Window System

THIS IS A MARKET SURVEY AND NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. The US Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District is seeking sources for a commercially available window system that can provide an overall U-value of 0.18 or less, a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of less than 0.49, and a Visual Transmittance (VT) value approaching 0.50. The window system must also meet the requirements of United Facilities Criteria (UFC) 4-010-01, DoD Minimum Antiterrorism Standards for Buildings, at a "LOW" Level of Protection (i.e. glazing will fracture and may potentially come out of the frame, but at a reduced velocity that does not present a significant injury hazard. The salient features for these windows include the following: - Commercial window units approximately 4' x 6', in single units and in groups between 2 and 10 units wide. Each unit is split by horizontal mullions into three (3) sections, the lower two (2) sections fixed and the upper section an outward-swing awning. - Certification that the composite window units (frame, mullions, and glazing, in single units and grouped units) meet the minimum antiterrorism blast standards required by UFC 4-010-01 (i.e. professional engineer calculations and signature and/or air blast test results). Window test method is further described below. AIRBLAST TEST METHOD: Each Minimum Antiterrorism window type is tested for evaluation of hazards generated from air blast loading in accordance with ASTM F 1642 by an independent testing agency engaged in blast testing. For proposed window systems that are of the same type as a previously tested system but of different size, the test results may be accepted provided the proposed window size is within the range from 25 percent smaller to 10 percent large in area, than the tested window. Proposed windows of a size outside this range shall require testing to evaluate their hazard rating. Testing may be by shock tube or arena test. The test shall be performed on the entire proposed window system which shall include but not be limited to, the glazing, framing system, operating devices, and all anchorage devices. Anchorage of the window frame or sub-frame shall replicate the method of installation to be used for the project. The minimum air blast loading parameters for the test shall be as follows: Peak positive pressure of 40 kPa and positive phase impulse of 285 kPA-msec. The hazard rating for the proposed window system as determined by the rating criteria of ASTM F 1642, shall not exceed the "Very Low Hazard" rating (i.e. "No Break", "No Hazard", "Minimal Hazard" and "Very Low Hazard" ratings are acceptable. "Low Hazard" and "High Hazard" ratings are unacceptable). Results of window systems previously tested by test protocols other than ASTM F 1642 may be accepted provided the required loading, hazard level rating, and size limitations stated herein are met. Please provide a technical description of your company's product(s) to include descriptive literature, technical specifications, country of manufacture and pricing. Point of contact is Monica H. Bardsley, Contract Specialist. Capability responses and inquiries will be accepted electronically by email at: monica.h.bardsley@usace.army.mil or by mail to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District, CEPOA-CT-CM (Bardsley), P.O. Box 6898, JBER Alaska 99506-0898 no later than 2:00 PM (Alaska Time) on 14 October 2011. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this sources sought or otherwise pay for information requested. Proprietary information is not being solicited; however, if it is submitted, it should be appropriately marked.