Light Off Detector (LOD) Research and Development   3

NAICS: 541715 (Exception 1) Aircraft, Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts with a size standard of 1,500 (# of people)

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) at Patuxent River, MD (V2241) intends to award a sole source, cost plus fixed fee contract to Meggitt Defense Systems, Inc. (MDSI) of Irvine, CA, for the for the evaluation of the current existing Flame Sensor, AKA Light Off Detector (LOD), (PN 5107T13P03 / NSN 2840-01-443-4202). In order to develop, design and validate technology improvements to mitigate obsolescence concerns and improve producibility. The design of the LOD is proprietary to MDSI; the LOD is mounted within the engine augmenter (afterburner) section of the F414-GE-400 engine. This proprietary design has proven to be effective in its flame sensing technology, however, this is based on 1960's technology, thus MDSI is encountering challenges maintaining reliable supply of components required to meet demand. In order to advance technology to improve supply chain posture, will require technology advancements, specifically with the proprietary design of the ultraviolet (UV) sensing tubes, which are critical to the LOD functionality. The contractor will perform research and development of the producibility and manufacturing of the current design of the LOD solid-state flame sensing technology, remote electronics package in support of the United States Navy (USN) F414-GE-400 engines. The contract has an estimated period of performance of 24 months, beginning in the 1st quarter of FY 24.

This acquisition is being pursued on a sole source basis under the statutory authority 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements .

MDSI is the sole designer, developer, and manufacturer of the F414 Engine LOD and is the only firm with the intricate knowledge of the LOD that is required to perform this effort. The Government does not possess a technical data package with Government Purpose Rights for the F414 Engine LOD that is required in order to perform this effort. As such, NAVAIR has determined MDSI is the only responsible source capable of meeting the Government's minimum needs.

This synopsis is published for informational purposes only and is not a request for competitive proposals