16 -- B-1 Wing Maintenance Stands

Questions and Answers for B1 Wing Maintenance Stands 1) Is the contractor limited to fabricating the maintenance platforms from either aluminum or stainless steel? Answer: Aluminum or Stainless Steel are the only acceptable metals. However, Aluminum is preferred. 2) What is the desired platform working height from the ground? Are we to assume the following? a) Inboard platform floor shall be 5 ft. from the ground with the ability to raise or lower 2 1/2 ft. b) Middle platform floor shall be 4 ft. from the ground with the ability to raise or lower 2 ft. c) Outboard platform floor shall be 3 ft. from the ground with the ability to raise or lower 1 ? ft. Considering this assumption, if the inboard section is at 2 1/2 ft. up and the outboard section is 1 1/2 ft. down there will be a 6 ft. overall drop from the inboard section to the outboard section. Is this a problem? Answer: The total movement of the stands should make them 5?, 4?, and 3?. For example, they should move from 0? to 5?, from 0? to 4?, and from 0? to 3?. 3) Please explain further the phrase " 36 inches of downward height adjustment for platform leveling " as related to the other height requirements of 5 ft., 4 ft., and 3 ft. Answer: See question #3 4) Do handrails and toe guards need to be provided for autonomous use of each section? Answer: No 5) Is chain acceptable in lieu of ridged construction for the handrails for the platforms? Answer: No 6) The synopsis states " Segments must provide access to the overwing fairing area while engine panels are swung open. " Does this mean all segments inboard, center, and outboard? Answer: There must be a 36? walkway between the Aircraft and the inner most stand. This will allow for all clearance needed. 6) Is the step-fast and hand-operated jacks redundant or both required? Answer: These are the same thing. 7) What is the desired finish requirement i.e. primer and paint? Answer: Primer and paint. 8) Will these stands be used in phase dock or on the flightline? Answer: Both 9) Total assembly time of two weeks, is this for all the stands or just for 1 set for an aircraft? Answer: The assembly time is time needed for assembly at Dyess, not assembly time for the stand from inception to completion. The lead time for design, build, delivery, and assembly is 180 days after receipt of order. 10) Is one set of stands classified as 6 stands? 2 each 5?, 4?, 3? for each side of the aircraft? Answer: One set of stands is 6 individual stands, 3 for each side of the aircraft. 11) What is the total sets needed on this RFQ? Answer: One set