W912BU-19-B-0012_Questions_&_Answers_08-19-19.pdf

W912BU-19-B-0012 Questions & Answers

Question 1:

Section C180 states: “During the Engineering Phase of the contract, the Contractor shall retain the services of an acoustical engineering firm specializing in Marine Vessel Noise Assessment, Abatement and Vibration Reduction to prepare a vessel noise and vibration prediction estimate. The noise and vibration predication estimate shall be designated as 822-C180-01 and titled: NOISE AND VIBRATION PREDICTION ESTIMATE. A possible source for the survey is Noise Control Engineering (Billerica, MA (978) 670-5339).”

ANSWER: The USG is simply that there are several different firms that could provide the described work. As long as the requirement is met, the Government is not favoring nor mandating any one particular firm. Some other potential/additional sources that could be available for example are:

J & A Enterprises Inc., 16 Broadway Salem, MA 01970 United States or CSTI acoustics, 16155 Park Row Suite 150 Houston, TX 770846971 United States

Question 2:

Pg. 61 of the specification calls for three (3) rows of 15 nozzles per row. Drawing 822-B518-01 Rev. D shows 37 nozzles per row.

ANSWER: Nozzles shall be as shown on the Contract Drawing 822-B518-01 (37 nozzles per row).

Question 3:

Please provide a make, model and quantity of nozzles required.

ANSWER: Nozzle details shall be developed by the Contractor. Quantity of nozzles shall be as stated in the Government response above and as shown on drawing 822-B518-01.

Question 4:

Pg. 72 states: The Contractor shall provide and install three (3) 50 kW resistor banks in one of the machinery rooms. Our vendors are not sure what they are being asked to provide and are requesting more details/information for the resistor banks.

ANSWER: The barge will incorporate a regenerative electrical system to backfeed power from some of the GFE robotic loads to the main buses. The design of the regenerative system is not yet complete. For the purposes of bidding, the Contractor is required to provide three (3)50kW resistor banks as a part of the regenerative system. The contractor is also responsible for providing cooling for the resistor banks in accordance with Contract Clause C641.

Question 5:

Pg. 77 – At the written request of the Contractor, the Government will consider the use of grooved mechanical pipe joining systems and valves for the cooling systems, potable water system, sewage system, vents and sounds, and drainage.

At the written request of the Contractor, the Government will consider the use of mechanical press pipe joining systems for the potable water system.

Pg. 88, 90, 134, & 168 – Calls for expansion tanks

We do not see a potable water system in the drawing package provided and would like to know if this system will be required on the Armor One project? If not, how will the various expansion tanks be filled/maintained?

ANSWER: There is no potable water system or sewage system required. During normal operation, water could be supplied from the mooring barge or other sources.

Question 6:

Will a sewage system be required?

ANSWER: No.

Question 7:

Under Power Management System: Will the Army Corps accept an alternative power plant solution than what is outlined in the specification one-line diagram i.e. 1000VDC bus vs a 750VDC bus?

ANSWER: Based on the overall design of the specialized robotics systems and all of the safety considerations involved, the Government does not intend to alter the power plant and main switchboard sizes at this time.

Question 8:

Will the Army Corps entertain reviewing a Siemens designed power solution that will meet/exceed all power requirements of the ARMOR ONE barge but in a more robust and simplified design?

ANSWER: Based on the overall design of the specialized robotics systems and all of the safety considerations involved, the Government does not intend to alter the power plant and main switchboard sizes at this time.

Question 9:

We would like to make the USACE aware of the advantages of the ILC DC breaker on the BDPC system that increases safety and reliability of the power plant.

ANSWER: Based on the overall design of the specialized robotics systems and all of the safety considerations involved, the Government does not intend to alter the power plant and main switchboard sizes at this time.

Question 10:

Are the four echo sounders to be used simultaneously? This would lead to potential interference between the echo beams from each transducers and I am not sure if we can get various sensors that operate in different frequencies and cover the required depth range at the same time.

ANSWER: The Contractor shall minimize the potential interferences as much as possible. The Contractor shall also provide independently controlled transducers that can be turned on/off individually to avoid potential interference issues.

Question 11:

Clarification on Ballast System - Dwg. 822-B660-02 shows Ballast manifold no. 1 & no.2. Machinery arrangement Dwg. 822-B245-01 shows only 1 manifold.

