Q A_13Feb13.pdf

1. Question:

Item #5 We have had engineering review the necessary calculations for this requirement. The estimated amount of foam that would be required to meet this criteria would virtually fill the below deck spaces, and possibly gunnel areas, and leave virtually no stowage under deck. The cost to add this much foam material would be extremely costly and cause extreme difficulty should the hull need to be repaired and would not allow inspection of the hull plates, framing, and welds. Should the foam get wet this will promote corrosion over time due to the waters inability to evaporate or properly drain to the bilge area. As a boat increases in size the weight increases, with this the amount of floatation foam increases exponentially until it reaches a threshold of which the amount of foam required to float the weight of the boat becomes a larger volume of foam than there is available space with-in the boat.

The use of water tight bulk head(s) is standard practice and does lend to flotation and safety. This requirement should be reconsidered and follow the recommended practices in the CFR for a boat this size, as this is not a standard practice in the aluminum boat building industry. Please clarify.

Answer: If the bidder feels that they have an alternative design solution, that meets the recommended practices outlined in the CFR, and is an accepted and standard practice in the aluminum boat industry, then they should provide that as an alternative in the bid document submission.

2. Question:

Item #12 Please clarify a preferred brand or recommendation for the flooring as described. Most foam underlayments including “Marine Grade” if exposed to water will trap moisture and cause deterioration of the product, mold, and corrosion. Would a the use of a laminated and encapsulated water proof floor system be allowable?

This type of flooring has been used in boats constructed for the USACE in the past was viewed as an upgrade.

Answer: Use of a laminated and encapsulated water proof floor system would be acceptable.

3. Question:

Item #17 Dependent upon on propulsion engine choice fuel level, consumption and flow rates, etc. can be monitored by the CPU that controls the engines. Is there a preference for outboard engine brand?

Answer: Preference is for outboard engine brand to have warranty service in Buffalo, NY. USACE Buffalo District survey vessels are currently running Envinrudes.

4. Question:

Item#18 Please clarify that this requirement is asking for 2 each counter rotating engines.

Answer: Outboards shall be counter rotating

5. Question:

Item#19 This requirement stated that the “generator shall be mounted on a raised platform, such that the generator mount platform height is even with the hull gunnels”. Based up on the size of the Honda generator and protective enclosure having the generator bottom at gunnel height will severely restrict the line of sight from the helm station. This height requirement will also add weight on a higher plane. Please clarify.

Answer: We acknowledge your concerns and observations, but request you to provide a design that meets the current specifications.

6. Question:

Item# 9 “Forward operator window shall be electrically heated for defrosting”. What forms of defrost are acceptable; heated forced air, glass impregnated with electrical heating elements, or cabin fans? Please clarify.

Answer: Heated forced air and cabin fans

7. Question:

Item#13 Rub Strakes. Would ¼” thick formed aluminum rub strakes be allowable. This type of Rub Strake is rated for use on boats lager than the proposed boat. This type of rub strake is considered standard and has superior strength and protective attributes as opposed to cut pipe. This type of material has been utilized in the construction of boats for the USACE. Please clarify.

Answer: This alternative would be acceptable

8. Question:

Item#20 “Each battery shall be provided with a dedicated marine AC battery charger…The two engines start batteries shall be charged by the outboard motors as well as the AC chargers. The house battery shall be charged only by the AC charger.

This configuration is non-standard in the boat building industry. Boat wiring is usually such that any of the batteries can be charged by shore, genset, or engine in case of an emergency. Further battery selector switches allow isolation of the batteries as a safety measure. Currently there are single battery chargers that will charge, monitor and condition each of the batteries. This combined with battery selector switches, isolation transformers, etc. the system has fail safes in order to not leave the boat stranded. Please clarify.

Answer: Provide as specified

9. Question:

Item#25 Corps Logo mounted to side of boat. The items requires a stainless steel backing plate for the corps logo. This would require that the stainless would need to be isolated from the aluminum. Would the USACE accept aluminum rather than stainless?

Answer: Aluminum is acceptable

10. Question:

Item #33 Please clarify how many radios the contractor is being ask to include in the response.

Answer: Two radios are requested

11. Question:

Please advise if able to specify the HP rating for the engines. Not having a specific rating leaves the window very open for pricing. The capacity rating for boats less than 20' states that the boat has to be built with level floatation. In order for the level floatation you will have to have foam underneath the floor, foam boxes forward of the transom and partial foam underneath the deck. With foam underneath the floor there wouldn't be room for bilge pumps in every compartment and leads to another thing, how many bulkheads are requested?

Answer: The Government will award a contract to the responsible offeror whose offer is the most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The specification has nine identified ranges or alternatives available to the contractor, with descriptions identifying the more desirable alternatives or range selection. Offerors will need to consider tradeoffs between the technical features and price. Ultimately, the Government desires the best vessel possible within the price ceiling.