Radio Frequency Identification

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions (RFIs) regarding solicitation F3YTAK6021A001, specifically addressing Part III of the Q&A.

• Hardware Architecture: Clarity is sought on the required hardware, including fixed/tabletop RFID readers, handheld RFID devices, mobile device quantities, and specific equipment for issue/turn-in stations. The 552 LSS requires a standalone computer, RFID readers, handheld devices, 1000 RFID tags, and 513 Barcodes.
• Substitution Boundaries: The solicitation uses "or equal" language for specific product references. The Government needs to define allowable substitution boundaries for tablets, handhelds, routers, printers, and related peripherals, which will be limited to within the Armory.
• Live Tracking: It is unclear if live tracking/monitoring requirements are in scope for this single-armory procurement. The 552 LSS desires live tracking/monitoring.
• Lifetime Support: Clarification is needed on whether "upgrades" in lifetime support include major version upgrades. The 552 LSS prefers 5-year support including upgrades and version upgrades, not lifetime support.
• TAA Compliance: Concerns exist regarding the requirement or permission of non-TAA compliant (Chinese-made) equipment for this sensitive arms room accountability system. The Government states there is no Chinese-made equipment.

These clarifications address ambiguities in hardware requirements, substitution policies, scope of work (live tracking), support duration, and TAA compliance, which may impact how vendors prepare their proposals and the specific equipment they propose.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides clarifications and answers to questions related to Solicitation F3YTAK6021A001.

• Lifetime Support Scope: Clarification is sought on whether "lifetime support" includes security patches, minor releases, major upgrades, and support through product end-of-life. The government's interpretation is that it includes security patches, minor releases, and upgrades.
• Licensing Model: The intended licensing model needs clarification, specifically whether "tracked personnel" are distinct from "licensed users." The government indicates that only licensed users will be 552 IPE personnel (9 people).
• Permissible Implementation Activities: Clarification is requested regarding implementation activities permitted despite a prohibition on custom software development. The government confirms that WASP, Smart Rack, and WSA are permissible.

These clarifications address key aspects of the solicitation, including support scope, licensing, and permissible activities, which may impact bidder proposals and understanding of requirements.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation F3YTAK6021A001 for an RFID system.

• Total RFID Tags: 1000 tags are required.
• Barcodes: 513 barcodes are required, of type barcode, QR code, or UID.
• Tracking Stations: 2 stations are required for Issues and Turn-ins.
• Tracking Location: Tracking will take place within the armory.
• Alarm/Alert Capability: No RFID and alarm capability is desired at doorways to trigger alerts for unauthorized exits. No RFID-tagged weapons or items will be stored near doorways.
• System Scope: The system is intended for a single armory only. There is no separate requirement for Air Force Research and Development operations.

This document clarifies specific quantitative and qualitative requirements of the solicitation, directly impacting how vendors should propose their solutions.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This document outlines the "Salient Characteristics" for an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system to be used by the 552 Logistics Support Squadron.

• Systems Interoperability: Requires tightly integrated hardware and software modules with specified SDKs and APIs for plug-and-play functionality. No custom software development is permitted.

• Hardware Components: The system must include:

  • 1x Standalone computer
  • 4x RFID Mobile Devices
  • 2x RFID Readers
  • 1x RFID HUB
  • 2x Barcode Printers

• System Functionality: The computer-based system must support stand-alone deployment, warehouse-specific rule mapping, and integration with barcodes from manufacturers. It must be able to perform transactions via scanning barcodes and passive RFID tags (less than 10x510mm, with durable adhesive).

• RFID Infrastructure: The system must have the option of providing an RFID infrastructure including fixed readers, antennas, and handheld readers.

• Key Tasks: Specific tasks include:

  • Alerting users when items pass without authorization.
  • Checking in equipment using antenna structures.
  • Performing inventory operations using RFID antennas, handheld readers, portals, spans, and arrays.

• Software Capabilities:

  • User Management: Integrated, permission-based user capabilities with administrator control over accounts and permissions.
  • Personnel Tracking: A dedicated page to show personnel conducting transactions, with tracking of all transactions and assignment to squadrons/wings.
  • Receiving Items: Adherence to Air Force standards and regulations for receiving items, generating receipts, and marking items as serviceable or unserviceable.
  • Hardware Compliance: All hardware must meet DOD mandates.
  • Mobile Operations: Requires Windows or Android-based mobile handheld scanners capable of loading inventory data, performing offline inventories, and conducting RFID inventories.
  • User Manuals/Tutorials: Imbedded training elements, including manuals and videos with step-by-step guides and pictures, accessible offline.
  • Issuing Items: Independent page for issuing items, adhering to Air Force standards, producing electronic hand receipts, capturing digital signatures, and logging system users. Barcodes and RFID tags must be scannable.

