EBFL_RFI25I5014_04152025.pdf

General Information

Document Type Request for Information (RFI) Request for Information Number M67854-25-I-5014 Posted Date 04/15/2025 Response Date 05/15/2025 Classification Code 3537 NAICS Code 333924

This Request for Information (RFI) initiates market research under Federal Acquisition Regulation 10.002(b)(2)(iii). This is not a Request for Proposals. No final solicitation documents exist currently. This RFI does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that the Government will take procurement action in this matter. The Government will not be responsible for any cost incurred in furnishing this information.

Description

Product Manager, Engineer Systems (PdM ES), Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) is conducting market research for potential sources to purchase an Extendable Boom Forklift (EBFL). The Marine Corps requires a forklift capable of loading and unloading a standard military pallet (40x48 inch) weighing up to 4,000 pounds into an International Organization for Standardization (ISO, 8x8x20 feet) container that is elevated on a Marine Corps tactical vehicle or trailer. The EBFL is a rough terrain tele-handling forklift powered by a diesel engine and is used to transport and load/unload cargo up to 11,000 lb from Department of Defense (DOD) transportation assets (including CH-53E/K aircraft) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) containers. The EBFL is interoperable with two separate quick attach/ detachable carriages capable of lifting all palletized classes of material to a rated capacity of 11,000 lb at a 24-inch load center or 7,000 lb at a 48-inch load center capable a varying the fork tine width from 0-76 inches. The EBFL replacement must also have the capability of loading and unloading of a fully loaded 463L pallet (88x108 inch) weighing up to 10,000 pounds at a 54-inch load center. The EBFL replacement must be capable of operating over uneven and rough terrain to include sand, snow, and mud. The EBFL will be used for handling ammunition, cargo, and supplies.

The Marine Corps estimates the purchase of approximately 348 EBFLs. The Request for Proposal (RFP) is expected to be released in Fiscal Year 2026.

EBFL Requirements

1. The EBFL shall have the capability to load/unload standard military pallet loads weighing at least 4,000 lbs from the opposite end of 20 ft. ISO 668 Type 1C containers on the ground and on tactical vehicles and trailers without a loading ramp over improved, unimproved, and cross-country terrain and in all types of climatic environments and illumination conditions.

2. The EBFL shall have the capability to load and unload military pallets weighing up to 10,000 lbs. from CH-53E/K aircraft and 463L pallets from U.S. Air Force aircraft over improved, unimproved, and cross-country terrain and in all types of climatic environments and illumination conditions.

3. The EBFL shall have the capability to be decontaminated from Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) contaminants using non-corrosive decontaminates (e.g. soap and water or individual decontamination kits). The EBFL is not required to survive the initial effects of nuclear weapons.

4. The EBFL shall be equipped with a single keyless engine ignition switch.

5. The EBFL shall be equipped with a removeable cab. Installation and removal procedures shall not require any special tools; cutting or splicing any fluid hoses or electrical wiring; cutting or reinforcing any structural components; or any other field modifications to the EBFL. All fluid connections required for removal and installation shall have quick disconnects except for HVAC lines. The unarmored cab shall have provisions suitable for crane lift using Basic Issued Items (BII). The EBFL shall also be compatible to receive a crew protection kit if armor later becomes a requirement.

6. The EBFL shall allow accessibility features (threshold) or shall provide access systems that allow operators and maintainers access and/or ingress and egress from operator, inspection, maintenance, and service areas.

7. The EBFL shall be equipped with a ROPS/FOPS.

8. The EBFL shall provide a load chart identifying the system lifting capabilities and restrictions, shall be in a position visible to the operator in the operating position, shall correspond with boom elevation and extension indicators, and reference boom reach as the horizontal distance from the vertical plane on the foremost portion of the forklift (excluding boom and fork carriage) to the inside heel of the forks for handling palletized loads (objective).

9. The EBFL shall provide a load moment indicator that directs visible and audible warnings to the operator at the operating position when the load approaches the maximum rated longitudinal load moment as indicated on the Load Chart (objective).

10. The EBFL shall have anti overload device(s) (threshold) or shall provide anti overload devices which lock all boom and carriage controls once an unstable condition is achieved except to allow the operator to bring the load within the operating range in accordance with the provided load chart (objective).

11. The EBFL shall be equipped with a weapons bracket capable of securing M16 and M4 series weapons inside the operator cab that makes the weapon easily accessible to the operator at the operating position and does not obstruct the operator from performing routine operations and prevents accidental discharge during routine operations.

12. The EBFL shall be equipped with means for stowing Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) Level 4 protective gear inside the operator cab that makes the gear easily accessible to the operator at the operating position and does not obstruct the operator from performing routine operations when either stowed or worn.

13. The EBFL fork tines shall be compatible with the CARGO HANDLING SYSTEM, AIRCRAFT USAF MODEL A/A32H-4A.

14. The EBFL shall provide an HVAC system and defroster.

15. The EBFL shall provide window wipers and a washer system conforming to the applicable requirements. The wiper for the overhead window can be removable and stored on the vehicle.

The baseline configuration shall be stored on the vehicle.

16. The EBFL shall provide a stowage provision for operator documents (threshold) or provide a stowage provision at a location easily accessible to the operator at the operating position which does not obstruct the operator from performing routine operations (objective).

17. The EBFL shall provide cab lighting illuminating the interior of the operator cab.

18. The EBFL shall be equipped with Lift/Tie down points conforming to MIL-STD-209K, Interface Standard for Lifting and Tie-down Provisions for all forms of transportation. The EBFL shall be capable of being transported worldwide without disassembly via commercial rail, marine, highway. The EBFL shall withstand the impact forces encountered in shipment without damage or permanent deformation.

