Q As 8 June.pdf

FA8533-10-R-20138

Questions and Answers

8 June 2010

1. Section 3.11 specifies that the hydraulic system be designed to SAE ARP4943. Section 3.7.5.3.3 specifies that “pumps requiring case drain lines an outlet port check valve and micronic type filter with indicating bypass be installed.” It is assumed that the intent of this statement is to maximize reliability of the unit. Several pump manufacturers recommend against this practice in order to maximize pump life and minimize failures. Please advise if the Government would consider OEM best practice to ensure best reliability?

The Government considers OEM best practice to ensure best reliability.

2. Section 3.9.1 specifies a single system flows up to 53gpm without exceeding flow velocity as defined in 3.11.12. Section 3.11.11.5 specifies a 1.25” ID hose. This ID will yield a flow velocity of

13.84 feet/second at 53gpm not achieving the objective of 3.9.1.

The internal plumbing of the test stand ending at the external hose connection point is where this will apply. Hoses specified are for compatibility testing only.

3. Section 3.9.1 specifies combined system flows up to 106gpm without exceeding flow velocity as defined in 3.11.12. In order to achieve these values, a 2.94”id (3” nominal) hose would be required for the return line. In keeping with 3.8.2, it would be a challenge for person(s) to handle these large hoses in MOPP level IV protective ensembles. Please advise.

The internal plumbing of the test stand ending at the external hose connection point is where this will apply.

Hoses specified are for compatibility testing only.

4. Section 3.9.2 specifies that flow meters have 0.5gpm graduations and an accuracy of +/- 1.0% of reading. What is the minimum required reading (ex 5-60gpm)?

The minimum reading on legacy stands is 3 GPM.

5. Section 3.9.2 specifies that flow meters be installed in the return line. We believe that it would be advantageous to the Government to install the flow meters in the delivery line to reduce pressure drop. Delivery line mounting adds safety as the operator can observe flow to the aircraft. If for example no functions are being performed but there is flow being delivered to the aircraft, there may be an external leakage issue on the platform.

The flowmeters and site tubes were placed in the return lines of legacy mules to protect them from extreme delivery line pressure.

6. Section 3.9.5 provisions for an aircraft filling system. Does this system feed the return line of each system for filling or does it feed a separate line for filling or both? If a separate line is to be provided, what is the desired termination on the line?

Aircraft filling system should feed the return line.

7. Section 3.11 states: “The hydraulic system shall be designed and installed in accordance with

SAE ARP 4943.” In SAE ARP 4943 section 3.7.5.2 states “low pressure filters shall demonstrate an ability to maintain a fluid cleanliness class equal to the class maintained by the pressure filters, under all operating conditions.” It has been found through consultation with pump and filter suppliers that the use of a filter with a higher micron rating but higher efficiency will result in the best protection of the pump and provide the best pressure drop performance. As reliability and performance are important, would the Government consider an optimum design to achieve best reliability?

The Government advises that it is the responsibility of each offeror to determine how to design and construct the universal hydraulic test stand so as to achieve best reliability and performance.

8. Section 3.11.1 states that “a maximum time of 20 minutes required for the complete changing of fluid in the unit as performed by a level 5 journeyman.” What are the limits of cross contamination (residual fluid) allowed during this change?

Exact limits for the intermixing of hydraulic fluid in specific aircraft is covered in TO 42B2- 1-3. However for this effort, the amount of residual fluid left in the entire hydraulic system shall be 10% or less of total system capacity.

9. Section 3.11.5 specifies high pressure filter elements and housings be certified and acceptance qualified to MIL-PRF-81836. Most filter manufacturers are currently qualifying to ISO or SAE standards which exceed this specification. It is assumed that the current industry standard is acceptable to the Government.

Current standards are acceptable provided the high pressure filter elements and housings are certified and acceptance qualified to MIL-PRF-81836.

10. Section 3.11.5 specifies that low pressure filters be certified and acceptance qualified to MIL-F- 5504. This standard currently inactive. Most filter manufacturers have transitioned to qualification to ISO or SAE standards which exceed this specification. It is assumed that the current standards are acceptable to the USAF. Please advise.

