RS-38-10-702_GEQuestions12-15-2009.doc

QUESTIONS AND NRC RESPONSES

for NRC Solicitation No.: RS-38-10-702

1. Section C.3 (k) indicates that the contract price shall include all applicable Federal, State, and Local taxes and duties. Tennessee has a 7% State Tax on Goods and Services and the county of Chattanooga has a local tax of 2.25%. Is the NRC exempt from paying these state and local sales taxes for this project?

NRC’s Response: No, there is no exemption for contractors. The prices proposed must include all applicable taxes.

2. Section C.4 (1) “Restriction on Subcontractor Sales to the Government” FAR Clause 52.203-6 is not marked with an “X”, as is the case of Solicitation RS-38-10-703. Is this correct?

NRC’s Response: Please insert an X for this clause as it applies. Revise to read as follows: [X] (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government 9Sept 2006), with Alternate I (Oct 1995) (41 U.S.C. 253g and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

3. In Contract Clause C.14, Sub-Clause – PERFORMANCE PERIOD, the maximum acceptable delay period (number of consecutive days) is “TBD”. Please provide the acceptable delay period.

NRC’s Response: For Section C.14, page 36, revise Delay of Start of Performance Period, first sentence to read as follows:

“If necessary, the Government may delay the start of the performance period, but such a delay shall not exceed 45 consecutive days.”

4. Contract Clause C.16, WARRANTY requests a warranty of 90 days on all hardware and software parts while Task 4.2.8 indicates 1 year. Please clarify.

NRC’s Response: Please change C.16 Warranty, 1st sentence to read: “The contractor shall furnish, without additional charge maintenance service including all hardware and software parts for a period of 12-months.”

5. Section E.4 Proposal Presentation and Format, Item (b) page 63 states that the electronic copy of the proposals must be submitted via email on December 16 by noon. It also states that one hard copy be submitted no later than December 14 which is 2 days before the electronic copy is due. Is this correct?

NRC’s Response: On page 62, Section E.4 Proposal Presentation and Format, revise (b) first paragraph to read as follows:

(b) The offeror must submit the following material which will constitute its offer, as defined by FAR 2.101, in two separate and distinct parts at the date and time specified in Block 9 of the SF 33 for receipt of sealed offers.

The close date for proposals is January 4, 2010 by 10:00 a.m. (local time). Proposals must be submitted electronically via e-mail to monique.williams@nrc.gov. Interested offerors must also submit one hard copy of both the technical and cost proposal SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1to 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Mail Stop: TWB-01-B10M, Room No.: TWB-01-B23, Rockville, Maryland 20852, Attention: Monique B. Williams no later than January 8, 2010.

6. Do the benchboards (hard panels) contain any controllers that perform processing outside of the simulator models (e.g. stimulated Feedwater controllers)? If so, will the NRC be able to provide operating details of the control algorithms in the controllers since this processing would need to be incorporated into the simulated DCS?

NRC’s Response: The GE Simulator benchboards contain no stimulated controllers. All controller processing is performed within the simulator software models.

7. Task 4.2.4 on page 11 refers to routines written in Assembly. Can you provide more information on these routines, such as the number of routines, their respective line counts, and their function within the simulator (model subroutine, I/O program, etc)?

NRC’s Response: The GE software that is written in Assembly consists primarily of what are referred to as the “minor subroutines”. A list of them is included in the attached Table 1. Typically a subroutine contains 50 – 150 lines of code, although some may be longer.

In addition, all executives, which include I/O handling, are written in Assembly. This software will be replaced under Tasks 4.2.3 and 4.2.6.

8. Task 4.2.6 on page 12 discusses the current I/O system.

a. Can you provide additional information on the system, such as a diagram showing the interconnections of the different components, and a description of the electrical interface, connectors and pins?

b. Also, please provide the I/O Count (AI, AO, DI, DO).

NRC’s Response:

a. See attached document GEIo.pdf. (See Attachment I)

b. Total I/O Count is:

60 RO/LO (Relay out/Lamp out) chasses = 15,360 RO/LO

41 DI (Digital input) chasses = 11,808 DI

9 DO (Digital output) chasses = 2,304 DO

202 AO (Analog output) cards = 1,616 AO

28 AI (Analog input) cards = 420 AI

9. Task 4.2.8 on page 13 requires the Contractor to be responsible for acquiring the appropriate proprietary or copyright licenses from the original software providers. Can we assume that the NRC already has the right to provide the application software source code for the current GE simulator, which will be required to accomplish tasks 4.2.4 and 4.2.6?

NRC’s Response: Yes, the NRC has the right to provide the source code for the current GE simulator to the successful contractor.

10. Task 4.2.9 on page 14 indicates that the NRC will provide the DCS hardware. For our understanding, could you please provide more information on the type and quantity of computers and associated equipment (displays, keyboards, etc) which are planned for this purpose, including Operating Systems?

