CBP PAV.RFI.pdf

Introduction:

This notice is issued solely for the purpose of conducting market research in support of acquisition planning in accordance with Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Overhaul (RFO) 7.103(b)(1) and 7.104(a). This notice does not constitute an Invitation for Bids, Request for Proposals, or Request for Quotations. No solicitation is being issued at this time, and the Government makes no representation that a solicitation will be issued.

Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Submission of a response will not affect an entity’s ability to respond to any future notice or solicitation, if one is issued, and does not restrict the Government’s eventual acquisition approach. The Government is not obligated to provide reimbursement for any information submitted in response to this notice. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with preparing and submitting a response.

Background and Contact Information:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has a requirement for a Personal Aerial Vehicle (PAV) as specified below. The primary purpose of this RFI/Sources Sought Notice is to identify if there are enough interested and qualified vendors that currently have capabilities to deliver equipment that meets the government’s performance and characteristic needs.

The NAICS Code for this requirement is NAICS: 336411 (Aircraft Manufacturing).

When the requirement is finalized, CBP may publish its intention to solicit though the DHS Acquisition Planning Forecast System (APFS).

Information Sought: Please address your capability to meet the following general requirements as well as all additional related questions below.

1. Lift Mechanism:

a. Aircraft are required to take off in a vertical (or near vertical) capacity while maintaining true or near true horizontal orientation.

b. Maintaining a level-attitude during the take-off and landing procedures.

c. Capable of launching (lifting off) in less than three minutes from obtaining occupancy.

d. Non-jet propulsion: rotor-style or propeller-driven lift.

e. Enclosed fan blades: ensure the mounting system of the propellers/fan blades includes an enclosure to ensure safety of the operators and/or proximate personnel.

2. Flight Duration:

a. The aircraft shall be capable of a flight duration of a minimum of one hour before refueling.

3. Weight Capacity:

a. Single (1) occupant weight capacity: 275-pound minimum capacity.

b. Double (2) occupant weight capacity: 600-pound minimum capacity.

4. Emergency Equipment:

a. Land-based equipment/parachute: The on-board emergency equipment shall contain a parachute capable of deployment from 200ft AGL at minimum but optimally as close to ground level as feasible.

b. Water-based equipment: The vehicle shall contain a method of aquatic float capacity to be used/deployed during emergency circumstances.

c. Emergent egress door/canopy: The vehicle shall contain a mechanism for reinforcing the cockpit area surrounding the crew in case of roll over or inverted situations.

d. Geofencing capabilities: The vehicle shall contain a method(s) of providing geofencing to prevent navigational errors or problems.

5. Size/performance:

a. Aircraft must be designed for manned operations. Indicate if you have single person capability, multi-person capability, or both.

b. Aircraft must be portable by vehicle-towed trailer (common US roadworthy transportation regulations).

i. Minor disassembly of items or folding of parts specifically for travel is permitted.

c. Aircraft must be sized appropriately for utilization of standard helicopter pads in case of emergency use.

6. Pricing: estimated commercial cost per vehicle. Include associated costs for an integrated 5-year annual service/maintenance plan.

7. Please identify all US Federal/Military Multi-Agency Contract vehicles or acquisition programs (i.e. GSA Schedule, NASA SEWP, SBIR, etc.) that your company holds and are applicable to this requirement.

8. Please identify your business size and any socioeconomic categories that apply to your company.

a. Please select your business size:

i. Small Business

ii. Other than small business

b. Please select your socio-economic categories that apply:

i. w- Woman Owned business

ii. wo – Woman Owned Small business

iii. ew – Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned Small business

iv. v – Veteran Owned Small business

v. dv – Service-Disabled Small business

vi. d – SBA Certified Small Disadvantaged business

vii. 8a – 8(a) SBA Certified 8 (a) Firm

viii. 8aS – 8(a)Sole Source Pool

ix. h – SBA Certified HUBZone Firm

x. to – Tribally Owned Firm

xi. ai – American Indian Owned

xii. an – Alaskan Native Corporation Owned Firm

xiii. hn – Native Hawaiian Organization Owned Firm

9. Please identify where your product is produced and if any parts/components are acquired from outside the US (to include country of origin).

10. Please identify any current commercially available models your company produces that meet the requirements listed in 1 through 5 above or could meet the listed requirements with modifications. (If you have a prototype in development, please indicate and include and anticipated time frame until commercial availability.)

11. Are the models identified in question 10 above 14 CFR Part 103 compliant? Are these models capable of operating beyond Part 103 boundaries (such as nighttime operations)?