AoI 0002 - ASRS Industry Question and Answer.docx

AoI 0002 – ASRS Industry Question and Answer

Question 1: For those of us coming up with innovative solutions like higher density storage, can you provide weights and other data for better decision-making?

More information will be provided later in the CSO process

Question 2: What percentage of your parts would fit in a standard vidmar cabinet?

Approximately over half would fit in a Vidmar bin with four-inch drawers.

Question 3: :Are bins currently divided in the mini-loads?

Yes. Each bin can be divided up to 16 times. Some are divided into four sections, some are undivided.

Question 4: Do you have data on SKU counts, types, and velocity to help with design?

More information will be provided later in the CSO process

Question 5: Can you provide data on SKU geometry and weight?

More information will be provided later in the CSO process

Question 6: Can you provide building drawings, preferably AutoCAD?

More information will be provided later in the CSO process

Question 7: How many shifts are currently operating?

Typically two 11- to 12-hour shifts.

Question 8: How many people are working in the facility? Is labor reduction or efficiency a goal?

Historically, about 10 people ran the floor per shift, including maintenance. Currently, around 7 people may be working at once. Labor reduction is an internal government issue.

Question 9: What is meant by ‘inventory’?

It refers to verifying that system counts match physical counts. Inventory checkers validate parts using printed reports. Users may pull pallets and do physical audits to correct any discrepancies.

Question 10: How much advance notice do you get for orders to pick and fulfill?

It’s real-time picking—the system generates picks, and the team fulfills them quickly, generally same day.

Question 11: Is there technical documentation for the middleware between your system and LMP?

No, it’s proprietary to the vendor. Any replacement system must connect to LMP, not necessarily through the existing middleware. LMP is DoD-owned and must be integrated with.

Question 12: Can you provide the interface requirements for LMP?

Yes, we can provide those. It involves an IP and port address, but you’ll also need data format structures and messaging protocols. Those will be shared further in the process.

Question 13: Does LMP or another system acknowledge the transaction once it leaves building 513?

No

Question 14: What phase are we currently in regarding the CSO?

We are in Phase 1 of the CSO. Please review the original CSO for submission requirements for this phase.

Question 15: Have you considered digital engineering or digital twinning to reduce risk in the first phase?

We don’t currently use that, but that could be proposed as a solution brief, and if accepted, presented during the next phase.

Question 16: Will modernization happen live while warehouse operations continue?

Yes, and minimal impact is critical. If you're proposing a full system replacement, your proposal should aim for the least operational disruption possible.

Question 17: Do you have existing power specs and data connections available for the facility?

The building main power is 12470-480/277volt, 3-phase 1500kva transformer with a 2000 Amp distribution panel.

Question 18: If new equipment is required, who handles the install—government or contractor? Are there union requirements?

It would be the contractor’s responsibility.

Question 19: How are orders delivered to end destinations?

Once picked, parts are moved by forklift—usually shop personnel retrieve the items. The system stops tracking after the pick is complete. The part leaves inventory at that point.

Question 20: Does the system track after the pick is complete?

No. Once the pick is complete, tracking ends in the ASRS system. LMP tracks further movement.

Question 21: Regarding IT systems: The AoI mentions ASRS running on HP servers. Is the control software also on those servers?

No. The control software runs separately on a Windows 10 PC. The controller manages system movements; the server manages data. They communicate but are independent.

Question 22: Is that setup compliant?

No.

Question 23: Post-pick: How does the part physically move to shipping?

The person who picks the item manually walks it over to a dock crate. It’s a manual process—but it could be changed. If you have recommendations for improving this, feel free to include them.

Question 24: How is inventory loaded into the mini-load?

Operators manually choose whether to store parts in pallets or mini-load bins, based on size and weight. Lightweight items go in bins; heavier items go in crates or pallet positions using overhead cranes.

Question 25: How are parts moved from receiving to mini-load areas? Is that done by AGV, pallet jack, or forklift?

That movement is currently performed manually via pallet jack or forklift—not AGV, but could be changed.

Question 26: Would you prefer multiple options in one proposal or separate proposals for each?

If it’s the same solution type with variations (e.g., cost tiers), you can include them in one proposal. But if they are fundamentally different solutions—like robotics versus engineered mechanical—you should submit them as separate submissions.

Question 27: Are the three ASRS buildings rack-supported or freestanding?

All buildings are freestanding. Racks are built inside them.

Question 28: Are STIG (Security Technical Implementation Guide) and cyber requirements applicable?

Yes. STIG compliance is a mandatory factor.