Underwater_Saw_Solicitation_Questions_and_Responses.docx

1. Reference NIST Drawing SK-1340_LOCATION OF CUTS. Please provide the required tolerance (+/-) on the cut length dimensions for the Fuel Arm and Shim Arm assemblies?

RESPONSE: +/- .015

2. The specification does not define the electrical power frequency or amperage available at 120, 240, or 480 3-phase facility wall supply. Please further define the electrical service available near the pool setup location?

RESPONSE: All is 60 Hz. The two connections (male plug: APJ3475 by CROUSE HINDS) that the existing saw uses for its motor and filter are both 408V 3-phase 30 amp. NCNR prefers that these boxes or replacement boxes are used for the new saw. The welding receptacle (male plug: Hubbell #SD12781, 3 Pole 4 Wire Grounding, 60A 600VAC Grounding) is 480V 3-phase 50 amp. All the wall outlets are 120V 20 amp. There is a 208V panel but you would need to add a transformer to use it and it may not have enough capacity (not recommended).

3. The specification does not define a specific electrical connector or type although one type is referenced in the attached pictures. Please provide the desired electrical supply power connector type or model code?

RESPONSE: See response to #2 above. NCNR prefers that the existing disconnect boxes for the saw are used to power the new saw. The contractor may change the connectors to standard up-to-date per code connectors.

4. If we determine the existing electrical supply amperage is not sufficient from a single power connector outlet, will the facility modify their electrical service accordingly?

RESPONSE: If NCNR agrees that the existing electrical supply amperage is not sufficient from a single power connector outlet, NCNR would modify its electrical service accordingly.

5. The specification does not define any detailed filtration requirements. Please provide a minimum level of filtration in terms of particle size?

RESPONSE: Whatever size debris particle that the new saw blades produces is what we should filter out. The existing saw uses a 400-micron filter but the filter system does not work very well.

6. Are the mock up fuel elements and mock up shim arms required to have all the internal and external features (slots) that are called out in the detailed drawings or are their only particular details required for the dummy mock up components? Do the weights of the dummies have to be identical and if so what is the +/- tolerance on the acceptable weight.

RESPONSE: The overall outside dimensions should be the same. The internal plates in the fuel element is what gives it structural stability. The detailed dimensions that do not affect how it is held in the saw could be left off. I think a square tube could work as long as you present the reasons why the saw will also work with our fuel elements. The weights should be as close as possible (+/- one pound) so that we know the tools can hold and move them. NCNR is planning on loaning the awarded contractor a dummy fuel element to use for test fitting only (Not to be cut).

7. Can the vendor that makes the fuel rods and shim arm shells be provided to allow obtaining the mockup/dummies from them?

RESPONSE: BWXT Nuclear Operations Group, Lynchburg, VA (434- 522-5728 attn: Howard Harvey) fabricates our fuel elements and Merrick & Company (303-353-3532 attn: Torje Osen) fabricated our last batch of shim arms.

8. Please provide building plan and elevation drawings for the saw delivery pathway (from loading dock through hatches to pool).

RESPONSE: See attached drawings: 3-4 Plan View Basement, 3-5 Plan View First and Second Floors, 4-1 Exterior Elevation, 4-2 Exterior Elevation, and 4-3 Interior Elevation.

9. Are there any specific safety basis requirements we need to consider for this equipment?

RESPONSE: No.

10. What quality standard is applicable to fabrication of this equipment?

RESPONSE: ANSI code or similar for mechanical design. All commercials electrical parts must meet the mill standard MIL-DTL-2212 Rev. K. or similar.

11. Can you identify the interior dimensions (or provide drawings) of the waste disposal container NIST will use for the filter media?

RESPONSE: See attached drawing SK-1335 Storage Pool Trash Can

12. How are air discharges from the air actuated equipment (e.g. bumper cylinders) managed (i.e. do they bubble up to the surface & discharge or are they captured/accumulated/filtered before discharge)?

RESPONSE: An air line runs down to the actuators and another air line runs back to the surface to vent the air.

13. Has funding been approved for this solicitation? Is it in FY2016 or FY2017? Is there a target range of cost (competitive range) that can be provided to bidders?

RESPONSE: FY2016 ended September 30, 2016 and monies from that fiscal year are no longer available. FY2017 funding has been approved for this solicitation. Unlike a federally funded construction project, a magnitude of the project price range will not be provided.

14. Will NIST provide crane operators for the cranes inside Center for Neutron Research Building 235, or will contractor personnel be required to qualify and operate these cranes? If contractor operation is required, what are the qualification and training requirements, and will NIST provide such training and qualification?

RESPONSE: NIST will provide crane operators for the cranes inside the Center for Neutron Research Building 235.

15. Can you also clarify if office space, restrooms, water, etc. will be available to the contractor during on-site installation and demonstration of the saw at NIST, or if contractor will have to provide these requirements?

RESPONSE: Building 235 (NCNR) is currently an occupied building. As such, all reasonable amenities (restrooms and water) will be available for use by the awardee. If office or conference space is needed, this can be accommodated on an as needed basis.