RWP_Test Site 2.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

HEADQUARTERS AIR FORCE TEST CENTER (AFMC)

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE CALIFORNIA

REQUEST FOR WHITEPAPERS (RWP)

To: AEDC Velocity Alliance Consortium Performers and Industry Partners via SAM.gov Project Title: Test Site 2 (TS2) Improvements & Modernization, Aerospace Vehicle Survivability Facility (AVSF) Contracting Organization: AFTC/PZIA (Arnold) Applicable NAICS Code: 236220 – Commercial and Institutional Building Construction Applicable PSC Code: Y1JZ – Construction of Miscellaneous Buildings Acquisition Authority: 10 U.S.C. § 4022 Other Transaction Authority (OTA)

Offerors may recommend alternative NAICS and PSC for consideration.

1.0 INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) is seeking whitepapers to modernize Test Site 2 (TS2) at the Aerospace Vehicle Survivability Facility (AVSF) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), Ohio. The strategic goal of this project is to provide the United States Air Force (USAF) with a state-of-the-art test facility capable of safely and efficiently conducting Live Fire Test and Evaluation (LFT&E) on current and future aerospace systems against an expanded range of advanced kinetic threats.

The existing AVSF TS2 is a partially enclosed 20’ x 20’ test area with critical capability gaps, including limited ballistic threat capture, inadequate fuel containment and recovery, extended setup times, and restriction to horizontal shot lines. This modernization project will deliver a highly flexible, robust, and integrated test site within the existing site footprint, ensuring high-fidelity kinetic data generation for the 704th Test Group, AEDC, and the USAF.

2.0 PROJECT SCOPE AND KEY OBJECTIVES

The Performer will design, fabricate, deliver, install, and functionally verify a comprehensive, integrated TS2 system, leveraging structural and spatial enhancements.

Key High-Level Objectives:

1. Integrated Superstructure and Crane System: Deliver a freestanding steel test superstructure containing a ground-level test area and an elevated platform rated for a 100,000 lbs. (or code-required live load, whichever is greater) capacity load. Integrate a certified 25-ton bridge crane and a 5-ton monorail system with a concrete/steel deck roof for debris protection.

2. Fuel Containment, Transfer, and Storage System: Design and integrate a steel fuel catch pan to capture up to 1,000 gallons of spilled aviation fuel for an individual test. Deliver a 6,000-gallon recovery tank and a portable pump system, which transfers fuel from the catch pan to the recovery tank, with a minimum transfer rate of ~ 180 gallons per minute (GPM), and fully compliant with environmental regulations.

3. Full System Functionality and Site Integration: Implement a cohesive, fully verified system with robust controls, safety compliance, wide stair/ladder access, and custom removable ballistic protection interfaces, minimizing operational disruptions to adjacent sites.

Particularly, the superstructure meets load capacity requirements, the cranes meet lifting and clearance specifications, and fuel systems collect, store, and transfer fuel correctly.

3.0 INSTRUCTIONS FOR PERFORMER'S RESPONSE

3.1 Technical Competency

The Performer's response must focus on demonstrating their technical capability, experience, and methodology to execute this project successfully.

• Pre-Award Capability Evaluation: This RWP evaluates the Performer's capability to execute the technical objectives, project management, and scheduling. The Government is not requesting prototype designs in the white paper submission. Instead, the Performer must show they have the technical expertise, personnel, equipment, and supply chain to design-build the system per the SOO.

3.2 Intellectual Property (IP) & Data Rights

The Performer must clearly outline their proposed IP and data rights assertion strategy.

• All IP and data rights assertions must reference "Article: Intellectual Property Rights in accordance with part 3 of the AEDC Velocity Consortium Request for Whitepaper" for VAC members. Non-VAC industry partners must clearly state IP and data rights assertions within the white paper.

• The Performer is required to provide formal confirmation of the specific prototype rights they will grant to the Government for the designs, "as-built" CAD files, and operational/maintenance documentation.

3.3 10 U.S.C. § 4022(d) Appropriate Use of Authority

To be eligible for award, the Performer must meet the statutory requirements of 10 U.S.C. § 4022(d).

