19-R-0018_Q&A.pdf

Question 1: On Submittal registry table 4.1 article 4.13 item 20, it is required to provide Crane system structural calculations. Article 1.4.2.6 states that the crane system includes BOOM Crane, bulkhead hoist and gantry system. Article 4.1.1.2.2 states that “boom crane manufacturer’s specification packet” only must be submitted. Please confirm if all boom crane calculations, fabrication drawings, electrical schematics, data sheets of all components and QA history docket (including welding procedures, mill tests) are required? Or if only structural calculations and drawings are require?

RESPONSE: Please submit all boom crane calculations, fabrication drawings, electrical schematics, data sheets, and welding procedures and mill tests. If the boom crane comes as a complete unit that is a standard model of an approved crane manufacturer, then the manufacturer’s complete specification packet for the unit as furnished can be submitted in lieu of boom crane calculations, fabrication drawings, electrical schematics, data sheets and QA history docket as part of the required Crane System structural calculations. See revised article 4.1.1.2 per this amendment.

Question 2: Does the boom crane manufacturer need to be an API monogram licensee or the crane need only to be calculated according to API-2C? Article 1.4.5.1 states that API-2C is an applicable design standard but there is no indication on nameplate API monogram license requirements.

RESPONSE: The contractor shall demonstrate that the product can meet or exceed API-2C and other applicable standard requirements per specification section 1.4.5.1, including calculations in accordance with API-2C. The license is preferred, but is not a mandatory requirement.

Question 3: Please confirm if there is a maximum height above deck that the boom must reach? Article

3.3.3 states that the lifting distance below top of rail is 59’-6” only.

RESPONSE: Minimum of 30ft. See revised article 3.3.3 per this amendment.

Question 4: article 3.3.5 states that boom crane shall have an auxiliary winch. What are the capacity and lift requirements?

RESPONSE: 10,000 lbs lifting capacity for aux. See revised article 3.3.5 per this amendment.

Question 5: article 3.5 Operating speeds: Speed requirements for the boom crane hoist are not given.

What are the preferred speed ranges for hoist, boom and slewing motions?

RESPONSE: Speeds are below and as shown in article 3.5 per this amendment.

- Hoist line speed 220 ft/min;

- Slewing 0 – 4.0 rpm;

- Boom Extension time max 130s, elevating time max 90 s

Question 6: article 5.1.5 states that the overall length of gantry must not exceed 60 feet “as depicted on Appendix 1”. Appendix 1 does not depict any dimensions. It also states that all structure, equipment shall be within this limit. Does the retracted length of the boom must be 30 feet (within the 60ft.

envelope)? Appendix 1 drawing seems to indicate that the boom can be longer. If so, what is the maximum retracted length?

RESPONSE: retracted length of the boom shall stay inside max gantry length. Danger is that crane parts extending outside gantry trucks might hit structures at the ends of the service bridge.

Contractor verify retracted length of boom shall cause no damage to structure when traveling.

Question 6a: Appendix 1 drawing seems to indicate that boom crane is centered on gantry. Please confirm if this is a requirement.

RESPONSE: Boom crane does not need to be in centered position; however operational range requirements shall be achieved.

Question 7: article 5.2.2 states that end stops shall be capable of arresting crane… reference drawings illustrate a “crescent moon” type existing endstop. Are new endstops required under this contract?

RESPONSE: Article 3.4.3 states “The gantry may utilize the existing wheel stops provided the new truck wheels are the same diameter as the existing. If the truck wheels are a different diameter than the existing, then new wheel stops of appropriate size shall be provided. The wheel stops shall be the non-slip type suitable for end-of-rail application.” The intent for article 5.2.2 was for the Contractor to determine if the existing endstops are suitable to meet the performance requirements of the new design crane.

Question 8: article 6.1.2 states that contractor shall provide a mechanism for storm locking and stowage. In article 1.4.5.1 applicable standards, ASME B30.2 is referenced. B30.2 states in article 2-1.3.1

d) ”outdoor gantry cranes shall be provided with remotely operated rail clamps or other equivalent devices…”. Please confirm that this is the intent of Specification requirement.

