15 -- Carrier On-Board Delivery (COD) Follow-On Aircraft

This announcement constitutes a Request for Information (RFI); it is NOT a Request for Proposal. The intent of this RFI is to assist the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in conducting market research to identify potential sources of a long range, medium lift Carrier On-Board Delivery (COD) Follow-on Aircraft to replace the current C-2A Greyhound. The C-2A is expected to begin reaching service life limitations in 2017. The COD Follow-on Aircraft needs to achieve Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in 2017 to avoid an anticipated force structure shortfall and ensure uninterrupted air logistics support for the U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. For purposes of this initial market RFI, prospective vendors should consider the following general performance requirements: the COD Follow-on Aircraft shall be qualified to operate in all weather, in a maritime environment, and capable of operating to/from current and planned U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. It shall also be operable from remote airfields without ground support equipment except as required for refueling and cargo transfer. It shall have an aircrew consisting of 2 pilots and 2 crewmen. It shall carry a minimum of 26 passengers and have cargo weight and volume capacity equal to or greater than the current C-2A. It shall have a fully loaded range equal to or greater than that of the C-2A. Its ready-for-flight length/wingspan shall not exceed that of the C-2A and it shall be capable of folding wings to reduce its deck footprint when not in operation. It shall be compliant with Communications Navigation Surveillance / Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM), Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), Terrain Avoidance Warning System (TAWS), and Crash Survivable Flight Incident Recording (CSFIR) requirements. For planning purposes, contract award would occur no earlier than 2011. The COD Follow-on Aircraft shall ensure a positive return on investment when compared to total ownership cost of the current C-2A. The U.S. Navy C-2A inventory is currently 35 aircraft and is expected to remain in service through 2026 with retirements starting in 2017. This program is currently unfunded. Responses to this RFI are requested by 29 Feb 2008 and should include: 1. A summary of the performance capabilities of the proposed replacement COD Follow-on Aircraft. 2. A short description of the proposed design. 3. A rough order of magnitude (ROM) estimate of vendor non-recurring costs. 4. A notional, high level program schedule. 5. A ROM estimate of unit costs assuming a production rate of 4 aircraft per year. 6. Any other information at vendor discretion, but limited to five 8? by 11 pages. Written responses to this announcement can be submitted to: Mr. Matthew Pruitt NAVAIRSYSCOM NAVAIR Contracts 2.2.2.2.4 47123 Buse Road, Suite 453 Patuxent River, MD 20670 Matthew.Pruitt@navy.mil