FCS3

Section 1 Summary

manufacturers may require additional experts and testing facilities that are better suited for their manufactured process and/or product. It is also understood that approval must be given by the Contract Manager before additional subcontractors can begin working in FCS. If needed, we will also have access to an accredited International Code Council (ICC) inspection team to provide quality control inspections for building construction products. We believe our team can efficiently offer the full range of needed services, but we are prepared to work with additional organizations as required to meet project needs. Three strategies underlie our approach to the FCS project: Strategy: Strong technical knowledge and practical experience deliver tangible results. The Project Manager has been the FCS Contract Manager for two previous FCS contracts and has worked with every identified TDP manufacturer and TDM supplier since 2006 as a subcontractor or contractor and through providing services to obtain Minor and Major Waste Tire Facility permits. Our team understands the technical, logistical and economic challenges of feedstock conversion (see Table 1 below), as well as the potential benefits to manufacturer brands, sales revenue and cost structures. The individuals and testing facilities that are identified as subcontractors are well versed in using recycled rubber. Table 1: Experience Overcomes Challenges Challenge Approach

Manufacturer skepticism and competing priorities may complicate securing feedstock conversion commitments. Shortage of personnel may dissuade some manufacturers wanting to dedicate time, money and resources to developing a product.

Clearly articulating success stories, proven approaches and program benefits secures commitments. Provide as much support as possible. The manufacturers invest time, money and resources many times over the amount initially invested in developing the product. The objective is to show them that the rewards come through the benefits of TIP as well as the technical and testing support. It will take additional efforts in sales and finding the right approach based on the objections. Outreach to candidate manufacturers focuses on high potential products like compression molded and extruded products that can accommodate filler and retain essential performance characteristics. Experience and familiarity with California crumb producers will expedite the supply development process. Identifying test needs in advance sets expectations and allows the team to coordinate with testing companies early.

COVID’s continual impact and uncertainty to businesses (e.g., money, travel, supply chain material, transportation) The issue of crumb rubber chemically bonding with virgin rubber or plastics limits its applications, especially in extrusion molded products. Iterative experimentation with alternative crumb rubber and compounds can slow development of initial prototypes. Some product tests may take months, delaying the ability to firmly establish crumb rubber/compound specifications and launch production during the period of the contract.

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