A JBER airman's cargo-cart idea is out to bid, with quotes due Aug. 27

An Alaska Air National Guard airman's idea for unloading cargo without a K-loader is out to bid, with quotes due Aug. 27 at noon Alaska time. Senior Airman Juan Ortega of the 176th Logistics Readiness Squadron proposed it through JBER's Arctic Spark Innovation Lab after seeing how hard K-loaders are to move off-site, the 176th Wing said in 2024.

The solicitation seeks engineering and fabrication of a Version 2.0 Logistics Operational Device cart, with fit-checks and operational testing at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. The design must align with both C-17 and C-130 aircraft ramp and roller systems without any modifications to either aircraft.

The firm fixed-price contract calls for two carts within four months of award, each carrying at least 10,355 pounds and linking into pallet trains. Bidders must be able to obtain JBER base access.

The squadron was testing Version 1.0 last year. **Friday's notice extended the deadline, not opened it.** The Guard office buying them is still answering bidders' questions.