NRC’s Response: The DCS hardware is expected to consist of the following:

· A large screen, consisting of overlapping projected images (front or rear) or a matrix of multiple liquid crystal display (LCD) or plasma displays arranged so as to create a single large display approximately five feet tall by ten feet long (or larger) in size, to be used for displaying overall simulated plant status; this display shall be visible over the work areas, described below, from a seated position;

· Two work areas, each consisting of two horizontal rows of six LCD or equivalent screens per row, to be used as operator control areas. Each screen shall be at least 19 inches (diagonal) in size, with a wide-screen format;

· One work area, consisting of a single horizontal row of five LCD or equivalent screens, to be used as a supervisor station. Each screen shall be at least 19 inches (diagonal) in size, with a wide-screen format;

· At least two keyboard/mouse input devices for each work area above, as needed by contractor-supplied simulated DCS software;

· Appropriate PCs to run the above displays, including networking hardware and cabling for interconnecting the PCs;

· A workstation area consisting of at least two screens, at least 19 inches (diagonal) in size, appropriate keyboard and mouse controls, and associated PC to serve as a simulator instructor station;

· At least one laser printer accessible from any of the networked PCs; and

· A separate small workstation, to contain a photo-realistic display of what would, in an actual DCS-based control room, be a small set of hardwired controls, such as a scram switch, safety system actuation switches, and potentially other switches. This soft panel shall be operable by keyboard and mouse control and by a touch-screen.

It is expected that the HMI will be implemented on Windows-based PCs. Refer to Attachment II of the solicitation for additional information regarding the HMI.

11. Task 4.2.9 on page 14 states that as “a minimum, the DCS shall provide controls for …” Please indicate the expected number of HMI pages available to the operator.

NRC’s Response: The expected number of HMI pages needed for operation and monitoring of the identified systems to support the various modes of plant operation is 75. This expected number of pages does not include any pages needed for the following: any pop-up windows (or pages) that are necessary to control individual components (e.g., pumps, valves, pushbuttons, and controllers); the annunciator/alarm system; the page(s) needed for the large plant overview display; and the photo-realistic display of the hardwired controls that would be in an actual DCS-based control room. Refer to Attachment II of the solicitation for additional information regarding the HMI.

12. Page 67 indicates that “a variety of controls on back panels for the rod control system, neutron monitoring systems, radiation monitoring systems, and a remote shutdown panel” are not required in the DCS. However, Task 4.2.9 includes neutron monitor displays in its list of DCS controls. Please clarify.

NRC’s Response: The back panels described in the SOW provide for various neutron detector controls and indications which are primarily used during surveillance testing. These controls are not required in the DCS. However, indication of detector levels and controls for inserting and withdrawing the Source Range Monitors (SRMs) and Intermediate Range Monitors (IRMs) must be provided in the DCS.

13. Clause C.11 on page 33 indicates that the GE Simulator and associated computer systems and the DCS hardware will be provided by the NRC. Is it the NRC’s intention to send these items to the Contractor’s facility?

NRC’s Response: Yes, the NRC will be responsible for sending the DCS hardware to the Contractor’s facility when it becomes available. The GE Simulator and its associated computer systems will not be sent to the Contractor’s facility. The computer systems for the re-host of the GE Simulator are to be purchased by the Contractor under Task 4.2.2.

14. The information in Figure 1 on page 65 cannot be distinguished. The diagrams are mostly black and the graphic blocks the text underneath. Please provide a more viewable version of the page.

NRC’s Response: See attached Figure 1 – Objectives of New Reactor Control Room Simulator and GE Upgrade Procurement.

15. Does the NRC possess the P&IDs and electrical/logic drawings matching the simulator models? If so what format are they available in and will these be made available to the Contractor? Additionally, what Reactor design and neutronic data is available?

NRC’s Response: The NRC does have P&IDs and electrical/logic drawings, but such drawings may not match the simulator code. The NRC makes no attempt to follow or precisely match any specific power plant. Consequently, NRC has made changes to the simulator which may not be reflected in the drawings, and it is not know how closely the simulator matched the drawings at the time the NRC acquired the simulator. The drawings are in hard copy form and will be made available to the successful offeror. A small subset of the drawings has been scanned and will therefore also be available in electronic format. Lastly, many of the drawings are also available on microfiche cards.

In addition, hard copies of the simulator model final design specifications, which include simulation diagrams, will be available to the successful offeror.

The GE Simulator models a GE BWR/4 reactor with a rated thermal output of 2436 MW, rated total core flow of 77.0 x 106 lbm/hr, and rated electrical output of 860 MW.

16. How many rods does the Shoreham simulator have? Is there a core map that can be provided?

NRC’s Response: The GE Simulator simulates a BWR/4 reactor with 137 control rods and 560 fuel assemblies. See attached Figure 2, GE BWR/4 Simulator Core Map.

17. Task 4.2.6 discusses the I/O system. Is the source code and API of the I/O communication driver (GPL) available for use by the contractor?

NRC’s Response: Yes, the source code and API of the I/O communication driver will be made available to the successful contractor.

18. Task 4.2.8 indicates that the Contractor must supply source code to all Contractor software used for the project. Would placing the source code for the contractor-proprietary software tools in escrow be sufficient to meet the NRC’s requirements?

NRC’s Response: NRC requires source code to enable NRC engineers to analyze the software in order to properly understand how the software functions and to assist in developing customized interfaces to the contractor's software (when necessary).

As noted in the RFP, NRC agrees to execute any appropriate proprietary information agreements. NRC further agrees not to violate the contractor's intellectual property rights and agrees not to disclose source code to any third party.

If the contractor decides to take an exception to the requirements of Task 4.2.8, this should be noted in its proposal. The basis for the exception should be specified, along with a description of any proposed alternative to the requirement.

19. During the normal development cycle of a simulator rehost and upgrade project, the Contractor typically carries out a Design Review Meeting to ensure that the planned methodology for the project is acceptable to the buyer, followed by the issuance of a Design Review Document. In the specifications, there is no mention of such a requirement. Please indicate if this process is required for this project.

