40 -- Sources Sought /Request for Information for contractor provided organizational level maintenance and training support for the AV-8B Harrier aircraft for the United States Marine Corps (USMC).

The Naval Air Systems Command is seeking sources to determine the feasibility of providing continued organizational level maintenance and training support for the AV-8B aircraft for the United States Marine Corps (USMC), at Marine Aircraft Groups (MAGs) 13 and 14. Program Description: PMA 257 requires Integrated Maintenance Concept {IMC} support and the installation of depot level modifications and organizational level maintenance and training support. Both of these requirements directly support the AV-8B fleet by providing artisan support on the flight line. Specifically, this RFI seeks the following information in support of providing organizational level maintenance and training support for MAGs-13/14: a. Technical feasibility alternatives assessments b. Approximate cost information (i.e. order of magnitude, ball park estimates, etc.) for alternatives. c. Information about how best to provide component reliability feedback that will support the Harrier Integrated Supply Support (HISS) PBL awarded May 07. d. Ideas and suggestions that address alternate approaches to providing organizational AV-8B maintenance and training that will increase experience levels for fleet maintainers and also have an impact on aircraft availability. Requirements: The contractor will be required to provide all labor, supervision, analysis, and technical support required to perform assigned T/AV-8B maintenance/training and supply management tasks. All maintenance/training to be performed shall be in accordance with COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790.2 series and T/AV-8B aircraft specific and common series manuals and shall be performed by technicians thoroughly trained and knowledgeable in the operation and maintenance of the systems specified in the individual skill classifications identified in Attachment 1. Specifically the contractor shall provide: a. A Monthly Report that identifies unscheduled and scheduled training events accomplished during the month and any training deficiency trends noted. b. Identify deficiencies in technical publications and negative aircraft component failure trends. c. Feedback that will have a direct impact on improving the availability of components covered in the HISS PBL contract awarded to Boeing. Sample Response Letter: The following is a suggested outline for a response to this RFI. This outline is intended to minimize the effort of the respondent and structure the responses for ease of analysis by the government. Nevertheless, respondents are free to develop their responses as they see fit. Section 1- Concept Design- briefly describe conceptual how your company will support this requirement with the primary focus of improving the experience levels of O-level Marines and the impact your company?s concept will have on improving aircraft readiness. Section 2- Cost and Schedule Estimates- provide cost estimates, cost tradeoffs, and schedule considerations required to support this requirement. Section 3- Corporate Experience- describe your company, your products and services, history and other information you deem relevant. In particular, describe any projects you have been involved with that are similar in concept to what is described in this RFI. Section 4- Additional Materials- provide any other materials you deem appropriate. Technical Interface Exchange: PMA-257 representatives are available to attend an information exchange meeting at your location to discuss this RFI. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked proprietary will be handled accordingly. In accordance with FAR 15.202(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. Compliance with the request contained herein will not be the basis for any claim against the United States, nor shall any costs incurred in such compliance be reimbursed by the United States unless such reimbursement is the subject of a prior bilateral advance agreement entered into in writing by the Contracting Officer. Written and/or electronic media responses to this announcement must be received no later than 31 July 2007 and should be submitted to the Contracting Officer identified above.