Completion of Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) for Retrofit the Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) Communications Capability on CV-22 Aircraft

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) intends to issue an order under Basic Ordering Agreement N00019-12-G-0006 with the Bell Boeing Joint Program Office, 401 Tiltrotor Drive, Amarillo TX 79111 to complete all the engineering required to field the Beyond Line Of Sight (BLOS) communications capability on all delivered CV-22 aircraft, specifically including not only production efforts, but all retrofit of the CV fleet. The BLOS Communication is a system that has been developed through Bell-Boeing (N00019-08-C-0025) to meet a long range communication requirement. A High Frequency (HF) radio was selected and integration designs have matured to the level where implementation of the capability can occur. The long range communication requirement also drove the design to a "mission kit" style system. The extensive integration effort led to defined permanent installation components, designated as the "A" Kit, and hardware that may be removed as the mission dictates, designated as the "B" Kits. Bell-Boeing is currently on contract for the necessary Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) and production incorporation efforts to qualify the A-Kit which facilitates the usage of the B-Kit. NAVAIR is not seeking to replace the already developed communication for the CV. This new effort being synopsized is for completion of the NRE for retrofit incorporation of the BLOS Communications Suite A-Kit which entails incorporating the selected HF radio onto the CV-22 which will dictate changes to aircraft level Bell-Boeing proprietary software as well as unique tooling for the HF antenna installation; NRE to qualify the Government furnished KY100M encryption device and remote control unit; and the procurement and installation of A-Kits, procurement of B-Kits via forced retrofit and interim spares. The NRE will also entail formally release previously completed documents, drawings, logistic support analysis, Integrated Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs) updates, the Service Instruction and the submission of the Design Change Notice (DCN). This acquisition is being pursued on a sole source basis in accordance with the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition under Title 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(1), as implemented by FAR Part 6.302-1, "Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements." Bell-Boeing is the sole designer, developer and producer of the V-22 Tiltroter aircraft and BLOS communication capability on the CV-22 and is the only known source that possesses the requisite knowledge of the design, fabrication, performance and operational characteristics of the aircraft and developed BLOS communication capability required to perform this effort and expertise required to perform this effort. In addition, Bell-Boeing is the only known source that possesses the totality of engineering and proprietary technical data required to perform this effort in time to meet required BLOS production aircraft deliveries. For subcontracting opportunities please contact Ralph D'iorio at 610-591-9157 or Ralph.b.d'iorio@boeing.com and Matthew Sticksel at 817-280-3103 or msticksel@bellhelicopter.textron.com.