The file's text, extracted by GovTribe without its formatting.
| Document/Section |
| Paragraph/Reference |
| Question/Issue/Concern |
| Government Response |
| Will the AMMPS generators and trailers be provided as GFE for the production volumes or at they expected to be priced as part of the system? |
| No, the vendor does not need to procure or deliver AMMPS generators or trailers and they are not priced as part of the system. AMMPS generators and two LTT-MCC Trailers will be provided as GFE to the vendor to assist in LRIP/FRP integration. Specifications/drawings for the JLTV-Trailer will be provided as GFI. |
| Please provide a load profile with minimum, average and peak loads for 12 months. |
| Fuel consumption testing will be done at various steady state power loads in accordance with the test procedures in the Performance Spec Appendix C. |
Minimum loads are 0 Watts. Peak loads will be as high as the generator’s rated capacity.
| Please provide how much unbalanced load the system needs to support |
| The MEHPS shall be able to support a maximum current imbalance between phases equal to the amount of current imbalance that occurs when MEHPS is powering a single line-to-neutral unity-power-factor load at 100% current rating of one phase with no load on the other two phases. |
| 4 |
| Solicitation Document |
| Section III. Technical: |
The Offeror shall list required delivery date of Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) and quantity required, not to exceed two 15 kW AMMPS, ten 10 kW Advanced Medium Mobile Power Source (AMMPS), and ten 5 kW AMMPS with Advanced Digital Control Systems (ADCS) installed on each generator, and three Mobile Electric Power Distribution Replacement (MEPDIS-R) (5 kW indoor, 5 kW outdoor, and 15 kW) panels, to meet proposed delivery schedules.
| GFE does not include trailer in this section but does in SOW. May we expect to receive both the LTT-MCC and JLTV trailers as part of the GFE? |
| Two LTT-MCC Trailers will be provided as GFE. JLTV trailers will not be provided as GFE. Only specifications/drawings for the JLTV-Trailer will be provided as GFI. See answer to question 11. |
| 5 |
| Solicitation Document |
| Same as above. |
| GFE to be supplied does not line up 1-for-1 with qty 16 for LRIP. Are LRIP systems to be delivered to the customer on the trailer and include the generator? If yes, do we need to purchase the trailer and generator or are we just returning the GFE as part of the LRIP delivery? |
| No, LRIP systems are not delivered on the trailer and do not include the generator. No purchases of trailer or generators are required. GFE will be provided after contract award and will be returned as part of LRIP delivery. Also see answer to question 17. |
| 6 |
| Solicitation Document |
| Same as above. |
| GFE to be supplied does not line up 1-for-1 with qty 16 for LRIP. Is the GFE only to support testing of deliverable MEHPS systems and not as part of the final deliverables? |
| Correct. The GFE is only being provided to support the vendor do their own form, fit, and function testing and integration with the MEHPS. |
| 7 |
| Solicitation Document |
| Same as above. |
| Are production systems to be delivered to the customer on the trailer and include the generator? If yes, do we need to purchase the trailer and generator or are we just returning the GFE as part of the LRIP delivery? |
| The systems shall be delivered without the generator or trailer. No purchases of trailer or generators are required. GFE will be returned as part of LRIP delivery. Also see answer to question 17. |
| Are the MEPDIS-R's intended for any purpose other than for system testing? |
| e MEPDIS-R's are provided for integration and testing. Will be used by the Marines for power distribution. |
| 9 |
| Solicitation Document |
| Section IV. Past Performance |
| While best efforts may be made to provide PPQs from past contracts/customers in support of this effort it is ultimately outside of the bidder's control to guarantee that completed PPQs are delivered in support of this solicitation. As such will nonreceipt of PPQs in support of past performance be counted against the bidder's evaluated rating in this area even if the provided past performance is relevant? |
| No. The absence of past performance information does not count against an offeror. |
| 10 |
| Solicitation Document |
| General Info – Offeror’s due date of 7 July, 2020 2:00 PM EDT |
| Given the requested and extended length (9 months) of price validity requested in section L-1.2 of the Solicitation, will USG consider granting a one (1) month extension to the proposal due date to help add confidence to the various Offeror’s price validity assertions? Keeping the nine (9) month pricing validity request may induce unnecessary risk to the program and will most likely require an additional pricing exercise to be completed in 1Q CY2021. |
| The RFP closing date has been extended. The revised closing date and time is 15 July 2020 at 2:00PM EDT. |
| 11 |
| Solicitation Document |
| Section B - Supplies or Services and Prices (pg. 5 +) & Section F – Deliveries or Performance (pg. 43) |
| Can the USG please clarify the expected full rate production rate given the discrepancies created by the cited minimum production rate in Section F vs. the cited production Supplies/Services Quantity in Section B? |
| In section B, the government describes the “minimum” number, which is 8 MEHPS per month. In section F it says “the quantity is a “maximum” for this ordering period. It is not a definite quantity.” |
Therefore, the minimum is defined but the maximum number is not defined.
