Fuel Systems and Aerial Refueling Lab Winch and Test Track
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Navy, Naval Air Warfare Center Air Division, has issued a Draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Fuel Systems and Aerial Refueling Lab Winch and Test Track. This presolicitation seeks industry feedback and clarifies technical requirements for a new winch and track system. Responses to questions regarding the draft have been posted.
Scope of Work
The requirement is for a winch and test track system for the Fuel Systems and Aerial Refueling Lab. Key technical clarifications from the Q&A include:
- Winch System: The government is open to both hydraulic and electric winch systems, provided they meet all specified requirements. The winch must be capable of manual free-spooling without power.
- Power Supply: 480V power will be supplied via an overhead drop, hardwired into the winch design, with the winch currently on an 80 Amp breaker.
- Safety Factors: A minimum safety factor of 2 is required; the winch is not designated as a Below the Hook Lifting Device.
- Travel Reversals: Frequent direction changes (up to 20 reversals in 15 minutes) are expected to assess ARS Hose Reel Response.
- Cybersecurity: The winch system will be non-networked, with no cybersecurity requirements.
- Personnel Safety: Local winch control is not required; control from an enclosed data booth is sufficient. No safety enclosure is required.
- Fuel Transfer System (FTS): Temperature modulation is not required. Provisions for adding manual fuel flow and pressure instrumentation are desired. The system should accommodate higher flow rates than the ARS pump's 220 GPM.
- On-Site Installation: Demolition/disposal of the existing test track is not part of the scope. The government will supply 480V power via a disconnect.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Draft Request for Proposal (Presolicitation)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Original Draft RFP Question Due Date: February 23, 2025
- Q&A Posted Date: March 23, 2026 (Updated March 18, 2026)
- Anticipated Award Basis: Best Value
- Payment Terms: Progress payments will not be used.
Additional Notes
This is a DRAFT RFP issued for informational purposes only. The Government will not consider any offers submitted in response to this request, and no funding is available for preparation or submission of information. Participation is strictly voluntary. The government will include existing track design details/pictures as an attachment in the final solicitation.
Contact: Lyle Kralle (lyle.a.kralle.civ@us.navy.mil) for questions regarding the DRAFT RFP.