RFI QA_12_04_2024.xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 17 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- AM-RFI-11182024
About this file
This is a Questions and Answers document for an RFI regarding CBP's planned conversion of 15 UH-60L and 2 HH-60 aircraft to UH-60L Prime variants. The document confirms a one-week extension of the RFI response deadline to December 13, 2024, and clarifies that best estimates for pricing and scheduling are required, not formal proposals, as this is for market research purposes.
Key details include that CBP will provide most A and B kits for major systems like Garmin 750Xi GPS units, Astronautics Roadrunner instruments, and rescue hoist equipment, while contractors must procure commercially available items like the L3 ESI-500 EFIS and Robertson 200-gallon fuel tank system. The work involves PMI-1 and PMI-2 inspections before modifications begin, with discrepancies handled as over and above work. The two HH-60 conversions require removal of MEDEVAC equipment and installation of gunner's windows. CBP requires SRD approval for modifications and confirms that blade de-ice systems must be maintained. Training is not required as most systems are already fielded in other Blackhawk variants.
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| File | Type | Posted |
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| MLH RFI UH-60L Conversion Effort.docx | DOCX document |
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Sheet1
REFERENCE ISSUE/CONCERN QUESTION GOVERNMENT RESPONSE
| N/A | Will the Government provide an RFI submission date extension so that respondents may have time to review answers to questions before committing solutions/responses? | Yes. The Government will authorize a 1-week extension to 13 December 2024 for responses. | |
| 2.0 Request | Will the HH-60L come with the cut outs completed for the gunner windows? If Not will the GFE and or the source data (both digital and paper) install instructions be included? If not will CBP consider this a new NRE effort with all of the qualifications required per AR 70-62 SRD airworthiness requirements. | Fifteen conversions will be stock US Army UH-60L airframes which will already be configured with gunner's windows. Two conversions will be HH-60 airframes which will not have gunners windows at the time of delivery to the modification vendor. It is the Government's expectation that the modification vendor will perform the necessary modifications to install the gunner's windows in the two HH60 aircraft using documentation and materiel provided by the Government. | |
| 2.0 Request | it is understood the 5 PMI's will be a separate effort under this RFI? Will this effort be a Cost-Plus effort and a different task order? If not will an O&A line on the case be established? | Yes, The additional PMI's, beyond the seventeen associated with the aircraft being modified, would be requested under a separate task order. The modification vendor would be expected to provide a price and duration for either a PMI-1 or a PMI-2, and discrepancies or other scheduled maintenance would be performed as over and above. A separate Over and Above line of funding would be provided. | |
| 3.0 Planned Modifications | Will the "A" kits be part of the GFE? If not will CBP provide the source drawing and the installation instructions? Additionally, if components listed on the list are not SRD qualified or obsolete will CBP pay for the NRE and fight testing to qualify a substitute? It is understood that the Garmin 750Xi has never been qualified by SRD for install in the current CBP UH-60 series of US Army Prototype Integration Facility modified (PIF) UH and HH series UH-60's? Does this mean that CBP will self-certify this and other components and all risks associated with its integration? It is understood that the only CBP aircraft that have the Integrated provision for the breeze eastern electric hoist are the 2 HH-60L's. Is it CBP's intention to integrate the Integrated Hoist Modification on the 15 UH-60Ls. If So will CBP fund the NRE, and testing required for this extensive airframe modification? Or is CBP willing to accept the ESSS external Hoist Modification that is already AWR on CBP aircraft? | Yes, the Government anticipates providing the A Kit and B Kit for the following systems with the exception of wiring and integration equipment: Dual Garmin 750Xi GPS / Comm / Nav units, Dual Astronautics “Roadrunner” Digital ADI / HSI units, Garmin 345RT Transponder unit, TDFM 9300 Secure Mission Radio, Eagle ICS Router and Audio Panels (6ea), Shotover Mission Management / Moving Map system, Macro Blue Mission Management Display Screens, FRIES Fast Rope Bar System, Martin Baker Gunner’s Seats with Floor Pallet, Outerlink CP3i Satellite Tracking Device, HEELS Cabin Emergency Lighting system, Integrated Rescue Hoist Mount system, Breeze Eastern Electric Rescue Hoist, Trakkabeam