| 12 |
| Solicitation Document |
| Sections L and M |
| The solicition states : Offerors shall certify their ability to meet or exceed all requirements of the PSpec and SOW. |
Is this certification required in writing?
Yes.
| 13 |
| Statement of Work |
| 3.2.2 GFI |
| Given this is a FAR based procurement activity and no specific MARCORSYSCOM point of contact was listed/identified/provided for the LTT-MCC or JLTV Trailer, when does the USG intend to release the cited info in section 3.2.2 so that all offeror’s can make informed technical decision and assertions in their respective proposal responses as evaluated in Factor 1? |
| LTT-MCC, the railing system for the LTT-MCC mounting of the AMMPS, and JLTV-Trailer drawings are referenced in the performance specification. The AMMPS Operator TMs and a table from the LTT-MCC TM are provided as appendices to the performance specification. |
| 14 |
| Statement of Work |
| 3.2.2 GFI |
| What digital file format does the USG intend to use upon release of these cited items? |
| The information will be in .pdf format. |
| 15 | |
| Statement of Work | |
| 3.5.9.1. | Lithium Batteries |
| Given the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center is already undergoing formal Naval testing of a 6T Lithium Battery, does the USG plan to initiate a future ECP to MEHPS for energy storage that may be disruptive to the Offeror’s negotiated Supply Chain teaming arrangement and pricing schedules? | |
| No. | |
| 16 |
| Statement of Work |
| Section F - Deliveries or Performance |
| In regards to pricing out the Full Rate Production, will the USG please clarify if Offeror’s are to add in the price of the M1102 Light Tactical Trailer – Marine Corps Chassis (LTT-MCC) and the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) trailer? Additional information pertaining to detailed quantity breakout of each trailer type is also needed to be disclosed by the USG. |
| The trailer is not a deliverable for the MEHPS system. |
| 17 |
| Statement of Work |
| L-2.2, Section III. Technical, Factor 1 – last bullet |
| Please clarify the USG’s meaning of “integrate a 15 kW AMMPS as the source generator on the JLTV trailer” to remove any ambiguity or misrepresentation that will result in an award protest action. |
| Performance Spec, “3.5.1. System generator” applies to either MEHPS trailer configuration. However as GFI, the JLTV-Trailer has a much higher payload weight carrying capacity than the LTT-MCC Trailer and thus it may be more feasible to integrate and mount the heavier 15 kW generator on the JLTV-Trailer and less feasible on the LTT-MCC Trailer. See PSpec paragraphs 3.5.1, 3.5.6, and 3.5.10. |
| 18 |
| Statement of Work |
| 3.2.1. Government Furnished Equipment. |
| Will GFE be supplied for only development of LRIP systems and not for development of production systems? |
| The government may provide the JLTV-Trailer post-contract award as GFE once the JLTV-Trailer design has been finalized. |
| 19 |
| Performance Spec – MEHPS-SA |
| 3.1.2 |
| Weight, does the weight also include the cable (from solar panel to the charge system)? If does, what is the length of cable requirement? |
| Cable is included in weight of Performance Spec – MEHPS-SA 3.1.2. |
Solar cable length defined in MEHPS PSpec, 3.11.4.5. Cable length – solar.
