REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) - ACM LIFTING FRAMES.pdf

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Memphis District Regional Channel Improvement

ACM Lifting Frames

Figure 1. ACM Lifting Frame Schematic

INTRODUCTION

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Memphis District Contracting office is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) as a means of conducting market research to identify parties having an interest in and the resources to support the requirement for ACM Lifting Frames. Specifically, The Memphis District has a requirement to procure four (4) new articulated concrete mattress (ACM) lifting frames as depicted in Figure 1 above to support revetment mat loading operations which directly support the Regional Channel Improvement revetment sinking mission. These lifting frames have been designed to integrate the current revetment supply barge modifications with the anticipated release of Armor 1, a new robotic ACM laying barge scheduled for delivery in Dec 2025. The scope for this procurement requires the construction, delivery and installation of the lifting frames into the current mat loading operation equipment (Whirley Crane). The intention is to procure this requirement on a competitive basis.

BASED ON THE RESPONSES TO THIS RFI NOTICE/MARKET RESEARCH, THIS

REQUIREMENT MAY BE SET-ASIDE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES (IN FULL OR IN

PART) OR PROCURED THROUGH FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION. All Small Business Set-Aside categories will be considered. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted or acknowledged, and no feedback or evaluations will be provided to companies regarding their submissions.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The vendor will be responsible for the delivery of all items to Memphis District Ensley Engineer Yard (EEY) located at 2915 Riverport Road, Memphis, Tennesse 38109. The vendor shall ensure materials are securely delivered to address indicated and will be responsible to repair and/or replace any items which sustain damage during transport.

The government will inspect items upon delivery and formally accept under the terms and conditions of the contract.

Normal delivery hours at Ensley Engineering Yard (EEY) are 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM Monday through Thursday during Daylight Savings Time and 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM for the rest of the year, except on Government holidays.

Federal Holidays:

New Year’s Day Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday President’s Day Memorial Day Juneteenth Independence Day Labor Day Columbus Day Veteran’s Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day

DISCLAIMER

“THIS RFI IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THIS IS NOT A

“REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)” TO BE SUBMITTED. IT DOES NOT

CONSTITUTE A SOLICITATION AND SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A

COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT. RESPONSES IN ANY FORM ARE

NOT OFFERS AND THE GOVERNMENT IS UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO

AWARD A CONTRACT AS A RESULT OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. NO FUNDS

ARE AVAILABLE TO PAY FOR PREPARATION OF RESPONSES TO THIS

ANNOUNCEMENT. ANY INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY RESPONDENTS TO

THIS TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION IS STRICTLY VOLUNTARY. RESPPONSES

WILL NOT BE RETURNED TO THE RESPONDER. NOT RESPONDING TO

THIS NOTICE DOES NOT PRECLUDE PARTICIPATION IN ANY FUTURE

REQUEST FOR QUOTE (RFQ) OR INVITATION FOR BID (IFB) OR RFP, IF

ANY ISSUED. IF A SOLICITATION IS RELEASED, IT WILL BE SYNOPSIZED

ON THE GOVERNMENT-WIDE POINT OF ENTRY (GPE). IT IS THE

RESPONSIBILITY OF POTENTIAL OFFERORS TO MONITOR THE GPE FOR

ADDITIONAL INFORMMATION PERTAINING TO THIS REQUIREMENT.”

PROGRAM BACKGROUND

In 2025, an architect-engineer (AE) firm, Salis Obrien, completed the design plans and specifications for the Modular Articulated Mattress Lifting Frame as an awarded task under an existing AE services contract. This design made improvements to the existing Field Articulated Mattress Lifting Frame (FALF) and Whirley Crane Articulated Mattress Lifting Frame (WALF) in multiple areas:

Improvements over FALF:

Lifts stacks from bottom of stack during loading operations in the field instead of lifting from the fabric wires, which will aid in preventing additional deformation of the wires and enable better integration of articulated concrete mattress squares with Armor 1 sinking operations.

Designed landing pads on the frame to ensure minimal impact on the square surface when it comes in contact for lifting and loading processes.

Improvements over WALF:

Improved hydraulic system that has cylinders above pivot which reduces the risk of actuator impact with square stacks.

Addition of passive alignment features that assist the crane operator with lifting operations.

General Improvements:

• Modular design architecture to allow for quicker replacement and maintenance of parts in the field in comparison to current process which requires field service welding of components.

• Lifting frame components are designed for infinite fatigue life.

• Complete Structural Analysis of MALF preliminary design which provides:

• Recommendations for improvement for increased strength where needed

• Recommendations based on commonly used codes and standards throughout the lifting-frame industry

• Validation of design for long-term usability for future prototype builds

• Complete design and integration of hydraulic system to include selection of components as listed below:

• Actuators / pistons

• Pumps and accumulators

• Hose lines and connectors

• Power distribution

• Manual controls

• Remote / Wired controls

• Integration of the above components into the design

REQUIRED CAPABILITIES

The Contractor shall provide four (4) new articulated concrete mattress (ACM) lifting frames to support revetment mat loading operations which directly support the Regional Channel Improvement revetment sinking mission. These lifting frames have been designed to integrate the current revetment supply barge modifications with the anticipated release of Armor 1, a new robotic ACM laying barge scheduled for delivery in Dec 2025. The scope for this procurement requires the construction, delivery and installation of the lifting frames into the current mat loading operation equipment (Whirley Crane).

requirment in support of the areas specified in Program Background (above).

Further detail is provided in the Plans and Specifications attached to this announcement (Attachments 1).

If your organization has the potential capacity to perform this contract requirement, please provide the following information: 1) Organization name, address, email address, Web site address, telephone number, and size and type of ownership for the organization; and 2) Tailored capability statements addressing the particulars of this effort, with appropriate documentation supporting claims of organizational and staff capability. If significant subcontracting or teaming is anticipated in order to deliver technical capability, organizations should address the administrative and management structure of such arrangements.