RESPONSE: Storm locking manually should occur every time the crane is parked.

Question 9: article 1.4.5.1 refers to EM 1110-2-2610 as an applicable Standard. In this standard, article 7-6 b. (2) and (3), it is stated that ”the required loading for the maximum overload condition will be the forces created by the locked rotor torque of the motor…”. This requirement is usually stated in USACE technical specifications for hoisting gate equipment with VFD as “ all structural and mechanical components must be designed for 200% of motor torque” Please confirm that this is a requirement of this Specification.

RESPONSE: Mechanical components should meet the requirements in EM 1110-2-2610 Chapter 2.

Question 9a: Although not referenced in art 1.4.5.1, USACE EM 1110-2-3200 Wire rope selection criteria for gate operating devices section 4-5 states that “current criteria calls for motor stall torque on Corps gate-operating devices to be 0.700 of the nominal strength of the wire rope”. Please confirm if this USACE is applicable.

RESPONSE: Yes, the Contractor shall meet the requirements of USACE EM 1110-2-3200 Wire Rope for Civil Works Structures.

Question 10: appendix 1 drawings indicate that there is a handrail on the upstream side located 6in from rail center. Reference drawings have no indication of such handrail. Please confirm.

RESPONSE: There is a handrail located 6 inches from the rail center on the upstream side. 6 in clearance was measured during operational assessment. The contractor shall field verify clearances.

Question 10a: appendix 1 drawings indicate that there is a handrail on the downstream side located 3ft from rail center. Reference drawings show 3’-6” to the center of such handrail. Please confirm if 3 ft is the minimum clear distance from center rail.

RESPONSE: Hand rail is downstream, with 3’ minimum clearance. The contractor shall field verify clearances.

Question 11: reference drawing RS-128 indicates existing maximum wheel loads at 52 000 lb. It also indicates that this condition is with the boom crane loaded at 25 ton at 15 ft radius (with 25% impact).

Please confirm that new boom crane must only meet 12 000 lb at min 50 ft or up to 110 ft after review and that the capacity at smaller radius is governed only by runway/gantry capacity.

RESPONSE: Under any load condition the maximum wheel loads shall not exceed 52 kips. The Contractor shall provide wheel load diagram under various load conditions for review in case wheel loads exceed 52 kpis. Crane shall meet 12 000 lb lifting capacity at min 50 ft. USACE to clarify id 25 ton at 15ft is absolute requirement or reference point in existing reference documents. The picking load requirements defined in the specification shall be followed. The Contractor shall determine the maximum loading scenario that creates the maximum wheel load based on the load requirements defined in the specification. Reference drawings crane loads are not applicable to the Contractor’s design in meeting the specifications. The bid proposal design shall meet the minimum requirements of 12 kip at min 50 ft and feasibility study shall be performed after award. The intent is for the minimum to be met and boom reach extension shall be evaluated by the Contractor, therefore the Government can make the decision to extend the boom reach.

Question 12: article 7.4.1 states that an alarm must be activated in case of overload. Article 8.1.4 also states it must be audible and visual. Please indicate if overload value is to be selected by Contractor or if it must be at a minimum 110% warning and at 125% stop of function. Article 4.1.1.2.3 lists a crane overload capacity switch. Does this switch require more than one set point? Do the set points need to be field adjustable?

RESPONSE: Warning and stop function require 2 set point measurement and activation sensors.

Should be adjusted by Manufacturer or qualified technician.

Question 13: article 8.2.1 states that bulkhead hoist and gantry travel shall be controlled from the pendant located on the EAST side of the crane system. Considering that article also requires the pendant to have sufficient reach to observe and control bulkhead operation, confirm that pendant cable length must be 90 ft or so since bulkhead is 85 ft approx. Confirm that location of pendant is also on the upstream side.

RESPONSE: Yes, minimum length of 90’ located on the upstream east side.

