United States - Request for Information F-16 Arresting Hook Toe Coating Analysis and Redesign

Description

Added: Jun 03, 2019 4:33 pm

Re: F-16 Arresting Hook Toe Coating Analysis and Redesign

Introduction
The General Services Administration (GSA) is considering a new requirement for F-16 Arresting Hook Toe Coating Analysis and Redesign. The information obtained from this RFI will be used to assist in developing the most suitable acquisition strategy. Furthermore, interested parties will not be reimbursed for any costs related to providing information in response to this RFI. Responses to this RFI are due no later than June 14, 2019 by 2:00 PM Mountain Time. Responses must be sent via email to adina.torberntsson@gsa.gov.  If you are interested, but are unable to provide answers to the questions by June 11, 2019 please contact the Contracting Officer stating your interest. 
The proposed North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for these services is 541712, which falls under exception two in which the small business size standard is 1,250 employees. 
This RFI is meant to achieve the following goals: 
1.) To survey the market place to determine what type of firms are available to do this work. 
2.) Determine how the work will be carried out.
3.) To gain feedback from industry on proposed methods for the described work.

A. General Description of the Services Requested 
1.0 BACKGROUND OF REQUIREMENT:  

Historically the use of an Arresting Hook assembly has been used on a wide variety of aircraft as a method of effectively controlling a short distance landing under extreme circumstances.  The United States (US) Navy relies on the Arresting Gear for all non-Vertical Take-off & Landing (VTOL) Aircraft Carrier based landings.  The USAF typically uses the Arresting Hook for emergency situations.  The types of uses and types of coatings used for the Arresting Hook assemblies are varied based upon a number of conditions.  This includes desired number of uses, cable life, coefficient of friction, corrosion protection, strength and durability, spallation failures and crack propagation.  The F-16 Arresting Hook Toe Coating In Accordance With (IAW) MIL-A-18717 has not been improved upon for 50 years.  While it was a functional coating in the 1970’s, many technological improvements have been made both in coating chemistries and application methods.  These improved systems are commercially available and are commonly used in many industrial segments.  The original F-16 Toe Coating, that is still used today, consists of a simple oxygen/acetylene combustion powder process using molybdenum material.  Commonly referred to as Spray Bond, the 99% molybdenum material provides a fair bond to the Toe Hook substrate, it provides reasonable hardness and some wear protection.  In the 1970’s it was a good coating for this application however would now be considered a poor choice due to the very low particle velocities, low bond strength, high porosity and oxide content.  The methods used to produce this coating is a very old manual spray system per MIL-STD-869 which is heavily dependent upon operator skill.  The applied coating is variable from part to part, is subject to cracking during application, and would be considered unreliable by today’s standards.  As a result, the coatings are likely to fail in use and even if applied correctly would have a relatively short life.  Much has changed in Thermal Spray Technology since the 1970’s.  There are many improved coating chemistries and application methods which have been tested and proven to be extremely effective.  High Velocity Oxygen-Fuel (HVOF) systems are the modern standard for thermal spray coating technologies which are known for creating superior coatings via supersonic velocities.  The HVOF systems are fully automated with precise control over all operating parameters and application techniques.  This creates coatings with extremely high bond strengths, negligible porosity, high density, high hardness, exceptional corrosion resistance, low wear rates and in many cases low coefficients of friction.  An application with the appropriately selected HVOF coating would enable the Arresting Hook Toe coating to be vastly improved for an extended life.  

1.1 ORGANIZATION BEING SUPPORTED:  

Air National Guard Utah

2.0. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

1.0 PRIMARY OBJECTIVES
The  purpose of this task is to seek engineering services to develop recommendations to improve maintainability and repairability of the F-16 arresting hook toe.  Engineering recommendations representing significant departures from existing processes and/or equipment must be accompanied by strong rationale and system safety assessment(s).
2.0 REQUIREMENTS

