Questions and Answers for Solicitation N0016722Q0189.docx

Questions and Answers for Solicitation N0016722Q0189 – Diesel Engine Testing:

1. What components of this diesel outboard engine are all being tested? (i.e. will just the motor be tested (loading at crankshaft/flywheel), or will the entire outboard motor assembly be tested (loading at the prop shaft of the outboard unit)?

The entire outboard motor assembly should be tested, but loading at the crankshaft would be acceptable if it meets our intentions. We would have to discuss the specifics.

2. Will this unit have a raw water pump mounted on it, or will positive water pressure need to be supplied to the engine for cooling?

Positive water pressure needs to be supplied.

3. I see a requirement in section 8.1 for the testing to occur during the period of 8/15/22 – 9/30/22. Is this still a valid requirement?

We need the testing done before the end of the fiscal year if possible.

4. I do not see anything in the bid spec about a motor mount frame being provided. Can you confirm that this would need to be provided by the testing company?

That would need to be provided by the testing company. If they are unable to provide one then we can provide one.

5. PWS lists multiple test hour durations 300 and 400hr, which is correct?

400 hr is correct.

6. Can you provide more details of the engine being tested?

See the attached Field Manual.

7. Can you provide more details of the outboard motor:

a. Are the any mounting or testing hardware the manufacturer could provide?

We should have everything needed. Anything else we can get from the manufacturer. They will provide assistance.

b. Does this engine have an electronic control software? If so, would the manufacturer provide the software and calibration files?

It does and it will be provided. The OEM will assist

c. Is there a recommended prop-shaft for this application?

No

8. 3.2.3.3 Lists emissions gas sampling requirement can you confirm?

Confirm

9. 3.2.3.7 Lists exhaust capacity measurement. I assume this is exhaust gas pressure in the system since the exhaust will be connected to the laboratory exhaust?

Correct

10. 3.2.3.7 Ambient Noise. Is that necessary in a laboratory environment with a closed exhaust system?

Not necessary

11. 3.2.12 Fuel sample collection. Is the contractor responsible for the cost of the fuel analysis?

Yes

12. 3.2.13 Fuel System Characterization. Can more details be provided? Possible sample data sheet from previous tests? Is this something the engine manufacturer can perform?

This may be tricky to do and cause damage to the engine to where the engine would fail the remaining portions of the test. This is an optional tasking. This would need to be independent of the OEM.

13. 3.3.3.3 – Is a picture or sketch of the engine is available? Capture of exhaust emissions on an outboard engine under test is tricking, especially when meeting ISO 8178 measurement requirements.

See field service manual attached.

14. 3.2.3.4 - What is Exhaust Capacity – or is Opacity what is intended?

Exhaust capacity is the exhaust airflow. Can discuss feasibility.

15. 3.2.6 requires break-in per OEM-recommended procedure – can you provide what the procedure as this requires operating hours and additional test stand hours that need to be priced into contract? Also can break in be done with ULSD or does it need to be done with test fuel?

See the attached break in procedure. Listed of fuels are located in Service manual attached. ULSD is fine for engine break-in. .

After break-in, does the engine need to be inspected for condition before start of actual testing?

Yes.

16. Table 1 – At Sea Like Operating Conditions – this is actually a mimic of Desert-like operating conditions that LCE is using on another Navy project. Also, where are they invoked or used? It test to be run at the At Sea Like Operating Conditions?

Test should be run at At sea like conditions.

17. Table 1 – Engine Coolant Outlet – typical outboard motors do not have closed loop cooling system – if this one does, the only way to control this is to heat the raw water – is this the intent and if so does the engine currently have inlet and outlet jacket water temperature sensor or do we have to provide?

This engine has a closed circuit cooling system. Engine has sensors for engine coolant temperature. Contractor would have to provide jacket water temperature sensor.

Also does seawater need to be simulated or if fresh water acceptable as the cooling water?

Saltwater is preferred

18. 3.2.7 requires maximum load and part load power curves. Do you know what is expected from part-load curves? How many part load curves?

At least 2 from 50% and 70% load

19. Is Full load curve data is requested at end of test(EOT) but it is typically done for engine testing? Please clarify that full load curve data is or isn’t needed at EOT.

It is required at EOT

20. 3.2.8 – For NATO AEP-5 the engine change time is 15 seconds – Table 2 notes 4 and 5 have XX – will these be defined for test planning purposes by the Navy or OEM?

