Questions and Answers from the site visit.docx

Questions and Answers

1. Is that how the parts are hung when the parts are going through the priming and painting process? Is that going to affect mask shape?

Yes, all the masks will need to account for hanging, particularly the solid bearing bore cover area masks will probably need to have something like a notch in them for the cable that is used to hang the part.

2. After the IfraRed curing of the primer, when a part enters into the top coat stage, the part needs to be masked with a solid piece. How do you intend on being able to hang the part?

Related to question 1.

3. Which rims are we going to hang through the center?

See the spreadsheet posted to FedBizOpps titled Method of Hanging which includes the hanging location (W=Web, C=Center)

4. What is the size of the wire used to hang the rims?

1/8” Cable with looped eye holes on ends.

5. Can the contractors take pictures?

Not usually we would take the pictures and distribute them; however, we did have one contractor with an approval to take pictures and these pictures have been provided to the contractors who attended the sight visit.

6. What PSI do you use when you are spraying?

Not over 10 PSI. The process uses HVLP (High volume low pressure).

7. Do the masks that are needed for the tiebolt cover areas need to be scalloped?

No, a simple round inside diameter is fine.

8. Will the contractor store the molds while they have a contract with Hill AFB?

Yes

9. If the contractor is using a proprietary product to create their paint mask does, the contractor need to disclose that information?

Production answer: No we do not care what the product is, so long as it meets the requirements in the spec. (Stands up to the heat, last thru 8-12 uses, fits our parts, keeps paint/primer out).

10. Concerning the data rights asked for in CLIN three of the solicitation, is Hill AFB wanting the contractor to provide the drawings and specifications on the parts or the masks?

We want the specifications and drawings for the masks.

11. Question about whether the dimensions of a particular part are going to be exact on every piece?

No, due to the repairing and remanufacturing that is done on the parts the same parts will be slightly different in size so the masks will need to be flexible not rigid. Some examples of part size variation are given on the parts table of the solicitation.

12. What material do we want the product to be made from?

The masks need to be created so they don’t bleed out or create fish eyes; therefore, whatever product that will get that accomplished.

13. How many masks are we requesting in the initial proposal?

We have revised the paint mask schedule to match section L. We would like the contractors’ proposal prices to include an initial order of 20 masks for each mold.

14. Do the contractors need to provide brochures of the masks?

No, this is a noncommercial request. Brochures of things showing their ability to fulfill the requirements are fine to provide. Also, data showing experience with custom paint masks or in the paint masking field.

15. Who will be responsible for the cost of a new mold and masks if the masks that have been created for a part do not work?

The contractor will need to pay for the cost of creating a new mold and masks.

16. Do we want the contactor to send us out first articles? If so, how many?

Yes, please see clause 52.209-4 which was added to the solicitation. We would like the contractor to send us out 5 masks of each mold for first article testing.

17. Some of the contractors expressed that they would like to be onsite at Hill when the first articles are tested. How can we get that accomplished?

We have asked the contractor to provide us with their travel cost in CLIN 4 of the soliciatation to account for additional measurements of parts and perform first article testing. If a contractor is not located locally and additional first article testing with the contractor is desired, we would like to use the Skype conferencing to guide our staff through a test run, or similar long distance options to keep prices down. Furthermore, clause 52.209-4 was added to the soliciation spelling out the first article approval.

18. Please clarify the tiebolt cover area masks that we need?

We are looking for a large donut shaped mask that covers all of the tiebolt holes with one piece (not the dots which were briefly mentioned).

19. On the F15 nose, which model # CD or E do we need masks for?

Just the F15 E model nose wheel.