Highway Cruiser Bus

Trade Agreement: Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT)
Tendering Procedures: If 3+ bids offer Canadian goods/services
other bids will not be considered
Attachment: None
Competitive Procurement Strategy: Lowest/Lower Bid
Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement: No
Nature of Requirements: 
Highway Cruiser - 55 Passenger Bus


W8476-134022/A
Michele Mak
Telephone No. - (819) 956-3947 
Michele.mak@pwgsc.gc.ca
=================================================================
==

Amendment #003 to is issued to amend the bid closing date:   


Delete:  Closing date of 2012-11-29 @ 2:00 P.M (Eastern Standard
Time EST)


Insert:  Closing date of 2012-11-22 @ 2:00 P.M (Eastern Standard
Time EST)
=================================================================
==

Amendment #003 to is raised to answer the following Questions: 


Question # 1

Paragraph 3.9.4  Cold Weather Starting Aids  Page 5

(b)

Clarify that a 120 volt oil pre heater is not available and
cannot be provided as this is not commercially available for the
Cummins ISX engine. However, with the inclusion of a 120 volt
block heater and a 45,000BTU Pro Heater an oil heater will not
be required.

Answer # 1

Amend paragraph 3.9.4 by deleting sub paragraph (b)


Question # 2

Paragraph 3.9.5 Transmission   Page 5

(a)

proposal will be based on providing an Allison B500 transmission
with a Cummins engine brake. A transmission retarder is not
available with the Allison B500 transmission and a Cummins 425
HP ISX engine

Answer # 2

Amend paragraph 3.9.5 (a)  by deleting last sentence in the
paragraph.


Question # 3

Paragraph 3.9.9  Suspension and Axles Page 7

(d) ii 

Clarify that the drive axle has two double acting shock
absorbers per side

Answer # 3

Amend paragraph 3.9.9 (d) ii to read: At least one at each side
of the drive axle;


Question # 4 

Paragraph 3.9.9  Suspension and Axles Page 7

(g) 

Clarify that the rear drive axle has a capacity of 23,000lbs

Answer # 4

Amend paragraph 3.9.9 (a) to read: A rear axle capacity of at
least 10,432.8 kg (23,000 lbs)


Question # 5 

Paragraph 3.9.9  Suspension and Axles Page 7

 (h)

Clarify that the tag axle has a capacity of 16,500 lbs

Answer # 5

The words at least indicate that more than the specified 15,000
lbs capacity is acceptable
No need for an amendment.


Question # 6 

Paragraph 3.10.1 Driver's Seat Page 7

proposal will be based on providing an Isringhausen Model 6832
air ride driver's seat which is provided with fold down armrests
and a three point seat belt as requested.
(See attached for details)

Answer # 6 

Amend paragraph 3.10.1 (a) as follows: Remove "six way" from the
first sentence


Question # 7

Paragraph 3.10.1 Driver's Area  Page 7

(c) iii

Clarify that both the front and left hand windshields are
provided with electrically operated windshield blinds as
requested, however the driver's side window is provided with a
manually adjusted windshield blind.

Answer # 7 

This is a shall(E) requirement and deviations are subject to
Technical Authority Approved Equivalent. No need for a paragraph
amendment. Note definition in paragraphs 1.2 (b) & 1.2.1 (b).


Question # 8

Paragraph 3.10.1 Driver's Area   Page 7

(e)

Clarify that all passenger windows are tinted with the exception
of the front LH and RH windshields as well as the driver's side
windows in keeping with current Federal Motor Vehicle
regulations.. However pull down sun shades are provided on all
three of these windows.

Answer # 8

Amend paragraph 3.10.1 (e) to read: Tinted glass in all windows.
A window curtain or a pull down sun shades in lieu of tinted
window in the driver's left side window, the front left hand and
right hand windshields as per CMVSS.


Question # 9

Paragraph 3.10.1 Driver's Area   Driver's Protective Panel  Page
8

(i)

proposal will be based on providing our standard driver's
protective panel which is 33.75 inches in height from the floor
and will include a one piece guard rail on top of the panel. 

Answer # 9

Amend paragraph 3.10.1 (i) to read: OEM standard driver's
protective panel.


