RFI Timbers Alanson 1-22-10 .pdf

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (QA) FOR REQUEST FOR QUOTE

Timbers Alanson Locks

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Please ensure that before submitting questions or requests for clarification that you thoroughly read the solicitation, specifications, drawings and other pertinent documents.

When submitting questions on this project the Government requires contractors to specifically identify the specification and/or solicitation section(s) and page(s) or drawing number(s) in reference to the question or request for clarification submitted.

Section 1: Questions that have been answered

January 21, 2010

1. Question:

Reference:

RECOVERY--56--Fender Timbers Alanson Lock Solicitation Number: W911XK-10- T0034 plastic fender timbers, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, virgin material, black, Izod impact strength=24 ft lbs, density=93g/cm^3, hardness=65(Durometer D/15), abrasion test=10.

Quantities and sizes are as follows:

90 ea. 3 X 12 X 120(-0+6) Fender timbers

Please advise if 3 X 12 X 120(-0+6) dimensions and tolerance in parentheses are in inches.

2. Answer:

All dimensions are in inches.

January 25, 2010

Q1. Density: The density of material in the specification is 93 g/cm^3.

This seems extraordinarily high and it looks like a decimal point is missing. Should this figure be 0.93 g/cm^3? The material we supply is a little lighter, between 0.8 and 0.85 g/cm^3. Is the density a critical requirement and would our material density be acceptable for the application?

A1) See revised specifications

Q2. Izod Impact Strength: The specification does not state whether the value is for a notched or unnotched sample, although it looks like you are using the unnotched version of the test. Our testing was performed with a notched sample and 3.0 ft-lb/in value (Izod Impact, Notched @ 73F, D256 Type A). Am I correct your spec is for the unnotched test, and is our material performance acceptable?

A2) See revised specifications.

Q3. Hardness: Our material testing yielded a value of D69 for Hardness, Durometer Shore D @ 73F, D2240. I want to confirm this value is within the acceptable range of your D65 value.

A3) See revised specifications

Q4. Abrasion: The specification does not state the testing method used for the abrasion resistance. We have tested our material using the Taber Abrasion Resistance Test and the material tested to a value of 29. Is this acceptable performance?

A4) See revised specifications, no abrasion criterea is given.

Q5. Composition: The spec calls for ultra high molecular weight polyethylene made from virgin material. Our material is made from 100% recycled plastic (HDPE, polypropylene and fiberglass, the fiberglass content is low and uniformly distributed in the material). As a recycled material, our product helps satisfy the goals in Presidential Executive Order 13423. I want to confirm you will accept our material as a suitable material for the project. We have a significant amount of technical data on the material we can provide to help with your assessment.

A5) The material must meet all of the criteria provided in the specification.

Q6. Application: I am interested in learning more about the specific application for how the fenders will be used. Although I am confident our product will be best alternative for a fender application, I want to ensure I understand exactly how this will be used in case there is something unusual that could affect the overall performance of our product.

A6) The application is for horizontally mounted fenders at a navigation lock.

Q7)Can the 12" width have a minus of ¼" ?

A7) See the revised Specification for tolerances.

Q8)Should this be a Black U.V. stabilized grade of UHMW for outdoor use??

A1) This is answered in the revised specification.

Q8)Black Virgin does not have added U.V. resistance.

A8) This is answered in the revised specification.

Q9)Typical mfg process would be to press up sheets 3" thick 48" x 120", are you stating the width and length must be Plus only - 000"? + 6" does not make sense to mfg A9) The tolerances are provided in the revised specification.

Q10) Commercial thickness tolerance is +/- 10% is this acceptable? 2.70" - 3.30" A10) No, the tolerance provided in the revised specification must be met.

Q11)Please advise tolerance on width also.

A11) This is answered in the revised specification.

Q12) Also advise if there are any holes to be drilled or additional machining for mounting, or if USACE will perform any further rework on this material for mounting at point of application. Advise if a drawing is available if this is so. Thank you for your help.

A12) Provide material as specified.