STATEMENT OF NEED

FOR

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER WINDOW

SHADES

Beale Air Force Base, CA., 95903

Sept 2026

BACKGROUND. Beale Air Force Base (AFB) Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower sunshades are worn and require total replacement due to natural aging and environmental exposure. FAA Order

6480.18 recommends replacement every 5 to 7 years. The existing Beale AFB tower cab shades have not been replaced since 2017 and exhibit advanced material degradation, crazing, and roller tension failure. In accordance with Attachment 2: FAA Master Specification Section 12 25 12

(ATCT Transparent Plastic Window Shades) and FAA-E-2470b, control cab window treatments must maintain optical clarity and uniform light filtering. Continued degradation creates an active flight safety hazard by subjecting air traffic controllers to uncontrolled solar glare and visual impairment during critical flightline operations.

SCOPE. The scope of this requirement encompasses the procurement, delivery, site verification, and full turnkey installation of new window shades for the Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower cab at Beale Air Force Base, strictly conforming to Attachment 2: FAA Master Specification Section

12 25 12 (ATCT Transparent Plastic Window Shades). The contractor shall provide all necessary supervision, qualified labor, custom mounting hardware, guide assemblies, and materials required to custom-fit, mount, and commission the window treatments. Furthermore, the contractor must execute the safe removal and lawful off-base disposal of all legacy window coverings and mounting fixtures. All delivered products and installation methods must satisfy designated operational criteria for solar heat reduction, glare attenuation, and outward visibility.

Tower cab ceiling height is approximately 12 feet; layout and approximate dimensions are detailed in attached facility diagrams.

REQUIREMENT. To ensure safe, continuous airfield operations, all window shade systems and installation practices must strictly comply with Department of Defense Unified Facilities

Criteria (UFC 4-133-01, Section 4-1.2.11), FAA Specification FAA-E-2470b, and Attachment 1:

FAA Master Specification Section 12 25 12.

The contractor shall provide FAA-Approved Equal materials meeting the parameters detailed below:

Requirement Area Detailed Specification Standards (Attachment 2 Compliance)

Primary Cab

Shades

Provide twenty-four (24) custom-fit transparent plastic window shades utilizing Plastic-View F-72 SR material, or an FAA-approved equal conforming to Section 12 25 12. Equal products must demonstrate:

minimum thickness of 0.125 mm; smoke gray body-dyed polyester film;

visible light transmission (VLT) no greater than 4%; ultraviolet (UV) transmission no greater than 2%; total solar energy rejection (TSER) of at least 60.5%; and zero perceptible optical distortion across control cab sightlines.

Secondary Cab

Shades

Where dual-shade configurations are required by local ATC operational determination, furnish custom-fit Plastic-View DS 8 SR material, or an

FAA-approved equal meeting Section 12 25 12 optical standards.

Operation &

Hardware

All shades must be manually operated utilizing heavy-duty constant-tension spring rollers, locking bottom rails, and stainless steel side-tension guide cables designed to match the outward window slope per

Section 12 25 12, Part 2. Systems must provide instant, unimpeded clearance for emergency light-gun operations. Motorized/electric operators, mini-blinds, semi-opaque, and woven mesh fabrics are strictly prohibited.

Fire Safety

Certification

All shade materials must be certified flame resistant in accordance with

NFPA 701 Small Scale Test procedures as mandated in Section 12 25

12, Part 1.

DELIVERY.

• Period of Performance: The Contractor shall deliver and fully install all items between 30 September 2026 and 30 November 2026. The Contractor shall coordinate the exact delivery and installation schedule with the Government Point of Contact (POC) at least two (2) weeks prior to arrival.

• Measurements & Shop Drawings:

Any technical diagrams, window counts, or dimensions provided by the Government are approximate and intended solely for general estimation.

• Contractor Liability: In accordance with Attachment 1: FAA Master Specification

Section 12 25 12, the Contractor is solely responsible and holds complete liability for field-verifying all exact dimensions, window angles, mullion clearances, and structural mounting points prior to fabrication to ensure a precise, custom fit.

• Site Visit: The Government will host a physical site visit upon request to allow contractors to take precise measurements and inspect the existing tower cab framework.

• Shop Drawings Submittal: Prior to the commencement of shade manufacturing, the

Contractor must submit detailed verified shop drawings to the Government Point of

Contact (POC) for review. These drawings must clearly illustrate the exact measured dimensions, calculated window slopes, mounting brackets, guide assembly placements, and clearances to prevent any interference with local tower equipment or controller lines of sight.

