Degraded Visual Environment System (DVES)

The Department of the Air Force Materiel Command Lifecycle Management Center at Robins Air Force Base is conducting market research to identify industry sources capable of developing and delivering a Degraded Visual Environment System (DVES) for the HH-60W helicopter fleet. The DVES solution must provide real-time hazard detection and terrain/obstacle mapping in degraded visibility conditions such as smoke, rain, clouds, brownout, and whiteout environments while maintaining full compatibility with existing HH-60W sensors, displays, and Integrated Modular Avionics architecture. Key technical requirements include detecting obstacles as small as one inch, achieving Technology Readiness Level 8-9, and demonstrating Manufacturing Readiness Level maturity at proposal submission. The Air Force is seeking comprehensive capabilities across Engineering & Manufacturing Development, Test & Evaluation, Full Rate Production, retrofit installation, and training device modifications, with a preference for mature, commercially viable solutions that have achieved FAA or EASA certification. Vendors were required to submit 15-page PDF responses by January 14, 2026, via DoD SAFE Site File Exchange, providing company information, NAICS classification, capability statements, partnership details, data rights information, and detailed schedule assessments.

This solicitation carries no set-aside designation, though small businesses, woman-owned firms, veteran-owned enterprises, disadvantaged business entities, and HUBZone certified companies are actively encouraged to participate. No incumbent contractors are identified in the sources sought materials, and no specific contract award value or budget range has been disclosed at this pre-solicitation stage. The program timeline targets a prototyping demonstration by the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2028, with initial deliveries commencing in the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2030. The final acquisition strategy—whether full-and-open competition, small business set-aside, or sole-source award—will be determined following completion of this market research effort. The government has emphasized that while Helmet Mounted Displays are excluded from the current effort, any future HMD integration must be fully compatible with the selected DVES baseline solution, and commercial off-the-shelf systems must meet all military specifications and integration requirements for the HH-60W platform.