E-2 In-Flight Refueling

This announcement constitutes a Request for Information for planning purposes. This is NOT a Request for Proposals. NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS EXIST AT THIS TIME. Director, Air Warfare (N88) established the requirements baseline for the E-2 In-Flight Refueling (IFR) development program and directed PMA-231 to begin the integration of an IFR system in the E-2D Super Hawkeye. The intent of this RFI is to assist the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and PMA-231 in conducting market research to identify if a commercial off the shelf IFR system will meet these needs or an alternative conceptual solution is available. The IFR program builds upon the current E-2 aircraft and is designed to introduce modifications to the E-2D platform to achieve an IFR capability. Incorporation of the IFR capability will expand carrier based airborne early warning, battle management and theater air missile defenses through significantly increased persistence and range. An IFR capability will enable the E-2 to more effectively support current carrier strike group and joint operations through longer on station times and greater flexibility in stationing aircraft. In addition to augmenting the current fuel systems with an aerial refueling capability, the E-2 IFR development program will include improvements to Field of View (FOV), handling qualities, exterior lighting and crew stations as necessary to support threshold requirements. Respondents are encouraged to answer all questions, but it is recognized that some companies may only have a portion of the potential solution. In support of assessing current industry capabilities, PMA-231 has sponsored an Analysis of Options (AoO) to perform an E-2 IFR conceptual study looking at alternative industry solutions. To support the AoO, a market survey is being conducted to obtain industry solutions to satisfy PMA-231 requirements. As a top level summary of some of the required system capabilities, the E-2 with IFR should be capable of meeting the following requirements: (See Requirements Attachment) Additionally, failure-mode refueling shall be demonstrated for the following scenarios with an F/A-18 E/F tanker: o Single engine, gear up at 5,000 ft and 10,000 ft o Single engine, gear down at 5,000 ft Data submitted will be used to evaluate current solutions and alternative conceptual options to perform missions in support of an increased capability. In addition to data on the candidate system or subsystems, any background that can be provided to evaluate the weight and performance impacts of any modifications that may be required to be fully responsive. The scope of the development effort required to perform the modifications including estimated development cost and schedule, would be useful. Industry is requested to provide supporting data to the AoO by answering the following questions with respect to each candidate system and/or subsystem. Please identify to what standard each attribute is qualified, or the applicable configuration or conditions for the information provided. If the capability available from the production system differs from that in the question, describe what level of capability is available without modification. Multiple entries from a single vendor are acceptable and encouraged. Please include in your response information addressing: Engineering Related 1. Provide a conceptual description of the changes to the E-2 production aircraft required to support the In-Flight Refueling (IFR) System (Responses should include, but not be limited to these areas of interest: alterations to current aircraft planform, IFR probe location and dimensions, fuel lines, ability of the probe to extend/retract, pumps and/or actuators, power requirements, control and displays, etc). 2. What is the system weight? 3. What is the composition of the system material, coatings and sealants? 4. Will the design of the IFR system exceed the planform of the existing aircraft (when stowed)? 5. What provisions are in place to minimize pressure spikes during valve closures? 6. What is the IFR system operating / proof / burst pressure? 7. Are provisions in placed to regulate flow rates that the existing fuel system can handle? 8. What impact will the IFR system have to normal fuel system modes and functions (valves open/close, pumps on/off, etc.)? 9. Is there an IFR system analysis available containing information such as surge pressure and fuel flow rate predictions? 10. Does the system incorporate design features to increase crashworthiness? To what standards do these features comply? 11. What changes to the cockpit and cabin configuration are anticipated due to the integration of the proposed IFR system/subsystem to include controls and displays? 12. Does the IFR system extend and retract for handling and storage? If so, how does the probe extend and retract? 13. Can the probe absorb loads to help protect both itself and the aircraft during heavy loads (i.e. hose whip)? 14. What flight speed, altitude limit and g load changes will the integrated IFR system impose on the aircraft? 15. What changes to the Flight Control System (FCS) are anticipated with the integration of the proposed IFR system? a. If changes to the FCS are required, are they in the mechanical controls, (i.e. components, actuators, etc.) or SAFCS, (i. e. control laws, etc.)? b. If no control law change, would that mean that the crew will fly the aircraft manually 100% to hook-up the IFR system? c. Is the proposed IFR system equipped with an auto-control system, such that the IFR system can fly automatically to make connection to aircraft for refueling? 16. What is the proposed solution for lighting of the probe and illuminating the tanker reference points at night? 17. Please identify the standard technical, operating, and maintenance manuals delivered with the system. Program Related 18. Have you designed other IFR systems? Who are the customers? 19. Has the proposed IFR systems been integrated/ tested/ flown in other military or civil aircraft? a. Does it have either an FAA certification or military flight clearance? b. What current refueling systems is it compatible with? 20. Is the proposed system presently in full rate production? What is the current production rate? What is the maximum production rate? 21. If the system is not in production, do you have a manufacturing capability? 22. If a contract were let today, when could the USN take delivery of its first system? When could the USN take delivery of follow on systems? 