Low FOD Drogue

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), Precision Strike Weapons Program Office (PMA201) is soliciting information from industry on, non-developmental, off-the-shelf Low Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Drogue Assemblies (soft basket) which are currently used by NATO and/or Allied Nation Air Forces' centerline Aerial Refueling Stores. The Navy's Aerial Refueling Store carried on centerline station of the F/A-18E/F and supports carrier based mission and recovery tanking to U.S. Navy and Marine Corps probe equipped receivers, such as all make/models of the F/A-18 and EA-6B, and like equipped aircraft in joint/coalition type operations with NATO and Allied countries. A drogue, attached to MA-3 fuel reception coupling and hose is trailed out from the tail cone (back end) of the store providing the ability for probe equipped aircraft receivers to engage the drogue and latch on to the coupling for fuel transfer (aerial refueling) to engage the drogue and latch on the coupling to initiate fuel transfer (aerial refueling). See attached for Low FOD Drogue Criteria. The purpose of this request for information (RFI) is to assess current industry capabilities and estimated cost associated with integrating a Low FOD Drogue onto the U.S. Navy Fleet of aerial refueling stores, which will replace the legacy drogue P/N 152-50841-1, NSN 1680-01-497-5440. Through this RFI, the Government is seeking information concerning a mature or emerging technology which meets the requirements listed above and the attached Low FOD Drogue Criteria. The information you provide may be used by NAVAIR to consider planning, program phasing and tailored technical requirements and acquisition strategy. The Government request 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 or trade secrets should be clearly identified. Although the identification of contributing companies will not be divulged outside the Government, the Government reserves the right to use in whole or part any industry information that is received as a result of this RFI. It is requested that interested companies submit to NAVAIR a brief capabilities statement package (no more than 25 pages in length, single-spaced, 12 point font minimum) demonstrating your ability to provide an existing, non-developmental, off-the-shelf Low FOD Drogue Assemblies (soft basket) that will meet the requirements above and the attached Low FOD Criteria. The document shall address the company profile, to include number of employees, Cage Code, DUNS number, NAICS Code and a statement regarding current small business status and a statement on whether your interest in this source sought is to be the prime contractor or are you seeking subcontracting possibilities. All responses and questions to this announcement shall be submitted to the following: linda.tome@navy.mil or at Naval Air Systems Command, 47123 Buse Road, Suite 256, Attn: Ms. Linda Tom, AIR-2.4.4.3.1, Patuxent River, MD 20670-1547, no later than 31 May 2012. THIS SYNOPSIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. It is a market research tool being used to determine the availability and adequacy of potential business sources prior to determining the method of acquisition and/or issuance of a Request for Proposal including the use of any appropriate small business programs. The Government is not obligated to and will not pay for any information received from potential sources as a result of this synopsis. This synopsis is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for bid or proposals, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. The information provided herein is subject to change and in no way binds the Government to solicit for or award a competitive contract.