| 20 |
| Performance Spec |
| 3.2.5.4. Source Switching. The MEHPS shall maintain output voltage and frequency within the limits of Table 1 (See Below) which is in accordance with Table 3 of the TOP. The MEHPS shall also utilize the CLASS 2B-H Transient Performance (a.2. and b.2.) (T) / CLASS 2B-H Regulation and stability (a.1. and b.1.) (O), which includes source switching due to an unplanned failure of the generator, when tested in accordance with Section 4.1.2 of TOP 09-2-290. |
| Is it accurate that maintaining output AC voltage through a generator failure is an Objective? 3.5.30. System shutdown notes that the system may shutdown on a generator failure. |
| It is a threshold. One intent of this Performance Spec is that if the generator turns off or doesn’t start the system’s power output shall remain on. An example would be the generator runs out of fuel or doesn’t start due to cold temperatures. The batteries should use their reserve capacity to continue powering the load while a user tries to refuel or revive the generator. The system should isolate itself from the generator in the event of a failure, benign or not. Also see answer to question 31. |
Maintaining CLASS 2B-H Regulation and stability (a.1. and b.1.) is the Objective.
| 21 |
| Performance Spec |
| Section 3.4.1.3 |
| Define excessive climate conditions. |
| Excessive climatic conditions are those conditions that exceed basic climatic conditions, as defined in paragraph 6.1.3 of the Performance Specification and MIL-STD-810H, but are still within the required operating environment parameters of the MEHPS. |
| 22 |
| Performance Spec |
| 3.2.5.5. Low Power Factor. |
| Is test procedure 4.1.4 expanding this requirement such that MEHPS must be rated for 2X rated load current for a period of 1 minute without power interruption at 0.4pf? |
| Yes, MEHPS has to support 2x rated current when tested in accordance with PSpec Appendix C, procedure 4.1.4. |
| 23 |
| Performance Spec |
| 3.4.2.2. Main display contents. The system shall display the following information on the HMI main screen: |
• Power flow between all system components including individual phase power and voltage on multi-phase connections (T)
• System output power including individual phase power and voltage on multi-phase connections (T)
• Generator input power including individual phase power and voltage on multi-phase connections (T)
| Is it intended that we should measure the power and voltage for each load output AC connector individually and for each generator input individually? |
| Yes |
| 24 |
| Performance Spec |
| Same as above. |
| Is it intended that the HMI will display the individual phase power and voltage for each connector on the main screen? This amount of information will require a large and expensive display. |
| Same as above. |
| 25 |
| Performance Spec |
| 3.4.2.7 All controls and indicators, excluding those on the generator, shall be visible during all environmental and weather conditions. (T) |
| Do you desire lights being added to the box for switches and controls to see them at night? |
| No lights are required. The main controls/switches (if they exist in the vendor’s design) should be close enough to the display screen that they are visible from the light emitted from the display screen. |
| 26 |
| Performance Spec |
| 3.5.7. The system shall have one 3-phase, 5-wire, 60 Amp IEC 60309 pin and sleeve receptacle for output AC power. (T) |
| Please verify this is a threshold and not an objective. |
| It is a threshold |
| 27 |
| Performance Spec |
| 3.5.8. Two convenience receptacles shall be provided on the system and they shall be NEMA 5-15 connectors. (T) The outlets shall be UL 953 Class A, Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected. (T) |
| Please verify this means 1 duplex receptacle and not 2 duplex receptacles. |
| 2 duplex receptacles. |
| 28 |
| Performance Spec |
| 3.5.11. The solar input ports shall also be able to accept 4 kW of power from other power sources including power scavenging systems. (T) |
| Can you provide more specific interface requirements for the "power scavenging systems" or change this to an objective? |
| The MEHPS System is envisioned to interface with future energy sources as they become available. It is therefore anticipated that MEHPS DC interface be configurable to accept solar as well as other sources of energy. The MEHPS DC input should be appropriately current limited as to not collapse the source. At a minimum, the MEHPS shall be able to accept power from a stable 28 VDC source compliant with Mil-Std 1275E. |
| 29 |
| Performance Spec |
| 3.5.14. After start-up and the user has verified system voltage and frequency, the system shall require user input to activate the availability of output power at the output terminal. (T) |
| Is the intent to have the user verify the voltage and frequency setpoints or to measure the voltage and frequency before activating the output power at the terminals? |
| The system shall measure voltage and frequency that is ready for output and display that to the user. |
| 30 |
| Performance Spec |