Searchlight system, Aft Transition Area Avionics Door, Antennas For New Radios. The Government has the expectation that the modification vendor will procure all related commercially available equipment for the following systems: L3 ESI-500 EFIS Standby Instrument, Shadin Dual Engine Fuel Flow System, Robertson 200 Gallon Internal Auxiliary Fuel Tank System, Artex 406 MHz ELT, Motorola APX Handheld Radio Cradle, Meeker Sponson Mounts and Steps. CBP is working an alternate option to SRD qualification under our own airworthiness authorization which would be acceptable to SRD which may remove the requirement to qualify as similar certain items. If items cannot be approved via alternate methods, CBP will request the modification vendor perform NRE and testing as necessary. Regarding the integral hoist mount, CBP is working with the original equipment manufacturer, seeking to procure engineering approval and kits for fifteen UH60L aircraft, which according to current plans would be installed by the modification vendor. No additional engineering or approval will be necessary. Integration of the hoists would mirror the existing drawings developed for our HH60L variant. All Integral Hoist Mount airframe parts will be provided by the Government. | |
| 3.0 Planned Modifications | If CBP requires SRD AWR approval for continued participation in the US Army supply system will CBP perform and coordinate the "surveys" or will the contractor be required to conduct and complete the SRD surveys for continued AWR support? | CBP will work either directly, or through the Army UHPO, to coordinate and facilitate the CAA "Surveys" required for ongoing logistics pool access related to these aircraft. The modification vendor will not need to be part of this planning or coordination. | |
| 4.0 Responses | This para does not mention the 2 HH-60L's was this an omission or a separate effort? It is understood that the Gunners windows will need to be integrated, and all other associated A kitting required. Example the Crew Chief Seat bars and new flooring. Will all these additional components be provided as GFE? If not, it is understood the PIF has manufactured many of these components with an incumbent contractor. This is a disadvantage and a cost driver if new NRE effort is required. What is CBP's approach to limiting the potential new NRE and cost associated? | Yes, this was an omission. The combined conversion effort includes fifteen UH60L to "UH60L-Prime" and two HH60 to "HH60L-Prime". The Government is requesting a combined response covering both conversions describing the different details associated with each variant. Regarding components associated with the gunners windows or other airframe components formally produced by the PIF or its subcontractors for our aircraft, CBP is currently researching alternate options for procuring these parts. All drawings associated with our HH60L variants are CBP owned and could be furnished to a manufacturer for production. CBP welcomes options to reduce cost and may entertain alternate options for acquiring special built parts other than purchase through the PIF. NRE should not be required if parts are built to specifications already approved under our existing HH60L variant drawings. | |
| 2 Interest and Capabilities | Firm Fixed VS Cost Plus: The aircraft are understood to be procured from US Army Best. | Some of the aircraft will likely be procured through the Army's BEST program, but this will not be included in the modification contract. The Government would like to understand potential vendor's preference on the contract vehicle for this type of modification effort - Firm Fixed Price or Cost Plus. | |
| 2 Interest and Capabilities | Because the aircraft are to be sourced from the Best Program, does CBP have a check list or a scoring method of grading the aircraft for induction into the Mod program? If not would the contractor be required to perform this duty? Additionally, if the airframes are not consistently the same, will CBP consider making the complete mod effort Cost Plus? It is understood that the PMI inspections Area 1-6 can be quoted as Firm Fixed but any additional maintenance above the inspections will need to be renegotiated either cost plus, or an over and above (O&A) authorization. Is this the approach that CBP is pursuing? | CBP does not have plans to "score" or "grade" each specific aircraft. CBP will seek to acquire aircraft which are in acceptable condition and the modification vendor will evaluate each particular aircraft as to condition during the PMI 1 and PMI-2 which will be performed before starting the modification process. At the conclusion of the Dual PMI 1&2 inspection, the modification vendor will provide a list of discrepancies found with parts and estimated labor hours required to fix each discrepancy. Discrepancies will be handled as over and above. | |
