ASTROS_RFI_21May2014.pdf

ASTROS Request for Information (RFI) – 21 May 2014 (Page 1 of 3)

GENERAL INFORMATION: The Air Force Research Laboratory, Propulsion Directorate (AFRL/RQ-W), Edwards AFB, CA is in the process of determining the acquisition strategy for the follow-on to its Research Operations Support Services (ROSS) contract. The new Aerospace System’s Technical Research Operation Services (ASTROS) contract is work similar to that described in Attachment 1; the Performance Work Statement (PWS) from the existing operating contract, FA9300-11-C-0001, but revisions are expected. Services will be performed at the Edwards Research Site, CA. AFRL/RQ-W is assessing all possible strategy options and contract types for the ASTROS acquisition, to include possible small business set-aside. AFRL/RQ-W anticipates possible period of performance of 5-10 years with performance incentives. Contract award is targeted for December 2015 for a February 2016 start.

The anticipated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to this procurement is 542712 – “Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (Except Biotechnology).” The Small Business Size Standard is 1,000 Employees.

THERE IS NO SOLICITATION AT THIS TIME. This is a request for information posting ONLY. This RFI does not constitute a request for proposals and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government - no contract will be awarded from this RFI. Submission of any information in response to this RFI is purely voluntary - the Government assumes no financial responsibility for any costs incurred.

The Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of any information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted or acknowledged.

PURPOSE: This RFI is planned to be the first in a series. AFRL/RQ-W intends to use the information gathered to assess capabilities and interest in all aspects of the work to be performed in order to begin formulating an acquisition strategy for the follow-on contract. In order for AFRL/RQ-W to begin its assessment, please respond to as many of the following questions as you can/or are applicable to your company.

Answer each question separately for yourself and your recurring team partners (if any). Provide your most recent experiences (within last five years), to include: contract numbers, point of contact (i.e. program manager, contracting officer’s representative, or contracting officer), period of performance, and agency/organization supported with the following questions.

1. Describe your company’s experience with multi-million dollar build-up/modification of rocket test stands and facility operations to include:

Liquid rocket engine test stands?

o What are the thrust ratings (lbs)?

o What were the propellants?

o What were the propellant flow rates (lbs/sec)?

o What were the propellant feed, purge pressures (psi)?

Solid rocket motor test stands?

o What are the thrust ratings (lbs)?

o Weights of handled motors (lbs)?

o Hazard Classification Code?

Testing altitudes?

o Sea level?

o High altitudes (100,000 ft)?

o Hard vacuum (10-6 Torr)?

Innovations?

ASTROS Request for Information (RFI) – 21 May 2014 (Page 2 of 3)

2. Describe your company’s experience with build-up/modification of spacecraft propulsion (e.g. electric, Hall thrust, and storables), test stands (micro-Newton, milli-Newton) and facility operations.

3. Describe cost control measures e.g. earned value management (EVM) or similar process.

4. Describe 1 or 2 examples of how your company responded to managing changes in the following areas:

Changing scope/requirement Design modifications Funding (increases/decreases) Personnel (turnover, surge, downsizing, skill mix, overtime) Response time to the changes Creative/innovative solutions Complex subcontracts DoD or civilian agency security clearances Multiple major test campaigns in parallel

5. Describe experience inspecting pressure retaining devices in the following areas:

National Boiler Inspection Code (or equivalent) inspection capability Repairing relief valves up to 10k PSI and ASME stamp (such as “R” and “U” stamp) certifications Weld Inspection and X-Ray certifications

6. Describe experience performing and managing welding in the following areas:

Structural Stainless Steel piping 16” diameter @ 10k PSI Welding exotic materials (such as Monel™)

7. Describe experience performing and managing instrumentation and controls in the following areas:

Programmable logic controllers Low speed data acquisition systems, 2,000 sps Rocket engine controllers High speed data acquisition systems, 200k sps High speed digital video, 500 fps and above Cryogenic and high temperature measurement instruments Strain gauge pressure transducers Cryogenic level sensors

8. Provide a description of your business systems (approval status) to include:

Accounting/property Level of automation Level of integration w/sub-ledgers, payroll, and purchasing What levels of job costing/tracking does your system support?

Will you provide customer access to this information?

Are your systems web-based?

Do they allow use of Common Access Card for log-in?

Do they allow for Air Force/DoD port access?

ASTROS Request for Information (RFI) – 21 May 2014 (Page 3 of 3)

9. Provide a description of your management cost reports and process to track budgetary variances to include:

What management reporting system(s) are you currently using?

How long has the system been in use?

Is your system customer accessible for queries?

Do you have any current contracts with Cost Accounting Standards?

Is your system web-based?

Does it allow use of Common Access Card for log-in?

Does it allow for Air Force/DoD port access?

10. Describe your experience working in a highly-technical, highly-regulated work environment, while maintaining/sustaining the following:

Safety compliance Security compliance Quality Code/regulation/logistics Environmental compliance

11. Describe your configuration management process, address the following areas:

Change control Re-sizing and completing drawings Pressure vessel (modifications) and use history Equipment accountability, calibration, and traceability

12. Describe experience you have with correcting a non-compliance situation in any of the following areas:

Safety Security Environmental Code/regulation/logistics

13. Indicate your business size status as it corresponds to NAICS code 541712 and Small Business Size Standard of 1,000 Employees.

Please submit any additional comments and suggestions that you would like to share with us regarding this acquisition.