KC-135 Request for Information (RFI) Collaboration Effort

This is a Request for Information (RFI) for market research purposes issued by the C/KC‐135 Contracting Branch, AFLCMC/WLT at Tinker Air Force Base (TAFB). The United States Air Force (USAF) is requesting information pertaining to industry capabilities with regard to speedy methodologies to conduct research in support of KC-135 objectives and/or implement aircraft modifications from initial design through production.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this RFI is to solicit industry options and possible solutions to meet KC-135 objectives as outline below. KC-135 is considering a multi-contractor collaborative environment and is seeking to discover the best solutions/vehicles to accelerate acquisitions to meet Great Power Competition goals.  

THIS IS AN RFI ONLY:

This RFI is issued solely for informational and planning purposes.  It does not constitute a solicitation (Request for Proposal or Request for Quotations) or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future.  As stipulated in FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not considered offers, shall not be used as a proposal, and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract.  This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever.  Furthermore, we are not seeking proposals currently.  Responders are advised that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI.  All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the responding party’s expense.

The Government requests that non‐proprietary information be submitted in response to this RFI.  However, should proprietary information be submitted, it should be marked “PROPRIETARY”, and will be handled accordingly.  The Government shall not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for any proprietary information not properly identified.  Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations.  Proprietary information or trade secrets should be clearly identified

BACKGROUND

The KC-135 SPO is researching the “ART of the POSSIBLE” to establish a Joint Cooperation with Industry that would create streamlined acquisition and bring industry awareness to combine concepts that may increase faster solutions to support warfighter needs aligning with KC-135 Goals: Connectivity, Survivability, Reliability & Innovation. The possible concepts to be considered include (but are not limited to) the following: Cooperative Research and Written Agreement (CRADA), Research Studies, Multiple Award Contracts (MACs), Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs),), Undefinitized Contractual Actions (UCAs), Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs), Commercial Solutions Openings (CSOs), Joint License Agreements, Public Private Partnerships, options for installation solutions and kit builds, etc. to bring collaboration, innovation and cooperation among industry to deliver fast solutions to the Government. This initial RFI will help the Government gauge industry interests to participate in a possible collaboration effort.  

QUESTIONS: 

1. Please provide a summary of your companies’ capabilities and recommended acquisition approaches which allow for speed in research and delivery of aircraft from design modifications to production.
2. Are you interested in collaborating with other businesses to achieve common goals, example 8A, Small business, Joint company solutions with university research affiliated centers?
3. What recommendations can you provide to the Government on objectives or outcomes which would motivate your company to perform faster?
4. Are you able to provide systems (Electronic Countermeasures, Defensive systems, Aircraft Battle Management Systems ABMS (Now known as Combined Joint All Domain Command and Control (CJADC2), and other future technology with a minimum of a TRL 7? If not, please describe the minimum level you can provide.
5. What resources or expertise can your corporation contribute?
6. Are there any specific industries or types of businesses you prefer to collaborate with?
7. What level of commitment or involvement is your corporation willing to provide?
8. What are your expectations regarding, communication, decision-making and governance within a collaborative approach?
9. What do you perceive as the potential risks and benefits of your recommended approaches?
10. What timeline can you support for your suggested development and activities?
11. Are there any specific legal or regulatory considerations that your corporation would need to address to implement your planned approaches?
12. What capabilities and expertise can you offer to address Diminishing Manufacturing Sources & Material Shortages solutions?
13. Can your company obtain and maintain at least Secret Level security clearance?
14. Please provide a track record of successful performance on relevant projects (i.e., CRADA, OTA, etc.).
15. Are you willing and able to participate in an INTEL Briefing requiring a SECRET clearance at Tinker AFB (at your company’s expense)?
16. What specific contractual or agreement terms and conditions best help your company to complete work quickly and why?
17. What MAC contracts are you already a part of and what is the scope of those contract vehicles and points of contacts?  
18. What incentives motivate your company to perform? Please provide examples.

Contracting Office Address:

AFLCMC/WLTK

3001 Staff Dr. STE 2AE1

Tinker AFB OK  73145‐3020

Primary Point of Contact:

KC‐135 Contracting Branch 

AFLCMC/WLTK

Ms. Diana Kennedy

KENNEDY, DIANA R CIV USAF AFMC AFLCMC/WLTK diana.kennedy@us.af.mil

Ms. Deborah Harrigan 

HARRIGAN, DEBORAH I CIV USAF AFMC AFLCMC/WLDW deborah.harrigan@us.af.mil