• Operational Safety & Structural Integrity: Installation must not interfere with active ATC operations. The Contractor shall coordinate with the Government POC to schedule installation during specific designated times or execute the work in phases to ensure controllers maintain continuous visibility of the airfield during the installation process.

INSPECTION, ACCEPTANCE, AND CLEAN-UP. The Contractor shall remove all legacy window coverings, mounting hardware, packaging materials, and debris. The work area must be left in a clean condition.

Final Government acceptance will be granted by the designated Government POC only after a joint visual inspection confirms:

1. Smooth mechanical operation of all shades with constant roller tension.

2. Shades follow the exact slope of the cab windows without gaps that allow direct solar interference.

3. Zero cosmetic defects.

4. Complete removal of all legacy materials and trash.

WARRANTY. In accordance with FAA-E-2470b and Attachment 2: FAA Master Specification

Section 12 25 12 (Part 1.6), the Contractor shall provide a minimum five (5) year comprehensive manufacturer warranty from the date of final Government acceptance.

• Coverage Scope: This warranty must fully cover all manufacturer defects, including but not limited to: peeling, bubbling, delamination, crazing, color fading, cracking, and any mechanical failure of the constant-tension rollers, hardware, or guide assemblies.

• Submittals: Prior to final acceptance, the Contractor shall provide the Government Point of Contact (POC) with all physical and digital copies of the manufacturer’s warranty certificate, alongside detailed routine maintenance, cleaning, and upkeep instructions.

LOCATION & HOURS OF OPERATION.

The Tower’s standard operating hours are Monday – Friday 8:00AM – 4:00PM PST. The location of operations will be 17849 16th St. Bldg. 11103, Beale AFB, CA 95903. The following Federal holidays are observed:

New Years Day 1-Jan

Martin Luther King Day 3rd Monday in January

Washington’s Birthday 3rd Monday in February

Memorial Day Last Monday in May

Juneteenth 19-Jun

Independence Day 4-Jul

Labor Day 1st Monday in September

Columbus Day 2nd Monday in October

Veterans Day 11-Nov

Thanksgiving Day 4th Thursday in November

Christmas Day 25-Dec

ACCESS. Contractor Manager or alternate shall complete an entry authorization list (EAL) for access to Beale Air Force Base. The request shall be submitted within two 2 weeks of delivery to

Pass and Registration via the Government Point of Contact identified in the inspect and accept information section of the contract. All contractor vehicles must enter the base via Wheatland

Gate and shall be subject to inspection. All contractor personnel must obtain base passes or be listed on the Entry Access List (EAL) throughout duration of work performance. Any person in the EAL are required to bring two 2 forms of identification or REAL ID to access the base.

Felons will be denied base access.

TRAFFIC LAWS. The contractor and their employees shall comply with all installation traffic regulations.

CELLULAR PHONE OPERATION POLICY. The contractor shall comply with local base policies regarding cellular phone operation.

Attachment 1 – ATC Floor Plan

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA)

MASTER SPECIFICATION

SECTION 12 25 12 – ATCT TRANSPARENT PLASTIC

WINDOW SHADES

PART 1 – GENERAL

1.01 SECTION INCLUDES

A. Custom-engineered transparent plastic solar control roller shades designed specifically for

Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) cab glazing.

B. Tensioning, guide cable assemblies, side channels, bottom hold-downs, and mounting hardware engineered to operate parallel to outward-sloping (15-degree positive tilt) ATCT cab windows.

C. Drive mechanisms, brackets, fascia enclosures, and non-reflective hardware finishes.

1.02 RELATED REQUIREMENTS

A. FAA Order 6480.7D – Airport Traffic Control Tower and Terminal Radar Approach Control

Facility Design Guidelines.

B. FAA Order 6930.22 / Specification FAA-E-2470 – Specification for Transparent Plastic

Window Shades.

C. FAA-G-2100 – Electronic Equipment, General Requirements.

D. Section 08 80 00 – Glazing (Outward-Sloping ATCT Cab Insulating Glass).

E. Division 26 – Electrical (Wiring and Low-Voltage Control for Motorized Operators, where applicable).

1.03 REFERENCES

A. ASTM International:

1. ASTM D882 – Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting.

2. ASTM D1003 – Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of

Transparent Plastics.

3. ASTM D1044 – Standard Test Method for Resistance of Transparent Plastics to Surface

Abrasion.

Attachment 2

4. ASTM E84 – Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building

Materials.

