UPDATED - 0003 Vendor Questions and Answers.pdf

100 LRS Cargo Scale Solicitation FA55825Q0049

1. With the approach ramps on both sides, are you looking to drive on the scales? If so, with what?

The ramps will give capabilities to roll various types of cargo on and off the scale. Our cargo varies in length, weight, number of axles, and ground clearance. These pieces of cargo range from a normal 2 axle truck to forklifts and heavier machinery. The contact points on these pieces of cargo can have pneumatic air tires or hard rubber/caster wheels.

2. Confirm the requirement is 4 scales total at 30,000 kg capacity each?

Yes, 4 scales with a 30,000 kg capacity each.

3. Are there any height restrictions on the scale?

Ideally the scales should be low profile. The lower the profile the shorter the ramps would need to be to alleviate any clearance issues for cargo that has a low ground clearance. Suggested height of scales would be 8 inches (20 cm).

4. What dimensions do the ramps need to be?

Scales should be of sufficient length to reduce the angle of ascent and descent on both sides. For example, for a scale height of 20 cm the ramps should measure approximately 1.5m in length which would reduce the angle to provide a gradual ascent and descent. The ramps would be as wide as the cargo scales as well.

5. Do the scales need to be legal for trade?

The requirements for the scales are that they be calibrated to provide accurate weights. Since there will be no commercial goods for selling/buying there should be no reason to maintain a legal for trade status.

6. Does the system need to be able to weigh all axles simultaneously or is weighing each axle (or a sub set of axles) an option?

Each scale should be independent and be able to provide the weight as an individual scale but the entire system should be able to also provide a total weight of all scales being used at one time. The intent is to have multiple scales connected as a system to weigh multi-axled cargo obtaining weights for each axle but also the weight of the entire piece of cargo.

7. Would you accept portable or semi-portable (depending on configurations) scales that are pre-calibrated before they leave the facility and thus no installation or on-site calibration is required?

We already have portable scales and would like the scale system to be a permanent or semi-permanent fixture. The intent is to not have to move it once it is in place. As far as calibration is concerned, the least amount of calibration needed while maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the information output would be ideal.

8. In the specification document, under the section titled, "Scale Dimensions", there are two bullet points, "Scales 1 & 2" and "Scales 3 & 4". Is a solution using some number of scales that are capable of achieving the same use-case/outcomes (weighing 463L cargo pallets and weighing axles) acceptable if they are not 2 sets of different sizes scales as listed in this section?

The scale dimensions described are built around certain pieces of cargo we process. This is not to say other scale sizes won’t suffice but the difference in scale sizes is beneficial when weighing multi-axled vehicles that have axles that are closer together.

9. When weighing 463L pallets, is the customer expecting to load the pallet on the scales directly or roll the pallet on suing some sort of trailer, cart, or other wheeled apparatus?

When weighing 463L pallets, there will be dunnage (pieces of wood) placed on top of the scales before weighing the cargo. This is per our regulations to protect the cargo but will also protect the scales.