39 -- REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FOR LOW FOOTPRINT, HEAVY LIFT, PERMANENT SUPPORT PLATFORM(S)

Notice Date

September 7, 2001

Contracting Office

Smithsonian Institution, Office of Contracting, 750 9th Street, NW, Suite 6200, Washington, DC 20560-0907

ZIP Code

20560-0907

Solicitation Number

0136SOL0032

Point of Contact

Dick Gentz, 301-238-3407, Brian Biggs, 202-275-1241

Description

This request for information (RFI) solicits interest from commercial sources which may be used in developing a Solicitation/Request for Proposal (RFP) for providing The National Air and Space Museum (NASM), a Low Footprint Heavy Lift, Permanent Support Platform. The purpose of the platform is to lift the historic World War II bomber B-29 "Enola Gay" six feet, lock it in place and leave it permanently on display at the NASM- Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center now being built at Dulles International Airport, Chantilly, Virginia. This aircraft and the nearly 200 others will be seen by millions of visitors over many years. The museum's displays will contain a large number of historic or one of a kind aircraft that will remain static for long periods of time. It can be expected, however, that periodically there will be a need to change exhibits. For this reason interested parties are to submit information packages on meeting the following requirements: (1) The ability to lower and raise the aircraft without endangering the companion artifacts, using a minimum of large equipment on the floor of the museum. (2) Provide a platform or platforms that can be raised, locked in place and lowered after what may be a long period of time (up to 25 years). (3) The "Enola Gay" is a tricycle gear bomber weighting approximately 69,000lbs. The weight of the aircraft can be considered evenly divided between each of the three landing gear groups. The tires themselves will not support the weight of the aircraft. Each landing gear group will have a platform to support the main strut, holding the tire just above the surface. The size and design of the actual platforms are not a constraint. They should be large enough to support the weight while safely spreading the load (NOTE: Specific information about the dimensions and general appearance of B-29 aircraft can be found through the search sources on the internet. One example is: http://www.aero-web.org/specs/boeing/b-29.htm). (4) Safety margins, stability and ease of use are the primary goals. (5) This project will require training of Smithsonian Institution personnel on the operation and maintenance of the equipment. This Museum is being built using private funds, public funds are very limited; therefore, cost sharing or a high percentage of tax exempt donations to defray the cost through the NASM's Capital Campaign office are highly desired. Visible recognition for museum donors, depending on the amount, is a part the Museum's design. Responses to this RFI are due by 31 October 2001. No fax or E-Mail responses will be accepted. Currently no solicitation exists. This is strictly a Request for information. This request does not constitute any obligation on behalf of the Smithsonian Institution to ever issue a solicitation or to entertain proposals for the equipment. Suppliers, manufacturers, contractors, or the like, must provide any information at their own expense. Response to this RFI is to be sent to the following not later than the date indicated: Smithsonian Institution, National Air and Space Museum, Collections Division, Paul E. Garber Facility, 3904 Old Silver Hill Road, Suitland, MD 20746-3190, ATTN.: Dick Gentz. All responsible sources may submit a response which be considered.

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010911/39SOL006.HTM (W-250 SN50X0B2)