Engine Vibration Monitoring System Upgrade-KC-135R/T

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION: This is a Request for Information (RFI), for market research purposes, issued by the C/KC-135 Contracting Branch, OC-ALC/GKCK at Tinker Air Force Base (TAFB). The United States Air Force (USAF) is requesting information regarding an Engine Vibration Monitoring System (EVMS) Upgrade to C/KC-135R/T aircraft. There are 415 aircraft that are in need of having a system upgrade. PURPOSE: The purpose of this RFI is to solicit industry for options for upgrading the EVMS for its KC-135 R/T aircraft. The C/KC-135 Aircraft Sustainment Branch Contracting Office (GKCK), Tinker AFB, OK, is conducting market research to determine estimated cost of developing and installing an EVMS to all four (4) engines. The optimal solution would provide onboard and real time monitoring of engine vibration, and provide early excessive vibration warning to the flight crew via the Block 45 glass display. THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY: This RFI is issued solely for informational 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. As stipulated in FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not considered offers, shall not be used as a proposal, and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Furthermore, we are not seeking proposals at this time. Responders are advised that the Government 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 responding party's expense. The Government requests that non-proprietary information be submitted in response to this RFI. However, should proprietary information be submitted, it should be marked "PROPRIETARY", and will be handled accordingly. The Government shall 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. Proprietary information or trade secrets should be clearly identified. BACKGROUND: The four F108 engines on the C/KC-135 have been affected by bearing failures and engine imbalance. Both of these issues have a history of causing up to $3.4 million dollars in damage to the engine. The EVMS could provide early warning of a failing bearing or imbalance, and allow the flight crew to reduce power to that engine to prevent any catastrophic damage. The bearing failures involve the #3 (NSN's 3110-01-147-4990, 3110-01-328-4577) and #4 (NSN 3110-01-250-7102) bearings. Fan blade imbalance had contributed to three known mishaps. Two of those mishaps resulted in extensive cracks in the turbine fame and one resulted in a gearbox housing crack which allowed for total oil loss on takeoff. Fan blades are under NSN 2840-01-196-6053. In all cases, none of the imbalances were detected by flight crews during preflight checks. RESPONSE: Responses shall address: 1. Developmental schedule and cost (duration from contract award to on aircraft testing completion) 2. Install Schedule using three different contract field teams 3. A Kit and B Kit Cost break out 4. Estimated installation cost with installation hours (broken down by system) 5. The components/methods proposed to be replaced or modified 6. The expected reliability maintainability & availability (RMA) improvement of replacement components 7. Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) 8. Description and rational of proposed system capabilities and operation 9. Details of proposed replacement components/methods to include, but not limited to, items such as electrical, hydraulic power system requirements, airworthiness certifications actions completed, current usage on other systems or in development, logistics support requirements/availability (parts supply, spares, repair, support equipment, tech data, training, pro and cons etc.) 10. Component lead times (longest lead time only for each system is required) 11. Maximum aircraft modified per year Interested firms should also include the following in their response: - Company Name and Address - CAGE Code (if available) - Point of Contact - Size of Business (i.e. Large/Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, 8 (a) concern, Minority-Owned Business) - U.S. or Foreign Owned Entity Submit response (along with any supporting documentation) directly to: Primary Point of Contact: Mark A. Davidson Contract Negotiator KC-135 Contracting Branch OC-ALC/GKCK Email: Mark.davidson@tinker.af.mil Phone: 405-739-2572 /DSN 339-2572 Contracting Office Address: OC-ALC/GKCK 3001 Staff Dr. STE 2AE1 86A Tinker AFB OK 73145-3020