RFQ Questions and Answers_N0016723Q0006 (002) js.docx

Questions for the 400HR Engine Lab Testing Requirement:

1. 8.1 The requirement in section 8.1 for the testing to be completed with-in one (1) month of contract award. Is this still a valid requirement? Also the POP for CLIN 001 indicates a 15 December 2022 to 15 Jan 2023 date. Based on our testing experience this is likely not realistic. We have run over 25 full scale engine tests for the Navy and the combination of logistics of moving equipment and fuel, review of test plan, test data analysis and final report for approvals as well as that to perform a break-in, test curves and 400 hours (16.7 24 hours of running) would make it difficult to deliver within a month. Additionally the required test stand setup and instrumentation for this test will take some time to accomplish prior to test start. Unless the equipment and fuel are already at a contractors facility prior to award, we believe a one month schedule is impractical for this type of test. Can we propose a test schedule based on a December 15 award that we believe we can accomplish- Yes, The schedule can be adjusted.

1. What components of this diesel outboard engine are all being tested? (i.e. will just the engine be tested (loading at crankshaft/flywheel), or will the entire outboard motor assembly be tested (loading at the prop shaft of the outboard unit)? Preferably the entire outboard motor assembly but discussions can be had if complexity is an issue

1. 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? This engine has a closed circuit cooling system. Engine has sensors for engine coolant temperature.

1. We 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? Yes

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

4. Are the any mounting or testing hardware the manufacturer could provide? Yes. The OEM or Government will be able to supply what is needed.

4. Does this engine have an electronic control software? If so, would the manufacturer provide the software and calibration files? Yes. That will be provided with the engines.

4. Is there a recommended prop-shaft for this application? No

4. What fuel system type/model is used with this engine? Looking for more information about fuel system component flow testing. What specific information/details can Navy share? See attached engine specs.

1. Does the unit have an onboard oil water separator? No. There is a fuel water separator.

1. 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 fuel consumption rate given 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.

1. 3.2.3.3 Lists emissions gas sampling requirement can you confirm that these are the gases to be measured? Yes

1. 3.2.3.4 Lists exhaust capacity measurement. I assume this is exhaust gas pressure in the system since the exhaust will be connected to the laboratory exhaust or is it Exhaust Opacity? What is intended? Correct

1. 3.2.3.7 Ambient Noise. Is that necessary in a laboratory environment with a closed exhaust system? Not necessary

1. 3.2.6 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. In addition, where are they invoked or used? Is the test to be run at the At Sea Like Operating Conditions? Not necessary

1. 3.2.6 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.

In addition, does seawater need to be simulated or if fresh water acceptable as the cooling water? Saltwater is preferred but freshwater can be used as the cooling water

1. 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

1. 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 is not needed at EOT. It is required at EOT

1. 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

1. 3.2.8 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

1. 3.2.8.1 states to measure all parameters in 3.2.3. This includes exhaust emissions. I believe this is a change from previous request. Therefore, we will be measuring emissions for the entire 400hrs. Is this correct? yes

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 3.2.8.2 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.

1. 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.

1. 3.2.12 Fuel sample collection. Is the contractor responsible for the cost of the fuel analysis? Yes

1. 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? From our testing experience, it is a risk to take components off and then put them back on to continue testing. Failure of a component after reassembly invalidates the entire test. Recommend omitting this requirement. Can be removed

1. 3.2.13 – 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. Any failure would invalidate the entire test. Can be removed.

1. 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 projects 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. We would also need to have a list of materials needed for proper rebuild of the components.

In addition, can we run the end-of-test performance test prior to disassembly? Best scenario is to have the OEM pump and injector characterization readings available to compare to the characteristics taken pre-test, post-test and post teardown/inspection reassembly. Yes test can be run prior to disassembly.

1. 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 or is it optional? Optional