RFP-RFQ_Q_AND_A.pdf

MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND

N62387-15-R-8015

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The following are answers to questions received from potential offerors. The answers provide clarification only and DO NOT constitute an amendment to the solicitation.

1. The schedule doesn’t seem realistic in that an install in February of 2016 would be too soon.

Does MSC intend to modify the schedule in the solicitation?

Answer: Yes. See updated delivery schedule included in amendment 0001.

2. Does MSC want the SCRs replaced or just the SCR drives?

Answer: The SCRs and SCR drives shall all be replaced. See paragraph 4.2 of Attachment 1 to the Solicitation.

3. Why does the forward DOHB use tracks and the aft DOHB use tires?

Answer: Each method offers better control for different operations.

4. The DOHBs and Cable Drums all have a high and low gear. How does an operator shift between the high and low gear?

Answer: See 3.4.1 and 3.5.1 of Attachment 2 to the solicitation. In addition to the switch on the console there are manual, mechanical functions that must also be performed.

5. Can the operator console screens be angled or tilted?

Answer: The operator console screens can be angled or tilted. However, environmental factors such as glare from overhead lights or sun light must be taken into consideration in the design.

6. Why does the aft cable drum have a higher capacity than the forward cable drum (100,000 lbs vs.

120,000 lbs)?

Answer: The capability to tow the plow with the aft cable drums was originally designed into the system.

7. Can MSC provide the application software for the existing HMI, Allen Bradley PLCs, and

Automax?

Answer: MSC is not able to provide the software.

8. Can cameras replace the operator’s line of sight from the operator’s console?

Answer: No, a camera cannot replace the line of sight. However, a camera could augment the line of sight but it is not required per the PWS.

9. Has a cable slipped through the DOHB or Cable Drum? If so, how?

Answer: When operating correctly, there is no slippage. Any slippage would only be due to a speed mismatch between the drum and the DOHB if the control system was not functioning properly.

10. Do the remote screens provide any control functionality or accept any inputs.

Answer: No, they are remote displays only.

11. What is the electrical interface between the control system and the HPUs for the forward DOHBs?

Answeer: There is a PLC located in a box in front of the forward control console on both the port and starboard sides.

12. How is the speed controlled for the forward DOHB?

Answer: The speed control lever is connected to a potentiometer. See Solicitation Attachment 2, paragraphs 3.4 and 3.5.1. The potentiometer sends a reference signal to the PLC which then interfaces with the hydraulic servo.

13. What type of monitor, laptop, or tablet does MSC prefer for the Remote Control Console in the

Mission Control Space?

Answer: MSC would like a permanently installed, hard wired HMI device. See updated language in Amendment 0001 to paragraph 4.4.19.1 of Attachment 1.

14. Is any cable information inputted into the control system?

Answer: No

15. What protocol is used to send signals from the control system to the Makai system in Mission Control?

Answer: RS-232

16. If the operator returns the existing cable drum payout lever to center, what happens?

Answer: The cable drum comes to a stop and the motor brake engages.

17. How many operators are required at the operator’s console during cable operations?

Answer: The operator’s console is typically manned with two operators at each console (two operators at the forward console and two operators at the aft console).

18. Are multiple cable drums ever used simultaneously?

Answer: Yes and all four must be able to operate independently and simultaneously.

19. Are the Hydraulic Power Units (HPU’s) for the forward DOHB’s cross connected?

Answer: Yes, they can be lined up to be cross connected, per the procedure described in section 3.5.1 of Attachment 2 to the solicitation.

20. Does the laptop required in the spec need to remotely control the system or be connected in any way?

Answer: There is a requirement for a Remote Control Console, which will be modified to prohibit the use of a laptop or tablet. Two laptops are required to be supplied with all the technical documents and to be used as the maintenance computer as described in section 5.4 of the Solicitation and paragraph 4.4.18 of Attachment 1 to the solicitation.

21. Is there an emergency stop function on the cable drum or other components?

Asnwer: Yes, there is an emergency stop pushbutton for the cable drum on the operator’s console as described in section 3.5.1 of Attachment 2 to the Solicitation.

22. What is the maximum design speed for paying out and hauling in cable?

Answer: Seven (7) knots maximum for both paying out and hauling in.

23. Paragraph 3.3.1.6 discusses accessibility for performing maintenance and later in the paragraph says the contractor shall demonstrate on a “full scale mock-up” maintenance can be performed while standing, sitting or in the prone position. We do not see the requirement for building a prototype console anywhere else in the RFP. Is a prototype required for this project and if so what phase (i.e. Base, Option 1, 2 or 3) should this be priced?

Answer: There is no requirement for a prototype. This can be demonstrated during the factory acceptance test. See updated language in paragraph 3.3.1.6 of the Performance Work Statement in the Solicitation.

24. Paragraph 4.2.3.5 requires new drive control circuit breakers feeding each of the cable drum motor SCR Drives and one additional as a spare (50% spares). Wouldn’t you need two spares to make 50% spares? Does MSC want a total of 5 or 6 circuit breakers?

Answer: MSC requires a total of 6 circuit breakers. See updated language in paragraph

4.2.3.5 of Attachment 1 to the Solicitation.

25. Is there a requirement for a minimum amount of displays at the forward and aft control consoles?

Answer: Yes, the forward and aft control consoles must have at least four (4) displays each as follows:

Port critical information display

Port display for other data

Starboard critical information display

Starboard display for other data

Additional displays may be provided for data and control for reasons of engineering preference, ergonomics, convenience, redundancy, etc.

26. What is the current size displays being used as the Remote Critical Information Displays (Para.

4.4.12.2) located at the bow/stern display stations?

Answer: The current display screens for the remote critical information displays at the bow and stern remote stations are 19” diagonally.

27. During the ship check access was restricted to the Mission Control Space. Where is the preferred location for the mission controls displays and how are they mounted (i.e. desk top monitors, displays mounted on a bulkhead, displays flush mounted into a console, etc).

Answer: The remote critical information displays located in mission control are located at the stbd end of the operator’s console, and are rack-mounted in a standard 19” rack. The new displays will be located in the same place and will be mounted in the same manner.

28. During the ship check access was restricted to the Mission Control Space and therefore we were not able to determine the size of the mission control displays. What is the required size of the Mission Control Displays (Para 4.4.12.2)?

Answer: The remote critical information displays located in Mission Control are 19” diagonally. New displays will be the same size.

29. What type of fiber optic cable is currently run to the Remote Critical Information Displays located at the bow/stern display stations? Is it single mode or multi-mode?

Answer: The current cables supplying the bow and stern remote critical information displays are VGA cable. There is no preference concerning the type of cable for the new displays.

The cables are run under the deck and come up through the main deck under the display location.

30. Paragraph 3.3.1.3 required new SCR Drives that have parts commonality and maintenance configuration with other recently upgraded Siemen’s Drives. We are requesting whether another manufacturer’s drives can be used for this contract?

Answer: No, another manufacturer’s drives cannot be used for this contract.

31. Closing Date is currently stated as June 9, 2015 in this RFP. We are requesting whether an extension can be granted until June 23, 2015 for proposal submission?

Answer: The proposal due date has been extended to 16 June 2015 as part of Amendment 0001.