B -- V-22 Trade Studies and Analysis - not R&D

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) intends to issue a Time and Materials task order under the existing Basic Ordering Agreement with Bell-Boeing for conducting risk reduction trade studies associated with the initial deployment of the MV-22 aircraft. These studies will focus on critical areas such as defensive weapon system development, avionics roadmap development, aircraft parts obsolescence, and reliability and maintainability concerns. The goal is to reduce overall program risk, enhance planning and integration efforts, and minimize life cycle costs. Bell-Boeing is uniquely qualified as the sole designer, developer, and producer of the V-22 tiltrotor aircraft, possessing the necessary technical expertise and proprietary data to fulfill the government’s requirements. This effort falls under the NAICS code 541330, which covers engineering services, and involves non-research and development activities aimed at improving support for the MV-22 platform. The contract opportunity was announced in October 2005, and the work will be performed under the Department of Defense’s Naval Air Systems Command located in Patuxent River, Maryland. Point of contact for this acquisition includes contract specialists Ronald N. Guy and James M. Gerber. The task order represents an important step in mitigating risks tied to vital system components and ensuring the readiness and sustainability of the MV-22 aircraft throughout its service life.