NAVICP use of Qualification Requirements for Catapult Trough Covers

The Naval Inventory Control Point (NAVICP) intends to procure and refurbish a family of items found in the steam catapult systems of aircraft carriers using a qualification requirement per the provisions of FAR 9.2. The items are commonly called - catapult trough covers. Catapult trough covers are a critical part of the steam catapult systems. Usually 106 of the six-foot long covers are needed to equip just one catapult. The trough covers make up the top of the flight deck over the catapult and contain a - C channel under the deck that the shuttle rides during launching. The shuttle connects to a steam-powered ram that pushes the landing gear of the aircraft during the launch. The covers are made of high strength steel and weigh over a ton. There are critical dimensions on the cover that have tolerances measured in the thousands of an inch. If the cover is not in dimensio nal conformance, a failed launch may occur and there is a strong possibility that a flight crew could be lost. This is a difficult item to manufacture and refurbish. When the NAVICP purchases new catapult trough covers or contracts for the refurbishment of catapult trough covers, only sources that have been approved under the qualification requirements will be considered for award. Contractors interested in manufacturing and/or refurbishing catapult trough covers may request a copy of the specification and drawing package from the Contract Specialist at NAVICP: Naval Inventory Control Point Code 0211.9 5450 Carlisle Pike, PO Box 2020 Mechanicsburg PA 17055 Ph. +1 (555) 000-0000 Email contact@example.gov Or from the engineering activity, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Lakehurst, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Code 4.8.10.1 Highway 547 Lakehurst, NJ 08733-5090 Ph. +1 (555) 000-0000 Email contact@example.gov The applicable specifications are: NAWCADLKE-MISC-48J100-0019 for manufacturing new trough and NAWCADLKE-MISC-48J100-0045 for refurbishment. Due to the military critical technology contained in the specifications and drawings, a completed and approved DD Form 2345, entitled Military Critical Technical Data Agreement, must accompany the contractor's request for documents. If a contractor desires to be qualified in the refurbishment of the catapult trough covers, the Government will provide a catapult trough cover in need of refurbishment. Currently the NAVICP does not have any trough covers that can be refurbished. Once trough covers that can be refurbished are available, they will be provided to all the firms interested in pursuing qualification. All further actions regardin g the qualification process will be between the contractor and Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Lakehurst (NAWCADLKE). The Navy anticipates that any qualification will be done outside of any contract vehicle. The approximate time period following submission of a product for qualification testing within which the applicant will be notified whether the product passed or failed the qualification testing will be established and coordinated by NAWCADLKE. When a product is submitted for qualification testing, the applicant must furnish any specific information that may be requested of the manufacturer before testing will begin. Once a contractor becomes qualified, NAWCADLKE will notify NAVICP. At that point the newly qualified firm will be included on the mailing list for any trough cover solicitations and will be considered for possible contract award. The NAVICP h as been awarding contracts subject to the qualification requirement since mid 2002.