Defined by the Navy

For another engine test we did with NATO AEP-5 these numbers were 3 seconds and 70%; also 3.2.8 says this is a 400hr test while section 3.2.13 says it is a 300hr test. I believe 3.2.13 is incorrect, but would like to clarify.

This is a typo. It is a 400 hr test.

21. Table 2 shows the test cycle. Can you clarify test step #5. Is the engine to be run for 4 minutes at idle and 100% speed and load for 2 hours or is it that for 2 hours move engine back and for the on 4 min idle and 6 min full load? Which is correct?

Engine to be run for 4 minutes at idle and 100% speed and load for 2 hours

22. 3.2.8.2 – says all parameters listed in Section 3.3.3 – this section does not exist – is it intended to be 3.2.3?

Should be 3.2.3. Error when copying to format.

23. 3.2.8.2 – high speed injection and pump characterization – what is the speed for data collection?

Intent is for the contractor to determine the speed at which data is collected to develop characterization.

Also is the intent and requirement to capture crank angle as this likely will be difficult for an outboard engine or is this data available from the ECU?

The intent is not capture the crank angle. OEM would have to clarify if the ECU has the data related to crankshaft and piston travel.

24. 3.2.10 and 3.2.11 seem to be in conflict unless OEM recommendation is to change every 50 hours – all filters?

No. Just the Oil filter. See the field service manual for the recommended maintenance at 50 hr, 200 hr, etc.

Does the unit have an onboard oil water separator?

No. There is a fuel water separator.

25. 3.2.13 – calls out a 300-hour test. The original request was for a NATO 400-hour test. Which is correct?

400 hr is correct

Also we need to have the OEM provide the part requirements for reinstalling the fuel pump and injectors including any gasket and grommets – and it should be noted that recent Navy engine test, this requirement was scrubbed because engine pump drive failed because of removals so are you sure this is your request? There is test risk each time parts are disassembled especially on smaller engines like outboard engines.

This requirement may be scrubbed. Awaiting word from Program Office.

26. 3.2.13 – can the inspection requirements for the fuel system be clarified or further defined?

May be relaxed but information and material can be obtained from OEM for this effort.

27. 3.2.15 – fuel injectors and pump disassembly will likely permanently destroy them. We note our name is listed in the final sentence (Optional or LCE arranged) – this was an extract from an RFP from our SOW to our testing company – we have done many project where reassembly and characterization was done by Bosch – using their specs – we need to know who the pump manufacturer and injector manufacturer are and if they are willing to do the pre- and post-test calibration and post-test teardown and inspection or at least provide the flow specifications if this is new engine technology. Also can we run the performance test prior to disassembly?

Yes test can be run prior to disassembly.

28. 4.1 – What warranty work is anticipated for the duration of the 400-hour test.

None is anticipated. This requirement is for OXE Marine USA to provide any required warranty work.

29. 6.2 identifies a pre-test of injectors and pump – this requires removal from the engine prior to start – or is this done after break in but prior to the start of the test?

This is listed as optional but it would be done after engine break in.

30. 3.1.1 The Navy estimates a total of 600 gallons (at estimated 15 gph max at 3600 rpm with 10% reserve) of fuel required to complete 40 consecutive 10-hour test cycles. Is there a zero missing from the total gallons – 40 cycles * 10 hours per cycle is 400 hours. 400 hours * 15 gallons per hour is 6,000 gallons. Is this the correct estimated amount that will be required to be stored per the words in 3.1.1?

Typo, but 6000 gallons is not needed for testing. Use an average of 10 gph for 400 hr, 4000 gallons would be a rough estimate needed for testing evolution.

31. Could LCE please get a one week extension from the due date of 25 July?

Yes, the Solicitation will be extended.

32. What form of proposal is required – since this is FFP proposal – is a cover letter, price, and technical discussion acceptable?

Cover letter (optional) and price. No Technical discussion.

33. How do we provide payment terms for the pricing – there are up front items to be acquired prior to test cell installation.

This will be a Firm Fixed Price contract. Payment request will be conducted by invoicing the government via WAWF after service has been completed.

34. The POP is tight considering the fuel pump and injectors need to be removed and performance tested. NATO 10 hour test typically is run one test daily that includes a heat soak down. This permits 2 tests day with shift – on a 5 day a week testing tempo this is 20 days of testing. Is there any flexibility to extending the POP? There is a requirement for a test plan – this process from development to approval by the Navy typically takes between 20-45 days alone.

There may be flexibility depending on contractor proposed end date and Program office approval.