| 3.5.17. Planned silent watch. The system shall have the ability to execute a planned silent watch which shall allow the user to fully charge the energy storage modules in generator only mode and perform any other actions needed for silent watch. (T) The system shall also provide the user with feedback indicating silent watch time available based on current load levels. (T) |
| Does "planned silent watch" mean anything beyond allowing the user to manually enter generator only mode and silent watch mode? |
| Yes, see answer to question 30 |
| 31 |
| Performance Spec |
| 3.5.21. Silent watch activation. Silent watch mode shall be able to be activated by a user at any time or at a prescheduled time via the main control panel. (T) |
| Define prescheduled time. Does a user need to input into the system to go to silent watch at, for example, 0800? |
| Planned silent watch is when a user selects a prescheduled time such as 0800 to switch into silent watch mode. The system shall attempt to fully charge the energy storage modules before switching into Silent watch mode at the prescheduled time. |
| 32 |
| Performance Spec |
| 3.5.30. System shutdown. The system shall have a controlled response to component failures, such as the generator, that allows the system to shut down without tripping breakers or other power interrupting faults. (T) |
| Define "power interrupting faults" and how it is different from a controlled response. Specifically, does "power interrupting fault" refer to a software alarm that turns off output power or a mechanical protective device activating? |
| The system shall isolate faulty components and continue to remain functional. |
| 33 |
| Performance Spec |
| 3.9.4.2. Overload. The system shall provide overload protection to prevent damage to the system when the current in any phase exceeds 110% rated current. (T) It shall trip within 6 to 10 minutes for 130% of rated current in any phase. (T) At currents between 110% and 350%, the device shall operate on an inverse time principle with the time to trip reduced in proportion to the increase in current. (T) The overload protection function shall open the AC circuit interrupter and deactivate the convenience receptacle. Reference MIL-STD-705D Method 512.2e (T) |
| Are we free to define the inverse time relationship between current and trip time as long as the system survives 350% for any amount of time? |
| Yes, as long as it doesn’t conflict with the other parts of Performance Spec 3.9.4.2 or any other Performance Spec requirements. |
| 34 |
| Performance Spec |
| 3.11.1. Energy storage. Each MEHPS energy storage device shall use a 6T-Lithium Ion battery compliant with MIL-PRF-32565B (T) as the primary energy storage building block. |
| Do our energy storage devices need to be interchangeable with all MIL-PRF-32565B compliant batteries or only our selected battery? |
| Energy storage devices only need to be interchangeable with the offeror’s selected battery. Inherently a MEHPS energy storage device that uses a MIL-PRF-32565B compliant battery will be interoperable with any other MIL-PRF-3265B compliant battery. |
| 35 |
| Performance Spec |
| 3.11.1.8. Energy storage maintenance charger, standalone. A capability shall be provided to allow for connection to and charging of all energy storage modules from a 120 VAC, 60 Hz power source during storage with a maximum power draw of 1500 W with a standalone, dedicated charger (T). The standalone charger does not have to be transported with the system or included in the total system weight and volume. This charging shall not affect safety of the energy storage modules. (T) The maintenance charger shall have two modes: 1) full capacity mode which charges to 100% SOC and 2) storage mode that will maintain the energy storage modules’ SOC such that it will optimize the long-term health of the energy storage modules. (T) |
| Do you desire one of these to be included with each MEHPS system purchased? |
| No. These will not need to be purchased and delivered with every MEHPS system. |
| 36 |
| Performance Spec |
| 3.11.1.10 State of Charge (SOC) indicator. Energy storage modules shall have a state of charge indicator on the exterior of the module that is operable regardless of whether the module is connected to any other component. (T) |
| Does the SOC indicator have to be incorporated into the MIL-PRF battery, or can it be external? |
| SOC indicator can be external as long as it’s always with the battery, even when the battery is separated from the MEHPS system. |
| 37 |
| Performance Spec |
| 3.11.3.5. Generator battery. The system shall not degrade the state of charge of the generator battery to a point that prevents the generator from being able to start. (T) |
| The ADCS does not report the battery SOC or voltage to MEHPS. Are we supposed to monitor it externally? |
| Yes. |
| 38 |
| Performance Spec |
| 3.11.4.9 Connector style. All connectors used on the system shall require no more than four full turns to be fully seated. (T) |
| May we assume this does not apply to the MS3106F16S-1P ADCS CAN interface cable connector? |
| Yes |
| 39 |
| Performance Spec |
| 3.11.1.3. |
3.11.1.1.
