Amendment 05 - Questions & Answers.docx
DOCX document 61 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- 300000249373829
- Issued by
- Missouri
About this file
This Amendment 5 document contains questions and answers regarding specifications for Wide Body buses being procured by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and the Missouri Health and Transit Consortium (MHTC) under a commercial bus procurement contract. The document addresses clarifications and requests for approval of alternative specifications for two bus types: Steel Cage buses (models 4 and 9) and Fiberglass Composite buses (model 1). Key specification issues addressed include stepwell construction materials, lift assembly padding requirements, condenser protection methods, roof hatch approvals, rear-view camera mounting locations and audible warning systems, catalytic converter deterrent systems, running board bracing requirements, and floor thickness specifications. MoDOT responses to vendor inquiries demonstrate a commitment to maintaining specified standards while allowing limited flexibility for approved equal alternatives, such as accepting Safe Fleet roof hatches as equivalents to Transpec Model 1075 units and approving 5/8-inch fiberglass composite flooring in place of 3/4-inch specifications. The contract includes a three-year base term with two optional one-year renewal periods.
MoDOT's responses indicate a priority on safety features and aesthetic appeal, including rejecting visually noticeable mud flaps on condensers, requiring dashboard-mounted rather than mirror-integrated backup camera displays, and mandating separate audible alert systems for reverse operations. The agency declined several vendor proposals, including the rejection of Forest River's manufacturer-designed catalytic converter deterrent system and refusal to eliminate undercoating requirements for composite buses. For the Fiberglass Composite bus model, MoDOT rejected the proposed elimination of heavy-duty steel substructure requirements and required rear emergency door windows of at least 12 inches by 24 inches, with approval contingent on providing two windows meeting minimum dimensions. Additionally, MoDOT required that bidders submit complete Altoona testing results with their bid submissions rather than accepting deferred delivery of test reports.
View the file
Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| MODOT 0000000281SL_5_SUPPLIER.pdf | ||
| Amendment 2 - Questions & Answers.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| Amendment 1 - Questions & Answers.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| Fiberglass Composite Bus Specifications.docx | DOCX document | |
| Steel Cage Bus Specifications.docx | DOCX document | |
| WBC-GG Floor Plan.pdf | ||
| WBC-HH Flat Floor Plan.pdf | ||
| WBC-II Flat Floor Plan.pdf |
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Text version
Amendment 5 – Questions and Answers
I STEEL CAGE BUS
4 and 9
Page 4 calls for stepwell constructed of fiberglass, galvanized or stainless steel. However on page 9, there is no mention of galvanized steel.
Please verify and accept galvanized steel under both sections.
The construction of the stepwell called out on Page 4 and under “Doors” on Page 9 is the same.
Calls for any part of the lift assembly protruding into the body that could be hazardous must be padded to protect passengers
Technically the lift does not protrude into the bus in the stored position. Front lift buses have a barrier on each side of the lift while the rear lift buses area against the back wall and behind seated passengers. Since this is open to interpretation, please clarify if you desire the lift padding kit to be furnished based on the floor plans as issued.
If any part of the lift assembly protruding into the body could be hazardous it must be properly padded for passenger protection. If this is the case, MoDOT desires a lift padding kit be furnished based on the floor plans as issued.
States that skirt mounted condenser to have rust proof protection to prevent damage from objects thrown by the tires.
Request approval to use mud flaps at front and rear of condenser as protection and offers better protection. This has been previously approved on other MoDOT bids.
The intent of the rust proof protection is to protect the skirt mounted condenser thrown by the tires. MoDOT does not want noticeable mud flaps installed at the front and rear of condenser. If a rubberized protection is used, it must look aesthetically appealing to the exterior of the bus
Calls for Transpec Model 1075 or approved equal.
Request that a Safe Fleet roof hatch be accepted as an approved equal. It will meet the other specifications as shown in this section. This was previously approved on other MoDOT bids.
If the Safe Fleet roof hatch is an approved equal to the stated specification language, it can be considered an approved equal.
Calls for rear view camera with monitor mounted on the dash.
Request approval of rear view camera with monitor integrated into the rearview mirror. It is more user friendly and eliminates any possibility of obstruction of drivers view that may occur when monitor is on the dash.
See attached "EXHIBIT A" of system proposed.
Our sub-recipients do not want the backup camera in the mirror. Dash mounted camera display is required.
Calls for back up camera system to have an audible warning signal/alarm to alert drivers of obstacles in rear.
We are unable to locate a back up camera system that offers and "audible alert". It is strictly to view the areas to the rear of the bus. However, the bid also requires a back up sensor system that will provide the same alerting feature for the driver of objects behind the bus. Request the requirement of the audible alert system in the camera be deleted.
The audible alert system when vehicle is in reverse/backing up must be provided. This can be separate from the backup camera system.
Calls for a catalytic converter deterrent system such as Catstrap, Catclamp or approved equal.
Request approval of catalytic convertor deterrent system as designed and provided by the bus manufacture (FOREST RIVER). This system provides equal protection and ask that it be approved as an equal.. See "EXHIBIT B" showing the design of the Forest River system.
The proposed Forest River catalytic converter deterrent system is not approved.
Calls for running board to have at least three (3) braces.
Request approval to use two (2) braces. Running boards were designed and engineered by the running board manufacturer to withstand heavy loads with two braces and are sufficient to handle the anticipated loads.
There has been no issues with failure with two braces.
The proposed use of two braces is approved.
FIBERGLASS COMPOSITE BUS
Calls for bus to be fully Altoona tested in line with FTA requirements and that results of the test be provided with the bid.
