0067_Q_and_A.docx

Questions and Answers regarding N64267-15-R-0067

Question 1 - Attachment 1 contains a CDRL A008 which is not referenced in the solicitation document.

Answer 1 – CDRL A008 was changed to CDRL A007. In addition, CDRL A006 was added to the solicitation, Titled: Interactive training CD

Question 2 - CLIN 0003, CDRL A004 Course Conduct Information Package – Classroom Course. There is no guidance as to the number of students required nor location of expected course in any document of the solicitation package.

Answer 2 – Please see revised CDRL A004

Question 3 - CLIN 0003, CDRL A005 Course Conduct Information Package – Course Conduct (Report and Certificates). Block 16 states “Blk 10, 12: Submission shall be provided 30 days prior to initial training”. In review of the requirement and the DI-ALSS-81522A, the report and certificates are issued after the training is complete. Please review and modify as per the Navy’s expectations.

Answer 3 – Please see revised CDRL A005.

Question 4 - CLIN 0003, CDRL A006 Course Conduct Information Package – Failure/Repair Action Status Report. In regards to Block 3 Subtitle and Block 4 Authority. This appears to be a mis-match? Other references to this in the solicitation package would also need updating.

Answer 4 – Block 2 in this CDRL is course conduct information. Block 3 (Failure/Repair Action Status Report subtitle) is what the course material is supposed to cover. See associated DID in block 4 of the CDRL. Within the DID, the training should be in reference to number 4 - Standard digital data. In this case the course is to be developed for the failure and repair of the units.

Question 5 - CLIN 0003, CDRL E001 Design Review Data Package – Preliminary Design Review (PDR). It is clear there is to be a Preliminary Design Review meeting but there is no guidance as to the number of days or location in any document of the solicitation package

Answer 5 – Please see revised CDRL E001

Question 6 - Solicitation document page 7 of 63, Statement of Work 2.0 Background states “When first articles are deemed adequate, another contract shall be put in place for both NAVSEA and NAVAIR to purchase units over 5 years.” Please confirm the initial contract will only be for the first articles. If the first articles are acceptable, would the same contract number be modified or a new contract issued?

Answer 6 – SOW was revised to state that first articles and production will be within the same contract, located in Section C.

Question 7 - Solicitation document page 15 of 63, Delivery Information, CLIN 0004 and 0005.

Answer 7 – Please provide more information regarding this question.

Question 8 - Will the POP start date be adjusted based on award date of contract and make allowance for government testing review and then to begin building production units?

Answer 8 – Yes, the POP start date will be adjusted based on the award date. Once the first articles are deemed acceptable the POP will be adjusted for a 5 year ordering period.

Question 9 - POP only identifies 4 purchasing years (2017 to 2020). Please clarify for our understanding.

Answer 9 – Solicitation will be amended to incorporate a 5 year ordering period

Question 10 - Attachment 4 – Purchase Descriptions Portable Low Temperature Calibrators (PCTC) paragraph 3.77 Training Materials and Portable High Temperature Calibrator (PHTC) paragraph 3.76 Training Materials. Both require computer based training to which we can find no other reference or deliverable requirement in any document of the solicitation package.

Answer 10 – CDRL A006 was added to the solicitation

Question 11 – Can the solicitation be extended?

Answer 11 – Yes, the solicitation will be extended

Question 12 - LTPC Section 1.0 and HTPD Section 1.0. Regarding size: the last sentence states dimensions as 14” x 11” x 16”. It does not state which dimensions those are to be with regards to height width and length. An initial assumption would be 11” high, length at 16”, and width at 14”; however, please provide clarification.

Answer 12 – Orientation is not critical as long as it can tolerate shock and vibration as called for AND can be stored.

Question 13 - LTPC section 3.72 (Calibration certificate) and HPTC section 3.71states required traceability to NIST and then includes in parentheses (ANSI Z-540, 17025). 17025 and ANSI Z-540 are accreditations: is this a statement requiring both or one or the other.

Answer 13 – Either one would be sufficient

Question 14 – The portable temp calibrator’s solicitation was originally posted under N64267-15-R-0249, and it was cancelled, what is the correct solicitation number.

Answer 14 – The correct solicitation number on FBO is N64267-15-R-0067. The other post that contained N64267-15-R-0249 was cancelled because it was listed under the wrong solicitation number.

Question 15 – Regarding both of the calibrators:

High Temperature: Can the range be increased from 650 C to 660 C?

Low Temperature: Can the range be lowered from -35 C to -40 C?

Answer 15 - The High and Low temperature ranges are located in the attached statement of work documents in Section J.

Question 16 – Digital Interface - Can we provide: 2 - USB, and 1 - RS232 interface connections

Answer 16 – Please see attached statement of work documents for clarification, located in Section J.

