Request for Information - Cargo Parachute - FA8629-24-R-5032.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE

5 April 2024

Tracking No. RFI FA8629-24-R-5032

MEMORANDUM FOR ALL Qualified Vendors with SAM.gov Access

FROM: AFLCMC/WISK

Special Warfare Contracting Office 1895 Fifth Street Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7200

SUBJECT: Request for Information (RFI) - Aerial Delivery Equipment (ADE) Cargo Parachute

1. NOTICE

This Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS)/Request for Information (RFI) is issued for informational purposes and market research only; it does not constitute a solicitation. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for any expenses associated with preparing/submitting information in response to this posting. The information provided may be used by the Government in developing its acquisition strategy, statement of work/statement of objectives, and performance specifications. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained within their response as instructed later in this posting.

2. BACKGROUND AND SCOPE

The United States (US) Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance & Special Operations Forces (ISR & SOF) Directorate, Special Warfare (SW) Program Office (AFLCMC/WISN) is conducting market research to identify possible sources capable of providing Hardware Aerial Delivery Equipment (ADE) solutions in support of Aerial Insertion activities. Aerial delivery requirements for the Guardian Angel (GA) and Air Force Special Warfare (AFSPECWAR) communities have expanded in recent years. These requirements necessitate a new improved cargo parachute solution, enabling static-line parachute insertion of currently fielded vehicles and watercraft, and provide additional capacity to encompass future requirements.

3. REQUIREMENT

GA requires modernization of ADE capabilities to enable the deployment of the Side by Side Vehicle (SXV) and future watercraft with a full combat load. Additionally, the system should be able to be reefed, that is, cluster multiple cargo parachutes together to achieve heavier bundle weight limits with acceptable decent rates. The ADE system (cargo parachute system) should fit within existing Guardian Angel logistics facilities, be lighter than existing systems, and have a reefing cutter that is simple to configure and reuse. Additionally, the system should be able to airdrop equipment weights as light as 400 pounds and as heavy as 8,500 pounds when clustered with multiple parachutes. A single cargo parachute designed for heavy capacity of bulk-type platforms, container delivery system loads, and combat expendable platforms capable of dropping upwards of 2,200 pounds. Can be used for air delivery of fragile items. Designed for deceleration and stabilization of bulk-type platform air delivery cargo loads across multiple build platforms.

System Requirements:

Key Performance Parameter (KPP) Thresholds:

- ADE capability must be able to be inspected, packed, and configured for airdrop within existing and deployed GA unit facilities by qualified Aircrew Flight Equipment (AFE) personnel.

- ADE single cargo parachute must be capable of supporting up to 2,200 lbs. and when configured in a cluster, up to 5,330-8,500 lbs. Must be able to support a minimum load of 400 lbs.

- Cargo parachute must be low velocity and capable of delivering heavy fragile equipment loads.

The ground impact rate of descent should be no faster than 29 fps at maximum exit weight for a single parachute.

- ADE shall require no more than three personnel for inspecting, packing, and recovering the system.

- ADE cargo parachute shall have a repack cycle of no less than 24 months given proper storage condition.

- Cargo parachute material must be durable to withstand multiple airdrop missions, and repacking, including maritime freshwater/saltwater airdrops. Color must be suitable for military operations.

- ADE cargo parachute shall be compatible with fixed wing, high performance aircraft including C-130, C-17, and C-27.

- ADE equipment maintenance and repairs shall be able to be conducted within existing GA unit Aircrew Flight Equipment / aerial delivery facilities.

4. INSTRUCTION TO POTENTIAL RESPONDENTS

Interested parties who desire to participate in this SSS/RFI are encouraged to submit responses that demonstrate they presently have the technology and qualifications to provide the system described above. Responses shall include the following information and address the topics below:

- How many personnel are required for inspecting, packing, and recovering the system?

- In months, what is the repack cycle given proper storage conditions?

- Which fixed wing aircrafts is the cargo parachute compatible with?

- What is the size and weight of the system? (canopy diameter and weight in lbs.)

- What is the load range (in lbs.) that a single chute can support?

- What is the load range (in lbs.) that can be of supported by a cluster of chutes?

- Is reefing cutter solution simpler to use than explosive ammunition cutter?

- Is the reefing cutter a munition variant? If so, do reefing cutter components have special ammo and logistical storage requirements inside of an armory?

- Does the reefing cutter have an adjustable timer that enables 2-stage cargo deployments?

- What is the estimated cost of the reefing cutter solution? (Initial procurement cost and if applicable cost per use)

- What is the system’s operational availability over a 30-day period?

- Will the contract deliver training instruction, curriculum, and course material with the purchase of the system?

a. Respondent Data:

Company/Institute Name Address Point of Contact (to include phone number and email address) CAGE Code Web Page URL

Pursuant to NAICS Code 314999, All Other Miscellaneous Textile Product Mills, state whether the company is:

Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Women-Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Economically Disadvantaged Women- Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified HUBZone Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Veteran Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified 8(a) Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified

SBA Certification Date: ____________ SBA Graduation Date: ______________

State whether the company is domestically or foreign-owned (if foreign, indicate the country of ownership).

