This Request for Information (RFI) is issued for informational and market research purposes only in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 10. It does not constitute a solicitation, a Request for Proposal (RFP), or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for expenses associated with preparing or submitting information in response to this RFI. The information provided may be used by the U.S. Air Force in developing its acquisition strategy, Statement of Work (SOW), and performance specifications. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition-sensitive information.
BACKGROUND AND SCOPE
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), MH-139A Program Office (AFLCMC/WIH), is conducting market research to identify sources capable of designing, integrating, and testing a modified cabin seating configuration for the MH-139A aircraft.
The current cabin seating has two (2) Flight Engineers (FE) fixed in a forward facing position and seating for passengers. The passenger seating is also in a fixed position with four (4) seats facing forward and four (4) seating aft facing arrangement. The objective is to introduce a multi-configurable seating system that enhances mission effectiveness, crew situational awareness, and safety, while retaining the existing configuration as an option.
Technical support is expected during the initial implementation and testing of the new configuration. Subject matter expert support is expected for a period of time after initial implementation and testing.
(See attached MH-139 Cabin Configuration pdf.)
Key requirements for the modified system include:
- Capacity: Accommodate eight (8) Security Forces members, two (2) Special Mission Aviators (SMAs), and two (2) pilots.
- System Compatibility: Maintain full functionality of existing subsystems, including the Environmental Control System (ECS), Weapon System, Intercommunication System (ICS), Hoist, Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR), and Fast Rope Insertion/Extraction System (FRIES).
- Multi-Configuration: Enable rapid reconfiguration (1 hour or less) between the current forward/aft facing and proposed seating arrangements.
- System will provide SMAs with improved cabin movement, situational awareness, ability to operate external winch, open and close exterior cabin door.
- Airworthiness: All seating must meet or exceed military and civil crashworthiness standards (e.g., MIL-STD-810, SAE AS8049).
- Integration: Relocate any displaced cabin equipment and redesign the Ballistic Protection System (BPS) to accommodate the new layout.
- SMA Seating: Provide swivel seats for SMAs, capable of locking at a minimum in forward, aft, and outward-facing (window-facing) positions.
- Hardware Re-use: Maximize use of existing seating system hardware and mounting points to minimize structural changes. Current seating is F+E Fischer Troop Seat 1410C which are attached to the floor and ceiling of the aircraft using Brownline Seat Track.
- Support: Provide on-site technical support during initial installation and testing, followed by subject matter expert support for a defined post-integration period.
- Ability to obtain an FAA-approved Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the modification before retrofit or production cut-in
- Describe the process, timeline, and prior experience in obtaining STCs for military or civil aircraft modifications
- Identify potential challenges or risks associated with obtaining an FAA-approved STC for this project and provide recommended strategies to address or mitigate these issues
INSTRUCTION TO POTENTIAL RESPONDENTS
Respondents are encouraged to provide comprehensive responses that demonstrate existing technology, qualifications, and experience. Please structure your response to address the following sections:
A. Company Information:
- Company Name, Address, CAGE Code, and Website URL.
- Point of Contact (Name, Title, Phone, Email).
- Business Size Status under NAICS Code 336413 (Aircraft Manufacturing), with a size standard of 1,500 employees. Please self-certify for all applicable categories:
- Small Business (Yes/No)
- Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) (Yes/No)
- HUBZone Certified (Yes/No)
- Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) (Yes/No)
- Company Ownership (Domestic or Foreign-owned).
- Interest as Prime Contractor or Subcontractor.
B. Technical Capability:
- Provide a detailed description of your proposed seating solution(s). Include concept diagrams, illustrations, and preliminary specifications.
- Describe the process for reconfiguring the cabin between different seating layouts and estimate the time required.
- State whether your company possesses the necessary technical data for the MH-139A (based on the Leonardo AW-139 platform) to perform this modification.
- Detail your company's experience with similar modifications on vertical lift aircraft.
- Outline your approach to system integration, including the relocation of subsystems and redesign of the ballistic panels.
- Describe any planned or potential product improvements for your proposed system.
C. Cost and Schedule:
- Provide a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate for a non-recurring engineering effort (design, integration, testing) and for production/installation on a per-aircraft basis. This is for budgetary purposes only.
- Provide an estimated timeline for the development, testing, and initial operational capability of the first modified aircraft.
D. Small Business Utilization:
- For Small Businesses: Describe how you will comply with FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, if the requirement is set-aside.
- For Large Businesses: Provide a realistic small business utilization target as a percentage of total contract value and explain your rationale.
RESPONSES AND COMMUNICATIONS
- Responses shall not exceed 15 pages (single-sided, 12-point font).
- Mark all proprietary information clearly. Unmarked information will be considered publicly releasable. Be advised that government-contracted support personnel may handle submissions under non-disclosure agreements.
- Prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov.