| Section 3 Technical Approach | It is understood that AR 70-62 will be the guide for AWRs. If SRD is not included in local or non-flight-critical items will CBP self-certify the efforts. If not is CBP prepared for the cost and schedule associated with the SRD approval? It is understood for CBP to continue using the US Army supply system that all flight critical items are to be utilized IAW with all US Army usage spectrum data. If CBP intends to extend the usage spectrum, will CBP accept the cost and schedule associated? Example T-901 engine integration? | CBP is in negotiations with SRD regarding FAA commercial certificated approvals for certain equipment on our fleet, but at this juncture we have a requirement to achieve SRD approval. | |
| 5.0 | RFI Submission Requirement | Is the RFI Response in its entirety due by the 6th of Dec? | The Government will authorize a 1-week extension to 13 December 2024 for responses. |
| 2.0 | Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) | Will the Gov't provide a comprehensive list of the GFE with part numbers that will be included so industry can estimate procurement demands that will be needed? | Yes, a comprehensive list of Government Furnished Equipment, with part numbers, will be provided. |
| 3.0 | Draft Planned Modifications | Does the Gov't intend to provide the "A Kits" to the proposed modifications while the awarded contractors procure and install the "B Kits" for the modifications? | The Government anticipates providing the A Kit and B Kit for the following systems with the exception of wiring and integration equipment: Dual Garmin 750Xi GPS / Comm / Nav units, Dual Astronautics “Roadrunner” Digital ADI / HSI units, Garmin 345RT Transponder unit, TDFM 9300 Secure Mission Radio, Eagle ICS Router and Audio Panels (6ea), Shotover Mission Management / Moving Map system, Macro Blue Mission Management Display Screens, FRIES Fast Rope Bar System, Martin Baker Gunner’s Seats with Floor Pallet, Outerlink CP3i Satellite Tracking Device, HEELS Cabin Emergency Lighting system, Integrated Rescue Hoist Mount system, Breeze Eastern Electric Rescue Hoist, Trakkabeam Searchlight system, Aft Transition Area Avionics Door, Antennas For New Radios. The Government has the expectation that the modification vendor will procure all related commercially available equipment for the following systems: L3 ESI-500 EFIS Standby Instrument, Shadin Dual Engine Fuel Flow System, Robertson 200 Gallon Internal Auxiliary Fuel Tank System, Artex 406 MHz ELT, Motorola APX Handheld Radio Cradle, Meeker Sponson Mounts and Steps. |
| 3.0 | Draft Planned Modifications | Will CBP consider an alternative to AFT Transition Door Modification, a major structural modification? | ||
| Replacing and removal of multiple existing obsolete systems and US Army systems provides space and power for CBP upgrades. | CBP is committed to keeping as many systems as possible similar to the existing fleet, therefore the current plan is to install the aft avionics access door and avionics racks like are installed in our HH60L aircraft. Despite this plan, the Government would welcome alternate ideas to consider, both in this planned system, and others. We understand the very real challenge that obsolescence presents and appreciate industry's advice or suggestions in combatting these concerns. | |||
| 3.0 | Draft Planned Modifications | Will CBP consider deleting the Blade De-Ice (BDI) System or replacing with new one piece BDI LRU system? | CBP requires a working blade deice system to allow our aircraft to operate in Northern regions of the US and when aircraft are used for high mountain rescue events. We will not consider eliminating this system. We are unfamiliar with the new system described, but would welcome information on a potentially better system. | |
| 3.0 | Draft Planned Modifications | Will CBP accept same safety risk as US Army for MB Side Facing Gunner Seat with Floor Pallet MWO - Crashworthiness? | Yes, CBP has accepted the Martin Baker side facing gunner's seat system in the same way that the Army has. | |
| 3.0 | Draft Planned Modifications | Will CBP consider replacing the IHIRSS (for Engine Suppression) with Straight Exhaust System (same as UH-60A, MH-60R, S-70i/M) for weight savings, reduced drag, and increased power? | Although there may be advantages to returning to the straight exhausts, because the aircraft planned for this modification will already include IHIRSS exhausts, it would be an unnecessary expense to the Government to replace these systems. CBP operates IHIRSS on all other variants of Blackhawks in our fleet, with the suppressor baffles removed. | |
| 2.0 | Request | Will CBP provide PMI-1 and 2 Maintenance Kits GFE or will vendors have to procure? | The Government does not intend to provide a "Hubb" or expendable kit for each PMI requested under this effort. The modification vendor should anticipate the need to procure either a Hubb kit, or individual items as necessary. | |