Question 14: In solicitation form 1442, bid closure is Feb. 25th while on page 54 of 100 of A22-19R0018- SOL, closing time is Feb. 18 2019. Shall we assume Form 1442, Feb. 25 is the right date and time?

RESPONSE: Bids will be due on revised date provided per this amendment.

Question 15: Clause 52.246-21 of A22-19R0018-SOL calls for a 1 year warranty, in clause 13.1.1 of A02- 19R0018-Specs calls for a 2 year warranty. Which one to assume?

RESPONSE: Clause 52.246-21 states “In addition to any other warranties in this contract,…”. Service Cranes work shall require a 2 year warranty as specified in 13.1.1.

Question 16: This solicitation is Unrestricted. In section 52.219-9, a Large Business must present a Small Business Subcontracting Plan. We have not found any Small Business minimum content for total percentage nor any sub category requirements like 8A, HubZone, Woman, Veteran, etc …. Do we have minimum requirements to respect for our subcontracting plan?

RESPONSE: FAR 19.705-4 States: Subcontracting goals should be set at a level that the parties reasonably expect can result from the offeror expending good faith efforts to use small business, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, and women-owned small business subcontractors to the maximum practicable extent. The contracting officer shall take particular care to ensure that the offeror has not submitted unreasonably low goals to minimize exposure to liquidated damages and to avoid the administrative burden of substantiating good faith efforts. Additionally, particular attention should be paid to the identification of steps that, if taken, would be considered a good faith effort. No goal should be negotiated upward if it is apparent that a higher goal will significantly increase the Government’s cost or seriously impede the attainment of acquisition objectives.

The DFARS gives a SDB goal of 5% that is checked when assessing the subcontract plan. The contractor has to show in good faith he or she is making their goals when it's time to report them in Esrs. Their failure to show in good faith could result in liquidated damages if the CO wanted to pursue

it. In addition, SBA is allowed to check the Contractors records to see if they have been doing their due diligence in giving small businesses the maximum subcontracting opportunities per the Small Business Act.

Question 17: Clause 52.216-18. We understand that the optional items can be ordered by USACE up to 3 years after the NTP at a firm and fix price. In 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services says that; ‘’ these rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor.’’ How can a supplier guaranty its price for 3 years when none of its sub-suppliers and contractors will make such commitment? How USACE will consider the change (if any) in steel prices, economic environment, US dollars value against other currencies which will potentially affect some foreign component prices. What happen if we are impacted by another steel price increase as in 2018? Does USACE intend implementing a price adjustment mechanism?

RESPONSE: FAR 52.217-8 is an extension to the contract for an additional six (6) months if needed. If the steel price increases, then we will look into the price adjustment.

Question 18: If USACE can order the optional crane within 3 years as per 52.216-18, how to interpret 52.217-8 that says ‘’ The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 60 days.’’ Shall we understand that if the optional crane is going to be ordered, the CO shall place an order within 60 days of the NTP? Please explain the difference between 52.216-18 and 52.217-8.

RESPONSE: FAR 52.216-18 is the period of performance for the contract. FAR 52.217-8 is an extension to the contract for an additional six (6) months if needed.

Question 19: Could provide more information about clause 1.31 Partnering. What form of partnering do you intend? When is partnering put in place? How partnering could diminish the risk described at Question 17?

RESPONSE: The Government seeks to improve relationships with contractors throughout the project lifecycle and proposes to enter into a bilateral partnership agreement during the pre-construction process. This agreement is voluntary and does not increase risk to the contractor. As equal partners, the Government evaluates circumstances based on what is fair and reasonable.

Question 20: In clause 52.232-5 Payments under Fixed-Price Construction Contracts section 2 says: In the preparation of estimates, the Contracting Officer may authorize material delivered on the site and preparatory work done to be taken into consideration. Material delivered to the Contractor at locations other than the site also may be taken into consideration if—

(i) Consideration is specifically authorized by this contract; (NOT AUTHORIZED) and

(ii) The Contractor furnishes satisfactory evidence that it has acquired title to such material and that the material will be used to perform this contract.

