RFQ Questions and Answers Form.pdf
PDF 59 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Repair Aircraft Handler and Battery Replacement
- Solicitation number
- FA527026QB0028
About this file
This document is a Government Responses to Request for Information (RFI) for solicitation FA527026QB028, addressing questions regarding the repair of four aircraft handlers and battery replacement.
The requirement involves battery removal, installation, assembly, welding, refurbishment, and repainting of battery enclosures for four Lektro aircraft handlers. The contract specifies replacement of eight 36V battery units (two per handler, 144 cells total) with flooded lead-acid batteries; however, the Government will consider sealed, maintenance-free industrial batteries (AGM or Sealed Traction assemblies) if cost-justified. Pricing must be submitted as Item B-1 representing four sets, with one set consisting of two 36V battery units. The required salient characteristics for sealed batteries are 36V DC nominal voltage, 550Ah (5-Hour rate) discharge capacity, dimensional compatibility with Lektro AP8850SDA compartments, and heavy-duty SB350 quick-disconnect terminals. The Government clarified that if sealed batteries are selected, technical acceptability requirements will be revised accordingly, and the watering tank will no longer be required. The contract period is 90 days from award, with maximum continuous on-site work limited to five days, subject to holiday periods, squadron events, and operational commitments. The acquisition uses a single Master CLIN 0001 structure with sub-items B-1, B-2, and B-3. Contractor-owned equipment is permitted provided it is appropriately rated for loads; a single flatbed truck equipped with a crane may replace separate dump and crane trucks. A pre-proposal site visit was conducted on August 24, 2026. Any unforeseen defects discovered during work must be reported to the Government, with the Contracting Officer determining scope and issuing modifications as necessary.
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Text version
FA527026QB028 Repair Aircraft Handlers and batteries.
RFI Government Responses FA527026QB028 Repair Aircraft Handlers and batteries.
# Ref Page Section Para Questions Gov't Response
1 PWS, 1 1.2
Solicitat ion
10 Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Volume 1, Item 2
PWS, 1 1.2
Solicitat ion
10 Addendum to FAR 52.212-1, Volume 1, Item 2
PWS, 1 1.2
Pricing Exhibiti on
3 Item B-1
PWS 1 1.5, 1.5.11
Solicitat ion
The Government will consider sealed, maintenance-free industrial batteries, provided that the additional cost is justifiable in relation to the benefits they offer. If the cost of the upgraded batteries is deemed excessive, we will proceed with the standard flooded batteries.
We will require quotations for the sealed, maintenance-free batteries to allow for a cost comparison and informed decision.
If sealed, maintenance-free batteries are selected as the course of action, the technical acceptability will be revised as needed.
Item B-1 intended to be priced as four sets, where one set consiste of two 36V battery units. The quantity of "4" in Table B represents the four-individual aircraft handlers requiring service. Offeror must ensure that their proposed unit price for ItemB-1 reflects the total cost of supplying and installing one complete "set" for a single aircraft handler.
The maximum duration permitted for continuous on-site work will be five days. This schedule is subject to holiday periods, squadron events, and other operational commitments that may cause scheduling conflicts.
The PWS specifies flooded lead-acid batteries requiring manual watering, acid level sensors, and single-point watering manifolds. Standard flooded batteries pose liquid acid spill risks on the flightline and suffer premature plate sulfation if maintenance schedules lapse during high-tempo operations. Will the Government consider or prefer an upgrade to sealed, maintenance-free industrial batteries (e.g., Heavy- Duty AGM or Sealed Traction assemblies) of equivalent 36V voltage and capacity? Transitioning to a sealed, maintenance-free configuration provides significant operational advantages to 67 AMU: (1) Zero Electrolyte Maintenance: Eliminates the labor requirement and logistical overhead for distilled water replenishment, float caps, and single-point watering tanks. (2) Enhanced Safety & Flightline Protection: Completely eliminates acid spill/corrosion hazards inside Hangar 2 and within handler enclosures. (3) High Surge Readiness: Provides higher shelf-life stability and rapid readiness during critical typhoon season aircraft shelter operations without risk of cell dry-out.
If sealed, maintenance-free battery configurations are permitted as a superior technical option, please confirm that the required salient characteristics for technical acceptability will be revised to: (1) Electrical Parameters: 36V DC nominal system voltage and equivalent 550Ah (5-Hour rate) discharge capacity. (2) Physical Fit: Direct dimensional drop-in compatibility with Lektro AP8850SDA battery compartments. (3) Terminal Interface: Heavy-duty SB350 +/- quick-disconnect terminal assemblies. (4) Maintenance Exemption: Complete exemption from installing single-point watering tubes, float caps, and 3-core electrolyte level sensors due to the sealed, non-spillable design.