Question # 10

Paragraph 3.10.4 Warning Devices Page 9

(c)

proposal will be based on providing a transmission temperature
gauge on the dash in lieu of a warning light.

Answer # 10

Amend paragraph 3.10.4 (c) to read: A warning light or a
transmission temperature gauge for high transmission
temperature; 


Question # 11

Paragraph 3.10.4 Warning Devices

(e)

proposal will be based on providing a visual warning for the
entrance door only.

Answer # 11

Amend paragraph 3.10.4 (e) to read: A warning light to indicate
unlatched entrance doors.


Question # 12

Paragraph 3.10.4 Warning Devices

(j)

proposal does not include a reverse sensing system as our
experience has been that these systems are not reliable. However
a back up camera is provided with color monitor as requested in
paragraph 3.13.8

Answer # 12 

Agreed. Amend paragraph 3.10.4 by deleting sub para (j).


Question # 13

Paragraph 3.10.5 Controls (f) Page 10

proposal will be based on providing our standard intermittent
windshield wipers and washers. Wiper and washer switch is part
of the driver's turn signal switch. And is a push to activate
control.

Answer # 13

Amend paragraph 3.10.5 (f) to read: Intermittent windshield
wipers and washers.


Question # 14

Paragraph 3.10.6 Audio/Video Systems Page 10

(a)

Clarify that the speakers are mounted in the parcel rack
housings above the side passenger windows. A total of 8 speakers
are installed on the roadside and 7 on the curbside of the
coach. Additionally 2 speakers are mounted in the driver's
modesty panel.  

Answer # 14

This should be 3.10.6 (b) not (a). Amend paragraph 3.10.6 (b) to
read:  Additional passengers' speakers in addition to the normal
radio speakers. One speaker per two passengers mounted below the
parcel rack shall(E) be provided. This does not apply to the
three rear seats. The radio shall be equipped with a volume
control for the speakers in the passenger area with master
control in the driver's area;


Question # 15

Paragraph 3.10.6 Audio/Video Systems Page 10

(d)

will provide the two microphone jacks as requested. One is
located to the right of the driver at the back of the driver's
console the other is located left if the driver on the side
instrument panel.

Answer # 15

This is a shall(E) requirement and deviations are subject to
Technical Authority Approved Equivalent. No need for a paragraph
amendment. Note definition in paragraphs 1.2 (b) & 1.2.1 (b).


Question # 16

Paragraph 3.11.1 Electrical System Features Page 11  Circuit
Breakers ( C )
 
 (i)

Proposal will be based on providing our standard manual reset
thermal circuit breakers.

Answer # 16

This is a shall(E) requirement and deviations are subject to
Technical Authority Approved Equivalent. No need for a paragraph
amendment. Note definition in paragraphs 1.2 (b) & 1.2.1 (b).


Question # 17

Paragraph 3.11.1 Electrical System Features Page 11  Circuit
Breakers ( C )

(ii)

Clarify that the main 24 volt manual reset circuit breakers are
located in the battery compartment.

Answer # 17

 This is a shall(E) requirement and deviations are subject to
Technical Authority Approved Equivalent. No need for a paragraph
amendment. Note definition in paragraphs 1.2 (b) & 1.2.1 (b).


Question # 18

Paragraph 3.11.1 Electrical System Features Page 11  Circuit
Breakers ( C )

(iii)

Clarify that the air conditioning junction box is located in the
third baggage compartment.

Answer # 18

This is a shall(E) requirement and deviations are subject to
Technical Authority Approved Equivalent. No need for a paragraph
amendment. Note definition in paragraphs 1.2 (b) & 1.2.1 (b).


Question # 19

Paragraph 3.11.1 Electrical System Features Page 11  Circuit
Breakers ( C )

(iv) 

clarifies that the engine and transmission bypass switches are
located in the junction box at the roadside of the third baggage
compartment.

Answer # 19

This is a shall(E) requirement and deviations are subject to
Technical Authority Approved Equivalent. No need for a paragraph
amendment. Note definition in paragraphs 1.2 (b) & 1.2.1 (b).


Question # 20

Paragraph 3.11.1 Electrical System Features Page 11  Circuit
Breakers ( C )

(vii)

clarify that the manual rest breaker for the 12 volt master
circuit is located in the battery compartment.