Current standards are acceptable provided the low pressure filters are certified and acceptance qualified to MIL-F-5504. MIL-F-5504 was specified because of commonality of components.

11. Section 3.11.5 states “Flow entering the housing shall not impinge on the filter element.” If it can be demonstrated that the filter meets or exceeds the stated specifications with an impingement, would this be acceptable to the Government?

The Government will not identify in answers to questions whether something is “acceptable to the Government” or not regarding its proposed design. Each offeror is responsible for the design and construction of the universal hydraulic test stand and for ensuring that the specifications identified in the Purchase Description are met.

12. Section 3.11.10 states “The reservoir shall withstand 200% of maximum operational return pressure with no deformation under testing.” Is the maximum operational return pressure the return pressure from the aircraft or the maximum return pressure entering the reservoir?

The maximum operational return pressure the return pressure entering the reservoir.

13. Section 3.11.11.2 and section 3.11.11.3 specifies for a maximum pressure drop of 180psi and 40psi respectively. This requirement is to be tested in 4.8.4.4, however a minimum fluid temperature is not given for this requirement. The results of this test will vary depending on fluid temperature. Please advise.

The minimum fluid working temperature is 68°F.

14. Section 3.11.11.6 states that “All couplings shall be Aeroquip145/155 Series Soft Sealing couplings or equivalent and be approved for use at the rated pressures and shall not leak or discharge any fluid (except for normal surface wetting) when disconnected. A sufficient quantity of hose end and bulk head style couplings for use on the runaround blocks, as well as all necessary adapters, shall be supplied with each UHTS first production unit to configure the UHTS with a -12 supply (5000 psi working pressure minimum) and -16 return (1000 psi working pressure minimum) as well as a -16 supply (5000 psi working pressure minimum) and -24 return (1000 psi working pressure minimum).

Eaton/Aeroquip was contacted for further discussion- the 145/155 series coupling does not exceed 3000psi operating pressure. Please clarify the requirement.

Please see the revision to Purchase Description paragraph 3.11.11.16 in Amendment 0002 to the solicitation.

15. Section 3.12 states that all items requiring calibration should be calibrated in place without removal. Does the water sensor referred to in section 3.9.6 require calibration without removal?

Standard calibration methods for Water Content Measurement Equipment require the exposure of the probe to a known sample, thus requiring the removal. Please clarify and advise.

The PD specification that all items requiring calibration shall be calibrated in place without removal is correct. The PD does not specify that the water sensor referenced in Section

3.9.6. must be calibrated. Please review this PD paragraph carefully.

16. Section 4.8.4.3 states “A device that provides a continuous load shall be coupled between the supply and return hose of the UHTS in order to simulate load from the aircraft.” What is the heat rejection rate from this apparatus (example apparatus has efficiency of 70%, 30% of the input power being rejected as heat)

The Government advises that it is the responsibility of each offeror to determine how to design and construct the universal hydraulic test stand. The device referenced in this Purchase Description paragraph is one that the offeror shall choose.

17. In section 4.8.5.9, what are the environmental conditions under which the engine start will be tested?

Purchase Description paragraph 4.8.5.9 is the Fill pump tests section. Paragraph 4.8.7.2 Diesel engine cold start test describes all environmental conditions for diesel engine starts.

18. In appendix C, Testing procedure step 2, will the fluid be allowed to cool to 165F which is representative of the temperatures found in the UHTS operation? The temperatures 250-255F are typical for the pump wear test, however extreme for the UHTS purification system. Please advise. Aircraft fluid temperatures are much high than typical UHTS operation.

During the purifier qualification test the hydraulic fluid is only purified for 40 minutes at every 200-hour interval, at time of purification the fluid shall be 150 degrees or less.

19. Would the Government consider a UHTS with removable doors for access during aircraft service?

No doors should have to be permanently “removed” in order to operate the test stand.

