Sources Sought.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

HEADQUARTERS OGDEN AIR LOGISTICS CENTER (AFMC)

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, UTAH

SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS:

Solicitation Number: TBD Notice Type: Sources Sought Synopsis

Synopsis:

NOTICE: This is not a solicitation but rather a Sources Sought Synopsis to determine potential sources for information and planning purposes only.

The purpose of this Sources Sought is to conduct market research to determine if responsible sources exist, to assist in determining if this effort can be competitive and/or a total Small Business Set-Aside, and by identifying contracting and subcontracting opportunities.

The proposed North American Industry Classification Systems (NAICS) Code is 336413 which has a corresponding Size standard of 1,250. The Government will use this information to determine the best acquisition strategy for this procurement.

The Government is interested in all small businesses to include 8(a), Service-Disabled Veteran Owned, Hubzone, and Women-Owned small business concerns. The government requests that interested parties respond to this notice if applicable and identify your small business status to the identified NAICS code. Additionally, please provide any anticipated teaming arrangements, along with a description of similar services offered to the Government and to commercial customers for the past three years. Any responses involving teaming agreements should delineate between the work that will be accomplished by the prime and the work accomplished by the teaming partners.

Program Details:

The Government anticipates a procurement for F-16 Fuel Cells. The Government anticipates ordering the following National stock numbers (NSNs):

Fuel Cell: 1560012240803WF, Part Number: 320-4-45551-105, (QTY 34 ea.)

Fuel Cell: 1560013229987WF, Part Number: 16VB004001-3, (QTY 88 ea.)

*First Article will be required for each NSN unless waived by the program office*

The Government anticipates utilizing a single award contract.

Description:

Fuel cell F-16 A/B, C/D models; meeting Specification Control Drawings 16VB004001, and 16VB004002. The F-1 fuel cell is a soft sided bladder for use in the F-16 as its main onboard fuel tank. The F-1 cell contains multiple aluminum fittings to allow the transfer and use of fuel for the aircraft, it is not a self-sealing fuel cell.

Background:

These parts are F-16 specific. These items are critical to the operation of the aircraft, and are required to perform to the OEMs specifications, purchasing these items from fully qualified venders is a requirement. Failure of these items could result in loss of the aircraft and loss of life.

Performance Requirements:

The parts must meet the requirements of Specification Control Drawings 16VB004001, and 16VB004002 to include fitment, wet pressure testing, dimensional analysis, and other critical testing. The part must also meet the size and fit requirements of F-16, F1 cavity.

Information Sought:

The respondent must be able to demonstrate the ability to obtain or create the resources necessary to provide the Fuel Cell(s) as detailed in the Manufacturing Qualification Requirements document (MQR). Interested companies should respond to this announcement as soon as possible. Companies should provide a summary of their capabilities and their expected ability to meet the requirements.

Responses should include:

a. Name and address of the contractor

b. Point of contact including name, title, phone and e-mail address

c. Cage Code, size of the contractor, average annual revenue for the past three years and the number of employees

d. Description of similar activities offered by the contractor that currently meet, or with modifications, might meet the above listed requirements

e. Indication of an understanding of safety requirements

f. Whether the business is currently classified as a Large, Small, Small Disadvantaged, 8(a) and/or Woman Owned Company, Hub Zone Small business, veteran owned small business, or R-service disabled veteran owned small business.

Government Questions to Industry:

Provide the Government with responses for the following items:

1. What is your experience in providing capability to accomplish the requirements listed above? Include contract numbers, a brief description of the work performed, and period of performance, agency/organization support, and individual points of contact (Contracting Officers or Program Managers).

2. What is a realistic production and timeline for a First Article and production articles?

What is a realistic monthly production rate?

3. How much time would your company require to submit a proposal (solicitation length)?

4. What are the top risks you see in accomplishing this effort?

5. Are there any other relevant topics, concerns, and information that will help the

Government in forming an acquisition strategy?

6. Does your company believe there is value in holding an industry day for this acquisition after a draft request for proposal has been released, if the evaluation method for this acquisition is Price Only (Only qualified source proposals will be considered and the lowest price proposal meeting solicitation requirements will be selected)?

Response Procedures:

The Government is looking for contractors interested in satisfying this requirement at the prime contractor level. Any contractors responding to this Sources Sought Synopsis/RFI who are interested in subcontracting opportunities should note as such in their response. Companies responding to this market research are advised their response does not ensure participation in future solicitations or contract awards. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for any expense associated with preparation or participation in this research.

Your response should be no more than 15 pages. In addition, identify a representative to support further Government inquiries and requests for clarifications of the information provided.

Respondents should indicate which portions of their response are proprietary and should mark them accordingly.

Where to Submit Submissions should be sent via e-mail at justin.raleigh.1@us.af.mil. Phone number: (801) 777- 4238. Companies are encouraged to make submissions via e-mail due to limitations on the postal system. E-mail submissions may include files in Microsoft Word format or Adobe Acrobat (*.pdf) format.

Written responses may be sent to the Contracting Officer at AFSC/PZABA, 6050 Gum Lane, Bldg 1215, Hill AFB, UT 84056-5825, Attn: Justin Raleigh, phone # (801) 777-4238.

When to Submit Submissions must be received not later than 7 FEB 2024.

Responses must provide clear and concise documentation indicating a prospective source’s bona fide capability, and expertise of the item. Responses to this notice will be used as part of the market research that will be used to develop the acquisition strategy to satisfy this potential requirement.

Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this sources sought. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this notice or any follow-up information requested. Any information submitted by respondents to this notice is strictly voluntary. Also, in order to protect the procurement integrity of any future procurement that may arise from this announcement, information regarding the technical point of contact will not be given and no appointments for presentations will be made.

Notice Regarding Proprietary Information: All submitted materials will be designated for Government Use Only.