PWS Section 1.2 specifies a total requirement of eight (8) 36V battery units across the four (4) aircraft handlers (2 units per tug / 144 cells total). However, Attachment 4 Table B lists Item B-1 as a quantity of '4 Each'. Should offerors price a total quantity of eight (8) individual battery packs, or is Item B-1 intended to be priced as four (4) 'sets' (where 1 set = 2 battery packs)?
PWS Section 1.5 notes an estimated job duration of 2 days, while Section 1.5.11 states work may take between 2 to 6 days. The overall contract Period of Performance is listed as 90 Days ARO. Within that 90-day window, what is the maximum continuous block of days allowed for on-site work inside Hangar 2 to complete the repairs without disrupting flightline operations?
# Ref Page Section Para Questions Gov't Response
PWS 1 1.2
Solicitat ion
20 Volume Item1, Item4
6 PWS 1 1.2 PWS Section 1.2 specifies a 'Centralized battery Watering System (Complete set with dedicated Tank)'. Is the dedicated watering tank required to be a stationary, wall-mounted gravity system installed inside Hangar 2, or a portable cart/pump system dedicated to servicing the tug fleet?
The watering tank will no longer be required. If sealed, maintenance-free batteries are selected, a watering tank will not be necessary. Additionally, the unit has decided to continue filling the batteries through the tubes provided with the batteries rather than installing a separate reservoir.
Solicitat ion
21 Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 (Volume 2)
Pricing Exhibiti on
2,3 Table A, B
8 PWS 1 1.2 What specific repairs are required for each of the four aircraft handlers? The requirement is Battery Removal, Battery Installation, Assemblly, Welding and Refurbishmnet, Repaint existing battery enclosures.
9 PWS 1 1.2 Are there any existing or known issues with the four aircraft handlers that the Government is already aware of and expects the contractor to repair, in addition to the battery replacement and battery enclosure refurbishment? If so, could you please provide a list of the known issues for each aircraft handler?
The only ask from the contractor is to remove and replace the batteries so that the Handler Units hold charge, power on and operate enough for the User to operate and troubleshoot any further issues that may need fixed. If the battery enclosure requires repairs or refurbishment, we request they get repaired as needed.
9 PWS 1 1.2 If, during or after the battery replacement, the contractor discovers an additional mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, or other problem that was not identified in the PWS or previously disclosed by the Government, how will that repair be handled?
The contractor shall notify the Government upon discovering any unforeseen defects. The Contracting Officer will evaluate whether the repair is within scope and issue a contract modification accordingly.
The Government confirms that offrors must format their proposal using the single Master CLIN 0001 structure provided in Attachment 4 (Pricing Exhibition).
The instructions in Addendum 52.212-1, Volume 2, which referenced a split CLIN 0001/0002 structure, were in error. To align with the Government's funding document (Form9), this acquisition will utilize a single, CLIN 0001(1 Lot/Job)
Bidders must populate the sub-item prices for B-1,B-2, B-3 within Attachment 4, sum them to calculate their total propsed price for the consolidated CLIN 0001, and input that single total value into their SF1449/CLIN 0001 price block. Addendum 52.212-1, Volume 2 instructions will be formallly revised via Amendment 0001 to remove references CLIN 0002.
5 Contractor-owned equipment may be permitted, provided that the equipment is appropriately rated for the loads required to remove and replace the batteries. A single flatbed truck equipped with a crane may also be used for battery extraction and installation in lieu of a separate dump truck.
The scope specifies leasing a 3-ton UNIC crane truck and a 2-ton dump truck to extract and transport the heavy battery assemblies. Will the Government confirm whether contractors are permitted to utilize contractor-owned equipment instead of commercial lease trucks, and whether a single flatbed truck equipped with a crane can be utilized for extraction and installation in place of a separate dump truck?
Addendum 52.212-1 Volume 2 instructions request two separate line items (CLIN001 for Repairs/Batteries and CLIN002 for Labor/Leases). However, Attachment 4 formats the requirement under a single master CLIN 0001 with Sub-items B-1, B-2, and B-3. Please confirm that offerors should format their financial submittal using the single Master CLIN 0001 structure provided in Attachment 4.
10 Would the contractor be permitted to submit a separate quotation for the additional repair, subject to
Government approval?
Yes. If the batteries require additional work not listed in the Performance Work Statement, the contractor would be permitted to submit a Request for Modification and include additional work items and pricing.
11 If additional repairs are required, will the contractor be required to obtain written authorization or a contract modification from the Contracting Officer before proceeding with the additional work?
Yes.
12 Will the Government provide an opportunity for the contractor to inspect the four aircraft handlers prior to submitting a quotation?
Government conducted pre-proposal site visit on 24 Aug, 2026.
Sheet1
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