Attachment E - Offeror Questions.pdf

Attachment E

80LARC858109Q

OFFEROR QUESTIONS

for Multi-Hoist System and Air Caster System Procurement for the NASA Langley Research Center Landing and Impact Research Facility

Instructions. Q = Question / R = Government Response.

Q-01. Total weight of the [impact] barrier is 400K lbs, but it seems that the center of gravity is not in the middle. Can you let us know what the weight/ forces are on each if the 15 load points where the wheels are now drawn?

R-01. The revised Impact Barrier has a maximum weight of 350k lbs. and is engineered to ensure an even load distribution across air casters. The Impact Barrier will be configured using four air casters, each air caster will support a load of 87.5k lbs., as illustrated in the accompanying figures.

(End Question 01)

Q-02. [Regarding the Air Caster System:] All air caster systems require a smooth flat surface in order to work. Depending upon the type of overlay, the air-powered drive system will not push the load. The location of the air casters under the Gantry Impact Barrier needs to be coordinated with both the design of the structure and the placement of the drives. The drives cannot be attached to the Barrier at the same location as the air casters.

(i) Who is supplying the overlay? (ii) If NASA does not intend to use an overlay, who is ensuring that the operating surface meets the smoothness and flatness requirements? (iii) Is there a drawing of the Barrier that shows the location of the casters and drives?

R-02. NASA will provide the overlay and ensure the operating surface adheres to the specified smoothness and flatness criteria necessary for the air caster system to operate. The air casters will be positioned as illustrated in the accompanying figures. The power drives are to be mounted along the rear edge of the Impact Barrier.

(End Question 2)

Q-03. [Regarding the Winches:] could you confirm if they are intended for lifting or pulling along flat ground? Additionally, we noticed that the wire rope diameter is not specified for either the 60K or 30K lbs. winch systems. Please advise if ASME B30.7 should be applied or updated to the newer ASME B30.16 specifications for hoist applications, and if it pertains to the wire diameter as well.

R-03. The winches, engineered for lifting applications, shall adhere to the ASME B30.7 standard, specifically developed for winch operations. In contrast, the ASME B30.16 standard, applicable to underhung hoists, does not meet our requirements. Consequently, we have chosen a double-reeved winch system that includes a snatch block, over an underhung hoist system. Additionally, the winch wire ropes shall have a minimum design factor of 5.0:1.

(End Question 3)

Q-04. Are the products only supposed to be American manufactured?

R-04. – Please reference terms and conditions of the solicitation, specifically FAR 52.225-1 - Buy American—Supplies.

(End Question 4)

Q-05. [Regarding the Air Caster System:] Where and how is the control console mounted? Is it fixed to the structure of the backboard? Please specify the routing of air hoses for the air caster system. Need to know the length of each hose. Confirm the need for quick disconnect fittings. Please specify the routing of air hoses for the Air Powered drive system. Need to know the length of each hose. Confirm the need for quick disconnect fittings. What is the maximum point load (psi) allowed for the concrete slab? What is the method of evaluation for design and the procedure for the performance validation of the caster and drive system?

R-05. The control console is to be mounted on a mobile stand or cart for more flexibility, allowing it to be moved as needed and stored while not in use.

The air hoses will need to be routed from the selected air caster locations to the rear edge of the Impact Barrier. The air power drive system is to be mounted on the rear edge of the Impact Barrier. Air hose lengths shall be sized for the Impact Barrier shown in the figures below. Air hoses will be routed on existing Impact Barrier beam structure. Quick disconnect fittings are desired for disassembly of the air caster system for storage while not in use.

The gantry concrete has a minimum compressive strength of 3000 psi. We currently do not have a maximum point load allowed value for the concrete slab but will address load concerns as the gantry concrete surface is smoothed and leveled and prepared to accommodate the Impact Barrier on air casters.

