EFB Tablet Mount P-8A
Request for Information
RFI
Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft Programs (MPRA)
THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY. THERE IS NO SOLICITATION PACKAGE AVAILABLE. The following information is provided to assist Program Management Office Air (PMA-290) Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft Programs (MPRA) Patuxent River, MD in conducting market research of industry to identify options to meet United States Navy (USN) needs for tablet mounting solutions in the P-8A aircraft. It is anticipated that a solicitation resulting from this RFI, if any, will be for a quantity of up to approximately 240 tablet mounts. The P-8A cockpit is virtually identical to the Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
The mounting device should be capable of mounting a commercial off the shelf tablet such as a Panasonic CF-20 or Microsoft Surface Pro III in a P-8A cockpit in such a way that the tablet and mount do not obstruct visual or physical access to aircraft controls and or aircraft displays. The tablet should be mounted conventionally on the side rail or yoke. The mount should not impede flight crew ingress or egress, or external vision.
The mounting device should allow the user easy access to the entire face of the EFB tablet and to EFB tablet controls (touch screen, on/off switch etc.). The mounting device shall provide a clear view of the EFB tablet within 90° on either side of each pilot's line of sight.
The mounting device and associated mechanisms shall not impede the flight crew in the performance of any task (normal, abnormal, emergency) associated with operating any aircraft system.
The mounting device should lock the tablet in position easily. If possible EFB tablet tilt and rotation should be adjustable enough to accommodate a range of pilot preferences. In addition, the range of available movement should accommodate the expected range of user physical abilities (i.e. anthropometric constraints). Locking mechanisms should be low-wear types that will minimize slippage after extended periods of normal use.
Crashworthiness considerations should be taken into account in the design of this device. This includes the appropriate restraint of any device when in use. Suction cup connectors are not acceptable. The following G limits apply:
Fwd (longitudinal, 0 deg) 16.0 g's
Up (longitudinal, 20 deg up) 5.5 g's up + 15.0 g's fwd
Down (longitudinal, 20 deg down) 5.5 g's down + 15.0 g's fwd
Down (acting separately) 8.0 g's
Lateral (side) (longitudinal, 20 deg right/left) 5.5 g's sides + 15.0 g's fwd
OEMs are requested to provide documentation describing units meeting these requirements.
The tablet mounting device should not require physical changes to the aircraft configuration such as drilling holes or the use of glue. Ideally the tablet mounting device could be easily removed by pilots in flight if needed.
The EFB tablet mounting device, if yoke mounted, shall create no mechanical interference issues on the control yoke in terms of full and free movement under all operating conditions. There should be no mass inertia effect on column force that adversely impacts air handling qualities.
An EFB tablet mounting device that is placed at the window rail shall not unduly impair the pilot's external view during all phases of flight.
The EFB tablet mounting device should not have a surface that can create a glare hazard.
The EFB mounting device should not present a cut hazard (i.e. sharp corners and edges).
The EFB tablet mounting device shall be capable of securing a range of tablet widths, heights and thicknesses. The range of EFB tablet widths to be accommodated is 8 inches to 12.5 inches. The range of EFB tablet heights to be accommodated is 5 inches to 8.5 inches. The range of EFB thicknesses to be accommodated is 3/8ths of an inch to 1 inch. The EFB tablet mounting device shall accommodate all possible combination of tablet dimensions within those ranges.
The Government requests receipt of two (2) sample units from OEMs in order to perform tests in P-8A aircraft and simulators to verify that the stated requirements can be met. Testing will be conducted with these units to determine if the units meet the specifications delineated in this RFI. The Government will not pay for any of the two (2) sample units, nor will it pay for any damages done to the units while in the Government's possession. Due to the testing required, please note that some units may be damaged beyond repair.
All interested parties should send company and descriptive literature on currently available products that meet the Navy's requirements, described above. With the response, include a point of contact, phone number, e-mail address, website information, DUNS Number, CAGE Code, and Business Size Status for the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code of this RFI. Any responses in reference to this RFI shall be submitted electronically to Stefanie.applegate@navyl.mil no later than fourteen (14) days after release of this RFI, with the subject line "P-8A EFB Tablet Mount". Telephone or mail inquiries will not be accepted.
Sample units for testing shall be submitted to:
SOLUTE Inc.
ATTN: Pat Sanders
21779-E Tulagi Place
Lexington Park, MD 20653
Tel: 301-866-0111
THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and is issued in conformance with DFARS PGI 206.302-1; it does not constitute an Invitation for Bid (IFB), a Request for Proposal (RFP), or a Request for Quote (RFQ). This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. The Government WILL NOT PAY for any information received in response to this RFI, and the Government will not compensate the respondent for any cost incurred in developing the response to this RFI. Respondents are notified that a formal solicitation may not necessarily result from this RFI. Availability of any formal solicitation may be announced under a separate Federal Business Opportunities announcement. Any requests for copies of solicitations will not be addressed since this is an RFI, not an RFP. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP. Any comments provided may or may not be included in a formal solicitation. 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 the Government without written permission in accordance with the legend. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned.
Submittal of sample units is highly encouraged. However, please note ,vendors will not be eliminated from any future competition should they not be able to provide sample units at this time.
Stefanie Applegate, Phone 7323237395, Email stefanie.applegate@navy.mil
