Sources-Sought - GPS Robotic Lawn Mower.pdf

SOURCES SOUGHT FOR GPS CONTROLLED COMMERCIAL GRADE ROBOTIC

LAWN MOWERS

INTRODUCTION

The Maryland Air National Guard Contracting Office is issuing this sources sought synopsis as a means of conducting market research to identify parties to provide GPS controlled commercial grade robotic lawn mowers. The capability is critical for saving time and resources by eliminating the need for key personnel to mow grass and increase the efficiency of lawn mowing operations by using GPS controlled robotic mowers. This solution will also reduce the need for manual labor and associated industrial safety risk. The technical specifications are referenced in Table I of this document and attached statement of work. The intention is to procure this commodity on a competitive basis.

Based on the responses to this sources sought notice/market research, this requirement may be set-aside for small businesses (in full or in part) or procured through full and open competition, and multiple awards MAY be made. All Small Business Set-Aside categories will be considered. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted or acknowledged, and no feedback or evaluations will be provided to companies regarding their submissions.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Location % On-Site Government % Off-Site Contractor

Martin State Airport 100% 100%

DISCLAIMER

“This source sought is for informational purposes only. this is not a “request for proposal (RFP)” to be submitted. I t does not constitute a solicitation and shall not be construed as a commitment by the government. Responses in any form are not offers and the government is under no obligation to award a contract as a result of this announcement. No funds are available to pay for preparation of responses to this announcement. Any information submitted by respondents to this technical description is strictly voluntary. Responses will not be returned to the responder. not responding to this notice does not preclude participation in any future request for quote (RFQ) or invitation for bid (IFB) or RFP, if any issued.

If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on the government-wide point of entry (GPE). it is the responsibility of potential offerors to monitor the GPE for additional information pertaining to this requirement.”

• Berry Amendment

• IT (e.g. Clinger-Cohen Act)

• Service Contract Act

• Government Furnished Property plan.

ELIGIBILITY

The applicable NAICS code for this requirement is 333112 with a Small Business Size Standard of 1500 Employees. The Product Service Code is 3750.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND SUBMISSION DETAILS

Specifications are attached for review. (Attachment 1)

Interested parties are requested to submit a capabilities statement of no more than five

(5) pages in length in Times New Roman font of not less than 10 pitch. The deadline for response to this request is no later than 3 pm, EST, 8 Jul 2024. All responses under this Sources Sought Notice must be e-mailed to:

Kerry Guy, Capt, USAF Kerry.guy@us.af.mil

This documentation must address at a minimum the following items:

1.) What type of work has your company performed in the past in support of the same or similar requirement?

2.) Can or has your company managed or developed a platform of this nature? If so, please provide details.

3.) Can your company provide the technical specifications which ensures the compatibility and successful interoperability to provide the integrated systems mentioned in the technical specifications?

4.) Please note that under a Small-Business Set-Aside, in accordance with FAR 52.219-14, the small business prime must perform at least 50% of the work themselves in terms of the cost of performance.

Provide an explanation of your company’s ability to perform at least 50% of the tasking described in this PBSOW for the base period as well as the option periods.

5.) Provide a statement including current small/large business status and company profile to include number of employees, office locations, UEI number, etc.

6.) Respondents to this notice also must indicate whether they qualify as a Small, Small Disadvantaged, Women-Owned, HUBZone, or Service Disabled Veteran- Owned Small Business Concern.

The contract type is anticipated to be Firm Fixed Price.

All data received in response to this Sources Sought that is marked or designated as corporate or proprietary will be fully protected from any release outside the Government.

No phone calls will be accepted.

All questions must be submitted to the contract specialist identified above. The Government is not committed nor obligated to pay for the information provided, and no basis for claims against the Government shall arise as a result of a response to this Sources Sought.

mailto:Kerry.guy@us.af.mil

TECHNICAL SPECIFCATIONS

Mower Types shall be sufficient to mow all areas listed below at least once per week (to include at least 2 days per week of rain). Mowers specified should be of appropriate type to meet the specific terrain and area needs.

Mower types must include: large area mowers (capable of mowing at least 6 acres in a 24-hour time span), slope-capable mowers (up to 35% incline), and other robotic mowers in whatever combination the vendor deems appropriate.

Specific quantity of each mower type to be determined based on vendor's assessment of the areas Mowers must be sufficiently weatherproofed to remain in an outdoor environment for the entire grass growing season (~8 months).

Provide battery-powered, robotic mowers to autonomously maintain approximately 30 acres of grass across 9 defined areas of the base.

Areas include:

- 1-Lynnbrook Road Gate - Conditions: Approximately 6 acres, rough terrain, dirt road crossing, obstacles (trees, airplane display), and steep slopes (~25-degrees)

- 2-Headquarters - Approximately 5.25 acres, mostly open with some large trees, bumpy terrain and hills

- 3-Building 4010 - Grass areas broken up by an asphalt driveway/parking lot, drainage ditch with steep slopes

- 4-Buildings 3010/3150 Triangle - Approximately 3.7 acres of relatively flat and open turf

- 5-Building 3150 - Some steep sloping with drain/stormwater collection basins on either side of the building

- 6-Buildings 3060 & 3000 - Relatively flat with a few obstacles, one building in a completely fenced in area

- 7-Buildings 2040 & 2035 - Approximately 2.2 acres, flat, open, unimpeded, but with several concrete crossings

- 8-Ammunition Storage - Steep slopes on certain parts (up to 35% incline), approximately 1.7 acres due to high surround slope

- 9-Hangar 1070- Approximately 2.3 acres, largely open and flat, but a busy area requiring multiple crossings, and two aircraft static display (Grumman Albatross and a C-130)

Navigation and Control:

- All mowers must utilize GPS or an equivalent navigation technology for efficient area coverage. Vendor must verify that their preferred control technology is capable of maintaining wireless contact with mowers at all locations within each of the mowing areas listed above.

- Mowers must be able to avoid obstacles, cross surfaces like concrete/asphalt within designated transition zones and at predictable or scheduled times, and operate in areas with some tree cover.

- Vendor must provide a centralized control system capable of remotely managing all mowers and defining operating boundaries, no-go zones, and transition pathways. Control system must be accessible by multiple authorized users and must provide real-time error reporting, location of mowers, mowing status, and needed maintenance.

- Guide wire installation is allowed if required.

- Mowers must be capable of systematic mowing patterns rather than random-patterns.

Docking and Charging:

- Each mower must have a weatherproof docking/charging station that will remain outdoors indefinitely.

- Docking stations must operate on standard 120V power.

- Mowers must autonomously return to docking station to recharge as needed.

- Solar-powered docking stations may be utilized in remote areas where power is unavailable.

Safety and Compliance:

- All mowers must have redundant safety features to prevent injury or property damage, including automatic shutdown if lifted or tilted. Mowers must also feature active object detection, and collision sensors. Pivoting blades are not required but are preferred.

- Mowers must meet applicable OSHA, FCC, and other regulatory requirements.

- Mowers must not be able to be controlled by unauthorized users or tampering. Alarms and PIN codes are acceptable means of preventing tampering.

- Vendor must provide all signage, markings, and other warnings necessary for safe operation in an active military base environment.

Training and Support:

- Vendor must provide on-site training for operators and maintenance personnel.

- Vendor must offer an ongoing support and maintenance program including software updates, replacement parts, and repair services.