FES Hovercraftview on SAM.gov

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) FES Hovercraft This announcement constitutes a Sources Sought Synopsis and Request for Information (RFI) to afford industry an opportunity to provide information regarding their capabilities to provide commercial items. This is not a Request for Quotation (RFQ) or an Invitation for Bid (IFB), nor is it to be construed as a commitment by the U. S. Government to form a binding contract. Parties that respond will not be paid for the information submitted. The Air Force is hereby requesting capability statements and other information from interested sources. General Information: The 412 CS at the Air Force Test Center at Edwards AFB, CA is in the process of determining the acquisition strategy to obtain information from potential eligible and interested contractors for the purchase of FES Hovercraft. The AFTC anticipates awarding a contract under the associated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is 336612 with a standard employee size of 1000 and a Product Service Code (PSC) of 1940. A firm-fixed price contract will be contemplated. Salient Characteristics (Minimum Government Technical Requirements) Requirement Category -Minimum Acceptable Threshold (Government Minimum Need) Braking & Maneuverability -Must feature an active reverse-thrust braking system capable of redirecting at least 50–60% of engine thrust forward via fly-by-wire/cockpit controls. Payload Capacity -Minimum passenger capacity of six (6) personnel or an operational payload of not less than 1,000 lbs (453 kg) on cushion. Powerplant -Minimum 100 HP, multi-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine with dual radiator cooling and electric start. Speed & Endurance -Minimum cruise speed of 35 mph; calm water speed greater than or equal to 45 mph; minimum operational range of 70+ miles on a standard fuel tank. Operating Temperature -Must function reliably across an ambient range of -30°F to +110°F (-34°C to +43°C). Buoyancy & Hull Safety -USCG-compliant positive flotation providing greater than or equal to 135% unladen displacement buoyancy with closed-cell composite urethane foam. Terrain Clearance -Minimum 8-inch hard structure obstacle clearance at operational hover power with segmented finger skirts. Emergency Integration -Factory-integrated emergency beacon/lightbar, siren/PA system, searchlight receptacle, and non-slip deck. Transportation & Deployment Requirements Dedicated Trailer: One (1) matching single-axle fly-on/fly-off tilt trailer equipped with hull-protection rollers and standard ball hitch. Rapid Deployment: The entire system must be capable of single-person launch and recovery from the trailer directly onto dry ground, mud, or water. Training & Technical Data Deliverables The contractor shall deliver: Operator Certification: On-site certified pilot training (Class 3 Pilot Certification curriculum) covering basic control, high-speed turning, reverse-thrust braking, and casualty extraction maneuvers. Main…