B06 - W912EK26QA050 - Questions and Answers.docx

W912EK26QA050 – Questions and Answers

Q: Amendment 0001 establishes a Mandatory Minimum Qualification requiring documentation that the manufacturer of the Class 20-150 swing check valves has a minimum of fifteen (15) consecutive years of continuous experience in the design, machining, casting, assembly, and testing of Class 20-150 cast steel check valves. The amended evaluation provision then states that "the Quoter must have the required experience and their quote must provide the submittals above."

Please confirm that the fifteen-year experience requirement is satisfied by documentation of the MANUFACTURER's experience, and that it is not a separate requirement imposed on the quoting vendor.

A: Negative. FAR 52.212-2 states: “Experience - Provide evidence that the manufacturer of the Class 20-150 swing check valves has a minimum of fifteen (15) consecutive years prior to the solicitation closing date of continuous experience in the design, machining, casting, assembly, and testing of Class 20-150 cast steel check valves.” It states the manufacturer not the quoter.

Q: This acquisition is a 100% small business set-aside under NAICS 332911. Please confirm whether the nonmanufacturer rule (FAR 19.505, 13 CFR 121.406) applies to this acquisition. If it does apply, please confirm whether SBA has granted a class waiver of the nonmanufacturer rule applicable to this class of product.

A: Per FAR 19.505 (a) “this section applies to small business set-asides above the simplified acquisition threshold…”. This is estimated not to exceed the SAT.

Q: The CLIN 0002 specification requires an elbow "with integrated flanges cast as a single solid piece." Will the Government accept a flanged elbow fabricated from ASTM A216 Gr. WCB material with flanges welded in accordance with ASME B16.5, or is a one-piece casting mandatory?

A: One piece casting is mandatory.

Q: Section B lists a quantity of 1 Each for CLIN 0002, and the Section F delivery schedule for CLIN 0002 likewise lists 1 Each. The Schedule of Prices lists a quantity of 6, with a footnote directing quoters to enter the price for 6.

Please confirm the quantity to be priced and delivered under CLIN 0002.

A: CLIN 0002 is for six. Per the RFQ: CLIN 0002 below states 1 each, but please enter the price for 6 just like directly above.

Q: The CLIN 0001 specification lists "Figure Number - 1561." Please confirm whether this refers to a specific manufacturer's figure designation, and whether an equivalent valve from another manufacturer meeting all listed specifications is acceptable.

A: An equivalent valve from another manufacturer meeting all listed specifications is acceptable.

Q: Based on published weights for comparable cast steel flanged swing check valves, we estimate each 20-inch Class 150 valve will weigh approximately 2,000 to 2,400 pounds crated, with the six elbows adding several hundred pounds each — on the order of six tons across nine crated pieces. We will confirm exact weights with the manufacturer.

Does the delivery site at Dresden Island Lock and Dam have material handling equipment capable of unloading individual crates in that weight range, or must the contractor provide unloading equipment?

A: Yes, the delivery site has a CAT skid steer with forks.

Q: Please confirm the required contents and format of the Delivery Schedule submittal, and whether a manufacturer's written lead-time commitment stated in days after receipt of order is sufficient. Please also confirm that the four-month delivery period runs from Date of Award, as stated in Section F.

A: Fill out the Schedule of Prices. We don’t need any supplied commitment. If you are submitting a quote then it means that you are required to follow the lead time. The RFQ states 4 months after award.

Q: Is there any site access, security, or advance-notice requirement for a commercial carrier delivering to Dresden Island Lock and Dam?

A: No, but we would like a few days heads up that a delivery truck is coming.

Q: The CLIN 0002 specification calls for a "20-150 Cast Steel Elbow" and lists bolt-hole, bolt-circle, and material detail, but does not state the elbow's angle (for example 90 or 45 degrees) or its radius (short or long). A manufacturer cannot produce or firmly price the fitting without these.

Please specify the required angle and radius, or provide a controlling drawing for CLIN 0002.

A: The elbow shall be 90°, short. The measurement from the center of the opening to the outer edge of the opposite flange shall be approximately 18 inches.

Q: In sourcing this item we have found that a one-piece cast steel 20-inch flanged elbow, when manufactured domestically, typically requires new pattern and tooling and carries a lead time on the order of 20 to 24 weeks, which exceeds the four-month delivery period in Section F. To allow a responsive quote:

(a) Will the Government consider a delivery period for CLIN 0002 longer than four months from award; and/or Yes, we may consider the longer lead time if the item meets the specifications.

(b) Given that partial shipments are authorized and encouraged, will the Government accept phased delivery in which the valves are delivered within the stated period and the elbows follow on a defined later date? Yes, the government can accept delivery of the check valves before the elbows.

This question relates to our earlier question regarding whether a fabricated ASTM A216 Gr. WCB elbow with flanges welded per ASME B16.5 is acceptable, as a fabricated equivalent may carry a materially shorter lead time.