23. For the proposed system, provide an estimate for: a. Nonrecurring Engineering (NRE) or cost of the design b. Cost of the Finished product c. Cost of initial set of operational and maintenance publications Maintenance Related 24. For the system currently in production, a. What is the support/maintenance philosophy? b. What is the design service life? c. What is the average maintenance man-hours per flight hour? d. What is the reliability (mean flight hours between failure (MTBF))? What is the inherent availability of the system? e. What is the average repair cost (repairables and consumables) per flight hour? 25. What maintenance actions will be required to service the IFR system? Will existing US Navy common support equipment (CSE) be adequate to support those maintenance functions? If not, what peculiar support equipment (PSE) will be required to support those functions? Specify dimensions and weight of any PSE required. 26. Will the design of the IFR system impact any existing aircraft maintenance procedures, i.e. high power turns? If so, describe any changes that are envisioned. 27. Is the proposed system a removable kit or a permanent installation? Air Ship Integration Related 28. Will the design of the IFR system be compatible with existing shipboard handling equipment: MD-3 tow tractors, standard Navy towbars, and SD-2 Spotting Dollies? 29. If the design of the IFR system includes a probe which protrudes beyond the existing planform of the aircraft, can the probe be folded, retracted, or removed? If the probe folds or retracts, can that function be executed on command by the pilot (similar to wing fold)? 30. Will the IFR system impact standard US Navy Crash and Salvage Procedures? If so, describe the procedural modifications that may be required as a result of the IFR system design, i.e. hoist and sling procedures, firefighting procedures, etc. 31. Will the design of the IFR system impact the ability of the catapult topside petty officer to ensure proper positioning of the nose gear launch bar, or execute any other function required by CV NATOPS? 32. Will the design of the IFR system impact existing catapult launch or arrested landing ground clearances? Will the IFR system require modifications of launch and/or recovery bulletins, including the ability of the E-2 to execute a barricade recovery? 33. How has the IFR system been optimized to survive in a carrier environment to include but not limited to corrosion resistance and ease of maintenance? 34. Will the IFR system impact towing onto the elevators and in the hangar? Will the system impact maintenance and maneuvering in the hangar? Human Systems Related The E-2 has a limited Field of View (FOV) outside the cockpit during IFR operations due to the mold line of eyebrow panel. The pilot and co-pilot should be able to see the underbody of the tanker aircraft, formation references, status lights, the hose exit area, and at least 12 inches of the probe mast. 35. Provide a detailed description of the potential solution(s) that could be used to assist a pilot's and/or co-pilot's external field of view. a. Has this solution been proven (i.e., is it currently utilized in another aircraft?) or been tested before for this purpose? Explain. b. How reliable is this solution? Provide rationale. c. What are the technical tradeoffs? What challenges or potential challenges would be faced when implementing this solution? 36. Will the IFR system impact aircrew visibility of the flight deck crewmen? Will any restricted aircrew visibility drive modifications to standard E-2 shipboard handling or taxi procedures? In-flight refueling will increase the E-2's total flight duration and, therefore, the aircrew's endurance will decrease over time. 37. Provide a detailed description of a solution which could increase the aircrew's endurance or otherwise reduce the rate of fatigue. a. Has this solution been proven (i.e., is it currently utilized in another aircraft?) or been tested before for this purpose? Explain. b. How reliable is this solution? Provide rationale. c. What are the technical tradeoffs? What challenges or potential challenges would be faced when implementing this solution? 38. How will the pilot operate the probe light from the cockpit? Responding parties must submit a statement of interest no longer than five pages along with any questions pertaining to this notice to obtain a set of Government Furnished Information (GFI). Statement of interest should be sent no later than 5:00 PM EST March 24, 2010 to Ms. Catherine Pickering at catherine.pickering@navy.mil with a copy to Mr. Michael Cosgrove at michael.a.cosgrove@navy.mil. Statement of interest should include the following additional data, in order to verify credentials: 1. CAGE code 2. POC to contact for any necessary clarification, to receive additional information, for additional data required by the analysis, and for information on any necessary non-disclosure agreements 3. The business size/status of the organization (i.e., large business, small business, certified 8(a) concern, veteran-owned, hubzone, women-owned, etc.). Note: Small businesses that possess the required capability are encouraged to submit responses to this notice. 4. Answers to the following questions: A. Briefly describe your company's concept(s) for meeting the top level required system capabilities listed at the beginning of this RFI B. Describe your company's ability to manage and secure up to SECRET information. Upon receipt of the statement of interest and verification of credentials, an information package will be provided with all required data to respond to this RFI. The responses to any questions received by this date will be posted at: http://www.navair.navy.mil/doing_business/open_solicitations/. Send final responses to: Naval Air Systems Command, Bldg 2187, Rm 1180 AIR 4.10, ATTN: Mr. Michael Cosgrove 48110 Shaw Road Patuxent River, MD 20670-1906. Responding parties are requested to provide one hardcopy and one CD ROM. The electronic copy of your response must be in Microsoft Word 2003 or Adobe Acrobat 8.0 readable format. Final responses to the above requested unclassified data must be received no later than 5:00 PM EST April 30, 2010. NOTE: This RFI is issued for the purpose of determining market interest, feasibility, and capability of sources and does not constitute an Invitation for Bids (IFB), a Request for Proposals (RFP), a Request for Quotes (RFQ) or an indication that the Government will contract for any of the items and/or services contained in this notice. The Government is only seeking possible sources and information for the Analysis of Options and future needs. No solicitation document exists. However, respondents to this Request for Information will not be excluded from consideration for contract participation in any potential follow-on hardware development activity. All information received in response to this notice that is marked Proprietary will be handled accordingly. Responses to this notice will not be returned. No reimbursement will be made for any costs to provide information in response to this announcement or any follow-up information requests. Information contained herein is based on the best information available at the time of publication, is subject to revision, and is not binding upon the Government. Availability of formal solicitation, if any will be announced under a separate Federal Business Opportunities announcement.