DOT/VOLPE National Transportation Systems Center, 55 Broadway, Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02142

12 -- RETROFIT HFC-227EA (HEPTAFLUOROPROPANE) FIXED FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS ONBOARD ARMY WATERCRAFT POC Anthony J. Flaherty, Acquisition Manager, (617)494-2673. The Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center) is planning to retrofit HFC-227ea (Heptafluoropropane) fixed fire extinguishing systems onboard U. S. Army watercraft for protection of machinery, auxillary machinery and flamible liquid storage spaces presently protected by Halon 1301 systems. There are five classes of vessels; 63 affected watercraft which have machinery spaces ranging in approximate volume from 76 cubic meters (2688 cubic feet) up to 1325 cubic meters (46,800 cubic feet) and flammable liquid storage spaces ranging in approximate volumes from 8 cubic meters ( 288 cubic feet) to 53 cubic meters ( 1870 cubic feet). The system will be required to meet the fire extinguishment requirements as stated in the International Maritime Organization draft Test Method for Approval of Fixed Gas Fire Extinguihing Systems. The National Fire Protection Association 2001 Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Sustems will also be adhered to, as appropriate for marine installations. This work will require engineering, installation and validation of five prototype systems, developing technical documentation, supply of follow-on production kits for the fleet, and technical representation during production installations. Interested firms must respond to this notice in writing within fifteen days of publication. Telephonic requests will not be honored. For Minority, Women-Owned and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises: The Department of Transportation (DOT), Office of Small and Business and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), has a program to assist minority, women-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises to acquire short-term working capital assistance for transportation-related contracts. Loans are available under the DOT Short Term Lending Program (STLP) at prime interest rates to provide accounts receivable financing. The maximum line of credit is $500,000. For further information and applicable forms concerning the STLP, please call the OSDBU at (800) 532-1169. (0340)

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