USDA, ARS, North Atlantic Area, Contracting Office, 600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038

43 -- TWO STAGE, LIQUID-RING VACUUM PUMP SOL 15-3615-99 DUE 052899 POC Lisa M. Botella Contracting Officer and Point of Contact, (215) 233-6551, fax (215) 233-6558 This requirement was initially synopsized on May 6, 1999. This amendment provides answers to the following questions received in response to the subject solicitation: Question: Please define/identify the chemical properties/nature of Oakite Chlor-tergent, Klenzade Ultra, Klenzade Oxonia Active, and Marquait. If this is not possible, a copy of the MSDS could be faxed to me. Answer: The cleaners listed are representative of typical cleaning agents utilized in the food processing industry. They are chlorinated detergents, mildly-basic, and compatible with stainless steel grades 304, 316, etc. Question: The packaged unit is required to fit on a frame that is not to exceed 60 inches by 28 inches by 32 inches. What are the limitations that dictate the footprint of the package? Is there more space available to install a larger frame? Answer: The footprint of the packaged unit is limited by the area available. The dimensions given in Section A.7.9 are the maximum area available. Question: The heat exchanger required is listed as a shell and tube type. This type takes up more space and is more expensive than the preferred plate and frame type of heat exchanger. Can we offer a plate and frame heat exchange in our proposal? Answer: The shell and tube heat exchanger specified is the preferred unit due to the process requirements and the services available and because they are less expensive to purchase and maintain. In the past we have paid a premium on the initial purchase of the plate and frame heat exchangers. While it is true that plate and frame heat exchangers are typically more compact than shell and tube, we have found them more difficult to maintain and cannot perform the repairs in-house which results in additional costs and negatively impacts the research. Question: Are the items below essential? 1. Flushed internal mechanical seals. 2. Overall dimension of the package to fit within the prescribed 60" x 28" x 32". Answer: 1) Flushed seals are a requirement. Refer to Specification A.7.6. 2) See response to question #2 above. Question: Do you want to explore other types of pumping systems? Answer: No. The system specified will best meet our needs based on the process requirements and services available. Question: May we have a list of the bidders so that we can provide them with a copy of our quote? Answer: This is a Request for Quotation and not a bid. A bidder's list is not available. THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS HAS BEEN CHANGED TO 4:30 P.M. (LOCAL TIME) ON MAY 28, 1999. All other information in the initial synopsis remains unchanged. Posted 05/20/99 (W-SN333958). (0140)

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