USAFA Assistive Technology Robotic Arm
ID: FA700025Q0005Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA7000 10 CONS LGCUSAF ACADEMY, CO, 80840-2303, USA

NAICS

All Other Miscellaneous General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing (333998)

PSC

HARDWARE, COMMERCIAL (5340)

Set Aside

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) (SBA)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), is seeking quotes for an Assistive Technology Robotic Arm to support the ECE 463 Assistive Technology Capstone project from Fall 2024 through Spring 2025. This robotic arm is intended to enhance the capabilities of individuals with tetraplegia by integrating advanced gaze and voice control technologies, facilitating functions such as lifting and moving items. The procurement emphasizes compliance with the Buy American statute and requires submissions to include detailed pricing, delivery terms, and adherence to specific technical specifications, including modularity and wireless capabilities. Interested small businesses must submit their quotes electronically by January 15, 2025, and can contact Ronald Wilson or Dawson Hopkinson for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The US Air Force Academy (USAFA) seeks to acquire an Assistive Technology Robotic Arm to enhance the capabilities of users with disabilities, specifically integrating it into the ECE 463 Assistive Technology Capstone project from Fall 2024 through Spring 2025. This advanced project builds on previous developments involving a wheelchair interface controlled by gaze technology and voice commands. The new robotic arm aims to provide functions such as lifting, moving items, and interacting with the environment. Key technical specifications include modularity, weight between 4-7 kg, six or more degrees of freedom, lifting capacity (up to 3.5 kg), and DC-powered operational requirements. The arm must operate in real time with wireless capabilities, have precision and accuracy specifications, and incorporate an API for various programming languages. Safety controls, a graphical user interface (GUI) for monitoring, comprehensive support resources, and training for users are also critical components. This document outlines USAFA's requirements to enhance assistive technology, supporting an ongoing commitment to innovation within the medical field for individuals with disabilities.
    The document outlines the "Buy American—Balance of Payments Program Certificate—Basic" provision that is necessary for federal procurements. It defines critical terms related to domestic and foreign products and establishes the evaluation criteria for offers under this provision. The government will assess offers based on the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement, treating qualifying country end products with leniency regarding the Buy American restrictions. Offerors must certify the origin of their products, confirming which items qualify as domestic end products and indicating those that are foreign, including their domestic content percentage. Additionally, certifications are required for products with critical components. The document necessitates a systematic listing of products, their country of origin, and domestic content information, ensuring transparency and compliance with federal standards. This provision reinforces the government’s commitment to supporting domestic manufacturing while allowing some flexibility with qualifying countries, thus aiming to balance domestic and international procurement interests in federal contracts. The structure includes definitions, evaluative measures, and certification requirements
    The document outlines various federal acquisition regulations, clauses, and provisions relevant to RFPs (Requests for Proposals) and contracts involving federal grants at both federal and state/local levels. It includes requirements for eligibility, procurement practices, labor laws, cyber security, environmental regulations, and specific prohibitions against contracting with entities linked to Kaspersky Lab, Maduro regime, and certain telecommunications firms. Key regulations like the System for Award Management and clauses regarding small business set-asides demonstrate a focus on inclusivity and fair competition. Other provisions address the safeguarding of sensitive information and mandates for compliance with social responsibility standards, such as combating trafficking in persons. Overall, this compilation serves as a comprehensive guide for organizations engaging in federal contracts, ensuring adherence to legal and ethical standards in procurement processes.
    The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) is issuing a Request for Quote (RFQ FA700025Q0005) for an Assistive Technology Robotic Arm, intended to support the ECE 463 Assistive Technology Capstone project from Fall 2024 through Spring 2025. This RFQ is a Small Business set-aside under NAICS code 333998, and all responsible sources are invited to submit quotes by January 15, 2025. The robotic arm is to facilitate enhanced user capabilities for individuals with tetraplegia by integrating gaze and voice control technology. Quotes must include specific information such as unit prices, delivery terms, and must comply with the Buy American statute. The evaluation will consider price, technical acceptability, and past performance, ranking all offers by Total Evaluated Price (TEP). The government reserves the right to cancel the RFQ with no obligation for cost reimbursement. Moreover, submission is electronic, and quotes must adhere to specific formats, including not using reconditioned or used products. The document emphasizes compliance with all instructions to ensure quotes are eligible for consideration, reflecting the structured and rigorous nature of government procurement processes.
    The document is a Sources Sought Request for Information (RFI) by the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) seeking potential vendors for an Assistive Technology Robotic Arm. This RFI aims to gather information for planning purposes, not to solicit proposals or guarantee future requests. The Robotic Arm is designed to support ECE 463 Assistive Technology Capstone projects for the academic year 2024-2025, building on previous projects that utilized gaze technology for wheelchair interfaces. Key specifications for the robotic arm include modular design, a weight of 4-7 kg, 6 or more degrees of freedom, a lifting capacity ranging from 0.5 kg to 3.5 kg, and advanced power requirements. The arm should offer real-time wireless operation, accuracy in arm movements, a functional gripper mechanism with adjustable torque, and include an API for various programming languages. Additionally, the vendor is expected to provide comprehensive system support, training, and a graphical user interface for operation monitoring. The RFI emphasizes the need for safety features and thorough documentation for effective training and maintenance. The USAFA encourages potential vendors to respond to learn more about the capabilities that match their requirements.
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