Loren Data's SAM Daily™

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF JUNE 13, 2007 FBO #2025
MODIFICATION

25 -- BRAKE TESTER

Notice Date

6/11/2007
 

Notice Type

Modification
 

NAICS

441310 — Automotive Parts and Accessories Stores
 

Contracting Office

Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Acquisition Management Branch (WV), 1301 Airport Road, Beaver, WV, 25813-9426, UNITED STATES
 

ZIP Code

25813-9426
 

Solicitation Number

Reference-Number-46407MR-1069
 

Response Due

6/8/2007
 

Archive Date

6/23/2007
 

Point of Contact

Katheryn Hampton, Contract Specialist, Phone (304) 256-3367, Fax (304) 256-3332,
 

E-Mail Address

hampton.katheryn@dol.gov
 

Small Business Set-Aside

Total Small Business
 

Description

Q1- On pages 1 of 5 and 2 of 5 you have sections (Portable brake dynamometer technology can: and Capabilities:) which are started with ? marks. Is this a typo, or is there significance? A 1- FedBizOpps does not recognize hyphens or bullets. It inserts question marks and these do not pertain to the verbiage. Q2- Under Minimum bid requirements: page 2 of 5, the first two paragraphs talk about PBBT usage on mine roads or parking area (irregular dirt or gravel surface). It also mentions the vendor providing cribbing and wedges for uneven surfaces. We've investigated cribbing and wedges, and you're talking about large trusses. A PBBT should be on a level surface (side-to-side, front to back? Trying to set a PBBT in the middle of a dirt road with a 20% incline, and using wedges for leveling would create significant safety issues and testing would be compromised due to actual weight load distribution on the vehicle. A 2- "Surface ruts and holes may be present requiring the PBBT to be blocked to provide support for the frame. The frame must be able to span limited ruts." "Cribbing and wedges must be supplied for uneven surfaces." As further explanation of these requirements, MSHA expects that the set up site will have a smooth, level surface. However, the conditions at mining operations does not preclude that either the downgrade and/or side slope may range from 0% - 3% and that ruts up to 6" deep by up to 18" long may be present. Any cribbing needed to support the PBBT for testing under these conditions must be provided. Q3- On page 3 of 5, paragraph two, sentence two, says " A minimum 2? Amber flashing strobe light on a 6? Stand with it's own base. What should the ? be? How are these lights used? A3- See answer to question one (1). Q4- Near the bottom of page 3 of 5, the specification states, "The PBBT must pass an acceptance performance test upon completion of training of the MSHA personnel." What is the acceptance performance test specification? A 4- "The PBBT must pass an acceptance performance test upon completion of the training of MSHA personnel." As further explanation of this requirement, the acceptance criteria are that, upon completion of training, MSHA personnel are able to setup/tear Down the PBBT, as supplied, on simulated mining site conditions without undue difficulty (reference FMCSA's Functional Specifications, http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/rulemakings/080900n.pdf, Setup/Tear Down Time, except a time of 1 hour is acceptable if cribbing is required), successfully operate all features of the PBBT, obtain accurate brake performance data, and quickly analyze a vehicle's brake system, i.e. reference FMCSA's Functional Specifications Inspection Time requirements. Q5- On page 4 of 5, the third paragraph states, "The trailer must totally enclose the brake dynamometer and associated equipment". While we believe you should consider a totally enclosed transport trailer, this statement conflicts with information from paragraph eight on page 3 of 5, regarding a fitted tarp. Can you please clarify? A 5- "The trailer must totally enclose the brake dynamometer and associated equipment." As further explanation of this requirement and the requirement that "Protection for the PBBT from weather must be provided during transport, i.e. specially fitted tarp." note that these are alternate requirements. At a minimum, the bid must include the cost of a weather-proof covering for the PBBT. The bidder may also specify a totally enclosed trailer and the additional cost for this alternate feature. Q6- On page 2 of 5, under Capabilities: you state "Be capable of performing brake checks of on-highway truck including significantly overloaded on-highway trucks. What type of trucks are you really testing? On-Highway trucks are defined in the FMSCA standard and they fit on our standard roller width. What is the "significantly overloaded" weight maximum? Does that equate to the 60,000 lbs axle weight? A 6 -"Be capable of performing brake checks of on-highway trucks including significantly overloaded on-highway trucks." As further explanation of this requirement, the PBBT must at a minimum meet the FMCSA's Functional Specifications and be able to test trucks with a maximum axle weight of 40,000 lb and a maximum total vehicle weight of 100,000 lb. MSHA expects to only test truck's designed for on-highway use, i.e. typical wheel base dimensions. Some on-highway trucks loaded in excess of 100,000 lbs. and some originally designed on-highway trucks fitted with over-sized beds, also loaded in excess of 100,000 lbs, may be encountered. To accommodate these trucks, the bidder may specify an alternate PBBT designed for a maximum axle rating of 60,000 lbs and a maximum total vehicle weight of 150,000 lbs. The bidder must specify the additional cost for this alternate design. Q 7. Will a forklift be available to offload and load the tester from a trailer or should it be fixed to the trailer? If the tester must be fixed to the trailer then the ramps will be much longer. A 7. 