35 -- VACUUM CLEANERS

Notice Date

April 9, 2001

Contracting Office

Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, Puget Sound, Bldg 467 W Street, Code 200 Bid Desk, Bremerton, WA 98314-0051

ZIP Code

98314-0051

Solicitation Number

01-002

Response Due

July 1, 2001

Point of Contact

Carrie Bender (360)476-7377

E-Mail Address

Contracting Officer (carrie_l_bender@puget.fisc.navy.mil)

Description

This is a sources sought synopsis published in order to identify sources in the industry that may provide 100 each commercial, off-the-shelf, canister style, pneumatically powered, HEPA filtered vacuum cleaners suitable for rough service in industry. If the vendor cannot provide all of the features listed below with an off-the-shelf model, but provide a unit, which has been customized to meet those requirements, the vendor is still encouraged to contact the contracting office in response to this sources sought synopsis. Vendors should state if they have a model meeting the following attributes. This request is not an attempt to find vacuum cleaner manufacturers, website addresses or other basic information which the Government may already possess. This request is to find manufacturers that can provide a vacuum with specific attributes listed, or make specific substitutions: Performance/Product attributes: (1) Vacuum cleaner filtration must utilize a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter meeting the requirements of ASME AG-1 for this application. HEPA filter ASME AG-1 rated and in compliance with maximum filter medium face velocity limits and is 99.97% efficient for particle size of 0.3 microns as tested using a DOP test for efficiency. HEPA filter housing and/or structural materials shall be aluminum, stainless steel or plastic; (2) HEPA filter shall be fitted with a gasket that seats on canister flange, and does not require tools to remove the filter during filter changeout; (3) A pre-filter bag or other pre-filtering device shall be utilized to prolong HEPA filter life. The prefilter shall attach to HEPA filter housing, and must not interfere with HEPA-to-canister flange seal. No tools shall be necessary to remove the pre-filter; (4) Vacuum cleaner shall have a vacuum relief valve installed to protect HEPA filter from seeing a differential pressure that could cause failure of the filter; (5) Aluminum corrosion resistant metal canister either formed or all welded construction with welded flange, and welded inlet hose nipple 1.5" OD and 2.5" long. No rolled seams shall be used to fabricate the canister. No paint shall be applied to the canister housing. No other penetrations in the canister are to be allowed. Quick disconnect type inlets are not to be used; (6) Canister size shall be no larger than 13 inches diameter, not counting the clamping flange, locking clamps, or inlet nipple; and, it shall be approximately 24 inches in height. Aspect ratio of the height to diameter shall not exceed 1.25:1; (7) The canister shall have 3 or 4 equally spaced tie down loops with no smaller than " diameter openings at least 3" below the top of the canister. The tie down loops shall be welded to the outside of the canister, and not be attached by fasteners; (8) The canister shall be designed to be cleaned using a bag-out method. The bag shall be securely attached to the canister or canister flange when the head and HEPA filter has been removed; (9) Flange for head unit shall mate with canister flange and sandwich the HEPA filter gasket to seal the assembly. The head shall be secured to the canister using four locking style-clamping devices, which positively seal the canister, HEPA filter, and head assembly. Adjustable tension locking clamps are preferred. The locking clamps shall be designed for lock wiring such that when lock wired, the clamps cannot become unlatched. In addition, the head/filter/canister seal shall remain intact unless the lock wires are cut, and the latches are unloaded; (10) Unit weight shall be 25 pounds or less when completely assembled; (11) Unit shall be constructed such that it is well balanced and not prone to tipping. The unit shall be equipped with a top lifting handle that is in the vertical plane of the center of gravity for easy transportation by hand or by rigging if necessary. Handle shall be strong enough to lift/rig the vacuum when fully loaded with debris. The center of gravity shall not be greater than 18" above the base of the unit when empty; (12) The air motor shall be located in such a manner to avoid airflow channeling in the HEPA filter. Typically, a 45 degree projected angle of flair from the outer throat diameter of the air motor to the outer diameter edge of the HEPA filter medium is necessary to achieve this effect. If necessary, install a deflector/diffuser device between the air motor and HEPA filter that performs an equivalent function; (13) Vacuum unit capable of delivering 100 CFM of air @ 3 inches wg., and have a minimum lift capacity of 150 inches of negative vacuum wg., utilizing supply air at 125 PSIG. This lift capacity exists only with inlet at shut-off, and may drop below this number when the vacuum cleaner is placed in service; (14) A back flow limitation device on air motor vacuum flow path, or slow acting gate or globe valve on air supply valve shall be installed to reduce or eliminate the back rush (positive pressure transient in the canister) of air when the air supply is secured; (15) Unit shall be rated to receive 125 PSI clean, dry service air. Air line fittings and components shall not use brass or bronze lead based alloys. Air supply isolation valve shall be a " NPT/F, WOG valve; (16) The air motor discharge shall be muffled and shall not exceed 80 dBA @ 3 feet from the exhaust during operation. The muffler assembly shall be removable from the head using a quick disconnect between the air motor and the muffler. The muffled exhaust shall exit the unit through a common exhaust, which is a welded hose nipple 1.5" OD and 2.5" long. Quick disconnect type exhausts shall not be used. It is anticipated that a solicitation for these items will follow this sources sought announcement within approximately four months, with an anticipated solicitation closing date of 20 July 2001. The deadline for receipt of responses to this sources sought synopsis is 30 April 2001. Interested vendors are asked to send product information with company point of contact information to: Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, Puget Sound (205.CB), Attn: Contracting Officer, Carrie L. Bender, 467 W Street, Bremerton WA 98314-5120. This sources sought synopsis does not obligate the Government to solicit for, or purchase any items. Any information sent in response to this announcement is to be provided free of any obligation on the part of the Government.

Web Link

Business Opportunities (http://www.puget.fisc.navy.mil)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010411/35SOL001.HTM (W-099 SN50I760)