HH-60W DVES Program Information.docx

HH-60W Degraded Visual Environment System (DVES) Program Information

1.0 Introduction: The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Helicopter Sustainment Branch (WIH) at Robins AFB, GA, is conducting a Sources Sought Market Research effort in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 10. This effort aims to identify potential sources and assess industry's capabilities for providing Degraded Visual Environment System (DVES) capabilities for the HH-60W fleet. This includes:

· A-Kit and B-Kit Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD)

· Air Vehicle (AV) Test and Evaluation (T&E)

· Full Rate Production (FRP)

· Retrofit installation activities

· Associated concurrency modifications to HH-60W training devices

2.0 Background: The Helicopter Sustainment Branch is contracting for a Degraded Visual Environment System (DVES) to enhance HH-60W Personnel Recovery/Combat Search and Rescue mission capabilities. The DVES will integrate with existing HH-60W systems, providing real-time terrain/obstacle mapping, audible/visual alerts, and improved situational awareness to mitigate hazards associated with degraded visibility (e.g., smoke, sand, fog) during operations from austere locations in all environments.

3.0 Objective: The Air Force is conducting market research to identify potential sources for Degraded Visual Environment System (DVES) solutions for the HH-60W fleet. This Sources Sought Notice seeks information on industry capabilities for Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD), Test & Evaluation (T&E), Full Rate Production (FRP), retrofit installation, and training device modifications related to DVES integration.

4.0 DVES Requirements: The Helicopter Sustainment Branch seeks a comprehensive DVES solution that meets the following anticipated requirements.

4.1 Key Performance Parameters (KPP)

Real-time sensor

Imagery resolution

Real-time display Sensor/database imagery shall be available for view simultaneously on all cockpit and cabin MFDs with tactical flight symbology overlaid.

Same as threshold.

ATTRIBUTE

Mission debriefs Sensor imagery shall be record-able and available for simultaneous playback with overlaid tactical flight symbology.

Same as threshold.

4.2 Key System Attributes (KSA)

KEY SYSTEM ATTRIBUTES

4.3 Helmet Mounted Display (HMD): Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) integration is not within the scope of this effort. HMD capabilities may be considered in future acquisition activities.

4.4 Maturity Level Requirements: The Government is seeking mature, readily available solutions based on technologies with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 8-9 and a Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) of 9 or above. Demonstrated KPP/KSA capabilities are required at the time of proposal submittal, not projected future performance.

4.5 Data Rights and Licensing: The U.S. Government (USG) requires detailed information regarding data rights associated with all software code, including, but not limited to: executable code, computer databases, computer software documentation, models (e.g., SysML), source code, code listings, design details, processes, flow charts, and related materials necessary to reproduce, recreate, or recompile the software.

5.0 Information Submittal Format: Respondents shall submit DVES KPPs and KSAs in a table format. The table must include each KPP/KSA and indicate whether the proposed solution 'meets,' 'exceeds,' or 'does not meet' the requirement. Examples are provided below; however, the Government will accept the Contractor's preferred format.

Example KPP Table:

Example KSA Table:

5.1 KPP/KSA Compliance: Contractor assessed KPP and KSA must represent demonstrated capabilities at the time of proposal submittal, not anticipated future performance based on development timelines.

6.0 Schedule Information: Respondents shall provide a program schedule, including timelines for system availability for lab and mission system integration, and overall system lead times.

· Target Schedule: For planning purposes, assume a prototyping demonstration no later than 2QFY28, with deliveries beginning at 2QFY30. Assess the risk of meeting this target schedule as high, moderate, or low.

· Alternative Schedule: While the target schedule represents the desired timeframe, respondents are also encouraged to indicate if a more accelerated schedule is feasible. If the proposed approach can deliver sooner than the target, or cannot meet the target, provide an alternative schedule outlining achievable timelines.

7.0 Response Guidelines: Respondents to this RFI shall response submit evidence demonstrating their current capabilities to manufacture, install, and sustain DVE systems, software, and sensors as described in this notice. While respondents may address one or more individual DVE components, submissions should also include relevant partnership information to demonstrate the ability to deliver a complete, integrated DVE system solution.

Submit all documents in easily readable PDF format, with a total page limit of 15 pages.

8.0 Additional Information:

· Future Participation: Failure to respond to this Sources Sought Notice does not preclude participation in any future Request for Proposal (RFP).

· Small Business Participation: Small businesses are highly encouraged to respond to this announcement. Your input will assist AFLCMC in determining potential levels of competition and establishing a basis for any subsequent small business subcontracting plan goal percentages.

· Acquisition Strategy: The acquisition strategy for this requirement is still under development. Market research results will inform the Air Force's determination regarding whether the acquisition will be full-and-open, a small business set-aside, or a sole-source acquisition.

· Prime/Subcontractor Interest: Respondents should clearly indicate whether they are interested in serving as a prime contractor or a subcontractor for this requirement.

8.1 FAR 15.201(e) Compliance: In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not considered offers and cannot be accepted by the U.S. Government to form a binding contract.

8.2 SAM.gov Monitoring: It is the responsibility of all interested parties to monitor the System for Award Management (SAM) database at sam.gov for any additional information pertaining to this announcement.

9.0 Disclaimers: The following disclaimers apply to this Sources Sought Notice.

· This is a Sources Sought Notice Only: This notice constitutes a Sources Sought announcement only. It is not a Request for Quotation (RFQ), Request for Proposal (RFP), or an invitation to bid. This announcement does not obligate the Government to issue a solicitation or award a contract. The Government reserves the right to utilize any acquisition approach deemed appropriate. The Government will not be responsible for any costs incurred by respondents in furnishing information in response to this Sources Sought notice or any subsequent requests for information. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.

· No Proposals Accepted: AFLCMC is not accepting or soliciting proposals at this time. Unsolicited proposals will not be considered.