Request for Quotation (RFQ) DEMONSTRATIONS OF DRONE-BASED SYSTEMS FOR INSPECTIONS OF CONFINED SPACES FOR FUEL STORAGE AND TRANSPORT

 This Request for Quotation (RFQ) seeks a portable, drone-based inspection system demonstrations specifically designed for confined spaces, like those found in stationary tanks and marine fuel transport vessels.

Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) requires an innovative method for conducting stationary tank inspections and marine fuel transport vessel inspection to enhance personnel safety, reduce inspection time, and verify tank cleanliness. This method aims to address risks associated with performing routine confined space inspection seeking to minimize dangerous inspection elements, minimize tank downtime, avoid potential hazards, and improve overall efficiency in tank inspection procedures.
Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) manages the end-to-end global defense supply chain – from raw materiel to end user disposition – for the five military services, 11 combatant commands, other federal, state and local agencies and partner and allied nations.
 

Purpose/Problem.  DLA Energy is a Major Subordinate Command (MSC) activity of the Defense Logistics Agency, responsible for enabling mission readiness by providing globally resilient energy solutions to the Warfighter and Whole of Government.  The MSC provides the Military Services, DOD activities and designated federal agencies with worldwide comprehensive Class III Bulk Petroleum fuel acquisition and management support in order to meet mission requirements.  DLA Energy Quality Assurance Representatives (QARs), responsible for ensuring fuel product quality and integrity pre- and post-procurement, require an innovative method for conducting stationary tank inspections and marine fuel transport vessel inspection to enhance personnel safety, reduce inspection time, and verify tank cleanliness. This method aims to address risks associated with the QAR performing routine confined space inspection seeking to minimize dangerous inspection elements, minimize tank downtime, avoid potential hazards, and improve overall efficiency in tank inspection procedures.  Currently, DLA Energy QARs face various physical risks during confined space entry and internal inspections, including, but not limited to, exposure to extreme heat and hazardous atmospheric levels when clearing the space safe for entry.

Scope. This project will have one or more vendors or producers of commercially available aerial drone equipment perform inspections of confined space areas (i.e., bulk fuel storage tanks and fuel transport vessels), while out of service. The goal of this endeavor is to assess the feasibility/viability of the use of drone technologies, as-is or with modification, for routine confined space inspections currently performed by QARs in order to increase overall effectiveness and efficiency of the operations, and reduce hazards and dangers associated with manual examinations.  Successful outcomes from the demonstrations and assessments can lead to DLA Energy solicitations for the acquisition of the drone equipment (include training and equipment management sessions) for transport to, or positioning at, applicable locations for continuous usage.

Project Expectations/Technical Approach

1.  Stationary Tank Demonstration:  Drone system will be able to take photo and read the oxygen, gas or vapors level and require one Agreement Holder Subject Matter Expert onsite during pilot demonstration.

Agreement Holder will perform a demonstration inspection; during the demonstration a DLA QAR(s) will be present to provide operational feedback from various perspectives.

2.  Marine Fuel Transport Vessel Demonstration:  Drone system will be able to take photo and read the oxygen, gas or vapors level and require one Agreement Holder Subject Matter Expert onsite during pilot demonstration. Agreement Holder will perform a demonstration inspection; during the demonstration a DLA QAR(s) will be present to provide operational feedback from various perspectives.

3.  Locations: 

• On-site Stationary Tank Demonstration - Fort Riley, Kansas
• On-site Stationary Marine Vessel Demonstration  - Port Arthur, Texas

4.  After action meeting – Coordinate on reading of all findings of the internal inspections

System Operational Requirements

• Portability: System must be easily transportable by one person, fitting within standard airline carry-on size restrictions (maximum 4 feet in length).
• Durability: Capable of withstanding harsh environments, including temperatures up to 62 degrees Celsius.
• Operational Time: Minimum operational time of 90-120 minutes on a single charge.
• Data Output: High-resolution images, video recording, and real-time gas readings.
• Portable and Deployable: A compact design adhering to DLA transportability standards ensures easy transport and rapid setup in diverse environments.
• Multi-Modal Inspection: Combines high-resolution visual inspection with advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) capabilities: Ultrasonic Testing (UT): Utilizes ultrasonic waves to detect internal flaws and measure material thickness.
• Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT): Employs electromagnetic acoustic waves for surface and near-surface inspections, particularly effective on coatings and painted surfaces.
• On-Site Reporting: Generates immediate inspection reports without relying on cloud processing, ensuring data security and rapid information delivery.
• Remediation Capabilities: Optional attachments enable rust removal and painting, providing an end-to-end solution for issue identification and remediation.
• Extreme Environment Operation: Functions effectively in temperatures up to 50°C, with tethered power options available for extended operation.
• Regulatory Compliance: System and operations adhere to relevant industry standards, including ASNT, API codes, and FAA Part 107 regulations.

Expected Project Duration.  Demonstrations to take place 8 – 12 weeks from award.

The provisions/clauses as indicated in the DLA Master Solicitation for Solicitations {Updated July 2, 2025} and resulting awards are hereby applicable and incorporated by reference. The Master Solicitation can be found on the Web at http://www.dla.mil/HQ/Acquisition/Offers/eProcurement.aspx.