Responses to Questions-Transit Bus Industry Day 3-24-2011.docx

Responses to Questions/Suggestions Transit Bus Industry Meeting

1. Suggestions from 40ne/USSC Group

Gentlemen, It was pleasure meeting you yesterday and as indicated, please accept this email as an official request from 4One and USSC Group / Fogmaker to respectfully consider the components as described below:

1). Passenger Seating – 4One Aries. This seat is one of the most popular stainless steel seats in the industry today. The Aries is widely used in heavy duty transit applications in the US and Canada as well as in heavy duty shuttle applications such as Airport, University and Contractor. An example of large agencies which currently use this seats include MARTA (Atlanta) and LACMTA (Los Angeles). All OEM’s have the Aries designed in their bus models. A PDF of the Aries brochure can be found on the Scan Disk that was delivered to you during the meeting.

GSA Response: Requirements will allow equivalants to be offered.

2). Wheelchair Restraint System – 4One QPod. The QPod is the result of a comprehensive market study conducted by 4One and Q’Straint which evaluated current ADA requirements and input from various transit systems. The QPod offers a complete ADA system which provides automatic retracting belts that are integral to the system, integrated barriers and flip seats. This system provides a much improved ergonomic design for the driver or passenger assistant as the ease of securing the passenger(s) does not require bending in awkward positions. All OEM’s have the QPod designed in their bus models A instructional video and literature can be found on the Scan Disk.

GSA Response: QPod not included at this time as it restricts some bus OEM's to one seat supplier.

3). Fire Suppression & Detection - Fogmaker North America. This system is new to the North American market and is likely the most exciting and unique product that has been introduced in many years. There are more than 40,000 buses currently operating in Europe with the Fogmaker system and is standard equipment on Volvo and Mercedes buses for the European market. The Fogmaker uses high pressure water instead of chemical / powder systems currently used in North America. In addition to the rapid extinguishing performance of this system, the “Green” characteristics complement current EPA initiatives. The OEMs that have currently produced units with the Fogmaker include New Flyer, Gillig and El Dorado. Also, NABI and Orion are currently processing orders that will have this system. A live demonstration video, literature and technical specifications are included on the Scan Disk and I have also attached an Article and photos that was recently published.

GSA Response: Fogmaker will be considered for inclusion as option at a later date after more North American experience.

Please review the information provided and let me know if you have questions or need additional information. Your consideration of this request is greatly appreciated.

2. Suggestions from Bus Stuf, Inc Jerry, The current transit bus draft specification is in italic below:

3.1.2.4 Alternator

The alternator shall be a 24 Volt Leese-Neville, Niehoff, or Delco rated to continuously supply 100% of the full-load amperage (FLA) at rated regulated output voltage with the engine at base idle speed and at an ambient operating temperature of 93C/200F. The full-load amperage (FLA) of the bus is the maximum concurrent load when all on-board electrical equipment is operating simultaneously.

Full-load amperage (FLA) and regulated voltage output shall be confirmed and validated through engineering testing and measurement under the following conditions on the first article:

at engine base idle speed all on-board electrical is operating concurrently, FLA condition at an ambient operating temperature of approximately 25C/77F

The rated output of the alternator shall be determined through analysis using manufacturer’s supplied performance data, under the following conditions:

at engine base idle speed at regulated output voltage at an ambient operating temperature of 93C/200F.

EMP respectfully requests the addition of the Power 450 alternator. This alternator is a proven 450 amp air cooled alternator that carries a 2 year parts and labor warranty. The Power 450 meets the performance criteria in the current draft specification. I would also request all approved alternators carry a 2 year warranty. This warranty has become the norm for the transit bus industry.

Suggested revised specification :

The alternator shall be an air cooled 450 Amp brushless alternator with low copper 356-T6 aluminum heat treated housings for superior strength and corrosion resistance. Oversized ball bearings with high temperature grease for maximum bearing life. The unit is to be fitted with an air intake system that pre-filters air and/or allows for clean ambient intake air. Product must produce 280 amps, or greater, at engine idle (750 RPM) and 400 amps, or greater, at 1,200 RPM. The alternator shall some with a standard 2 year warranty for parts and labor.

EMP also requests the engine cooling system section be modified / updated to specify the electric cooling system in lieu of hydraulic system. The electric cooling systems designed by EMP, NOVA, and Modine have become the current standard in the industry with over 50% of New Flyer’s bus production now the all-electric EMP mini-hybrid cooling system. The EMP mini-hybrid cooling system is a more efficient design. The electric system provides a 5-15% improvement in fuel economy and weight savings of up to 500 lb. per bus.

GSA Response: Technical requirements will be changed to remove brand names, allowing OEM's to offer their preferred alternator meeting requirements.

Current draft:

3.1.2.5 Engine Cooling System

As a result of potential high relative altitude, temperature/seasonal extremes, and operating reliability demands, ordinary water-based cooling systems, which offer marginal performance in lower altitude, warmer climates are not acceptable. The contractor shall provide verifiable documentation from the proposed engine manufacture that the proposed cooling system has been designed and installed according to the engine manufacturer's recommendations demonstrating that it will meet performance requirements as defined in this specification.

