Advanced Infrared Countermeasures (AIRCM)

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Helicopter Sustainment Branch at Robins Air Force Base is conducting market research to identify contractors capable of executing the complete Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), A-Kit production, system integration, and installation of an Advanced Infrared Countermeasures (AIRCM) system onto the HH-60W helicopter platform. The Government will furnish either the Common Infrared Countermeasure (CIRCM) system or the Distributed Aperture Infrared Countermeasure (DAIRCM) system as Government-Furnished Equipment, and the selected contractor must design all necessary aircraft modifications, conduct full RDT&E activities, manage A-Kit production and delivery, and perform complete system integration and final installation across the fleet. Key qualifications include demonstrated experience with RDT&E and systems integration on military aircraft, familiarity with the HH-60W platform or relevant H-60 variants, A-Kit manufacturing capabilities with appropriate supply chain management, and mature capabilities supported by relevant certifications such as AS9100. Respondents must submit a 15-page capability statement package addressing nine specific sections covering corporate experience, technical approach, program management, small business partnerships, and proposed data rights aligned with Modular Open Systems Approach principles. The response deadline is April 23, 2026, with contract award targeted for the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2027, and the Government encourages proposals for accelerated schedules.

This is a market research notice with no set-aside designation, and no incumbent contractor or current contractor information is identified in the announcement. No specific contract award value or budget range has been disclosed in this pre-solicitation phase. The scope encompasses platform-specific modifications including structural, mechanical, and electrical design and testing, complete system integration with existing HH-60W avionics and MIL-STD-1553 data buses, and establishment of a Parts Management Program compliant with MIL-STD-3018 to manage obsolescence and prevent counterfeit parts. The Government requires full data rights including all technical data, CAD/SysML models, drawings, specifications, analysis data, manufacturing processes, and all software/firmware deliverables with source code to support long-term organic sustainment and future competitive procurements. Both prime and subcontractor interest should be indicated in responses, and small business participation is encouraged. This notice does not constitute a solicitation or invitation to bid and does not obligate the Government to issue a formal solicitation.