Amendment_0001.docx

M67854-16-R-5009

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION SF 30 - BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

The following have been added by full text:

QUESTION AND ANSWERS

Solicitation M67854-16-R-5009 Q&A Advanced Battery Charger (ABC)

Q1. Paragraph 3.1.15.11 (DC Input Connector) and paragraph 3.1.15.7 (connector style) appear conflicting. Please clarify

A1. The connector specified in 3.1.15.11 is exempt from 3.1.15.7.

Q2. Regarding Paragraph 3.1.15.10 (AC-240V input connector): Please confirm a cable for 240VAC should not be included by the contractor.

A2. A cable is required. 3.1.15.10 of the PSpec will be changed to read: "The system shall use and contain a removable cable terminating in a NEMA 6-15P connector. (T=O) An adapter to the cable required by 3.1.15.9 instead of a separate cable is acceptable."

Q3. Regarding Paragraph 3.1.15.11 (DC input connector): Please confirm a DC cable should not be included by the contractor.

A3. A separate DC input cable is not required.

Q4. Section F - Delivery Instruction states a production rate of 150 per month and for planning purposes it’s anticipated that 80% of the deliveries will be CONUS and 10% of the OCONUS shipments to Hawaii and the other 10% will be to Okinawa Japan.

Is the 150 total per month a firm expectation for the delivery orders? (There will be a considerable difference in amortizing the cost difference between shipping 1 or 15 systems to Japan.)

Is the ABC considered an export controlled item and will it require an export license to ship to Japan?

A4. No. This is an estimate only. Actual quantities will vary based on the needs of the Marine Corps. Also, ITAR is not applicable given that delivery is being made only to another U.S. Government agency.

Q5. According to the RFP there are 7 different Common Adapters in CLINS 0002AA – 0002AH and 11 different Special Adapters in CLINs 0003AA – 0003AL for a total of 18 adapters required to be quoted. But according to the PSpec 3.1.7. Adapter quantity. A maximum of 14 (T) / 10 (O) unique adapters shall be required to charge all batteries listed in 3.3.2.

If a single adapter works for multiple battery types, how do we correctly identify and price out CLINs to indicate this and not provide duplicate items?

A5. Offerors may annotate specific CLINs or SLINs as "Not Separately Priced" in cases such as that listed above where the capability is already provided by a separately priced CLIN or SLIN. In such cases, the offeror must clearly explain that no separate hardware is being proposed under the "Not Separately Priced" CLIN or SLIN. The offeror must also explain which CLIN or SLIN is being proposed to provide the required capability.

Q6. Performance Specification Questions. 3.1.15. Cables and connectors.

Is an external AC/DC converter which is stored within the ABC acceptable? If so, how does this affect the cable length requirements? i.e. if the output of the external AC/DC converter mates with the 10ft DC input cable, does the AC input cable going into the AC/DC converter still need to be 10 ft long (making the whole cable assembly 20ft)?

A6. An external AC/DC converter which is stored within the ABC is acceptable. The total cable length from the ABC to the NEMA connector must be at least 10 ft.

Q7. 3.2.3. Visibility.

Is it allowable for the ABC to have an integrated user activated light for illumination of the display and controls?

Is there any specific requirement for compatibility with night vision equipment?

A7. An integrated user activated light is allowable. There is no specific requirement for night vision compatibility.

Q8. 3.3.2. Battery types.

The requirement for recharging CR123 format rechargeable batteries is not specific enough, as there are both LiFePO4 and Li-Ion versions of the CR123A widely available, both known as RCR123A. The LiFePO4 version is charged at 3.7V, the Li-Ion version is charged at 4.2V. Mixing these two chemistries can be dangerous, especially if the system is trying to charge a 3.7V peak LiFEPO4 battery at 4.2V. This specification likely needs to include details as to which chemistry to use, or, some other means to ensure the proper algorithm and charge voltage is used. It is not possible for the ABC to detect which of the two chemistries are connected.

A8. Only 1 of the 2 chemistries will be required to be charged. Vendors will be notified at contract award as to which chemistry the system must be able to charge.

