Attachment 0009 - Questions and Answers 23DEC2024.pdf

Attachment 0009 – Questions & Answers

1. Expected Lot Sizes, Weights, and Dimensions

To accurately account for pickup and delivery costs associated with this procurement, we kindly request clarification on the following points, as they are not clearly stated in the solicitation:

a. Does the agency intend to issue a single contract/task order for the entire quantity listed in

Attachment 03, or will these quantities be divided into multiple task orders?

Single Task Order

b. The solicitation does not specify responsibility for transportation. Who is responsible for delivering the items to the contractor’s workshop—the government or the contractor?

The contractor is responsible for delivery/ transportation of the required items.

c. Please provide details regarding the packing specifications for the items provided by the government:

a. What is the packing method (e.g., crate, pallet, or box), and what are the dimensions?

Pallets will be used. 48” X 48” sideboards

b. What are the lot sizes in terms of dimensions and weight?

Plan on 1 lot per part. Expect 30 pallets in total. Roughly 1,100lbs

c. How many items are expected per lot/pallet/box/crate?

See solicitation Description of Requirement section for CLIN quantity and LOT expectation

d. How many lots/pallets/boxes/crates are anticipated per task order to facilitate accurate transportation cost estimation?

1 Lot (see solicitation Description of Requirement for CLIN quantity and LOT explanation) of CLINs 0002, 0003, 0004, and 0005. CLINS 0002, 0003, 0004 and 0005 are due by 01 May 2025. This is all 1 task order.

2. Burrs Removal / Break Sharp Edges Drawing No. 15-11-37 specifies in Note 2 the removal of burrs and the breaking of sharp edges.

There are several methods available for burr removal and edge breaking, each with its own advantages, disadvantages, and potential impact on the final product properties. These methods vary in cost and may influence the performance or durability of the part. Examples include:

• Thermal deburring

• Tumbling/vibratory finishing

• Brush deburring machines

• Cryogenic deburring

Each method is capable of achieving the desired result, but the choice of method may affect the part's surface finish, structural integrity, or other key characteristics.

Please specify the method you determine as the minimal requirement for the contractor to apply for this requirement.

Removal of sharp edges will be done at CAAA. No de-burring is expected of the contractor.

3. Internal Surfaces

Drawings 15-11-48 and 15-11-46 depict a cylindrical object. We want to confirm that the internal surfaces must also be coated with phenolic varnish.

Yes, all inside surfaces are coated.

4. Closing Disks

Attachment 0001 includes a single drawing for a closing disk (Drawing No. 15-11-37), whereas Attachment 0003 lists both an M1 closing disk and an M2 closing disk. Could you clarify whether Drawing No. 15-11-37 applies to both types of closing disks or if an additional drawing is missing from the solicitation that precisely corresponds to the M2 closing disk? This clarification is essential to ensure accurate quoting and compliance with the requirements.

15-11-37 applies to both closing discs. The dimensions are a little different between the two. Note the box in the center of the drawing with dash numbers -1 and -2. Both variations will be included.

5. IDIQ

Is this contract structured as an IDIQ or a Firm Fixed Price for the entire quantity specified in Attachment 0003? We would like to clarify expectations regarding the anticipated number of consignments we should plan for beyond the First Article Test (FAT).

This is not an IDIQ. This is a Firm Fixed Price with a FAT Quantity followed by a Production Quantity.

6. Phosphating Drawing No. 15-11-37, in Note 4, specifies the application of a phosphate coating prior to the phenolic varnish. Phosphating is a chemical conversion process; however, the term "phosphating" is open to multiple interpretations due to the variety of phosphating processes available, each differing in quality, cost, and performance.

For example, processes such as zinc phosphate, iron phosphate, magnesium phosphate, calcium phosphate, heavy zinc phosphate, and microcrystalline phosphate each provide varying levels of corrosion resistance and surface preparation for subsequent coatings. Without further clarification, offerors may interpret the requirement differently, leading to inconsistent proposals and ambiguous compliance with the specification. The agency needs to define the specific type of phosphating process required to ensure uniformity, fair competition, and alignment with the desired performance outcomes.

As long as the phosphate can be certified to MIL-DTL-16232 Type Z CL3 on the closing discs, parts can be accepted.

7. Post Phosphating It is generally recommended to rinse and dry parts after the phosphating process to remove any residual chemicals and ensure optimal adhesion and coating performance. Would you prefer to implement a rinsing and drying step, or should the phenolic varnish be applied directly to the parts immediately following the phosphating process?

Additionally, do you have any specific requirements or preferences regarding the rinsing solution to be used (e.g., type, composition, or pH)?

I would rather leave the process up to the contractor. I am by no means an expert on these coating processes, so as long as the end item meets dimensional requirements and can pass coating certs listed on the drawings, that is sufficient.

8. Serial Numbers Would the contractor be required to embed a serial number on each coated item?

The items listed in Attachment 0003 are identified as serially managed. Does this designation imply that each individual processed unit requires a unique serial number, or does it refer to a batch or lot number per box/crate/lot?

The specific scope of the serial numbering requirement is unclear. We kindly request the contracting office to provide additional clarification to ensure a complete understanding of the requirements.

Serial numbering is tracked using the paperwork/Lot numbering on the pallets. Please do not apply a serial number to the part. Just keep parts organized and return them to the same pallet they were shipped in.