Sources Sought Notice for Re-Engining Options for HC-144B Aircraft.

Background

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) currently operates 18 HC-144B aircraft. The HC-144B is manufactured by Airbus Military (formerly EADS CASA) based in Seville, Spain. The base CASA CN-235M aircraft provides the foundation for the HC-144B. Changes to the base aircraft configuration and supplementary system additions have resulted in the CG01 version of the CN-235M, the USCG HC-144B Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The present Coast Guard plans call for the operation of 18 aircraft, totaling approximately 21,600 flight hours per year; however, the end-state fleet size remains under review.

These aircraft operate differently from general aviation as they support USCG Search and Rescue (SAR), surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. HC-144B missions require frequent operation at lower altitudes and in salt-laden environments, accelerating corrosion on airframe structures and components.

The HC-144B is equipped with two General Electric CT7-9C3 turboprop engines, each attached to a propeller gearbox (P/N 775800/5074T51) driving a Hamilton Sundstrand Standard 14RF-37 four-blade, variable-pitch propeller. The Coast Guard has experienced higher than anticipated mean time between failure (MTBF) rates and associated engine overhaul costs, necessitating this study to identify potential engine retrofit options.

Synopsis

This is not a solicitation announcement. This is a request for information (RFI) only. This is NOT a request for proposals and in no way obligates the Government to award any contract. The purpose of this RFI is to gain knowledge of potential engine retrofit options for the HC-144B.

The USCG is seeking information from sources who can provide technical, cost and schedule information for potential HC-144B Non-Developmental Item (NDI) aircraft engine systems retrofit solutions that comply with Federal Aviation Regulation FAR Part 23. The information obtained will be used to develop a strategy to maximize operational effectiveness and minimize total ownership cost of the Coast Guard's HC-144B fleet. Responders should provide the following:

1. Objectives & Requirements

• Identify viable alternative propulsion solutions for the HC-144B platform. Clear identification of where the proposed engine system is presently being used in actual operational conditions, or if the respondent has an alternative system for consideration that is not in true actual operational use, then the respondent may describe the system and must clearly indicate its actual developmental status
• Achieve improvements in engine reliability, maintainability, and lifecycle cost.
• Proposed engines must maintain or enhance performance in all mission areas (takeoff, landing, range, payload, SAR).
• Solutions must comply with prevailing airworthiness standards (FAA FAR 25, EASA CS-25, or U.S. military equivalent).
• Engine retrofit should minimize aircraft downtime and required airframe/system modifications.
•  Budgetary pricing to include total ownership cost (including all recurring and non-recurring costs) for the integrated engine system

2. Environmental and Operational Profile

• Operations are primarily at low altitude (<10,000 feet) in salt-laden maritime environments.
• Typical sorties include frequent mission cycles, short to intermediate range profiles, and require high dispatch reliability.
• Aircraft operate from both prepared and semi-prepared runways, potentially exposed to temperature extremes and high humidity.

3. Integration Considerations

• Proposed engines and associated propeller systems must address:
  • Physical/structural fit (mounting, weight, center of gravity)
  • System compatibility (fuel, oil, engine controls, avionics including FADEC, and electrical interface)
  • Impact to cooling, environmental, and deicing systems
• Proposals should identify any necessary airframe modifications or requirements for special tools/support equipment.
• No adverse effect on mission systems, sensor suites, or operational envelopes.

4. Certification and Compliance

• All solutions must maintain or exceed current certification standards.
• Indicate whether your solution has existing Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for the CN-235, C-295, or similar platforms, or describe your certification pathway.
• Provide examples of similar integrations completed, and maturity/readiness level.

5. Data Availability

• The following materials can be made available (subject to NDA or other applicable restrictions):
  • CGTO 1C-144B-1 HC-144 Flight Manual
  • Select interface and systems drawings
  • Maintenance and reliability data for the baseline CT7-9C3 engine
• A static aircraft may be made available for inspection/evaluation; coordinate with the Product Line Manager.

6. Requested Information from Respondents

Please provide:

• Proposed engine/propeller solution (technical data: weight, power, fuel consumption, dimensions, integration needs)
• Performance comparison to baseline (reliability, lifecycle cost, support footprint)
• Status of any certifications or prior similar installations
• Preliminary assessment of required airframe/system changes
• Risk assessment (technical, schedule, regulatory)
• Expected installation/modification timeline and logistical/support considerations
• Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) costs and installation schedule

7. Presentation/Engagement

The ALC Medium Range Surveillance Product Line welcomes respondent presentations and discussions. Contact us to coordinate site visits, technical discussions, or aircraft inspections.

8. Confidentiality

Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with this RFI. All information received in response to this announcement will be kept confidential and will not be returned. Additionally, the Aviation Logistics Center (ALC) Medium Range Surveillance (MRS) Product Line encourages potential respondents to give presentations, provide their solutions, or gather feedback at our facility. The HC-144B aircraft can be made available for inspection and evaluation of integration details provided an appointment is made with the Product Line Manager or his designated representative.

Applicable Documents
• CGTO 1C-144B-1 HC-144 Flight Manual
• To obtain a copy of CGTOs, submit a request to Mark.C.Amendolara@uscg.mil

Replies

Responses to this RFI shall be emailed to LCDR Mark Amendolara, at Mark.C.Amendolara@uscg.mil, and Contract Specialist Logan Brown at Logan.J.Brown3@uscg.mil. Include Notice ID: 70Z03826IL0000012 in the subject line of the email. Telephone responses will not be accepted. Responses must be received no later than January 14, 2026, at 3:00pm Eastern.