R&D Contracting Directorate, Bldg 7, 2530 C Street, WPAFB, OH 45433-7607

A -- SUSTAINMENT LOGISTICS TECHNOLOGIES POC Annette Henderson, Contract Negotiator, (937) 255-7143 WEB: click here to view the R&D Contracting Home Page, http://www.wrs.afrl.af.mil/contract/. This is a request for information (RFI) only. This is not a notice of solicitation. However, the responses to this RFI will be considered in the planning and definition of future technology development programs for which later solicitations may play a part. The Air Force Research Laboratory, Sustainment Logistics Branch (AFRL/HESS) is seeking innovative technology concepts to improve the wholesale logistics functions of the Air Force. The Air and Space Force of the future requires a much more agile, flexible, fast-response, mobile, streamlined, robust, and affordable logistics infrastructure than exists today to achieve the stated goals of agile combat support, rapid global mobility, and air expeditionary forces. Advanced technology will play an important role in achieving these goals. The mission of the Sustainment Logistics Branch is to develop technology to improve weapon system supportability and the wholesale logistics support processes of the Air Force. Thus the branch is issuing this RFI so thatindustry has an opportunity to submit its best logistics technology concepts for review and consideration. This input will be factored into the branch's future program planning and will help ensure that the branch's R&D investments are targeted at only the highest leverage, highest payoff technologies. The wholesale logistics functional areas relevant to this RFI are supportability requirements, acquisition logistics, logistics planning, maintenance, supply, distribution, transportation, and services, for both land and space based assets. End users of the technology can be system program offices, air logistics centers (depots), base logistics groups, and distribution/delivery units. Responses can cover a variety of technologies, including equipment, computer hardware, software, processes, models, and methods/techniques. Responses must address documented Air Force requirements as delineated in Air Force long-range/strategic plans, master plans, mission area plans, mission support plans, logistics deficiencies, mission need statements, or operational requirements documents. The technology concepts must not be available "off-the-shelf", but must require additional R&D investments. Once developed, the proposed technologies must be field demonstrable and must be transitionable into the larger Air Force wholesale logistics infrastructure. Possible logistics technology application areas are: Logistics requirements forecasting, reduced inventories, streamlined support processes, improved reliability and maintainability, advanced diagnostics & maintenance techniques, optimum repair flow, reduced deployment footprint, logistics information integration and visualization, logistics modeling & simulation, austere base support, support equipment, cargo handling, advanced packaging, in-transit visibility, high velocity delivery, and point-of-use delivery. This list is by no means exhaustive, and additional areas are both expected and solicited. In short, the branch is soliciting ideas that are at once revolutionary, affordable, and leveraging. Revolutionary in the sense that a new technology radically improves weapon system support. Affordable in the sense that implementation costs are reasonable, and a net decrease in logistics support costs is realized. Leveraging in the sense that positive impacts ripple through the Air Force and joint-service logistics infrastructures, from factory/depot to the deployed unit. Responses should not exceed 5 pages in length and must use the following format: (1) Title, (2) Air Force requirement, (3) Objective, (4) Technical approach, (5) Product, (6) End user, (7) Payoff, (8) Estimated cost and duration (valid range is $100K/6 months to $3M/3 years). Corporate information, experience, and background may also be included along with the 5-page technology concept, but are not mandatory. Responses will be accepted via conventional mail or via e-mail. Send conventional mail to AFRL/HESS; Attn: Mr. Mark Hoffman; 2698 G Street, Bldg 190; Wright-Patterson AFB, OH; 45433-7604. Send e-mailto mhoffman@alhrg.wpafb.af.mil. Responses will be treated as company proprietary and will not be disclosed outside the Air Force. Deadline for submission is 15 October 1998. If the responses are of sufficient quantity and quality, AFRL/HESS will consider pursuing an actual BAA or PRDA solicitation which may lead to multiple contract awards in the FY99/00 timeframe. Technical questions should be directed to Mr. Mark Hoffman at 937-255-8233 or mhoffman@alhrg.wpafb.af.mil.***** Posted 07/07/98. (0188)

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