Technical_Questions_for_US_Army__Food_Trucks_Procurement.docx

SUBJECT: JCCoE Response to Food Truck Solicitation Questions for FBO Solicitation # SPE3SE-19-Q-0307 Q1. Exterior chip/beverage rack, protected from elements by a window. Protecting the rack from the elements by the window requires a bump into the truck that would negatively impact the use of space inside the kitchen as shown on the layouts. Would removable chip racks and shelving be acceptable?

A1. Yes, a removable rack system is acceptable.

Q2. Considering extent of technical questions, can the government please extend response due date to allow for 7days of response time after answers are posted.

A2. In coordination with DLA-TS the Closing date will be extended to 31 December 2018.

Q3. 30+ gal aluminum FW tank, and 45+ gal aluminum GW tank.

In this environment there is a reasonable risk that someone pours chlorine bleach down the drain, which would increases the risk of aluminum tank corrosion. From a customer perspective Aluminum holding tanks make the water taste metallic, if the water is to be used for boiling items like pasta it taints the flavor of all the food.

The tank size for FW is smaller than recommended and should be increased.

Is it acceptable to propose food grade plastic for the FW tank and black ABS holding tanks for the Grey water. Sizing of 42 gal FW and 50 gal GW.

If there is a price increase for the better solution, how would that be evaluated?

A3. The gray and fresh water tanks may be constructed of food grade plastic for both FW tank and black ABS waste water holding.

Q4. Insulated floors Please verify this requirement, most civilian instances do not have insulated floors, which lowers the overall ceiling height. Our previous projects for military did not notice in TB MED 530 about insulation requirements.

A4. Previous procured food trucks did not have sufficient insulation in the under carriage or flooring this was an addition for generation II food trucks to extend operations in areas where temperatures are frequently below 32 degrees.

A removable floor insulating mat maybe considered to increase insulation values

Q4 Insulation 5 2"+ foam insulation on walls and ceiling The thickness of the insulation has no bearing on the R value of the insulation of the vehicle. Is it acceptable to use a mix of foam and plywood?

A4. You’re correct in your response that the thickness does not have a bearing on the R-Value in particular it is the material that is important any value from about R3 per inch up is probably workable. Select insulating materials with high R value per inch e.g. polyiso sheets or polyurethane spray foam. Ply wood is the least desired as it absorbs and holds water causing long-term corrosion and mold issues. The contractor shall use an appropriate insulating material finished with minimum thickness of 22-Gauge Stainless Steel or Aluminum (stainless steel is preferred); ensuring all seams are sealed/caulked/ or welded to prevent exposure to water and excessive humidity.

Q5. 22 GA stainless for walls and ceiling. Is 24 GA acceptable?

A5. 22 gauge is the standard.

Q6. Carefree awning, arm supported.

Arm supports interfere with the rest of the functionality on that side of the vehicle, is prone to operator error, and is subject to failure in sudden high wind situations. Market has moved to more effective solutions.

Will a solution that has wind sensor with auto-close and remote control be considered?

If there is a price increase for the better solution, how would that be evaluated?

A6. No, pervious Food trucks were equipped with wind sensor with auto-close features that have been replaced with an arm channel support system, due to the sensors not being reactional enough to retract awnings when affected by high gust wind conditions. Remotes on previous versions were lost and broken on multiple occasions. There should be no requirement for price increase solutions.

Q7. Wells G-1360 Drop In Griddle: Industry expertise indicates that while this piece equipment is excellent in a fixed facility, it has certain salient characteristics and operational factors that are deficiency in the mobile environment. Market has moved to more effective solutions that increase short and long term benefits.

Will a solution that provides a better griddle area solution be considered?

If there is a price increase for the better solution, how would that be evaluated?

A7. The Griddle may be Gas or Propane as long as it is a drop in model with similar characteristics/specifications to the Wells G-1360 Drop-In Countertop or will be placed/mounted so as to create an even counter top height with no gaps to allow for liquids or food particles into seams

Q8. Turbo Air refrigeration; Industry expertise indicates that while this piece equipment is excellent in a fixed facility, it is prone to service issues when deployed in a mobile environment. The service issues are exacerbated by the lack of warranty support when installed in a mobile asset. Additionally, the footprint of the item is not conducive to a wide aisle in through truck Will a solution that provides a better refrigeration solution be considered? If there is a price increase for the better solution, how would that be evaluated?

A8. Equipment selection was made to support a counter/work area of 30inch depth on one side and a 20 Inch on the service side to decrease protruding equipment all equipment and counters should be installed to eliminate openings that would allow for food particles and liquids behind, under and between equipment. Please refer to PARA 3.3 AQL Standards. The Contractor shall deliver food trucks with a minimum of a 2- year manufacturer’s/contractor’s warranty for food service equipment. Maintenance shall cover equipment calibration, repairs, repair parts, and replacement. Repairs to food service equipment shall be conducted at the installation where truck is delivered or a facility near the installation (within 25 miles).