Evaluating the design and validating the performance of the air caster and drive system involves a multi-step process that encompasses both theoretical analysis and practical testing. Design evaluation will be completed in CAD with a model of the air caster system, including air casters, hoses, and the drive mechanism integrated with the Impact Barrier to ensure the system meets the intended design specifications, safety standards, and performance criteria. Simulations will model system behavior under various load conditions and operational scenarios. Integrated system testing will be conducted under controlled conditions to validate system performance against the operational requirements, including load handling, movement accuracy, and safety features. Field testing will test the system performance under actual working conditions to monitor system operation, collect data on load handling, system stability, and user interface effectiveness.

(End Question 5)

Q-06. [Regarding the Winches:] Is guarding required? Please confirm that the manufacturer’s standard guarding will be satisfactory. Will conduit and wiring for winches be removed from the SOW?

R-06. NASA will provide guard rails and keep out zones around the winch installation to satisfy OSHA standards for winch guarding. The manufacturer’s standard guarding will be satisfactory.

The conduit and wiring requirements are now removed from the SOW.

(End Question 6)

Q-07. [Regarding the Sheaves:] What are the design criteria to size the sheaves? CMAA? If so, what is CMAA Service Classification? Please confirm that the manufacturer’s standard guarding will be satisfactory.

R-07. The Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA) service classification for this application is Class C for Moderate Service. The manufacturer’s standard guarding will be satisfactory.

(End Question 7)

Q-08. Please confirm if the ASME B30.16 specifications for hoist applications, should be applied and if it pertains to the cable diameter as well.

R-08. The winches, engineered for lifting applications, shall adhere to the ASME B30.7 standard, specifically developed for winch operations. In contrast, the ASME B30.16 standard, applicable to underhung hoists, does not meet our requirements. Consequently, we have chosen a double-reeved winch system that includes a snatch block, over an underhung hoist system. Additionally, the winch wire ropes shall have a minimum design factor of 5.0:1.

(End Question 8)

Q-09. Please confirm the minimum design factor for the 60k and 30k winch wire ropes. The standards referenced in SOW Section 7.0 contain different guidance on this subject. For example: ASME B30.7 (Winches) dictates 3.5:1 minimum and OSHA 1910.179 (Overhead and Gantry Cranes) dictates 5.0:1 minimum.

R-09. The winch wire ropes shall have a minimum design factor of 5.0:1.

(End Question 9)

Q-10. Please advise the extent of load testing required for the 120k lbs. capacity synthetic rope as described in SOW Section 4.1.18. Typical load test certificates may include proof load tests on the finished rope and/or breaking strength tests on a sample rope from the same mill run.

R-10. The synthetic rope, with a vertical lifting load capacity of 120k lbs., shall undergo a proof load test at 200% of its Safe Working Load Limit (WLL).

(End Question 10)

Q-11. Are load test certificates required for the 60k and 30k winch wire ropes? If yes, please advise the extent of load testing necessary.

R-11. Every winch wire rope shall be accompanied by a Certificate of Compliance. For the winch system’s commissioning, NASA will perform a load test that includes the wire rope. Testing at 125% of the system’s specified capacity. The load test is not part of this Request for Quotation

(RFQ).

(End Question 11)

Q-12. Is there a requirement for the 60k and 30k winches to be capable of operating on a backup generator, as opposed to normal operation on grid power?

R-12. There is no requirement for operating the winches on a backup generator. The winches will only operate on grid power.

(End Question 12)

Q-13. Are the 60k and 30k winch controls to provide numerical feedback of position, as measured by their winch encoders, to the operator? If yes, please advise where this feedback shall be displayed.

R-13. The wireless winch controller shall provide numerical feedback of position as measured by the winch encoder.

(End Question 13)

Q-14. Are the 60k and 30k winches to feature full machine guarding? If no, what extent of guarding is required, if any?

R-14. NASA will provide guard rails and keep out zones around the winch installation to satisfy OSHA standards for winch guarding. The manufacturer’s standard guarding will be satisfactory.

(End Question 14)

Q-15. SOW Sections 4.1.11 and 4.2.10 detail lengths of conduit and wiring to be supplied with each winch for connection to the site’s electrical disconnect. This is assumed to be the main power supply wiring between the site disconnect and each winch’s local control panel. Shall wiring between each local control panel and winch also be provided (i.e. motor wiring, brake wiring, encoder wiring, limit switch wiring, etc.)? If yes, what is the anticipated distance between each winch and its local control panel?

