Ballast Vendor Q_A.pdf

FA4877-23-Q-A069

Fabricated Custom Weighted Aircraft Ballast Q & A

Q1: Drawing X20223161 note 8 states to “coat all sides with A-A-2787A, type 1 red paint”. This particular paint referenced only comes in aerosol rattle cans. Rust/corrosion will likely bleed back through the parts if we are to only use rattle cans, and painting a part this size with aerosol cans is not very efficient. Do parts need to be blasted, primed, and painted for proper corrosion protection?

A1: SOW line 1.1.4. requires the contractor to apply anti-corrosion methods as they see fit. The expectation is to have the ballast protected from the elements and the red paint for visual reference and as a backdrop for the white stencils. A-A-2787A, type 1 red paint is the COTS equal to the NSN red paint that’s not available to the general public. If the vendor identifies a red paint they would like to use; the awarded vendor can submit a red paint that will meet the intent and the EN department will review and approve.

Q2: Attachment 3 delivery schedule states, “the 1st 8 parts to be delivered in 30 days, then 4 every week”. Do we have to deliver 4 per week, or could we make fewer deliveries of more parts to reduce shipping costs? This could have quite an impact on overall pricing, as these parts are very heavy.

A2: SOW line 1.1.1. (4) per week after the initial delivery of (8) reflects the aircraft scheduled to be worked per week. The initial delivery of (8) is to provide AMARG a buffer, no more no less.

Q3: What is the preferred method for accomplishing the holes. We do have a plasma table we will be using for the parts. But referencing back to the drawings, the hole diameters are not standard drill bit sizes, if the hole diameters 0.56, 0.45 and 0.38 need to be accurate to the drawing, they will need to be machined. Please confirm.

A3: The holes must meet the specs outlined in the approved engineering design-no change or out of tolerance spec will be accepted.

Q4: Any chance the parts will need to be modified or changed beyond the drawing we currently have hole size, color, shapes etc..

A4: The ballast was designed for tight tolerance to meet an aircraft spec—no change or modifications will be made prior or after the ballast is fabricated.

Q5: Would there be specific clearance instructions to access the facility during delivery?

A5: Shipping driver/vehicle will be required to pass through inspection pit and driver will need to pass a background check for entry to the installation. If any driver is turned away and shipment requires redelivery, this will be at no additional cost to the Government. Shipment will then be delivered via escort to customer warehouse for inspection/acceptance.

Q6: This weld spec is antiquated:

“SHIELDED METAL-ARC WELD USING E7018 ROD PER SPECIFICATION AWS D17.1/D17.1M FOR

NONFLIGHT HARDWARE”

Would this be an acceptable weld alternative? Pulsed Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW-P) using E70C-6M wire

A6: The weld specs must meet the specs outlined in the approved engineering design-no change or out of tolerance spec will be accepted.

Q7: The drawing states painted letters via stencil but the paragraph below conflicts. Which is correct, vinyl decals or painted letters with stencil?

A7: Either method will work as long as it meets identification standards.