NRC’s Response: Section E.2 of the solicitation describes the technical proposal requirements. As a minimum, the following must be included: the proposed technical approach, a description of the program management plan that clearly describes the offerors planned technical and management approach, schedule and milestones, methodology, innovations, quality control and assurance, anticipated problems and risks, risk mitigation, and descriptions of all software and hardware components.

If the process described in the question is to be used as part of the contractor’s approach, it needs to be specified and described in the contractor’s proposal.

20. Section C.18 discussed Security Requirements applicable to this project. At the bottom of page 38 it indicates that “All system computers must be properly configured and hardened according to NRC policies, guidance, and standards and comply with all NRC security policies and procedures as commensurate with the system security categorization.” Could you please provide the applicable policies, as this may require modifications to the simulation setup/design.

NRC’s Response: See attached documents:

1) CS Information Protection Policy – Attachment II;

2) Data At Rest Encryption Policy – Attachment III;

3) General Laptop Configuration Std – Attachment IV;

4) LaptopPolicy – Attachment V;

5) NRC-Powered Warn Banner Guide – Attachment VI;

6) Rules Of Behavior – Attachment VII.

Per NRC policy, stand-alone workstations should follow the NRC guidance specified for laptops (See Attachment IV and V). Although it is envisioned that the computer systems provided by the Contractor will be networked together, they will not be attached to the NRC network and should therefore be treated as stand-alone systems.

21. Please indicate how many DIGI-3 master controllers and subcontrollers there are in the I/O equipment.

NRC’s Response: There are 2 master controllers driving a total of 13 subcontrollers.

22. Please provide a count of the number of I/O subcontrollers and an I/O diagram.

NRC’s Response: Please, refer to the answers to questions #9 and #22.

23. Regarding the core model upgrade:

a. If RELAP5 is used for the core model upgrade, what core data is available for the current simulated core?

b. Is a RELAP5 input deck available?

c. What are the number of control rods and fuel assemblies?

NRC’s Response:

a.

There is very limited core data available. It is not NRC’s intent to replicate the core of any particular power plant. Rather, a core design for a BWR/4 with approximately the same power output and number of control rods and fuel assemblies may be used.

b.

A RELAP5 input deck for Shoreham is not available. However, an input deck for the larger Browns Ferry plant is available.

The RELAP5 deck is targeted for LOCA thermal hydraulic analysis, meaning that some systems are probably missing from the available deck. It could be used as a starting point.

The Browns Ferry RELAP5 deck contains some proprietary information. Should the Contractor elect to use the Browns Ferry deck, the Contractor will be required to execute a proprietary information agreement prior to delivery of the deck to the Contractor.

c. Refer to the answer to question #17.

25.

Task 4.2.2 states the replacement computer systems must run either Windows XP SP2 (or later) or Linux operating system.

a. Does the NRC have a preference as to Windows or Linux?

b. If the Windows operating system is used, must it be Windows XP SP2?

NRC’s Response:

a. No, the NRC does not have a preference. The contractor should provide this information in its technical approach based on its experience.

b. If Windows is the operating system used, it must be Windows XP Service Pack 2 or a later version. However, this does not preclude the use of Windows 7 or Windows Vista.

26. Does the NRC have a preferred vendor and/or model for the computers to be purchased under Task 4.2.2?

NRC’s Response: No, the NRC does not have a preferred vendor or model. It is up to the successful contractor to obtain the most fair and reasonable cost from a vendor it chooses.

27. Task 4.2.1 states that the NRC will assist with gathering baseline data. What tools, if any, does the NRC have for assisting with this data gathering?

NRC’s Response: The NRC has a Macintosh-based data acquisition system that collects the values of a pre-defined set of simulator variables at a rate of once per second. The set of variables collected can be modified. The system’s operation is not very reliable. The data can be saved on the simulator computer system in a binary file and exported to a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.

28. Task 4.2.1 states the NRC will create and preserve a set of backup media of the simulator software. What will be the format of that data backup?

NRC’s Response: MPX Volume Manager saves on DDS-4 (DAT) tapes. The media type can be changed to 8-mm tape if necessary.

29. Task 4.2.4 states the contractor shall convert the database and lookup routines to use a database-driven facility centered around a Structured Query Language database. Must the database be an SQL database or can it be an Access database?

NRC’s Response: The intent was not to specify a specific database system, but rather to specify that the database must be accessible using Structured Query Language (SQL). Microsoft Access meets the requirement.

30. Task 4.2.4 states the contractor shall use and provide the latest version of MS Visual Studio and compatible Fortran compilers. The latest version (Visual studio 2010) is not yet available for full release and an Intel Fortan compiler has not yet been released for Visual Studio 2010. Will Visual Studio 2008 be acceptable?

NRC’s Response: Yes, Visual Studio 2008 will be acceptable.

31. How old are the GPIO-HSD cards in the I/O system? Are they PCI or PCI-express cards?

NRC’s Response: The GPIO-HSD cards are new and were updated within the last six months. They are PCI cards.

32. Does the NRC have a preference as to the switching mechanism that is used to switch between the existing and replacement computer systems (Task 4.2.6)?

NRC’s Response: The NRC’s only requirement is that the switch be accomplished within 1 hour as stated in Task 4.2.6.

33. Task 4.2.8 states the contractor shall provide a license for the NRC to use all provided simulator software at any NRC location. For how many locations besides the Technical Training Center does the NRC want site licenses?

