ASC/LUUK, Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7233

99 -- INTERIM CONTRACTOR SUPPORT FOR AC-130U GUNSHIP POC Contact Capt Tim Anderson, (513) 255-5495; Contracting Office, Michael E. Steward, (513) 255-5495. DESCRIPTION: The Air Force plans to award a sole-source contract to Rockwell International Corporation for continuing aircraft maintenance support for 13 AC-130U Gunship aircraft. The period of performance begins when the current period of contract support is completed on 31 Mar 97. The support being requested consists primarily of intermediate- and depot-level maintenance on AC-130U Gunship unique systems. The AC-130U Gunship aircraft is a basic C-130H airframe modified by Rockwell International Corporation with visual and electronic sensors, warning and countermeasure systems, fire control systems, 25mm, 40mm and 105mm weapon systems, in-flight refueling capability, navigation and communication equipment, armor, and other features. All are highly integrated to enable the aircraft to perform various special operations and conventional gunship missions. The Air Force requires interim contractor support until its organic capability is completed and in place in 2000. Technicians who are thoroughly familiar with the highly integrated AC-130U weapon system are only available through interim contractor support. The contractor will provide intermediate level maintenance support at the main operating base at Hurlburt Field, Florida, as well as at multiple overseas deployment locations. The contractor will also be responsible for subcontracting for repairs on approximately 250 AC-130U-unique components.Rockwell International is the only contractor currently capable of supporting the AC-130U aircraft program. The complete engineering data package and technical orders for the AC-130U weapon system will not be available until at least 1999. The period of performance for this requirement is 12 months, beginning 1 Apr 97. The modification will include a one-year option for continuing aircraft support. An Ombudsman has been appointed to hear concerns from offerors and potential offerors during the proposal development phase of this acquisition. The purpose of the ombudsman is not to diminish the authority of the program director or contracting officer but to communicate contractor concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations to the appropriate government personnel. When requested, the Ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The Ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals or in the source selection process. Interested parties are invited to contact ASC's Ombudsman (Daniel L. Kugel, ASC/SY, Bldg 52, 2475 K Street, Suite 1, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7642, at DSN785-3855, or Commercial (513) 255-3855.) Potential offerors are invited to contact ASC's Ombudsman with serious concerns only. Direct all requests for solicitations and routine communication concerning this acquisition to Mr. Michael E. Steward, Contracting Officer, Commercial (513)255-5495, ASC/LUUK, Building 16 MS 16, 2275 D Street, Ste 16, Wright Patterson AFB OH 45433-7233.'' (0325)

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