Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (NCO) 16 Request For Information (RFI) DISCLAIMER: THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE ONLY. THIS SYNOPSIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTE, PROPOSAL, OR BID. This notice is not a solicitation as defined by FAR 2.101, therefore it shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to enter into a contract, nor does it restrict the Government to an acquisition approach. All information contained in this Request for Information (RFI) is preliminary as well as subject to amendment and is in no way binding on the Government. Information submitted in response to this notice is voluntary; the Government will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided to the Government. The Government is requesting that restrictive or proprietary markings not be used in response to this notice. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized in the Federal Contract Opportunities website or GSA. It is the responsibility of the interested parties to monitor these sites for additional information pertaining to this RFI. 1. Title: __Fuel Tanker ____________________________________ 2. Purpose: The purpose of this RFI is to identify potential sources which will aid in defining the procurement strategy (e.g., set-aside, sole source, unrestricted) for a solicitation the VA intends on issuing shortly for the following: PURPOSE: To enhance medical mobile capabilities for the delivery to fuel critical patient care facilities throughout the South-Central VA Healthcare Network (VISN 16). REQUIREMENTS: The equipment should be of the latest model complying with the respective international standards of quality. The equipment/system should be complete in all respect for its operations a per mentioned specifications. The Contractor shall provide a truck driven fuel tanker with generator and shore power, automatic leveling panel and remote pad controls, security camera controls all materials, tools, equipment and medical equipment, and labor necessary to design and construct (1) 4500-gallon multiple compartments for fuel options with the capability to fuel vehicles and large generators and trucks. The Contractor shall produce a Mobile Medical transport bus in full compliance with the VA patient safety standards. SUBMITTALS: The Contractor shall submit with completed, a full drawing package, which includes floor plan, specific dimensions, and other interior features; exterior side views showing fueling locations, multiple hoses, equipment storage locations, and exterior logos. Provide all safety and environmental options for refueling requirements and capabilities all material and certificate of Compliance upon delivery. Tank will be manufactured to US Department of Transport (DOT) DOT 406 specification as defined in CFR Title 49 Manuals for all appropriate components shall also be provided. SIZE OF VEHICLE: The Contractor shall construct a fuel driven tanker with 4500 gallons or larger multiple fuel compartments with the capacity to hold and dispense diesel fuel and regular gas. DESIGN OF VEHICLE: The Contractor shall provide design services and shall collaborate with the VISN 16 Network to construct a truck driven fuel tanker layout that meets VISN 16 Network clinical needs, VA standards and safety requirements. Internal and External Main screen of all electronics and an external/remote capability with (1) IPAD remote options Undercarriage storage capabilities for additional hoses VA logos with design wrap on the exterior (to be determined by COR and POC) VSAT and LTE Routers, Antennas, and Satellite (work with VA OIT-EM and VSAT) Wi-Fi Capability, Back-up and Security Cameras and main screen with remote capabilities and IPAD Windows will be tinted. COMMUNICATIONS: The contractor will work with VHA OIT/OEM, POC and COR for communication congruency to ensure compatibility. Security cameras system that will provide a 360-degree view from the front and back of the unit with a remote capability and alarms. VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS: The exterior of the Buses shall be designed to match current VISN 16 graphics in color with VA logos. The exterior of the unit shall be weather resistant. The unit shall have an automatic retractable awning. Wrapping will be on the inside of a facility that is conducive for the adherence temperatures. Trailer