20. The requirement “The housing shall be designed to support a 200 pound weight evenly distributed over a rectangular area that is 4.5 inches long by 5 inches wide, and shall prevent damage or permanent distortion as a result of the weight being applied in any location on top of the UHTS.” is in conflict with the requirement” The housing shall be easily removable by no more than two personnel”. In an effort to ensure that the 200 pound over 4.5X5” requirement is met along with the requirement to support dual high and low pressure hoses and electrical cable ( which will have an estimated weight of 1400 lb),the housing will need to be robust. The allowed weight for two persons to carry is 80 lb as per 3.4.3.8 SAE ARP 1247C. To that end , this weight allowance would jeopardize the structure required to support the above stated requirement.

The Government advises that it is the responsibility of each offeror to determine how to design and construct the universal hydraulic test stand in order for it to comply with all specifications in the Purchase Description.

21. Most NEC rules and tables refer to Percentage of voltage drop over a cable length. The RFP (3.17.2) specifies a voltage drop of <=1v. This requires a minimum of 300MCM cable with the possibility of a 350 MCM. A 4/0 cable would satisfy a 1% voltage drop. Please clarify as standard specification is expressed as a percentage and the specification expressed as a voltage resulting in excessive cable size.

4/0 cable would be sufficient.

22. RFP specifies a motor frame design of a type "drip-proof"(3.17.1.1). A drip proof motor will not comply with the requirements of 3.7.3. Specifically, 3.7.3-i states exposure to dust and sand between 150 to 850 μm particles size. To that end , a TEFC (Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled) motor design is recommended. Will the Government consider an increase in the unit weight to allow for a sealed motor in the unit? This increase in weight will affect the rolling characteristics too (3.3).Please advise.

The Government will not identify in answers to questions whether something is “acceptable to the Government” or not regarding its proposed design. Each offeror is responsible for the design and construction of the universal hydraulic test stand and for ensuring that the specifications identified in the Purchase Description are met. The specifications as identified in the Purchase Description will not change.

23. The RFP states that the continuous duty rating shall not be exceeded (3.17.1.1) nor shall the manufacture’s recommended Full Load motor current be exceeded (3.17.1.2). Most manufacturers rate their motors to 1.15 service factor over nominal rating. NEC and NEMA MG-2 have provisions for this in their specifications. Would you please clarify if the maximum current is to be rated as nominal HP or maximum continuous duty?

The maximum current is to be rated as maximum continuous duty

24. 3.7.3-c specifies storage to -65F. Hydraulic and electrical components are not normally tested to -65F. Most equipment is tested to -20 or -40F. This requirement would involve the individual testing of parts and circuits in environmental chambers. It would also require various custom NEC and UL compliant parts to be fabricated. Please review our assessment and advise.

The Government advises that it is the responsibility of each offeror to determine how to design and construct the universal hydraulic test stand in order for it to comply with all specifications in the Purchase Description.

25. The electrical cable for type II UHTS will be hanged at the rear of the unit. Will the electrical cable for the UHTS be considered in the overall envelope dimensions (120”X78”X96”) of the unit?

Please advise.

Yes

26. Will the Illustrated Parts Breakdown (IPB) required to be in top down breakdown or functional group sequence?

IPB will be functional group sequence.

27. Will the diesel engine breakdown be provisioned?

The Government anticipates that engine accessories will be provisioned.

28. When is the due date for all Government Questions?

See Amendment 0002 for the due date established for receipt of all proposals. Any inquiry received subsequent to the due date will not be answered.

29. Proposal Requirements paragraph (a)2 states “Paper size shall be 8 1/2” X 11…”. Will we be able to use 11 X 17 size paper for some of our charts/graphics, e.g., the spreadsheets listing all of our contracts in the past five years required in par. (e)3? If so, will 11 x 17 pages count as two pages?

No. The RFP provision “Proposal Requirements” identifies the paper size as 8 ½” x 11”

30. Proposal Requirements paragraph (e) states that “The Government will only accept present and past performance for the offeror only.” Please confirm that we cannot submit past performance data for our subs/team members.

The Government will not evaluate present or past performance of any entity than the offeror itself. The Government will not evaluate the present or past performance of subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, etc.

31. RFP Page 87 of 110, FAR 52.217-9(c), states, “The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed 8 years.” Should this be “9 years” instead of eight (basic of 24 months plus 7 one-year options)?

Yes. The total length of the contract shall not exceed nine years.