• Tagging Options: Support for 1D Barcodes, 2D Barcodes, IUID DOD Barcodes, Passive RFID tags, and Active RFID tags (with inherent ability to add future tags).

• Tool Finder: Ability to assist in finding lost tools using a handheld RFID/RTLS reader with a verbal alert.

• Tool Crib Inventory: Capability to conduct a tool crib RFID inventory of 5000 items in less than 5 minutes.

• Mobile Inventory: Allow remote mobile inventory operations using RFID, providing tool data, expected locations, and identifying incorrect locations or quantities.

• Item Data: Provide data on shelf life, end of life, maintenance dates, manufacture dates, and usage status upon scanning.

• Tagging Equipment: Ability to apply tags to selected equipment that connect to the System Database and Unique Item ID.

• Business Rules & Workflow: Include business rules and workflows for R&D and T&E operations, tracking specified activities live, alerting on R&D/T&E tool movements, and tracking time spent in test areas.

• Tool Kit Inventory: Inventory tool kits with handheld RFID scanners without opening toolboxes, with instantaneous results syncing to the main database.

• Tool Cart Monitoring: Live monitoring of tool carts in secure locations, with inventory completed remotely in less than 2 minutes.

• RFID inventory of 5000 items in less than 5 minutes.

• Tool cart inventory in less than 2 minutes.

• System must provide alerts for unauthorized item movement, incorrect quantities, and items in wrong locations.

• System must track time spent in test areas.

Not specified in this document.

• All hardware must meet DOD mandates.
• No custom software development.
• System must be capable of operating in harsh environmental conditions (extreme cold, heat, submersion in water, extended deployment times).
• RFID tags must be durable and withstand cleaning solvents and corrosive chemicals.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, issued in accordance with FAR 12.6. The Air Force Sustainment Center Operational Division (AFSC/PZIOA) at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, intends to award a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract for a Radio Frequency Identification System. This announcement serves as the only solicitation; no separate written solicitation will be issued.

• A fully automated, advanced equipment and weapons tracking system.

• The system must utilize CAC's, Personal Identification Numbers (PIN's), IUID tags, and 2-Dimensional (2D) bar-coding for inventory, tracking, tracing, accounting, maintenance, issuing, and receiving of critical and non-critical armory property.

• Equipment includes, but is not limited to: 1D/2D/IUID/RFID reader, 1 RFID Handheld Device (MC 3190Z RFID scanner), Dell Venue 11 Tablet, docking station, AV Cart, CAC reader, touch screen, UPS Back Up, antennas, router TLSG1008, scanner charging base with extra battery, and SmarTrack ST-RFID-SA, or equal.

• Contractor must provide all necessary equipment, software, hardware, and tools for delivery, installation, and support.

• RFID tags must be durable, rugged, fit all assets (including firearms, accessories, non-lethal weapons, and magazines), and be 5mm in length, 5mm in width, and 3mm in height (unless a different size is required for specific equipment).

• The system must have the capability to add/remove tags and track additional inventory items.

• The system must notify armorers of items not returned by designated times.

• Hardware (servers, laptops/tablets, printers) warranted for 5 years or manufacturer's standard warranty.

• RFID equipment and barcode printers warranted for 3 years or manufacturer's standard warranty.

• Software must be perpetual, one-time purchase licenses with lifetime support.

• Installation and warranty to be provided by the contractor.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP)

• Destination: Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma

• Quotations are due by 17 April 2026, 3:00 PM CST.

• Submission Method: Emailed proposals only.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Award will be conducted and evaluated under FAR Part 12 (Commercial Items) and FAR 13.5 (Simplified Acquisition Procedures).

• Evaluation Factors: Technical Capability and Price. Offers will be evaluated as technically acceptable first, then price will be considered for award.

• The Government reserves the right to award no contract.

• The Government may reject unrealistic offers.

• Offerors must provide their CAGE and DUNS with their offer.

• Submit a dated Offer Schedule marked with solicitation number FA8136RXX17.

• Facsimile proposals will not be accepted.

• Not explicitly stated as a set-aside, but evaluation is for responsible offerors.

• Contact Information: Darrius Miller (Contracting Officer) at darrius.miller.2@us.af.mil and Lt. Makenzie Kirby (Contracting Specialist) at makenzie.kirby@us.af.mil.

• NAICS Code: 334419

• Numerous FAR/DFARS clauses are incorporated by reference and in full text, including those related to commercial items, representations and certifications, and payment instructions (WAWF).