| 3.0 | Draft Planned Modifications | When will CBP provide B-Kit modification items: Parts, Interface Control Drawings, Supplement Manuals to contractor after contract award to develop estimated aircraft modification schedule? | GFE shall be made available according to the offerors schedule for the prototype effort and subsequent production aircraft, but no earlier than successful completion of the Critical Design Review for the prototype. Drawings and necessary documentation will be provided, according to the modification vendor's schedule, when necessary after award to facilitate design, procurement and planning. | |
| 3.0 | Draft Planned Modifications | Will CBP provide 60L TMs and accept commercial supplement manuals? | CBP will provide the needed H60L Army Technical Manuals. All maintenance will be performed in accordance with these manuals and civilian commercial variants of the manuals should not be substituted. | |
| 3.0 | Draft Planned Modifications | Will vendors be required to provide Pilot and Crew Training for the system upgrades? | ||
| If yes, quantity of Pilots, Maintainers, Flight Hours expected for transition training or new crew? | At this time the Government does not anticipate the need for training on these systems as the majority of systems are already fielded in other Blackhawk variants. | |||
| 4.0 | Responses Section 3: Technical Approach Document | Will CBP consider revising to add FAA Requirements for commercial system upgrades "Venders approach to the modifications must comply with U.S. Army Systems Readiness Directorate (SRD) requirements or FAA Commercial Standard Requirements". | CBP is in negotiations with SRD regarding FAA commercial certificated approvals on our fleet, but at this juncture we have a requirement to achieve SRD approval. | |
| 3.0 | Draft Planned Modifications | Will CBP require on the (2) HH-60L removal of the MEDEVAC KIT and structural modification for installation of the Gunner Windows? | Yes, The two conversions of the HH-60 airframes will require removal of any remaining MEDEVAC equipment and installation of the gunner's windows. It is the Government's expectation that the modification vendor will perform the necessary modifications to install the gunner's windows in the two HH60 aircraft using documentation and materiel provided by the Government. | |
| 5.0 | RFI Submission Requirement |
When will answers to RFI questions be provided to vendors?
| December 4th | |||
| 4.0 | Responses Section 2:Interest and Capabilities: Item #3 Price Estimate | When will vendors price estimate be required post CBP RFI answers? | December 13th. These should be best estimates. This is not an RFP and we are not looking for a formal price proposal. This RFI is being used for market research purposes. |
| 4.0 | Responses Section 2:Interest and Capabilities: Item #4 Schedule Estimate | When will vendors schedule estimate be required post CBP RFI answers? | December 13th. These should be best estimates. This RFI is being used for market research purposes. |
| 3.0 | Draft Planned Modifications | Will CBP on the Robertson 200 Gal Internal Aux Fuel Tank System also provide the Aux Fuel Pump Package, Plumbing Lines, Aux Fuel Transfer System, and Structural Attachment Interface Fittings? | The Government has the expectation that the modification vendor will procure all related commercially available equipment for the Robertson 200 Gallon Internal Auxiliary Fuel Tank System. Commercially unavailable equipment will be provided by the Government if necessary. The aux tank internal pump will come with the 200 gallon fuel tank and the CEFS pump should be part of the existing aircraft. Integration will be accomplished either to match the system designed by the PIF on our HH60L aircraft, or may, at the Government's request, be simplified to utilize only one pump, similar to how our existing fielded UH60L aircraft are configured. |
| 3.0 | Draft Planned Modifications | Will CBP on the Robertson 200 Gal Internal Aux Fuel Tank System require the APU Pump Handle Relocation for access when installed? | Yes, This is part of the modifications needed when installing the 200 gallon internal aux tank. The modification vendor should anticipate the need to relocate the APU pump handle in accordance with Government provided drawings. |
| 3.0 | Draft Planned Modifications | Will CBP for the Integrated Rescue Hoist Mount System provide all the airframe structural parts? | CBP is working with the original equipment manufacturer, seeking to procure engineering approval and kits for fifteen UH60L aircraft, which according to current plans would be installed by the modification vendor. No additional engineering or approval will be necessary. Integration of the hoists would mirror the existing drawings developed for our HH60L variant. All airframe parts will be provided by the Government. |
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