Department of Interior
Request for Information
Title: Smokejumper Beater Tool Manufacture Announcement Number: DOILFBO220011
Bureau: Bureau of Land Management Response Date: 01/21/2022
I. DISCLAIMER
a. This is a Request for Information (RFI) notice issued in accordance with FAR part 10 to conduct market research. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or Request for Quote (RFQ) or a promise to issue an RFP/RFQ in the future.
b. The Government will not pay any costs incurred in the preparation of information for responding to this market survey or the Government s use of the information. Any information submitted by respondents to this RFI is strictly voluntary. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned. This request for information does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever.
c. The Bureau of Land Management, Alaska Fire Service, is not, at the time, seeking proposals or quotes and will not accept unsolicited proposals or quotes. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future procurements.
II. PURPOSE
The Beater, Tony Tool, Swatter, or Flapper has been used for 30 plus years by Alaska firefighters as the primary fire suppression hand tool used to extinguish flames and mop up in most all the various Alaskan fuel types. It was initially developed by Tony Pastro, legendary Alaskan Smokejumper (SMJ) who served the Alaska Fire Service (AFS) for over 30 years.
The tool handle is comprised of 1 PVC pipe with a flexible nylon rod core inserted on the tool head end. The tool head is comprised of conveyor belt material stapled in a corrugated arrangement.
The flexible handle allows the user to create a whipping action with the conveyor belt head generating extra momentum and force helping to beat out the flame. Upon impact the head deprives oxygen and mixes organic material, other debris, and water from the tundra at the base of the flame with every stroke. Once the flame is extinguished, the tool will also function as a grubbing device to scrub or mop-up any remaining heat into the tundra and miscellaneous organic materials and loose soil that may be above the permafrost.
A longer handle is more helpful in creating above mentioned whip action, however for smokejumper use, the handle must be slightly reduced to fit into the boxes that contain the tool during paracargo delivery.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Alaska Fire Service Smokejumpers currently manufacture and perform all maintenance on this tool. This job is time consuming, tedious, and expensive and with the reduced staffing and increased demand, a higher quality product could be produced by a manufacturer who is able to devote more time and expertise producing a more durable product with a longer shelf life.
The purpose of this RFI is to:
1. Identify potential vendors capable of manufacturing or facilitating the manufacture of AFS Smokejumper s Beater Tool.
2. Receive industry feedback from vendors on the draft SOW and attachments. The input can be in the form of comments, questions, or suggestions.
In support of this effort, the Alaska Fire Service, BLM, is conducting market research to further refine requirements and establish the best acquisition approach. Please note that requirements defined to date may change before issuance of a final RFP/RFQ.
III. REQUIREMENTS
The solution must be able to provide the following capabilities and features, unless otherwise noted.
Requirement A: Produce 100 short handled and 100 long handled beater tools annually or as needed
Requirement B: Refurbish used beater tools
We are open to new development, ideas, and suggestions that could potentially make this tool more useful and/or increase life cycle.
The Beater Tool currently in use has a shelf life or life expectancy of an average of 10 fires or 15 years. We expect similar if not longer life cycle of newly manufactured Beater Tool.
Also provide the following business information:
1. Company name
2. DUNS number
3. Mailing address
4. E-mail address
5. Telephone number
6. Web site address (if available)
7. Business Size and Eligibility under U.S. Government socio-economic programs (i.e., type of business - large, small, small-disadvantaged, Woman-owned, veteran-owned, or 8(a)) under North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code associated with the project.
8. Confirm if your company is registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).
9. Any comments, questions, or suggestions related to the draft SOW and attachments
IV. RESPONSES
Responses are requested by 5:00pm Alaska Standard time 01/21/2022 Any response received after this date will also be considered but may not be included in initial reporting or assessments.
All responses should be submitted electronically in PDF format and emailed to the point of contact: Stacie Oaks, soaks@blm.gov The subject line of the email should read as follows RFI: DOILFBO220011 Smokejumper Beater Tool
Respondents must submit capability statements and information describing the general approach/solution to addressing the listed requirements. General marketing information or reference to vendor web sites will not be considered responsive to this notice. No telephone, mail, or fax responses will be accepted.
