RFI_AFRL-RSC_Rapid_Experimentation_Prototyping_19Sept24.pdf

AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY

CENTER FOR RAPID INNOVATION (AFRL/RSC)

RAPID EXPERIMENTATION AND PROTOTYPING

SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS/REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

19 SEPTEMBER 2024

1. NOTICE

This Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS)/Request for Information (RFI) is issued for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commit the government to award a contract now or in the future. Submitting information for this RFI is voluntary, and participants will not be compensated. Your response to this RFI will be treated as information only. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of contractor submission of responses to this announcement or the Government’s use of such information. This request does not constitute a solicitation for proposals or the authority to enter into negotiations to award a contract. No funds have been authorized, appropriated, or received for this effort. The information provided may be used by the AF 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 Air Force Research Laboratory Center for Rapid Innovation (AFRL/RSC), Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, is conducting market research to identify potential sources to serve as prime contractor to provide rapid experimentation and prototyping capability, to include facilities, specialized fabrication equipment, and associated expertise. This contract is envisioned as a potential means to support unique RSC objectives of rapidly delivering advanced military capabilities to the Warfighter. In support of Joint Service and Agency customers, AFRL/RSC rapidly designs, fabricates, tests, and fields experimental and prototype systems to address urgent Warfighter needs. These systems feature elements of mechanical, mechatronic, aeronautical, electrical, electronic and sensor technologies in varying degrees and combinations to support and enhance required customer capabilities. The rapid experimentation and prototyping process spans requirements development, concept design, development, integration, test, and transition of cutting-edge technologies. This work is performed by teams composed of multiple industry partners and Government entities. Contract performance will be primarily in support of RSC at Wright Patterson AFB, OH, and may support AFRL R&D activities across the U.S. at Joint Service Test Centers, military bases, and industry partner facilities. Contract scope includes rapid experimentation and prototyping with the necessary facilities and equipment and with experienced and skilled personnel to deliver urgent capability to the Warfighter.

3. CAPABILITY GAP

AFRL/RSC requires the ability to rapidly develop and test functioning experimental and prototype systems based on urgent Warfighter needs. The experimental prototypes can involve aircraft, vehicles, and stand-alone devices with a combination of existing cutting-technologies discovered through RSC marketplace research. For experimental prototypes that prove successful in testing and Operational Assessments (OAs) in representative field or combat conditions, RSC will support transitions to the appropriate Sponsor and Program Office, including as Programs of Record. RSC requires an expert multidisciplinary team and suitably capable facility to support the entire development, test, and transition process.

The contractor would be expected to lead and/or participate in a variety of efforts including but not limited to:

1. Provide rapid experimentation and prototyping facility and equipment with experienced and skilled personnel

2. Perform market research for new cutting-edge technologies and products

3. Conduct warfighter workshops to determine capability gaps and customer requirements

4. Rapidly design, develop, fabricate and test experimental prototype systems and devices

5. Support technology transition beyond the prototype stage

6. Conduct test planning, execution, data collection and analysis

7. Support AF approval processes (e.g. Safety/Test Review Boards and Risk Management

Framework (RMF))

4. INSTRUCTIONS TO POTENTIAL RESPONDENTS

Interested parties who desire to participate in this SSS/RFI are encouraged to submit responses that clearly demonstrate an ability to meet the stated requirements, or a portion of the requirements if interested as a sub-contractor. Responses shall include the following information and address the questions below:

Company/Institute Name:

Address:

Point of Contact (to include phone number and email address):

CAGE Code:

Web Page URL:

Size of business pursuant to NAICS Code 541715. Based on the above NAICS Code, state whether your 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:

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.

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

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

5. GENERAL REQUIREMENT

Sources will be responsible for design, development, fabrication, integration, test and transition of RSC experimental prototypes. This will include the following tasks:

a. The Contractor shall provide the following in-house design, manufacturing and fabrication capabilities (equipment, software, engineers, skilled craftsmen and technicians):

5-axis Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining and turning in all metals and alloys

Welding (Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG), Metal Inert Gas (MIG) and spot)

CNC plasma cutting of metal plate stock

Structural fabrication of metal subcomponents to form gantries, fixtures, etc.

