Spherical Thrust Bearings

This Request for Information (RFI) is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal. It shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to award a contract as a result of this request for information.

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), Naval Air Warfare Center Lakehurst NJ (NAWCADLKE) is requesting information from industry in order to identify bearing manufacturers capable of producing
bearings  in support of the Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) Water Twister (WT) Mod-2 Inboard Spherical Thrust Bearing. .  Material identified as Company Proprietary provided in response to this RFI will be treated as such by the Government.

1. PURPOSE: This notice is part of Government Market Research, a process for obtaining the latest information on the ‘art of the possible' from industry with respect to their current and near-term abilities. All company proprietary information contained in the response shall be separately marked. Any proprietary information contained in response to this request that is properly marked will be properly protected from unauthorized disclosure. The Government will not use proprietary information submitted from any one firm to establish the capability and requirements for any future systems acquisition so as to not inadvertently restrict competition.

2. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this RFI are to identify responsible sources and interested parties who have proven solutions that can meet or exceed AAG requirements.

3. BACKGROUND: AAG is an aircraft arrestment system that provides the Navy with increased capability and margins of safety needed for future fleet operational requirements. AAG incorporates newer technology than what currently exists with MK-7 on GERALD R. FORD class carriers. The Water Twister (WT), is a critical component of the arresting gear. The Inboard Spherical Thrust Bearing is a critical subcomponent that supports, aligns, and allows the Rotor shaft to transmit the resistive torque of an arrestment. The design of the bearing significantly reduces the friction while the Rotor is rotating, which can affect the control algorithm of the system. The bearing must operate in high vibration, large thrust loaded environment. The bearing must also be able to accommodate deflection in the Rotor shaft or distortion of the Inboard Cover.

4. REQUIREMENTS:

Material:

A. Races: Bearing grade, High Carbon Chromium Alloy Steel, through hardened

B. Rollers: Bearing grade, High Carbon Chromium Alloy Steel, through hardened

C. Cage: Brass with chemistry and mechanical properties that equivalent to ASTM B271/B271M, UNS C86400.

Hardness:

1. Inner and outer race, 58-64 HRC
2. Roller (24X): 58-64 HRC

On all ferrous material components,  races and rollers, perform 100% magnetic particle inspection in accordance with ASTM E 1444/E 1444M performed by both circular and longitudinal methods. The wet process shall be used. No indications larger than .062 inch on races and .031 on rollers are acceptable.

Vendor Ratings:

1. Static Load Rating (per ISO 76) : 3,402,000 LBF
2. Dynamic Load rating: 816,400 LBF
3. Thermal Speed rating (per ISO 15312) : 540 RPM
4. Limiting Speed ratng :  1040 RPM
    

These Spherical Thrust Bearings are Critical Safety Items (CSI). In accordance with DFARS 252.225-7016,
they must be manufactured in the United States, its outlying areas or Canada.

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY. It is not a Request for Proposal, a Request for Quotation, an Invitation for Bids, a solicitation, or an indication that the PMA251 Program Office or NAVAIR will contract for the items contained in the RFI. NAVAIR will not pay respondents for any information generated for or provided in response to this RFI. The Government will not reimburse the respondent for any costs associated with the information submitted in response to this request, nor will the Government compensate any respondent for any costs incurred in developing the information provided to the Government. The Government will not release any information marked with a Proprietary legend, received in response to this RFI, to any firms, agencies, or individuals outside of the Government without written permission in accordance with the legend. Submit your response in a Microsoft® Word or compatible format document in no more than twenty single-sided, single-spaced pages, 12-point, Times New Roman font, using a minimum of one-inch margins.