Inactive

This is a Sources Sought issued solely for information and planning purposes only; and is not a notice of solicitation issuance. There is NO bid package or solicitation document associated with this a... This is a Sources Sought issued solely for information and planning purposes only; and is not a notice of solicitation issuance. There is NO bid package or solicitation document associated with this announcement. The requested information is for market research 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 Vendor is solely responsible for the accurate marking of any material submitted that is proprietary or restricted in nature. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations. The Government shall not be liable for, or suffer any consequential damages for any improperly identified proprietary information. The Government does not plan to issue a Request for Quote (RFQ) or Request for Proposal (RFP) following this Sources Sought request. Responses are strictly voluntary and Not responding to this "Sources Sought" will not negatively impact an organization’s ability to respond to a future RFQ or RFP on this topic. Back Ground: The Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command Test Center (AATC) is conducting an effort to determine potential sources with the capability to provide an aircraft refueling kit for KC-135 aircraft from unpowered external sources when existing refueling sources are inoperative. AATC is seeking vendors interested in providing an affordable commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution used as part of a Force Development Evaluation (FDE) effort within the next 3 months. System Requirements: 1. General Performance Requirements: The refueling system shall be contained in a reusable, repairable kit. It shall provide, upon demand, the ability to transfer fuel from external sources into the KC-135 utilizing an electrically powered pump, associated hoses and common aircraft fuel fittings. The pump may be powered from external sources provided as part of the kit or be capable of operating from 115Vac, 15 Amp, 400 Hz 3-phase electrical power from the KC-135. Additionally, the system should include a flow meter that can identify the quantity of fuel transferred to the KC-135. Finally, all individual components of the kit should be moveable by a single individual and assembled on the ground. The compiled kit may be loaded onto the KC-135 through the main cargo door. Its container should be able to be secured in the cargo compartment utilizing available straps and chains. The system will also be Air Transportability Test Loading Activity (ATTLA) certified for carriage on Air Mobility Command aircraft. 2. The test set shall meet all safety design and evaluation requirements as stated in Air Force Manual (AFMAN) 91-118 and AFMAN 91-119. The ability to become Nuclear Certified or the ability to provide Electronic Magnetic Pulse (EMP) protection for any susceptible components is a plus but not required at this time. 3. Specific Performance Requirements: The fuel transfer kit shall have the capability to perform the following functions as specified: • Ability to refuel the KC-135 • Ability to transfer fuel a minimum of 50 feet and a maximum distance of at least 300 ft. • Ability to incorporate a pump rated at a minimum transfer rate of 120 gallons per minute • Ability to be electrically powered by an external generator as part of the kit or to receive electrical power from the KC-135 • Ability for the individual components to be moved by hand • Ability to incorporate an inline filtration system • Ability to monitor the quantity of fuel transferred through use of an observable counter • Ability to incorporate D-1 fuel nozzles for use in refueling operations • Growth Potential: Modular design of hardware and software should allow for incorporation of additional hose lengths and pumps necessary to transfer fuel beyond 300 feet. The objective of the FDE is to demonstrate and validate potential solutions for fielding options within the next 1-3 years. The proposed start date for testing of -production representative testers- under this FDE is 1 May 2021. An actual fielding decision is beyond the scope, intent, or authority of this notice or FDE. Mission effectiveness and safety are key qualities. Interested parties capable of providing a potential refuel kit 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 kit capabilities. A rough order of magnitude (ROM) is requested and will be used as market research. 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 fifty (50) pages is imposed for the responses, which should be received by close of business 9 April 2021. Testing results are expected to determine the most effective system. Please e-mail the SOC and all information to Ms. Kathleen Durco, Contract Specialist, at kathleen.durco@us.af.mil.