FLTT SSS.docx

SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS

Flight Line Tow Tractor

(NSN 1740-01-068-8945/1740-01-452-4117YW)

CAUTION:

This market survey is being conducted to identify potential sources that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet the requirements for qualification and production of the Flight Line Tow Tractor for use by United States Air Force (USAF) personnel. The level of security clearance and amount of foreign participation in this requirement has not been determined. Contractors/Institutions responding to this market research are placed on notice that participation in this survey may not ensure participation in future solicitations or contract awards. The government will not reimburse participants for any expenses associated with their participation in this survey.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Below is a document containing a description of the Flight Line Tow Tractor requirement and a Contractor Capability Survey, which allows you to provide your company’s capability.

2. If, after reviewing these documents, you desire to participate in the market research, you should provide documentation that supports your company’s capability in meeting these requirements. Failure to provide documentation may result in the government being unable to adequately assess your capabilities. If you lack sufficient experience in a particular area, please provide details explaining how you would overcome the lack of experience/capabilities in order to perform that portion of the requirement (i.e., teaming, subcontracting, etc.)

a. Identify any areas of work that your organization believes should be broken out exclusively for Small Business.

3. Both large and small businesses are encouraged to participate in this Market Research. Joint ventures or teaming arrangements are encouraged.

4. Questions relative to this market survey should be addressed to Nikki Ridley at (478)222-0287 or email nikki.ridley@us.af.mil.

Sources Sought Synopsis Flight Line Tow Tractor

PURPOSE/DESCRIPTION

The Government is conducting market research to identify potential sources that possess the production data/repair data, expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet qualification requirements for the production of Flight Line Tow Tractor NSNs: 1740-01-068-8945 and 1740-01-452-4117 for USAF personnel. This is a build to print acquisition. Our acquisition strategy is a five-year contract (basic plus four option years) and will continue through FY26. The projected quantities will be an aggregate total of both tow tractor sizes (4x4 and 4x2), the quantities are in a range of 1 minimum and 125 maximum per year.

The Flight Line Tow Tractor (FLTT), also known as a Bobtail, is based on a commercial truck chassis, also known as a chassis cab, which is modified for use as a FLTT in worldwide service. The Air Force (AF) uses the FLTT to tow Aircraft Ground Equipment (AGE), munitions trailers, and military aircraft. The modifications to the commercial truck chassis include shortening the length of the chassis by cutting the frame rails, and shortening the wheelbase by relocating the rear axle, suspension, and other affected components forward on the original chassis frame rails. Other modifications include the addition of a ballast bed over the rear axle for traction, a tool box, and hitches for towing. The FLTT is procured with Commercial Item Description (CID) AA59312D. This acquisition is for a FLTT follow on requirements type contract with best estimated quantity (BEQ) of 625-125 basic with 4 options. There are two NSNs associated with this procurement based on two classifications of the FLTT: 1740-01-068-8945YW (4x2) and 1740-01-452-4117 (4x4).

CONTRACTOR CAPABILITY SURVEY

Production to Sustain FLIGHT LINE TOW TRACTOR, 4x2 AND 4x4 Part I. Business Information:

Please provide the following business information for your company/institution and for any teaming or joint venture partners:

· Company/Institute Name:

· Address:

· Point of Contact:

· CAGE Code:

· Phone Number:

· E-mail Address:

· Web Page URL:

· Size of business pursuant to North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code: 333924 Industrial Truck, Tractor, Trailer, and Stacker Machinery Manufacturing

· A statement as to whether your company is domestically or foreign owned (if foreign, please indicate the country of ownership).

· Based on the above NAICS Code, state whether your company is:

· How long has your company been in business?

Written responses should be in the form of electronic mail and must be received no later than close of business Monday, 23 November 2020.

Please email written responses and any questions relative to this Sources Sought Synopsis to Timothy Hudson at timothy.hudson@us.af.mil and Shea Hart at shea.hart@us.af.mil.

Part II. Capability Survey Questions Please review the Commercial Item Descriptions (CID) listed below and provide responses to the questions:

AA59312D – Flight Line Tow Tractor 4x2 AND 4x4 A. General Capability Questions:

1. Please give a brief explanation of your company’s capabilities (ie, engineering capabilities, manufacturing capabilities, size of available facilities, etc.).