NRC’s Response: Revise the first sentence in the second paragraph of Task 4.2.8 of the Statement to Work to read as follows: “The contractor shall provide a license to utilize all contractor-provided simulator software on any appropriately configured computer system that the NRC may separately acquire at the NRC’s Technical Training Center.”

The following Optional Task is incorporated into the Statement of Work:

OPTIONAL Task 4.3.2 ADDITIONAL SOFTWARE LICENSES

The contractor shall provide an option for a license to utilize all contractor-provided simulator software on any appropriately configured computer system located at an NRC facility other than the Technical Training Center. The contractor shall provide the cost of this option as site license cost for each additional location.

34.

What version is the current thermal hydraulic model?

NRC’s Response: The GE Simulator and its software were delivered to their original owner in 1989. The thermal hydraulic model is very coarsely nodalized. Recognizing that most current technologies use a technique involving the matrix solution of simultaneous equations, the GE Simulator does not use such a solution. Instead, large nodes (for example, upper plenum, lower plenum, core region, core bypass flow, etc.) are used and solved discretely. The equations are remarkably similar to the equations used on a GE BWR/6 simulator delivered to its first end-user in 1979.

35. Does the GE Simulator have any stimulated hardware? Does it have any hardware that performs processing outside of the models?

NRC’s Response: Please refer to the response provided under question #7.

36. Where is the Advanced HMI/DCS hardware going to be located at the Technical Training Center?

NRC’s Response: The Advanced HMI/DCS hardware will be located in a separate room on a different floor than where the existing GE Simulator is located. It will be connected to the replacement computer system via an Ethernet network.

37. Is NRC opposed to the use of touch screens for the HMI?

NRC’s Response: As stated in Attachment II of the solicitation, a touch screen is desired for the photo realistic display of what would be actual hardware switches used for emergency unit shutdown. Touch screens are not desired for the other displays, based on prior experience with touch screens in other applications.

38. It is stated that the simulator software has some assembly language modules that will need to be converted to C or Fortran. Other than the minor subroutines, are there any other modules in assembly? Can the NRC provide a list of assembly routines?

NRC’s Response: Please refer to the response in question #8.

39. Does the current instructor station include any diagrams? Can the NRC provide the number of diagrams in the current system and if they are created in Dataviews or any other graphic environment? If no diagrams are available, does the NRC require any to be developed?

NRC’s Response: As stated in Task 4.2.5, the current GE Simulator instructor station does not include any diagrams. Task 4.2.5 requires the contractor to provide dynamic process and instrumentation diagram displays, logic diagrams, and electrical distribution displays that can be used to control the simulator.

40. Is there a RELAP5 input deck available from the NRC for this or similar unit?

NRC’s Response: Please refer to the answer to question #24.

41. Does the NRC expect multiple core life initial conditions? Is reactor cross section data available?

NRC’s Response: Task 4.2.4 requires the contractor to convert the existing simulator initial conditions (ICs) for use on the replacement computer system(s), and that the replacement computer system(s) be capable of running these converted ICs in a stable manner. These ICs were created for beginning, middle and end of core life conditions.

Reactor cross section data is available in the existing simulator ICs.

42. Does the NRC have operating procedures for this unit?

NRC’s Response: Yes, the NRC has operating procedures for this unit.

42. How many DCS diagrams are envisioned? Under 50, 50-100, 100-150?

NRC’s Response: Please refer to the response in question #12.

43. Does the NRC expect an emulated alarm system to work under the DCS emulated environment?

NRC’s Response: Yes, the NRC expects an emulated alarm system to work under the DCS emulated environment.

43. Task 2.0, Background, with respect to the existing PC-based process computer: Is the network communications link between the existing simulator and the process computer industry standard (i.e., TCP/IP) or some other type? More specifically, what is the protocol used to pass data over the network?

NRC’s Response: The simulated process computer system communicates with the simulator computer system via Ethernet using TCP/IP protocol.

44. Task 4.2.6, Install HW & SW to interface with control benchboards:

a. How many subcontrollers (DO, DI, Analog) are currently installed?

b. What is the existing Point Count (DO, DI, AO & AI)?

NRC’s Response: Please refer to the response provided in questions #9 and #22.

45. Due to the submittal by e-mail, is there a limit on e-mail the size of attachments which NRC can accept?

NRC’s Response: Yes, there is a limit of 10 megabytes (MB) of attachments per e-mail.

46. Is there a Word version of the RFPs?

NRC’s Response: Yes, the Word version will be included as a separate file with this Amendment No. 01. The file name is RS-38-10-702.doc.

47. Figure 1 is not readable.

NRC’s Response: Please refer to the answer to question #15.

48. Heading in Cost/Price Table is not readable.

NRC’s Response: For Section B.5 Price/Cost Schedule - Please see below for the Table Headers:

49. Task 4.2.9, Please verify that the reference to Section 5, Advanced HMI Background information should be Attachment II.

NRC’s Response: Yes, for Task 4.2.9, the HMI background information referred to is found in Attachment II of the RFP.

50. Section E.4, Please clarify the hard copy due date, since it is specified as being before the e-mail due date.

NRC’s Response: Please refer to the response in question #6.

51. Task 4.2.2, Provide New Computer Systems: How many peripheral (PCI, ISA, serial, etc) slots are currently used on the simulator system?

NRC’s Response: The present system is not based on a PC. It is based on an emulation of an Compro RSX. The offeror should propose a replacement computer system that is PC-based and adequately sized for the task. No serial links are used with the GE simulator.