will have attachable/removeable skirting to hide tires and undercarriage. The Buses will have additional space for medical equipment and supply storage and an additional diesel fuel tank for fuel supply. BODY SPECIFICATIONS: Body shall be automatic leveling style, flat interior floor. Body framework to be welded aluminum designed to be durable, and adequately reinforced at all points where road shock and vibration stress concentration occurs. All cab steel to be electroplated for rust protection and to eliminate corrosion and oxidation concerns. Interlocking extruded aluminum structural components create integrated floor-to-sidewall, and sidewall-to-roof joints. Steel mounting plates to be located in walls for mounting cabinets and appliances. MATERIALS: Bright polished aluminum. Tank is constructed with a continuously welded 3/8 extruded angle sub-frame with a 1/4 pad, 1/4 extruded aluminum cross members and 1/4 outriggers with 1/4 pads at every head and baffle location. Also, a nose pad covering the seam between the front head and the bottom is included for extra strength. The tank bottom is 1/4 aluminum with a side shell of 3/16 (.188 ) aluminum. Our entire shell and heads are of bright polished finish. MOUNTING SYSTEM: Tank is anchored to the truck chassis by a series of specially designed two piece tie down assemblies. The two halves of the tie down are locked together in such a way that both side to side and front to back movement are prevented, while securing the tank to the chassis. A maintenance-free HEADS: Tank is semi-oval in shape with deep dished heads and baffles for superior surge control. All heads and baffles are flanged for greater strength; head patterns of our own special selection result in low center of gravity. All heads and baffles are formed to precise dimensions resulting in a shell of extraordinary smoothness and strength. BULKHEADS: Double bulkheads with vented drain space between compartments allow for the safe transportation of mixed product loads. BAFFLES: If the compartment is large enough for baffles to be required under DOT 406 regulations, then these are included as standard equipment. OVERTURN RAILS: The overturn protection to DOT 406 specifications is of 3/16 (.188 ) aluminum and is an integral part of tank so as to prevent any leaking from top. Both overturn rails are the closed inverted U type with the curbside rail being airtight and used for the vapor recovery line. MANHOLES: Betts 16" Manhole Cover manhole with 10 lockable fill, DOT 406 integral relief valve, and (1) pressure-vacuum normal vent. Unless requested otherwise, the manholes are mounted Offset to Curb Side. MARKER RODS/DISCS: A heavy duty marker rod and aluminum disc, approved by all states, is provided in each compartment. For maximum protection, the markers should be set and sealed by a State Weights and Measures Official of the state where the vehicle operates. LADDER: Single aluminum platform type ladder is provided at the rear, curbside, with 25 x 42 grip-strut platform, non-skid steps and 12 high grab rail for safe access to top of unit. Includes (1) cutout step in bumper. Ladder is bolt on for ease of repair. BUMPER: A heavy-duty bumper per DOT 406 specifications protects rear of tank. FENDERS: Bolt-on aluminum trim Tandem axle fenders with set of DOT approved antispray mud flaps are provided. from the chassis. TOP WALKWAY: Each tank is provided with wide walkway area between the overturn rails with expanded aluminum providing a non-skid surface for safe footing. D/S HOSE STORAGE: Hose storage is provided by (1) 12" Driver Side Aluminum Tray. C/S HOSE STORAGE: Hose storage is provided by (1) 12" Curb Side Aluminum Tray. D/S CABINET: Single 65x33x30 aluminum Weld-On cabinet is provided on driver's side of tank. The cabinet has Swing Out Doors with hold open springs, stainless steel hinges, positive closing pin latches with recessed locking handles. Included. PIPING: Piping includes 3" bolted sumps, 3" Air emergency valves, and 3" to the side and 2" to the rear aluminum pipelines under the tank. EMERGENCY VALVE: Two air-operated emergency valves. Remote control fire trip air switch is provided on front driver s side. Air switch operator panel located: Side and rear with pumping system. SIDE PIPING: 3" to the side and 2" to the rear Lines are run to the curb side terminating in 4 Flanges for API Bottom Load Adapters. REAR PIPING: 2" Lines