Naval Air Warfare Center AD, Contracts Dept. Code 233, Bldg 129-2, Lakehurst, NJ 08733-5083.

17 -- EXPEDITIONARY AIRFIELD ARRESTING GEAR, M-31 SOL N68335-97-RFI-703 DUE 021497 POC Dianne Mount Contract Specialist, Code 213DM, (908) 323-2903. This is a Request for Information (RFI) and Notice of Conference. There is no solicitation available at this time. The Government will not pay for any information received in response to the RFI, nor will the Government compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing the information provided to the Government. The Naval Air Systems Command is seeking information from potential sources who can team with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Lakehurst to design, develop, manufacture, integrate, test and support hardware and software associated with a Marine Corps Expeditionary Arresting Gear (MCEAGS). MCEAGS will be capable of arresting present and future fixed wing aircraft in a variety of expeditionary environments. The current Marine Corps expeditionary arresting gear (M-21) was introduced during the 1960's. It is rapidly becoming less capable of supporting the expanding Marine Corps mission. MCEAGS will provide the capability to arrest all tail hook aircraft in the current and anticipated Navy and Marine Corps inventory, under all conditions, in a broad range of expeditionary environments. It will be capable of being transported by C-130 and CH-53E aircraft, and will be towable on and off roads. Aggressive reliability, maintainability and time to install objectives have been established in order to maximize MCEAGS operational effectiveness. The MCEAGS program will be conducted as a two phase acquisition program consisting of a Engineering and Manufacturing Development/Low Rate Initial Production phase, and a Production/Deployment phase. The (3) LRIP systems will undergo extensive testing, using both deadloads and aircraft compatibility tests to ensure successful completion of operational evaluation (OPEVAL). Phase II- Production includes up to 44 production units and is dependent upon successful completion of Phase I prior to beginning performance. The Navy proposes to pursue this program in an innovative teaming relationship with a private sector company, wherein the Navyand the contractor will function as a fully integrated program team with joint responsibility for program execution. Under the envisioned acquisition strategy, NAWCAD Lakehurst will lead development of the MCEAGS dynamic components while the commercial partner will assume lead responsibility for the mobility, platform, and auxiliary subsystems. System integration and logistics responsibilities will be shared responsibilities. The commercial partner will produce the Low Rate Initial Production and production quantities, while NAWCAD Lakehurst will provide test and evaluation services and facilities. Specific work shares will be allocated by the MCEAGS Integrated Program Team based on the demands of the program and the capabilities of the partners. The successful awardee can expect to attend a Joint Workshop as soon as practicable after contract award and follow-up meetings at least quarterly or more often as needed, in a mutually determined location. The Navy will host a meeting at the Naval Air Systems Command, 1421 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22243 on 18 February 1997 in Room 110, Jefferson Plaza 2, at 1000 to discuss the program's goals and objectives, present information and background, and answer questions. The system performance specification, a draft statement of work and draft Request for Proposal will be made available for review; and the proposed acquisition strategy will be discussed with the object of soliciting inputs and recommendations. The specification package for this procurement contains technical data subject to export controls. See numbered Note 8. Interested parties should request to attend the meeting by responding to the Naval Air Systems Command at the above address, Attention: Richard Bushway, PMA-251C., telephone (703) 604-3355 X 8148, Internet BUSHWAYRR.NTRPRS@NAVAIR.NAVY.MIL. Visit requests and security clearances must be on file at the NAVAIR Visitor Control Office (703-604-4053/fax 703-604-4052) prior to 14 February 1997 to obtain access to Jefferson Plaza 2. See NumberedNote(s): 8. (0016)

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