MIL-PRF_32565B 3.5.6 Deep cycle life ... The battery shall successfully complete 1000, 100-percent depth of discharge cycles at 38±3 °C, when tested as specified in 4.4.6.3. (1C charge and discharge)...
MIL-PRF-32565B 3.5.10 Battery service life. The battery service life shall be five years when operated under normal conditions (see 4.3.1.1). Test in accordance with section 4.4.8.
| 3.11.1 Requires that a MIL-PRF-32565B battery is used as the building block for the energy storage system. While most of the specifications in MIL-PRF-32565B are more stringent than the MEHPS specification, in some cases such as the referenced paragraphs the MEHPS spec is more stringent or not covered by the MIL-PRF. Is the expectation that any MIL-PRF-32565B battery be used, or that a special MEHPS-only MIL-PRF-32565B compliant battery be used? |
| If Performance Specs on the MEHPS Energy Storage are more stringent than MIL-PRF-3256B, then they should be relaxed to the MIL-PRF-3256B requirements. The expectation is that any MIL-PRF-32565B compliant battery can be used, and no use of a special MEHPS-only MIL-PRF-32565B battery. |
| 40 |
| Performance Spec |
| Section 3.7.10 |
| How are “individual components” defined? |
| The term “individual components” is not included in PSpec par. 3.7.10. The requirement applies to all components. |
| 41 |
| Performance Spec |
| Section 3.11.1.7 |
| Is a “day” defined as 8 hours or 24 hours? |
| 24 hours |
| 42 |
| Performance Spec |
| 3.11.1, Energy Storage |
| Is a MEHPS energy storage device allowed to have more than one 6T Lithium Ion battery? |
| Yes, as long as it meets “3.4.5. Component weight” and all other specifications. |
| 43 |
| Performance Spec |
| 3.11.4.8, High DC voltage cable |
| Are the interfaces between MEHPS components, i.e. energy storage modules, power converters, control system, etc. allowed to have voltages higher than 50 Vdc? |
| High DC voltage cables above 50 VDC pertain to the MEHPS-SA cables. The external DC interfaces between all other MEHPS components cannot have voltages greater than 50 VDC in order to reduce the risk of a shock hazard from potentially exposed energized conductors above 50 VDC. |
| 44 |
| Performance Spec |
| 3.5.11/Input Solar Power Level |
| What are the characteristics of the transients of mentioned power scavenging systems? How do they compare to typical solar panel transitions? |
| See answer to question 27. |
| 45 |
| Performance Spec |
| 3.2.5.4/Source Switching |
| What is the allowable amount of phase synchronization shift when transitioning between modes of operation (i.e. Genset to hybrid mode) |
| Amount of phase synchronization shift does not matter as long as MEHPS power output continues to meet Performance Spec 3.2.5. AC power quality when tested in accordance with Appendix C. |
| 46 |
| Performance Spec |
| 3.4.5/Component Weight |
| Our initial approach would be to place the modules inside of an environmentally controlled enclosure. Battery modules and power electronic modules can be easily removed/replaced for scaling and replacement. The individual modules would meet weight standards, but an overall populated system would require lifting equipment (i.e. forklift). Is this approach acceptable? |
| Yes. As long each individual module meets Performance Spec “3.4.5. Component weight” and all other component Performance Specs. |
| 47 |
| Performance Spec |
| 3.5.19/Silent Watch Noise Level |
| What ambient temperature ranges will be required for the silent watch noise limit thresholds? During extremely hot ambient temperatures the batteries and power electronics will need to be cooled, thus creating noise. |
| Silent Watch Noise Level must be met for the whole operating temperature range specified in Performance Spec 3.6.1. |
| 48 |
| Performance Spec |
| 3.2.2/Fuel Consumption |
