Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) Exploratory Development for Air Force Systems

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Systems Support Division, Wright-Patterson AFB (WPAFB), OH, AFRL/RXSA, is conducting market research to identify potential sources that possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet United States Air Force (USAF) needs in providing and managing research resources for long-term, intermittent, and quick reaction in support of materials and processes (M&P) issues of USAF weapon systems. This notice is for information and planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government, nor will the Government pay for information solicited. The objective of the Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) Exploratory Development for Air Force Systems program is to provide and maintain for the USAF a strong on-site (AFRL) NDE Exploratory Development capability for on-site, quick reaction support for critical USAF NDE requirements. In addition, the program will involve the identification of new and emerging technologies that may be further developed and transitioned to USAF weapon systems to meet immediate (quick reaction) and near-term (within 12 months) system support demands. Customers include Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC), Wing/Group/Squadron Program Offices, Air Logistics Centers (ALCs), Major Commands (MAJCOMs), and contractors which are developing or maintaining USAF and Department of Defense (DoD) weapon systems. A security clearance of SECRET, or higher, may be required, as there may be exposure to classified materials. At various times, the program will require quick reaction response in acquiring specimens from AFRL/RXSA, testing them, and providing preliminary finding reports within a 24-hour period. Also, the program will require characterization of penetrant inspection materials, maintenance of equipment in a satisfactory operating condition, handling and disposing of hazardous materials in accordance with USAF regulations, and provision of supplies not readily available at AFRL/RXSA. Technical efforts under the program shall: a. Establish at AFRL/RXSA an expert, on-site team possessing, as an aggregate, Level III certifications in radiography testing (RT), eddy current testing (ET), fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI), magnetic particle inspection (MPI) and ultrasonic testing (UT) in accordance with NAS 410. b. Provide quick reaction support for M&P issues relating to NDE. These issues include NDE and materials characterization and inspection requirements which affect existing weapon system operations and maintenance (O&M) capabilities as identified by ALCs or acquisition and production issues identified by weapon system program offices. Systems may include, but will not be limited to: aircraft, remotely piloted vehicles (RPV), space and space related systems, launch vehicles, missile systems, and static/mobile support equipment. c. Accomplish NDE testing and characterization of composite, metallic and hybrid materials or components. Materials may be from systems in-service, in test or development, or under consideration for new weapon system designs. NDE methods may include, but will not be limited to: 1) visual and enhanced visual, 2) eddy current, 3) ultrasonic, 4) x-ray, 5), magnetic particle, 6) fluorescent penetrant, 7) shearography, and 8) thermography. d. Explore, assess, develop and transition NDE techniques, technologies, and procedures to address USAF and DoD near term NDE requirements. e. Conduct testing and assessments of penetrant inspection materials and processes. f. Perform rapid response analysis, assessments, trade studies, concept generation, technology needs definition, planning for and execution of technology reviews, program reviews, technical investigations, development of engineering data and procedures, and creation of specialized technical publications related to work being accomplished under the program. g. Maintain an awareness of changing weapon system requirements and their impact on NDE, M&P, and supportability issues. h. Maintain an awareness of current NDE state-of-the-art equipment and techniques as well as emerging NDE technologies for potential application to USAF NDE requirements. Interested parties are invited to submit a Statement of Capabilities (SOCs) reflecting their interest and capability in meeting the above requirements. Information submitted should be pertinent and specific in the technical areas under consideration as outlined above, and on each of the following qualifications: (1) Experience - provide an outline of projects, specific work previously performed, or any in-house research and development effort or similar type work that is currently being performed. (2) Personnel - provide the names, professional qualifications, certification levels, and specific experience of scientists, engineers, and technical personnel (i.e. principal investigator, project officer) who may be assigned to perform in the technical areas under consideration. (3) Security - provide a statement regarding industry security clearance. (4) Other - provide any other specific and pertinent information as it pertains to this particular area of procurement that would enhance our consideration and evaluation of the information submitted. Please include the following information with your response: name and address of firm, point of contact and telephone number, business size (i.e. large, small, small disadvantaged, 8(a), women-owned, veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, HUBZone, HBCU/MI - historically black colleges and universities/minority institutions). SOCs are due electronically to the USAF no later than 19 Nov 2008, and shall be forwarded to the following e-mail address: lori.shirdon@wpafb.af.mil. Address contractual questions to Lori Shirdon, Contract Negotiator, (937) 255-0429 and technical questions to Kenneth LaCivita, Program Manager, (937) 255-3590.