16 -- REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) FOR UPGRADING THE AUTOMATIC FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM (AFCS) IN THE EA-6B WITH A REPLACEMENT FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM.

Notice Date

September 28, 2000

Contracting Office

Commander, Naval Air Systems Command (Code 2.2), 47123 Buse Road, Bldg 2272, Patuxent River, MD 20670-1547

ZIP Code

20670-1547

Solicitation Number

n/a

Point of Contact

Contact: Headrick, Ronald A,(904) 542-2631 x156

E-Mail Address

robinsonda@navair.navy.mil (robinsonda@navair.navy.mil)

Description

Sources Sought: The Program Executive Office Tactical Aviation (PEO(T)) is investigating upgrading the Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) in the EA-6B with a replacement Flight Control System. The primary objective of this program is to reduce operating costs and improve aircraft availability through increased equipment reliability and maintainability. The Flight Control System will also facilitate the introduction of enhanced flying qualities, whilst demonstrating fail-safe integrity. It is intended that the Flight Control System will form part of a wider aircraft upgrade and potential vendors should consider how integration with the other new systems might lead to cost savings. Proposed System In addition to a form/fit/function digital replacement for the Air/Nav Computer, consideration may also be given to the replacement/integration of other elements of the existing EA-6B AFCS (actuators, rate gyros, accelerometers, air data sensors, etc.), where this can be demonstrated to further the program objectives. As well as qualification of the replacement equipment, the vendor will support the Navy to define and integrate the Flight Control System, including its interfaces with the existing avionics systems. The Navy will be responsible for the aircraft integration and flight test effort with support from the vendor. It is anticipated that the numbers of systems required will be 124, requisite Flight Control System component spares will also be required. Only modified off-the shelf equipment will meet the development time-scales. Required Functionality The replacement computer shall have following functionality: Fail Safe Pitch, Roll, and Yaw Stability Augmentation System (SAS) Autopilot Built-In-Test (BIT), incorporating a fault display Variable Gains and Data Logging Capability (Flight Test only) Optional Functionality The vendor should consider the feasibility of the following options: Memory Loader Verifier System (MLVS) Integration of the Approach Power Compensator (APC) function into the Air/Nav Computer Compatible with a dual Embedded GPS/INS (EGI) System Integration of the Automatic Carrier Landing System (ACLS) into the Air/Nav Computer The knowledge gained via this request for information will be used to develop program-planning data and equipment specifications. Upon review of the information received, the Navy will make a decision to initiate a Request-For-Proposal in the 2nd quarter of 2001. Selection of a vendor will be based on competitive tender with an initial development contract awarded in the year 2002. Potential vendors would be required to deliver flight qualified development test articles no later than 18 months after contract award. In response to this RFI, the vendor should respond with information of a candidate system in the following areas: Non-Recurring/Recurring Cost estimates Proposed System Architecture Changes/Additions to AFCS Sensors Weight, Volume, and Power/Cooling Requirements Reliability and Maintainability performance Growth Potential of Hardware and/or Software Unique Government Furnished Equipment Requirements Electromagnetic Compatibility/Susceptibility Testability and BIT Development and production time-scales Development, Qualification, and Production history Life Cost for similar type product The Navy has not made a final commitment to procure the stated requirements and the synopsis of this RFI should not be construed as a commitment or authorization to incur costs in anticipation of such procurement. The PEO(T) will consider all available funding program options, such as the Foreign Comparative Testing Program. The PEO(T) is interested in obtaining responses to this RFI from prospective vendors. The proposed program is scheduled to move rapidly into production. Therefore, the suitability of available candidate systems will be evaluated. All comments and information relative to such a system, its ability to meet the criteria listed above and the contractors' willingness to participate in a competition structured as described above will be appreciated. The contractor will not be reimbursed for providing this information; therefore the Navy will accept the requested information in whatever format exists. All information provided by the vendor will become property of the Navy and will not be returned. Responses are required within 60 days of this notice. See Note 22. NAVAIR Synopis No. 20101-00 Point of Contact Please direct all responses and queries to: Naval Aviation Depot

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20001002/16SOL012.HTM (W-272 SN501968)