Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS)_MAAS.pdf

CAUTION:

Sources Sought Synopsis Mobile Aircraft Arresting System

NSN: 1710-01-549-9539

Major Programs Contracting Office

AFLCMC/WNKAC

Robins AFB GA

This Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS) will be used to identify and pre-qualify potential sources in the industry that may be interested in acquisition opportunities with the Government. Additionally, this Sources Sought will be used to gather information about the manufacture of the Mobile Aircraft Arresting System (MAAS). If after reviewing the requirements, you desire to participate in the Sources Sought and Pre-Qualification, you should provide documentation that supports your company’s capability as well as completing the requirements in the Source Qualification Statement.

If you lack sufficient experience/capabilities 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.). Additionally, for the current proposed acquisition, any pre-qualified offeror should provide reasons for which you may be considering not proposing.

First article testing will be required. Both large and small businesses are encouraged to participate in this survey. However, this Sources Sought will in part, assist the Air Force in determining set-aside potential.

In accordance with FAR 52.215-3:

• The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this market research or to otherwise pay for the information solicited except as an allowable cost under other contracts as provided in subsection 31.205-18, Bid and proposal costs, of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

• Although “proposal” and “offeror” are used in this sources sought synopsis, your response will be treated as information only. It shall not be used as a proposal.

• This sources sought synopsis is issued for the purpose of market research only.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Below is a document containing a Purpose/Description for the MAAS and a Contractor Capability Survey, which allows you to provide your company’s capability.

2. Attached is a Source Qualification Statement which outlines the requirements to be pre-qualified to bid on the upcoming MAAS requirement.

3. 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.).

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

Questions relative to this market survey should be addressed to Philip Holt at philip.holt@us.af.mil, Dylan Huckeba at dylan.huckeba@us.af.mil and/or Brandi Moody at brandi.moody@us.af.mil.

Purpose/Description:

This sources sought supports a potential effort for the Mobile Aircraft Arresting System (MAAS) and is being conducted to identify potential sources that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet the requirements for qualification and production of this system for use by the U.S.

Air Force and our Foreign Military Sales (FMS) partners, as well as to obtain industry inputs that will be reviewed and considered for possible incorporation into the Government’s solicitation and resulting contract. The purpose of this effort is to procure MAAS utilizing a government technical drawing package (TDP) 201018515, CAGE 98752 and the requirements outlined in the attached Statement of Work (SOW)_DRAFT. These drawings are attachments to the subject sources sought synopsis. The drawing package contains the detailed dimensions, configuration, interface equipment, materials, and testing requirements to ensure form/fit/function and seamless compatibility with a large inventory of existing, fielded MAAS and associated control equipment. Should a conflict arise from any part of this document (SSS) and the drawings, the requirements stated in the drawings shall apply. It is anticipated that this requirement will be an eight (8) year contract, (two (2)-year basic, plus six (6) annual option periods). The table below depicts estimated structure and quantities.

NSN: 1710-01-549-9539RN

Contract Period BEQs Basic Contract Period, 2-Years 30 Option 1 22 Option 2 22 Option 3 22 Option 4 22 Option 5 22 Option 6 22 Estimated MAAS Totals 162

The MAAS is a military-unique deployable asset, and was developed as an expeditionary aircraft recovery system, which can be quickly setup and used to recover tactical aircraft at damaged runways or at installations where primary arresting systems are not in operation. The MAAS consists of two identical mobile units. Each unit houses one BAK-12 rotary friction energy absorber. The mobile units contain all the basic components of a fixed base arresting system i.e., BAK-12, and all the tools and hardware necessary for installation and removal, and can be transported over land, sea, and through the air. Mobility of the arresting system is provided by a four-wheel trailer towable by a prime mover equipped with a pintle hook. The trailer serves as the platform for securing the basic arresting gear components: energy absorber, purchase tape, tape connector, hook cable, rewind system, and cooling system. The trailer also accommodates the tape split (free tape in the system) which cushions the initial impact of the aircraft engagement. Two portable hydraulic power units provide power for raising and lowering the trailer, operating the tools necessary for installation, and powering the hydraulic winch used to load the unit onto an aircraft. Because of the complexity, features and capabilities the MAAS has been designated a critical safety item by the USAF and the trailer is a critical component of the assembly.

mailto:philip.holt@us.af.mil mailto:brandi.moody@us.af.mil.