ANSWER: The manifolds shall be as shown on the Contract Drawing 822-B660-02 Ballast Schematic. The Contractor shall develop a plan for manifold locations as stated in Contract Section C660 (D).

Question 12:

We are having trouble finding a source for the timberheads. Is there a specific OEM that manufacturers these and the castings they fit into on the deck? Is there an additional drawing available that would have more detail on them?

ANSWER: The Government does not know of any current sources for the timberheads. These timberheads may not be widely available and may need to be custom fabricated. There is no additional drawing available. If more detail is required for construction, the Government can provide that at a later date.

Question 13:

(Regarding the) Tie Gantry Installation:

There are no drawings of the Tie Gantry and very little information to provide accurate installation estimate. Our understanding of the installation requirements include are as follows:

a. Contractor is to align and weld six (6) 25’ long GFE provided, fully assembled, box truss sections that form the full-length gantry structure. Note: Any pneumatic or electrical connections between the individual gantries sections are made by the Robotics Integrator.

b. Contractor will attach the W24x229# tying gantry support structure to the forward and aft end of the mat deck.

c. Contractor will then need to attach the GFE gear rack mounts with gear racks pre-assembled on them - in two (2) 35’ sections (total of 4 sections for installation).

d. Contractor will also be required to install GFE trolley rails onto the forward and aft end of the mat deck – in two (2) 35’ sections (total of 4 sections for installation).

e. Contractor will then need to install GFE gantry motion motorized drives and trolley assemblies at the two ends of the gantry. The two (2) GFE control boxes will be installed near the ends of the tie gantry (frames 28 and 4) at vessel centerline, and the control cables routed to the CCH.

Questions….

a. Is the description above the full scope of the installation process?

b. Do the tie gantry assembled sections include all of the automatic tying units, cameras, sensors, etc. all pre-assembled?

c. If they require assembly after welding of the tie gantry, how many tie units are to be mounted?

How are they assembled? Are there any details of the installation?

d. How many cameras, sensors, etc. are to be mounted to the tie gantry?

e. How are the racks, rails, drives and trolley assemblies for the tie gantry mounted and/or installed?

f. Is it possible to get additional drawings, information or for the USACE to provide an allotment for bidding purposes?

ANSWER: The Government has allotted 9,500 man hours for the installation of all GFE robotics equipment (not including the Traction Winch Systems, Launch Wire Clamping & Cutting Systems, and Robotics Central Control Hub). More information on the tie gantry will be made available at a later date during the period of performance as the design progresses.

Question 14:

GFE Installation of GFE Robotics:

The specification (Pg. 68) states “The Contractor is responsible for the integration and installation of the GFE robotics systems in accordance with this contract section. The Contractor is also responsible for supporting the initial start-up and testing of the robotics systems in accordance with Section E of this Contract.”

The GFE robotics systems to be installed are the following:

• Overhead Gantry crane systems

• Automated Tying Gantry System

• Traction Winch Systems

• Driven Wheel Mat Conveyance Systems

• Launch wire clamping & cutting systems

• Robotic System sensors & cameras

• Mooring Winch Control System

• Control House Control Consoles

• Robotics Central Control Hub (CCH)

Questions….

a. What is the recommended quantity and duration of contractor personnel needed to support the robotic integrator during the start-up and testing phases of each system above?

b. Can the Corps/Robotics Integrator provide a list of equipment/specialty equipment the contractor will need to provide, in order to properly support the installation and testing of each robotics system above?

c. For the final acceptance testing at a government provided site, how many days are anticipated for positioning, loading, assembly, and testing of minimum twenty (20) full-width (thirty-five (35) row – 140 feet) revetment mats, each with minimum length of 400 feet?

d. What supporting equipment and personnel will the contractor be required to provide for operating and troubleshooting?

e. Will a housing/quarters barge be onsite or will the contractor need to provide other accommodations?

ANSWER:

(a) The government estimates that the portion of the Level 3 testing related to the GFE robotics systems testing may take approximately 3000 man hours.

(b) Beyond the information provided in Section C and E of the contract, the Government does not have this information at this time.

(c) The government estimates that the portion of the Level 4 testing related to the GFE robotics systems testing may take approximately 9000 man hours.

