Commander, Marine Corps System Command, Code CTQ, 2033 Barnett Avenue, Ste 315, Quantico, VA 22134-5010

J -- AAV7A1 FAMILY OF VEHICLES (FOV) RELIABILITY, AVIALABILITY & MAINTAINABILITY/REBUILD TO STANDARD PROGRAM: AAV RAMR POC Contact Robin Richards, Contracting Officer, at 703-784-5822 Ext. 232 The Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) is seeking information and conducting a market research to identify and evaluate innovative and streamlined approaches and/or concepts for management of the AAV and for the AAV RAMR program. The AAV RAMR is designed to improve the reliability and maintainability of the AAV7A1 Family of Vehicles and to bring the performance capabilities of the vehicles back to the original performance specifications. The AAV was originally designed and built in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Replacement vehicle designs in the early 1980s were canceled and a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) was initiated. This SLEP was completed in 1986. The SLEP extended the projected life of the AAV until the mid 1990s when a new amphibious assault vehicle was expected to be fielded. A Product Improvement Program (PIP) in the late 1980s and early 1990s resulted in a significant increase in the weight of the AAV. This weight growth was not matched with an increase in power or suspension components. The increased weight has strained the ability of the suspension to provide a smooth and safe ride for embarked personnel while decreasing overall ground clearance from 16 inches to less than 12 inches. The result has been an increased maintenance requirement on the power plant, suspension, and electrical systems. Additionally, a larger than expected corrosion control maintenance program has been required. A number of studies of the high maintenance drivers, in terms of both cost and down time, identified the engine and suspension to be in the top five problem areas. Rounding out the top five problem areas were the radiator, the transmission and corrosion control problems. Each of these problem areas have been addressed by other projects or are included in the planning for AAV RAMR as part of the rebuild to standard effort. AAV RAMR provides for a replacement of both the engine and suspension with US Army M2 -- Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV) components modified for the AAV. The ground clearance will return to 16 inches and the horsepower to ton ratio will change from 13 to 1 back to 17 to 1. AAV RAMR plans for the rebuild of all AAV systems and components in order to return the AAV back to the original vehicle's performance specifications and ensure acceptable Fleet Marine Force (FMF) AAV readiness ratings until the AAAV is at FOC. Introduction of the BFV components and the rebuild to standard effort is expected to reduce maintenance costs for the remaining life of the AAV through the year 2013. The projected savings are in the range of $400 to $500 million dollars (FY95 dollars). The new or Advanced Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAAV) has just passed Milestone I and is currently in the program definition and risk reduction phase of the acquisition process. The earliest production schedule for the AAAV projects an Initial Operating Capability (IOC) in 2006 and Full Operating Capability (FOC) by 2012. The AAAV fielding schedule requires the expected life of the SLEP AAV to be more than double what was planned. The amphibious capability of the AAV makes it unique among all DOD systems. This forcible entry amphibious capability is the unique capability that sets the Marine Corps apart from the other services. The projected fielding schedule of the AAAV means the AAV will be in service for another 15 years. Many systems on the AAV are now reaching the end of their useful life and will require replacement. We have determined that instead of Inspect or Repair Only as Necessary (IROAN), the next cycle of AAV depot maintenance action may more appropriately be a Rebuild to Standard. The rebuild alone would not address the weight growth issues which are driving most of the increases in maintenance and down time. Furthermore, subsystems and components are reaching a point in their useful life where they can no longer be rebuilt. Delaying the start of the RAM/Rebuild program any further negates the projected savings to be achieved from the replacement and rebuild. Projected cost of doing nothing is costly. Multiple studies by PM AAV, Marine Corps Logistics Bases, Albany, and Naval Research Lab indicate that AAV maintenance costs will continue to climb. Numerous acquisition strategies are being examined. These include Government Depot only, Government/Industry Teaming, Industry only, and Industry/Industry Teaming. Government / industry teaming concepts which make efficient use of existing government facilities and resources and which maintain the government's ability to support core AAV maintenance functions are preferred. The degree to which existing facilities and resources are efficiently used will be a consideration in the best value selection. However, industry only and depot only proposals will also be considered if they are significantly less expensive. The above information is provided as background data. DISCUSSION POINTS: Our AAV FOV must be maintained in the most cost effective manner until the AAAV is fielded. Best/earliest delivery schedule. Innovative, streamlined approaches / concepts to manage the AAV until the AAAV completes fielding.. Innovative concepts in Life Cycle management which reduce costs or improve readiness. Elaborate on recommended or new / effective business practices. Teaming is encouraged, to include contractor / government, contractor / contractor, etc. KICKOFF MEETING: An AAV7A1 RAM/Rebuild Kickoff Meeting is scheduled for 0900 Thursday 24 April 1997 at Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia to brief the RAMR program and to answer questions. Attendees are limited to two personnel per company and are requested to provide names, E-Mail address and proposed questions to Robin Richards at (703) 784-5826 (FAX) by close of business 21 April. DELIVERABLES: This request is for information only and shall be provided at no cost to the Government. USMC seeks concept papers, strategies, business plans or other documents on all or any part of the topics and is not limited to the above recommendations. Please provide in contractor format, not to exceed 15 standard type written pages, identify a point of contact, and provide with one hardcopy and copy on diskette. All information provided will be used in subsequent government industry working groups to develop the information required for a possible future draft request for proposal/statement of work for the AAV RAMR program. Written responses should be submitted no later than 5 May 1997. Interested sources and responses should be directed to the contact person listed above at Commander, Attn: CTQRR, MARCORSYSCOM, 2033 Barnett Ave., Suite 315, Quantico, VA 22134-5010. THE SUBMISSION OF THIS INFORMATION IS FOR PLANNING PURPOSES AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PROCURE ANY ITEMS, NOR DOES THE MARINE CORPS INTEND TO AWARD ON THE BASIS OF THIS REQUEST FOR INFORMATION/MARKET RESEARCH OR OTHERWISE PAY FOR THE INFORMATION SOLICITED. (0104)

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