Q As 22 June.pdf

Questions and Answers

RFP FA8533‐10‐R‐20138, UHTS

22 June 2010

1. This question pertains to a specification that has been superseded.

MIL‐STD‐810F is referenced in section 2.2.1, 4.8.3, 4.8.3.1, 4.8.3.2, 4.8.3.3, 4.8.3.4, 4.8.3.5, 4.8.3.6, 4.8.3.7, 4.8.3.8, 4.8.3.9, 4.8.3.10, and 4.8.3.11.

The most current revision of MIL‐STD‐810 is revision “G”. Is revision “F” or “G” to be used for this program?

Most current revision available of MIL‐STD‐810, Please see Revision 02 to the purchase description posted to FBO today.

2. This question pertains to the “Environmentally Preferable Materials” and “Green

Procurement Program” requirements of the specification.

a. Paragraph 3.2.1 states:

“Recycled, recovered, or environmentally preferable materials should be used to the maximum extent possible….”

b. Paragraph 3.2.5 states:

“Green procurement program (GPP) is a mandatory federal acquisition program that focuses on the purchase and use of environmentally preferable products and services.….”

Based on the requirements of these two paragraphs, 3.2.1 and 3.25 which state

“maximum extent possible” and “mandatory” towards program focus on green, we assume that designs that incorporates plastic (i.e. ABS), a resin bound fibers (i.e.

fiberglass/carbon graphite and epoxy resin) and/or fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) structures, enclosures or panels would not be allowed or would be viewed as a non‐compliant design.

Please confirm whether the US Government will allow or will not allow the use of non‐ green friendly material, i.e. plastics, resin based fibers and/or fiberglass as described above.

It is the Government’s intent that the UHTS program comply with the Green

Procurement Program. Each offeror should exert its best efforts to meet the requirements of the GPP while complying with the specifications set forth in the purchase description PD07WRGBZOENF10.

3. This question pertains to the “auxiliary equipment” for cold weather conditions.

a. Paragraph 3.7.1 states:

“The contractor shall provide cold weather auxiliary equipment with each UHTS as part of this contract.”

b. Paragraph 3.14 states:

“The housing shall have a heater hose adapter in accordance with AF drawing

7347073 to direct heat from a ground heater onto the engine for cold weather starting.”

Can the government please clarify whether the ground heater is or is not considered to be part of the auxiliary equipment referenced in paragraph 3.7.1?

The ground heater is not part of the auxiliary equipment referenced in Purchase

Description paragraph 3.7.1

4. This question pertains to fluid purity requirements.

a. Paragraph 3.9.6.a states:

“Particulates levels shall be removed down to NAS 1638 class 5 [ISO code 13/11] or better from the UHTS and the aircraft hydraulic fluids.”

In paragraph 3.11.5, the government is dictating the use of MIL‐PRF‐81836 compliant filters.

Paragraph 3.9.6.a dictates the cleanliness level of the UHTS hydraulic system.

Currently there is only one source for the MIL‐PRF‐81836 filter assembly.

Based on these requirements, it can appear that the government has taken the design responsibility (with regard to filtration) away from the equipment suppliers.

Can the government confirm that the specified filter is capable of providing the purity levels required in paragraph 3.9.6.a?

Paragraph 3.11.5 describes filters utilized on the high and low pressure portion of the test stand and has nothing to do with the purification portion of the PD. The

Government takes NO design responsibility (with regard to filtration or other) away from the equipment suppliers.

5. This question pertains to the sizing of the fluid temperature control system. Particularly the sizing of the heat exchangers.

a. Paragraph 3.11.4 states:

“The hydraulic UHTS shall maintain the hydraulic fluid temperature of the systems and sub‐systems below 160°F when operating at the systems’ maximum pressures and flows in accordance with 3.9.1 with an outside air ambient temperature of 125°F.”

We assume the operating conditions referenced in paragraph 3.11.4 pertain to condition when servicing an aircraft. Please confirm this assumption.

Yes, and Purchase Description paragraph 3.9.1. identifies the aircraft servicing requirements.

6. These questions pertain to the filter specification MIL‐PRF‐81836.

a. Paragraph 3.11.5 states:

“….The filter element and housing shall be certified and acceptance qualified to

MIL‐PRF‐81836.…..”

Our research indicates that the Pall Corporation is the only company that has developed and certified a filter and housing to the MIL‐PRF‐81836 specification. Additionally the

Pall Corporation has only certified the (‐16) size. Pall has not currently certified the (‐24) or (‐8) sizes.

MIL‐PRF‐81836 addresses the performance of the element, housing and filter differential pressure detecting hardware. On the surface this would eliminate the option of integrating the supply filter in a manifold.

If the filter is integrated within a manifold, will the UHTS supplier be required to complete the certification process on the manifold configuration with the certified element?

If a manifolded filter is utilized, then the manifold shall be in compliance with MIL‐

PRF‐81836 with respect to design, and the filter element SHALL be certified and acceptance qualified to MIL‐PRF‐81836.

7. These questions pertain to the calibration equipment for the UHTS.

a. Paragraph 3.12.1 states:

“The contractor shall provide the number of sets of calibration equipment as required by each delivery location in accordance with each delivery order issued against the contract.”

Can the Government specify what is considered standard tools and calibration equipment to eliminate any potential confusion, duplication or mis‐interpretation of what should or should not be supplied?