Answer # 20

This is a shall(E) requirement and deviations are subject to
Technical Authority Approved Equivalent. No need for a paragraph
amendment. Note definition in paragraphs 1.2 (b) & 1.2.1 (b).


Question # 21

Paragraph 3.11.1 Electrical System Features Page 11  Circuit
Breakers ( C )

(vii) 

Clarify that some of our junction boxes are held closed by
rubber straps in lieu of quarter-turn fasteners

Answer # 21
 
The paragraph number should be 3.11.1 (c) viii not 3.11.1 (c)
vii .  This is a shall(E) requirement and deviations are subject
to Technical Authority Approved Equivalent. No need for a
paragraph amendment. Note definition in paragraphs 1.2 (b) &
1.2.1 (b).


Question # 22

Paragraph 3.11.1Electrical System Features Page 11  Wiring

(d)

Schematics are provided in C/D Format. 

Paper copies of the manuals can be provided but would not be
available until 30 days after shipment of the coaches.

Answer # 22

This is a shall(E) requirement and deviations are subject to
Technical Authority Approved Equivalent. No need for a paragraph
amendment. Note definition in paragraphs 1.2 (b) & 1.2.1 (b).


Question # 23

Paragraph 3.11.2 Batteries Page 11

Clarify that our proposal is based on providing the maintenance
free batteries as requested. CCA is 1150.  We are not aware of
any maintenance free battery available on the market with 1850
CCA.

Additionally, a sliding battery tray is not available and cannot
be provided.

Answer # 23

Note the word total in paragraph. That means that the requested
CCA could be achieved by more than one battery. For example, the
in service 2007 DND MCI buses have 2 batteries with 1,300 CCA
each for a total of 2,600 CCA. The paragraph means that the
total CCA of the individual batteries shall be at least 1,850
CCA.

Amend paragraph 3.11.2 to read: Heavy-duty maintenance free
batteries with a total capacity of at least 1,850-CCA shall be
provided.  The following shall(E)  also be provided:

A battery disconnect switch located in a protected area,
accessible through the battery compartment door; and  

A set of slave start colour coded metal pins located in an
easily accessible location. 


Question # 24

Paragraph 3.11.3 Lighting Page 12

(a)

advises that the headlights provided will be LED Headlights

Answer # 24

Amend paragraph 3.11.3 (a) to read: Headlights;


Question # 25

Paragraph 3.11.3 Lighting 

(d)

Clarify that rear turn signal lights are red and the side turn
signal lights are Amber

Answer # 25

Amend paragraph 3.11.3 (d) to read: Rear turn signal lights and
mid ship left and right turning lights;


Question # 26

Paragraph 3.11.3 Lighting Page 12

(e)

Clarify that the fog lights provided will be non LED

Answer # 26

Paragraph 3.11.3 states: All interior and exterior lights shall
be LED, as commercially available.  The non LED fog lights are
acceptable, if not commercially available.


Question # 27

Paragraph 3.11.3 Lighting Page 12

(i)

proposal is based on providing the step well light which is
attached to the passenger side of the front entrance door.

Answer # 27

This is a shall(E) requirement and deviations are subject to
Technical Authority Approved Equivalent. No need for a paragraph
amendment. Note definition in paragraphs 1.2 (b) & 1.2.1 (b).


Question # 28

Paragraph 3.11.3 Lighting Page 12 (l)

i  Entrance Step well

Advise that our entrance step well has one light in the ceiling
over the step well area and one light on the passenger side of
the front entrance door

Answer # 28

This is a shall(E) requirement and deviations are subject to
Technical Authority Approved Equivalent. No need for a paragraph
amendment. Note definition in paragraphs 1.2 (b) & 1.2.1 (b).


Question 29

Paragraph 3.11.3 Lighting Page 12 (l)

iii Instrument Panel

Clarify that we will provide a dimmer switch which is a rocker
switch in lieu of a rheostat

Answer 29

This is a shall(E) requirement and deviations are subject to
Technical Authority Approved Equivalent. No need for a paragraph
amendment. Note definition in paragraphs 1.2 (b) & 1.2.1 (b).


