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Updated 1/24/23: Redacted J&A posted

Naval Air System Command (NAVAIR), Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, MD, intends to negotiate and award a Research Development Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) contract to Collins-Elbit Vision Systems, LLC (CEVS) on a sole source basis. The contract will contain an option to include production for approximately 600 upgraded JHMCS compatible helmet/display systems after the RDT&E phase is complete.

The contract requirements are to modify the helmet mounted components associated with the Joint Helmet Mounting Cueing System (JHMCS) for Block III F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft to reduce head supported weight and improve helmet center of gravity (CG) with NO changes to the JHMCS Electronics Unit (EU). Efforts also include replacement of the analog wiring interface with a digital wiring interface from the aircraft EU to the helmet. The modified system shall meet all other existing JHMCS requirements and be compatible with existing JHMCS aircraft-mounted equipment. The modified system must also be compatible with the next generation fixed-wing helmets by Lift and Gentex. The developmental effort shall be completed within two-years from contract award, anticipated for May 2023.

The proposed contract actions for the procurement are those for which the Government intends to negotiate with only one source under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) and FAR 6.302-1(a)(2), “Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements.” CEVS is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the JHMCS, and the only responsible source that owns the Technical Data Package (TDP) and data rights for integration into the F-18 subsystem, which is necessary for total system functionality. In addition, CEVS is the only source capable of providing total system functionality within the two-year timeline.

THIS NOTICE OF INTENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS. Interested parties, however, may identify their interest and capability by responding to the requirement with a capability statement.

For purposes of determining capability, interested parties must provide the following information:

• Technical details of proposed solution considering proprietary data;


• Detailed schedule to achieve full functionality, integration, test, and approved flight clearance within a two-year period.

The Government will consider all information received prior to the closing date of this synopsis. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed contract modification based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. No phone inquiries will be entertained. Responses shall be made in writing by E-mail to the attention of Mr. Christopher Woehrer, christopher.m.woehrer.civ@us.navy.mil, and Mr. Jamie Billig, Jamie.billig@navy.mil.

Companies interested in subcontracting opportunities should contact Collins-Elbit Vision Systems, LLC (CEVS).