11RMNQ147 Government Answers.pdf

In reference to Requirement 1, it states that the device shall meet the specifications indicated in the Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services (RTCM) recommended standards for a Category 1, 406 MHz satellite personal locator beacon detailed in RTCM Paper 76-2002/SC110-STD as amended by RTCM Paper 23-2003/SC110-274 or standard in effect at the time of order.

Q. Referring to Requirement 1, the RTCM PLB standard in effect today is RTCM 11010.2 (RTCM Paper 114-2008-SC110-STD. There is an RTCM Amendment 1 (RTCM Paper 189-2010-SC110-STD) to this standard, 2010 but not yet referenced in Part 95 of the FCC rules. Which standard should we be compliant with?

ANSWER: The standard RTCM PLB in effect today that meets Part 95 of the FCC rules.

Requirement 1.a.ii states that the beacon be capable of the 406 MHz signal transmission as specified in the standard while the antenna is partially submerged in water.

Q. How is compliance with requirement 1.a.ii to be demonstrated, and what is the pass / fail criteria (i.e., what are the technical specifications that should be implemented in terms of depth in the water and antenna position, and what if any reduction in radiated 406 MHz power output is permitted when the antenna is partially submerged)?

ANSWER: Requirement 1.a.ii has been deleted.

Requirement 1.a.vii [sic] requires an area that allows for the attachment of a 2 x 4 inch piece of Hook Pile Tape that will not interfere with the operation of the device.

Q. Our smallest PLB, which we plan on submitting for this solicitation, measures 1.3” x 1.9” x 3.9”. The largest piece of tape we could fit on the back case is 1.25” x 2.5”, or we would need to attach the required size of hook pile tape that is larger than the PLB and thus comply with this requirement – which of these is preferred? Additionally, we would need to append a card that would include operating instructions and allow for attachment of the registration sticker from NOAA. – is this acceptable?

ANSWER: Requirement has been revised

Requirement 1.a.viii: Be capable of Operating/Stowage Classifications 1 and 2 found in the referenced standard (RTCM paper 76-2002/SC 110-STD).

Q. This requirement refers to Classifications 1 and 2 in the RTCM standard, however the standard does not define ‘Classifications’, only Class 1 and Class 2, which relate to different operating and stowage temperature ranges – which is addressed in Requirement 1.a.x specifying a Class 2 battery. Can you please clarify this requirement?

ANSWER: The PLB should meet the same standards and operate at the same temperatures as the Class 2 battery.