Question # 30

Paragraph 3.11.3 Lighting Page 12 (l)

iv 2 and 3 Overhead Lighting

proposal will be based on providing overhead LED lighting in
lieu of fluorescent lights

Answer # 30

Amend paragraph 3.11.3 (i) iv 2 to read: In the "LIGHTS"
position, the LED light located overhead at the aisle-side of
the parcel racks should be on;

Amend paragraph 3.11.3 (i) iv 3 to read: In the "COACH"
position, the LED light above the windows will be illuminated in
addition to the aisle position lights, providing the keyed
ignition switch is "ON";


Question #  31

Paragraph 3.11.3 Lighting Page 12 (l)

vii  Lavatory Lighting

Advise the light in the lavatory is 24 volts

Answer # 31

This is a shall(E) requirement and deviations are subject to
Technical Authority Approved Equivalent. No need for a paragraph
amendment. Note definition in paragraphs 1.2 (b) & 1.2.1 (b).


Question # 32

Paragraph 3.11.3 Lighting Page 12 (l)

viii Night Lighting

Advise the night lighting will be LED in lieu of fluorescent

Answer # 32

Amend paragraph 3.11.3 (i) viii to read: LED low output night
lights.  


Question # 33

Paragraph 3.12.3

(c)

Clarify that the flooring is located in a non-sealed area
protected by the baggage bays and is edge sealed only.

Answer # 33

Amend paragraph 3.12.2 (c) to read: Bottom surface of wood
product flooring shall(E)  be coated and sealed at a minimum
with epoxy paint when not exposed directly to moisture. Areas
subject to water spray shall(E) be coated with waterproof
substance;


Question # 34

Paragraph 3.12.4  Body Construction Page 14

(g)

Clarify that the rear enclosure panel and lavatory doors are
made of ABS and covered with fabric. Fabric color selection can
be chosen from the manufacturers standard offering if we are the
successful bidder.

Answer # 34

This is a shall(E) requirement and deviations are subject to
Technical Authority Approved Equivalent. No need for a paragraph
amendment. Note definition in paragraphs 1.2 (b) & 1.2.1 (b).


Question # 35

Paragraph 3.12.4  Body Construction Page 14

(h)

proposal will be based on providing our standard Fiberglass
Reinforced Plastic longitudinal air ducts

Answer # 35

Amend paragraph 3.12.4 (h) to read: Stainless steel or
Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic longitudinal air ducts shall be
provided;


Question # 36

Paragraph 3.12.4  Body Construction Page 14

(i)

Clarify that the upper portion of the entrance door and to the
left of driver's area below the driver's left hand console is
ABS material in lieu of fiberglass reinforced plastic

Answer # 36

This is a shall(E) requirement and deviations are subject to
Technical Authority Approved Equivalent. No need for a paragraph
amendment. Note definition in paragraphs 1.2 (b) & 1.2.1 (b).


Question # 37

Paragraph 3.12.4  Body Construction Page 14

(j)

proposal will be based  on providing our standard painted abs
panel covering the driver's evaporator assembly. 

Answer # 37

Amend paragraph 3.12.4 (j) to read: Painted louvered aluminum or
fiberglass panel covering the driver's evaporator assembly to
the right of the driver's position shall(E) be provided;


Question # 38

Paragraph 3.12.8  Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
Systems (HVAC) Page16

(c)

proposal will be based on providing a Bitzer air conditioning
compressor in lieu of Carrier.

Answer # 38

This is a shall(E) requirement and deviations are subject to
Technical Authority Approved Equivalent. No need for a paragraph
amendment. Note definition in paragraphs 1.2 (b) & 1.2.1 (b).


Question # 39

Paragraph 3.12.8  Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
Systems (HVAC) Page16

(c) ii

The system capacity of the a/c system for the passenger area is
122,000 BTU's.

Answer # 39

Amend paragraph 3.12.8 (c) ii to read: A capacity of at least
122,000-Btu/hour in the passenger area, and at least
35,000-Btu/hr for the driver's area;


Question # 40

Paragraph 3.12.8  Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
Systems (HVAC) Page16

(d) i

Clarify that the heater/air conditioner blowers serving the
passenger area provides 1000cfm on low speed and 2060cfm on high
speed.