Can USACE confirm that progress payment during fabrication; material delivered at locations other than the site, will be authorized by the Contracting Officer with proper documentation since the term ‘’may authorize’’ does not guaranty that any progress payment may be effective.

RESPONSE: Payment for items delivered to locations other than the work site are limited to materials that have been fabricated to the point where they are identifiable to an item of work required under this contract. Material must be inspected and found acceptable by Government representatives. The contractor must provide paid invoices listing the value of the items in question.

Question 21: In the Specs, clause 3.3.2; ‘’ The boom crane shall have a minimum 50-foot reach with a load of 12,000 lbs when fully extended. The Contractor shall provide calculations of feasibility to maximize outreach up to 110’ with a load of 12,000 lbs. Final selection of outreach shall be subject of the Purchasers approval.’’ We understand that the bid proposal is for a 12,000 lbs at 50’ reach crane with the calculation of feasibility to maximize outreach to 110’ to be performed after the contract award (not during the bid period). Following the calculation, a revised longer reach proposal will be proposed for USACE CO to decide. Please confirm.

RESPONSE: Minimum requirement of 50 foot radius with 12000 lbs shall be met.

Question 22: For LD24, the supplied bulkhead and spreader beam drawings do not allow us to establish the overall height/elevation of hoist upper sheave. There is no dimension on bulkhead drawing to indicate spreader beam hook location, there is no indication on spreader beam length of legs and height center of sheave location. We have assumed based on available data that overall height from bottom of bulkhead to top of sheave when lifting is 144 in for LD24. Please confirm.

RESPONSE: Additional LD24 bulkhead and spreader beam drawings to be provided.

Question 23: For LD25, roller and tainter gate bulkheads data is not available. Spreader beams elevations are insufficient to establish overall lifting height from bottom of bulkheads to top of spreader beams sheaves.

RESPONSE: LD25 roller and tainter gate bulkhead drawings to be provided. It should be noted that for the CG of the LD25 roller gate bulkheads and the hook/sheave location of the roller gate bulkhead lifting beam, the approximate location shown on the drawings has changed due to slight changes of bulkhead. The approximate distance from the downstream face of the reaction rollers to the CG of roller gate bulkheads and the hook/sheave location of roller gate bulkhead lifting beam is 40-3/8”.

Question 24: From Site visit data, top of spreader beam is at handrail elevation. Specification article

3.2.2 requires 59.5 ft of lift below rail elevation (which is the bulkhead sill beam elevation). Does this means that bottom of bulkhead must reach rail elevation (raising hoisting unit by 7 ft)? Please confirm.

RESPONSE: see revised article 3.2.2 included in this amendment

Question 25: Specification, article 5.1.2 stipulates that the live load effects form gantry must not exceed values in tables 5.1 to 5.3. Please confirm with what type of end restraints the service bridge span analysis has been performed (moments of same magnitude are tabulated at supports and center of beams from tables. Drawings however seem to indicate that simply supported rockers and pins are present.

RESPONSE: The Contractor shall consider the end restraints of all bridge at Lock & Dam 24 and Lock & Dam 25 as simply supported. Tables 5.1 to 5.3 in the specification are based on a load rating analysis.

Maximum live load moment effects at the end restraints are based on the structural capacity of the corresponding cross-section and the applied live load that would result in a passing load rating factor greater than 1.0. Since the bridges will be analyzed by the Contractor as a simply supported structure, the calculated live load effect at the end restraints will be 0. Therefore, the moment requirements at the end restraints will be met by default.

Question 26: Due to extensive pre-design work, coordination with several suppliers and contractors and several questions still to be answered, we would need to extend the bid due date to March 14.

RESPONSE: Bids will be due on revised date provided per this amendment. Questions will be allowed through 22 February, Bid open 14 March.

