A -- Sources Sought/Request for Information for an Automated Shipboard ISO Container Breakout and Repacking System

1.0 SUBJECT Sources Sought/Request for Information (RFI) for an automated shipboard system designed to rapidly breakout (unload) and repack (reload) cargo from ISO standard 20- foot containers while on board a ship that is underway. Responses to this RFI are due by 12:00 PM (Noon) on Friday, October 29, 2004. See section 9.0 for complete point of contact information. 2.0 PURPOSE ATI seeks sources (technology providers) and information (concepts) for the development of an Automated Shipboard ISO Container Breakout and Repacking System. ATI plans to use the information provided as a basis for preparing an RFP(s) for some or all portions of the systems discussed as part of this RFI. ATI is not seeking a proposal from any supplier. It is seeking input from all suppliers with reference to this proposed project. Comments as to the viability of proposed systems, any advantages or disadvantages of system defined and any recommendations to add or delete components, technologies, or requirements to better meet the needs of the project are sought. Ultimately, the information provided would support ATI in preparing a meaningful RFP(s) that will receive a favorable response from several providers. Should ATI elect to release an RFP following the evaluation of RFI responses, respondents to the RFI will be invited, but not required to participate in any subsequent processes. Responders are not required to participate in the RFI process as a condition or pre-qualification relative to any future response to an RFP. Should ATI release an RFP, respondents to this solicitation will not receive additional evaluation points by virtue of submitting a response to the RFI. Submission of a response to this RFI is entirely voluntary and any and all costs of participation in this process will be the complete responsibility of the respondent. 3.0 DESCRIPTION Currently, containers are loaded and unloaded using standard forklift trucks or personnel carrying items into and out of the container. This is relatively slow and manpower intensive. The goal of future systems would be to improve the cargo handling rate while reducing the required manpower. The concept envisioned is a fully or semi-automated system to breakout and repack 20- foot ISO containers. Semi-automated means that one operator can operate the system from a fixed location, i.e., using some form of human amplification technology/robotics. The system should not rely on standardization of container packaging, but be able to handle any variety of pallets, cases, packaged ordnance, boxes or other intermediate packaging assemblies. Specifically, this RFI seeks the following information: * Ideas and suggestions that provide alternative approaches to the automated cargo breakout and repacking of 20-foot ISO containers onboard a ship at sea * Identification of the primary technical challenges to be addressed * Approximate cost information (e.g., order of magnitude, ballpark estimates, etc.) for alternatives 4.0 ASSUMPTIONS * 20-foot ISO containers are located on an open deck area (below decks) when they are loaded or unloaded * Containers can contain a number of different types of material and packaging, including stores, ammunition (palletized or packaged) and small weapons * System may eventually need to meet the requirements of NAVSEA OP 4, Ammunition and Explosives Safety Afloat 5.0 REQUIREMENTS This section enumerates the high-level functional requirements for this effort. * Fully or semi-automated operation. Semi-automated means that one operator can operate the system from a fixed location, i.e., using some form of human amplification technology/robotics * Unload cargo from container as fast as the container can be brought onboard, estimated at 10 minutes * The system(s) would be required to maintain positive control of the load at all times while the ship is operating in seas up to and including sea state 5 * Doors are located on container ends * The system must be able to handle a wide variety of package sizes and shapes including intermediate packaging assemblies (like Army/Marine intermediate platforms) * Place cargo removed from container onto a specific location (e.g., belt, conveyor, truck, ASRS, etc.) to transfer the load elsewhere for stowage or delivery (moving the cargo loads is outside the scope of this effort) * Breakout throughput must be equal to or better than man/forklift combinations * The system must address the disposition of retrograde * The system(s) shall be capable of handling ISO containers carrying packaged cargo ordnance and ammunition. * The systems shall also meet the cargo stowage and handling requirements of reference (1), specifically sections 3.2.2 and Appendix I. Load factors for sea state effects shall be in accordance with reference (1) The purpose of this RFI is to gather information about those requirements enumerated above. To the extent simplifying assumptions are needed, respondents are encouraged to make and document such assumptions in their responses. ATI encourages vendor partnering and encourages the participation of any and all vendors, suppliers, and/or integrators. ATI seeks innovative suggestions in regard to an automated ISO container breakout and repacking solution. 6.0 SAMPLE RESPONSE OUTLINE Following is a suggested outline and suggested page counts for a response to this RFI. This outline is intended to minimize the effort of the respondent and structure the responses for ease of analysis. Nevertheless, respondents are free to develop their response as they see fit. Section 1 – Conceptual Alternatives Briefly describe one or more alternative concepts for an automated shipboard ISO container breakout and repacking system(s), including the reliability characteristics of the alternatives. (3-5 pages per alternative with illustrations depicting each alternative) Section 2 – Feasibility Assessment Briefly describe the feasibility of each alternative and the design tradeoffs involved as matched against the functional requirements. (1 page per alternative) Section 3 – Cost and Schedule Estimates Provide cost estimates for each alternative. Also, discuss cost drivers, cost tradeoffs, and schedule considerations. Section 4 – Corporate Expertise Briefly describe your company, your products and services, history, ownership, financial information, and other information you deem relevant (no suggested page count). In particular, please describe any projects you have been involved in that are similar in concept to what is described in this RFI, including management and operations approach, and any relevant lessons learned (1-2 pages per project). Include any comments on the structure of the requirements for a formal RFP response. Section 5 – Additional Materials Please provide any other materials, suggestions, and discussion you deem appropriate. 7.0 DISCLAIMER This is not a Request for Proposal. No solicitation package is available. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked Proprietary will be handled accordingly. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. In accordance with FAR 15.201, responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by ATI to form a binding contract. ATI will not pay for any information received in response to this RFI, nor will ATI compensate any respondent for any costs incurred in developing the information provided. No contract(s) will be awarded as a result of this RFI process. None of the materials provided as part of this RFI will be used to evaluate potential technology providers or used in any way as part of the evaluation of proposals received as a result of a future RFP. 8.0 REFERENCES (1) System Specification for Dry Cargo/Ammunition Ship, T-AKE 1 Class, PRF- TADC-0. Appendix I and applicable excerpts from this reference are available for download at http://www.nsrp.org/strike/susd_rfi.html. 9.0 CONTACT INFORMATION Following is the Point of Contact (POC) for this RFI: Mr. Brian Piedfort [email protected] (843) 760-3568 ATI 5300 International Boulevard Charleston, SC 29418 ATI is not looking for a voluminous submission of information. Electronic delivery is preferred with submitted materials being provided in Microsoft Word or .PDF file formats or on compact disk (CD). Respondents should provide four bound copies of any printed materials submitted to the POC. Please submit responses via e-mail by 12:00 PM (Noon) on Friday, October 29, 2004, to the POC at [email protected].