SOURCES SOUGHT
A -- AUTOMATICALLY DEPLOYABLE ROLLOVER PROTECTIVE STRUCTURE FOR FARM TRACTORS
- Notice Date
- 5/20/2003
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- Contracting Office
- Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Acquisition and Assistance Field Branch (Morgantown), 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, WV, 26505
- ZIP Code
- 26505
- Solicitation Number
- Reference-Number-2003-Q-00876
- Response Due
- 6/10/2003
- Archive Date
- 6/25/2003
- Point of Contact
- Brenda Goodwin, Contract Specialist, Phone (304)285-5882, Fax (304)285-6083, - Rex Wolfe, Jr., Contract Specialist, Phone (304)285-5883, Fax (304)285-6083,
- E-Mail Address
-
bcg1@cdc.gov, rsw1@cdc.gov
- Description
- The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is seeking to sign a Memo of Understanding (MOU) to work with a ROPS manufacturer to design, test, and evaluate the marketability of the automatically deployable rollover protective structure (AutoROPS) for farm tractors that NIOSH has previously designed and tested. The goal of this project is to improve the safety of operators of farm tractors by bringing AutoROPS-equipped tractors into the marketplace. This announcement is a business opportunity in that the partner selected will share expertise with NIOSH researchers toward making the AutoROPS a profitable safety product. Present ROPS are limited because some tractors are regularly used for both low-clearance (cleaning barns, orchard work, etc.) and unrestricted-clearance operations. A rigid ROPS cannot be used on tractors that perform such dual operation. Manually adjustable ROPS have been developed, but these rely on the operator to raise the ROPS to its protective position. There is currently no form of passive protection, such as the AutoROPS, available on dual-use tractors for protecting operators from fatal injury in a rollover. The telescoping AutoROPS developed by NIOSH is normally latched in its lowered position for day-to-day use. If an overturn condition is detected by the sensor, the retracted ROPS will deploy and lock in the full upright position before ground contact. Static load testing and field upset tests of the AutoROPS have been conducted by NIOSH in accordance with Society of Automotive Engineers standard J2194. Additionally, timed trials of the AutoROPS deployment mechanism have been completed. The results of these tests show that the AutoROPS is a viable device that could be used to help prevent deaths due to tractor overturns. Candidate companies, which appear to provide the most promise of meeting the requirements listed below, may be evaluated by their capability to complete the research and development needed to bring the AutoROPS into commercial production. NIOSH does not promise to sign an MOU with any presented company. While no party promises purchasing or testing, the right is reserved to establish a partnership based on engineering analysis/evaluation capabilities found under this announcement or other searches, if determined to be in the best interest of the government. AutoROPS Commercialization Capabilities Parameters: (Companies should try to meet as many of these requirements as possible, but highly innovative solutions without testing are not discouraged from presentation or response.) (A) Providing significant intellectual, engineering, and technical expertise in manufacturing the AutoROPS. This would include defining the cost and usability needs of a target, dual-use tractor market. Also, assistance will be given in setting realistic product cost objectives and providing suggestions on how the AutoROPS can achieve product cost goals - Required; (B) Fabricating prototypes for test and evaluation - Required; (C) Providing expertise to NIOSH in designing and conducting field evaluations involving farm populations - Required; (D) Reviewing test results and recommending design modifications - Required; (E) Reviewing testing methods and recommending appropriate, new testing criteria - Required; (F) Working with a tractor OEM to provide NIOSH with a tractor so that the SAE J2194 static load and field upset tests can be conducted ? Required. NIOSH is seeking an innovative partner to address these major areas. A company that is qualified and currently is producing ROPS for farm tractors is highly desired. However, past testing and design of AutoROPS is not required. If prior testing has been performed the test information and results should be provided. Interested parties responding to this request should provide detailed information regarding capabilities, test results, and cost data. Presentation material may consist of literature, electronic presentation, or video. (Samples and data provided to the government as part of this solicitation will not be returned to vendors following the completion of this project.) Vendors may be offered the opportunity to meet with representatives of the project team following a review of all submitted data. Data and/or product samples must be delivered to NIOSH within two weeks (10 business days) of the closing of this announcement. Although every effort will be made to consider all information received, the government will not be obligated to evaluate information received after the two week period. Vendors should note any proprietary data as such. If any data is to be excluded from exchange with any of the project participants, a statement of that fact shall be included with the statement of propriety. Presentations from interested vendors are optional but encouraged. The government has identified July 16th and 17th, 2003 for these presentations to be conducted. The Government reserves the right to identify an alternate meeting date if those identified are not viable for one or more interested vendors. Please send literature to and coordinate with: John Etherton, Project Officer Technical Representative CDC/NIOSH, MS/G800 1095 Willowdale Road Morgantown, WV 26505 Phone : 304-285-5985 Fax : 304-285-6047 jre1@cdc.gov (Please include 3 copies)
- Record
- SN00328596-W 20030522/030520214343 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
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