FA558725Q0052 - Borescope Questions Answers.pdf

FA558725Q0052

Q&A

Answers in red.

1) The borescope handset should be able to be handheld and mountable to a 3-inchwide rail.

Would a borescope with a removable monitor that can be mounted with an adapter to the rail be acceptable?

No, the handheld aspect is important, especially for inspections through the back of the engine and on some of the maintenance stands that we use.

2) Handset holder included used to hold the handset when attached to hands free devices.

Would a removable monitor that can be mounted to the wheeled system case for hands free operation be acceptable?

The portability and ease of use of a handheld system is what we’re after with the option to mount it for other extended inspections.

3) 160Gb of Internal drive storage.

Would removable internal drive storage be acceptable?

No, because that would add unneeded complication, tracking to an already complex kit.

4) Must be able to connect a DVD/RW drive via a USB to the borescope directly and transfer inspection reports from it to a disk.

Kindly clarify the “must be able” to connect a DVD directly to the borescope unit. Would an alternative methodology for transferring inspection reports be acceptable, e.g., insert removable storage into a supplied DVD burner.

Basically, what this means is the borescope must have a USB port and software to be able to connect an external DVD burner and transfer files to a removable DVD.

5) Rigid handset hanging hook with integrated quick disconnect (QD) to interface directly with the handset.

Please provide an explicit explanation/description of this specification.

It’s a hook, similar to a carabiner but possibly without the locking mechanism that we can easily attach/detach the borescope to and hang it from any feasible location. It allows for easy hanging of the handset with 360° swivel to optimize display viewing angle.

6) Automatic Turner: It should have the capability for the inspector to turn the core of the engine without assistance from additional personnel.

Kindly clarify this “should have” specification, i.e., if an offered borescope does not have this capability would it determined unacceptable?

Yes, it is unacceptable, being able to use an automatic turner cuts down on our man-power requirements for engine inspections.

7) Voice control for hands-free operation.

Is voice control for hands-free operation a must, or would like to, have capability as such is not a requirement for currently awarded USAF multi-year IDIQ borescope/videoscope contracts?

Voice control is a “would like to” but the hands-free operation is a must.

8) Must be portable without the need for external power source.

• Battery life per battery should be a minimum of 2 hours.

Would 90 minutes battery life per battery be acceptable?

No, the minimum needs to be 2 hours as multiple portable borescope systems come with that as the lowest tier option already. The inspections also typically last between 3-4 hours depending on damage found. Having batteries that only last 90 minutes also sets us below what our current borescopes are capable of.

9) 12-inch rigidizer with gripper

Would a slightly longer than 12” rigidizer be acceptable?

Yes, longer length is acceptable.

10) Ability to autogenerate inspection reports using the borescope from images taken.

Please provide an explicit explanation/description of this specification.

The borescope, from its own menu’s, should be able to generate a neat report (PDF/EXCEL/Word doc) that includes any pictures taken that are deemed necessary and measurements taken.

11) 3D phase measurement and blade counter capabilities.

Is comparable stereo technology for 3D measuring and modeling acceptable?

No, it must be 3D phase measurement capable as that is the leap in measurement precision we are looking for.

12) Four 6mm interchangeable video probe cables at least 3.5 meters in length and with 3D phase measurement capable optical tips. At least one of the probes should have a working channel or similar for FOD retrieval capabilities.

Is comparable stereo technology for 3D measurement capable optical tips acceptable?

No, the only acceptable non-3D phase capable probe can be the one that has a working channel. All other probes must be 3D phase capable.

13) Artificial Intelligence software that includes blade damage detection.

What criteria must be met for classifying borescope software as AI capable?

It needs to leverage computer vision and machine learning to reliably detect blade damage as well as correctly count engine blades.

14) Cyber Security:

Cyber security is of paramount importance to the USAF as exemplified by recent compliance requirements for analysis of borescope software and firmware.

What cyber security specifications/requirements are applicable to this acquisition?

Wifi/Bluetooth must be able to be turned off and it must be able to work without the need to sync to a cloud network. It also must have the capability addressed in question #4 above so that an air gap between the borescope and network devices can be maintained when retrieving data from then borescope and transferred to a computer.