Advanced Computer-Aided Design (CAD) of mechanical, mechatronic and electronic systems. (RSC currently employs SolidWorks™ and Altium® products.)

From-scratch Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design, fabrication and assembly using both Surface Mount and Pin-thru-Hole techniques

Advanced 3D printing capability for rendering of actual working parts and models using both Stereolithographic (SLA) and Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technologies

2D precision CNC laser cutting and etching of non-metallic materials (e. g.

plastics, wood, composites)

Lay-up and vacuum curing of multi-ply carbon fabric composites to create complex aerodynamic contours and shapes

Mold making and injection molding of rubber and foam components

Automotive system modification and repair (engines, drive trains, and suspension)

Metal finishing to include grinding, sanding, painting and powder coating

Precision electronic test & measurement using oscilloscopes, Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum and network analyzers, RF signal generators (analog and digital), logic analyzers, multimeters and power supplies. For prototypical RF transmitters, the test & measurement shall be performed within an approved Faraday Chamber until DoD certification to radiate in free space is obtained.

Software and firmware programming and code-writing for Embedded Systems logic devices. This shall include compiling and de-bugging of code sequences for multiple prevalent languages such as C+ and Python.

b. The Contractor shall provide a specialized Collaborative Environment facility conducive to rapid experimentation and prototyping with the following characteristics and capabilities (reasonable alternatives to achieve the same effects may be substituted for specific items below):

Located within 30 minutes of Wright-Patterson AFB OH, Area B (closer is better) Indoor area of 20,000 square feet or greater Large open conference area for groups of at least 30 persons (e.g., Customer

Workshops) Private conference room for meetings of at least 12 persons 25 ft x 50 ft shop sub-area with opaque movable walls to conceal sensitive projects from view 2,000 square foot area with 20 foot or greater ceiling height equipped with an overhead hoisting device (5,000 lb lift) 4,000 square foot or greater sub-area with heavy duty steel shelving for storage of legacy projects, idle equipment and Field Test support gear (e. g. generators, lighting, tents, containers)

Adequate parking for at least 30 vehicles Full-size loading docks to accommodate tractor-trailers Material handling equipment (e.g. forklift, pallet jacks, dollies) for loading/unloading heavy freight and other large equipment Approved Faraday Chamber for testing of prototypical RF transmitters Security system with alarm to support 24/7 access and enable storage of International

Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)/Export Controlled equipment Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) approved tracking and inventory system for all

Government Property within the facility Provide capacity to serve as logistics depot (re-supply and retrograde) for CRI

OCONUS operational assessments (OAs) Information Security (INFOSEC) up to and including Controlled Unclassified

Information (CUI) level Secure storage for COMSEC Controlled Items (CCI) Indoor and outdoor storage for flammable liquids and Hazardous Materials (HazMat) with the exception of Class 1.1/1.2/1.3 Explosive and Class 7 Radioactive items Large compressor and line dryer with piping system to distribute and provide compressed air to all workshop zones Local Area Network (LAN) with firewall protection reachable via hard-wire and WiFi connections. The LAN shall have sufficient bandwidth to allow connection to AF Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

Local secure server for hosting of networked CAD software seats and common storage for project files

Large break room with full kitchen facilities to support operations after normal working hours

c. The Contractor shall support and conduct bench, flight and ground test planning, execution and data analysis for rapid experimentation and prototypes. This includes, but is not limited to, developing test objectives, thresholds & objectives, procedures, test cards and participating in Government test approval processes (e.g. Technical Review Boards, Safety Review Boards, Airworthiness/Military Flight Release and RMF (e.g.