R-15. The conduit and wiring requirements are now removed from the SOW.

(End Question 15)

Q-16. What extent and quantity of conduit fittings, if any, shall be provided?

R-16. The conduit and wiring requirements are now removed from the SOW.

(End Question 16)

Q-17. Do you have any more information on 4.1.1.6 60 K lbs. Capacity sheaves with Base mounts and the

4.1.17 120 k lbs. Location on system confirmation would be good sketch etc. Anything more would be helpful.

R-17. NASA has updated the design specifications for the 60k lbs. capacity sheaves. The Contractor shall equip the 60k lbs. capacity winch with both a running sheave and a dead-end sheave, each capable of supporting 60k lbs. and equipped with an axle. NASA will integrate these sheaves, axles included, into a custom mounting structure on the Upper Platform, ensuring the axle is positioned slightly above deck level (as detailed in the figures below). This arrangement is specifically designed to accommodate a structural beam beneath the mounting structure, effectively supporting the lifting load. The setup aims to enable a dual part reeving system, securely anchoring the dead-end to the Gantry Center Bent Platform. Such a configuration will allow the snatch block to achieve up to 90 feet of vertical travel, supporting a total load of 120k lbs.

NASA commits to installing guardrails and establishing restricted zones around the sheave setup to adhere to OSHA’s safety standards for sheave operations, with the manufacturer’s standard safety guards deemed sufficient for this purpose.

The Contractor will not be required to provide the dead-end anchor or the base mount hardware for both the running and dead-ended sheaves on the Upper Platform of the Gantry Center Bent.

NASA’s revised design specification has substituted the originally specified 120k lbs. capacity sheave and base mount, intended for anchoring the swing rope, with a hook. Please note, the hook is excluded from this Request for Quotation (RFQ).

(End Question 17)

Q-18. What is the minimum duty cycle required of the 60k and 30k winches?

R-18. According to the service classification provided by the Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA), both the 60k and 30k winches fall under Class C, which is designated for Moderate Service applications.

(End Question 18)

Q-19. Please provide the center of gravity in the x, y, and z direction for the impact barrier.

R-19. The drawings below illustrate that the Center-of-Gravity (CG) aligns with the Impact Barrier’s centerline, spanning from the Port to the Starboard side. It is located 222 inches from the Impact Barrier’s front edge, within an accuracy of +/- 10 inches, and rises 198 inches vertically from the base of the Impact Barrier.

(End Question 19)

Q-20. The impact barrier detail provided with dimensions is not legible [see figure below]. Will you provide an update detail of with dimensions of the impact barrier?

R-20. The revised dimensional drawings of the Impact Barrier are presented below.

(End Question 20)

Q-21. For the impact barrier, will you provide the size of the bearing area on the impact barrier frame an air caster can lift on?

R-21. The drawings below depict the positions of the air casters on the Impact Barrier. The specifics of how the air casters connect with the Impact Barrier will be updated following the finalization of the air caster design details.

(End Question 21)

Q-22. See note below from Attachment B figures page 10 of 11. Does this note mean air casters can be swapped for rollers or other options that do not include air casters?

R-22. The note mentioned refers to the initial trade study options explored for the assembly or transportation of the Impact Barrier. Currently, the exclusive method intended for moving the fully assembled Impact Barrier involves the use of air casters.

(End Question 22)

Q-23. How would the floor surface be defined where the air casters are proposed for transporting the air barrier? Example: Trowel finish concrete floor; Broom finish concrete floor, steel plated with joints taped; rough concrete floor.

R-23. We intend to alter the surface to meet the specifications set forth by the selected bidder.

(End Question 23)

Q-24. Statement of Work for Multi-Hoist System and Air Caster System Procurement document: 4.3.2 states “The air casters shall have minimum effective lift of 2 inches to compensate for floor slope….” Is the 2” related to the distance between the top of floor and bottom of the air caster or from the top of floor to the bottom of the impact barrier?

