Rapid_DMSMS_Risk_and_Obsolescence_Solution_Q&A_30_Oct_18.pdf

Rapid DMSMS Risk and Obsolescence Solution Q&A

30 Oct 18

1. Will the parts needing to be reversed engineered be related to any type of weapons system?

Answer: Parts to potentially be reverse engineered are related to a wide range of legacy weapon systems, both fly and non-fly.

2. Does the contract have an incumbent?

Answer: No, there is currently no contract in place.

3. Can companies from outside USA apply for this? (like, from India or Canada)

Answer: This is a Request For Information, so there is no application involved. Anyone may respond to this RFI.

4. Do companies need to come to Tinker AFB for meetings?

Answer: No meetings required to respond to this RFI. Any follow-on discussions, if requested by the USAF, will allow flexibility for either phone or in person at Tinker AFB.

5. Can companies perform the tasks (related to RFP) outside USA? (like, from India or Canada)

Answer: This is a Request For Information to learn the realm of capabilities for rapid reverse engineering, repair development, and part qualification, so no tasks are requested at this time.

If a requirement is formally solicited, domestic and international performance will be addressed therein.

6. Can companies submit the proposals via email?

Answer: Yes, but we are not currently asking for a proposal. The responses to the RFI can be submitted via email.

7. Does the 448th Supply Chain Management Wing (SCMW) have a DMSMS program manager that implements an obsolescence strategy?

Answer: Yes. The 448th DMSMS program is managed in the 948th Supply Chain Management

Group at Tinker AFB, OK.

8. Are the obsolete risk parts electronic or various items (mechanical, materials, etc.)?

While electronics items are often the challenge, focus may include the full 448th portfolio, which includes other commodities such as structures, avionics, and propulsion (not exhaustive).

9. How is SCMW’s “Rapid_DMSMS_Risk_and_Obsolescence_Solutions” solicitation different from the SASPO office when attempting to replace obsolescent electronics?

Answer: This RFI is requesting feedback on capabilities, technologies, and business pathways

(vs. individual part number RFIs, via SASPO) to inform future planning. This RFI feedback may determine or influence future SASPO interaction with industry.

10. What is SCMW’s solicitation process for finding alternatives to your obsolescent equipment?

Answer: Today’s process involves requesting white papers for individual part numbers via multiple venues and requesting actual RE/RD work via our Sustaining Engineering Program

Office.

11. In your electronics obsolescence mitigation plan, what resources are typically accessible, and do you have rights to them? For example:

1. Test Plans

2. Bills of Materials (BOM)

3. Datasheets

4. Engineering Notes

5. Source Code

6. Interface Design Documents

7. PCB Layouts (Gerbers, PDFs, ect..)

Answer: it’s a mixed bag. Many of the most significant challenges are related to situations when limited data exists, so perspectives on how to rapidly reverse engineer, develop repairs or manufacturing methods, and (emphasis) establish rapid qualification methods of items are welcomed as part of this RFI.

12. To what extent do you require reverse engineering capabilities? For example, is the primary focus repair and replacement, or is there interest in uncapping ICs, decompilation of code, or bypassing firmware measures on devices?

Answer: Hardware reverse engineering / repair development / qualification in current configuration is our primary focus; however, we are open to learning about other available technologies to solve sourcing challenges, as part of this RFI.

13. Would prototypes produced to test concepts be required to comply with DFARs?

Answer: That would depend on the situation. In the meantime, we are interested in gaining feedback on the availability of solutions through non-FAR pathways (Other Transaction

Authority, Commercial Solutions Opening, etc).

14. I typically contract out PCB manufacture, will this RFI require that I discuss my contract manufacturer's capabilities as well? Are there any requirements a manufacturer must possess that you are aware of?

Answer: You are free to provide any information you feel describes capabilities. No requirements are set forth in this RFI.

15. Will my facility need a security clearance for anything related to this RFI?

Answer: No

16. Will I need a PKI for any correspondence related to this RFI?

Answer: No

17. Has an acquisition strategy been determined?

Answer: No this is market research and the results will shape the acquisition strategy.

18. How many awards can be expected or will it be a single award?

Answer: This is market research and the results will shape the award structure.

19. Any idea of a contract value and for how long the contract may be in place?

Answer: Market research will determine contract length.

20. Will the Government provide any details on the type of parts that will need to be reverse engineered or manufactured? Any information on the type of parts is greatly appreciated.

While electronics items are often the challenge, focus may include the full 448th portfolio, which includes other commodities such as structures, avionics, and propulsion (not exhaustive).