Answer # 40

Amend paragraph 3.12.8 (d) i to read: The heater/air conditioner
blowers serving the passenger area shall  be  capable of
providing at least 1000-cfm on low speed, and at least 2060-cfm
on high speed;


Question # 41

Paragraph 3.12.9  Interior Features

(a)	Passenger Seats and Seating

i 1and2

proposal will be based on providing Amaya PG passenger seats in
a 56 passenger seat layout. Please see attached seat brochure
and seat layout diagram.

Top of seat back height is 43.2 inches measured from the top of
the headrest in the lowered position. Additionally, seat spacing
is 30 inches from the rear of one back rest to the rear of the
next.

Answer # 41

The requirement is for at leas 55 passengers. Number of seats of
56 passengers is acceptable. No need for an amendment for
paragraph 3.12.9 (a) i 1. 

Amend paragraph 3.12.9 (a) i 2 to read: Approximately 914-mm
(36-in) wide, at least 1,092-mm (43-in) high as measured from
the top of the headrest in the lowered position, and spaced at
least 762-mm (30-in) apart as measured from the rear of one
backrest to the rear of the next;


Question # 42

Paragraph 3.12.9  Interior Features

(a)i6

Clarify that Automatic retracting footrests will be provided
however, they are made of composite material and not  Stainless
Steel 

Answer # 42

This is a shall(E) requirement and deviations are subject to
Technical Authority Approved Equivalent. No need for a paragraph
amendment. Note definition in paragraphs 1.2 (b) & 1.2.1 (b).


Question # 43

Paragraph 3.12.9  Interior Features

 (b) Overhead Parcel Racks Page 17

(i)

Clarify that enclosed aircraft type parcel racks with fabric
covering will be provided as requested however, individual
lights are not provided behind the closed parcel rack doors.

Answer # 43

The inquiry is not clear. The paragraph states the following:
"Enclosed parcel racks, aircraft type with carpeting and lights
shall be provided". There is no indication that the lights are
to be provided behind the closed parcel rack doors.


Question # 44

Paragraph 3.12.9  Interior Features

(b) Overhead Parcel Racks Page 17

ii

Clarify that the speakers are mounted in the parcel rack
housings above the side passenger windows. A total of 8 speakers
are installed on the road side and 7 on the curbside of the
coach. Additionally 2 speakers are mounted in the driver's
modesty panel

Answer # 44

This paragraph doesn't provide the requirement for speakers. It
specifies the requirement for the integral handrail along the
aisle side. However, the speakers were addressed in
Question/Answer # 14.


Question # 45

Paragraph 3.12.9  Interior Features

(c) Walls and Ceiling

Clarify that the interior ceiling panels are aluminum with
fabric covering  sound deadening perforated acoustic headlining
is not available.

Answer # 45

Amend paragraph 3.12.9 (c) to read: The walls shall be covered
with fabric compatible with the seats fabric. The ceiling
shall(E) be covered with fabric or vinyl clad aluminum
material(s). 


Question # 46

Paragraph 3.12.11  Passenger Entrance Door page 18

v

Clarify that an exterior entrance door switch is provided as
requested 
However switch is flush mounted and not installed in a pocket

Answer # 46

This is a shall(E) requirement and deviations are subject to
Technical Authority Approved Equivalent. No need for a paragraph
amendment. Note definition in paragraphs 1.2 (b) & 1.2.1 (b).


Question # 47

Paragraph 3.12.11  Passenger Entrance Door page 18

vi

Clarify that a stainless steel latch assembly is not provided in
the front entrance area but is accessible from the front dash
area.

Answer # 47

This is a shall(E) requirement and deviations are subject to
Technical Authority Approved Equivalent. No need for a paragraph
amendment. Note definition in paragraphs 1.2 (b) & 1.2.1 (b).


Question # 48

Paragraph 3.12.12 Service Doors Page 18

Advise that locking doors will be provided on all requested
doors except for the engine, radiator and electrical panel, and
LH side service door.

Answer # 48

Amend paragraph 3.12.12 to read: Service doors shall be equipped
with electronic or manual locking device. The service doors 
shall(E) be  for the following, as applicable:

(a)	Spare Tire Access;

(b)	Condenser Compartment;

(c)	Fuel Tank Access and Filler; and

(d)	Battery Compartment.


