Request for Information for Support of Utility Energy Service Contract

This notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes – it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue a RFP in the future. This notice does not commit the U.S. Government to contract for any supply or service. Further, the U.S. Government is not seeking proposals at this time and will *not* accept unsolicited proposals in response to this sources sought notice. The U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this notice.

The U.S. Army Engineering & Support Center, Huntsville (HNC) is working to modernize organic industrial base (OIB) facilities. Current equipment and processes are over 40 years old. The goal is to replace outdated equipment and processes with modernized solutions. HNC is seeking expert feedback on an Investment Grade Audit (IGA) for automating a new production line. The reviewer will assess the technical feasibility, cost effectiveness, risk factors and potential for successful integration of the proposed automation solution.

1. Qualifications and Experience.

1. What is your professional background and experience in reviewing automation solutions or similar technical IGAs at a minimum 35% conceptual design?

1. Have you worked with automation production lines specifically?

1. Do you have experience evaluating both technical and cost aspects of automation projects?

1. Does your firm have experience designing the layout and commissioning of High-Pressure Water Blast and Wash Rack equipment? Goals:
   1. Increase surge capacity & provide capacity to match future vehicle requirements.
   2. Reduce generation of industrial and hazardous waste.
   3. Reduce flash corrosion post cleaning & stripping.
   4. Optimize labor requirement.
   5. Improve safety.

1. Does your firm have experience designing the layout and commissioning of Plating Shop Equipment. Goals:
   1. Automation to improve operator safety & reduce exposure to hazards.
   2. Maximize space to allow for new processes (e.g., eCoat).
   3. Improve consistency & quality.
   4. Reduce generation of hazardous waste.

1. Does your firm have experience designing the layout and commissioning of Component Cleaning, Stripping, Preparation, and Painting equipment. Goals:
   1. New powder-coat system to optimize process.
   2. Enhance safety.
   3. Reduce material waste.
   4. Reduce part travel distances and improve operational efficiency.
   5. Increase surge capacity.

1. Does your firm have experience designing the layout and commissioning of Cleaning Line Equipment. Goals:
   1. Improve reliability and process control.
   2. Reduce labor input through improved ergonomics.
   3. Improve maintainability.

1. Approach to IGA review.

1. 1. How would you approach reviewing a proposal for an automation production line? Outline methodology.

1. 1. What specific criteria do you use to assess the quality and viability of automation proposal? Discuss any frameworks or benchmarks.

1. 1. How would you evaluate the integration potential of the proposed solution with an existing production system? Include considerations for software, hardware, and control systems.

1. 1. What risk do you commonly identify in automation proposals, and how do you assess their impact? Describe your process for evaluating project risks and recommending mitigation strategies.

1. Review Deliverables & Timeline.

1. 1. What types of deliverables would you provide after completing an IGA review?

1. 1. What is your estimated timeline for completing a full IGA review?

This project will be in support of a Utility Energy Service Contract (UESC) project.  The selected firm that will support the UESCs project will provide subject matter expert technical services to provide input and reviews during the development of a minimum 35% conceptual design project proposal.  When the UESC project is awarded, the firm will provide recommendations and reviews of 65%, 90%, and final design drawings and process documentation.  The firm will also participate in the commissioning of the process lines.  This process will span multiple years.

The Government considers 541330 Engineering Services, 541614 Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting Services, 541690 Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services, and 541990 All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services are appropriate NAICS codes. Please provide additional NAICS codes your firm recommends for providing these services.