Questions and Answers for 75F40123Q00203.docx

Questions for RFQ # 75F40123Q00203

1. Can you confirm usage estimates? Quantities listed are not in general correlation with the size tanks that are stated. Answer: These estimates are based on what we’ve been ordering, and we are currently operating with standalone gas generators which will not be use after the move. Stated tank sizes are worst case estimates, please provide a quote tanks sizes appropriate for stated usage amounts.

2. In the purpose/objectives section at the bottom of page 4 and continued to page 5 state that they require microbulk liquid systems yet what they have stated on the table are bulk tanks. What size vessels are currently on site? Answer: Vendors should quote an appropriate size/type tank for Argon in accordance with the statement in the second bullet under sub paragraph 1. Argon System, Tank Size and Specifications - at the bottom of page 5 and top of page 6., and, for Nitrogen, in accordance with the statement in the second bullet under sub paragraph 2. Nitrogen System, Tank Size and Specifications - on page 7. Note - indicate the size/type tank you are proposing for Argon and for Nitrogen in the corresponding table – in place of the tank size pre-populated in the table on page 3 and 4. Likewise change the number of deliveries you are proposing a year for both gases for the Base and Option Years in the same table. There are no bulk tanks currently in use.

3. In many cases, bulk gas vessels are not kept in stock and there could be a few months lead time. In the timeline table on the bid (bottom of page9), it states the start time is no later than June 1. It is unlikely for anyone to mobilize that quick other than the incumbent. Would a 90-day transition period be acceptable? Answer: Propose a schedule based on the availability of your product. This requirement is not flexible.

4. What is the expectation for ordering? Telemetry or customer call in? Answer: We would like the option of both telemetry and call-in options.

5. What are the access times to the systems “Delivery times”? Answer: Monday thru Friday, excluding Federal Holidays, 7:30 AM to 4 PM. Are normal hours of operation for cylinders and if there are needs to be coordinated with staff. For bulk tank filling, the site will be available 24/7 and coordinated with the onsite guard.

6. Please provide the name of the incumbent and the prior or current contract number. Answer: There is no current contract in place for this location.

7. The driver will have to open the gate and close the gate during the fill. Is there a POC to assist the driver during the fill? Can we make deliveries 24/7? Answer: The Gate is remote operable via the onsite guard using call box. For bulk tank filling, the site will be available 24/7 and coordinated with the onsite guard.

8. Are the bulk tanks going to have a fence around the pad or just a fence around the property? Answer: There will be a perimeter fence around the dock area, the bulk tanks will be within that fenced enclosure of the dock area.

9. What size pipe will be stubbed out on the pad coming from the building? What type of connection will be on the pipe. Answer: 2” N2 1” AR – Swagelock ball valve and cap for future connection by others

10. Is the pipe coming from the building going to be stainless steel or copper? Answer: Stainless Steel

11. When are the temporary power lines being removed? Answer: August 15

12. Does the area have outside lights for night fills? Answer: Yes

13. Pad Specs. Just to confirm the pad is 30’ in length and 28’6” in width? Answer: No – dimensions are 23’00” x 28’6”

14. Installation shall be complete by no later than July 1st 2025 – Is there possible relief for a later install, if so, what is the latest date possible?. Answer: Refer to question/answer #3.

15. What is the maximum impurity level allowed for Krypton? (we don’t normally analyze for Krypton – would be an additional charge) Answer: See response on Q# 22.

16. Is certificate of analysis required for each bulk liquid delivery of nitrogen and argon? (would be an additional charge) Answer: Yes. the instrument specifications require at least 99.99%, Ultra High Purity (UHP) gases. Freddy Ortiz

17. Can you provide a concrete foundation drawing to ensure IBC 2020 code is met and to determine appropriate tank size allowed? Answer: 24” thick throughout, double rebar mat - #4 rebar 18” on center each way

18. Please confirm that all Argon & Nitrogen wetted components – tank’s piping, valving, vaporizers, relief safeties, pressure regulation station, gauges are to be 316L SS? Answer: Yes

19. Is there any spec for valving seat/seal materials? Answer: Clean and bagged, double ferrule (swagelok) are acceptable. SC-11

20. Please confirm all Argon & Nitrogen piping/tubing connections are to be orbital welded – Are SS Swagelok or flange fittings allowed? Answer: Clean and bagged, double ferrule (swagelok) are acceptable. SC-11

21. Argon: Standard bulk tankers can typically only pump at around 180-200 PSI and argon is difficult to pump at those pressures and not cavitate. Would the customer allow for multiple tanks to promote operation of their system on one tank while filling another? Answer: This is a design performance-based issue. Provide solution to meet performance criteria and multiple tanks can be used as long as it fits within same footprint and does not jeopardize the performance.

22. Argon: Can you elaborate on your acceptable Krypton concentrations for argon? Answer: At this moment, we do not analysis samples for Krypton however, it is a great possibility that in the future we will as other FDA labs are currently doing it and we all are the backup of each other. Please identify if you can support Krypton reporting and a certificate of analysis as a part of your service and if there will be an issue in ensuring that Krypton levels are low enough to not interfere with the measurement of selenium at parts-per-billion (ppb) levels

23. Argon: Please confirm, will the tank be required to maintain 175 psi or 145 psi? Answer: 175 PSI, pressure will be regulated at the POU.

24. Argon: Can we receive a copy of the thickness and reinforcement schedule of the proposed pad? Answer: 24” thick throughout, double rebar mat - #4 rebar 18” on center each way

25. Argon: Will additional time be allowed for allocating Bulk tanks with stainless valves? Standard bulk tanks come plumbed with copper and brass fittings. Answer: Refer to question/answer #3.

26. Argon: Will Stainless Pumps and valves be required of tankers delivering product to this tank? Most Tankers will come with Bronze and Brass valves and fittings. Answer: Regardless of delivery it is required to maintain 5-9s of purity (99.999%) most likely stainless is what is seen.

27. Argon: Please confirm usages; the averages provided do not call for a 3,000G. Answer: These estimates are based on what we’ve been ordering, and we are currently operating with standalone gas generators which will not be use after the move. Stated tank sizes are worst case estimates, please quote tanks sizes appropriate for stated usage amounts.

28. Nitrogen: Standard bulk tankers can typically only pump at around 180-200 PSI. Would the customer allow for multiple tanks to promote operation of their system on one tank while filling another? Answer: This is a design performance-based issue. Provide solution to meet performance criteria and multiple tanks can be used as long as it fits within same footprint and does not jeopardize the performance.

29. Nitrogen: Please confirm, will the tank be required to maintain 175 psi or 145 psi? Answer: 175 PSI, pressure will be regulated at the POU.

30. Nitrogen: Can we receive a copy of the thickness and reinforcement schedule of the proposed pad? Answer: 24” thick throughout, double rebar mat - #4 rebar 18” on center each way

31. Nitrogen: Will additional time be allowed for allocating Bulk tanks with stainless valves? Standard bulk tanks come plumbed with copper and brass fittings. Answer: Refer to question/answer #3.

32. Nitrogen: Will Stainless Pumps and valves be required of tankers delivering product to this tank? Most Tankers will come with Bronze and Brass valves and fittings. Answer: Regardless of delivery it is required to maintain 5-9s of purity (99.999%) most likely stainless is what is seen.

33. Nitrogen: Please confirm usages the averages provided do not call for a 9,000G. Answer: These estimates are based on what we’ve been ordering, and we are currently operating with standalone gas generators which will not be use after the move. Stated tank sizes are worst case estimates, please quote tanks sizes appropriate for stated usage amounts.

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