U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Acquisition Center, Bldg 4488, Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898-5280

B -- UH-1 MODERNIZATION/SERVICE/LIFE EXTENSION PROGRAM DUE 101599 POC Wally Newcomb, (256) 955-8769 John Kilpatrick (256) 842-7507 The purpose of this sources sought synopsis is to announce that the Utility Helicopters Project Manager's Office (UHPMO), Huntsville, AL is soliciting concept papers to identify innovative and low cost approaches to a Modernization/Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) for the UH-1 aircraft. The intent of the program is to keep any residual UH-1 aircraft safe, maintainable, affordable and operationally effective well into the future. Our specific objective is operational availability increases to allow a smaller fleet to produce the flying hours of today's fleet. Approaches to the following criteria are of interest: Airframe: The most recent U.S. Army UH-1 production ended in 1974. Airframe condition and evaluation must be addressed to keep the residual UH-1 fleet safe, operationally effective and affordable through 2025. Recent events have demonstrated that without attention and correction structural issues may adversely impact the fleet, making the application of predictive analytical tools important to operational availability. Capability to conduct such predictive analysis is desired to forecast material fatigue and life limits problems. Propulsion: Engine condition and evaluation must be addressed. No direct performance increases are required. Reliability improvements coupled with robust warranty provisions (for example: 5 years, 1000 flight hours) are of interest. Avionics: The existing avionics are becoming increasingly unsupportable. Current systems and subsystems will likely become obsolete in the near future. In addition, the associated airframe wiring (some of it original to the aircraft) has become a severe maintenance burden due to age and the incorporation of many modifications over the past 20 years. The Army is interested in innovative solutions to current and future obsolescence problems. Dynamic Components: No aircraft performance increases are required, but more durable components providing decreased operating costs with incidental performance benefits may be cost effective. Operation and Support (O&S) Cost Reduction: The Army desires to reduce O&S costs, including reduced fuel consumption, increased component life and increase reliability and maintainability. Logistical benefits from increased commonality with other existing and/or emerging systems should also be addressed. Any innovative training solution concepts, to include associated modification of replacement of flight simulators should be addressed. Further, modification/ enhancement of logistics support and maintenance systems (direct vendor delivery, contractor logistical support) may be of interest. Submission Requirements: A configuration capable of being fielded (integration and qualification completed) within 2-5 years is desired. Concepts proposed should include the following as a minimum: 0 Respondent's name/address/point of contact/phone/FAX/e-mail address 0 Description of program, including technical approach and planned schedule/milestones/deliverable. The degree to which the desired improvements listed above are met must be specifically addressed. 0 Discussion or identification of opportunities for trade-off studies to address producibility, CAIV, performance, logistical commonality, etc. 0 Evidence of proven commercial or Government application (where appropriate) 0 Estimates of acquisition and life cycle costs. Submit all written responses/correspondence to this announcement to U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, AMSAM-AC-SA-H, Bldg, 4488, Attn: John Kilpatrick, Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898-5000. Electronic responses and questions are acceptable. The website address is http://www.uh1modernization.redstone.army.mil. This announcement is an expression of interest only and does not commit the Government to the obligation of funds. Organizations submitting concept papers found to have significant merit, in terms of ability to meet the desired improvements listed above, may be invited to submit full technical and cost proposals. Posted 08/05/99 (W-SN363923). (0217)

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