Request for Information (RFI) Refrigerated Chef Base (two draw refrigerator) INTRODUCTION: The DoD Combat Feeding Directorate is planning to conduct a research effort to procure; test and document the performance of a refrigerated chef based two draw refrigerator for Navy shipboard application. The appliance must be capable of supporting and fastening a four foot griddle on top of the unit. The refrigerated chef base research effort is planned to be conducted by the DoD Combat Feeding Directorate (CFD), Systems Equipment and Engineering Team (SEET). This announcement constitutes an RFI notice for planning purposes and is intended for the development of research efforts in support of the Natick Solider Research development and Engineering Command (NSRDEC) Combat Feeding Program. Responses to this RFI are optional. This is NOT a Request for Proposals. NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS EXIST AT THIS TIME. This RFI does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that NSRDEC will take procurement action in this matter. Neither NSRDEC nor the Government will be responsible for any cost incurred in furnishing this information. GENERAL BACKGROUND: Many Navy food service operations rely heavily on the griddle and reach-in refrigerators for food preparation during peak meal hours. Currently, the Navy uses two separate appliances for the refrigeration and grilling of food items aboard ships, a reach-in refrigerator and a griddle. The location of the reach-in refrigerators in comparison to the griddle locations facilitates the cook having to leave the griddle to obtain more food product to prepare for their patrons. The combination of a two draw refrigerator installed under the griddle offers the ability for less movement throughout the kitchen by the cooks, and lessens the time that patrons wait for their food product in the serving line. A dual functional appliance suite is a versatile piece of food service equipment that combines the capability to cook and refrigerate within the same footprint in the kitchen. Additionally, the modular appliance can save space within the confines of shipboard kitchens. OPERATIONAL CONCEPT: The Griddle/2-draw refrigerator will be used aboard Navy ships. In order to be utilized on a ship, the appliance must be modular and able to fit through a 26 x 66 standard shipboard hatch. To accomplish this, the appliance must be modular and put together on-site without welding. SPECIFIC INFORMATION OF INTEREST: The refrigerated two draw appliance is expected to meet the majority of the current refrigeration performance requirements as well as some additional characteristics/capabilities as listed below: National Sanitation Foundation and UL approved Ozone Depleting Chemicals: The refrigerant shall be commercially available, non-ozone depleting. Class I or class II ozone-depleting substances, as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), shall not be contained in, and shall be prohibited from use during the fabrication of the refrigeration system. Ozone Depleting Chemicals Inspection and Certification: Visually check the list of prohibited Class I and Class II ozone-depleting substances on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website. The systems shall not contain or be manufactured with any of these substances. The contractor shall provide certification to meeting the EPA requirement listed in Section 3. The contractor shall certify the refrigerant charge quantity on the refrigeration data plate. Power Requirement: 115V, 50/60 Hz Rugged to withstand the six degrees of motion encountered in a shipboard environment; three translations (surge, sway and heave), and three rotations (roll, pitch and yaw). The two draw appliance must be able to remain operable on a 15 degree incline and undamaged on a 45 incline Able to accommodate four to six full-size hotel pans 20 X 12 1/2 four-inch deep hotel pans or twelve half-size hotel pans. Easy to clean- 304 Stainless steel interior and exterior Include self-diagnostics and digital controls for temperature monitoring The appliance must be able to fit through a 26x 66 diameter hatch Front accessibility for operation, performance of all maintenance, and repair Doors must have positive latching mechanisms in the closed positions The appliance must operate within safe levels of radiated and conducted electromagnetic interference, as defined by MIL-STD-461. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 423740. The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code is 5078. Inquiries and responses may be sent to Louis Jamieson, via email at
[email protected] no later than March 7, 2014, 5:00 PM (EST).