59 -- Arc Fault Circuit Breaker

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Patuxent River, MD is seeking potential sources for Arc Fault Circuit Breakers (AFCB)for upgrading the existing aircraft electrical circuit protection throughout the NAVAIR Warfighter communities. Responses to this solicitation will be used to determine industry capability to meet Navy requirements. As a result of this sources sought, test articles may be subsequently acquired, and may be evaluated in both laboratory and Navy aircraft environments. Future procurement potential exists. However, this activity is currently conducting market research only. This announcement is not a formal solicitation and is not a request for proposal. No contract will be awarded from this announcement. No reimbursement will be made of any costs to provide information in response to this announcement or any follow-up information requests. Availability of any formal solicitation will be announced under a separate announcement. This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government---Requirement: The desired AFCB will be form fit to MS14105 size circuit breakers for 115 volts, 400 Hz, 5-25 amp. Respondents to this RFI may provide drawings/illustrations, test documentation, and/or any other documentation that describes the company's capability to manufacture and support the AFCB described in this announcement. Information provided shall describe the AFCB as it relates to the System Requirements and Critical Parameters described in this announcement. Supporting documentation is requested as applicable. System: The system shall maintain existing Fleet TPS interface per form and fit of MS14105 115 volt, 400 Hz, 5-25 amp arc fault detecting circuit breaker. The AFCB must meet the SAE 5692 specification for fault detection, environmental, electrical and electro-magnetic interference (EMI) and all other listed tests in the specification. Critical parameters: The equipment must be able to detect arcing faults and overload as stated in AS5692. The AFCB must operate in FAA commercial aircraft used in military applications. Performance Capabilities and Documentation: In order to analyze wiring for entire avionics and electrical systems, the equipment must provide: Environmental testing parameters (MIL-STD-810C - operation during shock and vibration / operation during temperature and altitude); Electrical test parameters (MIL-STD-704A - operation during steady state voltage and frequency / operation during transient voltage and current);Electro-magnetic Interference (EMI) test parameters (MIL-STD-461C). Provide Technical Documentation as applicable, including Physical Drawings, Test reports, and Available training media. Size and Weight: The AFCB must fit in the form factor of MS14105 single phase circuit breakers, and shall not exceed the existing weight of MS14105 by more than three (3) ounces. Responses should address overall dimensions, total foot print, total Cube space, and overall weight. Cost, Manufacturing and Production facilities - Responses should address as applicable: cost per unit, cost by quantity if price points apply, number of AFCB built to date, number of AFCB sold to date, production facilities and capability. References: Respondents are encouraged to identify Government and/or Commercial customers currently using or proposed to use this equipment for the intended purpose. Provide as applicable: customer point of contact, customer telephone number, e-mail address or web site, quantities sold along with dates sold, and a description of the unit(s). If providing information electronically, please ensure that the information is compatible with Microsoft Office 98. Please reference the Sources Sought Title (Arc Fault Circuit Breaker), and Reference Number (RFI-ArcFault). Responses should be directed to: Naval Air Systems Command, Attn: Ben Zaslow (Code 2.5.1.4), 21983 Bundy Road, Bldg 441, Patuxent River MD 20670. Duplicate responses should be directed to the Technical Point of contact as follows: Naval Air Systems Command, Attn: Mr. Charles Singer, 48298 Shaw Rd, Unit 4 Building 1461, Patuxent River MD 20670-1900, charles.singer@navy.mil, (301) 342-0815