14" Swing Check Valves, 5 Each

Question #5: I apologize, but your answers brought up a few more comments/questions:

While the valves as a standard do undergo a shell test at the pressure listed it is normally only a 1 minute test for this size. There would be a
price adder for a longer test period.

Also we don't do the "mechanical joint tightness test". If you do a shell
test at 1.5x the pressure and it passes doing the exact same test at a lower
pressure would not be necessary.

By "mechanical joint tightness test" do you mean a seat test. If that is
the case, is the MSS SP71 allowable leakage acceptable?

Answer: The required tests shall be performed independently. The submitted shell test is to prove shell/casting integrity. The mechanical test is to prove bonnet/ joint tightness. An allowable leakage to mechanical joins is allowed during shell/casting integrity test, however a mechanical joint tightness test should allow NO leakage from mechanical joints.

The seat test referred to is an internal flow test, and should be performed by manufacturer as part of their quality assurance. And the leakage allowed by industry standard is acceptable.

Question #4: So as long as a valve is tested and inspected in the U.S., that meets the Buy American Act requirements?

Answer: The answer to your question is no. However, Powell valves told me on the phone that they have an option to meet the Buy American Act. You have to request that option.

FAR 25.101 shows the two part test that must be met for the Buy American statute:

"(a) The Buy American statute restricts the purchase of supplies that are not domestic end products. For manufactured end products, the Buy American statute uses a two-part test to define a domestic end product.

(1) The article must be manufactured in the United States; and

(2) The cost of domestic components must exceed 50 percent of the cost of all the components. In accordance with 41 U.S.C. 1907, this component test of the Buy American statute has been waived for acquisitions of COTS items (see 12.505(a))."

Question #3: The Powell valve specified in the RFQ is made in China and we are unaware of any 14" check valves that are manufactured in the U.S. With this being the case, how can bidders meet the "Buy American Act" requirement?

Answer: I spoke with Powell valves customer service at 11:45 am CST on 30 Mar 2016 and they informed me that they have an option for the required valve that meets the Buy American Act.

Question #2: The solicitation asks for the supply of valve gaskets (two per valve).

Confirming our telecon of today, please advise the type/name of material from which the ten (10) valve flange gaskets to be made.

Several types are of standard ANSI Flange full face flange gasket materials in varying thicknesses and durometers are available, and we wish to meet your requirements.

Answer: Gaskets should be full face, 150 #, 1/8" thick gaskets. And be Garlock-Blue-Gard style 3000 with 150 # ANSI bolt patterns or government approved equivalent.

Question #1: In the quote it asks for test results. Can you find out for me what test results they are wanting?

Answer: The tests required to be performed would include:
- A hydrostatic test -to prove structural strength/integrity, and should be performed to a pressure equal to 150% of rated designed working pressure.
- A mechanical joint tightness test -to prove bonnet/mechanical joint integrity, and should be performed to a pressure equal to the rated working pressure.

Both tests should be held at pressure for a minimum of five minutes. Test results for each valve should accompany all other shipping documents. Any valve failing testing or failing to have documentation, will be decline-returned.

The mechanical department of Bull Shoals Power Plant is seeking qualified vendors/offerers to supply (5) five each, 14" swing check valves for a sump eductor replacement project.

Valves shall conform to specifications as attached. Equal to or greater than Powell MSS SP-71 14" swing check valve, 125 class, bronze trim, 31" flange to flange, bolted bonnet, A126-B steel body/bonnet, meeting all dimensions of Powell drawing # 559 or government approved equivalent.

Valves shall be:
• Seats lapped for smooth finish/sealing
• Swivel disc shell/bonnets shall be tested per industry standards
• test results shall accompany each valve
• valves shall be suitable for horizontal/vertical line with upward flow
• gaskets shall be non-asbestos
• Include 2 flange gaskets for each valve delivered