Aviation Applied Technology Dir., ATTN: AMSAT-R-TC, Fort Eustis, VA 23604-5577

A -- PHASE I, TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION AND SELECTION, OF THE AFFORDABLE STRUCTURES TECHNOLOGY FOR EFFICIENT ROTORCRAFT (ASTER) Y DEMONSTRATION (TD) SOL DAAJ02-96-R-0004 DUE 062596 POC Sherrie Roane, Contract Specialist, (804) 878-2900, John H. Barbie, Contracting Officer (804) 878-2900. This Phase I acquisition will result in the award of up to four (4) contracts of approximately the same value based upon the authority at FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source or only a limited number of responsible sources and no other services will satisfy agency requirements. The intended sources are: Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Boeing Defense & Space Group, Helicopters Division, McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems, and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. Award of the Phase I contracts is planned for 4th quarter FY96. The period of performance will be approximately 9-months each. Each Phase I contract will include the following tasks: (a) Baseline Structural Component Configuration Definition. Structural components/assemblies that exhibit chronic affordability and performance problems will be defined and evaluated to assess the potential benefits of a engineering and manufacturing redevelopment. Technical barriers to achieving improvements in the following areas will be defined: production cost, structural weight reduction, structural integrity improvement, operational cost reduction, and survivability enhancement. (b) Advanced Structural Concept Identification. Structural concepts and related technologies that address the previously identified barriers will be identified and evaluated. (c) Technology Demonstration Metrics and Exit Criteria. Metrics in the areas of structural efficiency, quality/integrity, supportability, inspectability, and cost/affordability will be established to bound the ASTER TD. These quantifiable metrics will serve as exit criteria for the various work unit milestones in the planned Phase II acquisition. (d) System Architecture Definition. A streamlined structural component development approach that addresses established metrics will be identified. Emphasis will be placed on 3D solid models as a means of technical communication between design and analysis codes, knowledge based systems, and engineering functions. (e) Structural and Process Simulation Identification. Methods to simulate the structural concept designs and associated processes will be identified. Interfaces between the simulations and the elements in the system architecture will also be defined. Requests for this solicitation must be submitted in writing to the above address. Requests from U.S. firms must include business size. Prior to award, any successful U.S. or Canadian firm will be required to provide a DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement, certification number issued in accordance with DoD Directive 5230.25. Contingent upon meeting established security requirements, industries of the following countries have been determined to be eligible to participate in this program: U.S. and Canadian firms. Countries other than those listed may request copies of the solicitation but release cannot be guaranteed. Foreign firms desiring copies of this solicitation must submit an official request through their embassy to HQ DA, ATTN: DAMI-POC, Washington, DC 20310-1001. Requests received by other means will not be honored. All responsible sources may submit a proposal which shall be considered by the agency. See Numbered Note(s): 22, 26. (0087)

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