The bus we are looking to propose is a new state of the art all composite bus. This bus is currently undergoing Altoona testing and is nearing the end of the duty cycle test. To this point the test have been positive. While the manufacturer will be receiving the test results in the future, we are not certain exactly when the report will be issued/published by Altoona. The latest report we have from Altoona was that it is about a month from completion with report to follow thereafter. We request that MoDOT amend to allow the Altoona report to be received by MoDOT as soon as it is available. Per FTA guidelines, we believe that before acceptance of the first unit of the bus model purchased, that the report must be presented to the purchaser/recipient. We certainly anticipate that it will be available long before any anticipated delivery of buses. As proof this bus is currently at Altoona, attached is a letter from David Klinikowski of Penn State University verifying the bus is currently undergoing testing. See
"EXHIBIT C".
A fully Altoona tested bus must be provided, along with testing results for verification at the time of bid submission.
3 and 24
Calls for undercoating of the body/chassis.
Due to the all composite/fiberglass type of construction, even composite floor, there is no benefit to applying undercoating to this product. We request that undercoating only be applicable if wood floor or structural steel floor stringers are added to the underside of the floor.
Due to the extreme weather conditions and terrain transit vehicles endure, the complete application of undercoating that will not interfere with OEM requirements remains as stated in the specification.
2-3
Calls for a composite/fiberglass interior/exterior with an inner frame at the floor, front and rear ends to be heavy duty steel construction.
The bus we are considering to offer MoDOT is a state of the art design bus that utilizes new technologies and materials. It has a fully laminated structure as well as light weight pultrusion process as the superstructure of the bus making it more lighter and more durable than traditional steel structure fiberglass/composite buses that use/require interior steel wall structure and floor structure to attach the composite walls and roof to.
Having an entire structure of fiberglass laminated construction, the vehicle body is totally rust and corrosion resistant and eliminates the need for undercoating. Floors and walls utilize dense foam in every cavity providing reduced Db levels inside and is more environmentally friendly when heating or cooling the bus which is attributed to the higher than normal 6.8 R insulation value. The floor of the bus is also insulated. This is all achieved without the use or need of an interior steel body structure. The only steel added is longitudinal steel "C" channels on top of the OEM frame. See" EXHIBIT D". The bus body structure is completed as a whole unit and then attached to these "C" channels. We request that the requirement of steel sub structure be removed. Bus body does meet all FMVSS and ADA requirements. See "EXHIBIT E" which is a brochure and information on the bus.
MoDOT does not accepts the proposed change to the Body Exterior specification.
Calls for 3/4" thick floor.
Request approval of 5/8" fiberglass composite floor. The fiberglass composite floor is stronger than wood and at 5/8" will be more than sufficient to support the load.
A 5/8” fiberglass composite subfloor is acceptable
4 and 9-10
Page 4 calls for stepwell constructed of fiberglass, galvanized or stainless steel. However on pages 9-10, there is no mention of galvanized steel.
Please verify and accept galvanized steel under both sections.
The construction of the stepwell called out on Page 4 and under “Doors” on Page 9-10 is the same.
Calls for widows on each side of the rear emergency doors of approximately 12" x 24", 24" x 14" or 7" x 30" Due to the enhance design of the rear cap on our bus, we are only able to install a 7" x 24" size window. Request approval of 7" x 24". See "EXHIBIT F" showing rear cap design.
MoDOT does not want one window on the rear emergency door. Can two windows as showing in Exhibit E be provided and must b at a minimum of 12” x 24” to be considered acceptable.
Calls for any part of the lift assembly protruding into the body that could be hazardous must be padded to protect passengers Technically the lift does not protrude into the bus in the stored position. Front lift buses have a barrier on each side of the lift while the rear lift buses area against the back wall and behind seated passengers. Since this is open to interpretation, please clarify if you desire the lift padding kit to be furnished based on the floor plans as issued.
If any part of the lift assembly protruding into the body could be hazardous it must be properly padded for passenger protection. If this is the case, MoDOT desires a lift padding kit be furnished based on the floor plans as issued.
States that skirt mounted condenser to have rust proof protection to prevent damage from objects thrown by the tires.
Request approval to us mud flaps at front and rear of condenser as protection and offers better protection. This has been previously approved on other MoDOT bids.
The intent of the rust proof protection is to protect the skirt mounted condenser thrown by the tires. MoDOT does not want noticeable mud flaps installed at the front and rear of condenser. If a rubberized protection is used, it must look aesthetically appealing to the exterior of the bus.
Calls for rear view camera with monitor mounted on the dash.
Request approval of rear view camera with monitor integrated into the rearview mirror. It is more user friendly and eliminates any possibility of obstruction of drivers view that may occur when monitor is on the dash.
See attached "EXHIBIT F" of system proposed.
Our sub-recipients do not want the backup camera in the mirror. Dash mounted camera display is required.
Calls for back up camera system to have an audible warning signal/alarm to alert drivers of obstacles in rear.
We are unable to locate a back up camera system that offers and "audible alert". It is strictly to view the areas to the rear of the bus. However, the bid also requires a back up sensor system that will provide the same alerting feature for the driver of objects behind the bus. Request the requirement of the audible alert system in the camera be deleted.
The audible alert system when vehicle is in reverse/backing up must be provided. This can be separate from the backup camera system.
Calls for running board to have at least three (3) braces.
Request approval to use two (2) braces. Running boards were designed and engineered by the running board manufacturer to withstand heavy loads with two braces and are sufficient to handle the anticipated loads.
There has been no issues with failure with two braces.
The proposed use of two braces is approved.
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