| What ambient temperature range will be required to hit the threshold fuel efficiency requirements? During extreme cold and hot ambient temperature ranges the batteries and power electronics will need to be heated or cooled, thus increasing parasitic loads on the hybrid system. |
| Standard Ambient conditions of temperature = 25° ± 10°C (77 ± 18°F) |
| 49 |
| Performance Spec |
| Performance specification requires that the generator operate only with the Advanced Digital Control System (ADCS). If more interface information on the ADCS is needed please contact Cummins directly at doreen.m.swanson@cummins.com. |
| We understand that we HAVE TO use ADCS. However, can we use engine and generator other than Cummins’ that provide the same performance? |
| No. See PSpec paragraphs 3.1 and 3.5.1 which require integration with the AMMPS generators. |
| 50 |
| Performance Spec – MEHPS-SA |
| 3.2.7. High Temperature Power. |
| In MEHPS-SA PSpec w/Change 1 (Dated March 2020), specification 3.2.7. states, “High Temperature Power. The MEHPS-SA shall incur no less than 10% temporary power loss at 1000W/m2 irradiance and 125 deg F ambient air temperature. (T)” |
1) There is the use of the term “no less than” where it seems the intent is to say “no more than.”
2) The second issue pertains to the performance standard given the conditions you describe, assuming you do in fact intend to say “no more than 10% temporary power loss…” I believe the intent was to equate the 125 deg F ambient air temperature with panel / cell temperature based on how you will perform the test (i.e. heat soak the panel to a homogeneous 125 deg F and then flash test).
In actual employment conditions where the panel is being exposed to sun over time, the Tcell is essentially always higher than the ambient temperature and is approximately determined by the following equation: Tcell = Tair + [(NOCT - 20) / 80] * S, where S = irradiance in mW/cm2 and temps are in deg C. This does not account for wind velocity, which will inversely affect the Tcell due to heat transport. My assumption is that you are specifying zero mph wind conditions. As a result, a condition of 125 deg F ambient air and 1000 W/m2 irradiance results in a Tcell of approximately 83 deg C!
To achieve less than 10% temporary power degradation (i.e. panel de-rating) at an ambient temperature of 125 deg F and 1000 W/m2 irradiance requires a cell chemistry with a Pmax temperature coefficient of about -0.19%/degree K, which is only found with GaAs or another III-V PV chemistry-based solar cell. The only other alternative to meeting this specification would be to add some form of passive heat sinking or active cooling to keep the Tcell lower, which has a lot of other drawbacks in the context of the MEHPS-SA requirement (e.g., size, weight, cost).
Can you confirm my analysis and clarify your intentions with regard to this specification? This has major implications for feasible MEHPS-SA designs.
1) “no less than” is a typo, the Performance Spec should instead say “no more than”, and will be corrected within the Performance Spec.
2) Performance Spec MEHPS-SA, “3.2.7. High Temperature Power” will be tested by heat soaking the panel to a homogeneous 125 degrees F and then flash tested.
| I am looking to confirm if there is an incumbent, or if this is a new requirement? If there is an incumbent, can you please provide the contractor name and contract number? |
| This is a new requirement. |
| Are there approved Battery and Solar Array companies/products that already meet the specification that can be shared? |
| No. |
| Is this meant to be a Sole Source contract award or a Competitive bid contract? The SAM.gov notification indicates a FAR 15 competitive award and the RFP says “Negotiated RFP” which indicate certified cost and pricing analysis be included. Please advise intended award type. |
| This is a competitive solicitation. |
United States Marine Corps