52. Task 4.2.6 Install hardware and software to interface with the control bench boards: Would they consider an option to replace the GSE Master Controllers with TMI SCSI based Master Controllers.

NRC’s Response: Yes. If proposed the offerors should include full documentation of the TMI SCSI-based Master Controller with the proposal.

55. Is it possible to get a sample of the Assembly subroutine code?

NRC’s Response: Refer to attached GE Sample Subroutine – Attachment VIII.

56. Does the NRC want to continue using GPIO-HSD cards or is another card acceptable? Can the existing GPIO-HSD cards be used by the Contractor as part of the replacement hardware required by Task 4.2.6?

NRC’s Response: NRC has no preference as to the type of HSD card used. However, the existing GPIO-HSD cards must still be used with the old computer system while the re-hosted software and hardware are being configured. NRC intends to use these cards as spares for other simulators after the re-host has been completed.

57. Does the NRC plan to perform Factory Acceptance Testing at the Contractor’s facility?

NRC’s Response: No, testing must be performed at the TTC.

58. How long does the NRC envision the site acceptance testing will take for the two phases of this project?

a. Testing of re-hosted simulator.

b. Testing of upgraded thermal-hydraulic and core models.

NRC’s Response:

In the Statement of Work, Task 4.2.1, 3rd paragraph, add the following sentence:

The NRC envisions the site acceptance testing for the re-hosted simulator to take approximately 3-5 days.

In the Statement of Work, Task 4.2.10 and 4.2.11, 2nd paragraphs, add the following sentence:

The NRC envisions the site acceptance testing of upgraded thermal-hydraulic and core models to be approximately 2 weeks.

59. Does the NRC expect to receive a report of the results of testing performed by the Contractor at its facility prior to delivery of the re-hosted simulator software and associated replacement computer systems?

NRC’s Response: Please refer to the response to question #20.

60. How involved will NRC personnel be in the design development of the HMI?

NRC’s Response: The system controls and capabilities needed are identified in Task 4.2.9. The NRC will work with the Contractor as necessary to more specifically define which system controls are required when HMI design begins. The NRC will also provide any necessary review as to the “look and feel” of the HMI design.

61. If necessary, is the NRC willing to sign a proprietary agreement to allow usage of information the Contractor may be required obtain in order to perform the thermal-hydraulic and core model upgrades?

NRC’s Response: Yes, if necessary the NRC will sign a proprietary agreement.

62. Task 4.2.7 requires the Contractor to provide 2 weeks of training. What if the Contractor determines that it will take longer than 2 weeks to cover the specified topics?

NRC’s Response: The first sentence in Task 4.2.7 is replaced with the following sentences: “The contractor shall provide up to four (4) weeks of hardware and software maintenance training at the TTC. The period of time needed to cover the specified topics shall be identified by the contractor.”

63.

Please provide a clarification on the hard copy technical and cost proposal due date for procurement RS-38-10-702 for the NRC GE\Shoreham simulator upgrade. Page 63 of the subject solicitation Section E4 (b) list a no later date of December 14, 2009 with electronic submittal due by December 16, 2009, this is inconsistent with solicitation request RS-38-10-703 with an electronic submittal due date of December 17, 2009 and a hard copy submittal due date of December 21, 2009. Additionally, the question submittal dates are also inconsistent relative to the submittal dates with questions submittal due by December 7, 2009 for RS-38-10-702 and December 4, 2009 for RS-38-10-703. Our true concern is the hard copy submittal date, but I figured I would point out the question submittal date also.

NRC’s Response:

Please refer to the response to question #5.

64.

Do the simulators have video walls?

NRC’s Response: No, the current simulators do not have any video walls.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO THE SOLICITATION:

1.

C.25 – 2052.215-78 (a) change to read: “Total expenditure for travel may not exceed $20,000 without the prior approval of the contracting officer.”

2.

E.1 – 52.212-2 EVALUATION-COMMERCIAL ITEMS, 1. Technical Approach (50 points) revise to read as follows: Extent to which the proposal sufficiently, demonstrates that the proposed technical approach inclusive of deliverables, software, hardware, training, and licenses will achieve the results set forth in Clause B.5 – Statement of Work.

3.

Incorporate the following NRCAR Clauses: NRCAR 2052.215-72 – Timely Receipt of Proposals, NRCAR 2052.215-73 Award Notification & Commitment of Public Funds, and NRCAR Clause 2052.215-79 Contract Award & Evaluation of Proposals:

C.28

2052.215-72 TIMELY RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS (OCT 1999)

Sealed offers for furnishing the services or supplies in the schedule are due at the date and time stated in block 9 of Standard Form 33, Solicitation, Offer and Award. Offers sent through the U.S. Mail (including U.S. Postal Service Express Mail Next Day Service - Post Office to Addressee) must be addressed to the place specified in the solicitation. All hand-carried offers including those made by private delivery services (e.g., Federal Express and Airborne Express) must be delivered to the NRC loading dock security station located at 11545 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852 and received in the depository located in Room T-7-I-2. All offerors should allow extra time for internal mail distribution or for pick up of hand-carried deliveries. NRC is a secure facility with perimeter access-control and NRC personnel are only available to receive hand-carried offers during normal working hours, 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays.

C.29

2052.215-73 AWARD NOTIFICATION AND COMMITMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS (OCT 1999)

(a) All offerors will be notified of their exclusion from the competitive range in accordance with FAR 15.503(a)(1). Under the requirements of FAR 15.503(a)(2), preliminary notification will be provided before award for small business set-aside procurements on negotiated procurements. The contracting officer shall provide written postaward notice to each unsuccessful offeror in accordance with FAR 15.503(b).

