Powerwashing_RFIs.pdf
PDF 63 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Hotline Insulator Washing IDIQ - Vandenberg SFB
- Solicitation number
- FA461025Q0038
About this file
This document is a Request for Information (RFI) for a Hotline Powerwashing contract dated 17 June 2025. The RFI contains a specific technical question regarding alternative cleaning methods for energized insulators. The vendor proposed using high-pressure blasting with finely pulverized calcium carbonate as an alternative to the current Performance Work Statement (PWS) specification of de-ionized water cleaning per IEEE STD 957-2005. The government responded that the proposed alternative method is unacceptable, citing deionized water blasting as the preferred industry standard due to environmental considerations and potential residue buildup concerns.
The RFI is associated with a 100% Small Business Set-Aside solicitation (FA461025Q0038) for Hotline Insulator Washing IDIQ at Vandenberg Space Force Base, issued by the Department of the Air Force Space Command. The contract falls under NAICS code 561790 "Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings" with a size standard of $9 million. The document indicates that any questions about the solicitation were required to be submitted in writing by 12:00 PM local time on Monday, 16 June 2025.
View the file
Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| 25Q0038_RFQ.pdf | ||
| Atch 1_Hotline Washing_PWS.pdf | ||
| Atch 2_25Q0038_Pricing Schedule.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| Atch 3_25Q0038_CLS_PDF.pdf | ||
| Atch 4_SCA WD 2015-5647 Rev.23.pdf |
On GovTribe
Work with this file
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
17 June 2025
HOTLINE POWERWASHING REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION (RFI’S)
QUESTIONS IN BLACK / ANSWERS IN RED
1. The current PWS specifies the use of de-ionized water for cleaning energized insulators per IEEE STD 957-2005. We would like to confirm whether an alternative method would be considered acceptable—specifically, the use of high-pressure blasting with finely pulverized calcium carbonate (powdered limestone). This method has been used in the industry for several decades and is defined as follows:
-Cleaning involves the complete removal of both conductive and non-conductive contaminants without damaging the insulator surface.
-The medium is a dry, air-classified calcium carbonate compound with a Mohs hardness of 3, containing no less than 98.65% calcium carbonate and no more than 0.37% silica.
-The process is conducted under high air pressure, without introducing moisture to the energized system.
Would this method be acceptable under the scope of this solicitation, provided it meets performance and safety standards?
A1.
Unacceptable: The alternative use of dry, air-classified calcium carbonate compound.
While both methods are used, deionized water blasting is considered the preferred industry standard due to several factors, primarily environmental impact and the potential for residue buildup.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .