Naval Research Laboratory, Code 3220, 4555 Overlook Ave. S.W., Washington, D.C. 20375-5326

A -- BATTERY-OPERATED SURFACE PREPARATION TOOL DEVELOPMENT POC Evangelina R. Toledo, Contract Specialist, Code 3220, (202) 767-2021; John Wegand, Code 6130, (202) 404-2889 E-MAIL: click here, wegand@nrl.navy.mil.. This is a Request for Information issued by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), soliciting industry interest, input and capabilities for the development of battery-operated, handheld surface preparation tools for use by the US Navy for the removal of and preparation for paint/coating application. Significant Navy forces and resources are spent in the surface maintenance of the Ships within the Fleet. Current tool technology being used by the US Navy for the removal of and preparation for, coatings/paints is limited to Alternating Current (AC) or pneumatic operated tools. Each tool technology has its drawbacks in regards to their implementation within the ship environment in the Fleet: AC electrical tools require significant review/check procedures to qualify its operation onboard ships prior to being released to the Ships Force and limited/isolated electrical sources and locations. Pneumatic tools require ample air supply-pressure and flow-and convenient source connections and locations within the ship. Therefore, the Navy, under the Secretary of Navy's Capital Investment for Labor Initiatives, has a desire to investigate the development of battery operated (based on rechargeable battery technology) surface preparation tools, meeting current industry performance standards, such as: Needle guns/scalers-3000 to 4000 beats per minute having 5/8 to 7/8" stroke and accommodates 2 through 4 mm needles; Rotary scalers (mini-deck crawlers)-2.25 to 4.25 cleaning swath operating at 2800 to 4500 rpm with a 1" or less cleaning clearance to vertical surfaces and accommodates multiple hubs (cutting, hammer, roto-peen, and bph); Right angle sanders/grinders-2 to 7" surface diameter operating between 4,400 to 12,000 rpm and easily accommodates abrasive and cutting wheels. Tools of interest need to have the option to be shrouded for High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuum connectivity to meet environmental and health/safety concerns regarding dust-free work areas, as well as the capability for 2- hour continuous use and battery inter-changeability. As a result, this Request for Information is being issued for the purpose of identifying those companies with appropriate expertise that might be interested in responding to an RFP for the collaborative development of battery-operated surface preparation tools, similar to those discussed in the aforementioned text. Additional information on the Navy's tools requirements can be obtained from Mr. John Wegand at NRL. Should an RFP be issued for the development of surface preparation tools for the Navy, it is anticipated that costs for development would be shared between the Navy and the contractor. This notice is being issued to help determine whether the Navy should proceed with a formal request for proposals. Should interest be determined sufficient, a formal request for proposals may be forthcoming. Offerors should address as a minimum the following criteria: (1) capability and experience in the design, construction, and/or development of battery operated tools, and (2) understanding of application and performance issues regarding paint/coating removal and surface preparation. Offerors are also requested to provide rough-order-of-magnitude estimates of the cost to develop the various tool technologies, as well as estimated development time frame. Such estimates would be non-binding on the offerors. This announcement is a request for information and no contract will be awarded pursuant to this announcement. The requested information is for planning purposes and does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that a procurement action will be issued nor will the government pay for the information solicited. All information and data received in response to this Request for Information marked or designated as corporate or proprietary information will be fully protected and held in strict confidence. Responses to this notice should be provided in writing to Naval Research Laboratory, ATTN: Mr. John Wegand, Code 6130, Washington, DC 20375-5342. The FAX number is (202) 767-4642and the e-mail address is: wegand@nrl.navy.mil. No telephone responses will be accepted. Posted 04/07/00 (W-SN442625). (0098)

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