Question and Answer Board_1111351.pdf

Question and Answer Board Posted 9/11/2023

RFQ # WS1111351

Q 1 - The tube itself is described in the RFQ as .045 thickness, whereas the drawing in attachment 2 (lower left image) seems to call this out nominally thicker at .048.

Are we misinterpreting these as referring to the same portion of the item?

If not, is either thickness acceptable?

A 1 - There can be some variance but the minimum thickness of the tube wall should be 0.045” and the maximum should be 0.05”. Ideally, the wall thickness should be about 0.048”.

Q 2 - We do see that in the drawing (attachment 2) the top closure is described as a "cap", which of course makes sense.

And we note that in specifications paragraph VI of the synopsis the word "plug" is used.

Are we correct in understanding these two terms are referring to the same item?

A 2 - Our current tubes have a loose “cap” that we affix to the tube after filling them. The “plug” should come affixed to the tube. Our current tube has the “plug” inserted and glued inside of the tube. I have received approval to have the “plug” replaced with a “cap” on both ends. We would need at least one cap loose and one cap affixed to the tube.

Q 3 - In the drawing can we correctly surmise that the "Top Closure" pointed to in the upper left image, is the same as the Gas Cartridge Cap in the lower right image?

A 3 - No, the “Top Closure” is referring to the “plug” I referred to above. It is inserted and glued in place inside of the tube.

Q 4 – This question is being asked because the OD of the Gas Cartridge Cap is spec'd at 1.5", which would not seem wide enough to be used as the loose pressed cap over the 1.548" OD of the tube itself.

A 4 - This is correct. We apologize. The drawings are off a little bit. The outside diameter should be closer to 1.6” and the loose cap should be able to snuggly fit over the tube.

Q 5 - If the loose pressed cap is indeed to be 1.5" OD, can you confirm that it is the lower right image?

A 5 - Yes, the loose cap is the lower right image in the drawing.

Q 6 - If the loose pressed cap is not the lower right image, what exact dimensions and thickness would the Government have these be? -- and do you have a drawing of this cap?

A 6 - The wall thickness in the drawing is correct and the outside diameter of the cap should be approximately 1.64”, but the most important things is that it fits snuggly over the tube

Q 7 - Along those lines, we wanted to confirm or clarify whether that this printed plug / bottom cap is solid, or is it a shallow cup shape that we would have inserted and glued?

A 7 - Yes, the printed plug/bottom cap is a shallow cup shape that should be inserted into and glued into the end of the tube. However, this plug could also be glued to the outside of the tube rather than inserted into the tube, if it would reduce the cost of the tube.

Q 8 - Section 4.e (2) seems to allude to the possible requirement that you might have Contractors come to the Government test location to "remove and dispose of any first article ..."

How shall we as Contractor gain access to these first article samples?

A 8 - It won’t be necessary for contractors to be present to “remove and dispose of any first article…” samples for this requirement.

Reminder: ***Questions are due no later than 9/15/2023 to: Patrick Darrow, Manager USDA/WS Pocatello Supply Depot Phone: 208-236-6920 x2 Cell: 208-540-2863 Patrick.a.darrow@usda.gov mailto:Patrick.a.darrow@usda.gov