Q9. 3.5 Environmental.

Is there a listed requirement to withstand direct rain when the ABC case is open and operational?

A9. See 3.5.5 and 3.5.6 for water resistance while in operation. See 3.5.7 for water resistance while being transported.

Q10. 3.5.2. Storage temperature.

Is there an allowable timeframe for transitioning from non-operation when at storage temperatures to operation at operational-temperatures, specifically regarding the functionality of displays (which might need to warm up to the operational temperature range before they work).

A10. The entire system shall be operational by the time the unit has equilibrated to the operational temperature.

Q11. 3.1.13. Transport configuration. The ABC shall be able to be transported with everything needed to operate within the ABC case including cables and enough adapters to allow for the maximum number of any type of battery to be installed to allow for full charging capability. (T=O).

This statement appears to indicate that batteries would be installed in the ABC in the Transport configuration. It is our understanding that no batteries would be connected or placed in the ABC during transportation configuration (ABC case closed) as stated in 6.1.4, can you please confirm?

A11. This requirement states that sufficient adapters need to be installed to allow for that capability but not that batteries need to be installed while in transport.

Q12. According to: 3.4.1. Kit contents. Adapters shall be kitted within a supplementary case (see 6.1.6). (T=O). 3.4.2. Common adapters. The common adapter kit shall include all adapters marked as “Common” according to the “Adapter Type” designation for the battery/batteries they charge as shown in TABLE I. (T=O) and 3.4.2.1. Adapter quantity. The common adapter kit shall include as many adapters of each battery type as may be simultaneously installed for charging in the ABC. (T=O).

Is the offeror responsible for kitting the common adapters within the Supplementary case at time of delivery order or are all individual components ordered and delivered in bulk?

A12. The common adapters shall be kitted upon delivery.

Q13. 3.4.2.2 Special adapters.

How are the Special Adapters supposed to be ordered, packaged and shipped (in bulk standard commercial packaging?) Or will they only be ordered in lieu of some common adapters and placed & shipped in the common adapter kit?

In addition to these questions, we kindly request a two week extensions for the bid submission deadline in order to ensure we are able meet all of the technical requirements for a complete Advanced Battery Charger system, and provide all of the relevant CDRL information and support required in the SOW.

A13. Special adapters may be packaged and shipped in bulk standard commercial packaging. They will not be ordered in lieu of adapters within the common adapter kit.

Yes an extension will be granted and posted with Amendment.

Q14. Please confirm that the Water Resistance requirement in Paragraph 3.5.6 of the specification is to be met with the system powered off and in transport configuration (similar to the Immersion requirement in Paragraph 3.5.7).

A14. 3.5.6 is to be met with the system in any operational or non-operational configuration.

Q15. For the different items listed in the different SubCLINs – is the offeror responsible for kitting those component list items? Or is the offeror only responsible for delivering those items in bulk?

A15. The items included in the common adapter kit shall be packaged and delivered within that kit. The special adapters may be delivered in bulk.

Q16. SOW 5.6.1

Which 40051 table will be tailored for the technical manual development?

A16. Table A-II, Pub Type -14&P.

Q17. SOW 5.1

The IUID is specified to be accessible and readable during normal operational use and storage condition. Does this imply the IUID is to be placed on the outside of the case?

A17. Yes, and “accessible and readable during normal operational use and storage condition”.

Q18. Performance Spec 3.1.15.13

Requirement states that all connectors “be capable of withstanding a minimum of 1,000 insertion and extraction cycles.” What standard is being used to determine whether a connector meets this requirement? Would MIL-C-24308 Class G Connectors using 500 cycles be acceptable?

A18. There is no standard; Connectors shall be rated to 1,000 cycles.

Q19. Performance Spec 3.2.2.3

If the USB connection to the charger requires a driver to be installed on the PC, is that acceptable?

A19. No. As stated in 3.2.2.3, “The update procedure shall not require any files to be installed on the PC.” Update procedures which utilize drivers standardly found in the Windows operating system may be used.