Question 17 – CLIN 0003 is to be offered, per the RFP package, as a single unit price for all CDRLS. Will any resultant award provide a CLIN for each CDRL to allow the contractor to invoice for deliverables as they occur?

Answer 17 – No. The CDRLS will not be separately priced.

Question 18 - CLIN 0004 and 0005 Production Units. If yearly pricing was offered, how would the Navy evaluate that pricing offer?

Answer 18. Section L. General Instructions. Award will be made to the lowest priced technically acceptable (LPTA) offeror.

Question 19. Have any technical specifications been established for the desired system?

Answer 19. Please see attached statements of work located in Section J.

Question 20 - Is software that communicates with the calibrators, automates the process and documents data capture an option that we can include in our proposal?

Answer 21 – At a minimum, please provide the specifications listed in the attached documents.

Question 22 - Is Electronic submittal of the proposal allowed?

Answer 22 – Please see section L. Proposal Submission.

Question 23 - Can we incorporate links to sample documents, like quality systems and sample manual formats.

Answer 23 – Please submit only the required documents which are stated in sections L and M.

Question 24 - For hard Copy submittals, which address should it be sent to as the address listed in the SOW is different than the Address listed on FEDBIZZOPS.

Answer 24 - Please see section L. Proposal Submission. The proposals shall be submitted via email to christohper.hainswor@navy.mil and john.e.mcguire@navy.mil

Question 25 - In Hard copy proposals can we include references to web links for supporting documentation or we must include additional paper copies of everything?

Answer 25 – Please see previous question and answer for guidance.

Question 26 - In Section 3.45 there is discussion of the Uniformity specification and that is also included in the overall accuracy. Is this a combination of both vertical and radial uniformity? if yes to 3.a than over what depth?

Answer 26 –Yes, this uniformity specification is for both vertical and radial. Both the PLTC and PHTC shall meet the uniformity and accuracy specification from the bottom of the well up to 3 inches from the top of the well. It is up to the bidder whether or not to state what the reasonably expected uniformity and accuracy are at 2 inches and 1 inch from the top of the well (often referred to as typical). Note, at minimum, accuracy and uniformity will be verified during acceptance testing using the calibration inserts called for in 3.53 for the PHTC and 3.54 for the PLTC.

Question 27 - In addition to the previous questions, the PLTC Temperature range chart in SECTION 3.45 of the PLTC PD seems contradictory…..the published specification is below….

If the Ambient is 63°F, is the required performance

· -27°F (-32.8°C) to 276°F (135.6°C)

· or -40°F to (Ambient +216°F)

Lower ambient’s will reduce maximum temperatures but should not adversely affect minimums, higher ambient temperatures will raise minimum temperatures but should not affect maximums, while we understand in principal what the technical writer is getting at, this table could use some further clarification.

Answer 27 – The answer to your specific question and for any ambient below 68°F it is -40°F to (Ambient +216°F). For ambient of 72°F or higher it is (Ambient -112°F) to 284°F. The ambient ranges of 65°F to 80°F and 60°F to 85°F are intended for writers of shipboard installed instrument calibration procedures to make them aware the full range of the PLTC won’t be available unless the below deck engine room temperatures are benign (68°F to 72°F).

Question 28 - Can compressed files and/or FTP server submissions be emailed?

Answer 28 – Please send all documents pertaining to the RFP. NSWC Corona’s server will reject attachments if they are Zip files. If need be, sending more than one email containing the documents will be sufficient.

Question 29 – Can hard copy proposals be submitted via USPS/FedEx/UPS?

Answer 29 – In section L it states that all proposal transmissions be submitted via email to Chris Hainsworth.

Question 30 - Digital interface – USB revision 3.0 is not common for use on instrumentation and the data speeds required for instrument communication, control and file upload/download do not require the very high data rates enabled by USB revision 3.0. USB revision 2.0 is more than adequate for instrument performance and the requirement for USB revision 3.0 is not practical. Is supplying USB ports conforming to revision 2.0 acceptable?

Answer 30 – Yes, the solicitation will be amended to incorporate the changes.

Question 31 - Please specify the types and function of the two USB interfaces required. Is the requirement for one Type A port which can host a connected device and one Type B port which is used to control the instrument? If a USB Type A port is required, what type of devices will be hosted by this port?

Answer 31 - Two USB’s are called for with the intent that one could be used to control the instrument. The second USB would be used as a printer port. Also, one of the USB ports should support USB flash drive for firmware updates, firmware updates from a laptop and/or CD (i.e. CD firmware updates to laptop to instrument or USB CD drive to instrument), and file transfer (see screen capture below).

