H-1 Upgrades (4BW/4BN)

The H-1 Upgrades (4BW/4BN) is a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) managed by the Department of Defense under the Major Capability Acquisition (MCA) pathway with an Acquisition Category IC designation. The program focuses on modernizing and sustaining the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy's fleet of H-1 helicopters, specifically the UH-1Y and AH-1Z variants. The scope includes comprehensive aircraft upgrades, systems integration, and ongoing maintenance and logistics support, with significant foreign military sales components supporting allied nations including Bahrain and the Czech Republic.

Contract awards under this program typically range from $10,000 to $455 million, with performance periods spanning from three months to seven years. Primary contractors include Bell Textron Inc., Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, and Thales AVS France SAS, who provide aircraft modifications, system configuration sets, and advanced helmet-mounted display systems respectively. Notable subcontractors include Good Automation LLC, Techni-Tool LLC, and Mercury Systems Inc. The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and Naval Air Warfare Center serve as the predominant funding agencies. While most large-scale contracts are unrestricted, the program utilizes 8(a) and small business set-asides for specialized equipment and components, particularly through contractors like Greene Machine & Manufacturing Inc. and D. Gillette Industrial Service's Inc. Primary places of performance include Fort Worth, Texas; Woodland Hills, California; and various contractor facilities across the United States, with some work performed in France for specific components.