Q20. CLIN 0002 and 0003 state “Overpacked with Technical Manuals” Does the Government want 1 technical manual with every adapter ordered?

A20. No, Technical Manuals shall only be overpacked with CLIN 0001, 0101, 0201, 0301, 0401.

Q21. Did the Government intend to include DFAR 252.207-7000 Disclosure of Information clause in the solicitation?

A21. DFAR 252.207-7000 is inapplicable for this solicitation.

Q22. Will the Government increase the number of Step-Ladder price brackets allowed?

A22. The offeror may propose whatever stepladder quantities provide the Government with the best economical price breaks.

Q23. Section B of the RFP clearly indicates “FOB Destination” and the Section F of the RFP incorporates of FAR 52.247-34 (“FOB Destination”), both of which serve to allocate all financial responsibility/risk for shipping to the contractor – in this case a small business concern. However, because the RFP provides no certainty regarding the delivery locations, the magnitude of this financial responsibility/risk is unknown, but could be significant. For example, we understand that is costs nearly 20 times more to ship something to Okinawa, Japan than to Albany, Georgia. FAR 52.243-1 (“Changes – Fixed Price”) specifically identifies changes to the “[p]lace of delivery” as the type of change that will result in an equitable adjustment. Please confirm that changes to the delivery locations and percentages provided in Section F of the RFP are compensable. In the alternative, would the Agency consider amending the RFP to change “FOB Destination” to “FOB Origin” and adding separate CLINs for shipping on a cost reimbursement basis?

A23. They are not compensable. The Government does not plan on amending the solicitation to change FOB Destination to FOB Origin.

Q24. With regard to the price evaluation, will the Agency provide a hypothetical example to make clear how the Total Evaluated Price will be calculated?

A24. No Q25. Regarding the price evaluation, how and when will the Agency select the “random evaluation quantities” that will be used for purposes of calculating the Total Evaluated Price?

A25. A random quantity will be selected prior to evaluation. It will be selected randomly.

Q26. Section M-5.0 provides that the Agency will evaluate price reasonableness. Will the Agency also evaluate price realism and/or whether the pricing is balanced? The RFP does not appear to address any of these potential price evaluation topics.

A26. Price realism will not be evaluated. Offerors' prices will be evaluated to see if they are balanced. Please note that paragraph (f)(8) of FAR provision 52.215-1 provides that the Government may determine that a proposal is unacceptable if the prices proposed are materially unbalanced between line items or subline items.

Q27. 6.1.4 defines transport configuration, which includes adapters and cables.

6.1.5 defines the ABC case, which does not include adapters but does include cables.

· Please confirm that this is correct.

Based on this, is the weight of the ABC case measured without adapters and with cables?

A27. Yes Q28. 3.1.14 gives requirements for battery security in shipboard vibration testing, stating that radios shall not lose electrical contact.

Does this testing requirement apply only when charging radio batteries?

A28. 3.1.14 should state that the batteries shall not lose electrical contact. The PSpec has been updated accordingly.

Q29. 3.1.14 gives requirements for battery security. The customer previously clarified that this requirement applies only to batteries, and meeting this requirement for batteries with radios attached may be considered value added. 3.6.2 gives an employment angle requirement for the ABC.

Similarly, would the testing requirement for 3.6.2 apply only to batteries, and meeting this requirement for batteries with radios attached may be considered value added?

A29. Yes, the government may choose to consider this value added.

Q30. 3.1.15.2 Cable labeling. All cables shall be labeled for functionality IAW MIL-STD-130. The label shall contain at a minimum the cable’s part number, NSN, and function. (T=O) Does this include internal wiring?

A30. No Q31. 3.1.15.4 Cable type. All cables shall be SOOW, at a minimum, IAW UL 62. (T=O) Is SJT or SJOOW acceptable?

A31. SJT would not be acceptable. SJOOW would be acceptable.

Q32. 3.1.15.8 requires the use of a removable cable terminating in NEMA 5-15P for AC power, but does not specify a voltage range.

3.1.15.9 requires the use of a removable cable terminating in a NEMA 6-15P connector “If the ABC accepts 240 VAC power”

3.3.6 requires the ABC to operate with an input power of 90-250 VAC.