5. ASTM E903 – Standard Test Method for Solar Absorptance, Reflectance, and

Transmittance of Materials Using Integrating Spheres. B. National Fire Protection

Association (NFPA):

6. NFPA 701 – Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films.

C. Federal Standards:

7. FAA-E-2470 – Transparent Plastic Window Shades, Air Traffic Control Tower Facilities.

8. Federal Standard 595C – Colors Used in Government Procurement.

1.04 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION & PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

A. Optical Clarity & True Color Rendition:

1. Transparent shade film shall provide clear, non-distorted vision throughout the entire viewing area without visible ripples, optical prism effects, haze, or parallax anomalies that impair aircraft tracking.

2. Shade film must ensure true chromatic rendition to prevent misidentification of airfield visual signaling devices, including portable light guns (red, green, and white beams conforming to FAA-E-2214), runway/taxiway lighting, runway status lights (RWSL), and aircraft navigation beacons. B. Sloped Glazing Operation:

3. Shades must maintain smooth, continuous tension parallel to the tower cab windows sloped at 15 degrees outward from the vertical.

4. Shade edge guidance assemblies must withstand interior HVAC turbulence up to 400 fpm without billow, flutter, disengagement, or audible vibration against glazing or mullions. C.

Solar & Thermal Performance:

5. Visible Light Transmittance (VLT): 8% to 12% nominal (or project-specified smoke/neutral gray optical density).

6. Total Solar Energy Rejection (TSER): Minimum 65%.

7. Ultraviolet (UV) Rejection: Minimum 99% blocking between 300 nm and 380 nm.

8. Tower Cab Ambient Light Management: Must assist in limiting interior cab ambient light below 6,000 foot-candles to support optimal visibility of direct-view radar and electronic flight strip consoles.

1.05 SUBMITTALS

A. Product Data: Manufacturer technical data sheets, film physical properties, hardware load limits, and performance verifications.

B. Shop Drawings: Include plans, elevations, sections, mounting details at angled ceiling junctions, guide cable anchors at the 29-inch sill line, mullion attachment interfaces, and operating clearances relative to signal light gun ceiling mounts and console layouts.

C. Samples:

1. Shade Film: 12-inch by 12-inch functional samples of proposed multi-ply film showing specified color, metalized layer, and border hems.

2. Hardware Finishes: 6-inch samples of fascia, bottom rail, and bracket extrusions finished in specified low-reflectance finish. D. Test Reports: Certified independent laboratory test reports verifying compliance with optical distortion tolerances, ASTM D1003 haze ratings, ASTM E903 solar performance, and NFPA 701 flame resistance.

E. Manufacturer's Instructions: Cleaning protocols, authorized maintenance agents, and field tension calibration instructions.

1.06 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Manufacturer Qualifications: Firm with a minimum of ten (10) consecutive years of documented experience engineering specialized shade systems for air traffic control tower facilities compliant with FAA-E-2470.

B. Field Measurements: Field verify all cab framing dimensions, glass angles (nominally 15 degrees), mullion face profiles, ceiling grid perimeters, and adjacent physical obstructions prior to fabrication.

1.07 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING

A. Ship shade assemblies completely packaged in rigid containers marked with specific tower cab window station numbers.

B. Store materials indoors in a clean, climate-controlled dry space between 50°F and 85°F ( to ), protected from direct sunlight, moisture, jobsite dust, and physical impact.

1.08 WARRANTY

A. Comprehensive Manufacturer Warranty: Provide written warranty against delamination, crazing, cracking, peeling, hardware malfunction, and premature embrittlement for a minimum period of five (5) years from Substantial Completion.

PART 2 – PRODUCTS

2.01 ACCEPTABLE MANUFACTURERS

A. Manufacturers with established FAA-E-2470 compliant products:

1. Aerospace Shade Technologies (AST).

2. Solar Screen Co., Inc.

10 C∘ 29 C∘

3. Custom Solar Shades, LLC.

4. Approved equal submitting proof of compliance with FAA-E-2470 and project-specific

ATCT design requirements.

2.02 SHADE FILM MATERIAL & FABRICATION

A. Film Composition:

1. Multi-ply heavy-duty composite consisting of high-tensile biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polyester film base.

2. Vacuum-deposited micro-thin aluminum solar barrier embedded between protective layers.

3. Scratch-resistant, hard-coat optical exterior surface on both exposed controller and window sides. B. Color and Finish:

4. Neutral Gray / Smoke tint offering neutral color attenuation without altering yellow, red, amber, green, or blue airfield signaling light spectra.

5. Non-metallized visual appearance on interior face; semi-reflective exterior face. C.

Physical Properties:

6. Thickness: Nominal 4.0 mil to 5.0 mil composite laminated thickness.

7. Tear Strength: Exceeds 25 lbs/inch per ASTM D882.

8. Flame Propagation: Pass NFPA 701 small-scale vertical burn test. D. Fabrication:

9. Continuous, seamless panels across the full width of each trapezoidal or rectangular

ATCT cab window wherever feasible.

