Aircraft Wheel Build-up Stand & Assembly Torquing System

THIS NOTICE IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTE (RFQ). The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to collect Market Research Information and industry expertise for the purpose of gathering market research which may or may not be used to develop a Performance Work Statement (PWS), or Statement of Objectives (SOO).

The Government considers information on market capabilities, common industry standards, latest technological advances, commercial terms and conditions, timelines for adaption and integration, pricing, and possible suppliers and sources to be helpful. All feedback and information received may be used to determine the appropriate acquisition strategy for a possible future acquisition.

This notice is issued solely for market research and planning purposes and does not constitute a request for proposal, request for quote, or invitation to bid, nor does its issuance in any way restrict the Government as to its ultimate acquisition approach. No award will be made from this RFI and the Government will not pay for any effort expended in responding to this notice.

Responses: Contractors are encouraged to submit information for the questions that follow. This RFI is prepared for planning purposes only and is not restricted to small business. Sources are discouraged from submitting any information deemed competition-sensitive or proprietary. However, if sources elect to submit competition-sensitive or proprietary information, sources bear sole responsibility for marking said information as such to ensure appropriate safeguarding by the Government.

The Government shall not be held liable for any damages incurred if proprietary information is not properly identified. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned. RFI responses on company letterhead are requested for submission electronically and in accordance with the instructions listed in each attachment. All questions and responses shall be submitted, via e-mail to 126.ARW.MSC@us.af.mil.

After review of the responses to this RFI, if the Government plans to proceed with an acquisition, a solicitation may either be published on Sam.gov or awarded from standing quotations, or orally solicited to qualified vendors (using oral solicitation procedures, FAR 13 Best value / tradeoff).

Request for Information/Questions: The 126th Maintenance Group is seeking to modernize it's aircraft maintenance capabilities with the procurement of an Aircraft Wheel Build-up Stand & Assembly Torquing System for the Wing's KC-135 fleet, reducing the number of mechanics required to tear down and build up tire wheels from one to two.

The Bauer Model 8071 Wheel Build-Up Stand (NSN: 4920014409168) and Model 8731 Wheel Assembly Torque System (NSN: 4910015056996) have been identified by the KC-135 Overhual Facility as being a stand alone and automated unit which meets the high tempo operations of the 126 ARW. The Illinois ANG is seeking the following information: In addition to the following, what are some other salient charateristics that would be used to descride a system capable of servicing the wheel assembly of the KC-135?

Wheel capacity (diameter/weight) One-person operation Suggested torque range Touch-screen computer/operator interface What other manufacturers produce a system that could service the KC-135 airframe? The government is requesting information on feasibility, estimated breakdown of costs, and different campaign features. Looking for vendor recommended price structures. This is not a request for quote so response does not need to be in quote format.

Additionally: - Are there any other aspects that we need to consider before contracting for this supply? - Are there any comments concerning the NAICS and SBA size standards chosen for this RFI?