Question 32 - 3.47 (PLTC) and 3.46 (PHTC) User Interface – Please describe what is meant by printing of screens via the USB connection. Is a function to capture a screen view as a stored file, then export that file (as opposed to supporting actual hardcopy printing) acceptable? Transfer of files to a PC would be supported through an on-board Type B USB connection. Is direct transfer of files to a connected (hosted) USB flash drive acceptable?

Answer 32 - The main intent of the screen captures is to facilitate Navy calibration procedure writing (ex. copy screen capture and paste into calibration procedure).

Question 33 - 3.63 (PLTC) and 3.62 (PHTC) Firmware updates - Is update of firmware by use of a USB flash drive connected directly to the calibrator USB connection acceptable?

Answer 33 - Yes. However, capability to update firmware via CD or web download of files via a USB CD or laptop connected to one of the instrument USB ports is also needed.

Question 34 - 3.23 Latches – The requirement states that latches and hinges shall be incorporated and specifically calls for slip joint type hinges. Is a design using only latches and no hinges acceptable if it is found to be more practical?

Answer 34 - Yes. If hinges are utilized they must allow for easy cover removal (not a fixed hinge where a screwdriver or Allen wrench would be required to completely remove the cover).

Question 35 - 3.20 Overall Dimensions and Weight – Please clarify whether the respective orientation of length, width and height is critical in the overall dimensions or just the overall dimensions. (ie, does 16” represent maximum height or width or is it flexible?)

Answer 35 – No for operation and transport, yes for storage. This is driven by storage limitations on submarines. So the storage dimensions are NMT 14” H x 11” D x 16” L

Question 36 - 3.45 Heating and Cooling Times – Based on a type of dry block required to meet the Navy’s critical performance specifications, the time of 15 minutes specified for cooling from 200 °F to 120 °F is not practical. We think that it will not be possible for bidders to meet this specification and request a change to 25 minutes.

Answer 36 - The requested specifications for cool down times for the PHTC are based on a survey of multiple COTS forced air cool down PHTCs as well as replies to the RFI. Hence any particular COTS PHTC may not meet all heat/cool times given and the bidder should view functional specifications such as these heat/cool times as targets.

Question 37 - Is software that communicates with the calibrators, automates the process and documents data capture an option that can be included in a proposal?

Answer 37 – yes. As long as the minimum requirements meet the specifications of the proposal.

Question 38 - The stated clearance dimensions for direct connect bulb type switches is not defined. What is the maximum clearance dimension for the mounting nut and flange of the temperature switch referred to in paragraph 3.1?

Answer 38 - The bulb is 11/16 diameter by 3” to 4.5” long to the threads. It says the threads are 1/2” NPT male. So the threads are 1” or less at the top. The nut would need a round hole a little over 1”, in other words the nut shown here would fit into the new PLTC but likely not the PHTC. However we are not aware of any direct connect bulbs like shown here that go above 140°C.

Question 39 – 3.4 Reference is made to using the Navy's current stock of 6" x 1" nickel plated copper chucks with the PLTC. Typically, the copper chucks would not be used with the low temp system. Is this indicated in error or is it desired that the copper chucks will also be used in the PLTC?

Answer 39 - The intent of providing support for use of the Navy’s older chucks/inserts is in case there might be field modified inserts which we are unaware of and are used very rarely. Hence there is a very remote possibility the Navy might want to use an old nickel plated copper chuck in the new PLTC. If the bidder foresees a problem with this such as extended times to allow for heat/cool transfer, thermal expansion issues, etc. please note this in your proposal. Note it is the Navy’s intent to recall all old aluminum inserts so that there will be no chance they could be mistakenly used in any PHTC. Also, if the bidder foresees compatibility issues with using an old nickel plated copper insert in the new PHTC please note this in your proposal. Support for using the old inserts is considered a very low priority attribute.

Question 40 - 3.20. Can you provide desired dimensions or not to exceed dimension for the PLTC accessory case?

Answer 40 – No more than 11” in any direction. Preferably smaller in one or more direction and can be stored in any direction without contents becoming jumbled.

Question 41 - 3.25. Handles are required on the top center of the cover and left and right sides of the enclosure. Can the handles also be located relative to the front and back assuming that the front to back dimension of the enclosure is 14", height is 16" and width (left to right sides) is 11"?

Answer 41 – Yes. Just remember, if it is 16” high it may need to be stored on its side and the handles, hinges, and/or latches may need to be recessed and/or corner feet may or may not be needed. Also note if the unit cannot be transported on its side (re: loose cargo bounce test), this will need to be clearly stated on the outside of the unit.

