Carrier-Based Aerial Refueling System (CBARS) Air System Risk Reduction Activities

Added: Feb 10, 2016 4:11 pm The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) intends to issue requests for proposals (RFPs) for air system risk reduction activities related to the UCLASS program, now known as the Carrier-Based Aerial Refueling System (CBARS) program. These efforts will be funded with the appropriated amount authorized for competitive air vehicle risk reduction activities, as set forth in the NDAA for FY16 and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016. Contract awards will be limited to potential offerors in the follow-on CBARS competition in accordance with 10 USC 2304(c) as implemented by FAR 6.302 (FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)); Only a limited number of responsible sources and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Since CBARS is a direct evolution from the UCLASS Program with reprioritized capabilities, these RFPs will be issued only to The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin Corporation, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, and Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation as they are currently the only companies which have completed UCLASS Air System PDR assessments for unmanned carrier aviation air vehicles. Under these PDR assessments, these companies refined their solutions, matured their technologies, and enhanced their understanding of the Government requirements. These efforts will support additional engineering studies and design maturation. Award to any contractor other than those that have completed an air system PDR assessment would result in significant schedule delays and require substantial duplication of costs which are not expected to be recouped by the Government through full and open competition.