CONTRACTOR CAPABILITY SURVEY

Part I. Business Information

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

• Company/Institute Name:

• Address:

• Point of Contact:

• CAGE Code:

• Phone Number:

• E-mail Address:

• Web Page URL:

Size of business pursuant to North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code 336413.

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

• Large Business (YES/NO)

• Small Business (YES/NO)

• Small Disadvantaged Business (YES/NO)

• Woman-Owned Small Business (YES/NO)

• HUB-Zone Certified (YES/NO)

• 8(a) Certified (YES/NO)

• Service-Disabled Small Business (YES/NO)

• Veteran-Owned Small Business (YES/NO)

• Central Contractor Registered (CCR) (YES/NO)

• A statement as to whether your company is domestically or foreign owned (if foreign, please indicate the country of ownership).

Responses must be received no later than close of business October 13, 2023. Responses must be sent electronically via email or DoD SAFE (https://safe.apps.mil/) to:

• Philip Holt (philip.holt@us.af.mil)

• Dylan Huckeba (dylan.huckeba@us.af.mil)

• Brandi Moody (brandi.moody@us.af.mil)

An email must be sent to all listed above in order for you to receive a “Request a Drop-off” link for your responses to use DoD SAFE.

NOTE: This questionnaire/survey is for obtaining information only. Companies are encouraged to provide responses to this questionnaire but are advised that their participation is voluntary only.

mailto:brandi.moody@us.af.mil

Part II. Capability Survey Questions

General Capability:

1. Briefly describe your manufacturing/fabrication capabilities, equipment, size of your facility, and the nature of the goods and/or services you provide. Include a description of your current staff composition and management structure, including number of employees, what background they bring to the effort and what certificates they hold. Provide a list of any specialized capital equipment, unique capabilities and maximum part handling capability (L x W x H and weight) for your facilities.

2. Describe your past experience on Mobile Aircraft Arresting Systems and/or capabilities similar in complexity, as identified in the requirement description, including pipeline/material management, system/sustaining engineering, repair, and overhaul of parts/components/vehicles. Include contract numbers, a brief description of the work performed, period of performance, agency/organization supported, and individual point of contact (Contracting Officer or Program Manager).

3. Does your company have any unique business practices that would impact cost or production of this item?

4. Has your company worked with any Government entity in the past? Include a few contract numbers, a brief description of the work performed, period of performance, agency/organization supported, and individual point of contact (Contracting Officer or Program Manager). If not, how do you propose to ensure your company is compliant with federal regulations?

5. Do you have the capability in house to update Tech Manuals that incorporates the approved modifications or obsolete parts per DRAFT SOW paragraph 3.6.2, or will this work be subcontracted out? Please explain.

6. Describe how you/your organization will identify and resolve parts obsolescence, and diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages (DMSMS)?

7. What type of warranties do you provide? What is the scope of the warranties provided, and does it include technical support?

8. Describe your standard warranty and return process for goods and services furnished to the Government for items similar in nature to this requirement.

9. What would be the level or extent of coverage in your company’s standard warranty for the MAAS units of this configuration?

10. Would your standard warranty cover parts and labor at CONUS/OCONUS installations?

11. Describe how you support your product after it has been sold and delivered to the customer (i.e., resolving parts problems, design practices which avoid parts obsolescence, developing manual updates, product recalls, etc.).

12. Describe your capabilities and experience in configuration management to uphold Operational Safety, Suitability, and Effectiveness (OSS&E) on Mobile Aircraft Arresting Systems and/or capabilities similar in complexity.