1Response: A forklift will not be available to unload the tester. The tester must be able to be unloaded manually but the tester is not required to be fixed to the trailer. Q 8. This proposal is designed to be off-loaded from a trailer or truck quickly and easily, is there a flatbed truck or trailer available at the site so that expense can be avoided? A 8. No, the trailer must be supplied as part of the PBBT. Q 9. This proposal includes an enclosed booth for the test personnel and all electronic devices I.E. computer, printer, etc?. Is air conditioning of the booth something you would like us to quote? A 9. No-air conditioning is not requested. Q 10. You refer to a UL standard for wet locations, could you provide the specification or the number. A 10.Refer to UL-50 for the general requirements. This standard specifies other standards for individual components. Also see: http://www.ul.com/regulators/ode/0803.pdf . The intent is to provide for the safe use and durability of electrical components in very wet conditions. Other proposed standards/designs will be reviewed. Q 11. Can the ground clearance for the vehicles to be tested be provided? A 11. Typical on-highway trucks/trailers will be tested. A maximum PBBT test height of 6" would be acceptable. Other proposed heights will be reviewed for acceptability. Q 12. Could you describe how the testing unit will be use, as far as number of locations and how permanent the locations are? A 12. The PBBT will likely be moved every 1 - 3 days to different mining operations. New setup locations will be established at each mine site. Q 13. It could make sense to build a concrete structure so that the trailer can pull up to the site and test the trucks without ramps. The structure would be simple and make testing easier faster setup and lower the equipment cost. A 13. The short testing time at each site makes building a concrete structure impractical. Q 14. Could you give more detail concerning the optional axle lift? Capacity? Configuration? A 14. The axle lifting jack will be used to raise the vehicle to allow visual inspection of the truck's brake components. The design of the lift must accommodate typical on-highway trucks. The lifting jack must meet recognized safety standards, i.e. ANSI, and have a positive locking mechanism or backup jack stand to prevent the truck from falling in the event the lifting jack fails. The lifting jack's (and locking mechanism or jack stand) design should accommodate a maximum individual axle weight of 60,000 lbs. The lifting jack may be part of the PBBT or a separate component. Q 15. Would wireless controls be of interest? Will the test operator be driving the truck also? A 15. Wireless controls would be of interest. The test operator will not be driving the truck. Q 16. In the optional requirements is it asking for 34 inches inside of the tires along the axle? The next requirement asks for testing 12 inch diameter tires to be tested? If this is true, what is the maximum axle width (outside of both tires) and largest outside diameter tire dimension of a vehicle being tested? A 16. Yes. The PBBT must be able to primarily test on-highway trucks. As an option, the PBBT must also be able to accommodate a dimension between the tires along the axle of 34". Also as an option, the PBBT may be designed to accommodate an outside tire dimension of 12'. The 13' was a typo. The inside and outside dimensions are intended to primarily allow more room for the truck driver to pull onto the PBBT. Vehicles with typical on-highway truck tires will be tested, i.e. 11R22.5- typical loaded radius 19.5", but larger on-highway tires may also be tested. Other proposed design configurations will be reviewed. Q 17.Description section: Quickly provide performance results.... How quickly do you want the machine to test, some brake testers are running at 0.5 km/hr and others at 4 km/hr. The testing speed depends on the size of the motors and gear box, the smaller means the slower, can you be more specific since the price of the 2 motors in the equipment can definitely impact on the total purchase price. A 17. The PBBT must meet the requirements of ?Functional Specifications as called out in the Notice of Final Determination, Guidelines of Development of Functional Specifications for Performance-Based Brake Tester Used to Inspect Commercial Motor Vehicles (65 FR 48799).? see: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/rulemakings/080900n.pdf. We have no other specifications related to speed. We request manufacturers state the test speed of the PBBT and the benefits of this speed in the testing. Q 18. Minimum bid requirements section: The PBBT must be blocked to provide support for the frame Can you specify which device should be used (what do you have in mind) to block the PBBT. A 18. ?Surface ruts and holes may be present requiring the PBBT to be blocked to provide support for the frame. The frame must be able to span limited ruts.? ?Cribbing and wedges must be