The cooling system shall maintain the engine coolant at a temperature not exceeding the engine OEM requirements when loaded to GVW and operated at an altitude of 7,000 feet above sea level in an ambient air temperature of not less than 115 degrees F.

Cooling system coolant shall be a 50/50 low silicate, ethylene glycol coolant mixture. The Government requires de-ionized water or soft water versus regular (hard) tap water to be mixed with the antifreeze. A coolant recovery tank shall also be provided which can be visually verified to determine the level of the fluid in the tank. In addition, the proposed radiator air inlet area shall be sufficiently large and unrestricted. If utilized, a proposed radiator door shall not have bumper guards, louvers, or thick screen(s) that restricts air from entering the radiator.

Engine manufacturer supplied hoses are acceptable. Any hose that is near (within 12 inches) of the radiant heat of the turbo charger and exhaust manifold will require a shield to prevent the hose from heat deterioration. A shield may be a split rubber hose covering the coolant hose and held in place with metal clamps. Split plastic loom is not acceptable.

The contractor shall provide a high capacity, high efficiency, thermostatically controlled coolant fan. The engine charge air cooling system shall provide maximum air intake temperature reduction with minimal pressure loss. The charge air radiator shall be sized and positioned to meet engine manufacturer’s requirements. The charge air radiator shall not be stacked ahead or behind the engine radiator. Air ducting and fittings shall be protected against heat sources, and shall be configured to minimize restrictions and maintain sealing integrity.

All low points in the cooling system shall be equipped with drain cocks. All high points in the cooling system shall be vented from the surge tank.

The Contractor shall provide detailed cooling system analysis verifying cooling system capabilities to the Government for review and acceptance (see Section 3.56).

Coolant and heater hoses shall be chemically resistant silicon or EPDM hoses, Gates Green Stripe or equal, utilizing constant tension type hose clamps.

Offering: Coolant Hoses

Manufacturer: ___________________________________________________

Model: _________________________________________________________

All hoses shall be as short as possible but shall not be stressed.

All fluid lines shall be rigidly supported with rubber covered, corrosion resistant, metal hanger clamps to prevent chafing damage, fatigue failures, and tension strain a maximum of every 18”.

Suggested revised specification :

The cooling systems shall be of sufficient size to maintain all engine and transmission fluids and engine intake air at safe, continuous operating temperatures during the most severe operations possible and in accordance with engine and transmission manufactures cooling system requirements. The cooling system fan controls should independently sense the temperatures of the operating fluids and intake air and if either is above safe operating conditions the cooling fans should be engaged. The fan control system shall be designed with a fail safe mode of “fan on”. The cooling system in new condition shall have an ambient capacity with vehicle at max. GVW of at least 115ºF at Peak Power and 120ºF at Peak Torque using a 50-50 mix of ethylene glycol/water at sea level operation. Vehicle might require the following recirculation control features; vented curbside door, vented rear door and/or radiator skirt.

The cooling system shall consist of multiple electric DC brushless pusher type variable speed fans with electronic feedback controls. Electric fan motor speeds shall have a minimum operating range of 0-5500 rpm with capability of manual or automatic reverse operation in order to assist in debris removal. The cooling system shall be equipped with a master controller with the follow capabilities; automatically reduce fan speed when the vehicle stops to minimize noise at the curbside, communicate on the J1939 CAN data link with system diagnostic retorting via DM1 messaging, review and download data via a laptop with service tool software, capable of software and calibration up-dates, receive commands from the engine or transmission ECM, report fault codes by lighting an engine compartment LED flashing light, sense engine compartment temperature and activate fans if maximum temperature is exceeded, collect and store cooling system and vehicle performance histogram data.

GSA Response: Technical requirements will remain as is. They do not preclude the use electric powered fans.

3.23 Exterior Lighting

All exterior lights shall be designed to prevent entry and accumulation of moisture or dust, and each lamp shall be replaceable by a 2M mechanic within 5 minutes. Commercially available LED (Light Emitting Diode)-type lamps shall be used on all exterior lights except headlights and front turn signals; however, if they become commercially available, front turn signal lamps shall also be LED type. Lights mounted on the engine compartment doors shall be protected from the impact shock of door opening and closing. Lamps, lenses and fixtures shall be interchangeable to the extent practicable.

Stop, tail, and turn lights shall be 7 inches in diameter.

Hazard lamps at the rear of the bus shall be visible from behind when the engine service doors are opened. Light lenses shall be designed and located to prevent damage when running the vehicle through an automatic bus washer. Lights located on the roof and sides (directionals) of the bus shall have protective shields or be of the flush mount type to protect the lens against minor impacts.

Turn-signal lights shall be provided on both sides of the bus. Visible and audible warning shall inform following vehicles or pedestrians of reverse operation. Visible reverse operation warning shall conform to SAE Standard J593. Audible reverse operation warning shall conform to SAE Recommended Practice J994 Type C or D.

Lamps at the front and rear passenger doorways shall comply with ADA requirements and shall activate only when the doors open and shall illuminate the street surface. The lights may be positioned above or below the lower daylight opening of the windows and shall be shielded to protect passengers' eyes from glare.

