Sources Sought Announcement - HH-60W DVES.docx

Sources Sought Announcement - Degraded Visual Environment System (DVES) Helicopter Sustainment Branch

AFLCMC/WIHB

1.0 Notice

This Sources Sought is for informational purposes and market research only; it is not a solicitation. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for expenses associated with preparing or submitting information in response to this notice. The Government may use the information provided to develop its acquisition strategy, statement of work/objectives, and performance specifications. Respondents are responsible for clearly marking any proprietary or competition-sensitive information contained in their submissions.

2.0 Scope

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

3.0 Background

The Helicopter Sustainment Branch plans to award a new contract to integrate Degraded Visual Environment System (DVES) operational capability and safety enhancement upgrades into the HH-60W weapon system. These upgrades must be compatible with existing HH-60W sensors, displays, navigation, and flight management systems, and the added system weight must not negatively impact aircraft performance or mission capabilities. The HH-60W's primary mission is worldwide Personnel Recovery (PR) and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), requiring operation from established and austere bases in all environments, day or night, regardless of weather conditions or threat level, including nuclear, biological, and chemical environments The DVES solution shall provide real-time hazard detection in both enroute and terminal areas, displaying this information clearly on cockpit and cabin displays. It shall be designed to function effectively in a variety of DVE, including those created by:

· Ambient/Artificial Conditions: Smoke, rain, clouds, snow, smog, night, flat light, sand/dust.

· Aircraft-Induced Conditions: Brownout/whiteout.

4.0 Requested Information

4.1 Company Information

1. Company Name

2. Address

3. Point of Contact (include phone number and email address)

4. CAGE Code

5. Web Page URL

6. State the country of ownership for the company

7. State whether the company is a non-traditional defense contractor

4.2 Based on the 336411 NAICS Code, state whether your company is (Yes/No format):

1. Large Business

2. Small Business

3. Woman Owned Small Business

4. Small Disadvantaged Business

5. 8(a) Certified

6. HUBZone Certified

7. Veteran Owned Small Business

8. Service-Disabled Veteran Small Business

9. System for Award Management (SAM)

10. A statement as to whether your company is domestically or foreign owned (if foreign, please indicate the country of ownership) If you are a Small Business (SB, WOSB, SDB, 8(a), HUBZone, VOSB, SDVOSB), please explain whether your company would be capable of meeting the requirements of FAR 52.219-14, limitations on subcontracting

4.3 Partnerships and Subcontracting Opportunities

Respondents shall describe relevant existing or potential partnerships, including opportunities for Small Business subcontracting.

4.4 Capability Statement:

Provide a concise overview of your company’s experience, expertise, and qualifications relevant to the requirements as defined in the attached “HH-60W Degraded Visual Environment System (DVES) Program Information” document.

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.

4.6 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.

4.0 Response Guidelines:

Respondents to this RFI shall 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.

5.0 Response Considerations

· Follow-Up Communications: The Government may contact respondents to request additional information or clarification to better understand their capabilities and proposed solutions. This may include discussions, site visits, or demonstrations to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of both the Government's requirements and the respondents’ offering.

· Proprietary Data: Respondents are responsible for clearly marking all proprietary data with appropriate designations. Proprietary information received will be protected from unauthorized disclosure. Any unmarked material will be considered publicly releasable.

· Contractor Support: Respondents should be aware that Government personnel are supported by contracted personnel. Properly marked proprietary data submitted may be handled by contract support service personnel who have signed Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).

6. Response Submission:

· Due Date: December 31, 2025, 1650 EST

· Submission Method: Electronic submission via the DoD SAFE Site File Exchange (https://safe.apps.mil ). Use the following distribution email addresses as prompted: millie.danko@us.af.mil and david.jones.189@us.af.mil

· No hard copy or fax responses will be accepted. Late submissions may be considered at the Government's discretion.

7. Questions and Clarifications:

· Submit all questions, clarifications, or requests for information via email to:

· Millie Danko - millie.danko@us.af.mil

· David Jones - david.jones.189@us.af.mil

· Subject Line: Sources Sought HH-60W DVES - [Your Company Name] (e.g., Sources Sought HH-60W DVES - ABC Inc.)

· No telephone calls will be accepted. Questions must not contain proprietary or classified information.

8. Communication Restrictions:

· Do not contact any Government personnel regarding this Sources Sought other than those listed above. Unauthorized contact may result in an Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) and exclusion from award consideration.