ATTACHMENT 6 - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.pdf

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. Lifting System / Parts Handling Intent

SOW Section 3.3.2 references a platform that will raise and lower utilizing a hydraulic system with minimum 3-inch linear shafts and bearings mounted to the machine base.

Please confirm whether the Government intends the replacement system to include:

a. an integrated vertical lifting platform as part of the immersion tank system; or

b. a separate external lifting/handling arrangement.

ANSWER: An integrated platform.

If the 4,000-lb parts are expected to be loaded using existing shop equipment, please advise whether any specific loading interface, clearance, or protection features should be incorporated into the replacement design.

2. Lift System Power Basis and Intended Use of Compressed Air

Please clarify how the platform lift system is intended to relate to the facility compressed air referenced in SOW Section 3.7.10.

Please confirm:

a. whether the primary lift system is intended to be hydraulic, pneumatic, or hybrid;

ANSWER: Hydraulic lift system.

b. if the lift system is hydraulic, what function compressed air is intended to serve within the replacement immersion tank system.

ANSWER: None. It is standard to include compressed air connections within the area if needed.

If compressed air is intended for a defined process function such as valve actuation, agitation, blowoff, or another equipment function, please identify that intended use so offerors can align system design and pricing accordingly.

3. Lifting System / Alternative Handling Approach

SOW Section 3.3.2 references a platform that will raise and lower utilizing a hydraulic system with minimum 3-inch linear shafts and bearings mounted to the machine base.

To align the quotation with the Government’s intended handling approach, please confirm whether offerors are required to provide an integrated lifting platform as part of the immersion tank system, or whether the Government will consider functionally equivalent alternative handling methods that achieve safe loading, immersion, and unloading of the required parts.

ANSWER: No, we will not accept alternative methods other than what is stated in the SOW.

For example, would the Government consider an approach in which the immersion tank is decoupled from the lifting mechanism and parts handling is performed by a dedicated gantry crane, manipulator, or other external lifting system designed for loading and unloading operations?

If alternative approaches are acceptable, please advise whether the Government has any preferences or constraints regarding:

a. separation of the lifting system from the tank structure;

b. loading and unloading access;

c. part positioning accuracy during immersion; and

d. operator safety, maintenance access, and workflow around the tank.

4. Air Emissions Permitting

Please advise whether the existing immersion strip tank in Shop 93113 operates under any current/existing air emissions permitting requirements, and whether any permit update is anticipated in connection with the replacement system.

ANSWER: System is a one for one replacement so no additional permits should be required. System is only replacing existing duct work.

If permit-related coordination is anticipated, please advise how the Government expects offerors to address that in their quotations and performance.

5. Hazardous Area Classification / Electrical Design Basis

Please advise whether a hazardous area classification has been established for the immersion tank work area in Shop 93113 and, if so, whether any applicable classification or reference information is available for offerors to use in preparing the electrical design.

This includes whether explosion-proof electrical systems are required at the installation area.

ANSWER: No hazardous area classification has been established for the immersion tank work area.

6. Existing Survey / Reference Information

If available, please provide or confirm the availability of any of the following existing reference information relevant to the replacement work:

a. prior lead-based paint or asbestos survey information for the existing tank, connected piping, ductwork, or associated insulation;

ANSWER: SOW PARAGRAPH 3.7.4 Requires lead and asbestos testing by the vendor.

b. Please advise whether any floor slab or structural information is available for the installation location in Shop 93113 sufficient to confirm support of the replacement immersion tank system under operating load. If available, please provide any relevant structural reference information, including known slab bearing capacity limitations or subsurface conditions that could affect installation.

ANSWER: Non-Available at this time.

c. shop photographs showing the tank area, surrounding equipment, access path, overhead conditions, and visible utility connections; and

ANSWER: Photos are not available of the production area.

d. confirmation whether Drawing PE-22152 supersedes the SOW reference to PE- 22110, or whether PE-22110 is a separate drawing that should also be provided.

ANSWER: PE-22152 is the only drawing for this project. PE22110 is a misprint and will be corrected in the SOW.

7. Evaluation of Technical Submission

Because the solicitation requires quotation drawings under SOW Section 3.6.7, please clarify how those drawings will be reviewed as part of quotation evaluation. Please confirm:

a. whether quotations will be evaluated on a lowest-price technically acceptable basis, or another basis;

ANSWER: Lowest-price quote that meets the requirement of the SOW.

b. whether the equipment drawings are reviewed only for technical acceptability/compliance, or whether technical merit will be comparatively evaluated; and

ANSWER: Technical acceptability/compliance.

c. whether any additional non-price factors beyond the submitted drawings will be considered in award.

ANSWER: If the machine meets all technical requirements per the SOW the lowest-price technically acceptable will be reviewed.