3.0 TASK 1 – Engineering Evaluation of Current Conditions
The contractor shall complete an engineering evaluation/analysis of the F-16 Toe Hook to fully understand the loads the existing coating is subjected to, the types of failures encountered, the current life of the Toe Hook/coating and other additional information from the USAF which would be helpful in determining the best recommendation(s) for improvement. Fleet mission capable improvement shall be calculated for improved coating. 
Deliverables:
1) Engineering and Logistical Report including:
a. Original design criteria for the Hook assembly
b. Review of arresting cable type and typical condition for use
c. Analysis of existing coating, hardness, bond strength, porosity, oxides, residual compressive/tensile stress
d. Analysis of past failure data
e. Determination of other failure causes such as corrosion or localized substrate yielding
f. Analysis of current coating life or number of stops before replaced
g. Fleet mission capability gain through improved coating
4.0 TASK 2 – Recommendation of Improved Coating
Based upon the knowledge gained from the engineering analysis of current conditions, a recommendation shall be provided for an improved HVOF applied coatings.  The criteria for the recommendation shall include the best combination of bond strength, wear and corrosion resistance and durability.
Deliverables:
1) Engineering and Logistical Report including:
a. An engineered recommendation of HVOF coatings suitable for use based on original engineering evaluation.  Documentation supporting the recommendations shall include the advantages of the recommended coating chemistries
b. An application cost analysis for the recommended HVOF coating chemistries
5.0 TASK 3 – Testing, Analysis, Down Selection, Overhaul/Repair Specification
Standard HVOF testing methods shall be used to classify the quality of the coatings however additional testing may be required to ensure the suitability for the Arresting Hook Toe application.  Recommendations for testing should include standard bond strength, hardness, porosity, effect on base metal temper, and residual compression/tensile stress testing.  Due to the extreme conditions the Arresting Hook Toe is subjected to, the contractor shall perform Taber Abrasion testing and Impact testing.  Corrosion testing per ASTM B117 shall be performed in addition based on the results of Taber and Impact results.  Evaluation of substrate condition shall be performed by nital etch per MIL-STD-867.
Deliverables:
1) Test matrix including selected chemistries and applied coating thicknesses
2) Provide the application specification and qualification requirements documentation for recommended HVOF coatings to test coupons.  Applied coatings would be optimized for application suitable to capabilities in Hill Air Force Base (HAFB) Building 511 as well as in Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) commercial facilities.  
3) Conduct all tests in accordance with established specifications
4) Provide a Technical and Logistical Report that evaluates test results, factors in application costs, determines and recommends the best replacement coating system for the F-16 Arresting Hook Toe for depot overhaul
6.0 TASK 4 – Implementation 
The contractor shall assist the Government in developing a workload transition plan for the F-16 Arresting Toe Hook. The contractor shall assist the Government with approval efforts for the F-16 Configuration Control Board (CCB). The contractor shall prototype and proof repairs on the same equipment used by thermal spray personnel in Building 511 (Hill AFB; see Attachment 1) to ensure a seamless process transition to the organic MRO environment, and shall develop and provide all necessary technical documentation for the repair and overhaul of the arresting gear toe hook. The contractor shall provide on-site initial training to the HVOF thermal spray personnel in Building 511, HAFB.
Deliverables:
1) Business Case Analysis (BCA) supporting transition of toe as a repairable
2) Transition plan for the F-16 Arresting Hook Toe application technology to the USAF for overhaul
3) Develop a USAF Specification for F-16 arresting hook toe HVOF application
4) Provide draft Time Compliance Technical Order (TCTO) to remove arresting hook toes from fleet and route for coating replacement. Complete validation and verification prior to delivery
5) Provide draft Process Orders suitable for use in Building 511
6) Provide aircraft and commodity technical order source data via AFMC Form 252
7) Provide initial training to Building 511 personnel on application method and technique
7.0 TASK 5 – In-service Evaluation 
The contractor shall manufacture two arresting hook toes for an Operational Unit Effectiveness (OUE) evaluation for initial in-service fielding.  If requested by the government, the contractor shall assist the government with location, aircraft selection, approvals, and the on a minimum of two (2) aircraft. Multiple locations are not required but may assist in fielding the maximum number of assets in the minimum amount of time. The contractor shall track in-service performance, wear, reliability, corrosion, etc. for a projected period of one (1) year from implementation. The contractor shall provide reporting of performance results and troubleshooting as necessary to ensure projected improvements are realized.

Deliverables:
1) Two (2) arresting gear toe hooks coated with the improved coating for OUE evaluation
2) OUE Plan, with applicable evaluation criteria
3) Site visit documentation, including visit minutes, wear and corrosion measurements, images, user feedback, etc.  
4) OUE Evaluation Summary Report 
5) Any technical data generated as a part of troubleshooting components associated with this evaluation. 

B. Responses from Industry
Responses and input from interested parties is requested. In responding to this RFI please provide the following information: 
1. A two to three page (2-3) summary of your company’s services.
2. Answers for all of the questions listed below. The answers are in addition to the overall summary of the type of services your company provides. 
3. Response to the following questions limiting your total response to up to 15 pages (8.5”x11”, Times New Roman font, size 12). 

C. Questions for Industry 
Please include your company name, address, point of contact, telephone number, email address, and size of your organization using NAICS 541712 as the basis of your response. 
1. Is the above description of the requirement understood as to what would be asked of your company regarding the tasks described? 
2. Any suggestions as to how to make the above description requirement more clear?
3. Does your company hold a Secret or Top Secret Clearance? If yes, would your company also be able to provide personnel capable of obtaining an Air Force CAC card?
6. Is your company able to perform the tests on location at Hill Air Force Base? If you have your own testing facility please provide that information.  
7. How many years of experience does your company have with similar projects?
8. What are the best practices or lessons learned based on your experience that you feel are important and applicable to the solicitation. 
9. If subcontracting, which services listed in section A, of this RFI need to be subcontracted?
10. Are there any concerns with purchasing the grab brace, and other materials for the evaluation, in terms of being compliant with the Buy American Act? 
11. What socio-economic category does your business identify as? (Hubzone, 8A, Women Owned Small Business, Veteran Owned Small Business, etc.).
12. Describe how you would address quality control in this type of contract, and how you mitigate impact to performance? 
13. As a non-severable service procurement, what tactics would you use to ensure timely delivery of the requested tasks?
13. Briefly describe any teaming arrangements that you may have been involved in that may be relevant to the scope of services in this RFI. How were responsibilities distributed amongst them, and how was the team held accountable?
14. Briefly describe the qualifications of key personnel that you would use to work on the described tasks.

Opportunity closing date

14 June 2019

Value of contract

to be confirmed