Interim Authority to Test (IATT)/Authority to Operate (IATO)).

d. For experimental prototypes transitioning to AF Program Offices, the Contractor shall author, compile, edit and submit the complete Technical Data Package (TDP) IAW AFMC instructions. The TDP shall include, but is not limited to:

Design drawings, CAD renderings, and ‘flat’ production drawings for all subcomponents Detailed Work Instructions (WIs) for fabrication and assembly of the prototype system Bill(s) of Materials (BOM) featuring source/vendor, part number, catalog link, quantity and cost for every subcomponent Configuration Control documentation Interface Control Documents (ICDs) Schematic Diagrams Software and/or embedded firmware in tabular format Operator Manuals to include troubleshooting information Maintenance Manuals with detailed Work Packages (WPs) for scheduled and unscheduled maintenance

End-User classroom training materials for Operator and Maintainer familiarization

e. The Contractor shall organize, host and conduct Customer Workshops. The attendees will include customer end-users, personnel from appropriate AFRL Directorates, independent subject matter experts (SMEs) and industry representatives for the technologies under consideration. The Workshop agendas shall include, but are not limited to the following items:

Problem definition and capability gap analysis Derivation of warfighter requirements Concept ideation and review of current available technologies Proposed material solutions Plan rapid experimentation and prototype development

f. The Contractor shall staff the rapid experimentation and prototyping effort (total of

10 full-time equivalents (FTE)) to include, but not limited to, the following categories of personnel with specific subsidiary skills:

Senior Engineer and Program Manager (1 FTE):

o Administer government contract(s) to include budget, schedule and progress reporting IAW the CDRL(s).

o Manage contractor personnel o Evaluate and manage project plans for cost, schedule and performance o Oversee test planning and execution o Coordinate assistance from outside SMEs and consultants as needed o Ensure all aspects of Collaborative Environment meet RSC requirements

Electrical Engineers (2 FTE, at least 1 senior):

o Advanced electronic CAD skills (Altium® preferred) o Experience with autopilot and GPS devices o Electrical propulsion and power design, fabrication and test o PCB design, component selection, fabrication, integration and test o RF subsystem (e.g., receivers, transmitters, antennas) design, integration and test o Experience with electronic test & measurement equipment and procedures o Subsystem integration into aerial and ground vehicles

Mechanical Engineers (2 FTE, at least 1 senior):

o Advanced mechanical CAD skills (SolidWorks™ preferred) o Structural loading and finite element analysis via modeling & simulation o Creation of parts production drawings including tolerances and call-outs o Complex mechanism design, fabrication and test o Create 3D printed parts and models as needed for actual prototypes and mock-ups respectively Embedded Systems Engineer (0.5 FTE):

o Microprocessor and logic device programming (software and firmware) o De-bugging and testing

Master Machinist (0.5 FTE):

o 5-axis CNC milling o Manual 3-axis milling o Manual lathe turning o Tool, die and fixture design & fabrication o Review & approval of part and assembly production drawings for manufacturability, accuracy and completeness

Electronic Assembly & Fabrication Technician (0.5 FTE):

o PCB fabrication o Connector, cable and wiring harness fabrication (power, signal, data, RF) o Fabricate and populate electrical and electronic enclosures

Structural Fabricator (0.5 FTE):

o Cutting, forming, bending and shearing of metal stock o Jig construction o Welding (MIG and TIG) o Metal finishing (e. g. grinding, painting, powder coating)

Composite Technician (0.5 FTE):

o Perform multi-ply carbon fiber lay-up, vacuum bagging and curing over complex contours (e. g. aircraft wings and fuselages) Information Technology Manager (0.5 FTE):

o Familiarity with government cyber security requirements o LAN and secure server operation & maintenance (e. g. hardware, software updates and patches) Facility Manager (1 FTE):

o Familiarity with and experience in commercial real estate o Coordinate and perform scheduled and unscheduled facility maintenance o Coordinate and schedule external service providers to include but not limited to security monitoring, lawn care, painting, snow plowing, trash removal, metal recycling, roofers, plumbers, and electricians.

o Manage utilities (e. g. power, gas, internet, water & sewer) Facility Superintendent (1 FTE):

o Manage, inventory and track all government-owned property within the Collaborative Environment to include check-out/check-in procedures o Manage any government owned vehicles at the facility o Properly dispose of any excess/obsolete government owned property as directed by RSC and IAW DLA procedures.

