PLZT Modernization

Objective of this effort is to modernize NFB/PLZT goggles as needed for existing United States Air Force (USAF) inventory of NFB goggle assemblies (P/N EEU-2P NSN 8475-01-017-4473 and P/N EEU-2A/P NSN 6625-01- 099-6707) to return the assets to operational status in support of the USAF mission requirement. The outcome of this effort will require the modernization organization to complete overhauls of all degraded components of NFB/PLZT goggles that are declared and tested to be non-satisfactory in performance based on condition and acceptance test results. Modernization must be made in a way to provide the same form factor flash-blindness, and to design, fabricate and test a variety of subcomponents that require replacement of the USAF assets. In additional to modernization of the NFB/PLZT goggles the Air Force (AF) requests complete modernization of the goggle storage container. Packaging will be similar to original packaging. Our aim are to have sufficient Turn-Around Time and meet overall mission capabilities without adverse effect on readiness rates. This technology is 60-year old and is experiencing obsolescence challenges. Manufacturing is no longer existent or feasible. Our focus is to provide protection to Aicrews flying nuclear mission while facing intense emissions of visible light rays (blast/detonation) that will produce temporary or permanent flash-blindness and thus pose a significant threat to AF personnel and the potential for serious mission degradation. Current protection for AF aircrews against flash-blindness utilizes technology and form factor that are unsuitable for several mission profiles. The USAF is looking to modernize current NFB with an optical system with high clear state transmission and a fast-switching shutter to a dark state presented in a mission-appropriate form factor is required for this type of protection. Robins AFB intends on awarding this modernization effort on a sole source basis to Scientific Applications and Research Associates INC (SARA). Their address is: 6300 Gateway Drive Cypress, CA 90630, CAGE 0LK26. The effort is for a five- year IDIQ contract.