· Why is the cable terminating in NEMA 6-15P optional as implied by “If the ABC accepts 240 VAC power”

· Are you merely stating that the ABC shall be equipped with 2 different AC power cables, one terminating in a NEMA 5-15P and the second terminating in a NEMA 6-15P?

Do both the NEMA 5-15P and the NEMA 6-15P cables have to be stored in the case at the same time?

A323.1.15.9 has been updated to clarify this. It now states “The ABC shall use and contain a removable cable terminating in a NEMA 6-15P connector. (T=O) An adapter to the cable required by 3.1.15.9 instead of a separate cable is acceptable.”

Yes, both cables must be able to be stored in the case at the same time.

Q33. 3.1.15.8 and 3.1.15.9 require the use of a removable cable for AC power. 3.1.15.11 only requires a receptacle to accept DC power.

· Does this mean that a DC power cable is not required to be supplied with the ABC?

If no DC cable is required, then is there are requirement to include space within the case for storing a DC cable during transport mode (with the case closed)?

A33. A DC cable is not required to be provided, nor is room to store one necessary.

Q34. 3.1.15.9 and 3.1.15.10 require that the AC power cables be removable. 3.8.1 specifies that no tools shall be required for operation, and 3.8.2 requires no special tools for maintenance.

· Please clarify if “removable” as used in paragraphs 3.1.15.9 and 3.1.15.10 would follow the tool requirements in paragraphs 3.8.1 and 3.8.2 For example, if the cable is not required to be removed for operation, but can be removed if damaged, can a common tool be required to remove the cable?

A34. The cable shall be removable by hand without the use of tools.

Q35. 3.1.15.9 and 3.1.15.10 imply that a system running on 90-250VAC would require two different 10ft AC power cables. The customer has previously clarified that a single 10 ft cable with adapter would meet the NEMA 5-15P and NEMA 6-15P requirement. 3.1.15.12 requires that the input power cables withstand 5 lbs pull.

· Do the plug ends of the cables have to meet the 5 lbs pull requirement (NEMA 5-15P and NEMA 6-15P plugs)?

If an adapter is used to switch the plug end of the cable from NEMA 5-15P to NEMA 6-15P, does the adapter-to-cable connection have to withstand the 5 lbs pull?

A35. No, the NEMA plugs do not need to meet the 5 lb pull force requirement.

The adapter does not have to meet the 5 lb pull force requirement.

Q36. 3.1.15.11 requires the use of an MS32102E18-11P receptacle, which is a threaded connector. 3.1.15.7 requires removal of all connectors have less than two full turns to be fully seated. Are these requirements in conflict with each other?

A36. The connector specified in 3.1.15.11 is exempt from 3.1.15.7.

Q37. 3.1315.11 DC input connector. The ABC shall have a MS3102E18-11P (Pin Out: A – 24VDC, B – 24VDC, C – GND, D – GND, E – N/C) receptacle to accept DC power input. (T=O)

· Is “GND” the DC return?

· Is the intent to parallel two wires for 24VDC “Hot” on pins A and B and parallel two wires for 24VDC Return on pins C and D?

Can the DC return be connected to earth ground (AC ground) inside the battery charger?

A37. GND is the DC return.

Yes, the intent is to parallel the pins.

Connection of the DC return and AC ground is dependent upon the vendor’s design.

Q38. Do the connector requirements given in 3.1.15.13 apply to every connector in the ABC, or only those connectors that are mated/un-mated during normal operation and preventative maintenance?

A38. This applies only to those connectors that are mated/un-mated during normal operation and preventive maintenance.

Q39. 3.2.2.3 Requires firmware update capability via PC. What operating system (and version) will the PC be using?

A39. The minimum operating system on the PC will be Windows 7. Newer versions of Windows may also be used.

Q40. 3.3.13 Requires that the ABC shall ensure that safely charging the battery is placed above meeting the battery requested requirements.

