Attachment-7_SPC-HWX-II_FAQ_RFP.pdf

RFP NO. 70Z02325R93250001 Attachment 7 – FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Will the Coast Guard allow a National Security Exemption (40 CFR § 1058.225) for the EPA requirements for the engines?

No. The SPC-HWX II does not qualify for a National Security Exemption and the Coast Guard will not pursue one. All engines on SPC-HWX II must meet all EPA emissions requirements before the Coast Guard can accept the boat.

Q2: The Statement of Work requires that acceptance be performed at the delivery location on the West Coast of the US. Does the Jones Act apply?

Yes. The USCG will not seek a waiver for the Jones Act (i.e., 46 U.S.C. § 55102 of Merchant Marine Act of 1920) .

Q3: Specification § 200: Propulsion describes requirements for a hybrid propulsion system and a controllable-pitch propeller. Are these systems desired by the Coast Guard?

No. The Coast Guard is pursuing a best value award and allowing inclusion of these elements if they are part of the best value proposal you choose to submit. The intent is to allow these systems to be proposed and to offer some guidelines on how to implement them if they are proposed.

Simplicity is preferred in all systems on the SPC-HWX II. We seek a highly reliable and robust system that can withstand the harsh surf and heavy weather environment in which it will operate while also being easily maintained. It must still meet all performance requirements including rapid thrust changes for surf operations (e.g. Specification § 051).

Q4: Specification § 252-2 discusses a 5-second throttle response time and a 1-second shifting time as well as a 20-second time to full engine RPM. Could you elaborate on the intent of this?

The purpose behind these response times is to allow for rapid thrust change required for the maneuvers described in Specification § 051-4.

In particular, the “Heavy Weather Turn” has historically challenged propulsion systems. The worst-case scenario is with the boat operating at full speed (e.g. 20 knots) the operator should be able to immediately move one thrust control lever to full reverse (leaving the other full-ahead).

Within 5 seconds that propulsor should be fully engaged (clutched in) and providing some reverse thrust (the boat will likely still be moving forward at this time). The engine should not stall at any point during this (or any other) maneuver regardless of rudder position.

The 1-second shift time only applies to changes from neutral/zero-thrust to clutch-ahead or clutch-astern. The clutch should engage within 1 second of a movement of the throttle control out of neutral.

The 20-second time to full engine RPM is essentially an acceleration time from clutch-ahead to full engine RPM which will likely be at or near full boat speed.

RFP NO. 70Z02325R93250001 Attachment 7 – FAQ

Q5: How many shock-mitigating seats total are required?

The minimum number of shock mitigating seats on the boat is 13. This includes at least 5 on the open bridge, 4 in the enclosed bridge, and 4 for the relief crew. Depending on the configuration of seating proposed, more than 13 seats may be required to meet all arrangement requirements (see Specification § 070).

Q6: The Specification indicates that the Coast Guard will use 5” and 3-1/4” circumference double-braided nylon (DBN) lines for towing. There are other line materials available with much higher breaking strengths used in the commercial towing industry. Would you consider using a different material?

No. The Coast Guard currently operates with DBN tow lines on boats. For training commonality and standardization, the SPC-HWX II will be equipped with DBN tow lines.

Q7: Can you elaborate on the intent of the Deckhouse Rapid Drainage System in Specification § 529-2?

The Deckhouse Rapid Drainage System is an optional system that may be proposed to meet the self-righting requirements. The Coast Guard operates the 47-foot Motor Life Boat (47 MLB) with a rapid drainage system for its enclosed bridge. In a situation where the boat is inverted, and a compartment which is normally above the waterline is flooded, the rapid drainage system will automatically activate, releasing the windows or ports. This creates free communication of water out of both sides of the pilothouse to allow the water to drain and the boat to self-right. It is understood that the time required to self-right in this scenario will be greater than the intact self-righting requirement.

Q8: What is the meaning of Specification § 100-3.6 which states “butts shall not cross seams”?

The intent of the requirement “butts shall not cross seams” is to prevent a case where a structural member terminates in a butt-weld at a place where two plate sections are joined in a seam resulting in a crossing of the welds.

Q9: SOW § 078 describes an 18-month design and development phase prior to delivery of the first boat.

Is a shorter timeline acceptable to the Coast Guard?

Yes. The 18-month period should be considered a maximum. A shorter time may be proposed provided that the requirements of the SOW are met, and all required design reviews are included and scheduled in a logical progression. Many of the reviews may be combined if it makes sense and their intent is captured in the resulting combined review. The approach and rational should be described in the Design Development summary provided in the proposal. The Coast Guard sees value in a well-structured logical plan. If it can be completed in a shorter time frame and save resources, it provides value. The Coast Guard does not place value in an accelerated timeline on its own.