Question # 49

Paragraph 3.12.13  Step well Page 19

(a)

Confirm that our proposal will be based on providing heated step
treads in the entrance area. Additionally, the step well
construction is fiberglass reinforced plastic.

Answer # 49

Amend paragraph 3.12.13 (a) to read: A heated step well shall be
provided


Question # 50

Paragraph 3.12.13  Step well Page 19

(c)

Advise that the insulation provided is installed underneath the
step well area.

Answer # 50

Amend paragraph 3.12.13 (c) to read:  Step well shall be
insulated to reduce heat and sound transfer. 


Question # 51

Paragraph 3.12.13  Step well Page 19

(e)

will provide the grab handles as requested however, they are
made from Molded Polyurethane

Answer # 51

Amend paragraph 3.12.13 (e) to read: Stainless steel or molded
polyurethane tube grab rails with knuckle clearances, on both
sides of the entrance and horizontally on top of the dash shall
be provided; and


Question # 52

Paragraph 3.12.14 (c) Bumpers Page 19

Clarify that both front and rear bumpers are energy absorbing
molded fiberglass reinforced plastic. As a result e coating or
anodizing is not required.

Answer # 52

Amend paragraph 3.12.14 (c) to read: Bumpers shall be painted,
e-coated, or anodized on all sides prior to installation. If the
bumpers are energy absorbing molded fiberglass reinforced
plastic, the e coating or anodizing shall not be required; and


Question # 53

Paragraph 3.13.4 Fenders and Splash Guards page 20

(a)

Clarify that our fenders are one piece fiberglass and molded
directly on to the front and rear wheel housing panels.

Answer # 53

This is a shall(E) requirement and deviations are subject to
Technical Authority Approved Equivalent. No need for a paragraph
amendment. Note definition in paragraphs 1.2 (b) & 1.2.1 (b).


Question # 54

Paragraph 3.13.4 Fenders and Splash Guards page 20

(b)

Clarify that the front and TAG axle splashguards are 19 inches X
9 inches wide and the rear drive axle splash guards are 29
inches X 24 inches wide

Answer # 54

Amend paragraph 3.13.4 (b) to read: Front and rear splashguards.


Question # 55

Paragraph 3.13.6 Emergency Equipment Page 20

(b)   

The reflector triangles and flares will be installed in the # 1
Baggage bay 

Answer # 55

Amend paragraph 3.13.6 (b) to read: Three collapsible reflector
triangles;


Question # 56

Paragraph 3.13.6 Emergency Equipment Page 20

(c)

Answer # 56

Amend paragraph 3.13.6 (c) to read: Three signal flares, in a
container;


Question # 57

Paragraph 3.13.6 Emergency Equipment Page 20

(d)

Clarify that the proposed fire axe will be 12 inch in lieu of
requested 15 inch.

Answer # 57

Amend paragraph 3.13.6 (d) to read: One at least 12-inch
fireman's axe, securely mounted and readily accessible in the
proximity of the driver;


Question # 58

Paragraph 3.13.6 Emergency Equipment Page 20

(e)

proposal will be based on providing a 5 lb fire Extinguisher

Answer # 58

Amend paragraph 3.13.6 (e) to read: A 2.27-kg (5-lb) with a
minimum 5BC rating, dry chemical fire extinguisher in a recessed
box under the #2 curbside passenger seat; and


Question # 59

Paragraph  3.14.1 Paint Finish Page 21

(a)

proposal will be based on providing our standard Dupont Imron
Elite one stage paint finish.

Answer # 59

The requirement as detailed in paragraph should be followed.


Question # 60

Paragraph  3.14.1 Paint Finish Page 21

(b)

Clarify that our entire frame is manufactured entirely from
stainless steel with the exception of the rear bogie assembly
which is provided with under coating and then painted.

Answer # 60 

This is a shall(E) requirement and deviations are subject to
Technical Authority Approved Equivalent. No need for a paragraph
amendment. Note definition in paragraphs 1.2 (b) & 1.2.1 (b).


Question # 61

Paragraph  3.14.1 Paint Finish Page 21
 
(d)

Please refer to our comments for paragraph 3.12.3

Answer # 61

Amend paragraph 3.14.1 by deleting sub paragraph (d)

Delivery Date: Above-mentioned

The Crown retains the right to negotiate with suppliers on any
procurement.

Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada.