REQUEST FOR INFORMATION -- FORWARD LOOKING INFRA-RED RADAR UPGRADE FOR THE AH-64 APACHE ATTACK HELICOPTER Introduction: The U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Aviation and the Project Manager's Office for the Apache Attack Helicopter are considering a full and open competition for the upgrade of the night vision sensors in the Target Acquisition Designation Sight (TADS) and the Pilots Night Vision Sensor (PNVS) on the AH-64 platform. The program is slated to begin in fiscal year 2000. Based upon the current funding profile, a four-year development program is envisioned with a subsequent production contract. However, compression of the schedule could occur. Acceleration of fielding to a first unit equipped date of FY03 is desired since improved sensors are the number one user requirement for the Apache. Also, numerous foreign sources are interested in purchasing the Apache, near term, but have a requirement for the improved FLIRs. For the U.S. Army, a retrofit of all Apache aircraft is anticipated. The upgrade will replace the first generation Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) sensors in the TADS/PNVS with advanced FLIR technology. McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Corporation, Mesa, AZ is the original equipment manufacturer and integrator for the AH-64 Helicopter. Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control -- Orlando, FL -- is the original equipment manufacturer and integrator for the TADS/PNVS. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES REQUIRED: The purpose of this annoucement is to request from interested parties in industry, a description of the information they deem necessary to provide a complete solution. This includes Government maintenance manuals, AH-64 system documentation, Interface Control Documents, etc. We are also interested in input on the level of insertion of technology (component, system, etc) and conceptual methodology for integration and definition of responsibility between the offeror, LM and Boeing. LM and Boeing will remain overall integrators of the respective systems as defined in the introduction. The requirements for performance of the upgraded FLIRs are contained in the revised Improved FLIR Operational Requirement Document (ORD) dated 11 August 1999 and the revised Modernized Apache ORD that is in staffing for final approval. Issues to be addressed for any follow-on solicitation may include: Weight, power, commonality of the components (by part number) with other systems, integration requirements, growth options for insertion of staring and next generation sensors, affordability of the solution, two-level maintenance, life cycle cost, logistics, supportability, training and compatibility of the design with both A and D model Apaches. Any input provided will be used for information only. The Government will not reimburse proposal preparation fees or other costs. This announcement does not in any way obligate the Government to issue a follow-on solicitation for full and open competition of the advanced FLIR. Responses to this request for information are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responses are due within 14 days of this announcement. Responses received after that date will not be considered. Please send responses to: U.S. Army Aviation And Missile Command, ATTN: AMSAM-AC-AV-A, Edward L. Blair, Building 5681 Room 174, Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898-5000. E-MAIL: Click here to contact the contracts office via e-mail, blaire@peoavn.redstone.army.mil. Posted 08/16/99 (W-SN368347).

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