R -- Performance Based Logistics

This announcement constitutes a combined Sources Sought Synopsis and Industry Day announcement. This is NOT a Request for Proposal. The following information is provided to assist the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in conducting market research of industry to identify potential contractors who have the skills, experience, qualifications, and knowledge required to successfully support a potential VH-71 Performance Based Logistics (PBL) product support strategy, and to exchange ideas with industry on how to best implement the VH-71 PBL program. The VH-71 will replace the existing fleet of Presidential Helicopters (VH-60s and VH-3s) and will provide a variety of missions in accordance with White House Military Office (WHMO) requirements. The VH-71 will be supported by the Marine Corps' existing maintenance procedures to include Organizational to Depot two-level maintenance concept. The current supply system shall be utilized unless a Logistics Support Analysis (LSA) recommends a more efficient, cost-effective method that maintains the same level of security as the current maintenance and supply system. The system shall use common tools and general-purpose test equipment to the maximum extent possible. The support and development concepts shall include the capability to operate from commercial airports (CONUS/OCONUS), military airfield (CONUS/OCONUS), and austere sites throughout the world. PBL support is being considered for the VH-71 fleet to provide a more cost-effective readiness solution. PBL is a support strategy that places emphasis on meeting the needs of the Presidential Helicopter fleet to project the most cost-effective solution with an acceptable amount of risk. Its primary tenets are to meet HMX-1 requirements system availability and reliability. PBL should be used as a form of sustainment to meet the operational requirements the right aircraft, in the right configuration, in the right place, at the right time. Furthermore, the PBL support should resolve obsolescence issues, and find ways to integrate support solutions. To implement a successful PBL contract, the contractor must be able to exhibit the capability to: 1) improve inherent design reliability; 2) establish and execute Lean processes; and 3) reduce cost. The outcome of this activity is expected to result in improving overall life-cycle management of system availability, reliability, supportability, and total ownership costs. The VH-71 program intends to engage with industry in an ALPHA process where there is a collaborative discussion between the government and the contractor. Using this process, the government will define the requirement(s) and metric(s). We are looking for industry PBL approaches that address all of the following areas: General Contracting Approach/Strategy to include recommendations regarding; Contract Relationships: traditional prime/sub, thin prime/sub, joint venture, public/private teaming and/or sub-contractor contractual relationships that encourage flow-down of PBL concepts and incentives; Contract Type and Length; Payment structure: Metrics: NMC, system reliability and system availability; Information Technology: established bidder's infrastructure; familiarity with, and access to systems such as: NMCI, OOMA, e-mall, etc. Sustaining Engineering to include inherent reliability improvements; development of changes/modifications; failure analysis; and maintenance engineering support of all three levels of maintenance. Supply Chain Management to include the management of actions, procedures, and techniques necessary to determine requirements; to acquire, document, receive, store, transfer, issue and dispose of spares, repair parts, and supplies; provide Packaging, Handling, Storage, and Transportation; comply with Unique Identification; and manage Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages/Obsolescence within a closed loop environment. Maintenance to include approaches and experience in maintaining aircraft and associated components. Industry should explicitly address their approach to satisfy Title 10 requirements. Tech Support to include approach for providing on-site technical support. Support Equipment (peculiar and common) to include approach for management of all support equipment (hardware & software) that will be required for the operation and maintenance of the aircraft. Training?to include all the appropriate processes, procedures, techniques, training devices, and equipment used to train flight crew, to include O and D level maintenance personnel, to operate and support a system. Technical Data/Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs)?to include approach for management of technical data (i.e. technical maintenance and operator manuals, engineering drawings, and supporting graphics) in addition to the implementation of a long-range requirement to develop, deploy, and IETMs. Configuration Management to include the approach for documenting the configuration of each aircraft/system/component. Exit Criteria?to include approaches which will allow the government to continue sustainment in the event the contractor should fail to perform, or, does not negotiate in good faith at the end of the contract. The NAICS code for this requirement is 336411. The information presented in this announcement will not obligate the government in any manner. All prospective offerors are encouraged to respond to this synopsis electronically to Ms. Angie Nelson, angela.nelson1@navy.mil and Mrs. Dawn Adamo, dawn.adamo@navy.mil. The response shall include: Business name and address, cage code, business size, and a point of contact. Interested parties are also requested to submit information outlining the company's capabilities and past performance with this type of service. The submission shall not exceed twenty pages and are requested no later than 15 November 2006. Once responses are received, interested parties may be requested to provide a presentation to further describe their capabilities and allow an opportunity to exchange ideas on how to best provide cost-effective performance based outcomes for the VH-71. In addition, NAVAIR will be hosting an Industry Day on 27-28 November 2006 at Southern Maryland Higher Education Center to further support NAVAIR?s requirement. Parties interested in attending shall contact the point of contact below as space is limited to two representatives per company. Numbered Note 25 _______________________________________ Contracting Officer Signature and Date