing of Motor Vehicle Equipment to FMVSS No. 108 and FMVSS No. 125

Solicitation Questions & Answers

1. CLIN 10002 / CLIN 10003

FMVSS No. 108 Front Lamp Baseline Photometry (Single Function) Question: What constitutes a single function? Is the single function a singular signaling and marking functions? A secondary question is would a headlamp lower and upper beam photometry be considered, a 108 Front Lamp Baseline Photometry (Two Function)?

A “function” is considered one of the following: Upper Beam, Lower Beam, Turn Signal, Parking Lamp, Reflex Reflector, Side Marker, etc.

For example, a headlamp with a lower beam and an upper beam would be considered two functions.

We may also request to only test a single function (i.e. lower beam) of a front combination headlamp. This would be considered a single function.

2. Section C.6.6 Test Items / Models

(1)a Minimum Quantity Question: Historically NHTSA has typically tested only the left-hand side of paired devices.

Can the bidder submit two values for cost, left hand only testing cost and paired testing cost?

While this may be true, we still request that offerors submit paired testing cost as called for in this solicitation.

3. Section C.6.6 Test Items / Models

(3) FMVSS No. 108 Replaceable Light Source Test:

Question: What exactly are the "certain dimensional specifications" to be tested for conformance?

Not all the light source dimensions specified in docket #NHTSA 98-3397 are necessary for interchangeability, and not all listed light sources indicate which dimensions are necessary for interchangeability.

Shall all 16 samples be tested for luminous flux?

Shall all 16 samples be tested for dimensional specifications or a subset of the sample set?

All 16 samples will be tested for luminous flux. A maximum of 8 of the 16 samples will be used for the optional deflection test (excluding any samples that failed luminous flux). All 16 samples will be subject to dimensional specifications. For the purposes of this solicitation, “certain dimensional specifications” means filament dimension and position. The base of each replaceable light source will be tested for fit, form, and interchangeability with commonly available sockets and wire harnesses.

4. Section C.6.6 Test Items / Models

(4) FMVSS No. 108 Conspicuity System Tests – Retro Reflective Sheeting:

a. Minimum Quantity – 12 samples Question: What constitutes a sample? Is the sample a singular roll of conspicuity trim? Or is it the number of samples (segments) taken from a single roll of conspicuity trim?

One sample is a singular roll of conspicuity trim. A segment will be taken from each roll for the compliance test.

5. FMVSS No. 125 Compliance Test:

a. Minimum Quantity – 2 samples Question: What constitutes a sample? Warning triangles typically come in kits of 3. Is a sample a kit of 3 or is it a single warning triangle?

One sample is one warning triangle. A kit of 3 may be purchased at the request of the COR.

6. Section C.6.7 Rapid-Response Compliance Test Upgrade

Question: What is the definition of accelerated with regard to milestones and deliverables?

This was accidentally omitted from this solicitation. The following tables will be added to section F.4 DELIVERABLES/MILESTONES:

Item Deliverable Located in SOW/Section Due Date

9 Contractor submits Final Test Reports

Draft Final Rapid- Response Test Report for review/approval

F.8

Within two (2) business days after completion of each test.

Item Milestone Located in SOW/Section Due Date

Contractor begins Rapid-Response testing C6.7

Within one (1) business day after receipt of test items.

7. Section C.6.8 Adaptive Front Lighting System Testing

"In collaboration with the COR, the Contractor shall develop a test procedure for testing an adaptive front lighting system (AFS). An AFS is a system that automatically delivers different beams in order to adapt to varying conditions of use for the lower beam and, if it applies, the upper beam."

Question 1: What would the scope of testing be for this? FMVSS 108 has no requirements for adaptive front lighting systems.

Given the complexity, scope, and open-ended nature of the Adaptive Front Lighting System Testing, we now believe it is more appropriate for this to be removed from this solicitation.

Section C.6.8 and CLINs 10012, 20012, 30012, 40012, and 50012 will be removed from this solicitation.

Question 2: Sections B.3.4 through B.3.9 Price Schedules indicate order quantities of 1 - 4 per year. Is NHTSA asking offerors to bid on developing a test procedure or on testing an AFLS?

See response to Question 1 of this section.

Question 3: Since this is an open-ended process, would NHTSA accept a bid for this as an hourly rate rather than a fixed unit price?

See response to Question 1 of this section.

8. Section B.3 Contract Prices

Question: What was the award amount for the previous solicitation (DTNH22-14-R-00767)?

The ceiling amount for the previous award was $1,127,900.00

Contractor completion of Rapid-Response testing

C6.7 Within three (3) business days after start of testing

Contractor submission of Final Rapid- Response Test Reports

F.8

Within two (2) business days after completion of each test.

9. Section C.6.6 Test Items/Models

Question: How many samples were submitted for evaluation for each year of the previous awarded contract (solicitation DTNH22-14-R-00767) and can a breakdown of lamp types and quantities (i.e. headlamps, rear combination lamps, etc...) be provided?

Number of samples and lamp types can vary from each test year. The maximum quantity per order for each CLIN is provided in Section B.3.

10. Section C.6.6 Test Items/Models

Question: In reference to Environmental Testing, which environmental tests would be required past humidity testing?

No further environmental tests beyond humidity testing for this contract period.

11. Section C.6.6(2)b. Testing Test Items/Models - Environmental Testing

Question: In the Environmental Testing paragraph, it states:”... the Government may request rear combination lamp humidity testing in accordance with the requirements in FMVSS No.

108.”

Since FMVSS No. 108 does not outline a requirement for humidity testing of rear combination lamps, what will the parameters of the humidity test be?

The following language as found in Rear Combination Lamp (ii) and CLINs 10009, 20009, 30009, 40009, and 50009 will be removed:

Environmental Testing

In addition to the testing outlined in paragraphs above, the government may request rear combination lamp humidity testing in accordance with the requirements in FMVSS No.

108. After completion of the humidity testing, the lamp shall be tested for photometry.

The government may request a maximum of two examples of each lamp models to be tested (after all other tests have been completed)

12. Section C.6.6 Test Items/Models

Question: Will test / holding fixtures be provided with submitted samples, and if so, will NHTSA coordinate the delivery of fixtures to the test lab?

Test/Holding fixtures will be requested from the manufacturer as needed. NHTSA will coordinate the delivery of fixtures to the test laboratory.

13. General Question

Is the contractor test lab required to have testing capabilities for all FMVSS 108 and FMVSS 125 test methods in the OVSC test plans? We can perform all FMVSS 108 tests for lighting products, but we do not have capability for retro-reflector measurements. Would a proposal for FMVSS 108 lighting products testing ONLY be considered?

The proposal will still be considered, but if the offeror is unable to conduct all testing called for in this solicitation, it is unlikely that the offeror will receive the highest evaluation rating. Per section M.3, the Government may elect to award a single delivery order contract or task order contract or to award multiple delivery order contracts or task order contracts for the same or similar supplies or services to two or more sources under this solicitation.