(b) The contracting officer is the only individual who can legally commit the NRC to the expenditure of public funds in connection with this procurement. This means that, unless provided in a contract document or specifically authorized by the contracting officer, NRC technical personnel may not issue contract modifications, give informal contractual commitments, or otherwise bind, commit, or obligate the NRC contractually. Informal contractual commitments include:

(1) Encouraging a potential contractor to incur costs before receiving a contract;

(2) Requesting or requiring a contractor to make changes under a contract without formal contract modifications;

(3) Encouraging a contractor to incur costs under a cost-reimbursable contract in excess of those costs contractually allowable; and

(4) Committing the Government to a course of action with regard to a potential contract, contract change, claim, or dispute.

2052.215-79 CONTRACT AWARD AND EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS (OCT 1999)

(a) By use of narrative and numerical (as appropriate) scoring techniques, proposals are evaluated against the evaluation factors specified in paragraph E.1 above. These factors are listed in their relative order of importance.

(b) The Government intends to award a contract or contracts resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror(s) whose proposal(s) represents the best value, as defined in FAR 2.101, after evaluation in accordance with the factors and subfactors in the solicitation.

(c) The Government may:

(1) Reject any or all proposals if the action is in the Government's interest.

(2) Waive informalities and minor irregularities in proposals received.

(d) The Government intends to evaluate proposals and award a contract without discussions with offerors. The Government reserves the right to seek proposal clarifications (e.g., capability issues as described in FAR 15.306(a) or minor or clerical errors as described in FAR 14.407); and hold communications as described in FAR 15.306(b)). Therefore, the offeror's initial proposal should contain the offeror's best terms from a cost or price and technical standpoint. The Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if the Contracting

Officer later determines them to be necessary. If the Contracting Officer determines that the number of proposals that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the Contracting Officer may limit the number of proposals in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated proposals.

(e) The Government reserves the right to make an award on any item for a quantity less than the quantity offered, at the unit cost or prices offered, unless the offeror specifies otherwise in the proposal.

(f) The Government reserves the right to make multiple awards if, after considering the additional administrative costs, it is in the Government's best interest to do so.

(g) Exchanges with offerors after receipt of a proposal do not constitute a rejection or counteroffer by the Government.

(h) The Government may determine that a proposal is unacceptable if the prices proposed are materially unbalanced between line items or subline items. Unbalanced pricing exists when, despite an acceptable total evaluated price, the price of one or more contract line items is significantly overstated or understated as indicated by the application of cost or price analysis techniques. A proposal may be rejected if the Contracting Officer determines that the lack of balance poses an unacceptable risk to the Government.

(i) If a cost realism analysis is performed, cost realism may be considered by the source selection authority in evaluating performance or schedule risk.

(j) A written award or acceptance of proposal mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time specified in the proposal shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party.

(k) A separate cost analysis is performed on each cost proposal. To provide a common base for evaluation of cost proposals, the level of effort data must be expressed in staff hours. Where a Contractor Spending Plan (CSP) is required by other provisions of this solicitation, consideration is given to the Plan for completeness, reasonableness, and as a measure of effective management of the effort.

4. In the Statement of Work, Task 4.2.8 Software Licensing, Hardware and Software Warranty:

Change the first sentence of the 1st paragraph to read:

The contractor shall be solely responsible for acquiring the appropriate proprietary or copyright licenses from the original software providers for NRC’s use.

Revise the last paragraph to read as follows:

The contractor shall warrant all software and hardware provided under this contract to be free from defect for a minimum period of one-year following final installation of all systems and acceptance by the NRC.

5. In the Statement of Work, Task 4.2.10 Replacement Thermal-Hydraulic Model: Revise the last sentence to read as follows:

The contractor shall provide NRC with full source code and all applicable licenses and right to use the source code for all software delivered under this task.

6. In the Statement of Work, Section C.1 Notice Listing clauses Incorporated By Reference:

Delete the FAR Clause: 52.213-2 Invoices APR 1984

7. In the Statement of Work, Section B.5 PRICE/COST Schedule, insert the following prices for CLINs 012 and 013:

CLIN 012 - Travel Costs: $20,000

CLIN 013 - Other Direct Costs - $5,000

8. In the Statement of Work, Section C.23 - 2052.215-70 Key Personnel (JAN 1993): Delete the To Be Determined and insert the following: “Project Officer.”

9. In the Statement of Work, Section C.8 – Deliverables: Add the following: Optional Task 4.3.2 – Provide software licenses for additional NRC locations.

Table 1 – List of Minor Subroutines Written in Assembly

Routine Name Function

YS2ASAT

Used for the saturated steam tables if “label” is specific gas enthalpy.

YS2HDR

Used to solve the solution of a steam header.

YS2HFSAT

Used for the saturated steam tables if “label” is specific fluid enthalpy.

YS2HMI

Used to integrate mass and enthalpies for the two-phase tanks.

YS2ISOEX

Performs the isoentropic expansion calculations for the turbine exhaust enthalpy.

YS2LIMF

Used for limiting floating point.

YS2LINF

Used for linear interpolation.

YS2PSAT

Used for the saturated steam tables if “label” is pressure.

YS2QLT

Calculates the steam quality of a two-phase mixture.

YS2SQRT

Calculates the floating point square.

