Sources Sought Questions from Vendors.pdf

Sources Sought Questions and Answers

1. The USAF conveyed at DVES Industry Day and within the original SRD that the Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) was originally planned to be assessed under this acquisition. Is the intent of excluding the requirement for an HMD from this Sources Sought Announcement to direct the acquisition to currently certified DVE solutions within DoD inventory?

The exclusion of the Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) from the current Sources Sought Announcement is not intended to direct the acquisition to currently certified DVE solutions within the DoD inventory. The decision is based on a strategic approach to de-risk the program by prioritizing the fielding of a mature, baseline DVE capability. The integration of an HMD is a complex undertaking with its own set of technical and integration challenges. The Government has determined that these challenges are best addressed in a separate, future acquisition effort. This approach allows the program to focus on delivering a core DVE solution to the warfighter in a more timely and efficient manner.

2. Why is this helmet mounted display requirement being excluded from this effort at this point?

The requirement for a Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) has been excluded from the present effort due to evolving program priorities and budgetary constraints. The primary objective of this acquisition is to address the most critical operational need, which is the immediate fielding of a functional Degraded Visual Environment System (DVES). The inclusion of the HMD at this stage would introduce a level of complexity and cost that is not aligned with the current program objectives. The Government's focus is on a rapid and affordable acquisition of a baseline DVE capability.

3. The Sources Sought Announcement says the DVES solution should be integrated to the “maximum extent practical.” Will this require access to source code within any existing HH-60W LRUs (displays, mission computers, control display units) or is a stand-alone federated system sufficient?

The Government’s intent is to achieve a high degree of interoperability with the existing HH-60W’s Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) architecture. This level of integration is necessary to ensure seamless data fusion, reduce pilot workload, and maximize the overall effectiveness of the DVES solution. The government will review all proposed solutions, including any proprietary data exclusions for specific components and source code, to determine the feasibility of integration.

4. With the reduction in potential functions that a stand-alone federated system offers (such as HMD), is the intent to limit the DVES solutions industry can offer?

The performance and integration requirements outlined in the Sources Sought Announcement are the result of a thorough analysis of operational needs, technical feasibility, and programmatic constraints. The Government retains the right to define its requirements in a manner that it believes will best meet the needs of the warfighter and ensure the long-term success of the program. The reduction in potential functions is a deliberate trade-off to prioritize the timely delivery of a core DVE capability.

5. During the DVES Industry Day in June 2025, it was stated that the HMD capability had moved from an Objective to Threshold requirement. Was the HMD requirement formally removed from the SRD and/or 1067?

Yes, the Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) requirement has been removed as a current requirement. This decision was made to de-risk the program by prioritizing the fielding of a mature, baseline DVE capability first. At this time there is no requirement for HMD.

6. If the HMD is planned to be a separate acquisition, what is the target acquisition timeline (RFP, award)?

The acquisition timeline for the separate HMD effort has not yet been defined. The program's current focus is on the successful acquisition and fielding of the baseline DVES solution.

7. If the DVES and HMD acquisition are separate efforts, will there be a requirement for the two disparate systems to integrate with each other?

The future HMD solution will be required to integrate seamlessly with the DVES solution procured under the current effort. The overarching goal is a cohesive system that enhances pilot situational awareness and reduces workload, which necessitates a high degree of integration between the two systems.

8. In reference to the Sources Sought, will it be acceptable for the DVES solution to be fully federated?

No, a fully federated, stand-alone system is not considered sufficient. As stated previously, the government’s intent is to achieve a high degree of interoperability with the existing HH-60W’s Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) architecture to ensure seamless data fusion and maximize overall system effectiveness.

9. Will commercial systems with FAA/EASA certifications be considered for the DVES solution?

While commercial systems with FAA/EASA certifications will be considered, these certifications do not supersede the requirement to meet all specifications outlined in the solicitation. Any proposed solution, commercial or otherwise, must demonstrate its ability to meet the required Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL), operate effectively in the military environment, and integrate with the specified military avionics architecture.