are run to the rear terminating in 2" flanges with an additional steel flange for 2" Cam and Groove Style drybreak adapter. SUCTION PIPING: 2" Lines are run to the rear terminating in 2" Goodyear Extreme Flex jumper hoses with 2" 90 Cam and Groove style dry break coupler. GASKETS: Green Durlon 8500 Sump and Flange gaskets and Viton Victaulic coupling gaskets are provided for all piping connections. DRAIN TUBES: (1) Drain D/S Front, (2) Drains Rear flashing area of the tank to assure that no water accumulates on top of the tank. WIRING/LIGHTING: All wiring in tubing is vapor proof. Lighting complies with FMVSS 108 regulations and includes: (2) red stop and tail, (2) red clearance and directional, (2) clear back-up lights, (1) red 3-lamp cluster, (4) side marker lights and all necessary reflectors. All lights are Betts LED type. SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION: Pipe lines, switch panels and airline protection are color coordinated to facilitate system identification and troubleshooting. MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION: All materials and construction methods meet or exceed DOT 406 regulations. A Certificate of Compliance will be issued with tank. DECALING: Custom decaling is available as an option. TANK TESTING: Perform V-K-I-P Testing and provide all necessary documents and labels. Perform EPA Method 27 test for vapor tightness. Perform Probe Wet Test and provide 60-gallon overage documents. Remote control exterior mirrors with defrost feature. Each mirror to have 60 sq. in. minimum viewing area, flat glass and 30 minimum viewing area, convex glass. TERMINAL BOTTOM LOADING, VAPOR RECOVERY AND OVERFILL PROTECTION DEFLECTORS: OEC type which controls splash above sumps. STATIC WIRES: Stainless steel braided cable from manhole collar to splash deflector. API ADAPTER: Openable API bottom load adapter with sight glass and dust caps. GROUNDING STUDS: Pair of brass studs included at front of tank. BRAKE INTERLOCK - API: Air interlock valve, mounted on each API adapter, to lock chassis brakes when connected to the loading arm. BRAKE INTERLOCK -VAPOR: (1) Air interlock valve with limit switch, mounted on vapor recovery adapter, to lock chassis brakes and to require vapor line connection before giving a green light on the overfill monitor. VAPOR VENTING: air vent with aluminum hood and hose secured to vapor rail. VAPOR RECOVERY LINE: External - C/S Air tight line terminating in 4 vapor recovery adapter with built in poppet check valve, and orange dust cap with keeper chain. INBREATHE/OUTBREATHE VENTS: inbreathing and outbreathing supplemental vents to provide venting protection in the event the vapor recovery system should be closed or blocked. OVERFILL PREVENTION: (1) ROMLink Plug-N-Load Compartment Overfill System with ROM II monitor, optic probes, API sockets and ROMLink harness kit. SOCKETS: Optic-Thermistor dual API socket housing with GS1001 ground wire installed. All material, labor to install system, perform EPA Method 27 test for vapor tightness and check out equipment included. Probe Wet Test and 60-gallon overage documents included. Terminal and state specific testing documents included upon request. PUMPING EQUIPMENT D/S SYSTEM: (1) C/S SYSTEM: (1) POWER TAKE OFF: (2) High speed, double gear clutch shift PTO with controls and safety indicator light located in Cab. Driver s side pumping equipment designed to deliver Diesel Fuel up to 30 plus GPM through the first reel. Curb side pumping equipment designed to deliver Gasoline up to 10 GPM plus through the first reel. EQUIPMENT CONTROLS: (1) Factory installed 2-position rocker switch in cab with park brake interlock function requiring emergency brake to be set prior to activation. (2) Air operated 2-position lock-out valve designed to disengage the Pump when the chassis brakes are released and are located at the rear. PTO SHAFT: (2) High torque drivelines with spline slip joint and grease fittings. PUMP BRACKET: (1) Heavy duty welded steel channel saddle type. D/S PUMP (1) Blackmer TXD2A-AVA (High/Low) for the driver side system. C/S PUMP (1) Blackmer TX1.5 for the curb side system. D/S PUMP STRAINER: (1) Blackmer Flanged Type for the driver side system. C/S PUMP STRAINER (1) Allegheny Welded for the curb side system. D/S FLOW CONTROL: Air operated Philly flow sensing switch with high/low air control switch located next to driver side meter. SYS#1 