supplied for uneven surfaces.? As further explanation of these requirements, MSHA expects that the set up site will have a smooth, level surface. However, the conditions at mining operations does not preclude that either the downgrade and/or side slope may range from 0% - 3% and that ruts up to 6" deep by up to 18" long may be present. Any cribbing needed to support the PBBT for testing under these conditions must be provided. Q 19. Minimum bid requirements section: Ramps will be positioned to drive up onto the frame... it is important to have ramps before and AFTER the PBBT to keep the vehicle leveled at all time while testing, do you plan to have ramps before AND after the PBBT. A 19. Yes, as part of the bid, ramps before and after the PBBT must be provided. Q 20. Minimum bid requirements section: Cribbing and wedges must be supplied... Do you have size and quantity? A. 20. Refer to the response to question (2). Q 21. Minimum bid requirements section: The PBBT must meet the FMCSA Functional Specifications... As far as I know, no portable brake tester meets the FMCSA Functional Specifications, how can you ask for something which is currently not existing? A 21. MSHA will consider bids for portable PBBT?s that do not meet the FMCSA specifications. Bidders must specify which of the FMSCA?s requirements are not met. Q 22. Minimum bid requirements section: The PBBT shall be UL approved for wet locations. Could you please give a standard to refer to? A 22. Refer to UL-50 for the general requirements. This standard specifies other standards for individual components. Also see: http://www.ul.com/regulators/ode/0803.pdf . The intent is to provide for the safe use and durability of electrical components in very wet conditions. Other proposed standards/designs will be reviewed. Q 23. Minimum bid requirements section: US DOT specifications can be provided on request. Please send me the specifications for the trailer. A 23.Please see: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/staticfiles/DOT/NHTSA/Rulemaking/Articles/Associated%20Files/trailer002.pdf . Also, the requirements for the PBBT are described in ?Functional Specifications as called out in the Notice of Final Determination, Guidelines of Development of Functional Specifications for Performance-Based Brake Tester Used to Inspect Commercial Motor Vehicles (65 FR 48799).? see: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/rulemakings/080900n.pdf sections 3.2.2, 3.2.2.1, and 3.2.2.2. See DOT regulations at: 49CFR 393, http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrguidedetails.asp?regulation=393 , and 49CFR571 at: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrguidedetails.asp?regulation=571 . Q 24. Additional optional specification section: The PBBT must be designed to simulate road vibration to check suspension components. It seems as if you are describing/referring to two different options shaker plates (also referred to as play detector) and suspension tester. Please specify which of the 2 equipment you want or movement you desire. Suspension tester will give up and down movement and play detector wil give left-right and/or front/back movement. A 24. Correction to specification- The intent is to check for steering component defects (excessive play). A suspension tester is not requested. Q 25. Additional optional specification section: The PBBT must be equipped with a lifting jack to allow.... What weight must the lifting jack be able to support? A 25. The axle lifting jack will be used to raise the vehicle to allow visual inspection of the truck's brake components. The design of the lift must accommodate typical on-highway trucks. The lifting jack must meet recognized safety standards, i.e. ANSI, and have a positive locking mechanism or backup jack stand to prevent the truck from falling in the event the lifting jack fails. The lifting jack's (and locking mechanism or jack stand) design should accommodate a maximum individual axle weight of 60,000 lbs. The lifting jack may be part of the PBBT or a separate component. Q 26. Additional optional specification section: In this section you are proving minimum individual axle weight, brake stopping force per wheel, inside dimension of tires and maximum outside dimension of tires, should these values be used also for the minimum bid requirements section? A 26. These valves should not be used for the minimum bid specification. For the minimum bid specification, the PBBT should meet the FMCSA?s specifications. These optional specifications are intended to allow MSHA to more easily test vehicles and test a wider range of vehicles. Reminder due date has been extended to June 18, 2007. NOTE: THIS NOTICE WAS NOT POSTED TO FEDBIZOPPS ON THE DATE INDICATED IN THE NOTICE ITSELF (11-JUN-2007); HOWEVER, IT DID APPEAR IN THE FEDBIZOPPS FTP FEED ON THIS DATE. PLEASE CONTACT fbo.support@gsa.gov REGARDING THIS ISSUE.
 

Web Link

Link to FedBizOpps document.
(http://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOL/MSHA/BeacerWV/Reference-Number-46407MR-1069/listing.html)
 

Place of Performance

Address: MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT DIVISION 1301 AIRPORT ROAD BEAVER, WEST VIRGINIA

Zip Code: 25813

Country: UNITED STATES
 

Record

SN01316130-F 20070613/070611222633 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

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