Rail Chain Tiedown Assemblies

This requirement is for the supply of rail chain tiedown assemblies utilized to secure items to DOD owned flat cars.  Rail chain tiedown assemblies as a whole, and each component, shall be composed of all new material and conform to the requirements of Association of American Railroads (AAR) Open Top Loading Rules (OTLR), Section 1, Part 2, paragraph 21 current as of the date of shipment. The rail chain tiedown assembly and each component, excluding the metal tag, shall have a working load limit of 13,750 lbs. or greater; a proof test of 27,500 lbs. or greater; and a minimum breaking strength of 55,000 lbs. or greater. The assembly shall be a minimum of ten feet in length when under load with the load binder at full extension. The design of the assembly shall permit any necessary replacement of parts without torching or welding. Ferrous components other than the chain must be painted or hot dip galvanized, unless prohibited by the OTLR. Components shall be connected to each other so that there shall be no twisting of the assembly or any component when anchored to a flatcar at the anchor end and a vehicle at the hook end with the hook engaging a shackle having its pin in a horizontal plane.