VLM Solicitation Questions 20250610.pdf
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- Vertical Lift Module (VLM) at HILL AFB, UT
- Solicitation number
- FA822725R3221
About this file
This document is a Questions and Answers (Q&A) file for a Vertical Lift Module (VLM) solicitation for the 309th Missile Maintenance Squadron at Hill Air Force Base. The solicitation (FA822725R3221) addresses critical specifications for a VLM, including tray dimensions, machine floor size, and load capacity. Key discussion points include tray depth (requiring 32.1" minimum), tray width (192" minimum), external machine dimensions (210" W x 162" D preferred), and maximum tray load capacity (2000 lbs minimum).
The Q&A document reveals the government's specific requirements are carefully considered, with responses emphasizing that dimensions are critical for maintaining kit organization, space utilization, and safety. The solicitation is structured as a small business set-aside with a lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA) evaluation method. Offers are due by 1500 MST on 28 April 2025, with questions accepted until 1500 MST on 14 April 2025. The anticipated period of performance is 12 months, with payment split across three contract line items (CLINs) based on design, demonstration, and final acceptance milestones.
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Text version
6/10/2025
Questions
Vertical Lift Module
Solicitation: FA822725R3221
1. The maximum tray depth tray that we can provide is 52.1” but its dimension exceeds the dimension required, so the alternative tray dimension is 32.1” depth.
Answer: The tray depth called out in the solicitation is a critical dimension. This was specified in the General scope 1.1, specifically the last paragraph, last two sentences that states, “A tray size any smaller and the whole space will not be fully utilized, and kits could be displaced onto other trays. A tray much deeper was also found to be unsafe for some potential users.” Due to our maintenance processes, it’s crucial that our components/parts stay in their designated kits and after performing an evaluation of current and future kitting configurations, the dimensions listed in the requirements were selected.
2. The maximum tray width dimension that we can provide is 158.5” and the specs call for 192” width, could you confirm if the specs are correct?
Answer: The tray width called out in the solicitation is a critical dimension. This was specified in the General scope 1.1, specifically the last paragraph, in the last sentences that states, “A tray size any smaller and the whole space will not be fully utilized, and kits could be displaced onto other trays.” Due to our maintenance processes, it’s crucial that our components/parts stay in their designated kits and after performing an evaluation of current and future kitting configurations, the dimensions listed in the requirements were selected.
3. Using our biggest trays that we can provide, the external dimensions of the machine are: 179.9” W x 181.7” D or 179.9” W x 121.7” and the specs call for 210” W x 162” D, so, which tray we should use for its proposal?
Answer: The floor size called out is the maximum for the space we are looking at placing the VLM. This incorporates space to access one side of the machine for maintenance. There are plumbing and electrical conduits that run down the wall on that side as well that we must provide space to access, along with a submersible pump access panel in the floor that we cannot block.
The overall width needs to be above the 192” W because that is a critical dimension for the tray.
The tray depth called out in the solicitation is a critical dimension. This was specified in the General scope 1.1, specifically the last paragraph, last two sentences that states, “A tray size any smaller and the whole space will not be fully utilized, and kits could be displaced onto other trays. A tray much deeper was also found to be unsafe for some potential users.”
The maximum tray load capacity is 1,433 lbs. and the specs call for 2000 lbs.
Answer: The tray that will bear the most weight is around 1800lbs, a 2000lbs minimum limit will keep us in a comfortable range to not exceed the weight max with both our current workload and potential new workloads and different tray configurations.
6/10/2025
4. An alternative depending on the materials to be stored is provide a configuration using 2 VLM’s to reach the Width dimension specified.
Answer: 2 VLMs will not suffice because they will not provide enough space in a configuration that is efficient for how we are looking to do business. This is explained in the General Scope 1.1 of the solicitation. Specifically, the second paragraph which states, “Each workload has a collection of parts creating a kit that is ordered and billed to individual serialized assets. The 581st MMXS needs to keep each collection of parts together for financial accountability.” Having 2 VLMs will create storage issues where we will have to start splitting up kits or creating unusable space due to moving kits to separate machines.
5. Considering the previous specs are the minimum values required and are correct, we cannot offer a machine aligned with those dimensions, so we need to confirm if there is some flexibility to quote an option or not.
Answer: Unsure what specs specifically the company is looking for flexibility on, these would need to be stated so we can address them. We have stated critical dimensions and a disclaimer at the beginning of applicable sections to allow for deviations where possible.
6. Could you help us to confirm if some additional dividers per tray are needed and which is the dimension desired? I’m confused about if they are considering some dividers distribution per tray or not on the Appendix 3.2.5.6.?
Answer: The cell division of 192 W x 40 D at 96 cells with a 6” height is an approximation. We would like to have enough dividers to create modular trays for the static workloads and have the capability to add future workloads.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .