_1_Questions_Govt_Response_Dec_20_2017.pdf

Future Embedded Rotorcraft Sustainment Technologies (FERST) Phase 1 Program Questions

1. The subject solicitation notes the following:

“Offerors are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity for a sustainment oriented clean-sheet design without being constrained by conventional design and maintenance practices. Past programs have demonstrated enabling technologies that span Drives, Rotors, Engines, Electrical, Structures, and Vehicle Management aircraft systems. Innovative FERST approaches should leverage these past efforts to synchronize and integrate the developed technologies into an optimized aircraft-level solution.“

It appears that the government expects this current effort to collect a set of products from previous research efforts and use the results in conjunction with an overall strategy for optimizing sustainment at the aircraft level. Will the government define or provide the results of these past efforts to prospective bidders that we may ensure we capture the technologies expected to be leveraged? If not, how does the government expect anyone other than the original parties involved to know what is available and expected?

Government’s Response: It is not the Government’s intent to constrain the solution by requiring specific products or technologies. The Contractor is to propose their best solution to the Governments requirement. Results of past efforts will not be provided at this time. However the results of previous efforts will be shared with successful awardees, once Non-disclosure statements are in place. Many of the results have been presented at AHS Forums or Technical Specialists Meetings. The statement “Past Programs have demonstrated enabling technologies” is not intended to curtail other innovative, or relevant research efforts or budding technologies. The statement in the call referenced above was provided to ensure that potential offerors understood that proposals should reflect full coverage of the aircraft.

2. Is this solicitation intended only for past performers of these enabling technologies?

Government’s Response: No, this is a competitive solicitation and open to qualified Contractors.