(d) Beyond the information provided in Section C and E of the contract, the Government does not have this information at this time.

(e) Any and all accommodations required are listed in the Contract. Accommodations for the Sinking Unit crew will be provided by the Army Corps.

Question 15:

Driven Wheel Mat Conveyance System

The specification (Pg.72) states…. “The Government will provide thirty-six (36) GFE driven wheel assemblies with electric motorized drives to the Contractor. Each assembly is comprised of one motorized drive (mounted underside of the top of the mat deck via a bolted connection) which is linked to 8 sets of wheels via chains. Each set of wheels is supported by an axle with supports at each axle end. Each axle has two wheels and sprockets in the middle for the chains.

Between each set of wheels there is a plastic container for the chains to prevent snagging.

The Contractor shall install the 36 driven wheel assemblies on the mat deck.

For bidding purposes assume the following GFE components are delivered to the Contractor as loose components:

• Wheels

• Axles

• Axle end supports

• Chains

• Motor

• Motor Mounts (bolted connections)”

Questions….

a. In reviewing drawing 822-B398-03, Elevation 6-B, represents that there are 21 sets of motorized drive wheels and twenty (20) sets of idler rollers per each row. This would represent a significantly higher amount of wheels and axles to be installed than what is specified. Can you confirm if the contractor should utilize the quantity specified and ignore the drawing referenced above?

b. Please see below picture with the following questions for clarification…

ANSWER:

(a) Note: The Mat Deck Structural Plan drawing shows (non-driven) rollers at the top of the mat deck (they are greyed out). The Contractor is not required to provide or install these rollers.

The Government intends to include these as a contract requirement at a later date by Contract Modification. Note that these rollers are separate from the GFE driven wheel conveyor assemblies, which are required to be installed by the Contractor (See C598).

Do these rollers assemblies come assembled or loose parts? How many of these are required in each of the 36 drive assembly locations?

ANSWER: These rollers are not included in the current scope of work. They may be included at a later date by contract modification.

Does this shaft have anything preassembled on it?

ANSWER: The Contractor shall assume the shaft comes pre-assembled and ready for installation by the Contractor.

What is the overall length of one completed drive wheel assembly? How many individual parts/subassemblies will be delivered per driven wheel assembly?

ANSWER: The Government estimates the overall length of one drive wheel assembly to be approximately 25-30 ft. The Government does not have a more detailed breakdown of parts/ subassemblies at this time.

Is the grating required? If so, is it GFE as a part of the drive wheel assembly?

ANSWER: No, this is just a picture of the prototype mat deck. The real mat deck does not require grating.

Question 16:

Specification Section C733 – Electrical Power Plant

Below are a list of comments/concerns from our electrical vendors.

a. The specification is not consistent with the Contract drawings. The drawings represent a complete DC Link Distribution System solution. The specifications are written as if the power plant is an AC Diesel-Electric plant. Parts of each type of plant cannot be pieced together, each component must be designed to work together with the other components as an integrated solution.

b. As an example regarding comment 1 above, generators suitable for the design of a DC distribution solution are needed, so all details regarding power factor, frequency, voltage, etc.

associated with an AC system are irrelevant.

c. The features and options include the following requirements that are not in line with selected design:

o voltage drop adjustable for parallel operation o brushless excitation system and automatic voltage regulators

ANSWER: The Government is issuing a revised specification to address the above comments. See revised Section C which has been incorporated in this amendment.

Question 17:

Specification Section C740 – Switchgear and Power Control:

Below are a list of comments/concerns from our electrical vendors.

Generator Section:

• "Automatic synchronizer" is an unnecessary component of a DC Distribution System solution and performs no function.

• Voltage regulator control rheostat performs no function in this DC Distribution System design.

• Speed control rheostat performs no function in this DC Distribution System design.

• Frequency meter performs no function in this DC Distribution System design.

• Generator reverse power protection is not required in this DC Distribution System design.

Synchronizing Section:

• Synchroscope performs no function in this DC Distribution System design

• Frequency meter performs no function in this DC Distribution System design

Ground Detection:

• Three phase ground fault detection lights cannot be used on 750VDC and 350VDC distribution systems.

Switchboard Breakers:

• Molded case breakers cannot be provided for 750 and 350VDC distribution - fused disconnects should be used.