13. What continuous quality assurance monitoring practices/procedures does your company employ?

Please provide a description of your quality program (IAW ISO 9001:2015 or otherwise).

14. Is there any requirement in the DRAFT SOW which would preclude your product (or company) from providing a viable solution to our requirement or your company feels cannot be reasonably met? Please be as specific as possible when answering.

Manufacturing Capability:

1. Based upon the experience and composition of your company in today’s post-COVID market, what is your best estimate of production time for one (1) first article Mobile Aircraft Arresting System, manufactured by Technical Data Package requirements and the Statement of Work?

2. Based upon the experience and composition of your company in today’s post-COVID market, what is your best estimate of production time for one (1) first article Mobile Aircraft Arresting System to support immediate emergency surge needs of the government, manufactured by Technical Data Package requirements and the Statement of Work?

3. What would be the production lead-time for the production units outlined in the TDP and the DRAFT SOW? Do you have to establish a new production line? Also, list any long lead time items (and estimated time) that you feel may impact production.

4. What is your shortest production lead-time After Receipt of Order (ARO) to support immediate emergency surge needs of the government?

5. Based upon your current facilities, staffing, and resources, what is your best estimate of maximum monthly production capacity of Mobile Aircraft Arresting Systems?

6. What is your maximum monthly production ARO of MAAS to support immediate emergency needs?

7. Describe how you would fill any short-term emergency (surge) needs the Government may have without impacting the sustained production rate. What is your maximum surge capacity?

8. The government anticipates an emergency surge production capacity of eight (8) per month, can you support the immediate emergency surge needs of the government?

9. Can your current facilities support the immediate emergency surge needs of the government or would you have to expand your facilities by some means to support the surge need?

10. Would you be able to procure MAAS long-lead items at initial contract award to support immediate emergency surge needs?

11. Can you provide a list of long-lead items as well as the lead-time in months to obtain the long-lead items to support immediate emergency surge needs?

Technical Capability:

1. Describe your company's capabilities and experience in generating, changing, controlling and distributing technical data, engineering drawings, test reporting, technical order development, and generating provisioning data. Identify what software programs are utilized to generate these data products and what formats are available for delivered items to include 3D modeling.

2. Do you have American Welding Society (AWS) certified welders and AWS certified weld inspectors? Do you have the experience and capability to weld 6061-T6 aluminum alloy?

3. Have you manufactured products that have the potential for galvanic corrosion, but incorporated measures into the manufacturing process to isolate dissimilar metals to prevent corrosion from occurring? An example is the use of steel alloy fasteners that are secured in aluminum alloys such as 6061-T6. Describe your experience in recognizing and remediating corrosion problems on Mobile Aircraft Arresting Systems and/or capabilities similar in complexity.

4. Describe your past experience in parts qualification, modifying parts and/or assemblies, and describe your processes on Mobile Aircraft Arresting Systems and/or capabilities similar in complexity.

Contract Questions:

1. In light of the post-COVID environment, would your company be willing to provide proposed pricing on a Firm-Fixed-Price, requirements-type contract for longer-term contracts? ( i .e., 5, 8, 10 years). If not, what is the longest amount of time your company would be willing to propose pricing for?

2. Do you foresee your company seeking Government contract financing for an effort of this complexity and length?

3. In light of the post-COVID environment, would the addition of an Economic Price Adjustment (EPA) clause alleviate longer-term contract pricing concerns?

4. What is your risk mitigation plan to calculate pricing for a Firm-Fixed-Price contract, given the volatile market and global raw material shortages? Please explain.

5. In the event that the Government does not include contract financing or an EPA clause, how would your company mitigate the volatile market and global raw material shortages?

Subcontracting Questions:

1. Do you anticipate using significant subcontractors? What aspects do you plan to use subcontractors for? What percent of total cost would be through each significant subcontractor?