Attachment_01_Description_of_Requirement.pdf

DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENT

Procurement of Lightweight Airfield Mats

Background:

The U.S. Military has identified a need to provide a faster, lighter weight, and more transportable means to rapidly expand parking aprons and taxiways at expeditionary airfields. To achieve this goal, the Lightweight Mat Program was initiated to evaluate temporary aircraft operating surfaces, or airfield mats, capable of carrying fighter aircraft loads across soft soils.

In an effort to meet the mission of the Lightweight Mat Program, The Airfields and Pavements Branch (APB) of the Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL) at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) in Vicksburg, MS developed prototype airfield matting designs. The process involved developing end connector designs, core designs, and the selection of an extrudable material that has optimal mechanical properties. Each prototype airfield mat has a unique end connector and core that are joined to create panels with four interlocking edges. The designs and material selection process have been completed. The prototype airfield mat designs need to be procured for full-scale validation.

Requirements:

Two complete panel assemblies are required for this procurement: AMX Lightweight Mat A and AMX Lightweight Mat B. Each shall be produced using 2099 Aluminum Lithium Alloy, with lithium content between 1.6% and 2.0%.

Each mat assembly has a unique core that was designed to be extruded in two pieces that can be friction stir welded together. However, a single extrusion can be produced if all required dimensions can be met.

The end connector profile is the same for AMX Lightweight Mat A and AMX Lightweight Mat B, with the exception of the side that will be inserted in the core. Each insert geometry was designed to specifically fit the matching core. Post extrusion machining will be required for the end connector to create the geometry of the insert for each mat design. All machining flash should be removed from the area.

Drawings for the panel assembly of AMX Lightweight Mat A will be provided as part of Phase 2 of the evaluation:

Core – Left Side Core – Right Side End Connector Mat Assembly

Drawings for the panel assembly of AMX Lightweight Mat B will be provided as part of Phase 2 of the evaluation:

Core – Left Side Core – Right Side End Connector Mat Assembly

Inspection shall be maintained to provide a fabricated flatness sufficient to guarantee fit and interchangeability of mats. All machining flash or sharp edges shall be removed from the area

Weld Requirements:

Welds shall pass a visual inspection and be free of excess flash, voids, surface groves, tunneling, and surface galling.

Friction stir welds efficiency shall be minimum 65% of ultimate strength.

Vertical interfaces between the mat core and end connectors shall be welded either by friction stir welding or fusion welding.

Quantities:

The table below lists the quantities required for procurement of the extrusion dies, AMX Lightweight Mat A, and AMX Lightweight Mat B.

Item Quantity Core Die, Left Side – AMX Lightweight Mat A 1 Core Die, Right Side – AMX Lightweight Mat A 1 Core Die, Left Side – AMX Lightweight Mat B 1 Core Die, Right Side – AMX Lightweight Mat B 1 End Connector Die - AMX Lightweight Mat A 1 End Connector Die - AMX Lightweight Mat B 1 AMX Lightweight Mat A Complete Assembled Panels 803.25 ft2 (54 panels) AMX Lightweight Mat B Complete Assembled Panels 803.25 ft2 (54 panels)

Delivery:

The 54 panels of AMX Lightweight Mat A and the 54 panels of AMX Lightweight B shall be delivered to the address and POC below within 180 days after contract award:

Additional Requirements:

-All materials must be extruded at a facility located within the contiguous United States.

-Designs will be extruded in Al-Li 2099. All potential vendors must have access to Al-Li 2099 and experience in hollow core extrusions of either this material or other third generation aluminum lithium alloys (i.e. lithium content from 1-2wt. %).

-Must be able to extrude designs similar to ones shown below. The height of these designs will vary from 1 in. to 1.5 in. The thickness of the vertical components, as well as the top sheet, will vary from 0.09 in. to 0.20 in. These extrusions will at least 9 in. in width.

(Must be one solid extrusion i.e. no welding of two parts)

-Must be capable of extruding designs comparable to the ones shown below. The height of these designs will vary from 1 in. to 1.5 in., and widths of approximately 1 in. to 2 in.. Extrusions will vary in length from 12 in. to 24in.

-Submittal of a capability statement should include certification that Al-Li 2099 can be extruded. Specifications of parts produced by the vendor that are similar to the prototype airfield mat designs are also required with the capability statement submission including specifications for the part and pictures of the extrusion.

Offerors shall submit statements detailing the capability to meet all of the requirements listed above.

Part A

Part

Part

1 in.

to

1.5 in.

Part A

Part

Part

1 in. to 2 in. 1 in. to 2 in.