Questions….

a. Specification pg. 125 states the use of EasyPower software. Can we utilize SKM instead of

EasyPower?

(1) ANSWER: The Government is issuing a revised specification to address the comments in #1.

(2) ANSWER: No, the Government requires EasyPower to be used.

Question 18:

Specification Section C445 – Lifesaving and Safety

Section G – Miscellaneous references “One (1) International Shore Connection”

Questions….

a. What system would this be supplied for?

b. Are there going to be any additional fire-fighting requirements (other than extinguishers and

CO2 systems as specified)?

ANSWER:

(a) This “international shore connection” is not actually required. This is errantly listed on the drawing. The Government is issuing a revised drawing with this amendment to reflect this.

(b) There are no additional requirements beyond what is required in the Contract Section C.

Question 19:

General Structure of Bid Proposal

We want to clarify the structure of the pricing requested by the USACE. It is our understanding that the following work scope would be segregated and priced under CLIN0001AD.

• Fabrication/Installation of Mat Deck (C398)

• Fabrication/installation of Overhead Gantry Frame (C399)

• Fabrication/Installation of gantry framer vertical supports and their supporting barge structure

(C330, Item F)

• Launch cable reel systems (C597)

• Traction Winch System including reels, winches, cables, etc. (C598)

• All GFE Robotics Integration and Installation (C598)

• Fabrication/Installation of Finger System (C698)

Questions….

a. Please confirm this the correct allocation breakdown.

b. Do you want all indirect costs associated with the GFE to be separated by CLIN. Example –

B/R Risk insurance coverage for GFE – should this be included in CLIN0001AD?

ANSWER:

(a) This is correct, with the exception of the finger system which is not a GFE robotics system and would just be considered part of the barge construction.

(b) Yes

Question 20:

In reference to the cylinders called out in the spec. We would need the following for the Spud Cylinders and Hatch Reel Cylinders. The drawing/spec only list PSI and GPM information.

o Desired Mounting Configuration o Cylinder Material o Bore Size o Rod Size o Rod Material o Rod End Attachment o Any certifications required (ABS?)

This link has the Standard NFPA Mounting Styles:

https://www.peninsularcylinders.com/products/dimensional-charts/cylinder-sizing-charts/ <https://www.peninsularcylinders.com/products/dimensional-charts/cylinder-sizing-charts/>

ANSWER – The Contractor shall develop the necessary details for the hatch cylinders in order to provide functional hatch cylinders that are compatible with the hatches.

For the spud cylinders, the contractor shall assume the hydraulic cylinder configuration shall be similar to that shown on the image included below. This is an image of the cylinder on the existing unit. For bidding purposes, the Contractor shall provide a rod size (diameter) of 3”. The Government estimates the overall length of the required hydraulic cylinder with the rod fully extended to be approximately 6 to 8’. For bidding purposes, the rod and cylinder shall be stainless steel. The mount type shall be MP1. The Contractor shall further develop the design of the hydraulic cylinder during the engineering phase.

Question 21:

Spud Hoist Winch (specified on page 65) A Nabrico DF-156-60-11-HE rated at 33,480 # first layer line pull, 60 ton holding capacity

Neat weight for the spuds (drawing states 32 tons each)

Comment or Question:

● We have done several Corps projects with similar sized spuds and the winches required on those projects have been larger than what is called out in this specification. We are quoting what is called out in the specification but we wanted to raise this concern now. Please advise ● Does the corps have a sketch/drawing of the spud hoisting system showing the sheaves and dead-man operation?

ANSWER: The Government recognizes that the winch performance characteristics may have to be altered at a later point by Contract Modification, once the spud design is finalized. For bidding purposes, the Contractor shall bid on providing the winch called out in the contract specification.

See revised spec section C554 & C550.

Question 22:

RE: Strapping Winch (Specified on page 66) - The line pull on this winch is 1,100# first layer lifting capacity with the contractor providing wire rope of 135 ft. for each winch. The contractor is responsible for reeving the wire rope on the drums and through the deck fairleads (if applicable) and entire spud sheave system.

Comment or Question:

● What is the function of the strapping winch?

● Does the corps have a sketch/drawing of the strapping winch system showing the sheaves and how the system is to be reeved?

Answer: See revised spec section C554 for contract requirements. The Government cannot provide any more information at this time.