YS2TSAT

Used for the saturated steam tables if “label” is temperature.

YS2VFSAT

Used for the saturated steam tables if “label” is specific fluid volume.

YS2VGSAT

Used for the saturated steam tables if “label” is specific gas volume.

YSAOVFC

Called by generic component GAOV for the fail close, engd open AOV.

YSAOVFC1

Called by generic component GAOV for the fail close, engd close AOV.

YSAOVFO

Called by generic component GAOV for the fail open, engd open AOV.

YSAOVFO1

Called by generic component GAOV for the fail open, engd close AOV.

YSBINDIG

Converts binary code to decimal digital for controller auto AI.

YSBITBY

Performs bit to byte conversion (14 bits only).

YSBRKER2

Used in generic breaker components.

YSBRKER5

Used in generic breaker components.

YSBRKERI

Used in generic breaker components.

YSBRKERX

Used in generic breaker components.

YSBRKR5R

Used in generic breaker components.

YSBRKR6R

Used in generic breaker components.

YSBRKRI

Used in generic breaker components.

YSBRKRMC

Used for circulating water pumps.

YSBRKRX1

Used in generic breaker components.

YSCNDHTX

Provides a thermodynamic solution for all two-phase steam water systems.

YSCOMFL

Used to compute the flow for steam.

YSCOSF

Used to computer the cosine of a single-precision floating point number.

YSCURENT

Updates the current.

YSDHFDP

Used for derivative of specific fluid enthalpy with respect to pressure.

YSDHGDP

Used for derivative of specific steam enthalpy with respect to pressure.

YSDIGDSP

Used for 4 digits integer word digital display.

YSDSC

Used for subcooled liquid density.

YSDSCD

Used for subcooled liquid density change.

Table 1 – List of Minor Subroutines Written in Assembly (cont.)

Routine Name Function

YSDSCDH

Used for subcooled liquid density derivative with respect to enthalpy.

YSDSCH

Used for subcooled liquid density vs. subooled enthalpy.

YSDTSCH

Used for subcooled temperature derivative with respect to enthalpy.

YSDVFDP

Used for derivative of specific liquid specific volume with respect to pressure.

YSDVGDP

Used for derivative of specific steam specific volume with respect to pressure.

YSEDIBFD

Used to calculate real and reactive currents of 480v normal buses.

YSENOTCH

Used to determine if rod is at even notch.

YSEXPH

Takes first seven terms of EXP(X) series expansion.

YSFIXB23

Used to calculate EXP.

YSFIXB31

Used for CRDH, RC&IS and core in the control rod position calculation.

YSFIXFLO

Converts a floating point number to fixed point.

YSFLOAT

Converts an integer number to real.

YSFLOFIX

Converts a fixed point number to floating point.

YSGM540

Checks for direct or reverse controller action, reads the AI auto setpoint, reads the AI manual setpoint, computes the auto mode integral, processes the deviation and position meters, checks for auto/manual/balance, stores the demand signal in specified location, and restores all registers.

YSHEATX

Used when desiring heat transfer calculations and returns with the tube and shell outlet temperatures updated.

YSHF

Used for saturated liquid enthalpy.

YSHFD

Used for saturated liquid enthalpy change.

YSHG

Used for saturated steam enthalpy.

YSHSC

Used for subcooled liquid enthalpy.

YSHSCD

Used for subcooled liquid enthalpy change.

YSHSCT

Used for subcooled enthalpy.

YSINPMP

Calculates pump motor current and speed based on the arguments passed.

YSINPMP2

Calculates pump motor current and speed based on the arguments passed.

YSLG10

Utilizes Gaussian quardature to compute the log values.

YSLGRI2

Used for the 2nd order lagrangian interpolation with non-equal interval.

YSLIM01

Limits the input variables to a range 0. and 1.

YSLIMF

Limits the value between lower and upper limits.

YSLIMZ

Assigns lower limit to slightly greater than 0 (1E-6) floating point.

YSLINF

Used for linear interpolation.

YSLINTER

Used for linear interpolation.

YSLMTD

Calculates logarithmic mean temperature differences.

Table 1 – List of Minor Subroutines Written in Assembly (cont.)

Routine Name Function

YSLOGIC

Test real number.

YSLOGNAT

Used for floating point natural logarithm.

YSLOGTEN

Used for floating point common logarithm.

YSMABALY

Used by generic component GMABALY for Bailey 7000 series M/A station controller.

YSMABLY1

Used by generic component GMABALY for Bailey 7000 series M/A station controller.

YSMAHNYW

Used by generic component GMAHNYWL for Woneywell series M/A station controller.

YSMLTREC

Designed for multi-point recorder.

YSMOV

Used by generic component GMOV.

YSMOV1

Used by generic component GMOV3M.

YSMOV2

Used by generic component GMOV3M.

YSMOV3

Used by component or subroutine that requires different open and close stroke time.

YSMOVR

Used by generic component GMOV3M.

YSNLIN

Takes normalized value of a non-linear meter and converts it to an equivalent normalized value which is compatible with the linear norm.

YSNLNREC

Calculates ZAO for non-linear (piece-wise linear) recorders such as multipoint temperature recorders.

YSNOISE

Used for meter output with noise.

YSNOTCH

Used to determine if rod is at a notch.

YSP

Used for saturated pressure.

YSPD

Used for saturated pressure change rate.

YSPHASE

Used for calculating the phase angle from synchroscope DIs.

YSPOLY

Evaluates polynomial.

YSPOWER

Raises a real number to a real power.