2. Is your company presently involved in, or has it ever been involved in the manufacturing of systems and equipment that are identical to, or similar in form, fit, and function to the Flight line Tow Tractors described in the Commercial Item Descriptions (CID) attached to this questionnaire?

3. Is it typical practice for your company to manufacture a “pre-production” unit for the purpose of conducting tests before full production begins? If you answered affirmatively, provide a list of what type of tests listed in the attached Commercial Item Descriptions (CID) you have conducted in the past.

4. Describe the facilities, equipment, and capabilities you possess or utilize to manufacture, produce, and test Flight Line Tow Tractors.

5. Is your company’s manufacturing and testing facilities capable of handing the testing requirements outlined in the attached Commercial Item Descriptions (CID’s)? If not, describe how your company would overcome this.

6. During the pre-production and production phases what type of progress tracking, integrated master schedule program, or similar tool would your company use to monitor and stay on schedule?

7. After pre-production sell off (if required), how many calendar days are required to begin delivery of the production units after receipt of an order? Does your company have any estimation on the maximum quantity of output per 30 day period possible?

8. What type of inspection and quality assurance processes does your company utilize to ensure that each size and type of Flight Line Tow Tractor is manufactured according to customer specifications as well as local, state, and federal regulations? Please be specific.

9. What is the level or extent of coverage in your company’s standard commercial warranty?

10. Reference the Commercial Item Description (CID’s) attached.

a) Does your company consider that the information in the document is clear and concise regarding the performance characteristics that the Government expects the contractor to provide? If not, please identify the information that is needed or that requires additional detail and/or clarification.

b) Did your company identify any areas in the specification that presented unacceptable risks? If so, please provide detailed information.

c) Would any technical/engineering data be required to execute the requirements in the specification other than what is provided in this SSS? If so, please specify.

11. Does the BEQ of the Flightline Tow Tractor over the course of a 6 year term seem attainable by your firm? Are there any concerns with the current acquisition approach of a BEQ requirements type contract currently desired by the Government?

12. Would you be willing to decrease prices based upon manufacturing learning curves? Does your company recognize price breaks on quantity ranges? If so, what are the usual practices?

1. Describe your capabilities and experience in manufacturing with regard to the requirements of this effort.

2. Describe your capabilities and experience in developing/modifying manufacturing procedures.

3. Demonstrate your ability and experience in the manufacture of the same or similar components, which are currently utilized in the commercial or military environment by providing the following information on the same or similar items:

a) Contract Number

b) Procuring Agency

c) Contract Value

d) Number of assets shipped

4. Have you ever defaulted on any contract or portion thereof within your company? If yes, please explain the circumstance and the resolution.

5. Provide your commercial manual(s) or Acceptance Test Procedures (ATP) and your rights to these manuals and or ATP used in the manufacture and functional check of these or similar assets for Government Engineer review.

6. Describe your capabilities and experience in test, evaluation, and repair processes/procedures with regard to manufacturing items.

7. Describe your configuration management processes and how you identify and resolve parts obsolescence and diminishing manufacturing sources problems.

8. Discuss your process for addressing any fit, form, and or function issues that may arise out of the requirements of this effort.

9. Describe your process for maintaining inventory records and reporting on hand/work-in-process balance and manufacturing status to your customer.

10. Include a detailed listing of facilities and equipment, including quantities, required to satisfy the requirements of this effort. Provide an outline of the proposed process, including inspections.

a. State the type of test procedures are anticipated for this effort.

b. State the type of inspection processes anticipated for this effort.

10. How will your organization address the absence of drawings, specifications, technical data, test procedures, etc.?

11. If the item cannot be manufactured in total, state what your organization can produce.

12. State any technology insertion ideas for the item that would be suitable for this effort.

13. What is the level or extent of coverage in your company’s standard commercial warranty?

14. Discuss any reverse engineering or item replacement opportunities that may be present.

15. State your approach to overcoming possible COVID-19 related obstacles, including but not limited to, video teleconferencing, manufacturing delays, and multimedia test reports in lieu of visits.

END OF DOCUMENT