Question_and_Answers.pdf

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

DTFH6117Q00002 & DTFH6117Q00003

A. General questions for both solicitations:

Period of Performance. Both enquiries are for quite advanced and relatively complex geotechnical testing systems, involving a number of non-standard items. Therefore we cannot meet the requested Period of Performance of 90 days. Our estimated delivery is 20-26 for each system. Is this acceptable?

RESPONSE: Yes.

Section 2.0, Inspection and Acceptance. Please provide some information of what is involved in this stage.

RESPONSE: The Contractor must install the instrumentation and perform validation tests to ensure the system is running correctly before the training of on-site staff. This ensures the requirement is in place before the formal training begins.

Section 2.0, Inspection and Acceptance. In our quotations we include installation and training by a GDS Engineer.

This is usually combined in one trip, under which the engineer installs and commissions the system, and provides training to the persons required. Is this acceptable, or would this need to be split in two separate trips, one for installation/commissioning and one for training? Please bear in mind that the latter option would involve an extra cost.

RESPONSE: One trip is acceptable.

B. Questions for solicitation no DTFH6117Q00003, 6-inch Triaxial System Section 2.0, system test specifications capabilities. Among the standards AASHTO T307 is mentioned for Resilient Modulus testing. Would you require the necessary parts to be included in the standard quotation, or in the separate quotation for the options?

RESPONSE: Yes, please include whatever is necessary to perform a standard test.

What sizes of samples are you interested in testing under this standard?

RESPONSE: If possible, up to 6 inches, but at least 3 inches. Any additional options to meet AASHTO T307 for larger sample sizes should be included as a separate quotation.

C. Questions for solicitation no DTFH6117Q00002, Large Scale Direct Shear Device Section 2.0, Specifications/Minimum Requirements, CLIN 0001: Please provide what is required under ‘capable of calibrating pressure cells and other instrumentation’.

RESPONSE: Use of the load cell to apply uniform loads to pressure cells for calibrations (without removing it from the frame).

Section 2.0, Specifications/Minimum Requirements, CLIN 0001: Capable of determining the interface shear strength between geosynthetics/soil, concrete/soil, geosynthetics/concrete. Can you please provide more information on these tests? Test procedures, sample sizes, and any other relevant information would be appreciated.

RESPONSE: Primarily ASTM D5321, so there would need to be a clamping type mechanism to attach a geosynthetic at the interface between the top and bottom boxes. The sample sizes would be the same as the large scale direct shear testing (12-inch box). The purpose is to get the friction angle between dissimilar materials.

Section 2.0, Specifications/Minimum Requirements, system test specifications capabilities: Can you please send us a copy of the ASTM D5321 Standard? We do not have access to a copy.

RESPONSE: FHWA does not have the appropriate licensing rights to distribute ASTM standards.