HH-60W Cabin Reconfiguration

Quick Summary

The Department of the Air Force, specifically the Helicopter Division (HD) / AFLCMC, is conducting market research via a Sources Sought Synopsis for the HH-60W Cabin Reconfiguration. This effort aims to integrate an Air Force District of Washington (AFDW) capability into the HH-60W weapon system, primarily by modifying the cabin to install 11 passenger seats while maintaining critical Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) equipment. The government is seeking industry capabilities for Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD), Test & Evaluation (T&E), and retrofit installations. Responses are due May 22, 2026.

Purpose

This Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS) is issued by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to conduct market research. The primary goal is to assess industry capabilities for performing A-Kit and B-Kit Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD), Air Vehicle (AV) Test and Evaluation (T&E), and retrofit installations of Air Force Distributed Warfare (AFDW) requirements on the HH-60W helicopter fleet. The government is seeking solutions based on technologies matured to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 and Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) 8 or above.

Scope of Work / Key Requirements

The HH-60W, a multi-engine, rotary wing aircraft used for Personnel Recovery (PR)/Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), requires modification to support the AFDW mission. Key requirements include:

• Integration of AFDW capability into the HH-60W weapon system, ensuring compatibility with existing sensors, displays, navigation, and flight management systems.
• Modification of the HH-60W to remove components and install 11 crashworthy passenger seats, compliant with MIL-STD-1290 and featuring five-point restraint harnesses.
• Reconfiguration of the cabin interior to accommodate seating while preserving critical CSAR equipment.
• Updates to Weight and Balance calculations, Form F limitations, and potential loading restrictions.
• Verification of emergency egress for 11 passengers and assessment of supplemental oxygen capacity for 11 additional occupants.
• Consideration for potential seat heating or illumination requirements.
• Solutions must not result in a mission-degrading increase in aircraft operating weight.

Contract Details

This is a Sources Sought notice for market research purposes only and does not constitute a request for quote, proposal, or invitation to bid. It does not commit the Government to issue a solicitation or award a contract. The acquisition strategy is still being determined, with results informing whether the requirement will be full-and-open, small business set-aside, or sole-source.

• Product Service Code: 1520 (Aircraft, Rotary Wing)
• NAICS Codes: 336411 (Aircraft Manufacturing) and 541611 (Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services)

Submission & Evaluation

Respondents are requested to submit a capability summary detailing their approach, experience, and compliance with military airworthiness standards (e.g., MIL HDBK 516C, MIL-STD 810H). Submissions must assess the Technology Readiness Level (TRL), Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL), and Integration Readiness Level (IRL) of their product.

• Eligibility: Small businesses are encouraged to respond to help determine competition levels. Interested parties must be registered in the SAM database.
• Notes: Respondents should state their interest in being a prime or subcontractor. Responses must be UNCLASSIFIED. Technical data rights are sought to enable organic sustainment and future competitive modification efforts.

Deadlines & Contact

• Responses Due: May 22, 2026, by 4:00 PM EST.
• Submission: Electronically to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist.
• Primary Contact: Mohamed Abdellatif (mohamed.abdellatif@us.af.mil)
• Secondary Contact: Jonathan Evans (jonathan.evans.19@us.af.mil)