The US Air Force Air Mobility Battlelab is exploring commercial/government off-the-shelf (COTS/GOTS) technologies related to home station aircraft maintenance that will minimize/eliminate waiting for tool/equipment issue at shift change. This RFI explores commercial solutions for both flightline and in-shop use. Overview: The system proposed should create one or more mobile tool issue units that can be placed strategically on the flightline to support aircraft maintenance activities. The unit(s) should use identification technology capable of tracking individual tools and automated storage, issuing and tracking of deployed tools, and equipment and consumables related to aircraft maintenance activities. Provide 100% tool and test equipment accountability. It must use Radio Frequency (RF) tags or other tagging methods (Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), low wave identification etc.) capable of being in direct contact with metal items and near liquids. The system should utilize "smart toolboxes" for multi tool boxes. This smart box would be capable of sensing/ reading tools located within it and visually indicate, through a light or signal, if a tool is missing. Tracking technology should also be used in such a manner as to be able to locate tagged items near the vicinity of aircraft maintenance activities via mapping technology. Trailer mounted system to have a gross weight not to exceed 5,000 pounds. Specific Requirements for both in shop and flightline tool storage units: •1. System should contain multiple interface units so that total wait time and time to withdraw tools does not exceed 15 minutes. •2. Solution should allow for control of non taggable tools. •3. Forkliftable/hoistable •4. Static grounding capability •5. Usable world-wide with out licensing requirements (frequency management) •6. Independent power source and battery back-up capability providing greater than 4 hr power back-up capability with an alarm indicating 30 minutes of backup power remaining. Battery back-up capable of self -recharging when connected to power source. Capable of operating on 110/220 volts, 50/60 cycles •7. Capability of air transport on C-5, C-17, C-130 and KC-135. •8. Remote sensing capability (hand-held devices). This capability would use a hand held device to locate a missing item. •9. Utilize Government furnished tools and test equipment to the greatest extent possible. Modification of government owned equipment is authorized provided that safety or function of the item is not compromised. •10. Adaptable to existing tool and test equipment storage units/space allocation/configurations. •11. User level maintainability. Minor components such as sensors and switches or any higher failure rate item should be able to be replaced by the user. •12. Visual back-up of inventory control, such as shadowed cut-outs . •13. Easily expanded for additional tool test equipment storage. •14. Capability to use image of tool, toolbox or test equipment as a means to identify and select item during checkout. •15. Real Time Tool Tracking/Search/Management (Enabling Technology) •16. TAS/AFI 21-101 required reports (focus on reports, not interface) •17. Web-based access •18. Customizable reports exportable to Microsoft products (standard desktop config) •19. Automated self service interface Standard user access through Common Access Card •20. Allow for multiple levels of user access (the ability to restrict tool access based on grade/skill level) •21. Active, real-time tracking capability/historic playback capability (>36 hrs) •22. Auto-back-up (customizable interval) •23. Individual asset identifiers- Ability to program unique worldwide item identification number into locator chip •24. User friendly (site visits required) •25. Inspection/calibration/warranty tracking capability •26. Short/medium/extended check-out capability (shift/days/months) •27. Able to link individuals to signed out items •28. Track item utilization/customer interface transactions •29. Capable of batching items by job •30. Stock number searchable database •31. Real-time self inventory capable •32. Missing/broken tool ID capability 33. Non-compliance indicators for user interface- Capability to detect tools not seated properly, box not secured or individual attempting to check out unauthorized tools 34. Capability to manually access and issue tools and test equipment under power out conditions •35. Ability to easily and reapidly reboot/refresh in the event of a power loss once the power (back-up or line) has been restored. The following items are required capabilities for the flightline tool vending units: •36. All-weather capability; capability to operate in austere conditions and while personnel are wearing chemical protective ensemble. •37. Mooring/tie-down points. System should be capable of restraining 5,000 pounds at 50 kts •38. Lighting for night time use (compatible with NVG tech). This lighting should provide any internal and external light required to use vending equipment. •39. The system must carry the necessary tools to accomplish approximately 80% of the common daily maintenance tasks encountered on large frame aircraft such as the C-5, C-17 and KC-10. •40. The ability to tow more than one unit at a time and will be easily disconnected from tow vehicle and secured using an approved movement restricting device such as a parking brake. This Request For Information (RFI) may be followed by a request for proposal to conduct a Battlelab Concept Demonstration. All possible offerors are strongly encouraged to submit information supporting this request. NOTICE TO FOREIGN OFFERORS: Foreign or foreign-owned offerors are advised that their participation is subject to foreign disclosure review procedures and restrictions that could preclude their participation in this announcement. SUBMISSIONS: Product information may be submitted until 15 Jul 08. White papers should not exceed five pages and should include a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) to include level of effort and labor categories. Electronic responses shall be submitted in MS Word format or Adobe PDF file. Refer technical questions and submit product information to the Air Mobility Battlelab at
[email protected]. . Electronic submittals are strongly encouraged. GENERAL AMB INFORMATION: The United States Air Force (USAF) Air Mobility Battlelab (AMB) is the Mobility Air Forces (MAF) catalyst for innovation across the spectrum of MAF missions and skills. We capitalize on links with industry, laboratories, academia and MAF professionals, to advance the USAF distinctive capabilities of Rapid Global Mobility and Agile Combat Support. The AMB strongly encourages partnering with companies to complete demonstrations through cooperative research and development agreements (CRADAs), cooperative agreements, or bailment agreements, but does have a small budget to purchase COTS/GOTS-derived hardware. GENERAL RFI INFORMATION: The purpose of this RFI is to obtain information about market information or capabilities for planning purposes as defined in FAR 15.201(e). Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Offerors are advised that only Air Force Contracting Officers are legally authorized to commit the Government to the obligation of funds. Offerors are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. For copyright purposes, offerors are also advised that submitting a proposal implies express permission for the Government to use the data, pictures, and other information contained in the submittals. Point of Contact Questions on the objectives or preparation of the white paper and/or technical proposal should be addressed to Major Gary Honsinger Air Mobility Battlelab, 5656 Texas Ave, Ft Dix, NJ 08640 Commercial (609) 754-7608, or Capt John Yerger, Air Mobility Battlelab, 5656 Texas Ave, Ft Dix, NJ 08640, Commercial (609) 754-7608,
[email protected] . Questions related to contracting or cost issues should be directed to Ms. Debra Kauffman or at
[email protected], Commercial (609)-754-2772 or Capt. LaToya S. Payne at
[email protected], Commercial (609) 754-4726.