RFI Questions.pdf
PDF 174 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Request for Information: Additive Manufacturing
- Solicitation number
- N0010427RZ058
About this file
This is a Questions and Answers document addressing inquiries related to Project Peculiar Document (PPD) 802-8436658, a NAVSUP additive manufacturing (AM) initiative for metal part replacement in naval applications.
The document clarifies key policy parameters for potential contractors and vendors. Wire-arc directed energy deposition (DED) is the only accepted DED process for interchangeability under PPD 802-8436658; wire-laser DED is not considered synonymous and is not currently acceptable. The approved procurement strategy requirement is an internal government responsibility managed by NAVSUP and prime shipbuilders, requiring no action from industry. Vendors proposing material alternatives outside PPD baselines may submit a Request for Variance tied to specific part numbers (NIINs) or pursue exploration through the MSTIC OTA vehicle. NAVSUP will consider proposals for polymer-based AM replacements if vendors provide engineering analysis demonstrating compliance with applicable performance, qualification, and material requirements. The RFI scope focuses on direct metal replacements using metal-based AM; however, alternate methods that do not require part requalification may be submitted as part of proposals. All component categories—including pressure-bearing, safety-critical, submarine-certified, and flight-critical hardware—are eligible for consideration, with NAVSUP providing a specific NIIN list as the initial batch for AM evaluation. Respondents should limit their focus to the specific NIINs listed in the RFI attachment and substitutions per PPD rather than identifying candidate NIINs for redesign or polymer substitution outside the stated scope.
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Question Response
In Project Peculiar Document (PPD) 802-8436658, it specifically lists "wire-arc DED" as an accepted AM process. Does Team Subs and/or NAVSUP consider "wire-laser DED" to be synonymous with "wire-arc DED" for acceptance purposes? An example would be a Meltio Engine Blue DED machine for "wire-laser DED."
No. Wire arc DED and wire laser DED are not synonymous. At this time, PPD 802-8436658 includes wire arc as the only DED process applicable to interchangeability PPD.
The cover sheet of PPD 802-8436658 states that organizations invoking the PPD must have "an approved procurement strategy submitted to Team Submarine."
How does our organization go about submitting that as a follow-on to this RFI?
No action by industry members. The approved procurement strategy is internal to the Government or prime shipbuilders that are issuing the contracts to industry with interchangeability implemented. In this case, NAVSUP has the procurement strategy.
For material alternatives that would fall outside the PPD 802-8436658 baselines, is there an appropriate route to propose a separately scoped experimental evaluation or qualification effort?
If it is tied to a specific part (NIIN) solicitation and the vendor believes that there is a benefit of using an alternate method or process, Request for Variance may be submitted to evaluate the proposed change. MSTIC OTA is another vehicle to explore alternate AM methods and processes for part production.
Is NAVSUP interested in receiving recommendations for polymer-based Additive Manufacturing replacements where engineering analysis demonstrates compliance with applicable performance, qualification, and material requirements under PPD 802-8436658?
The vendor may submit a proposal with such analysis as part of the proposal for the specific NIINs.
Are respondents encouraged to identify candidate NIINs that may be suitable for polymer substitution or redesign, assuming all required qualification, inspection, and validation activities would be completed?
Outside the scope of this RFI. This RFI is focused on specific NIINs listed in attachment of the RFI and substitutions per
PPD.
For this RFI, is the government seeking recommendations only for direct material replacements using metal-based Additive Manufacturing, or would proposals that leverage additive manufacturing-enabled redesign, part consolidation, and obsolescence mitigation approaches also be considered within scope?
Direct metal replacements using Metal AM is the intent, however if the vendor believes that there are alternate methods that should be investigated that do not result in a part requalification, it may be submitted as part of the proposal against those solicitations.
Are there specific categories of components (e.g., pressure-bearing, safety-critical, submarine-certified, or flight-critical hardware) that NAVSUP prefers respondents exclude from consideration at this stage?
No exclusions. All components that could benefit from use of Additive Manufacturing in accordance with the PPD are considered. NAVSUP has included a specific NIIN list for initial consideration as part of the RFI as the first batch of parts for AM consideration.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .