Soraluce FLP 4000 Universal Floor Type 6-Axis Milling Center outfitted with the Soraluce Dynamics Active Stabilizer Plus (DAS+) or equivalent 6-Axis Universal Floor Type Milling Center with active dampening system equivalent to the DAS+.

DLA-Aviation is issuing this sources sought synopsis as a means of conducting market research to identify parties having an interest in and the resources to support this requirement for one “CNC Traveling Column Six (6) Axis Machining Center.” Potential sources must provide turn-key machine with technical data, tooling and accessories, delivery, unloading and rigging, installation, testing and on-site operator, maintenance, electrical, and mechanical training. The result of this market research will contribute to determining the method of procurement.

The proposed contract action is for supplies or services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under authority of FAR 6.302. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. THIS SOURCES SOUGHT IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTE/PROPOSAL. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICITATION AND SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT. RESPONSES IN ANY FORM ARE NOT OFFERS AND THE GOVERNMENT IS UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO AWARD A CONTRACT AS A RESULT OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. NO FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE TO PAY FOR PREPARATION OF RESPONSES TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. ANY INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY RESPONDENTS TO THIS TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION IS STRICTLY VOLUNTARY.  A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

Submission Instructions: Interested parties should submit a response to this Sources Sought Notice by July 29, 2024NLT 05:00 pm EST.

All responses under this Sources Sought Notice must be emailed to AVN IPE Market Research at AVNIPEMarketResearch@dla.mil.

Email subject line must include ATTN: (Mitchell Wickard, IPE TRACKING NUMBER 25-30-1000, CNC Traveling Column Six (6) Axis Machining Center).

Responses should be not exceed ten (10) one-sided 8.5 x 10 inch pages with a font that is no smaller than 10 point as this is not a request for a proposal but only a request for submission of a vendor's capability to perform this requirement. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted or acknowledged, and no feedback or evaluations will be provided to companies regarding their submissions.

DLA Aviation intends to issue a request for proposal for one CNC Traveling Column Six (6) Axis Machining Center, including: Tooling and accessories, delivery, unloading and rigging, installation, testing and on site operator, maintenance, electrical, and mechanical training. Interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to this requirement no later than the stated closing date/time.

Place of performance is Fleet Readiness Center, Cherry Point.

DLA Aviation is requesting industry input into the feasibility of the government’s requirements. In your response, please provide:

• Description of your company’s capabilities, based on the questions below
• Comments on the attached statement of work. Please identify on the attached statement of work if your company is capable of providing the requirement as written or propose an alternative solution.
• Please identify your company’s business size in terms of number of employees, and whether domestic or foreign for consideration of solicitation set-aside, and small business subcontracting requirements.
• Please identify your company’s manufacturer status: Manufacturer/Non-Manufacturing Source. If non-manufacturing source, please identify the manufacturer.
• Please identify whether your company will partner with subcontractors to complete this requirement.
• Please provide a basis of estimate to consider the total financial budget of this requirement. Estimates should capture the total procurement requirements, not solely the machine’s requirements. 

Physical Characteristics:

• The attached purchase description outlines the physical characteristics of the machine to include:
  • The machine must fit within the allowable floor space of 37 feet x 29 feet x 14 feet (L x W x H)
    • This is the max floor space available between existing equipment.
    • Please identify the CNC Traveling Column Six (6) Axis Machining Center’s overall footprint and if the provided Machining Center will fit or exceed the required workspace.
  • Refer to paragraphs: 3.4 TABLE I Space Constraints. Please comment on the draft purchase description of whether the current physical characteristics are achievable, or whether the Government should consider an alternative that is commercially available.

Functional Characteristics:

• FRCE requires the machining center’s primary use to process aircraft engine components across all air systems at FRC East. Materials processed include various types and temperaments of aluminum, steel, titanium, bronze, copper, titanium alloys and stainless-steel alloys. 

Performance Characteristics:

• The performance characteristics can be found in section 3.8.4 Acceptance Test Plan, 4.7 Tests, 4.7.1 Alignment and Accuracy Tests, 4.7.2 Operational Test, 4.7.3 Performance Test, 4.7.3.1 Post Processor Test, 4.7.4 Horsepower Test (Origin Only) and 4.7.5 Audible Noise Level Test.

Additional scope requirements:

• Please review the additional scope requirements as follows:
  • 3.3 Components.
  • 3.3.1 Base
  • 3.3.2 Table
  • 3.3.3 Column
  • 3.3.4 Ram
  • 3.3.5 Machine Ways
  • 3.3.6 Axes
  • 3.3.7 Safety Stops
  • 3.3.8 Machine Enclosure
  • 3.3.9 Spindle
  • 3.3.9.1 Spindle Adaptive Control Solution
  • 3.3.9.2 Sindle Spare
  • 3.3.10 Vacuum Table
  • 3.3.11 Automated Inspection Booth
  • 3.3.12 Two Axes Head
  • 3.3.12.1 Head Calibration Solution
  • 3.3.12.2 Thermal Head Compensation Software
  • 3.3.13 Auto Head Changing System Preparation
  • 3.3.14 Automatic Tool Changer
  • 3.3.15 Tool Measurement Probing System
  • 3.3.16 Work Piece Stabilization Solution
  • 3.3.17 Chip Conveyor
  • 3.3.18 Handheld Pendant/Jog Handle
  • 3.3.19 Operator’s Console
  • 3.3.20 Coolant System
  • 3.3.20.1 Through Spindle Coolant System
  • 3.3.21 Hydraulic System
  • 3.3.22 Pneumatic System
  • 3.3.23 Electrical System
  • 3.3.23.1 Electrical Enclosures
  • 3.3.23.2 Arc Flash Protection
  • 3.3.23.3 Solid-State Components
  • 3.3.24 Controller Features
  • 3.3.24.1 CAD/CAM Post Processor and Simulation Model
  • 3.3.24.2 Gibbs CAD/CAM License
  • 3.3.24.3 Laptop for Offline Programming
  • 3.3.24.4 Accessories for Laptop
  • 3.3.24.5 Universal Serial Bus (USB) Connection Port
  • 3.3.24.6 Ethernet Connection Port
  • 3.3.24.7 CNC and Control Restoration Data
  • 3.3.25 Motors
  • 3.3.26 Work Light
  • 3.3.27 Facility Connections
  • 3.3.28 Hour Meter
  • 3.4 Size and Capacity TABLE I
  • 3.5 Alignment and Accuracy Tolerances TABLE II
  • 3.6 Standard Tooling and Equipment
  • 3.6.1 Tooling and Required Accessories
  • 3.6.1.1 Required Tooling TABLE III
  • 3.6.1.2 Required Accessories
  • 3.8 Technical Data
  • 3.9 Installation
  • 3.10 Training

• Acceptance testing is conducted at government’s facility with the cited test procedures, as referenced in paragraph 4.0 Quality Assurance Provisions, 4.7.1 Alignment and Accuracy Tests, 4.7.2 Operational Test, 4.7.3 Performance Test, 4.7.3.1 Post Processor Test, and 4.7.5 Audible Noise Level Test. Please comment on feasibility of tests along with your company’s ability to execute the test. Please provided feedback on the applicability and feasibility of the government directed test.

• Please comment on the draft purchase description of whether the current characteristics are achievable, or whether the Government should consider an alternative that is commercially available.