PLZT mounting solution Request for Information WNUK-19-0015

1. This announcement constitutes a Request for Information (RFI) only. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Human Systems Program Office (AFLCMC/WNU) is conducting a market assessment to identify potential sources, and companies that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to respond to the requirements listed in this document. AFLCMC/WNU is issuing this RFI to explore cost effective options to provide this capability and to obtain valuable feedback in regards to the requirements for a PLZT (Lead-Lanthanum, Zirconate, Titanate) Mask mounting solution that allows for aircrew members to carry one helmet due to the mount's simplistic attachment and removal. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and will be considered to determine the acquisition strategy for a PLZT Mask mounting solution as well as potential future solicitations. 2. This is not a request for competitive proposals. Respondents are advised that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative cost incurred in response to this RFI. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the responding party's expense. 3. AFLCMC is not seeking proposals at this time, and will not accept unsolicited proposals. 4. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. Small Businesses are encouraged to provide responses to this RFI in order to assist the Program Office in determining potential levels of competition available in the industry, as well as helping to establish a basis for developing any subsequent subcontracting goals. The acquisition strategy is still being determined. Market research results will assist the Air Force in determining whether this requirement will be a full and open competition, a small business set aside, a sole source acquisition, or utilization of DLA contract. 5. If there is sufficient demonstrated interest and capability among small business contractors, then it may be determined that a small business set-aside is appropriate. A key factor in determining if an acquisition will be a small business set-aside is that two or more potential small business prime contractors must be capable of performing at least 50% of the effort, as defined in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause 52.219-14, - Limitations on Subcontracting. Note: The Non-manufacturer Rule exception applies to this acquisition (see FAR 19.102(f) for more details). If it is determined that a small business set-aside is appropriate, and your company anticipates submitting a proposal as the prime contractor for a small business set-aside, please provide specific details and rationale as to how compliance with FAR 52.219-14 will be achieved, including specific details regarding teaming arrangements, etc. If subcontracts are to be used, provide anticipated percentage of effort to be subcontracted and whether small or large businesses will be used. Teaming and/or subcontracting arrangements should be clearly delineated and previous experience in teaming must be provided. If this effort is not set-aside for small business, small business utilization will be considered. Large and small businesses should provide a reasonable expectation for small business utilization as a percent of total contract value, as well as supporting rationale for the recommended percentage. 6. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the U.S. Government to form a binding contract. It is the responsibility of the interested parties to monitor the FedBizOpps (FBO) site for additional information pertaining to this RFI. 7. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this inquiry. This announcement is not to be construed as a formal solicitation. It does not commit the Government to reply to the information received, or to later publish a solicitation, or to award a contract based on this information.