Solicitation QA Response Document (693JJ924R000026)_ 06-27-2024.pdf

RFP 693JJ924R000026

Resurface SATF Asphalt Traction Test Pad

Contractor Questions and NHTSA Responses

General Questions:

1. C.4.2 Phase One; “The quality assurance process is iterative and may require adjustments…”. Is this entire process considered part of the Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee?

NHTSA Response: Yes. The cost for the entire project is anticipated to be performed under a Cost Plus Fixed-Fee basis.

2 C.4.2 Phase One; SATF has an option for a test section at another location with 150 mi of

SATF. What access does SATF staff need to evaluate that test strip?

NHTSA Response: SATF must be able to perform traction testing using the government’s own test equipment as described in the UTQG test procedure. This requires an F-350 pickup truck with trailer traveling at 40 MPH across the test section. Acceleration and braking distance of approximately 500 feet on each side of the test strip must also be accounted for during this procedure. Additionally, access to water to refill the vehicle’s on-board water tank is required.

3. C.4.3 Phase Two; “the contractor must evaluate the existing test surface to determine if it must be removed”. This appears to be a potential design issue. Is it the intent that the contractor is to hire an outside engineering design firm to design the pavement structural section?

NHTSA Response: The existing pavement surface and base visually appear to be in good structural condition. It is the intent of the government to allow the contractor to conduct a site visit prior to placing the new asphalt test surface in order to determine whether it is necessary to mill away the existing surface and replace it, or place an overlay on the existing asphalt test surface in order to meet the smoothness requirements for the approach and departure of the finished test surface from the adjacent non-test surfaces.

4. C.4.3 Phase Two; “NHTSA’s test procedure requires a traction testing apparatus consisting of a pickup truck…”. Is it the intent that the contractor is to provide and perform this testing or is this just information to the contractor?

NHTSA Response: The test procedure will be performed by the government using its own test equipment (i.e. pickup truck etc…) and this section provides notification of this requirement to the contractor. NHTSA will provide the equipment and perform the required testing.

5. F.4 DELIVERABLES/MILESTONES: Is the SATF able to accommodate an alternate delivery/milestone schedule than the schedule provided in the RFP? Is it acceptable for the contractor to propose using an existing mix design?

RFP 693JJ924R000026

Resurface SATF Asphalt Traction Test Pad

NHTSA Response: SATF must be able to evaluate a sample of the proposed mix design using the traction test equipment and procedures as described in the RFP in order to ensure that the coefficient of friction is within the required ranges and has sufficient durability to provide a useful life. SATF will be as accommodating as possible on scheduling but must be able to ensure, to the degree possible, that the final surface meets our requirements. A contractor may use an existing mix design, however SATF must be able to evaluate it prior to placement of the full test surface – this can occur anywhere within 150 miles of SATF and any time after contract award.

6. L.9.c - This proposal shall include a visit by the Project Manager/Construction Supervisor to

Goodfellow Air Force Base (GAFB) to obtain approvals from different GAFB departments. Is this a requirement? What different GAFB departments would the contractor need to get approval from and for what?

NHTSA Response: The contractor must have prior approval from GAFB in order to proceed with the work. This involves completion of a work clearance request form and providing it to the Civil Engineering group on base notifying them of the location and type of work that is to be completed. The Civil Engineering group will then circulate the form through the various departments on base (Security, Communications, Fire, Utilities, etc.) in order to have them review, ask any questions they may have, and approve the work to be done. This form may be submitted via e-mail (17ces.servicecall@us.af.mil). The purpose is to ensure that each department is aware of the work going on and can evaluate if any of their assets will be affected so they can notify the contractor of any requirements or potential hazards that need to be avoided. The SATF test track is relatively isolated from the rest of the base and its infrastructure, so it is unlikely that there will be many significant requirements or hazards.