Sources Sought Synopsis - Borescopes.docx

4mm and 6mm Video Borescopes

CAUTION:

This market survey is being conducted to identify potential sources that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet the requirements for qualification and production of the 4mm and 6mm Video Borescopes for use by United States Air Force (USAF) personnel to inspect aircraft engines. The level of security clearance and amount of foreign participation in this requirement has not been determined. 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.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Below is a document containing a description of the Borescope requirement and a Contractor Capability Survey, which allows you to provide your company’s capability.

2. 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.)

a. Identify any areas of work that your organization believes should be broken out exclusively for Small Business.

3. Both large and small businesses are encouraged to participate in this Market Research. Joint ventures or teaming arrangements are encouraged.

4. Questions relative to this market survey should be addressed to Robert Rollins robert.rollins.2@us.af.mil

PURPOSE/DESCRIPTION

The Government is conducting market research to identify potential sources that possess the production data/repair data, expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet qualification requirements for the production of 4mm and 6mm Video Borescopes. The USAF requirement is defined by Commercial Item Description (CID) A-A-59883A. The CID is currently in draft format. Our draft acquisition strategy is a five-year contract (basic plus five option years). The projected quantities are unknown. We are looking to see if the USAF requirement can be met better by kits or individual scopes.

Some of the key technical requirements include:

· 4mm and 6mm Insertion tubes at least 3m long which are field replaceable

· Internal measurement software for distance, point to line, depth, and area.

· 3D Modeling

· Ability to limit or remove external network connectivity

· At least a 4 inch display

· Working Channel on the 6mm insertion tube

· Ability to run from AC or DC battery for 100 minutes

· Entire kit less than 30 pounds

See attached CID for additional requirements. All requirements within CID are important.

Part I. Business Information

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

· Phone Number:

· E-mail Address:

· Web Page URL:

· Gov Proposed North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code: 333314

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

Responses to the Capability Survey Part I and Part II must be received no later than close of business 11 Feb 2022. Please ensure data is in a readable electronic format that can be received through a firewall. Attachments shall not to exceed 10 MB per email. Multiple emails are acceptable. Responses must be sent via email to the following:

· Robert Rollins, Contracting Officer, robert.rollins.2@us.af.mil

· Chantel Sabatel, Contracting Specialist, chantel.sabatel@us.af.mil

· Holly Hart, Program Manager, holly.hart@us.af.mil

· Jose Ingaluque, Engineer, jose.ingaluque@us.af.mil

Questions relative to this market research should be addressed to all listed.

Part II. Capability Survey Questions

Technology

1. Based upon the attached CID, what kit would you propose for a future RFP? (Include Base Model and any accessories or upgrades)

0. If the CID did not include 3D Technology, what kit would you propose?

0. If the CID did not include modular insertion tubes, what kit would you propose?

0. What is the estimated kit prices for each?

1. What requirements in the CID drive cost or the need to go up a class of scopes?

1. What eliminations would allow the USAF to save money?

1. Are your modular insertion tubes interchangeable between different scopes in same line?

1. Are your scopes upgradeable?

3. Describe process and what is upgraded (software/hardware).

3. What are the prices for upgrades?

1. Are there requirements that would prevent your product from being technically acceptable?

1. Please provide info on your product concerning the below CID requirements that have objectives and if you exceed any or would be achievable with upgrades to a base unit.

5. Tube Length

5. Depth of View

5. Data Storage

5. Network Connectivity

5. Monitor

5. Battery Run Time

5. Weight

1. Can a single tip be used for examination and measurement?

1. How do your scopes differ from the market in significant ways?

7. How would these advantages save the USAF funds?

1. If you have provided borescopes for USAF engine inspection previously, what are the improvements to your current line of scopes? The USAF is most concerned with reliability (insertion tube) and accuracy in the measurements.

1. How long are you estimating that this scope will be manufactured?

1. Cyber Questions

0. How do you manage configuration control? Will all scopes be shipped with the same version of Operating System (OS)?

0. If your borescope does not have the capability to write data to a CD/DVD-ROM, can it be modified to do this for a reasonable fee?

0. Does your borescope have antivirus features? If so, how and when is it updated?

0. How are patches and security updates distributed and added to the borescope software? (This includes application software external to the borescope itself.)

0. Can any external connectivity (Ethernet, wireless, and Bluetooth) be disabled do that an ordinary user cannot enable it?

Fielding Strategies

1. 3D Technology is a significant advancement in borescope measurement technology. What are the advantages and cost savings that the USAF would experience if all users were equipped with 3D capable scopes?

1. The USAF is considering fieldling a mix of 3D capable and non-3D capable scopes. In your opinion, what would be the advantages and disadvantages with this strategy?

1. What would be the appropriate ratio to field?

1. The USAF is considering fielding only 6mm insertion tubes with working channel. In your opinion, what would be the advantages and disadvantages with not acquiring a 6mm with no working channel?

Production

1. What is the delivery schedule after order? (Kits and Parts)

1. How many kits can be delivered in a month?

1. What replacement parts should the USAF buy with initial production?

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

1. 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?

1. Is the USAF requirement offered to both under similar terms and conditions? Briefly describe any differences.

1. Have you performed any of the certifications and analysis required in the CID?

1. Does the USAF have priority over another customer? If the USAF needs assistance, is it going to be on top of the waiting list?

Sustainment

1. What commercial warranty would you provide? Time Period?

1. The USAF has historically had a significant problem keeping operational units in the field. This has been caused by user damage.

1. What solutions are available to reduce downtime while keeping costs reasonable?

1. This may include user swappable modular components, service agreements, provision of spares, etc.

1. Are insertion tube modules repairable?

2. What is the estimated price for repair?

1. What items for repair or replacement would you suggest be included in a contract?

1. How many locations around the world are available to send a damage borescope for repair?

1. Are there any preventative maintenance requirements/recommendations? Field or Depot performed?

1. How do you perform training for commercial customers?

1. Are their commercially available training resources which can be accessed for free?