Added: Jul 01, 2008 3:46 pm
Modified: Jul 02, 2008 12:33 pm
Track Changes
The 565 CBSS / GBLB located at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center (WR-ALC) is issuing the attached "draft" Performance Based Work Statement (PBWS) to obtain industry input toward the acquisition and sustainment of the Versatile Depot Automated Test Station (VDATS). It is the intent of the Government to award a five to ten year Performance Based Acquisition (PBA) contract for this effort.
There is potential that this effort may be set aside for small business. However, significant on-going market research by the Government will be the deciding factor.
The VDATS was developed organically by the Air Force to support multiple weapon systems. This tester is designed to eventually replace most of the legacy testers currently in use by the Air Force depots.
In order to expand our market research, an Industry Day will be hosted at Robins AFB, GA, in the Air Force Museum, beginning July 29, 2008 and ending July 30, 2008. During this time, interested sources will have the opportunity to pose questions and provide input into the requirement development. In addition, the Government will use this Industry Day as a means of gauging the availability of qualified commercial sources. Since our organic maintenance capability will largely depend on the availability of the VDATS, the Government intends to utilize a rigorous source selection process to ensure award is ultimately made to the source that offers the best value to the Government. Of utmost importance is demonstrated experience to: 1) build similar automatic test equipment (ATE) to include acquiring parts, assembly and testing; 2) support similar ATE through the management of multiple suppliers, supply chain integration, and in-house technical capability.
Industry representatives should be prepared to discuss execution risks associated with the PBWS, and any appropriate best commercial practices that could be incorporated into the strategy. The Government will also lead a discussion on risks and the general source selection criteria anticipated. To finalize the Industry Day dialogue and collection of ideas, scheduled times will be allotted for one-on-one discussions as requested by each contractor in attendance.
All reservations for this event must be made starting July 9, 2008 and no later than July 14, 2008. Please contact the Industry POC at Linda.Ralston@robins.af.mil.
Added: Jul 17, 2008 2:11 pm
As a result of the VDATS Industry Day announcement, there has been an overwhelming response from industry. Originally, the second day was set aside for one-on-one exchanges with individual companies. Based on the number of responses, a second day of one-on-one exchanges is anticipated and the one-on-one exchanges will change from 25 minute sessions and will be limited to 15 minute sessions for question exchanges between the companies and the government. Companies interested in providing company information can leave brochures, briefing charts, white papers, etc. for the team to review. In addition, if any companies are considering partnering with one of the other companies attending the industry day and would mutually agree to a combined one-on-one session, please include that information in response to this notification. It is important to utilize the limited time available and to maximize the information attained for the benefit of the procurement.
Planning note for one-on-one exchange appointments: Wednesday one-on-one exchanges will be held at the museum; however, Thursday one-on-one exchanges will be held at a location on base. If you are a local contractor with access to the base, it would be greatly appreciated if you would schedule a Thursday one-on-one exchange session.
In response to this notification, please provide the following information:
1) Confirmation of participation in one-on-one exchange
2) Notification of partnership/combination of one-on-one exchanges with another contractor
Please provide this information to Linda Ralston via e-mail at Linda.Ralston@robins.af.mil no later than 3:30PM EST on 18 July 2008.
