RFI M67854-26-I-5316 EBFL.pdf

General Information

Document Type Request for Information (RFI) Request for Information Number M67854-26-I-5316 Posted Date 03/06/2026 Response Date 04/06/2026 Classification Code 3537 NAICS Code 333924

This Request for Information (RFI) initiates market research under Federal Acquisition Regulation 10.002(b)(2)(iii). This is not a Request for Proposals. No final solicitation documents exist currently. This RFI does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that the Government will take procurement action in this matter. The Government will not be responsible for any cost incurred in furnishing this information.

System Description:

Product Manager, Engineer Systems (PdM ES), Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) is conducting market research for potential sources to purchase an Extendable Boom Forklift (EBFL). The EBFL is a rough terrain tele-handling forklift powered by a diesel engine and is used to transport and load/unload cargo up to 11,000 lb from Department of Defense (DOD) transportation assets (including CH-53E/K aircraft) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) containers. The current EBFL model is interoperable with two separate quick attach/detachable carriages capable of lifting all palletized classes of material to a rated capacity of 11,000 lb at a 24-inch load center (48-inch fork tines) or 7,000 lb at a 48-inch load center (72-inch fork tines) with a varying of fork tine distance from 3- 60 inches in width. The current EBFL is capable of loading and unloading a standard military pallet (40x48 inch) weighing up to 4,000 pounds into an International Organization for Standardization (ISO, 8x8x20 feet) container that is elevated on a Marine Corps tactical vehicle or trailer with a deck height of no less than 55 inches. The Performance Specification provides threshold/objective criteria for each requirement of the replacement system. The EBFL replacement shall also be capable of loading and unloading a 463L pallet (88x108 inch) weighing up to 10,000 pounds into the rear of the CH53K abiding by the mast height restrictions for the Airframe. The fork tines shall be of sufficient length to engage the pallet at its longitudinal centerline (center of the 108—inch edge), enabling full insertion and safe positioning of the load during aircraft operations. The EBFL replacement must be capable of operating over uneven and rough terrain to include sand, snow, and mud. The EBFL will be used for handling ammunition, cargo, and supplies.

The Marine Corps estimates the purchase of approximately 374 EBFLs.

Current System dimensions:

Problem Statement:

Deficiency: Limited clearance between USMC EBFL-M and the 53K aircraft tail boom.

Test Conditions and Results: The Internal Cargo Handling System (ICHS) was evaluated for 463L pallet compatibility during ground testing on System Demonstration Test Article-Three on 18 November 2020 at Marine Corps Air Station New River, NC. The ICHS was designed to restrain 463L and wood warehouse pallets and facilitate pallet handling in the aircraft cabin.

During empty and 5,000 lb 463L pallet loads, approximately 8 inches of clearance between USMC Modernized Extendable Boom Forklift (EBFL-M) and the aircraft tail boom was encountered. To overcome the clearance issue, roller forklift tines were used to offload the pallet by rolling the pallet from the forklift to aircraft cargo ramp. When the 5,000 lb pallet transferred weight from the forklift tines to the ramp, the main landing gear compressed, resulting in momentary tail boom-to-forklift contact. This issue precluded the loading of 10,000-pound 463L pallets.

The distance from the top of the fork tines to the top of the bullhead of the boom is the area of concern when interfacing with the roller tines and the aircraft ramp when loading 463L pallets.

As illustrated below, when the boom is lifted to the aircraft ramp height, the bullhead exceeds the 84-inch height of the cab.

Below is an illustration of a CH53K with measurements in inches of the space the EBFL must operate under when loading the aircraft with a 10,000 lb 463L pallet at a 54-inch load center.

The most restrictive area is from the top of the loading ramp to the tail boom which has a clearance of 63 inches when placed at its level position.

EBFL Requirements: Refer to PSPEC

Vendor Survey for EBFL

MARCORSYSCOM is requesting the following Vendor Survey questions/information for the EBFL to be answered within this RFI:

1. Provide an estimated monthly production rate.

2. Provide the timeline to produce 4 assets that will be used for product verification testing.

3. Provide the rough order of magnitude (ROM) pricing for the EBFL; include your annual price escalation percentage. Address any supply chain and/or inflationary concerns. Discuss whether you consider the use of economic price adjustment terms to be necessary for this procurement;

include information as to what price index you consider to be appropriate.

4. Provide a synopsis of the offeror’s ability to manufacture, overhaul and rebuild equipment.

5. Provide a specification sheet which demonstrates the ability of the proposed product to meet the requirements listed above.

6. State whether your organization qualifies as a Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) Program, Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) program, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses, Small Disadvantaged Businesses, Small Business, or participant of the Government Ability One Program as defined by the Small Business Administration? If so, identify the status.

7. State whether there are systems available at this time that meet the requirements outlined above, that are or will be commercially available within the next year along with the monthly production rate capability. If your commercial EBFL requires modifications to meet the requirements, provide details on the type of modifications needed and how the manufacturer plans to meet these requirements. If certain requirements cannot be met, list them in the rubric provided.

Request for Written Responses

No industry day is planned. Responses from interested vendors shall submit their PDF Document as an attachment via email to janice.harvey@usmc.mil no later than 06 April 2026, 1300 Eastern Time Zone, for consideration.

Cover Page of RFI response should include the following:

1. Business Name

2. Business Size

3. Point of Contact Name

4. Business Address

5. Phone Number

6. Email Address

Responses received after the suspense date and time, may not be entertained. Telephonic responses will not be entertained.