RFI_PR22-00650_NSN-6840_30MAR2022.pdf

Request For Information (RFI) for the Repair of the TH-1H Attitude Indicator

Noun: NSN Part Number Attitude Indicator 6610-01-527-6840 4300-312

CAUTION:

The Government is conducting market research to identify potential sources that possess the repair data, capabilities, and experience to meet qualification requirements to repair the Attitude Indicator, which is applicable to the TH-1H Helicopter. The level of security clearance and amount of foreign participation in this requirement has not been determined.

The Attitude Indicator has a Repair Method Code (RMC/RMSC) of “1/R”. The screening analysis designation of “RMC: 1” indicates that the repair of this part is suitable for competitive acquisition. “RMSC: R” indicates that (1) the Government does not own the data or the rights to the data needed to purchase this part from additional sources, (2) it has been determined to be uneconomical to buy the data or rights thereof, and (3) it is uneconomical to reverse-engineer the part. This code is used when the Government did not initially purchase the data and/or rights.

This part is a commercial/non-developmental/off-the-shelf item. Commercial item descriptions, commercial vendor catalog or price lists or commercial manuals assigned a technical manual number do apply.

The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the TH-1H Attitude Indicator was Mid- Continent Instrument Co., Inc. (59742). The government does not own the technical data required to either organically repair or qualify alternate repair sources. All respondents must have existing access and proprietary authority to the OEM technical data for the repair of this part. The government’s previous repair source was Precision Aviation Group, Inc. (CAGE 1J6T6). They no longer have the capability to repair this item.

This part requires engineering source approval by the design control activity (AFLCMC/WIUE) in order to maintain the quality of the part. Existing unique engineering skills and repair knowledge (of this specific part) are required in order to become a government-approved source.

These approved source(s) must possess repair knowledge and technical data that are not economically available to the Government, and that are essential to maintaining the quality of the part. An alternate source must qualify IAW the design control activity's procedures, as approved by the cognizant Government engineering activity.

The contractor shall furnish all material, support equipment, tools, test equipment, and services.

The contractor is responsible for providing, maintaining, and calibrating all support equipment required at their facility or a subcontractor’s facility. Contractor-furnished material or parts used for replacement shall equal or exceed the quality of the original material or parts.

Contractors/Institutions responding to this market research are placed on notice that participation in this survey may not ensure participation in future solicitations or contract awards. The government will not reimburse participants for any expenses associated with their participation in this survey.

The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for the information provided except as an allowable cost under other contracts as provided in subsection 31.205-18, Bid and Proposal Costs, of the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Although “proposal” and “offeror” are used in this Request for Information, your response will be treated as information only. Your response will not be used by the government as a proposal. This RFI is issued for the purpose of identifying any additional potential repair sources capable of repairing the asset(s) listed above.

INSTRUCTIONS:

The document below contains a description of the Attitude Indicator requirement and a Contractor Capability Survey. The Survey allows Contractors to provide their company’s capability.

1. If, after reviewing these documents, you desire to participate in the market research, you should provide documentation that supports your company’s capability in meeting these requirements. Failure to provide documentation may result in the government being unable to adequately assess your capabilities. If you lack sufficient experience in a particular area, please provide details explaining how you would overcome the lack of experience/capabilities in order to perform that portion of the requirement (i.e., teaming, subcontracting, etc.).

2. Both large and small businesses are encouraged to participate in this Market Research.

Joint ventures or teaming arrangements are encouraged.

3. Questions relative to this market survey should be addressed to the Government Program Manager, Micah F. Tapp, (478) 222-0826 or email: micah.tapp.2@us.af.mil.

PURPOSE/DESCRIPTION:

The Government is conducting market research to identify potential sources that possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet qualification requirements to repair the Attitude Indicator applicable to the TH-1H component listed below:

This requirement is for repair services. The government’s repair services strategy is a five-year contract (basic plus four ordering periods) and will continue through FY27. The projected quantities will be Best Estimated Quantities (BEQ) of 37-each spanning the entire period of performance.

The Government’s needs for repair services are required in order to support the training mission of the USAF TH-1H helicopter. It is a refurbished Bell UH-1H helicopter with an installed Huey II kit, which includes a more powerful engine, new dynamic components, a new nose and tail boom. The cockpit and mission equipment upgrades include a digital cockpit, and crashworthy seats. These modifications transformed a legacy aircraft into a state-of-the-art training platform compatible with future operational aircraft. The TH-1H's advanced electronics provide expanded training opportunities and improved operational capabilities by upgrading the engine, transmission, and rotor system. It has multi-function displays allowing for future upgrades and provides new aircrews with a seamless transition from the TH-1H to a follow-on rotary wing aircraft such as the HH-60G Pave Hawk, CV-22, and future Combat Search and Rescue-X helicopters.

