9531BM23Q00050001 - Answers to Questions.pdf

AMENDMENT CONTROL NUMBER :

SUMMARY OF CHANGES :

9531BM23Q00050001

The following attachments are added:

File Attachments:

Title Description File Name Entity Reference

Attachment 3 Answers to Questions Attachment Header

ATTACHMENT

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

RFQ 9531BM23Q0005

“PIPE DOCUMENTATION SERVICES

FOR A HAZARDOUS LIQUIDS RELEASE”

1. QUESTION: Please let us know if this addition is acceptable:

“Notwithstanding any provision in the terms and conditions to the contrary, to the extent permitted by law Contractor A’s maximum cumulative liability to the NTSB, including any indemnification, for all delays, losses, damages, liabilities and obligations whatsoever and howsoever arising (whether under the terms and conditions, in tort or otherwise), regardless of cause and regardless of Contractor A’s negligence, which are suffered or incurred by the NTSB and which are directly or indirectly connected with the terms and conditions shall be limited to 10 times the fee or USD 300,000, whichever is the lesser.”

ANSWER: The NTSB cannot determine the reasonableness of the $300,000 liability cap without an evaluation of the offeror’s quotation. The NTSB will evaluate offers in accordance with FAR Part 12.209 and Part 13.106 to determine the quote that offers the government the best value.

2. QUESTION: TASK AREA 3:

b, iii - Are their specific tests that the NTSB would like performed to determine the composition of the pipe coating?

ANSWER: We do not have any specific tests; we defer to whichever the offeror feels is best or most effective.

f, i and ii – Please confirm that NTSB would like ICP-MS using ASTM A751 as A751 has a brief section on ICP of stainless steels. We typically perform OES for composition using A751. Regarding all elements above 0.01 wt%, we usually, test for C, Mn, P, S, Si, Cu, Sn, Ni, Cr, Mo, Al, V, Nb, Zr, Ti, B, Ca, Co, with the balance of Fe. Are there any other elements NTSB is interested in testing?

ANSWER: Both OES and ICP are acceptable to perform the ASMT A751. We ask that all elements over 0.01 wt.% are reported, including those not listed in the question.

3. QUESTION: TASK AREA 4:

c iii - Do the radiographs need to be digital or can they be film? DNV can have either performed but prefers film. DNV could take photos of the defects shown on the film with distances to top dead center and seam weld identified.

ANSWER: We do prefer digital, but film will suffice.

4. QUESTION: OTHER GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Contractor A acknowledges that a full report will not be delivered by DNV. Raw data from radiography, mechanical testing, hardness testing, coating testing, steel composition, etc., and laboratory notes and will be provided. Please confirm this is correct.

ANSWER: A full report is not required but encouraged. As long as all the raw data are given to the NTSB, that will suffice.

ATTACHMENT

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

RFQ 9531BM23Q0005

“PIPE DOCUMENTATION SERVICES

FOR A HAZARDOUS LIQUIDS RELEASE”

5. QUESTION: SECTION 4.0 Item 2 states:

Evidence storage: From receipt to return, the pipe evidence shall be stored in facility with the temperature controlled from 60° F to 80° F and humidity up to 40% RH. The evidence shall be held for up to two years, with the storage charge billed on a monthly basis.

Is this meaning all pipe received (~15 feet) or just the remnants of the fracture surface, mechanical testing coupons, etc.? One option may be to store the remnants inside and the remaining pipe (without fractures) under a covered awning to reduce cost. Wanted to clarify so we can include a cost per month for storage.

ANSWER: Section 4.0 Item 2 has been revised to state: All evidence shall be returned to the NTSB after testing is completed.