** Modification to update the Solicitation # from N64498-18-R-4004 to N64498-18-R-4024. Additionally, the requirement has been revised to procure an Advanced Weapons Elevator (AWE) Land-Based Unit (LBU) from FEC in place of the AWE Lead Unit (LU). Notice Type: Sources Sought REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) N64498-18-R-4004 THIS REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) NOTICE is being issued by the Department of the Navy, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD). NSWCPD has a requirement to procure Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Advanced Weapons Elevator (AWE) Lead Unit assembly procurement, installation services, and technical support in support of the AWE systems currently being installed on the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) ship class. It is the Government's intention to procure the Advanced Weapons Elevator Lead Unit and support services, utilizing other than full and open competition, from Federal Equipment Company (FEC) IAW FAR 6.302-1, as only FEC meets the Government's requirements. In order for the US Navy to identify and troubleshoot specific abnormalities and equipment operation issues currently installed on CVN-78, the unit to be used for testing must be identical, in all aspects including its machining, hardware and software details, to the shipboard unit. Therefore, any attempts to reverse engineer the design of this unit, by another company, would not duplicate unique shipboard system abnormalities for troubleshooting analyses. If the unit that NSWCPD is conducting testing and troubleshooting efforts upon is not identical, in all respects, the testing and troubleshooting will waste Navy time, resources, and funds, as test results and troubleshooting information would not be applicable to the Navy's needs and thus could not be used. The FEC Lead Unit is the only equipment suitable for these unique testing, troubleshooting and training efforts. FEC is the only provider and proprietor for this custom system. The FEC Lead Unit cannot be replicated to the degree of detail necessary for NSWCPD's purposes, duplicate the shipboard system, by another company due to the proprietary equipment and software owned by FEC. Regarding installation support, FEC is the only company with the exception of the shipbuilder, to install the AWE system. Additionally, the shipbuilder has relied heavily on FEC during installation to align, groom and troubleshoot during the installation. There have been a multitude of complications with the installations of the AWE system on CVN 78, causing major setbacks and delays. FEC has been integral to troubleshooting these issues and providing resolutions. The lessons learned from the initial unit and eleven shipboard system installations and operation have resulted in improved installation procedures. The AWE system has extremely tight tolerances and requires specialized equipment and knowledge to reduce the risk of incurring costly installation and integration errors. FEC is the only vendor that has and continues to acquire the specialized experience and knowledge needed provide the greatest potential for a successful installation and integration. NSWCPD intends to issue a solicitation to the specified vendor to meet mission requirements. Prior to issuing a sole source solicitation, NSWCPD is requesting information in order to make an informed determination regarding procurement strategy. A copy of the DRAFT Statement of Work (SOW) is attached. SUBMISSION OF RESPONSES: Responses shall include specific details regarding the ability to provide the required Advanced Weapons Elevator Lead Unit and support services to meet the needs of the Government. Responses shall discuss how your product/service will meet the requirements found in the SOW. Responses are not to exceed Ten (10) pages. Responses shall be in electronic format. A cover page for the response shall be included. The cover page shall include the company name, address, CAGE Code, Business Size Status for the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code of this RFI and points of contract (names, email, and telephone numbers) at a minimum. The cover page is not considered in the total page count. NSWCPD will accept only electronic unclassified submission of responses. Responses shall be sent to David Rhoads at
contact@example.gov with the subject line "RFI - Advanced Weapons Elevator Lead Unit/Engineering Services". All responses shall be unclassified and submitted by no later than 3:00PM on 12 November 2017. Proprietary data will be protected when so designated. Acknowledgement of receipt will not be made. Availability of any formal solicitation will be announced separately. This RFI is for market research purposes only and does NOT constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP). This is NOT a request for proposal (RFP), invitation for bid (IFB), or an announcement of a solicitation as no solicitation package exists at this time. The request is for informational purposes only. No cost data should be submitted. The Government will not pay for any materials provided in response to this Sources Sought notice or any follow-up information requests. Submittals will not be returned to the sender. NSWCPD will utilize the information for technical and acquisition planning purposes. This notice shall not be construed as a contract, a promise to contract, or as a commitment of any kind by the Government. The Government is NOT seeking or accepting unsolicited proposals. This RFI Notice is issued solely for conducting market research in accordance with FAR Part 10 and gathering information for planning purposes. 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. 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. ** Modification to update the Solicitation # from N64498-18-R-4004 to N64498-18-R-4024. Additionally, the requirement has been revised to procure an Advanced Weapons Elevator (AWE) Land-Based Unit (LBU) from FEC in place of the AWE Lead Unit (LU).