3.3.20 Requires that the system charge at the maximum recommended charge rate to minimize charge time.

3.3.22 requires that the ABC charge at a rate to maximize cycle life of the battery.

· Are 3.3.13 and 3.3.20 in conflict with each other? 3.3.20 says to use the maximum recommended rate and 3.3.13 says to override this rate for safety.

Are 3.3.20 and 3.3.22 in conflict with each other? 3.3.20 says to use the maximum recommended charge rate and 3.3.22 says to use the rate to maximize cycle life.

A40. 3.3.13 refers specifically to the rates requested by the battery through SMBus. If these exceed the maximum vendor recommended rates, they shall not be followed. Maximum recommended charge rates provided by the battery vendors shall be considered safe.

Maximum vendor recommended rates that are scaled for temperature will maximize cycle life. These shall be used at temperature extremes.

Q41. 3.3.13 states that “the ABC shall have redundant cutoff of power for battery type and temperature (both SMBus ID pin and SMBus data).”

· The SMBus protocol uses three connections: ground, clock, and data. Please explain what is meant by the “SMBus ID pin.” Is the intent to stop charging if SMBus data does not match what is determined using other means? What about batteries such as the BB-2557, which do not have additional thermistor pins?

A41. The intent is to use the SMBus requested data unless it contradicts known safe charge rates. In those cases charging should continue using the known safe rates. Temperature data should only be used if available.

Q42. 3.5.10 requires the ABC and all components to not degrade in performance or function in an environment with blowing sand and dust?

· Is this for operating mode or transportation mode?

Is the ABC required to operate during blowing sand and dust tests?

A42. The ABC is required to operate during blowing sand and dust. Batteries and adapters will not be changed during this test.

Q43. 3.2.3 requires all controls and indicators be visible during “all environmental and weather conditions.”

The verification matrix, Table III of the Performance Specification, cross references a demonstration in accordance with 4.3.2.

Should this requirement state for “all environmental and weather conditions” as stated in the current Performance Specification or in accordance with 4.3.2 of the Performance Specification? Stating “all environmental and weather conditions” implies that the controls and indicators must be visible during storage temperature, immersion, and salt fog tests which are defined in section 3.5 and are for storage and transport modes only.

A43. This requirement states “all environmental and weather conditions under which the system is operable.”

Q44. 3.5.1 states that the maximum threshold operating temperature is 120°F.

3.5.5 states that the maximum threshold operating humidity shall be measured at 131°F.

Should the threshold for humidity be measured at 120°F and the objective 131°F?

A44. Humidity shall be measured at 120°F. The specification has been updated.

Q45. 3.7.4.2 Fault reset. Faults shall automatically reset if fault condition clears, excluding battery faults. (T=O) Does this mean any battery fault (such as over-temperature, under-voltage,…) shall not reset automatically A45. Yes Q46. 3.7.5.1 External short circuit …within 150 milliseconds after the short circuit is applied, all output power shall be deactivated and a fault shall be displayed on the main control panel. (T=O)

· If an external short circuit occurs on a USB port is it desired to stop charging all batteries (turn off all power)?

· If an external short circuit occurs in a battery is it desired to stop charging the rest of the batteries (turn off all power)?

Should the system automatically reset if the external fault clears?

A46. Yes, if the short is across a USB port, all power shall be turned off.

Yes, if a short occurs in a battery, all power shall be turned off.

See 3.7.4.2 for fault reset conditions.

Q47. 4.3.1 System Efficiency A set of (2) BB-2590 batteries and a set of (8) BB-2590 batteries will be charged from both AC and DC power for this test.

When only two batteries are being charged, will they be in the same adaptor for this test?

A47. That has not been determined. The requirement shall be met regardless of where the batteries are positioned.

Q48. Will a Logistics Support Analysis (LSA)-025 Packaging Requirements Data Report or LSA-026 Packaging Development Data Report satisfy the requirement for packaging?

A48.No, paragraph 5.7 Packing calls out Mil Std 2073-1.

Q49.

“As a minimum, the contractor shall cover the following [SVR]:

Will the government provide full test results from Product Verification Testing to support the System Verification Review (sub-bullet b, above)?

