NIHOD201800017_Questions_Second_Set.docx

NIHOD201800017 Questions-Second Round

Answers in bold.

1. Could you please let us know what the throughput requirements might be for the different components that will need to be sterilized and if the rodent cages will be sterilized fully assembled or nested?

On a weekly basis we process the following between two (2) sterilizers:

3 cycles of “soiled” cages/bottles 13 cycles of "sterile” cages 4 cycles of “sterile” water bottles 3 cycles of rodent feed 1 cycle of bedding These cycles are currently all run within a 5-day work week, over a 9.5-hour day. We would expect to be able to run the same cycles with just one (1) sterilizer within a 5-day work week, over a 12-hour day.

2. Can you have the pit floor refinisher provide four (4) 16”W x16”L x 2¾”D depressions in the existing pit, prior to pit refinishing? The exact location of the depressions would be specified on our submittal drawings.

This shouldn’t be a problem provided NIH has drawings indicating where the depressions should be.

3. The existing autoclave length (from door to back wall) measures 86”. The Solicitation in 3.01 B. specifies 96”L. The NPH Cages measured 32¼”L/D x 34” W. If the intent was to process three (3) NPH Cages per load, they will not fit. Can the new autoclave length/depth be reduced to 84” - 86“ (nominal) to match existing autoclave?

Yes, the length/depth can be reduced to 84”-86”; the 96” just provides more flexibility with load configurations.

4. In the Solicitation 3.01 G. 7. D. it mentions “internal sensors” and in 3.01. H. 3. “Temperature leads will be provided” etc… How many sensors/temperature leads are required?

NIH would need one for the water cycle and one for a dry goods cycle if the same sensor can’t be used for both.

5. Is facility chilled water anticipated to be brought to the autoclave area in the near future?

No.

6. In order to provide a project schedule with our response, a start date will be needed. What date do you anticipate issuing an award?

Award is anticipated for Monday, June 18th, 2018.

7. If we are sending in an alternate to what is in the solicitation, where do we put it in the quote?

Please put the alternate in your technical quote and make sure to explain how this alternate still meets the needs of the NIH. Specifically this would be in the technical quote section dealing with “Technical Request/Adherence to Statement of Work.”

8. Are there any issues with chloride?

There are no issues with chloride.

9. Will there be any space to park a van while doing field work (I’m not fully sure got the question right, if I’m misremembering let me know and I’ll email it to John B.)

Only one parking spot will be available to the awardee at the work site. If there are more vehicles that need to be parked, the awardee will have to park away from the worksite to another parking spot(s) on the NIH Campus.

10. Is the location of the autoclave on the actual bottom floor?

Yes, the location of the autoclave is on the bottom floor. There are not any more levels beneath the floor the autoclave is on.

Additional information includes the following: The NIH will request a ‘Fire Protection – Minor’ utility shutdown for the duration of the project which will disable the smoke detectors for the area around the unit.