SOURCES SOUGHT RFI 23 July 2025.pdf

SOURCES SOUGHT:

Semi-Annual Inspection Service Contract of Aircraft Structural Live Fire Trainers This Sources Sought is being issued in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 10, Market Research. It is for information, planning and market research purposes only and shall not be construed as either a solicitation or obligation on the part of the US Air Force. The US Air Force will use this market research information to assess the market's capability to successfully meet the Air Force's requirements for the acquisition of a Semi-Annual Inspection Service Contract of Aircraft Structural Live Fire Trainers

*************************DRAFT PWS ******************************

PART 1

GENERAL INFPORMATION

The contractor shall provide all supplies, consumable materials, specialized tools and equipment, and qualified labor to inspect, test, maintain, and repair the aircraft live fire trainer (Air Force Standard Design Aircraft Liquid Propane Gas (LPG), at AAB, Italy. The contractor operational maintenance and minor repair service shall ensure serviceability and operational effectiveness of the live fire trainer. The contractor may be required to travel to this location twice a year from the parent company’s location. The contractor shall coordinate with the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) after identifying all necessary maintenance to ensure the serviceability and the prevention of deterioration for operational safety and effectiveness of the trainer. The contractor shall comply with Air Force Technical Order (TO) 35E1-2-13-1 - Operation and Maintenance Instructions for Aircraft Fire Training Facilities, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1403, and DAFMAN 91-203, Section 21.8, commercial standards, manufacturer's recommendations, procedures, and technical data, and local, state, and federal guidelines as applicable to the work involved. All electrical equipment installation, replacement and/or repairs will be made In Accordance With (IAW) the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70, National Electrical Code (Current Edition).

1.1.1 Description of Services/Introduction (Smoke House Trainer). The structural integrity of the live fire training structure shall be evaluated and documented periodically annually by a professional engineer with live fire training structure experience and expertise. Part of the live fire training structure evaluation shall include, twice a year, the removal and re-installation of a representative area of thermal linings to inspect the hidden conditions behind the linings, door shutters, floors, and ceilings shall be evaluated.

1.2 Background: The Aircraft & Structural Live Fire Trainers are critical equipment used by the Fire Department for training purposes. The trainers are used to simulate real-world firefighting scenarios, and it is essential that they are properly maintained and certified to ensure safe and effective operation.

1.3 Objectives: The basic service objectives are:

• Conduct a comprehensive inspection of the Aircraft & Structural Live Fire Trainers to identify any discrepancies or safety hazards.

• Ensure that the Aircraft & Structural Live Fire Trainers are in good working condition and meet the requirements for training personnel.

• Provide itemized corrective actions to address any discrepancies noted during the inspection and the related cost estimate.

• Certify that the Aircraft & Structural Live Fire Trainers are safe and effective for training purposes.

1.4 Scope: The services to be performed include semi-annual inspections and certifications of the Aircraft & Structural Live Fire Trainers, including all necessary testing, maintenance, and repairs IAW PART 5 specific tasks of this PWS. The contractor shall accomplish the following tasks:

a. Aircraft Live Fire Trainer:

1. Verify the accuracy and completeness of electrical drawings and documentation.

2. Inspect the condition and operation of all mechanical and electrical components, including:

o Computers and HMIs o Monitors and network switches o Regulators and valves o Pipework (gas, air, water, and nitrogen) o Pipe connectors, joints and fittings o Ventilation fans and pressure switches o Alarms and warning systems o Safety gates and hatches o Doors and mechanisms o Pilot air blowers and filters o Smoke generators and connections o Thermocouples and pilot burner tubes

3. Check the operation and condition of all safety features, including:

o Auto valve operation o Manual shut-off valve operation o Dead man footswitch o Man down and emergency stop buttons o Audible and visual alarms

4. Verify the proper functioning of all systems, including:

o Electrical and gas supply systems o Water drench supply operation o Nitrogen main supply valve and pipework operation o PA and sound effect system o Gas detection system

5. Identify and document any damage, wear, or tear on the Aircraft & Structural Live Fire Trainers, including:

o Structural condition o Construction and sacrificial steel

6. Note any necessary repairs or maintenance to address discrepancies noted during the inspection.

7. Document all findings and provide a certification that the Aircraft Live Fire Trainer are in good working condition and meet the requirements for training personnel.