METER/REGISTER: (100GPM max) with standard strainer with mechanical air eliminator and no preset, back pressure check valve and Veeder Root Mechanical register for the first system located Rear Wing. SYS#2 METER/REGISTER with standard strainer with mechanical air eliminator and no preset, back pressure check valve and Veeder Root Mechanical register for the second system located Rear Wing. SPRAY CONTAINER: (2) Two-gallon capacity for air eliminator with air vent and drain valve. SYS#1 HOSE REEL: (1) Electric rewind with vapor proof motor and rewind button, industrial grade battery cable, and 70-amp breaker with 9-amp fuse. Reels are Inverted, facing out the rear. (1) A set of Inverted Style roller racks are included for the first system. (1) A set of nozzle holders are included for the reel on the first system. SYS#1 HOSE: Delivery hose for the first system. SYS#1 NOZZLE: Automatic hose with swivel for the first hose. SYS#2 HOSE REEL: Electric rewind with vapor proof motor and rewind button, industrial grade battery cable, and 70-amp breaker with 9-amp fuse. Reels are Inverted, facing out the rear. (1) A set of Inverted Style roller racks are included for the second system. (1) A set of nozzle holders are included for the second system. SYS#2 HOSE: Delivery hose for the second system. SYS#2 NOZZLE: Automatic swivel - Gasoline for the second hose. SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES PLACARDS: DOT Rigid Plastic Placards - Slide-In Holders with 4 each 1203 and 1993 placards FIRE EXTINGUISHER: (1) 10lb. Fire Extinguisher TRIANGLE KIT: (1) Warning triangle reflector kit included. BUCKET: (1) 5-Gallon DOT approved heavy-duty metal bucket. SPILL PADS: (1) Case emergency absorbent pads. PRODUCT ID MARKER: Sided rotating type located at product load heads. Sided rotating type located at rear. WHEEL CHOCKS: Pair of heavy-duty rubber chocks with u-handle included mounted in a storage bracket on driver's side of tank. BACKUP CAMERA: (1) Heavy-duty color CCD camera with 150° wide angle view and auto infrared for night vision. Stand alone 7 TFT LCD color monitor mounted in cab. LIGHTS WORK LIGHT: (1) Betts Full swivel LED Worklight w/ In-Cab Dash Switch located at the rear of the driver's side of the unit. WORK LIGHT: 32-inch Spot Flood LED located on the overturn rail on the driver's side of the unit. WORK LIGHT: Full swivel LED Worklight w/ In-Cab Dash Switch located at the rear of the curb side of the unit. WORK LIGHT: 32-inch Spot Flood LED located on the overturn rail on the curb side of the unit. CABINET LIGHT: (1) Dome Light located in the cabinet on the driver's side of the unit. EQUIPMENT BOX METER LIGHT: Meter light located in the equipment box of the unit. WHEELS: Front & Rear Disc, ABS, Air AIR BRAKES: Traction Control MIRRORS: Dual Heated Powered Bright Finish w/ Convex RADIO: AM/FM/WB/USB/AUX Bluetooth COLOR: Cab White, Frame Black ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT: Interaxle Lock Driver Controlled Differential Lock Both Tandem Rear Axles 65 Amps 37.4 CFM (3) 3000 CCA Total, LH under cab High Back, Air Suspension, Vinyl/cloth mix, Single Armrest High Back, Non-Suspension, Vinyl Heater, Defroster, A/C Included Halogen, Daytime Running Lights Single Vertical 8.7-Gallon 72-Gallon Polished Aluminum Power Locks/Windows 2-Speed Fan Air Dryer Dual Air Horns Fuel/Water Separator Painted Visor Cruise @ 65 MPH Front Tow Hooks Block Heater Heavy Duty Bumper Air Cab Mounts Backup Alarm Bright Finish Grille Engine Brake External Grab Handles Granite Bright Finish 2024 Mack Granite 64FR 248 WB & 160 CT 20,000# - Set Forward Axle 46,000# - 5.38 Rear Axle Ratio 66,000# 20,000# - Mack Taperleaf 46,000# - Air Ride, Hendrickson Primaax EX MP7-355C Mack 355HP 11 Liter EPA 355 HP, 1250 LB/FT Allison 3000 RDSSheppard SD110 + HD94 11.81 x 3.54 x 0.37 Single Channel w/ full liner 315/80R22.5 Michelin XZUS2 11R22.5 G Michelin X Line Energy Z Aluminum, polished MISCELLANEOUS STANDARD FEATURES a. Automatic hydraulic leveling system sized for GVW of vehicle. With IPAD addition remote capabilities. b. Rearview color camera system with monitor custom built into dashboard to assist in backing up vehicle. Camera to provide field of view 100 degree horizontally and 80 degrees vertically. WARRANTIES a. The Contractor shall provide a two-year, full coverage warranty and offer extended warranties on major features. b. Contractor shall provide premium service to the units twice a year prior to hurricane season and after Hurricane Season or when unit returns from a deployment. 