The TH-1H Attitude Indicator is a flight instrument that informs the pilot of the aircraft orientation relative to Earth's horizon and gives an immediate indication of the smallest orientation change. The repair activity performed by the contractor shall conform to (1) the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM’s) technical data and specifications, and (2) the specific characteristics illustrated on the part’s label which depicts the options (i.e. technical characteristics) required for operation on the TH-1H helicopter. These options represent the only acceptable configuration.

This Attitude Indicator has special characteristics which, if not conforming to the original design of the part, could cause failed functionality of the instrument. Because the government does not possess the required technical data nor have the organic capabilities for repairing this part, it is in the best interest of the government to seek existing commercial capabilities to meet this agency need rather than to independently establish the required technical data to perform this work-scope.

CONTRACTOR CAPABILITY SURVEY:

Part I. Business Information

Please provide the following business information for your company/institution and for any teaming or joint venture partners:

Company/Institute Name:

Address:

Point of Contact:

CAGE Code:

Phone Number:

E-mail Address:

Web Page URL:

Size of business pursuant to North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code:

Based on the above NAICS Code, state whether your company is:

Small Business (Yes / No) Woman Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Small Disadvantaged Business (Yes / No) 8(a) Certified (Yes / No) HUBZone Certified (Yes / No) Veteran Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Service Disabled Veteran Small Business (Yes / No) Central Contractor Registration (CCR). (Yes / No) A statement as to whether your company is domestically or foreign owned (if foreign, please indicate the country of ownership).

Part II. Capability Survey Questions

General Capability Questions:

1. Describe briefly the capabilities of your facility and nature of the goods and/or services you provide. Include a description of your staff composition and management structure.

2. Describe your company's past experience on previous projects similar in complexity to this requirement. Include contract numbers, a brief description of the work performed, period of performance, agency/organization supported, and individual point of contact (Contracting Officer or Program Manager).

3. Describe your company’s experience in repairing the Part Number/NSNs listed above.

4. Do you have experience with generating, handling, manufacturing, testing, or repair of classified data, material, or information for the government? Yes / No

5. Describe your company's capabilities and experience in generating technical data, engineering drawings and manuals. Identify what software programs are utilized to generate these data products and what formats are available for delivered items.

6. What is your company’s current maximum repair capacity per month? Provide information on any facility reserves you may possess to increase repair capacity in the event of an immediate need do to critical operational mission requirements.

7. What quality assurance processes and test qualification practices does your company employ? Provide a description of your quality program (ISO 9001, AS9100, etc.).

a. Provide a detailed quality plan implementing AS9100 (or equivalent).

8. Is your company experiencing any constraints, both technically and/or regulatory, due to the COVID-19 virus and/or vaccination mandates per Executive Order 14042? If so, please explain.

Repair Questions:

1. Describe your capabilities and experience in modifying existing systems/equipment

(hardware and software) to solve maintenance and support problems in the depot environment.

2. Describe your capabilities and experience in developing/modifying repair or maintenance procedures. Include associated upgrade of technical orders and preparation of new technical orders.

3. Demonstrate your ability and experience in repair of the same or similar components, which are currently in use on commercial or military helicopters by providing the following information on the same or similar items:

a) Contract Number

b) Procuring Agency

c) Contract Value

d) Number of assets shipped

4. Provide your commercial manual(s) or Acceptance Test Procedures (ATP) and your rights to these manuals and or ATP used in the depot level repair and functional check of these or similar assets for Government Engineer review.

5. Describe your capabilities and experience in test, evaluation, repair or maintenance procedures.

6. Describe your configuration management processes and how you identify and resolve parts obsolescence and diminishing manufacturing sources problems?

7. Discuss your process for addressing any form, fit, and or function issues that may arise out of this effort

8. Describe your process for maintaining inventory records and reporting on hand/work-in-process balances and repair status to your customer.

9. Include a detailed listing of facilities and equipment, including quantities, required to satisfy the requirements of this effort.

1. Provide an outline of the proposed process, including inspections.

i. State the type of test procedures are anticipated for this effort.

ii. State the type of inspection processes anticipated for this effort.

1. NDI/T.

2. Destructive testing/inspection.

10. How will your organization address the absence of drawings, specifications, technical data, test procedures, etc.

11. If the item cannot be repaired in total, state what your organization can repair.

12. State any technology insertion ideas for the item that would be suitable for this effort.

13. Discuss any reverse engineering or item replacement opportunities that may be present.

Commerciality Questions:

1. Is there established catalog or market prices for our requirement?

2. If you offer this product and/or service to both U.S. Government and commercial sources, is the same workforce used for both the U.S. Government and general public?

3. Is our requirement offered to both under similar terms and conditions? Briefly describe any differences.

4. Describe your standard warranty and return process for goods and services furnished to the government for items similar in nature to this requirement.

Written responses, via e-mails, must be received no later than close of business __________.

Please e-mail your response to: micah.tapp.2@us.af.mil.

Questions relative to this market research should be addressed to the Government Program Manager, Micah F. Tapp, (478) 222-0826 or email: micah.tapp.2@us.af.mil.