KC-135 Personal Cooling Technology
This is a Request for Information (RFI) For Operational Test Purposes Only and is Not a Notice of Solicitation Issuance. Response to this RFI is strictly voluntary and will not affect any corporation's ability to submit an offer if and when a solicitation is released. There is NO bid package or solicitation document associated with this announcement. The requested information is for planning purposes and does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that a procurement action will be issued. No entitlement to payment by the Government of direct or indirect costs or charges will arise as a result of the submission of contractors' information. The Government shall not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for any improperly identified proprietary information. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations.
The National Guard Bureau (NGB) on behalf of its Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Test Center is seeking information on potential sources interested and capable of providing equipment under North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code Manufacturing lifesaving-type vests - 339113 and or combination manufacturing apparel-type vests - 315280.
DESCRIPTION:
The Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center (AATC) is conducting an effort to determine potential sources for personal cooling technology (PCT) in the KC-135.
This solicitation is issued for the purpose of identifying information on cooling technologies that have already been developed or may be modified from other Aerospace Industry solutions to meet the agency requirement as listed below.
AATC is seeking contractors who can provide a minimal footprint, portable cooling system made for aircrew use in flight. The KC-135 aircrew personnel endure oppressive heat temperatures during ground operations while inside the aircraft, especially during hot and/or humid weather conditions. Even with the doors open, temperatures inside the KC-135 can rise extremely high. The expected result of the PCT would increase the KC-135 aircrew personal safety in hot weather conditions; cooling the aircrew is not just a crew comfort item; it's vital for proper operation.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:
Must allow for un-tethered operations within the aircraft (will not impede aircrew ingress and egress).
Must be capable of operating within an ambient temperature range of 80 - 140 °F.
Must provide PCT cooling to keep aircrew members comfortable during normal ops.
Total system weight must not exceed 9lbs.
Must be made of 100 percent natural cotton (per requirements in Air Force Instruction [AFI] 11-30).
Equipment external to the garment must be able to be securely attached to the aircraft structure or other aircraft components that are already secured (i.e. the pilots seat).
Objective of this effort is to demonstrate and validate potential solutions for recommendation for fielding PCT options within the next 1-3 years. Proposed start dates for effort is 1 March 2019. Actual fielding decision is beyond the scope, intent, or authority of this RFI. Potential for follow-on procurement is dependent on results of tests and availability of funding. The government is looking for a system that offers the best value to the government, not necessarily the lowest procurement cost. Mission effectiveness and safety are key considerations.
RESPONSES:
Interested parties are requested to respond to this RFI with a white paper.
Interested parties capable of providing a system that meets or exceeds the above requirements, shall provide a statement of capability (SOC) that demonstrates the existing capability to provide, modify, and sustain the system, along with a description of system capabilities. A rough order of magnitude (ROM) is requested as part of the RFI and will be used as market research. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations. The SOC shall be unclassified and the information submitted should be pertinent to, and identify the system capability as related to the technical effort requested. A limit of ten (10) pages is imposed for the responses, which should be received by close of business 16 November 2018. Testing results are expected to determine the most effective system.
Please e-mail all information and SOC to the AATC Program Managers, Richee Damron at
richard.h.damron.civ@mail.mil and Kim Casey at kimberly.n.casey5.ctr@mail.mil. This synopsis is not to be construed as a commitment on the part of the Government to award a contract, nor does the Government intend to directly pay for any information or responses submitted as the result of this synopsis.
AATC Address:
AATC, Bldg 10
1600 E. Super Sabre Drive
Tucson, AZ 85706
Point of Contact(s):
Contracting Officer: Kathleen Durco (kathleen.h.durco.civ@mail.mil)
Test Program: Maj Nick Biggs (nick.w.biggs.mil@mail.mil)
Technical: Capt Garrett Ellis (garrett.n.ellis.mil@mail.mil)
Kathleen H. Durco, Contracting Specialist, Phone 5202956938, Email kathleen.h.durco.civ@mail.mil