24 hour reach back service for customer services, two training events annually with onsite training representative DELIVERY a. Shall be made by Contractor who will make any needed minor adjustments to the unit and will explain complete operation and routine. b. Keys, Manuals, Links and Documents for Motor vehicle Registrations (Title) c. Training on the units TBD by the POC and COR upon delivery The anticipated Small Business Administration (SBA) size standard for the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code _336211_ is __1,000 Employees__. 3. Responses Requested: The following questions must be answered in response to this RFI. Answers that are not provided shall be considered non-responsive to the RFI: a. Where are the requested items/equipment manufactured? Vendor must attach documentation of this information to be viewed by the government to be considered as part of the Market Research and responsiveness to this Sources Sought notice b. Are the requested items/equipment manufactured by a Small or Large business? Is the potential vendor in compliance with the Non-Manufacturer Rule (NMR)? Vendor must attach documentation of this to be viewed by the government to be considered as part of the Market Research and responsiveness to this Sources Sought notice c. Is the Vendor an authorized distributor with access to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts which may be required in performance of this requirement? The VA does not accept grey market items and therefore the Vendor must attach evidence of this access (Authorized Distributor letter) to be viewed by the government to be considered as part of the Market Research and responsiveness to this Sources Sought notice. d. Name of potential Contractor that possess the capability to fulfill this requirement. Contractors shall also provide the following: Point(s) of contact name: _______________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________ Telephone number: ___________________________________________ Email address: _______________________________________________ Company's business size: ________________________________________________ Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) #: _______________________________ e. Is your company considered a small business concern, SB, SDVOSB, VOSB, HUBZone, or 8A concern, with the requisite __________________ NAICS code? Please provide proof of qualifications. f. Is your company available under any Government Wide Agency Contract (GWAC), General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), and/or Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA)? If so, please identify the contract number for the Government to review as part of this Market Research. 4. Opportunity/Market Pricing: The MEDVAMC is seeking information from potential vendors on their ability to provide the required items/equipment. THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. Small Business Concerns are encouraged to provide responses to this RFI in order to assist the MEDVAMC in determining potential levels of competition and general market pricing available in the industry. Therefore, vendors are requested to submit estimated market research pricing along with their responses to the above. The estimated pricing will be considered when determining the procurement strategy for the forthcoming solicitation. 5. Instructions and Response Guidelines: Questions regarding this RFI shall be submitted no later than 3:00pm (CST), July 31, 2023, via email to lakeisha.white@va.gov. RFI responses are due by 3:00pm (CST), Monday, July 31, 2023; size is limited to 8.5 x 11 inches, 12-point font, with 1-inch margins in Microsoft Word format via email to lakeisha.white@va.gov The subject line shall read: Fuel Tanker Sources Sought. NO SOLICITATION EXISTS AT THIS TIME. There is no page limitation on subparagraphs 3(a) - 3(f). Please provide the information you deem relevant in order to respond to the specific inquiries of the RFI. Information provided will be used solely by MEDVAMC as Market Research and will not be released outside of the MEDVAMC Purchasing and Contract Team. 7. Contact Information: Lakeisha White Lakeisha.white@va.gov Your response to this notice is greatly appreciated!