The Performer's whitepaper must explicitly detail how they satisfy at least one of the following criteria:

• Criterion 1: There is at least one nontraditional defense contractor (NDC) or nonprofit research institution participating to a significant extent in the prototype project.

• Criterion 2: All significant participants in the transaction other than the Federal Government are small businesses (including small businesses participating in a program described under section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638)) or nontraditional defense contractors.

• Criterion 3: At least one-third of the total cost of the prototype project is to be paid out of funds provided by sources other than the Federal Government.

• Criterion 4: The senior procurement executive for the agency determines in writing that exceptional circumstances justify the use of a transaction that would otherwise not be entered into.

Note 1 (Nontraditional Defense Contractor): An NDC is defined as an entity that is not currently performing and has not performed, for at least the one-year period preceding the solicitation of sources by the Department of Defense for the procurement or transaction, any contract or subcontract for the Department of Defense that is subject to full coverage under the cost accounting standards (CAS) prescribed pursuant to section 1502 of title 41 and the regulations implementing such section.

Note 2 (Significant Extent): "Significant extent" is met when the NDC or nonprofit research institution contributes a key technology, component, or critical capability; performs a major portion of the design, engineering, or integration; or otherwise plays a vital role in project execution.

3.4 Pricing and Schedule

• Base Milestones: Performers must provide a detailed execution schedule and a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate for all Base Milestones.

• Unpriced Options: Performers are not required to provide pricing or ROM estimates for the Unpriced/Unfunded Options but are required to provide an estimated schedule and integration plan for these options.

3.5 Cybersecurity and CMMC Compliance

The Performer must demonstrate their compliance with defense cybersecurity standards.

• All cybersecurity protocols must reference "Article: Cybersecurity Requirements (CUI and

CMMC)".

• Performers must explicitly highlight that compliance with these cybersecurity standards flows down to all subcontractors, suppliers, and consortium partners, and remains the sole responsibility of the prime Performer.

4.0 EVALUATION DETAILS

The Government will evaluate the Performer’s whitepaper using a two-step, multi-disciplinary review process to assess the Performer's capability to successfully execute the project.

4.1 Evaluation Criteria

The Government will evaluate the whitepaper based on the following three criteria, which are of equal importance:

1. Technical Capability and Approach: The extent to which the Performer's proposed technical approach demonstrates a thorough understanding of the Statement of Objectives (SOO), technical performance parameters, and drawings, and presents a viable, low-risk execution methodology. The Government will evaluate the Performer's capability to design, fabricate, and install the integrated superstructure, crane, and fuel containment systems rather than evaluating a specific prototype design at this stage.

2. Schedule and Risk Management: The feasibility, completeness, and realism of the Performer's proposed execution schedule (including critical path, milestones, and unpriced options) and the adequacy of the proposed risk management and mitigation strategies.

3. Cost and Price Realism: The realism, completeness, and reasonableness of the Performer's Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) and proposed cost structure for both Base Milestones and Unpriced Options.

4.2 Evaluation Process

• Step 1 - Initial Screening: The Government will conduct an initial screening to ensure compliance with the submission requirements (e.g., page limits, formatting, and mandatory forms) and verification of the 10 U.S.C. § 4022(d) appropriate use of authority criteria. Non-compliant submittals may be rejected without further evaluation.

• Step 2 - Detailed Evaluation: Compliant whitepapers will be evaluated by a technical evaluation team against the criteria outlined in Section 4.1.

• Step 3 - Selection and Request for Full Proposal (RFP): Upon completion of the evaluations, the Government may select one or more Performers to receive a Request for Prototype Proposal (RPP) or proceed directly to negotiations for an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA).

5.0 SUCCESSFUL PROTOTYPE DEFINITION

In accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 4022, the prototype project is defined as successful upon meeting the following criteria for the selected Operational Utility Prototype:

5.1 Operational Utility Prototype Success Parameters

An Operational Utility Prototype is deemed successfully completed when the modernized Test Site 2 (TS2) is fully functional and demonstrated in its operational environment. The specific requirements include:

• Physical Infrastructure Integrity: Successful fabrication and erection of the freestanding steel superstructure meeting AISC and ACI structural fire protection designs.

• Elevated Platform Capacity: Demonstration that the elevated platform safely supports a blanket load of 100,000 lbs., featuring integrated wide stairs and removable grating.

