Advanced Infrared Countermeasures (AIRCM)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Air Force, specifically the Helicopter Sustainment Branch, is conducting market research (Sources Sought) to identify industry partners capable of integrating an Advanced Infrared Countermeasures (AIRCM) system onto the HH-60W weapon system. This critical effort aims to mitigate the risk of infrared guided missile engagement, thereby enhancing mission success, aircraft survivability, and crew safety. The Air Force seeks comprehensive capabilities for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), A-Kit production, integration, and installation of either the Common Infrared Countermeasure (CIRCM) or Distributed Aperture Infrared Countermeasure (DAIRCM) system, which will be provided as Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE). Responses are due April 23, 2026.
Scope of Work
The primary objective is to identify vendors with the comprehensive engineering, manufacturing, and technical depth to execute the entire scope of work for a given solution. This includes:
- A-Kit Design: Designing all necessary aircraft modifications through a full RDT&E effort.
- A-Kit Production: Managing the production and delivery of required A-Kits.
- System Integration: Performing complete system integration with existing HH-60W avionics, mission computers, and data buses.
- Installation: Final installation across the HH-60W fleet.
- Parts & Obsolescence Management: Establishing and maintaining a Parts Management Program per MIL-STD-3018. Solutions should be mature, readily available, and encourage a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA).
Requested Information
Respondents must submit a capabilities statement (max 15 pages, PDF) addressing:
- Corporate Experience & Capability: RDT&E experience with complex electronic systems on military aircraft and systems integration on rotary-wing platforms.
- Platform Familiarity: Specific experience with the HH-60W or other H-60 variants.
- A-Kit Production & Supply Chain Management: In-house manufacturing capabilities, quality certifications (e.g., AS9100), and supply chain processes.
- Technical Approach: End-to-end integration, approach to data rights (the U.S. Government requires significant data rights for sustainment and modifications), and MOSA experience.
- Program Management: A draft schedule for RDT&E, A-Kit production, and integration, targeting a Q2 FY27 award, and a strategy for teaming/subcontracting.
- Company Information: Standard company details, CAGE code, ownership, and business classification.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: April 23, 2026, by 5:00 PM ET
- Published: April 7, 2026
- Anticipated Award: Q2 FY27 (vendors can propose accelerated schedules)
- Place of Performance: Warner Robins, GA
Additional Notes
This notice is for market research only and does not constitute a solicitation. The Government will not reimburse for any costs associated with preparing or submitting information. The AIRCM system (CIRCM or DAIRCM) will be provided as GFE. Respondents should highlight differences in approach or capability for both CIRCM and DAIRCM systems.