The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to determine the feasibility of replacing troop seats on a majority of the C-130 cargo aircraft across the Air Force with a new, updated, efficient safer seat. Interested parties should have production capabilities to output 1000 seats per month in order to satisfy existing backorders within the next year, and 600 seats per month afterwards as a routine monthly demand. A qualified design must meet the performance, design, development, and test requirements for standard, lightweight, folding, wall-style, side facing seats for use by troops in cargo type fixed wing aircraft. The seats will be designed as one, two, and three passenger seats and will attach to adjoining seats. The seats will be designed for a normal passenger width of 20 inches and will also provide for 24 inch seat belt spacing to allow use by fully equipped paratroopers. Materials selection shall be based on a comprehensive study of relevant parameters for the candidate materials, including operational environments, performance, producibility, strength, durability, corrosion resistance, fungus proof, availability and cost. All materials shall be controlled by military or commercial equivalent specifications. MIL-HDBK-1587 may be used for guidance in the materials selection. Mandatory tests must be successfully completed for static load requirements, proof load requirements, and a dynamic requirement of 16 G’s added with a 250 lb. occupant. First article testing may also be required. Should replacement of all, or any portion of, the C-130 troop seats prove to be feasible, a follow-on request for proposal (RFP) may or may not be issued. Currently, no funding is available for this initiative. Accordingly, be advised that this is not a RFP and this RFI in no way obligates the government to award a contract. The government will not compensate any interested party, firm, or individual that may respond to this RFI. Formal responses to this RFI should be limited to two, 8.5 x 11 typed pages and should detail the experience and capabilities of your firm to perform the task out lined above. All responses should be by email and sent to
[email protected]. Point of contact is Lt Darryl Randolph, Contracting Officer, 311 HSW/YASK, 7920 Lindbergh Landing, Brooks City Base, Tx. 78235, (210) 536-4892. This notice will stay open for 15 working days from posting. Any response received after this 15 working day window will be returned to sender.