A02 HandySCAN_Name Brand Procurement Letter - Signed 8 April 2021.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE GEORGIA

8 April 2021

MEMORANDUM FOR AIR FORCE CONTRACTING ORGANIZATIONS

FROM: AIR FORCE METALS TECHNOLOGY OFFICE / EZPT-MTO

SUBJECT: Name Brand Equipment Source Justification for Procurement of Creaform HandySCAN Systems

1. The following are criteria, justification and information that must be met in order to justify a Name

Brand Procurement for AF portable, hand-held 3-D scanning technology that is approved, in some cases, for Air Force use:

a. The HandySCAN series portable, hand-held scanners, manufactured by Creaform, are exceptional assets in 3-D scanning for dimensional inspection and modeling of parts and components for the United States Air Force (USAF) community.

References:

- AFLCMC Additive Manufacturing Design Rule Book, Revision 02, Dated 1 October 2019

• Chapter 1, Design for AM Tools (Software)

- Independent Market Research Matrix – Conducted under ESPE IV, Task Order 7

- AFLCMC Advanced Technology and Training Center – 3-D Scanning and Modeling Training

Course for the Creaform HandySCAN 3-D Systems

b. Creaform, or any approved/qualified Creaform vendor that offers the specific equipment listed herein, is/are the only provider(s) for the HanySCAN portable 3-D scanner. No other company delivers the unique product specifications via a different means or piece of equipment that satisfies USAF-approved engineering drawings, guidance and pre-existing training requirements/documentation/literature to satisfy AF requirements. Creaform, or any approved/qualified Creaform vendor that offers the specific equipment listed herein, also provides the necessary support to properly utilize the equipment to manufacture successful products, as related to:

(1) USAF Maintenance Groups require comprehensive technical support to facilitate the implementation of the 3-D scanning system.

(2) Aircraft Metals Technology Sections, or other Fabrication Elements, require initial configuration of the equipment and training for conducting various system function actions;

this equipment and training must be standardized across the AF in order to prevent costly re-training/re-certification post Primary Change of Station orders of our Airmen.

(3) Creaform, or an approved/qualified Creaform vendor, will ensure the delivery, installation, training, and 12 month warranty as part of the HandySCAN-series systems. In the event of the equipment requiring repair or servicing, sourcing parts and/or services needed to maintain the machine will be provided locally, reducing potential downtime.

(1) The Product Support Engineering Division, Wright-Patterson AFB, and the Metals Technology Office, Robins AFB, have conducted research and reviewed literature from various companies in order to source other equivalent3-D scanning systems but have not been successful.Down selection rationale:

i. The Creaform HandySCAN-series systems were down selected based on technical agility, capabilities and costs: accuracy, portability, resolution, maximum measured part volume, operating costs, and ease of training. A decision matrix was created applying weighted scores to each category, based on AF Metals Technology Career Field need.

Results overwhelmingly support Creaform HandySCAN systems implementation.

c. The strict technical requirements inhibit the ability to find additional options without incurring substantial delay in services (2-3 years) and a substantial cost burden (new development, $2-5M) to the United States Air Force. This delay WILL affect aircraft availability and downtime, due to our aging fleet and lack of availability to quickly produce unique, low-volume parts.

2. At this time, Creaform, or an approved/qualified Creaform vendor, is the preferred source(s) capable of providing dimensional accuracy inspection and 3-D modeling ofaviation-unique parts and components.

3. The USAF has not sourced or been able to qualify any additional hand-held scanning systems that will meet the specific criteria authorized by USAF for weapons system usage.

JASON G. McDUFFIE, NH-04, USAF Chief, Air Force Metals Technology Office