Responses_to_Contractor_Questions2.docx

This is a request that the USAF reconsider the requirement to use only new/unused components during the overhaul of TCC valves:

1. F108 TCC Valves have been reviewed and analyzed by USAF engineering as part of the Strategic Alternate Sourcing Process.

RESPONSE: TCCVs were identified as a candidate for Strategic Alternate Sourcing Process primarily for supportability need and not as a cost savings initiative. When engineering changed the requirement to 100% overhaul in preparation for C-PUP, the shop needed pipeline assets to handle the increased workflow and new parts were not available.

2. It was determined that used commercial TCC valves are acceptable to procure.

RESPONSE: The cognizant F108 engineer made the decision and established an 813 that identified the criteria for purchasing repaired commercial assets. The criteria identified qualifications for the sources of the parts and qualified repair sources where they could be sent. These criteria did not include acceptance of any commercially repaired assembly.

3. Serviceable OEM components are readily available commercially and have the same quality requirements of new material.

RESPONSE: It is correct that used/serviceable TCCV's are acceptable to use as long as they meet the criteria established on the 813.

4. This new requirement will surely affect the cost (more than double in some cases) and increase lead time in deliveries due to long lead times for new manufactured material.

RESPONSE: New and unused parts may be procured from other sources through the surplus market. The parts still have to be manufactured by the OEM but do not have to be purchased from the OEM directly.

5. Since then, the USAF has competed the commercially used TCCV spares requirements twice for about 70 units and subsequently issued two contracts saving the USAF almost $2 million over new (SPRTA1-13-C-0154 & SPRTA1-14-C-0150).

RESPONSE: As stated above this was required for supportability and new TCCVs were not available. This was not intended to be a cost savings initiative.

The USAF’s goal is to ensure TCCVs service life will continue another 20 to 30 years. Air Force commands expect this engine configuration to last 20 plus years without maintenance. TCCVs are critical in maintaining Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) which is the major performance indicator and needs to be as reliable as possible. Tracking part history and pedigree on every part that goes into the assembly is difficult and compels the requirement to replace anything that cannot be repaired with new hardware. Serviceable TCCV's were purchased under a strict criteria requiring verification documentation in order to acquire the most reliable assemblies possible. USAF engineering did not anticipate that repair sources would assume that serviceable commercial hardware was acceptable in replacement parts based on the efforts taken to support the shop pipeline.