The Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Lakehurst, NJ seeks to identify potential sources for the design, development, fabrication, and testing of upgrades to the existing components or to complete replacement of the front axle assembly and suspension for the Navy’s A/S32P-25 Shipboard Fire Fighting Vehicle (P/N 9325-01-0100-01, NSN 6R-X-4210-01-394-3789-SX). (Note: for the purposes of this announcement the new unit shall be called the Front Axle Retrofit Kit.) The A/S32P-25 Shipboard Fire Fighting Vehicle is a self-propelled, self-contained, all weather, firefighting vehicle. It is used on aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships to extinguish a fire or limit a fire’s severity until other systems can be activated. The fire-fighting vehicle is a four-wheel (two-wheel drive) diesel powered vehicle with overall dimensions of 64 in. high by 70 in. wide by 190 in. long. When fully loaded the fire truck has a gross weight of 19,000 lbs with approximately 7500 lbs supported by the front axle. The steering system controls direction of vehicle travel via the front wheels. Steering is performed by an offset single hydraulic cylinder and tie rod controlling both front wheels. The steering system includes a single steering cylinder attached to the tie rod, a steering valve, a dedicated hydraulic pump and hydraulic reservoir, and a priority flow control valve. Steering is controlled using an automotive-type steering wheel. Front suspension consists only of a pair of leaf springs and the front axle contains no brake components. The objectives are to enhance technical performance, improve reliability and maintainability, and reduce life cycle costs through the acquisition of Front Axle Retrofit Kits. Each retrofit kit will consist of all components needed to perform the installation. All materials and components utilized shall be commercial-off-the shelf (COTS) or non-developmental items (NDI). Installation of the retrofit kit shall require as few modifications as possible to the existing fire truck subcomponents and chassis. The following dimensions and performance requirements of the current A/S32P-25 fire truck must be retained by all designs: 1. Overall height and width as noted above. 2. 8 in. ground clearance. 3. 18 ft. turning radius. 4. Utilize existing front tires and rim assemblies. 5. Sustaining a speed of at least 15 mph on a level surface (fully loaded). 6. The steering system shall not require more than five turns lock-to-lock. The force required for turning the wheels with the vehicle at maximum load and engine at idle shall not exceed 15 pounds at the wheel rim. 7. Negotiating a 5-inch vertical obstacle at maximum speed. 8. High-impact shock - The vehicle shall meet the requirements of MIL-S-901, Grade A, Deck Mounted, Principal Unit, Class I Heavy Weight Equipment, Type A. 9. Full-time exposure to corrosive contaminates of seawater and AFFF spray. 10. Part-time exposure to smoke from burning fuel, lubricating oils, hydraulic fluids, paint, rubber, plastics, etc. The government will host an Industry Day on May 26, 2005 at NAVAIR Support Equipment Facility (SEFAC) at Solomons, Maryland. The purpose is to familiarize potential sources with the fire fighting vehicle, the current front axle steering configuration and scope of effort necessary for the design, development, fabrication, and testing of the replacement front axle assembly. The Government will provide an overview of the A/S32P-25 program and the pending solicitation. A formal question and answer period will follow. 10 days Prior to the industry day, companies interested in attending are requested to provide the following; 1) Name(s) and title of personnel attending, 2) country of citizenship, and 3) type of security clearance held. Interested companies are requested to provide information on products/services similar in scope and effort (i.e. designing and developing front axle/steering assemblies). Respondents to this RFI may provide catalogs, drawings/illustrations, technical manuals, training description/material, warranty, testing documentation, brochures and/or any other documentation that describes the capability to design, develop, manufacture and support an effort of the type described herein. In addition, it is requested that respondents identify government and/or commercial customers to whom same or similar equipment has been developed. Provide customer point of contact, including a telephone number, e-mail address or web site, quantities sold along with dates sold, and a description of the unit(s). This RFI is issued for the purpose of determining market interest, feasibility, and capability of sources and does not constitute a request for proposal. This announcement is not a formal solicitation and is not a request for proposal. No contract will be awarded from this announcement. Information herein is based on the best information available at the time of publication, is subject to revision, and is not binding upon the government. No reimbursement will be made of any costs to provide information in response to this announcement or any follow-up information requests. Availability of any formal solicitation will be announced under a separate Federal Business Opportunities announcement. This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. Each response must reference the “sources sought” title. Responses should be sent to Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, NJ, Attn:Cindy Scheper Code 25221CS, Bldg 562-1 Highway 547, Lakehurst, NJ 08733. Ms. Scheper is the point of contact for this “sources sought” notice and can be reached at telephone: (732) 323-2408 and e-mail address:
[email protected]. Responses must be received in writing no later than 10 May 2005 (4 pm EST).