8. LPG Live Fire Trainer (Winterization and De-Winterization) o The contractor is not accountable for these specific services

b. Burn House Fire Trainer

1. Inspect and evaluate the structural integrity of the live fire training structure to include:

o Conditions behind the linings, door shutters, floors, and ceiling

1. Period of Performance: Will be semi-annually with one base year and 4 option years.

Base Year Two visits Option Year I Two visits Option Year II Two visits Option Year III Two visits Option Year IV Two visits Six months extension One visit

1.6 General Information

1.6.1 Quality Control The contractor shall develop and maintain an effective quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with this PWS. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services. The contractor’s quality control program is the means by which he assures himself that his work complies with the requirement of the contract. The inspection must be documented, and any discrepancies noted must be addressed through itemized corrective actions. The certification of the Live Fire Trainers must be performed by a qualified and authorized individual or team, and the results of the inspection must be maintained for record-keeping purposes. The frequency of the inspection is semi-annual, with the inspection to be conducted every 6 months. The contractor shall perform the first semi-annual inspection on both trainers (Aircraft and Burn House Live Fire trainers) within 30 calendar days from award date.

1.6.4 Hours of Operation: The contractor is responsible for conducting business, between the hours of 0730 & 1630. Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closings. The government will not be held liable for unproductive time and other related costs due to delays for unannounced suspension of work due to military operations and/or exercises or safety reasons. The government will only negotiate an equitable extension of the performance period based on documented delays and unannounced suspensions of work. The Contractor must at all times maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS when the Government facility is not closed for the above reasons.

1.6.5 Place of Performance: The work to be performed under this contract will be performed at building 11985 Aircraft & Structural Live Fire Trainers.

1.6.6 Type of Contract:. The government shall award a Firm Fixed Price contract.

PART 2

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES

2. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED UTILITIES:

2.1 Utilities the Government will provide access to tap water, and domestic electricity: The Contractor shall instruct employees in utilities conservation practices. The contractor shall be responsible for operating under conditions that preclude the waste of utilities, which include turning off the water faucets or valves after using the required amount to accomplish cleaning vehicles and equipment.

PART 3

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES

3. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

3.1 General the Contractor shall furnish all supplies, equipment, and services required to perform the inspection, & certification under this contract that are not listed under Section 2 of this PWS.

PART 4

SPECIFIC TASKS

4. Specific Tasks:

4.1. Basic Services. The contractor shall ensure proper training and compliance with requirements, an in-depth inspection and certification of the Fire Department's Live Fire Trainers must be conducted twice a year. The inspection will identify any discrepancies and provide itemized corrective actions to address them.

Required Tasks:

1. Check electrical drawings in main cabinet and ensure they are up to date.

2. Record the date of electrical drawings.

3. Check online database for undone work.

4. Check the condition of computers and HMIs.

5. Check the condition of monitors and network switches.

6. Check regulator supply pressure (bar).

7. Check regulator discharge pressure (mbar).

8. Check auto valve operation.

9. Check manual shut-off valve operation.

10. Strip, clean, or replace the main gas filter.

11. Check all gas pipework for damage, distortion, or leaks.

12. Check all air pipework for damage, distortion, or leaks.

13. Check all water pipework for damage, distortion, or leaks.

14. Check all nitrogen pipework for damage, distortion, or leaks.

15. Check high- and low-pressure switches for correct operation.

16. Check water drench supply operation.

17. Check nitrogen main supply valve and pipework operation.

18. Check visible cables and wiring for heat damage.

19. Check PA and sound effect system for correct operation.

20. Check gas detection system heads and main displays for physical condition.

21. Check main ventilation fans' general condition.

22. Check main ventilation fans' balance (visually).

23. Check main ventilation fans' pressure switch.

24. Check audible and visual alarms' physical condition and operation.

25. Check overall external and internal structural condition.

26. Check dead man footswitch physical condition and operation.

27. Check man down and emergency stop buttons' physical condition.

28. Check safety gates and hatches' physical condition, grease mechanisms, and operation.

29. Check internal and external doors' physical condition, grease mechanisms, and operation.

30. Check pilot air blowers' physical condition and operation.

31. Replace pilot air blower filters.

32. Check pilot air blower pressure switch setting (mbar).

33. Check pilot air blower running pressure (mbar).

34. Check smoke generators' physical condition.

35. Check smoke generator connections.

36. Check smoke generator local manual control.

37. Check smoke generator automatic control.

38. Check air compressor operation and drain receiver if required.

39. Check fire room lighting for damage and operation.

40. Check other room lighting for damage and operation.

41. Check emergency lighting for damage and operation.

42. Check instructors' wander leads/pendants and R/C transmitters for damage and operation.

43. Check thermocouples' physical condition.

44. Inspect pilot burner tube for carbon deposits.

45. Inspect pilot shroud for carbon deposits.

46. Check pilot burner operation.

47. Check for flame recognition.

48. Check pilot air pressure (mbar).

49. Check pilot gas pressure (mbar).

50. Check blower operation and condition.

51. Clean blower filter.

52. Replace blower filter.

53. Check blower pressure switch setting (mbar).

54. Check blower running pressure (mbar).

55. Check valve train for satisfactory condition.

56. Check electrical cabinet inside for satisfactory condition.

57. Check main burner rail for satisfactory condition and operation.

58. Check construction for damage or wear and tear.

59. Check sacrificial steel for damage or wear and tear.

60. Document all findings and provide itemized corrective actions for any discrepancies (needed spare parts replacement and/or repairs) noted during the inspection and the related cost estimate.

61. Certify that the Live Fire Trainers are in good working condition and meet the requirements for training personnel.

Maintenance and repairs no listed among the above 61 tasks is not included under subject service contract requirement.

A total of 61 specific actions must be taken during the inspection. The inspection must be documented, and any discrepancies noted must be addressed through itemized corrective actions.

The certification/safety report of the Live Fire Trainers must be performed by a qualified and authorized individual or team, and the results of the inspection must be maintained for record-keeping purposes. The frequency of the inspection is semi-annual, with the inspection conducted every 6 months.

The contractor shall provide a comprehensive record report detailing the structural stability of the Burn House and state if the structure is safe or unsafe for training operations. The contractor shall also list recommendations for repair of the Burn House.

The contractor shall provide the inspection record within 7 business days at the end of the work.

PART 5

APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS

5. APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS (CURRENT EDITIONS) The contractor shall comply with Air Force Technical Order (TO) 35E1-2-13-1 - Operation and Maintenance Instructions for Aircraft Fire Training Facilities, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1403, and DAFMAN 91-203, Section 21.8, commercial standards, manufacturer's recommendations, procedures, and technical data, and local, state, and federal guidelines as applicable to the work involved. All electrical equipment installation, replacement and/or repairs will be made In Accordance With (IAW) the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70, National Electrical Code.

5.1. (SAFETY) The contractor is responsible for ensuring full compliance with OSHA regulations, including but not limited to those outlined in 29 CFR 1910 (General Industry) and 29 CFR 1926 (Construction), for their employees and managers, adhering to all federal, state, local laws, and Air Force Instructions for employee protection while working on the installation, managing work areas to ensure the safety of all personnel, properly training employees on equipment, developing site-specific mishap reporting procedures, and immediately reporting any injury to personnel or damage to government property to the CO and GPM. The contractor must also submit a Safety and Health Plan, including a site safety checklist, to the Contracting Officer 10 days after contract award, outlining their capabilities and processes for safety and health compliance, including prompt investigation and correction of safety violations and uncontrolled hazards. While direct enforcement of Italian safety standards (e.g., Legislative Decree 81/2008) rests with Italian authorities, the contractor is expected to implement safety practices that meet or exceed OSHA standards and demonstrate a commitment to principles of worker safety and hazard mitigation consistent with internationally recognized best practices, potentially including elements of Italian safety regulations where applicable and relevant to the specific work being performed, and shall cooperate fully in any government led investigation; failure to adhere to these safety requirements may result in liability under applicable laws and regulations.