YSPSAT

Used for two-phase mixture pressure.

YSPUMP

Calculates pump speed.

YSRAND

Generates random number.

YSRANDF

Generates floating point random number.

YSRANDS

Obtains floating point random number scaled by input.

YSREMCN1

Provides proportional and integral control, direct or reverse action.

YSREMCON

Provides proportional and integral control, direct or reverse action.

YSRFPCTL

Used for controller in auto and manual

YSSHFTR6

Used for CRDH, RC&IS and core in the control rod position calculation.

YSSHFTR8

Used for CRDH, RC&IS and core in the control rod position calculation.

YSSHFTRA

Used for CRDH, RC&IS and core in the control rod position calculation.

YSSINF

Used to compute sine of a single-precision floating point number.

Table 1 – List of Minor Subroutines Written in Assembly (cont.)

Routine Name Function

YSSQRTF

Used to compute floating point square root.

YST

Used for saturated temperature.

YSTDDO

Used for time delay drop-out.

YSTDPU

Used for time delay pick-up.

YSTEMHP

Calculates temperature as a function of pressure and enthalpy.

YSTIMER2

Designed for 162 relay with two timers.

YSTMRDE

Used for time delay.

YSTSC

Used for subcooled temperature.

YSTSCD

Used for subcooled temperature change.

YSTSCH

Used for subcooled temperature as a function of enthalpy.

YSVF

Used for saturated liquid volume

YSVFD

Used for saturated liquid volume change.

YSVG

Used for saturated steam volume

YSVGD

Used for saturated steam volume change.

YSVL

Used for liquid volume.

YSVLD

Used for liquid volume change.

YSVOLHP

Calculates specific volume as a function of pressure and enthalpy.

PAGE

_1322393403.xls Sheet1

B.5 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

BASE YEAR: (Period of Performance: Twelve months from Date of Award)

CLIN DESCRIPTION ESTIMATED QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE TOTAL AMOUNT

FIXED PRICE LINE ITEMS

001 TASK 1 - Establish a Simulator Baseline 1 LOT $ $

002 Task 2 - Provide New Computer Systems 1 LOT $ $

003 Task 3 - Provide Simulator Executive and Development System Software 1 LOT $ $

004 Task 4 - Convert/Recompile Existing Model Software & Initial Conditions 1 LOT $ $

005 Task 5 - Provide Replacement Instructor Station 1 LOT $ $

006 Task 6 - Install Hardware and Software to Interface w/Control Benchboards 1 LOT $ $

007 Task 7 - Training 1 LOT $ $

008 Task 8 - Software Licensing, Hardware and Software (12-months) 1 LOT $ $

009 Task 9 - Distributed Control System (DCS Software) 1 LOT $ $

010 Task 10 - Replacement Thermal Hydraulic Model 1 LOT $ $

011 Task 11 - Replacement Reactor Core Model 1 LOT $ $

TOTAL PRICE FOR BASE YEAR

OPTIONAL TASK 4.3.2 - SOFTWARE LICENSES

Task 4.3.2 - Each Additional Software License (Firm Fixed Price) 1 EACH $ $

TOTAL OPTIONAL PRICE LINE ITEM

CLIN DESCRIPTION ESTIMATED HOUR UNIT UNIT PRICE TOTAL AMOUNT

COST REIMBURSABLE LINE ITEMS

012 Travel Costs - The government will pay up to the 1 LOT $ 20,000 $ 20,000 rates specified in the Government Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) for travel destinations. Hotel reservations will be made by the contractor and will be reimbursed for actual costs only, with back up documentation/receipts attached to the invoice.

013 Other Direct Costs 1 LOT $ 5,000 $ 5,000

TOTAL COST REIMBURSABLE LINE ITEMS

TOTAL PRICE FOR BASE YEAR:

Sheet2

Sheet3

_1322039244.xls Sheet1

OPTION YEAR 1: (Period of Performance: Twelve months from Date of Award)

CLIN DESCRIPTION ESTIMATED HOURS UNIT UNIT PRICE TOTAL AMOUNT

FIXED PRICE LINE ITEMS

015 Software Maintenance and Offsite Archival Storage 100 hours $ $

TOTAL PRICE FOR OPTION YEAR ONE: $

OPTION YEAR 2: (Period of Performance: Twelve months from Date of Award)

CLIN DESCRIPTION ESTIMATED HOURS UNIT UNIT PRICE TOTAL AMOUNT

FIXED PRICE LINE ITEMS

016 Software Maintenance and Offsite Archival Storage 100 hours $ $

TOTAL PRICE FOR OPTION YEAR TWO: $

OPTION YEAR 3: (Period of Performance: Twelve months from Date of Award)

CLIN DESCRIPTION ESTIMATED HOURS UNIT UNIT PRICE TOTAL AMOUNT

FIXED PRICE LINE ITEMS

017 Software Maintenance and Offsite Archival Storage 1000 hours $ $

TOTAL PRICE FOR OPTION YEAR THREE: $

OPTION YEAR 4: (Period of Performance: Twelve months from Date of Award)

CLIN DESCRIPTION ESTIMATED HOURS UNIT UNIT PRICE TOTAL AMOUNT

FIXED PRICE LINE ITEMS

018 Software Maintenance and Offsite Archival Storage 1000 hours $ $

TOTAL PRICE FOR OPTION YEAR FOUR: $

TOTAL PRICE FOR THE BASE PERIOD AND OPTION PERIODS $

Sheet2

Sheet3