A49. The government will provide the necessary data to complete this CDRL.

Q50. Will a COMPASS Level of Repair Analysis (LORA) Report satisfy the requirement for Maintenance Analysis?

A50. Yes Q51. Will an LSA-080 Bill of Materials Report (which includes indenture levels) satisfy the requirement for an IBOM?

A51.Yes Q52. The SOW describes the requirement to ". . . Support provisioning to the field level of maintenance." Is only one level of maintenance at the field level?

A52. Field Level of Maintenance (LOM). Field maintenance is any maintenance that does not require depot maintenance capability and is performed by crew/operators and mechanics/ technicians within the Marine Corps organizations and activities. Maintenance tasks performed within the field LOM are categorized as organizational or immediate. The ABC will be supported within the existing Marine Corps organic maintenance infrastructure.

Reference: MarAdmin 159/13 Date Signed: 3/26/2013 Q53. The SOW describes the requirement to ". . . support the Government’s approved maintenance concept." Where is this concept defined? Is this a standard of some sort?

A53. Maintenance Concept is Field Level as stated in paragraph 5.6. The ABC maintenance concept will begin with a Warranty period and transition into Government Organic Field Level maintenance post warranty. The maintenance concept will be finalized based on the results of the maintenance task analysis required in paragraph 5.2 of the statement of work. This is not a standard.

Q54. If delivery to locations outside the United States is required, we understand that the items procured under this contract would be considered “defense articles” subject to export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). Please confirm that this understanding is correct. If incorrect, please provide guidance in this regard.

A54. ITAR is not applicable to this solicitation given that no items will be exported to any foreign entities.

Q55. To the extent our proposed solution leverages existing capabilities and intellectual property, developed exclusively at private expense, we would assert “limited rights” in technical data, as appropriate. Would such assertions or the inclusion of “limited rights” markings on data deliverables, raise any concerns for the Agency?

A55. It is not possible for the Government to make such a determination at this point in time. Please note that offerors are required to complete DFARS provision 252.227-7017 which is referenced on page 95 of the solicitation. Through completion of this provision, offerors identify any technical data that they intend to deliver to the Government with less than unlimited rights. DFARS clause 252.227-7013 which is included in the solicitation sets out the rights of the Government regarding technical data delivered under the awarded contract. Additionally, DFARS clause 252.227-7037 which is also included in this solicitation provides the procedures for the Government to validate and challenge restrictive markings on technical data delivered by the contractor. It is important that offerors fully understand and comply with the marking requirements of DFARS clause 252.227-7013. The fact that an item was developed exclusively at private expense does not necessarily mean that the Government would only receive limited rights in related technical data. Please refer to paragraph (b)(1) of DFARS clause 252.227-7013 which sets out the situations where the Government receives unlimited rights in technical data without regard to the funding source for the development of the underlying item.

Q56. Given the RFP’s required design, development, and testing work that must be satisfied in order to produce the ABC units and the uncertainty this work creates with regard to the RFP’s production requirement, requiring offerors to submit firm-fixed production prices at this time seemingly deviates from the standard for selecting a fixed-price contract type delineated at FAR 16.202-2, which provides that firm-fixed price contract are appropriate only when “reasonably definite functional or detailed specifications exist” and “the contracting officer can establish fair and reasonable prices at the outset, such as when … [p]erformance uncertainties can be identified and reasonable estimates of their cost impact can be made… .” As such, would the Agency consider amending the RFP to require offerors to perform the design, development, and testing requirements on a cost-reimbursement basis, with the submission of firm-fixed production prices required only after the design, development, and testing requirements have been satisfied?

A56. No Q57. In addition to these questions, we kindly request a two week extensions for the bid submission deadline in order to ensure we are able meet all of the technical requirements for a complete Advanced Battery Charger system, and provide all of the relevant CDRL information and support required in the SOW.

A57. Yes an extension will be granted and posted with Amendment.

SECTION A - SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

The required response date/time has changed from 03-Jun-2016 02:00 PM to 15-Jun-2016 02:00 PM.

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