Quick Reaction Evaluation of Materials and Processes

The Air Force is interested in assessing the performance envelope of sources capable of developing and harnessing technologies supporting the "Quick Reaction Evaluation of Materials and Processes" program. Sources are sought having the required knowledge and demonstrated capability to conduct and manage quick reaction support programs, as well as materials characterization and emerging materials transition programs of interest to the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate in support of USAF, DoD weapon systems, and other U.S. government agencies. The primary objective of this program is to provide quick reaction support to the USAF, including but not limited to System Program Offices, Air Logistics Centers, and the Air Force Research Laboratory. Quick reaction support will include component failure analysis, material and mechanical property evaluations, and characterizations of corrosion/erosion behavior related to a wide variety of weapon systems and defense-related applications. This program will also facilitate the transition of emerging materials and processing technologies to aerospace weapon systems. The program will investigate materials and processing related issues associated with all phases of a system's life cycle from concept refinement through operations & support. This multi-disciplinary program covers the technology areas of structural materials, electronic materials, corrosion control, protective coatings, materials testing and evaluation, and logistics support for existing and emerging materials and processes. This program will be conducted primarily on-site at AFRL/RXS, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, in order to reduce cost and to utilize available specialized test equipment. The period of performance for the entire program is 65 months; 60 months of technical effort, and five (5) months for completing a final technical report. The program will initially consist of three (3) task orders that will include the following objectives: 1. perform mechanical property evaluations, develop improved testing methodologies on a wide variety of alloys and matrix materials, and develop mechanical properties for a better understanding of materials behavior or effects of a manufacturing process; 2. perform root cause failure analyses and materials & processing evaluations of structural components; and 3. accomplish root cause failure analysis on electrical (electronic) assemblies which will also include developing materials and processes preventing electrostatic discharge. Key technical requirements of this program shall include the following characteristics: (a) Materials Test & Evaluation (MT&E) Quick Reaction Support: Testing supporting failure analysis; emerging materials transition; specialized testing; and developing new test methodologies. Testing will also determine the behavior and environmental resistance of protective coatings for aerospace materials, which includes assessing the effects of environmentally compliant processes on the performance of aerospace materials and/or hardware. (b) MT&E Evaluation of Materials & Processing (M&P) Technologies: Foreign Object Damage; Laser Shock Peening; Welding and Joining Technologies; Coatings; Adhesives; Laminates; Paint and De-paint; Repair Technologies; and Aerospace Castings. (c) Structural Materials Evaluation (SME) Quick Reaction Support: Mishap investigations; structural failure analyses; materials characterizations (analysis of properties such as chemical, physical, thermal, etc.); M&P evaluations and analysis. (d) SME Evaluation of M&P Technologies: Materials characterizations (analysis of properties such as chemical, physical, thermal, etc.); assessments of select M&P for applicability to structural components; development of M&P solutions to structural problems; and structural aircraft teardown support and execution. (e) Electronic Failure Analysis (EFA) Quick Reaction Support: Electronic & Structural Failure Analysis on weapon system components; Perform mishap investigations; and M&P Evaluations & Analysis; Capability to analyze, identify materials of construction. (f) EFA Evaluation of M&P Technologies: Assist customers in identifying M&P problems and recommend solutions; Perform M&P evaluations on electronic, structural components; Develop & Evaluate Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) protection methods; Evaluate/Characterize arc fault circuit breaker technologies for successful transition and deployment to AF Platforms; and Evaluate/Characterize/Transition Fiber Optic Splice repair technology initially for Aircraft Battle Damage Repair (ABDR) and finally for permanent repair. Interested parties should submit a Statement of Capabilities reflecting their interest and capability in meeting the requirements above. Information submitted should be pertitent and specific in the technical area under consideration, as outlined above and for each of the following qualifications: (g) Experience-Provide an outline of previous projects, specific work previously performed, or any in-house research and development effort or similar type of work that is currently being performed. (h) Personnel-Provide the name, professional qualifications and specific experience of scientist, engineering, and other technical personnel who could be assigned as a principal investigator and project officers / technical support personnel. (i) Facilities-Provide availability and description of special facilities required to performed in the technical areas under consideration. Include supplemental lab facilities if available. (j) Other Qualifications-Provide other specific and pertinent information as pertains to this particular area of procurement, which would enhance the government's consideration and evaluation of the information submitted. Please include the following 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, HUB Zone, HBCU/MI-historically black colleges and universities/minority institutions). Statements of capabilities are due electronically to the Air Force no later than 10 July 2008, and shall be forwarded to the following e-mail address: Gary.Victor@wpafb.af.mil. Address contractual questions to Gary Victor, Contract Negotiator, via (937) 255-5435. Direct technical related issues to Vincent Johnson, Project Engineer, (937) 255-3480.