Q9. The two truck models cited do not have a fuel-type specified. Does the Army want a diesel engine or a gasoline engine in their food truck?

A9. Diesel is preferred.

Q10. The drawings do not show a location for the generator. Is there a determined location or is that up to the contractor to determine?

A10. The location for the Generator is up to the contractor, if the contractor would like to equip with two generators that is also acceptable, power generation will support equipment and surge requirements.

Q11. Since this procurement is identified as phase 2, was a prototype built under phase 1? If so, is it available for viewing?

A11. Please refer to TE#1, 2 and 3 to review phase I food trucks layout and design.

Q12. The solicitation calls for the first food truck to be delivered in 120 days. What is the desired delivery frequency of the remaining five food trucks?

A12: Pending Food Truck Delivery Schedule is based on projected contract award date of 21 January 19:

Q13. The electrical equipment specified exceeds the 15KW generator capacity. The ECU requirement will exacerbate that even more. Determining the right-size generator AND finding a suitable location may require additional time. Is a two-week extension something the Army would consider?

A13. Please see A2 above.

Q14. Do you need a cash drawer for the POS, or will you be working off of credit only?

A14. A locking cash draw near the service window is required.

Q15 Are you open to options with regard to the touch-screen ordering system’s connectivity?

A15. Connectivity will be tethered or Bluetooth communications from a laptop to the POS to the system Qi.SO Soft wear the POS ordering system will not have connectivity to a Cloud.

Q16. Will soldiers or civilians be operating the truck?

A16. The food Trucks will be operated by Soldiers, US Army Culinary Specialist.

Q17. Can you provide more clarity on training? Will we be required to train on-site and in-person, or is a video training acceptable? Is it expected that the vendor return for training more than once.

A17. Food Truck training will only be required during first truck delivery on equipment, POS, and Safety procedures during the delivery walk-thru at the first delivery site location (Fort Drum NY.). A training video is not required but would be acceptable for follow-on site location training. The Army will conduct all required training pertaining to food truck operations, food preparation, POS at all other sites. A Government agent will be identified for each installation to receive inspect and inventory each truck upon delivery prior to acceptance.

Q18. With regard to warranty, many pieces of kitchen equipment have very limited or no warranties; can you prioritize the big-ticket kitchen items on which you would definitely require a warrant?

A18. See A8 above. Equipment selection was made to support a counter/work area of 30inch depth on one side and a 20 Inch on the service side to decrease protruding equipment all equipment and counters should be installed to eliminate openings that would allow for food particles and liquids behind, under and between equipment. Please refer to PARA 3.3 AQL Standards. The Contractor shall deliver food trucks with a minimum of a 2- year manufacturer’s/contractor’s warranty for food service equipment. Maintenance shall cover equipment calibration, repairs, repair parts, and replacement. Repairs to food service equipment shall be conducted at the installation where truck is delivered or a facility near the installation (within 25 miles).

Q19. When do you anticipate the solicitation being awarded?

A19. 21 January 2019

Q20. What steps in the evaluation process may be involved prior to choosing a vendor?

A20. DLA-TS Response

Q21. There is no generator accounted for in the model included in the solicitation, which obviously will change the interior dimensions slightly. Can we modify the layout accordingly as long as it still meets required specifications?

A21. See A10 above. The location for the Generator is up to the contractor, if the contractor would like to equip with two generators that is also acceptable, power generation will support equipment and surge requirements.

Q22. Do these trucks need to pass specific health and fire codes? Each county or city typically has different regulations and restrictions; do the bases have rules of their own by which we should abide?

A21. Trucks will meet all National (NSF) compliance standards, and The Tri-Service Food Code (TB MED 530) they will be operated on federal property by military personnel.

Q22. Will the trucks be registered in the individual states, or will they have federal tags?

A22 Trucks will receive a DOD registration

Q23. Does the griddle (Wells G-1360) need to be electric? Can it be LP? It is pulling at 32 amps at 240V, so if it needs to be electric, it will increase the generator size dramatically.

A23. The Griddle and all other electrical equipment may be gas as long as it meets NSF and saline characteristics of equipment in the solicitation. To reduce power generation requirements.

Q24. The requirement for an electric fryer and an electric griddle requires too large of an on board generator for this type of vehicle.

A24. Vendors may recommend a lower powered commercial source Air-fryer to meet volume of requirements (5lbs per ten minutes). Pizza basket is optional

Q25. Diesel generators are larger in size than comparable propane generators creating space challenges within the truck.

A25. Generators may be Diesel or Propane

Q26. Where did the design allow for placement of the vertical propane tanks?

A26. Propane tanks may be mounted on the rear or beneath of the truck. Rear mounted propane tanks will be enclosed in a locking cabinet for force protection measures.

Q27. Can the layout be modified?

A27. The layout may be modified, and will be evaluated by the Joint Culinary Center of Excellence, Concepts Systems and Policy Division based on functionality for operations.