A -- REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON AVIATION LIGHTING SYSTEMS

Notice Date

June 28, 2001

Contracting Office

55 Broadway; Cambridge, MA 02142

ZIP Code

02142

Solicitation Number

DTRS57-98-SS-0303

Response Due

July 13, 2001

Point of Contact

Point of Contact -- Michael Attachi, Contract Specialist, (617) 494-2136

E-Mail Address

Contract Specialist (attachi@volpe.dot.gov)

Description

AVIATION LIGHTING SYSTEMS AND INDIVIDUAL LIGHTING SYSTEM COMPONENTS. The John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (VNTSC) is an organization within the Research and Special Programs Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation. The VNTSC performs research on a wide variety of modes of transportation. As part of an upcoming project to study techniques to reduce runway incursions on airports throughout the country, the VNTSC is requesting information from industry sources. The focus of the requested information is on aviation light systems and individual lighting system components. The intended lighting system is to receive dynamic control messages indicating light state. The lighting system may be installed at an FAA designated airport for evaluation by pilots, controllers and airport personnel. Emphasis will be placed on off-the-shelf systems with minimum response time (less than 2 seconds), measured from computer command to light visibility. Information describing the interface between the light control system and light control messages should be supplied as well as the items listed below. Based on the responses received to this request for information, a subsequent detailed request may be submitted to industry for the purpose of selecting candidate systems for capability demonstrations and testing purposes. However, this request for information does not commit the VNTSC to any future acquisition activity. The following list provides greater detail into the areas of the lighting system where information is being requested. The lighting system is not required to compose of the specific items on this list, however devices necessary to support airport lights should be included in the information package. Light Fixtures -- Elevated Uni-directional Different type of available lamps (quartz, incandescent, LED, laser, etc.). Different available photo metrics of the different lamps & lenses. Different color filters available (red, yellow, etc.). Ability to withstand aircraft jet blasts. Response time for the lamp filament. Frangibility performance of fixture upon being struck. Typical installation requirements. FAA (Approved Testing Laboratory) certification (if available). In-pavement Uni-directional -- Different type of available lamps (quartz, incandescent, LED, laser, etc). Different available photo metrics of the different lamps and lenses. Di fferent color filters available (red, yellow, etc.). Ability to withstand aircraft wheel loads. Ability to withstand aircraft jet blasts. Response time for the lamp filament. Height of fixture above pavement. Typical installation requirements. FAA (Approved Testing Laboratory) certification (if available). Airfield Lighting Control System Using Power Line Carrier Technology -- Information on the different components within the system and how they function. Information on the required connections between the different components. Information on the size of each component and any special or environmental requirements. Requirements for the use of repeaters to communicate to entire system. Maximum distance the communications system is reliable with and without the use of repeaters. M aximum wattage of fixture that the smart transformer is able to control & monitor. Recommended installation requirements to increase system's performance. Typical system performance measurements (modem speed, light fixture response rate, number of light commands, health status reports, etc.). Examples of installations at airports -- describe what the system consists of and any special design/installation procedures. Airfield Lighting Control System Using PLC & Hardwired Technology -- Information on the different components within the system and how they function. Information on the required connections (interface) between the different components. Information on the size of each component and any special or environmental requirements. Recommended installation requirements to increase sys tem's performance. Typical system performance measurements (light fixture response rate, number of light commands, health status reports, etc.). Examples of installations at airports -- describe what the system consists of and any special design/installation procedures. Airfield Lighting Cable -- Special airfield lighting cable that incorporates both power and control communications. Any special installation or connection details. FAA (Approved Testing Laboratory) certification (if available).Constant Current/Voltage Regulators -- Information on the different types (SCR vs. Ferro resonant) of regulators available. Information on the different sizes (kW) of regulators available. Information on the different current steps available (3 or 5-step) regulators available. Information on the size of the regulator and any special or environmental requirements. Information on noise created by regulators on the power cable. FAA (Approved Testing Laboratory) certification (if available). Firms involved in the design and/or manufacturer of any of the above listed systems and/or components are encouraged to send copies of the requested information by July 13, 2001. All inquiries and comments should be submitted electronically by e-mail to: Michael Attachi, Contract Specialist, Phone: (617)494-2136, Fax: (617)494-2034 E-mail: Attachi@volpe.dot.gov

Web Link

Volpe Center Acquisition Division home page (http://www.volpe.dot.gov/procure/index.html)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010702/ASOL011.HTM (D-179 SN50Q3I6)