Aircraft Sun Shades - Shelters

Solicitation Number: TBD Notice Type: Sources Sought - Request for Information (RFI) Synopsis: The United States Air Force (USAF) is requesting information from interested parties on aircraft sun shades (here after referred to as "shelters) to protect aircraft for Air Combat Command (ACC) and selected overseas deployed locations. Currently, ACC is investigating various options to standardize shelter procurement and sustainment (maintenance). 16b. PURPOSE The purpose of this RFI is to seek information on current and existing technologies (to include minor modifications to existing technologies) that can be used to answer the questions listed in paragraph 16c for all metal sun shades. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes. It does not constitute a solicitation (Request for Proposal or Request for Quotations) or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future. This RFI does not commit the USAF to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. At this time, proposals are not requested. Responders are advised the USAF will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the responder's expense. The USAF will not be obligated to pursue any particular acquisition alternative as a result of this RFI. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future solicitation. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked PROPRIETARY will be handled accordingly. Proprietary information or trade secrets should be clearly identified. The USAF will not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for any proprietary information not properly identified. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable government regulations. 16c. AIRCRAFT SUN SHADE INFORMATION SOUGHT Questions: Q-1. Does your company offer a commercial warranty and if so what does the commercial warranty specifically cover? Q-2. Is this warranty negotiable as to what it will cover and can it be changed to cover the following sustainment inspection/maintenance items: a. Within 48 hours of notification from the Contracting Officer (CO), or designated representative, of a storm incident - A contractor representative will be on site to inspect the sun shades for structural integrity and safety; there will be no charge for this service. Maximum of 2 trips per year for the first 5 years after acceptance from the Government. b. Inspect all columns, beams, joists, girders and lateral cross bracing for proper connections, faulty/cracked welds, loose or missing bolts and corrosion. Tighten bolts to manufacturer specifications or replace if necessary. Treat corrosion and fatigue IAW manufacturer's specifications. c. Inspect turnbuckles and cables for severe corrosion, fraying or breaks, tightness, proper connection and security. Repair or replace IAW manufacturer's specifications. d. Inspect for loose/missing and damaged attaching hardware. Tighten or replace IAW manufacturer's specifications. e. Inspect anchor plate bolts for embedment, tightness and severe corrosion. Tighten and treat corrosion as required IAW manufacturer's specifications. f. Inspect anchor plate for levelness (i.e. ensure it is flat on the ground). g. Inspect concrete around all anchor plates for cracks/spalling. h. Inspect frame for severe corrosion, treat corrosion as necessary. i. Inspect roof panels and fasteners for security. Tighten or replace IAW manufacturer's specifications. j. Inspect for loose/missing and damaged attaching hardware. Tighten or replace IAW manufacturer's specifications. k. Inspect metal roof for severe corrosion, treat corrosion or replace IAW manufacturer's specifications. l. If installed, inspect gutters to ensure they are securely fastened. If loose or damaged, tighten/repair or replace IAW manufacturer's specifications. m. If equipped, inspect bird netting and fasteners for tightness. If loose or damaged, tighten, repair or replace IAW manufacturer's specifications. Q-3. Will your company give consideration in order to keep the "bottom line" between a commercial warranty and sun shade sustainment the same? For instance, would you be willing to shorten the standard commercial warranty period for workmanship and defects, corrosion and deterioration if a sustainment piece is added to cover inspection, repair and reporting? Possibly a shorter warranty for all of the items? Q-4. Is it more cost-effective for the Government to sustain sun shades via a warranty or a service sustainment contract? Q-5. If your company is willing to provide a warranty for the sustainment piece of inspection, repair and reporting for a lesser cost than a sustainment contract, can this warranty be extended at a similar price? If so, for how many years at a time? What would possibly change this cost (higher or lower) when extending? Q-6. What if a separate contractor installs the sun shade? a. What liability is held by the Government? b. By the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)? (We assume that if the installation contractor is sub-contractor to the prime/OEM, the OEM is held liable) Q-7. What would void your standard commercial warranty? Q-8. How long would it take to build the following all metal sun shades for the following sizes (both lead-time for parts as well as installation): a. Length 73', Width 78', Height 38'6" b. Length 54'6", Width 146'2", Height 35'6" c. Length 162'11", Width 175'9", Height 72'9" 16d. SUBMISSION OF RESPONSES: ALL RESPONSES SHALL BE SUBMITTED VIA E-MAIL Responses to this RFI should be submitted using MS Word (min 12 point font) or MS PowerPoint no later than 16 May 2012 to the following e-mail address: vivek.balaji@langley.af.mil. Please limit responses to 5 MS Word pages written and/or 20 MS PowerPoint slides. Responses to all or part of the above RFI will be accepted. Proprietary information shall be clearly marked. Pamphlets or catalogs are separate and not considered part of the 5 pages. Responses to the RFI shall include the following: Submitter's Name Street Address, City, State, NINE-Digit zip code Point of Contact (POC) POC Telephone and facsimile numbers. You may also submit supplemental hardcopy materials such as brochures, etc. (NTE 3 copies each) to Capt V. Pavan Balaji, at 11817 Canon Blvd, Newport News, VA 23606. Classified responses, if required, must be coordinated before delivery with Capt Balaji at the e-mail address above. Responses from Small and Small Disadvantaged Business firms are highly encouraged. Firms responding should indicate if they are a small business, a socially and economically disadvantaged business, 8(a) firms, historically black colleges or universities, and minority institutions. We may contact RFI respondents to get clarification on the information submitted. 16f. POINTS OF CONTACT Primary: Capt V. Pavan Balaji, Contracting Officer, Phone 757.764.9529, E-mail vivek.balaji@langley.af.mil Secondary: MSgt Brent Mewszel, Program Manager, Phone 757.764.3872., E-mail Brent.Mewszel@langely.af.mil