o Conduct annual government property management audits with DLA o Maintain security of CCI, ITAR and Export controlled equipment o Ensure timely calibration of precision measuring equipment o Establish and execute tool control program IAW AF standards o Manage Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) programs to AF standards o Maintain adequate stocks of safety and Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) o Manage Hazardous Materials control and storage plan for the facility o Achieve and maintain DoD certification to transport Hazardous Materials by highway, rail, vessel and aircraft IAW published regulations o Perform all shipping & receiving functions to include Freight and Express services o Perform safety indoctrination training for all new personnel (government and contractor) o Conduct monthly safety training for all personnel o Conduct periodic safety inspections with AF and local Fire authorities

6. RESPONSES, COMMUNICATION, 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. Sources are required to outline their logical approach for costing the scope captured in paragraph 5. Identify what contracting structure/strategy would be most beneficial to the government as a supplier for our dynamic environment and evolving requirements.

Additionally, include any assumptions you may have for your approach but also specifically to data rights for integration purposes.

c. Provide a rough cost estimate (i.e. rough order of magnitude (ROM)) based on the tasks outlined in paragraph 5 as an annual re-occurring cost, and the assumptions (manpower and materials) driving contract costs. If preferred, a verbal response may be given via telecom.

d. Please provide specific details and rationale as to how compliance with FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, would be achieved in the event the Government sets this requirement aside for small business. Include specific details regarding teaming arrangements, etc. If subcontractors are to be used, provide the anticipated percentage of effort to be subcontracted and whether small or large businesses 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.

e. Indicate whether the company is currently preforming 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. One (1) copy should be submitted to the program office as outlined below. Respondents shall limit submissions to 10 pages or less and should include technical and descriptive text to provide sufficient detail on how they would satisfy the requirements outlined in paragraph

5. The submitted documentation becomes the property of the U.S. Government and will not be returned.

g. Respondents who submit proprietary data shall clearly mark the data with appropriate markings on the cover sheet and on each applicable page. Any proprietary data submitted may be handled by contract support services personnel who have signed Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA). Any proprietary information received in response to this request will be properly protected from any unauthorized disclosure. The Government will not use proprietary information submitted from any one firm to establish the capability and requirements for any future systems acquisition, so as to not inadvertently restrict competition. Any material that is not marked proprietary will be considered publicly-releasable.

h. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI. A determination not to compete this action based on responses received is solely within the discretion of the Government.

i. Broad industry participation for this Sources Sought is encouraged. U.S. and non-U.S. firms are permitted to respond to this SSS/RFI.

j. Responses to questions from interested parties will be promptly answered and posted on

Sam.gov, unless some release of proprietary information is involved or the answer addresses a question peculiar to a company or that company’s response.

k. This notice may be updated as additional information becomes available. Please check the

Sam.gov site for updates to this announcement and register to receive e-mail notices of any updates to the Sam.gov announcement. For more information on this Sources Sought, please contact the AF POCs below. E-mail communications are preferred.

l. Please note that all prospective contractors must be registered in System for Award

Management (SAM) database to be awarded a Department of Defense contract. To learn more about this SAM requirement and how to register, please visit the SAM internet website at https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM/xxxxxx.

m. Responses shall be received by 16:00 EDT, on 03 October 2024. Submittals should be sent via email to the below contact within AFRL/RSC.

n. Please submit all responses to the below POC:

Mr. R. Maurice Martin Program Manager

AFRL/RSC, (505) 853-4118

richard.martin.25@us.af.mil

o. This notice may be updated as additional information becomes available. Please check the

Sam.gov site for updates to this announcement. For more information on this RFI, please contact the point of contacts identified below.

Mr. J. Brandon Foreman Contract Negotiator james.foreman.8@us.af.mil

Ms. Amy Jo Brooks Contract Negotiator amy.brooks.2@us.af.mil

Ms. Amanda Morris Contracting Officer amanda.morris.8@us.af.mil