16 -- F/A-18F O-LEVEL PROCESS AND PROCEDURE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION

The Naval Air Systems Command plans to negotiate a contract with McDonnell Douglas Corporation, a subsidiary of The Boeing Company, to develop and implement the necessary processes and procedures for aircrew and organizational level maintainers to operate, service, and maintain the SHared Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP) at the squadron level. The SHARP will be provided as Government Furnished Equipment and integrated into the F/A-18F aircraft. Given McDonnell Douglas's exclusive role as the designer, developer, and sole manufacturer of the F/A-18 aircraft in its various configurations, the company possesses the unique knowledge, expertise, facilities, tooling, special test equipment, and design/technical data needed to support this logistical effort. This contract, associated with the solicitation number N00019-98-G-0135 and posted on February 13, 2002, is intended as a presolicitation notice for informational purposes. It is issued by the Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, MD, under the Department of Defense. For those interested in subcontracting opportunities, contact information is provided for Mr. Gary Eisenhart of The Boeing Company. The effort focuses on ensuring that maintenance and operational personnel have the comprehensive support necessary to maintain the F/A-18F aircraft’s reconnaissance capabilities through effective integration and sustainment of the SHARP system.