R-24. The 2 inches specified refers to the minimum effective lift the air casters must provide to compensate for floor slope. This distance is the gap between the top of the floor and the bottom of the air caster, ensuring adequate clearance for floor unevenness or slope during operation. This measurement is crucial for maintaining stability and maneuverability of the system, not the distance from the floor to the bottom of the Impact Barrier.

(End Question 24)

Q-25. Statement of Work for Multi-Hoist System and Air Caster System Procurement document: 4.3.1 Power Drive. Calls for a “robust air powered drive system designed to move the Gantry Impact Barrier”.

Would a battery powered drive with a hydraulic lifter that works in conjunction with an air caster be an acceptable alternative for the “Air” powered drive as along as meets the remaining criteria of 4.3.1?

R-25. The stipulation for an “air powered drive system” is deliberate, aiming to facilitate the movement of the Impact Barrier. These systems are particularly favored for their compatibility with air casters, which is essential for maintaining the equilibrium and stability of heavy structures like the Impact Barrier during transit. Therefore, while alternatives may meet the technical criteria, the specific call for air-powered solutions is grounded in their proven efficacy for this application, suggesting that deviations from this requirement would need thorough justification and approval.

(End Question 25)

Q-26. What is the frame design for the Impact Barrier? The power drive could require a hitch to be field installed.

R-26. The structural design of the Impact Barrier, including potential locations for the air-powered drive units, is detailed in the accompanying drawings. We plan to construct an adapter that will facilitate the attachment of power drive units to the Impact Barrier, ensuring compatibility with the requirements specified by the successful bidder. This approach allows for flexibility in integrating the power drive, whether it necessitates an on-site installation or another form of modification, to seamlessly fit the selected drive mechanism.

(End Question 26)

Q-27. If a hitch is required to be field installed on the impact barrier, please confirm the purchaser will provide labor to perform the installation?

R-27. Should the installation of a hitch on the Impact Barrier be deemed necessary, please be assured that NASA will undertake the responsibility of providing or arranging the necessary labor for this installation. It is important to note that this Request for Quotation (RFQ) pertains solely to the procurement of hardware.

(End Question 27)

Q-28. For the 30k lb winches, please confirm they do not need “free wheeling” capabilities? i.e. once the hoists pull the load horizontally to the determined location, other equipment will be used to hold and release the load.

R-28. It is confirmed that the new hoists with a 30k lbs. capacity do not require “freewheeling” capabilities.

(End Question 28)

Q-29. Statement of Work for Multi-Hoist System and Air Caster System Procurement document: 4.1.12 Winch Cable calls for minimum of 270ft. Is it important the winch cable is exactly 270ft or can the cable be longer? The intent is to install the Open Spelter Socket in the shop with a cable a little bit longer than request to allow for adjustment later if needed.

R-29. The specified cable lengths are designed to fit our testing configuration, including integration with additional rigging slings. Therefore, deviations from these specified lengths are permissible, provided they do not exceed a tolerance of 5 feet. This allowance ensures flexibility in accommodating the specified setup while maintaining the system’s integrity and functionality.

(End Question 29)

Q-30. Statement of Work for Multi-Hoist System and Air Caster System Procurement document: 4.2.11 calls for minimum cable length of 120ft. Is there a maximum length of cable?

R-30. The specified cable lengths are designed to fit our testing configuration, including integration with additional rigging slings. Therefore, deviations from these specified lengths are permissible, provided they do not exceed a tolerance of 5 feet. This allowance ensures flexibility in accommodating the specified setup while maintaining the system’s integrity and functionality.

(End Question 30)

Q-31. For the 4 winches and electrical components referenced, would the purchaser consider a skid mounted hoist with associated electrical components for each? The skid will have additional cost, but would provide the purchaser with a skid that has the required components installed to the fullest extent possible with lifting lugs to support the installation. This would minimize work on site at elevations.

R-31. The Ground Towers and Platforms are specifically engineered to incorporate all winches and electrical components, with a focus on completing as much integration as possible on the ground prior to lifting and installing them in their final positions. This method is designed to minimize the necessity for onsite work at elevated heights. Consequently, the introduction of skid-mounted hoists, despite their potential benefits, such as reduced onsite work and pre-installed components, is not preferred for this project’s requirements.

(End Question 31)