A rear cornering light shall be furnished on the passenger side.

I would respectfully suggest these modifications and additions:

Headlights have been introduced by at least 3 companies that are now led designs and have extended warranties. GSA should specify a lifetime warranty on the led lights since the better suppliers offer this warranty as standard. The 12 year warranty assures a responsible led supplier versus a lower quality, offshore supplier that in many instances offers no better warranty than incandescent suppliers.

It is common to now use higher light intensity door lighting to meet ADA requirements and avoid external door lights that are subject to frequent damage. I also suggest led lighting in the engine compartment.

3.23 Exterior Lighting

All exterior lights shall be designed to prevent entry and accumulation of moisture or dust, and each lamp shall be replaceable by a 2M mechanic within 5 minutes. Commercially available LED (Light Emitting Diode)-type lamps shall be used on all exterior lights including headlights and front turn signals; Headlights shall be led with reflector based design and shall operate over a 10-30 volt input and have a Daytime Running Life feature. Headlights shall meet FMVSS 108 and be SAE/DOT compliant. however, if they become commercially available, front turn signal lamps shall also be LED type. Lights mounted on the engine compartment doors shall be protected from the impact shock of door opening and closing. Lamps, lenses and fixtures shall be extent practicable interchangeable to the. All LED lights to have manufacturer’s lifetime warranty (12 year).

Stop, tail, and turn lights shall be 7 inches in diameter and include integral voltage regulation to assure uniform intensity.

Hazard lamps at the rear of the bus shall be visible from behind when the engine service doors are opened. Light lenses shall be designed and located to prevent damage when running the vehicle through an automatic bus washer. Lights located on the roof and sides (directionals) of the bus shall have protective shields or be of the flush mount type to protect the lens against minor impacts.

Turn-signal lights shall be provided on both sides of the bus. Visible and audible warning shall inform following vehicles or pedestrians of reverse operation. Visible reverse operation warning shall conform to SAE Standard J593. Audible reverse operation warning shall conform to SAE Recommended Practice J994 Type C or D.

Lamps at the front and rear passenger doorways shall comply with ADA requirements and shall activate only when the doors open and shall illuminate the street surface. The lights may be positioned above or below the lower daylight opening of the windows and shall be shielded to protect passengers' eyes from glare. The front door area and ramp area shall be illuminated with an 18” white led strip lights that produce 700 lumens of light. All electrical connections to the LED light shall be by wire coming from the light housing and terminated with a Packard Weather Pak connector. No interim connector shall be allowed on the body of the light. No exterior lights shall be allowed on the surface of the bus.

A rear cornering light shall be furnished on the passenger side.

Service Area Lighting

Lights shall be provided in the engine and all other compartments, where service may be required, to generally illuminate the area for night emergency repairs or adjustments. The engine compartment shall utilize 3 12” or 18” white led strip lights that produce a minimum of 300 lumens of light. All electrical connections to the LED light shall be by wire coming from the light housing and terminated with a Packard Weather Pak connector. No interim connector shall be allowed on the body of the light. Lights shall be controlled with a switch located near the rear start controls in the engine compartment. Necessary lights, located in other service compartments, shall be provided with switches on the light fixture or convenient to the light.

GSA Response: Additional LED lighting requirements will be re-evaluated after LED headlights have more marketplace experience.

Some OEMS have not yet installed their first factory LED headlights.

3.1.2.7 Oil Filter

The engine shall be furnished a bypass style oil filter.

Since the only bypass filter approved for use with the Cummins engine is the Spinner centrifuge. (see attached)

Recommended changes:

All filters shall be easily accessible and the filter bases shall be plumbed to assure correct reinstallation. The engine shall be furnished with a bypass centrifuge style filter. This filter shall utilize a disposable bowl and be mounted in an area allowing easy service access.

GSA Response: Cummins Fleetguard bypass type oil filters are approved by Cummins. Technical requirements wil remain unchanged.

3.33 Operator’s Seat

The operator’s seat shall be an air suspension USSC 9100 ALX seat with right arm rest and three point seat belt. Seat upholstery shall be black with transit cloth seat upholstery.

I would respectfully request GSA consider this recommendation:

Operator seat:

The operator’s seat shall be an air suspension Recaro Ergo Metro or USSC 9100 ALX seat with right arm rest and adjustable D ring three point seat belt. Seat upholstery shall be black with transit cloth seat upholstery.

GSA response: Recaro will be added as an approved operator seat.

3. Suggestion from Carrier Transicold See attached for your consideration.

GSA response: Carrier HVAC will be considered when driven by customer agency or OEM request. Screw compressor requirement driven by customer agencies need for quieter operation.

4. Suggestion from NewFlyer The New Flyer representative, Joe Lunny, who came the second day after the conference was over, made the following suggestion:

As currently worded in the diesel electric hybrid drive Purchase Description, either the Allison EP40 or BAE series hybrid drives may be offered . The recommendation is to make one drive standard and the other an option, with New Flyer's recommendation being to make the BAE system the base system.

GSA has accepted this recommendation and will revise the requirements to make the BAE system the base standard and offer the Allison EP40 as an option.