PRIME & PAINT OPERATORS HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM EXPOSURE ELIMINATION

ALC MARKET RESEARCH REQUEST FOR INDUSTRY INPUT PRIME & PAINT OPERATORS HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM EXPOSURE ELIMINATION THERE IS NO SOLICITATION AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. REQUESTS FOR A SOLICITATION WILL NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE. This Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS) is in support of Market Research being conducted by the United States Air Force to identify potential sources and to determine if this effort can be competitive or a Small Business Set-Aside. This is not a Request for Proposal (or solicitation) or an indication that a contractual commitment will exist for this requirement. The government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this market research. No funds are available to fund the information solicited. The 76th Commodities Maintenance Group (CMXG) at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex (OC-ALC), located at Tinker AFB, is seeking information for system/process solutions and innovative approaches for eliminating personnel exposure to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] from the priming and painting processes. The Government will use this information to determine the best future acquisition strategy for this procurement, inclusive of the need to do an Industry Day and/or Presolicitation Conference. The proposed North American Industry Classification Systems (NAICS) Code is 325510 Paint and Coating Manufacturing which has a size standard of 500 employees. The Government is interested in all businesses to include, Large Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Businesses 8(a)s, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, Hubzone Businesses, and Women-Owned Small Businesses. The government requests that interested parties respond to this notice if applicable and identify your small business status to the identified NAICS code. Additionally, please provide any anticipated teaming arrangements, along with a description of similar services offered to the Government and to commercial customers for the past three years. Any responses involving teaming agreements should delineate between the work that will be accomplished by the prime, and the work accomplished by the teaming partners. II. BACKGROUND The High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) spray method is the standard priming and painting application method for Air Force aircraft components and most other equipment. The coating material is atomized by high volume of low pressure air through the spray gun nozzle. The HVLP spray equipment generally utilizes low pressure (below 20 PSIG) gun cups to assist in delivery of paint and primer to the gun nozzle. Low pressure air between 1-10 PSIG is used to atomize the priming or topcoat material at the spray head. A high volume of air is used to push the priming or topcoat material and form a very soft, low-velocity pattern. This soft spray generally dispenses more consistent coverage and a finer overall finish. The HVLP guns are held closer to the surface (6-10 inches) than a conventional air spray gun due to the lower speed of the priming particles. The film thickness produced in a single coat is often greater than that of conventional air spray systems. A variety of masked aircraft components (e.g. flaps, tabs, inboard and outboard ailerons, elevators, rudders, radomes, nose and side cowls, doors, miscellaneous components) undergo the priming and painting process at the OC-ALC. Parts can range from - in. diameter washers to 8.75 ft x 32 ft flaps. The most common component measures 6 ft x 8.75 ft. Most aerospace parts are made from aluminum sheet metal, aluminum alloy, steel, and composite materials. Two primers are primarily used, AkzoNobel 10P20-13 (MIL-PRF23377) and Deft 02Y040A (MIL-PRF-23377J). Both are two-components, high solids, epoxy primers. The AkzoNobel primer requires a 3-part base (10P20-13) followed by a 1-part curing solution (EC-213). The Deft primer requires a 3-part base (02Y040A) followed by a 1-part catalyst (2GN070A). Both primers are required to be applied at 59-95'F (15-35'C) and 35-75% relative humidity. The two primarily used topcoats are AkzoNobel 03GY330 (MIL-PRF-85285E) and Deft 99GY001 (MIL-PRF-85285E). The Deft topcoat requires a 3-part base (99GY001) followed by a 1-part catalyst (99GY001CAT). The operating conditions for these topcoats are similar to those of the aforementioned primers. Strontium chromate, a hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], is a constituent of the current primers being used. Strontium chromate is added to alloy steel to increase hardenability and corrosion resistance. It is, however, a known human carcinogen if inhaled. Additionally, it targets the respiratory system, kidneys, liver, skin and eyes. Spraying operators are protected from airborne exposure with personal protection equipment along with ventilated spray booths. Any equipment failure may leave operators vulnerable to hex chrome particulates and other hazardous materials. The 76 CMXG OC-ALC is seeking information for system/process solutions and innovative approaches for eliminating personnel exposure to Cr(VI) from the priming and painting process. III. REQUIREMENTS The 76 CMXG's priority is to remove personnel from exposure or potential exposure from hazardous materials, in this case, hexavalent chromium. Along with the operating conditions listed above for the application of each primer and paint, the proposed solution shall be able to prime and paint aircraft components with the correct coating thickness and high uniformity without damaging the surfaces on which primers are applied. It also shall be able to keep up with the current workflow and undamaging environmentally. The government needs industry input on the availability of existing equipment, functions, and deficiencies and recommend solutions to meet or exceed the operational, environmental, and safety requirements. There are no preset restrictions on solutions. Industry input may include any range of solutions from modification of all or part of any component to complete refurbishment or replacement of the entire system. A recommended solution may be considered but not be restricted to automated or robotic paint systems. Interested parties are requested to submit any information necessary to describe the recommended solution, including recommended steps necessary to achieving the desired end result if the technology is not currently available, or anything the industry wants the government to consider. DISCLAIMER: The information requested may help shape future requirements but there is currently no planned acquisition. The government is not obligated to, and will not, pay for any information received from industry as a result of this market research request. Please e-mail your response advising if the requirements stated above can be met to the following address: trina.ingram@us.af.mil. This SSS is issued solely for informational and planning purposes. No funds are available to fund the information requested. The information in this notice is current as of the publication date but is subject to change and is not binding to the Government. Oral submissions of information are not acceptable. Submit the following information also: - Company Name and Address - Cage Code - DUNs Number - Company business size by NAIC code - Small Business Type (s), if applicable - Point of Contact for questions and/or clarification - Telephone Number, fax number, and email address - Web Page URL - Teaming Partners (if applicable) - OEM License/Agreement/Manual Provide any recommendations and/or concerns. Responses and/or questions to this synopsis will be posted through FBO. Respond (along with the requested information) directly to: trina.ingram@us.af.mil Primary Point of Contact: Trina Ingram Contracting Officer Phone: 405-582-1998