39 -- Electric Cargo Winch System for CH-53D Aircraft

This announcement constitutes a Sources Sought Synopsis. This is NOT a Request for Proposals. The following information is provided to assist the United States Navy in conducting a Market Research of Industry to determine potential contractors who have an Electric Cargo Winch System that could be used to support CH-53D Aircraft operations including the offload of vehicles, trailers, and other cargo. The winch system must meet the following minimum requirements. The winch system must include two individual electric winches, each having a rated single line pulling capacity not less than 2,000 pounds at a speed not less than 33 feet per minute. The cable length shall not be less than 98 feet, and the weight of the individual winch shall not exceed 75 pounds. The two winches must be capable of operating independently or as a matched pair while being controlled from a single pendant. The system must be operable over a temperature range of -40 degrees to +122 degrees Fahrenheit at altitudes up to 15,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL). The winch system must be compatible with existing aircraft power. Specifically, the winches shall operate on 115 volt three-phase alternating current at 400 Hz, with not more than 7.5 amperes of current draw per phase while performing at maximum rated capacity. The controls shall operate on 28 volt direct current at no more than 5 ampere of current. The individual winches must be capable of being installed to existing floor-mounted fittings on the left and right sides of the CH-53D cargo compartment. To be compatible with the existing mounting provisions, it is imperative that the physical dimensions of the new electric cargo winch match the existing footprint of the current hydraulic cargo winch in order to qualify as a mission kit. Accordingly, the new electric cargo winch shall have the physical dimensions of 10.312 inches wide (side-to-side) by 6.093 inches deep (fore and aft)with a maximum height of 10.76 inches. The winch system must have the following safety features that are included in the existing hydraulic winch system: (1) emergency stop, (2) redundant limit switches, (3) mechanical fail-safe brake, (4) bi-directional cable tension control, (5) integral control box, (6) safety clutch, and (7) phase lockout relay. Because the winch system is planned for fielding as a mission kit, the system must be fully removable or installable on an aircraft in approximately 30 minutes. Since this system is required to support aircraft already operating in austere combat locations, the first six systems shall be delivered to the government not later than six months after contract award. The Government anticipates a one-time buy of 18 units including all interface and electrical components for installation into the aircraft. The Government does not intend to contract on the basis of this request or otherwise pay for the information solicited. Any company that would like the Government to consider their existing electric winch for the future procurement of this requirement should express their interest in writing. Please include a company pamphlet or brochure; a description of the company?s existing cargo winch including specifications, capabilities, and lead time for delivery; and a point of contact including telephone number and address. Written responses should not exceed 10 typed pages and must be submitted by 12 March 2007, to Naval Air Systems Command, 47123 Buse Road, Unit #IPT, BLDG 2272, Rm. 155, ATTN: Erin Alex, H-53 Program (AIR-2.3.2.1.1), Patuxent River, MD 20670-1547.