• Crane Systems Verification: Complete OSHA/ASME certification and CMAA compliance verification for the integrated 25-ton bridge crane and the 5-ton monorail system.

• Fuel Containment and Storage Performance: Functional demonstration of the 1,000-gallon steel fuel catch pan capturing fuel without leakage, paired with successful 6,000-gallon recovery tank integration.

• Active Fluid Transfer Capability: Demonstration of the portable pump transferring fuel from the catch pan to the recovery tank at a minimum verified flow rate of ~180 GPM, adhering to EPA and environmental regulations.

• Final Documentation & Controls Support: Acceptance of certified "as-built" drawings (PDF and native CAD format), O&M manuals, and verification of utility connections with owner-provided test controls.

5.2 Follow-On Production Eligibility

The Government does not anticipate award of a non-competitive follow-on production contract or Other Transaction Agreement in accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 4022(f).

6.0 PROGRAM MILESTONES

The execution of the TS2 modernization project is divided into the following sequential milestones.

The Performer must map their proposed timeline and schedule directly to milestones. Notional milestones are included below, but offerors may propose alternatives for consideration.

Milestone Milestone Description Type Prototype Mapping

Milestone 1 Project Kickoff Meeting Establish project coordination, communication protocols, and review initial schedules.

[Base Milestone]

Operational Utility Prototype

Milestone 2

Geotechnical Study & Utility Surveys Completion Execute site surveys and geotechnical analysis to support structural foundation design.

[Base Milestone]

Operational Utility Prototype

Milestone 3 Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Deliver and approve initial concepts, safety and structural fire approach, and interface controls.

[Base Milestone]

Operational Utility Prototype

Milestone 4

Critical Design Review (CDR) Finalize comprehensive structural (superstructure, elevated platform, and deck roof), crane (25-ton bridge and 5-ton monorail), electrical, and fuel system (pan, recovery tank, and pump) drawings

[Base Milestone]

Operational Utility Prototype

Milestone 5

Site Preparation and Concrete Foundation Construction Perform excavation, pour structural foundations, and build the 40' L x 4' H concrete north curb

[Base Milestone]

Operational Utility Prototype

Milestone 6

Steel Superstructure Fabrication & Erection Erect the freestanding 24' W x 50' L x 50' H superstructure and concrete/steel deck roof capable of incorporating removable ballistic protection

[Base Milestone]

Operational Utility Prototype

Milestone 7

Elevated Platform & Removable Grating Installation Install the elevated platform at designated height, verified for 100,000 lbs. capacity

[Base Milestone]

Operational Utility Prototype

Milestone 8 Crane Systems Installation & Certification Install and certify the 25-ton bridge crane and 5-ton monorail per CMAA/ASME/OSHA standards

[Base Milestone]

Operational Utility Prototype

Milestone 9

Fuel Containment, Recovery Tank, and Pump Installation Install the 1,000-gal catch pan, 6,000-gal recovery tank, and the portable pump

[Base Milestone]

Operational Utility Prototype

Milestone 10 Integrated Functional Checkout & Verification [Base Milestone]

Operational Utility Prototype

Perform integrated functional checkout of the cranes, fuel transfer pump flow rate (~180 GPM), and safety systems

Milestone 11

Final "As-Built" Drawings and Documentation Delivery Submit final CAD/PDF drawings, safety logs, and comprehensive maintenance/operation manuals

[Base Milestone]

Operational Utility Prototype

Milestone 12

Optional Phasing and Operational Transition Support Provide onsite engineering support to transition adjacent test site activities and minimize disruption

[Unfunded Option]

Operational Utility Prototype

7.0 SUBMISSION DETAILS

• Submission Deadline: 16 November 2026

• Submission Format: Whitepapers must be submitted in PDF format, limited to 15 pages, excluding ROM and schedule details.

• Government POC: Haley Smith at haley.smith.10@us.af.mil and Bailey Deason at bailey.deason@us.af.mil

8.0 ATTACHMENTS

Attachment 1: Statement of Objectives (SOO) – OL-B Test Site 2 Improvements & Modernization

HALEY M. K. SMITH

Agreements Officer mailto:haley.smith.10@us.af.mil mailto:bailey.deason@us.af.mil