This is a modification to the synopsis entitled Mast-Climbers-Scaffolding, MMN08254174Q1 which was posted on 8/27/2008. You are notified that the following questions and answers are posted;
1.QUESTION
In your “Statement of Work (SOW) document, under “Information and Requirements To Vendors” Item #7 says “The main platform straight extensions shall have the capability of having hand rails on both sides and end when being used other than what is shown on drawing 90M12310”. Does this mean you just want to make sure that the extensions have the capability of having hand rails in the future or do you want us to figure in the proposal price four sided hand rail so you will have hand rails for both sides and ends for the platform in a straight configuration?
ANSWER
We need the hand rails figured in the proposal price because we will use the mast climbers in the straight configuration before we use them in the two tower configuration.
2.QUESTION
In your “Statement of Work (SOW) document, the word “hardware” is used throughout. Under “To Be Sent With Initial Bids” Item #1 says “Drawings or sketches, with dimensions, of hardware that will be used to anchor mast to floor”. Is this referring to the anchoring bolt system that will be used to anchor the base of the mast to the concrete floor on site?
ANSWER
This is referring to the anchor system and the base itself.
3.QUESTION
Item #2 says “Drawings or sketches, with base dimensions, of hardware that can be moved, to support mast in configuration other than what will be used to anchor mast to floor”. Is the word “hardware” referring to a typical base that is used to level and support the mast climbing work platform when in its straight configuration?
ANSWER
Yes
4.QUESTION
Item #5 says “List of all hardware that will be delivered to MSFC with price quote and time estimated for delivery”.
Is this list supposed to show every itemized piece, nuts, bolts, clamps etc or just the major components that will be required per your criteria?
ANSWER
Major components
5.QUESTION
If this contract is awarded to a non American manufacturer will the factory trainers, non American citizens, from its factory be allowed to train your employees the proper installation and operating training required on their product at the Marshall Space Flight Center? If so what would be the requirements prior to their arrival?
ANSWER
NASA will have to enter them into our visitors system as foreign nationals. They will be able to come on center, but there are certain rules they have to follow as foreign nationals. NASA will also need certain information from them and it takes about a month to get them cleared.
6.QUESTION
On drawing #90M12310, plan view of single rocket setting, south side of drawing, two dimensions left and right of the center of the mast section. The dimension is 61.7” from the center of the mast section to the beginning of the gate sections. Is this for reference only or is this a critical dimension. If critical, is it purpose to locate the gate? What are the tolerances?
ANSWER
Because of where the mast climbers set in the test stand this is the best place for us to access them. We have to design ramps to access the mast climbers form the platforms inside the test stand, so we have to know where the gates are before the mast climbers get here. The tolerance could be plus or minus 1/4 of an inch.
7.QUESTION
Do we have to do a quotation for the anchorage system?
ANSWER
Yes
8.QUESTION
Can we use the Nasa crane (the red and white one)?
ANSWER
Yes
9.QUESTION
Do the motors have to be able to lift the nominal payload or 4 time X payload?
ANSWER
The motors need to lift the nominal pay load. The platforms will have the 4:1 safety factor.
10.QUESTION
Which level of unbalanced nominal load we have to take into account?
ANSWER
Not knowing what all kinds of loading will be put on the mast climbers during operations inside the test stand, can only give an estimate. Let's say at maximum load, 2/3 of the load on one side and 1/3 on the other. This would be in the straight single tower and circular configurations.
11.QUESTION
Do we have to apply the coefficient 4 for the moment (torque) as well?
ANSWER
No
12.QUESTION
Is the overload control device required?
ANSWER
Yes
13.QUESTION
If yes which precision are they asking for?
ANSWER
If this means sensitivity of the overload device as a load tolerance;the assumption is +/- 200lbs.
14. QUESTION
Is the moment/torque control device required?
ANSWER
Yes
15.QUESTION
If yes which precision are they asking for?
ANSWER
Same as answer 13;If this means sensitivity of the overload device as a load tolerance;the assumption is +/- 200lbs.
16.QUESTION
Which level of wind force do we have to take into account for the calculation?
ANSWER
According to the International building code the wind velocity to design to in this area is 90 m.p.h. The mast climbers will be mostly block from the wind. The test tower deflects 10 in. at the 360 ft. level during 70 m.ph. winds.
17.QUESTION
Does the equipment have to descend (out of service condition) or have to remain in height when there is a strong wind or hurricane?
ANSWER
The mast climbers can descend to about 24 feet when not in use.
The due date for quotes is not extended; due 9/30/2008.
Documents related to this procurement will be available over the Internet. These documents will reside on a World Wide Web (WWW) server, which may be accessed using a WWW browser application. The Internet site, or URL, for the NASA/MSFC Business Opportunities home page is http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/bizops.cgi?gr=D&pin=62
Offerors are responsible for monitoring this site for the release of the solicitation and any amendments. Potential offerors are responsible for downloading their own copy of the solicitation and amendments (if any).