Standard tools are tools found in a common Ground Support Equipment mechanics tool box (common hand tools, multi‐meter, screw drivers, pliers, etc.)

8. This question pertains to one of the listed electrical power sources.

a. Paragraph 3.17.1 states:

“……416 volts/3 Phase/60 Hz and …..”

b. Paragraph 3.17.3.2 states:

“…60 (± 5%)Hz: 416 (± 10%) VAC ….”

In various parts of the world, 415 VAC electrical power is a common 50 Hz power source. The Purchase Description lists a 416 VAC,60 Hz as a potential power for the

UHTS.

Can the government confirm that 416 VAC/60 Hz is a potential electrical source?

416 VAC/60 Hz is no longer a potential power source. Requirements for 416 VAC/60

Hz have been removed from the PD. See Revision 2, dated 21 June 2010, to PD.

9. This question pertains to the extent of the Fungus test.

Several environmental test facilities have voiced a concern over the size of the chamber required to test the Fungus resistance of the whole UHTS. The test facilities have suggested testing representative samples of the materials used within the UHTS.

Will the government allow testing samples of all the materials used in the construction of the UHTS in lieu of placing the whole assembly in a test chamber?

Representative samples of the materials used within the UHTS would be sufficient for this test.

10. This question pertains to the lack of mention for a thermal relief valve.

The specification does not mention the need for a thermal relief valve typically used to protect the return circuit during the aircraft reservoir mode. Without this device in the

UHTS the safety function reverts to the relief valve on the aircraft’s reservoir. The aircraft reservoir relief valve would typically vent fluid overboard thereby causing hazardous waste incident as well as loss of fluid for the aircraft.

Can the government confirm their intention is to have the aircraft’s reservoir relief valve as the thermal expansion safety device?

It is not the intention of the Government to utilize the aircraft’s reservoir relief valve as the thermal expansion safety device. If a thermal relief device is required by an offerors design to adequately protect the UHTS and the aircraft hydraulic system, then offerors may include it in their design.

11. This question pertains to the accumulation of hours during the testing of the 1st article units.

a. Paragraph 4.8.10.2 states:

“…..Continuous hours accumulated successfully during previous first article tests on the first article units may be counted toward the total 1500 hour requirement.”

Is the Pump Endurance Testing Time applicable to the overall Reliability Test time?

Pump Endurance Testing time as specified in 4.8.5.2 is applicable to the overall

Reliability Test time.

12. This question pertains to application of the term “unassisted” as it pertains to paragraph

4.8.7.

a. Paragraph 4.8.7 states:

“…The diesel engine shall also demonstrate that is capable of powering the UHTS type I unassisted in all of the environmental conditions and performance specified herein….”

The reference to “all of the environmental conditions” within this paragraph brings into question the cold start issues versus the term “unassisted”. Paragraph 3.14 Housing references a heater hose adapter and a ground heater. Paragraph A.3.3.2.0 Engine starting allows for heat from the winterization system. These two devices seem to be allowed by the purchase description.

Can the government provide clarification with regard to the term “unassisted” as it pertains to this section?

The term “unassisted” means that no ground heater, air conditioner, jumper cables, or other such aid will be connected to the UHTS to perform this test. The UHTS shall be started and operated at each of the Temperature Ranges as listed in Appendix A

3.3.2.0. Only starting aids recommended by the engine manufacturer and listed in

Appendix A 3.3.2.0 will be permitted.

13. This question pertains to UL rated components within the electrical system.

a. Paragraph 4.8.8.1 states:

“The electrical system shall be inspected to determine compliance with 3.17 and all items shall be shown to have Underwriters' Laboratories approval where applicable ….”

Will the government accept CE or IEC approved components in lieu of UL approved components?

No, the Government will only accept UL approved components.

14. This question pertains to the allowable starting aids between ‐40°F and ‐25°F.

a. Paragraph A.3.3.2 states:

“Installed glow plugs and heat from the winterization system may be used prior to and during the start period to facilitate engine starting.”

The heater duct and ground heater identified in paragraph 3.14 is not listed as part of the Engine Starting Aids listed in paragraph A.3.3.2

Will the government allow the use of the ground heater and associated hose in the ‐

40°F to ‐25°F starting range?

The minimum temperature that the diesel engine is required to start is ‐25°F however, only starting aids recommended by the engine manufacturer AND listed in Appendix A

3.3.2.0 will be permitted.

15. These questions pertain to the Electromagnetic Interference test.

a. Paragraph 3.19 states:

“The UHTS shall meet the radio interference requirements of MIL‐STD‐461E for

“Air Force Ground Equipment.” In accordance with Table V, Requirement

Matrix…..”

b. Table 6 Test Schedule:

“Test Number T48 lists paragraph 3.19 in the Requirement paragraph column”

The requirements of MIL‐STD‐461 would be a demonstration type test. Consequently it seems more appropriate for this specification to be listed in Table 6. It appears that the reference in paragraph 3.19 should be to Table 6 in lieu of Table V (5).

Can the government clarify if Paragraph 3.19 was intended to reference Table 6 in lieu of Table V (5)?

Table V (5) is the correct requirement.

Will the test requirements for the RS103 portion of MIL‐STD‐461 be required to cover a frequency range of 0‐18 GHz or 0‐40 GHz?

0‐40 GHz

SOLICITATION QUESTIONS

16. Please explain whether this solicitation is a “Supply” contract or “Service” contract?

The contract will be for supplies.