SOLICITATION_70Z08519QDA17200_LIFTING_HOOKS_-_RESPONSE_TO_QUESTIONS.docx

Response to Questions:

Title: Requirements – Markings

Section 3.3.5 states the data described in Table 2 shall be cast…”engraved/sunken alphanumeric characters”

Question: The majority of the data will be casted into the part, but I would like to confirm that we can use Metal Stamps to create the sunken alphanumeric characters. Example: for S/N XYZ123-XXX, “S/N” will be casted but “XYZ123-XXX” will be stamped in after the part is poured.

Answer: Yes, metal stamp is acceptable. The intent is to provide markings that will remain readable in the abusive environment that the hooks are used.

Title: Static Load Test – Stainless steel label and permanent wire

Section 4.2.4 section C states…Each hook shall be fitted with a stainless steel label plate permanently wired (Stainless steel wire) to the hook eye documenting the static pull test.

Question: Is there any other option that can be accepted other than utilizing a stainless steel label place and is there a specific stainless steel wire setup that is recommended that it is permanent?

Answer: The USCG is flexible on this requirement and will entertain other suggestions. The objective is to have a robust and durable means of marking the hook with pull test data. No specific setup is recommended.

Title: Quality Assurance and Testing - Destructive Load Tests

Question: Out testing lab has a 200K lbs. machine that they typically like to stay under 180K but feel they could go to 190,000lbs. If the 17 Ton hook does not fail at 190,000lbs will this be acceptable or do we need to go to the full weight of destruction?

Answer: The Coast Guard prefers to know precisely where each hook design fails from a loading perspective. However, if a load equivalent to the minimum failure load (Table 4 of specification) +10% does not cause failure after being held for 10 minutes, then the intent of this requirement would be satisfied. Loading the 17-Ton hook to 190 kips would be acceptable even if failure is not obtained. This applies to the 17-Ton hooks only. The 5 and 10-Ton hooks will be tested to full weight of destruction.

Title: Quality Assurance and Testing – Dimensional Tolerance Inspection

Section 4.2.5 a) and 4.2.7 both call out Dimensional checks

Question: Only 4.2.7 calls out to utilize and record all dimensions on Table 1. Are you requiring 2x sets of results to be included in the report Or is the report for 4.2.7 the only required one to be submitted?

Answer: Only one set of dimensional checks are required. Table-1, or a Contractor developed equivalent, can be utilized to record measurements called for in sections 4.2.5 a) and 4.2.7.

Title: Time of Delivery

Question: Under the Column “QTY”, is the 150, 180 and 120 Days including or excluding Saturday, Sunday and Holidays? And, shall we treat the first, second, third, fourth deliver options potentially additional orders?

Answer: The Column "QTY" includes weekends and holidays. The contractor is welcome to recommend other production durations that best fit its capabilities to the KO for approval. Please be advised that the time frame between First Article and Full Production will be up to 4-month. This will give the USCG a chance to test these hooks on the field. The 1-4 Delivery Options will be exercised at the USCG discretion. If the Options are exercised, there will be additional orders.

Title: Quality Assurance and Testing – Quality Assurance

Section: Section 4.1.2 and 4.1.7

Question: Both state that a CG Quality Assurance inspector shall be present for the contractor completed inspections and tests. Is the Coast Guard covering the expense of the Assurance inspector or is the contractor?

Answer: The USCG Assurance Inspector's expenses will be paid by the USCG. The contractor is responsible for any expense related to Contractor personnel and facilities as they relate to specified inspections.

Title: Invoicing Requirements:

Question: Page 4 of the solicitation notes that partial shipment is acceptable. Can we submit partial invoices and is there an option for progress payments?

Answer: Partial Invoices is acceptable. No Option for Progress Payments.

Title: Schedule of Supplies/Services

Under Column “U/I” what does JB refer too?

Answer: “JB” means JOB