E-6B Service Life Extension Program - Phase I - Install

The Naval Air Systems Command has a requirement for fabrication and modification services for 13 E-6B Mercury aircraft. This work is preventive structural maintenance that will extend the structural life of the aircraft. This is a sources sought as well as a mechanism for obtaining feedback from industry in regard to the general requirements as stated in this synopsis. THIS SYNOPSIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL, it is a market research tool being used to determine potential sources prior to determining the method of acquisition and issuance of a Request for Proposal. The Government is not obligated to and will not pay for any information received from potential sources as a result of this synopsis. The fabrication and modification services of the wing and tail surfaces will extend the useful lifespan of the aircraft. The enhancement technique will consist of a combination of split sleeve cold expansion (coldworking), interference fit fastener installations, and ForceMate cold expanded bushing installations for approximately 15,000 fastener holes per aircraft. Tentative work sequence for each aircraft: Hanger the aircraft Prepare for ground maintenance Defuel, drain, depuddle, purge and inert wing tanks Remove vertical and horizontal tails and support in holding fixtures For horizontal stabilizers - seven lugs/stabilizer - two stabilizers per aircraft Remove bushings Clean lug hole bore and surface adjacent to hole Measure hole bore and document Perform nondestructive inspection and document Precision ream to ForceMate precoldwork hole size Measure hole and document Perform nondestructive inspection and document Apply DMI gauge ForceMate install bushing Read DMI gauge Remove gauge Perform nondestructive inspection and document Precision ream bushing inner diameter hole bore to final size Measure bushing inner diameter hole bore and document Replace chipped/removed finish For approximately 15,000 fastener holes per aircraft: Remove fastener Clean hole bore and surface adjacent to hole Measure hole bore and document Flex hone to prepare for bolt hole eddy current inspection Bolt hole eddy current inspect hole and document Precision ream to precoldwork hole size Measure hole bore and document Bolt hole eddy current inspect hole and document Apply DMI gauge Split sleeve coldwork hole and comply with all associated tool and hole checks Read DMI gauge Remove gauge Precision ream hole to final size Measure hole bore and document Bolt hole eddy current inspect hole and document Install transition fit fastener or interference fit fastener as directed Replace chipped/removed finish Replace vertical and horizontal tails Re-rig horizontal and vertical flight control surfaces Prepare aircraft for flight Work is to occur in Waco, TX at the L-3 Facility. Associate Contractor's Agreement and L-3 support to be negotiated by offeror. Your response shall include the following information: size of company, number of employees, revenue for last three years, relevant past performance on same/similar work dating back three years and your company's capability to perform this type of work. Documentation of technical expertise must be presented in sufficient detail for the Government to determine that your company possesses the necessary experience to compete for this acquisition. Capabilities of specific concern to this sources sought include: personnel training/certification programs for Hole Quality (precision reaming of tight tolerance holes), split sleeve coldworking, ForceMate bushing install and interference fit fastener installation; company approach on training and certifying their artisans in these critical processes; company's approach to fixture design, manufacture, prove-out/tooling design, manufacture and prove-out; company's nondestructive inspection training/certification program approach. It is imperative that business concerns responding to this sources sought articulate their capabilities and experience clearly and adequately. NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENT EXISTS AT THIS TIME. Questions concerning this requirement should be directed to LCDR Tim Griffin via email at timothy.r.griffin@navy.mil. The Government is not committed nor obligated to pay for the information provided, and no basis for claims against the Government shall arise as a result of a response to this sources sought.