10. Edge treatment: Thermally bonded, reinforced RF-welded or ultrasonic poly-tape edge hems along vertical travel edges to prevent tearing, fraying, or curling under tension.

2.03 OPERATING MECHANISMS & HARDWARE

A. Rollers:

1. Heavy-duty extruded aluminum alloy 6063-T6 roller tube sized (minimum 1.5-inch to 2.5-inch diameter depending on span) to eliminate deflection under load (maximum allowable deflection ).

2. Internal spring-assist mechanism counterbalanced to match the sloped weight profile of the shade. B. Drive Options (As Scheduled on Drawings):

3. Manual Operator: Heavy-duty bi-directional clutch mechanism with continuous stainless steel #10 bead chain and certified child-safe/tamper-resistant floor/sill tensioner.

4. Motorized Operator: Low-voltage DC or line-voltage AC tubular motor housed internally within the roller tube, featuring quiet planetary gearbox ( sound level), electronic limit switches, and dry-contact or RS-485 interface to central facility automation.

C. Outward Slope Guide System:

L/600

< 42 dBA

5. Dual side guide assemblies consisting of 1/16-inch to 3/32-inch diameter 316 stainless steel tensioned aircraft cables or low-profile slotted extrusion tracks.

6. Upper mounts secured to ceiling header structural bracing; lower mounts rigidly attached to the heavy-gauge insulated sill framing at 29 inches AFF.

7. Tension dampening springs at cable terminations to maintain 35 to 50 lbs of continuous cable tension over temperature extremes.

8. Eyelet or roller guides integrated into bottom batten bar, ensuring smooth travel along the cables without jamming, galling, or binding. D. Bottom Rail / Batten Bar:

9. Extruded aluminum weighted bar with integrated neoprene bottom bumper seal.

10. Internal ballast distributed uniformly to provide flat hanging tension across the entire width. E. Finish:

11. All exposed aluminum metal surfaces (brackets, roller fascia covers, bottom rails, guides, and fasteners) shall be finished in a dull, flat, non-reflective dark finish (Charcoal Gray, Federal Standard 595C Color 37038/36081 or Matte Black) to prevent glass and console reflections. Bright, polished, or specular finishes are strictly prohibited.

PART 3 – EXECUTION

3.01 EXAMINATION

A. Inspect window framing, mullions, 15-degree outward incline, ceiling tracks, and sill structural conditions for plumb, true angle, and anchoring stability.

B. Confirm that no interference exists with overhead light gun cable reels (FAA-E-2229), cab display mountings, HVAC supply registers, or catwalk access points.

C. Do not begin installation until adjacent wet trades, painting, and ceiling tile installations have been completed and the cab space is fully enclosed and clean.

3.02 INSTALLATION

A. Install window shades in accordance with manufacturer written instructions, approved shop drawings, and FAA Order 6480.7D.

B. Secure upper mounting brackets to structural headers with vibration-resistant high-tensile fasteners. Do not mount directly to acoustic ceiling tile or suspended ceiling grid wires.

C. Align shade rollers level and true to the window header. Install side tension cables parallel with mullion lines, precisely matching the 15-degree outward incline of the glass.

D. Maintain a uniform clearance gap of not more than 0.50 inches ( ) between edge of shade film and window mullion.

E. Anchor lower cable mounts firmly to the windowsill structure. Calibrate guide tension to eliminate sway while preventing over-stressing of mounting brackets.

12.7 mm

3.03 ADJUSTMENT, TESTING, AND DEMONSTRATION

A. Cycle each shade completely through its full vertical travel a minimum of five (5) times.

B. Ensure smooth, quiet operation without sticking, dragging, uneven roll-up, or tracking skew.

C. Inspect under direct solar exposure: verify that shade hangs completely flat and tensioned without wrinkles, fish-mouth distortions, or binding against side guides.

D. Perform chromatic verification: confirm that external runway markings, threshold lamps, approach arrays, and portable light gun test signals remain distinctly identifiable through the deployed shades.

3.04 CLEANING AND PROTECTION

A. Clean shade surfaces immediately following installation using soft microfiber cloths and manufacturer-approved static-neutralizing optical cleaning solutions. Do not use abrasive cleaners, ammonia solutions, or harsh chemicals.

B. Protect shades from paint overspray, airborne construction particulates, and contact damage until final project acceptance by the FAA Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).