19. The EBFL shall be equipped with a horn and back-up alarm.

20. The EBFL shall be equipped with a master switch capable of disconnecting all electrical components from the power source located above the fording line (30 inches).

21. The diesel engine, including all systems and accessories, shall conform to the year of manufacture standard military use JP-5, JP-8, and F24. The engine shall be capable of operating with standard military lubricants. The engine shall be equipped with an accessible oil-sampling valve or illustrate a comparable means for accomplishing sampling.

22. The EBFL shall have a desired operating range of 50-kilometers with the capability to travel on improved, unimproved, and cross-country terrain with up to maximum rated capacity loads in all types of climatic environments.

23. The EBFL shall have a 24-volt electrical system, or hybrid 12/24-volt system that ensures 24 volt starting capability. Electrical wiring should be in accordance with SAE J1292. An external 24-volt NATO slave receptacle conforming to NATO STANAG 4074, or a similar capability, is also required. Installed batteries should have sufficient cold cranking amperage to start the EBFL at -25 F. It is desired that the EBFL be equipped with the batteries conforming to the following NSN: 6140-01-446-9506, available under contract number SPO-430-00-D-0134.

24. The EBFL requires the following steering modes: circle steering (4-wheel); crab steering, and front wheel steering.

25. The EBFL shall have the capability of negotiating an angle of approach and departure of at least 45% while carrying a rated load, of negotiating minimum longitudinal slopes of 45% ascending without a rated load; minimum longitudinal slopes of 30% ascending, descending, and braking with rated load; and side slopes of a minimum of 30% with a rated load.

26. The EBFL shall be painted green 383, from FED-STD-595, and resistant to the corrosive effects of a severe marine atmospheric environment consisting of seawater splash and spray, and occasional seawater immersion during operation, transport, and storage. Be resistant to corrosion during unprotected storage and from the effects of a salt-water environment.

27. The EBFL shall meet the minimum requirements of MIL-HDBK-1791 for C-17, C-130, and C-5 air transport. The EBFL shall be capable of being driven on and off all aircraft in the EBFL's operational configuration. The EBFL shall meet all the requirements of MIL-STD-209 for transport externally by a CH-53 type rotorcraft.

28. The EBFL must contain commercial standard diagnostic capabilities. Design shall be such that maintenance and repair can be conducted with common tools wherever possible. No unusual mechanical skill should be required at any echelon of maintenance.

29. Be designed to meet applicable DoD human engineering, health, and safety standards and employ user-friendly features for personnel operating in or near the EBFL throughout its life cycle. The EBFL design and engineering must be able to achieve certification to handle conventional ordnance.

30. Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear, Biological, (CBRN) Survivability.

Chemical, Biological, and Radiological contamination survivability is required. Nuclear survivability is not required.

31. Be capable of being embarked and debarked, without disassembly, aboard all roll-on/ roll-off (RO/RO) ships and amphibious shipping/craft.

32. Be capable, under its own power, of embarking/disembarking through the surf from either the LCU or LCAC landing craft at a fording depth of at least 30 inches and a ground clearance of at least 15 inches.

33. The replacement vehicle must be externally transported by CH-53K. helicopter without the armored cab, and internally transportable by C-130 or larger fixed wing aircraft, Maritime Prepositioning Shipping (MPS), commercial shipping, and U.S. Navy shipping to include U.S.

Navy landing craft without added armor protection on the EBFL.

34. The EBFL must have an overall height, measured to the highest point with forks lowered, not to exceed 93.6 inches. The EBFL must have the capability of being reconfigured to a height no higher than 84 inches for the purpose of loading and unloading rotary wing aircraft. It must have a width not to exceed 100.2 inches outside to outside of the wheels and a length not to exceed 298 inches.

35. The EBLF shall meet the following operational requirements:

Fork tine spread 0-76 inches 10 hours of continuous operation and a 50 km range for fuel consumption Operate in climate conditions ranging from -25 degrees to +125 degrees Oscillation boom (left/right of center) 10.7 degree left, 9.4 degree right Boom height extension 40 ft Boom horizontal extension (reach) 30 ft Operating speed without load 20 mph Turning radius in 4-wheel steering Left: 30 ft. Right: 30 ft

The below illustration are the measurements which the EBFL needs to load a 463L pallet into the CH53k helo.

Vendor Survey for EBFL

MARCORSYSCOM is requesting the following Vendor Survey questions/information for the EBFL to be answered within this RFI:

1. Provide an estimated monthly production rate.

2. Provide the rough order of magnitude (ROM) pricing for the EBFL; include your annual price escalation percentage. Address any supply chain and/or inflationary concerns. Discuss whether you consider the use of economic price adjustment terms to be necessary for this procurement;

include information as to what price index you consider to be appropriate.

3. Provide a synopsis of the offeror’s ability to manufacturer, overhaul and rebuild equipment.

4. Provide a specification sheet which demonstrates the ability of the proposed product to meet the requirements listed above.

5. State whether your organization qualifies as a Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) Program, Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) program, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses, Small Disadvantaged Businesses, Small Business, or participant of the Government Ability One Program as defined by the Small Business Administration? If so, identify the status.

6. State whether there are systems available at this time that meet the requirements outlined above, that are or will be commercially available within the next year? Is it or will it be available on GSA Schedule?

Request for Written Responses

No industry day is planned. Responses from interested vendors shall submit their PDF Document as an attachment via email to jamie.fullinwider@usmc.mil no later than 15 May 2025, 1300 Eastern Time Zone, for consideration.

Cover Page of RFI response should include the following:

1. Business Name

2. Business Size

3. Point of Contact Name

4. Business Address

5. Phone Number

6. Email Address

Responses received after the suspense date and time, may not be entertained. Telephonic responses will not be entertained.