The Government will evaluate market information to ascertain potential market capacity to: 1) provide requirement consistent, in scope and scale, with those described in this notice and otherwise anticipated; 2) secure and apply the full range of corporate financial, human capital, and technical resources required to successfully perform similar requirements; 3) implement a successful project management plan that includes:

compliance with tight program schedules; cost containment; meeting and tracking performance; hiring and retention of key personnel and risk mitigation; and 4) provide requirement under a performance based acquisition contract.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

All contractor and all associated sub-contractors’ employees shall comply with applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures provided by government representative). The contractor shall also provide all information required for background checks to meet installation/facility access requirements to be accomplished by installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services or Security Office. Contractor workforce must comply with all personal identity verification requirements (FAR clause 52.204-9, Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel) as directed by DOD, HQDA and/or local policy. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clause of this contract, should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any installation or facility change, the Government may require changes in contractor security matters or processes.

Contractor and all associated sub-contractors employees shall comply with adjudication standards and procedures using the National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification Index (NCIC-III) and Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB) (Army Directive 2014-05 / AR 190-13), applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures (provided by government representative, as NCIC and TSDB are available), or, at OCONUS locations, in accordance with status of forces agreements and other theater regulations.

All contract employees, including subcontractor employees who are not in possession of the appropriate security clearance or access privileges, will be escorted in areas where they may be exposed to classified and/or sensitive materials and/or sensitive or restricted areas.

The Contractor must pre-screen Candidates using the E-verify Program (http://www.e-verify.gov) website to meet the established employment eligibility requirements. The Vendor must ensure that the Candidate has two valid forms of Government issued identification prior to enrollment to ensure the correct information is entered into the E-verify system. An initial list of verified/eligible Candidates must be provided to the COR no later than 3 business days after the initial contract award.

ELIGIBILITY

The applicable NAICS code for this requirement 333613 with a Small Business Size Standard of of 750 in employees. The Product Service Code is 3950. Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to respond; however, each respondent must clearly identify their business size in their capabilities statement.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND SUBMISSION DETAILS (CAPABILITIES

STATEMENT)

Interested parties are requested to submit a capabilities statement of no more than ten

(10) pages in length in Times New Roman font of not less than 10 pitch. The deadline for response to this request is no later than 10:00 AM, CST July 28, 2025. All responses under this RFI Notice must be e-mailed to:

Priscilla G. Sweeney: priscilla.g.sweeney@usace.army.mil TiJuana M. Harris: tijuana.m.harris@usace.army.mil Alexandria D. Duckett: Alexandria.d.duckett@usace.army.mil

This documentation must address at a minimum the following items:

1. Capability & Interest

Can your company perform the type of work described in the draft plans/specs?

What disciplines (e.g., civil, electrical, marine) would you self-perform vs.

subcontract?

Is the scope within the capabilities of small businesses or would it require a large prime?

2. Clarity and Completeness of the Plans/Specs

Are there any areas in the draft documents that are unclear, inconsistent, or incomplete?

Are there any conflicting requirements or technical errors?

Are there materials or equipment specified that may be hard to source?

3. Constructability and Schedule Risks Are there design elements that pose constructability concerns or safety issues?

Are there long-lead items or schedule risks that the government should be aware of?

What is the typical construction duration for a project like this?

4. NAICS and Bonding Is the selected NAICS code appropriate?

What is the typical bonding capacity required for similar projects?

Do you foresee any issues meeting bonding or insurance requirements?

5. Business Strategy Would you bid on this project if it were released as-is?

Are there factors that would discourage you from submitting a proposal?

Would you prefer Design-Bid-Build or Design-Build for this scope?

6. Set-Aside Viability (for Small Business Outreach) Can at least two or more qualified small businesses perform the entire scope?

What percentage of the work could be subcontracted?

What small business subcontracting opportunities exist within this project?

7. Contract Type and Delivery Concerns What type of contract (Firm Fixed Price, IDIQ, MATOC, etc.) would be most appropriate?

Are there performance incentives or disincentives that could help mitigate risk?

Are any warranty, commissioning, or post-construction requirements excessive?

8. General Market Conditions Are there any economic or supply chain factors that could impact pricing or availability?

Are there any recent industry trends the government should consider in scoping or timing?

9. Are there any existing lifting frames or commercially available lifting systems that could be adapted or modified to meet the requirements shown in the draft plans and specifications?

If so, please provide a brief description of the product(s), including manufacturer, model, and typical applications.

What modifications, if any, would be needed to meet the government’s requirements?

Would these modifications result in significant cost savings, reduced lead time, or improved reliability?

Are there any technical limitations or trade-offs associated with using an adapted commercial solution?

The estimated delivery period consists of twelve (12) months with performance commencing in September 2025 Specifics regarding the number of option periods will be provided in the solicitation.

Upon evaluation of the capability statements, if it is determined that this requirement will be an unrestricted competition, the Government intends to evaluate the Small- Business responses and conduct further market research to identify a subcontracting goal.

Your response to this RFI, including any capabilities statement, shall be electronically submitted to the Contract Specialist, Alexandria Duckett, in either Microsoft Word or Portable Document Format (PDF), via email Alexandria.d.duckett@usace.army.mil.

All data received in response to this RFI that is marked or designated as corporate or proprietary will be fully protected from any release outside the Government.

No phone calls will be accepted.

All questions must be submitted to the contract specialist identified above. The Government is not committed nor obligated to pay for the information provided, and no basis for claims against the Government shall arise as a result of a response to this RFI.

For reference, proposed “Draft” Plans and Specifications are enclosed in this notice.

Notice.