The Contractor shall attend the preliminary safety briefing provided by Base Occupational Safety office prior to commence any work activity.

5.1.1. (ENVIRONMENTAL) The Contractor must comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local environmental laws, regulations, and standards relevant to their activities under this contract. The Contractor is solely responsible for obtaining and funding all necessary environmental permits, subject to Government concurrence, and acknowledges that the Government will not be named as a secondary discharger or co-permittee. The Government retains the right to inspect the work site for compliance with environmental, safety, and occupational health laws and regulations, and may shut down the facility if non-compliance is found.

The Contractor is responsible for reporting and promptly cleaning up all spills in accordance with environmental regulations and will reimburse the Government for any costs incurred should Government resources be required for spill cleanup. All records related to this contract are subject to audit by cognizant Government agencies. The failure of the Government to enforce any term of the contract shall not be construed as a waiver of the Government’s right to future performance.

The Contractor must adhere to the Green Procurement Program (GPP), prioritizing the purchase and use of environmentally preferable products and services, including recycled-content, bio-based, and energy/water-efficient products, while avoiding Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and EPA-designated Priority Chemicals. Environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP) is encouraged.

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The Air Force welcomes responses from all interested parties.

Sources Sought Response Requirements Responses to this notice shall be limited to ten pages (excluding marketing literature and/or technical data sheets ) and must include:

1. A capability statement in response to the technical requirements described above

2. Description of the company’s past performance and experience with the accomplishment of projects similar in scope. And information (Government or commercial entity, contract/purchase amount, etc.) relating to each of the past performance descriptions.

3. Responses to the following questions:

a. Are any of the US Air Force’s specific requirements too restrictive? In other words, are any of the requirements too specific that it would eliminate a commercial product or products that could potentially more than satisfactorily satisfy the US Air Force’s goals?

b. Any suggestions regarding the US Air Force’s requirements and/or salient characteristics?

c. Any other comments regarding this potential acquisition?

4. Organization name, and telephone number and e-mail address of a point of contact having the authority and knowledge to clarify responses with Government representatives.

5. Commercial pricing list(s) or other pricing information, if applicable and available.

6. Customary practices, including warranties, discounts, and contract type(s) under which commercial sales of the products or services are made, if applicable and available.

DUNS number, CAGE code, and company structure. Note: Written confirmation of registration in SAM (www.sam.gov). Offerors are required to be registered to be considered as a source.

Acknowledgment of receipt of responses will not be made, nor will respondents be notified of the outcome of the US Air Force's review of the information received. Additionally, the US Air Force does not intend to hold discussions concerning this Sources Sought with any interested parties. This request is not to be construed as a commitment on the part of the Government to award a contract, nor does the Government intend to pay for any information submitted as a result of this request. The Government will not reimburse respondents for any cost associated with submission of the information being requested or reimburse expenses incurred to interested parties for responses to this announcement. However, the US Air Force reserves the right to contact one or more of the respondents if additional information is required or to request demonstrations.

Responses to this announcement will not be returned, nor will there be any ensuing discussions or debriefings of any responses. However, information obtained as a result of this announcement may be reflected in the subsequent solicitation if issued. This announcement is Government market research and may result in revisions in both its requirements and its acquisition strategy based on industry responses.

All interested sources may submit a response via email to Cristina Moro, Contract Specialist at cristina.moro.1.it@us.af.mil or Melissa Maurhart at melissa.maurhart.it@us.af.mil and are due no later than 30 July 2025 at 04:00 PM, Central European Time. No telephone calls will be accepted.

http://www.sam.gov/ mailto:cristina.moro.1.it@us.af.mil mailto:melissa.maurhart.it@us.af.mil