Question 42 - 3.42 and 3.54. Paragraph 3.42 states that the well diameter is to be from 1.156" to 1.18" and large enough to accommodate the 1.125" diameter Detroit Switch model 222 pigtails, but no larger. Paragraph 3.54 states that the inserts are to be 1.1875" diameter. Please provide maximum diameter of Detroit Switch pigtails and confirm preferred maximum well diameter and insert diameters. The well dimensions stated would suggest that the inserts would be too large to fit in the well at its maximum dimension of 1.18".

Answer 42 – You are correct, the 1.1875” (1 & 3/16 inch) nominal diameter given for the PLTC inserts in paragraph 3.54 is incorrect and will be amended in the solicitation to say “PLTC inserts outer diameter to be determined by the bidder.” The Detroit Switch pigtails are a nominal 1 & 1/8 inch (1.125”) diameter. With use and abuse over time they may become less or more in diameter (& length). The main reason 1.156” to 1.18” are given for the well diameter is to say the maximum the PLTC well diameter can be up to 30mm (1.18” + 0.001”) and can be as small as 1.156” (1 & 5/32 inch). Note the abused pigtails that may have become bigger in diameter can be carefully stretched slightly to bring their diameter back towards their original 1 &1/8 inch. Hence the bidder has some slight leeway in regards to the well diameter (1.156” to 1.811”) and as such should specify and machine the inserts for the diameter the bidder decides upon. Note that ± tolerances for the well and the inserts need to accommodate for thermal contraction and expansion of the well & inserts. Hence the ± tolerances are not given and this is up to the expertise of the bidder to properly specify.

Question 43 - The Navy is currently supporting its temperature calibration workload using dry well temperature calibrators with display resolution of 0.1 F/C in normal use mode and 0.01 F/C when the temperature calibrator is being calibrated or aligned. What new workload requirements are driving the display resolution requirements of 0.01 F/C and 0.001 F/C in calibration/ alignment mode? Is this a firm requirement or a "nice to have"?

Answer 43- Note that one of the Navy’s current PLTCs does have 0.01F resolution. Also note that the new PLTC will have an accuracy of 0.25F and if resolution were only to be 0.1F that would be 40% of the accuracy (and 0.1C would be 0.18F would be 72% of the accuracy). Hence the 0.01 F/C resolution requirement is a firm requirement for the PLTC (and the PHTC too). For calibration, alignment, and/or adjustment a resolution of 0.01C would be 7.2% of the PLTC accuracy of 0.25F and 3.6% of the PHTC accuracy of 0.5F. Hence a resolution of 0.01F/C might be marginally adequate for calibration, alignment, and/or adjustment of the calibrators, but given the fact there are now some COTS portable drywell calibrators available with 0.001C/F this should be considered highly desired by the Navy, particularly for the PLTC.

Question 44 - 3.48. Paragraph 3, a - c mention coarse a fine adjustment modes in manual operation. If the operator has a keypad to enter target temperature test points in whole degrees or fractions of a degree, isn't this the same as the requirement is suggesting? For example, in fine mode, if the initial target test point is 200.0 F the sailor could input 200.7 and the PLTC would increase well temperature to 200.7 F.

Answer 44 – The best example for what is meant by manual course/fine adjustment is for troubleshooting and/or adjustment of temperature switches. Say the operator is trying to adjust a Detroit 222 switch (via a screwdriver) to 200.7F after the switch did not toggle when testing it from 200.0F to 200.7F. What temperature should the operator then type in to fish for where switch will toggle at? Now if the keypad can increment up via say a + key (& - key for the other direction, or arrow keys, etc.) then yes a keypad only design can fulfill this requirement. Course/fine setting using keys would likely then be set/chosen via menu choice. With just a keypad without such control the operator would likely have to set the calibrator to 205.0F and try to ‘catch’ when the switch trips (say it does around 203.5F), then adjust the screw on the 222 and do it over again (& again, & again). Likely a lot of number pad typing without such course/fine manual control.

Question 45 - 3.51. For uniformity of the fielded PLTC is it preferable to have many of the standard TI test setups preconfigured into the PLTCs memory by the OEM?

Answer 45– Generic TI test setups yes, fixed points test setups no. Generic meaning the user inputting the TI gage range & accuracy, the 20%, 50%, 80% temperature test points and tolerances are generated by the PLTC & PHTC and can be saved by the operator for convenient retrieval for those common gage range & accuracy combinations. Same idea for temperature switches with the difference being instead of % test points the operator would give the set/switch point(s).

Question 46 - 3.54. Item 8, Flow Gator Insert. The D573 insert drawing shows the overall dimensions to be 6.13" long by 0.745" diameter. These dimensions would need to change to work with the PLTC well or legacy adapter insert.

Answer 46 – Yes. The D573 is given for the internal dimensions to accommodate the flow gator sensor. The outer diameter and length would need to be for the new PLTC.

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