Questions and Answers for Solicitation N0016721Q0234.pdf

Questions and Answers for Solicitation N0016721Q0234:

1. Stitched carbon fiber does not meet requirement 2.2.1 outlined in the Performance Work

Statement (PWS).

“2.2.1 The carbon fiber used in the manufacturing of the panels shall be uni-directional non-stitched carbon fiber pre-impregnated with an epoxy resin system, i.e. uni-directional carbon fiber pre-preg.”

2. The use of a vacuum infusion system to manufacture the carbon fiber/epoxy panels does not meet the requirement 2.4.1 outlined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

“2.4.1 The carbon fiber panels shall be fabricated using a vacuum bag hot press cure method.

All manufacturing conditions used shall be included in the OQE report such as temperature, cure time, pressure, etc…”

3. Is an autoclave cure acceptable or were you looking for a platten press cure?

Yes, if the surface flatness tolerance, fiber volume fraction, void content, and all other requirements listed can be achieved and demonstrated through OQE. Evidence that the vendor will meet the requirements should be provided in the proposal to support the award decision.

4. Can we quote you and make samples to make parts to the required thickness for validation of the layup schedule?

Yes. The quote proposal should reflect the entire cost of manufacturing the carbon panels and meeting all the minimum requirements listed. Sample parts are not listed as part of the minimum requirements, but can be used to validate the vendor’s manufacturing process.

5. How important is the modulus spec for the Uni material?

The dry fiber modulus is important. The dry fiber modulus should be in the range of 33-35 Msi for standard modulus carbon fiber and 40-45 Msi. The uni-prepreg modulus will be defined by the fiber volume fraction, dry fiber modulus, and epoxy modulus. Please reference the Requirement

2.2.2.

6. How important is the prepreg peel ply as spec’d? We are looking at high minimum order quantities and long lead times, when we could just leave our regular non prepreg peel ply on.

The Solicitation Amendment will address this question.

7. Is there a thickness tolerance on the parts?

There is no tolerance thickness on the parts, only a surface flatness tolerance. The nominal thickness listed for each type of panel (i.e. 0.50”, 0.25”, etc.) should be met as best as possible, given the underlying material thickness and ply schedule requirements as stated in Requirement

2.1.5.

8. For the quasi-isotropic layup, if the (+45,90,-45,0) is a set does the layup need to end with a set or can the layup end in the middle of a set? This ties into the thickness tolerance, if there is any.

The quasi-isotropic layup must begin with the (+45,90,-45,0) “Set” and end in the symmetrical

“Set” i.e. (0,-45,90,+45). Please reference Requirement 2.3.1 and Requirement 2.3.2.

9. when would you be looking at taking first deliveries ?

Requirement 2.6.1: Multiple smaller shipments of completed carbon fiber/epoxy panels to the Government is acceptable to meet the required timeline. A minimum of four (4) panels shall be delivered to the Government upon each shipment.

Requirement 2.6.4: The initial minimum shipment of carbon fiber/epoxy panels shall be deliver to NSWC Carderock Division within eight (8) weeks after the contract is awarded.

Requirement 2.6.5: All carbon fiber/epoxy panels shall be delivered to NSWC Carderock Division within twelve (12) weeks after the contract is awarded.