27. Section 3 of the Performance Specifications states “The boom crane shall have a minimum 50-foot reach with a load of 12,000 lbs when fully extended. The Contractor shall provide calculations of feasibility to maximize outreach up to 110’ with a load of 12,000 lbs. Final selection of outreach shall be subject of the Purchasers approval.” Is it the contractor’s responsibility at proposal stage to perform the feasibility study for maximum outreach? This is a costly exercise for multiple bidders with no guarantees of getting a project.

RESPONSE: see revised specification per this amendment

28. Section 3 of the Performance Specifications states “The boom crane shall have a minimum 50-foot reach with a load of 12,000 lbs when fully extended. The Contractor shall provide calculations of feasibility to maximize outreach up to 110’ with a load of 12,000 lbs. Final selection of outreach shall be subject of the Purchasers approval.” If at proposal stage it is determined that a maximum outreach of 110’ with a load of 12,000 lbs is not feasible, does the contractor have to be prepared for 110’ reach but a smaller load?

RESPONSE: see revised specification per this amendment

29. Section 13 of the Performance Specification calls for a 24 month warranty. Contract clause 52.246-21 calls for 1 year. Please clarify.

RESPONSE: Clause 52.246-21 states “In addition to any other warranties in this contract,…”. Service Cranes work shall require a 2 year warranty as specified in 13.1.1.

30. The For Information Only drawings included in the specifications indicate that the picking radius for the tainter gate bulkhead (10’-8.5”) is different that the picking radius for the roller gate (12’-7”).

Please verify.

RESPONSE: Concur, the picking radius for the tainter gate bulkheads differs from the picking radius for the roller gate bulkheads.

31. Please provide the weights for the bulkhead lifting beams.

RESPONSE: LD24 Tainter Gate Bulkhead Lifting Beam: 15,750 lbs; LD25 Tainter Gate Bulkhead Lifting Beam: 16,000 lbs; LD25 Roller Gate Bulkhead Lifting Beam: 34,000 lbs

32. Please verify that the weight of the lifting beam would be included in the SWL provided in paragraph 3.2.5 in the Performance Specifications, and would not be additive to theses loads.

RESPONSE: The weight of the lifting beam is included in the SWL provided in paragraph 3.2.5.

33. The For Information Only Drawings included in the specifications indicates the 110’ outreach to the downstream. Is this the case, or is the 110’ outreach meant to be 360 degrees?

RESPONSE: The outreach shown on For Information Only Drawings is not specific to the downstream side and should be achieved 360 degrees. See revised drawings per this amendment.

34. If the options are awarded, how much time following the award of the options does the contractor have to deliver and commission the option items?

RESPONSE: The option would be awarded as a separate task order with all of the same requirements, schedule durations, and with its own 365 day period of performance.

35. Please verify that the bulkheads are stored at the end of the dam in a manner in which the bulkhead hoist never exceeds the values indicated on the General Arrangements, Crane Working Envelope drawings included in Appendix 1 of the Performance Specifications.

RESPONSE: concur

36. What is the capacity of the auxiliary winch for the boom crane?

RESPONSE: 10,000 lbs lifting capacity for aux. See revised article 3.3.5 per this amendment.

37. Schedule – why is the schedule so aggressive – 365 calendar days appears difficult to make considering design, fabrication, delivery and commissioning.

RESPONSE: Contract duration adjusted per this amendment. Task Orders will be issued with a period of performance date, and will allow enough time for design, fabrication, delivery and commissioning.

38. Schedule – why is the schedule so aggressive – based on a February 25 bid, and an estimated March 25 NTP, this would put field installation and commissioning in late February/ early March which is not ideal weather conditions.

RESPONSE: Date for bids due is extended per this amendment.

39. Schedule – 60 days for complete design submittal seems aggressive – can this be extended?

RESPONSE: 4.1.1.2 states concepts are due 60 days after NTP. 4.1.1.3 requires final design documents 120 days after NTP.

40. Design codes – per paragraph 1.4.5.1 of the Performance Specification, there are 17 design standards that we have to meet or exceed. We do not feel this is possible in the 60 day time frame.

Please reconsider.

RESPONSE: Most standards listed are industry standards that are adhered to in general and are not special requirements warranting additional time.