15--H-1 Upgrades Program Low Rate Initial Production and Flight Training Devices

The Naval Air Systems Command intends to negotiate with Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc (BHTI), 600 Hurst Blvd, Hurst TX 76053 on an other than full and open competition for Lot I and Lot II of the H-1 Upgrades Program Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) for delivery in FY04 and FY05. This effort consists of the teardown, inventory, remanufacture, integration, installation of Government Furnished Equipment (GFE), assembly, test, and delivery of AH-1W and UH/HH-1N aircraft, converting them into AH-1Z and UH-1Y aircraft respectively, along with related requirements. The related requirements include, but are not limited to, associated integrated logistics support, quality assurance, reliability and maintainability programs, and technical, administrative, and financial data requirements. This effort will also include two flight training devices, two priced options, initial logistics support, and spares for deliveries in FY04 through FY06. This requirement will be procured in accordance the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition under 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), as implemented by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1(a)(2), in that BHTI is the only responsible source and no other type of equipment will satisfy Marine Corps requirements. Bell Textron is the designer, developer and sole producer of the aircraft and the only known source that possesses the data, technical skills and requisite knowledge of the design, fabrication, performance, operation, maintenance and support characteristics of the AH-1Z and UH-1Y to fulfill this need in a timely manner. It is anticipated that a contract will be awarded in the 1st quarter of FY04. This notice is for information purposes only. Cort Steinwedel (817-280-4196) is the point of contact at Bell Textron for any subcontracting opportunities.