State whether the respondent is interested in being a prime or subcontractor for this requirement.

b. Describe the capability of your product or products and provide product information and specifications. Additionally, describe the capability of your product(s) to meet the desired performance requirements listed above. If you are proposing development to integrate existing or new subsystems, clearly describe your approach.

c. Responses may include:

1) Pictures

2) Training videos

3) Architecture views

4) Drawings

5) Associations or connectivity with other end items/systems

6) Test results to support meeting threshold and objective requirements

7) Ability to deliver 2 units within 6 months after receipt of order

d. Rough cost estimate (i.e. rough order of magnitude (ROM)) based on an optimum or varied pricing quantities (this is for Government budget planning purposes and will not be considered a bid or binding in any manner).

1) If development and/or integration is required to meet the system requirements, the Government also needs an estimate of the development cost based on complexity (for planning purposes only) to include PHS&T, such as warranties, portable storage, special tooling required, and training.

e. Indicate whether the company is currently performing this type of work/whether the capability can be obtained under an existing Government contract. Provide the contract number(s) and Government points of contact accordingly.

f. Indicate whether the company currently provides this type of work as a commercial solution. In this instance, “commercial item” means an item that is of a type customarily used by the general public or non-Governmental entities for purposes other than Governmental purposes. Please indicate if this item has been sold, leased, or licensed to the general public; or has been offered for sale, lease, or license to the general public.

g. Indicate whether all materials used are compliant with the Buy American Act and/or Berry Amendment (10 U.S.C. 4862).

h. Please include product warranty terms as applicable, along with any warranty limitations. If product warranty terms are not applicable, please include N/A.

i. Include any spare parts that would potentially be included.

j. Provide the details of NET training including process and cost.

k. Describe any possible product improvements that could be made, or are planned for the future for the solution.

l. Describe any risks associated with the fulfillment of this projected requirement. This can include technical or schedule risks associated with development, key performance parameters, etc.

m. Please provide specific details and rationale as to how compliance with FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, and FAR 52.219-33, Non-Manufacturer Rule, would be achieved in the event the Government sets this requirement aside for small business. Include specific details regarding teaming arrangements, etc. If subcontracts are to be used, provide the anticipated percentage of effort to be subcontracted and whether small or large businesses, including foreign, will be used. If this effort is not set-aside for small business, small business utilization will be considered. Large and small businesses should provide a reasonable expectation for small business utilization as a percent of total contract value as well as supporting rationale for the recommended percentage.

5. RESPONSES, COMMUNICATIONS, AND ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

a. The Government may contact respondents to obtain additional information or clarification in order to fully understand a company's response. This may include discussions, site visits, demonstrations, etc. to further the Government's understanding of a proposed solution, as well as a company's understanding of the Government's requirements.

b. Responses shall not exceed 15 pages (including cover page). Include technical and descriptive text and photographs/illustrations to provide sufficient detail. The submitted documentation becomes the property of the United States Government and will not be returned.

c. Respondents shall clearly mark proprietary data with the appropriate markings. Any proprietary information received in response to this request will be properly protected from any unauthorized disclosure. Any material that is not marked will be considered publicly releasable.

d. Government-contracted contractor support personnel may handle proprietary data submitted in response to this RFI. These support personnel will have signed the same Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) as Government personnel.

e. If you are currently providing your proposed capability on an existing government contract, please identify the contract and a government POC.

f. Broad industry participation for this RFI is encouraged.

g. Please note that prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database to be awarded a DOD contract; the NAICS code for this requirement, if applicable to the company’s capabilities, should be included in the company’s NAICS code listing in SAM. To learn more about this SAM requirement and how to register, please visit the SAM website at: https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM

h. Responses are due electronically by 12:00PM Eastern time on 19 April 2024 via email to:

Jamie Sclafani

AFLCMC/WISK

Contracting Officer jamie.sclafani@us.af.mil

Marissa Greenleaf

AFLCMC/WISK

Contract Specialist Marissa.greenleaf@us.af.mil

Drew Domer

AFLCMC/WISN

Program Manager drew.domer@us.af.mil

i. This notice may be updated as additional information becomes available. Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by email to the Contracting Officer identified above, with the other individuals identified above copied as a courtesy.

This is a Request for Information (RFI) only to identify potential sources for the solution. The information provided in the RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. The Government has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as creating such a commitment or as an authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought.

Jamie Sclafani Contracting Officer

AFLCMC/WISK

https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM mailto:jamie.sclafani@us.af.mil mailto:Marissa.greenleaf@us.af.mil mailto:drew.domer@us.af.mil