Improved Tactical Aviation Armament System (ITAAS)
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 Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane, under the Department of the Navy, has issued a Special Notice / Request for Solutions (RFS) for an Improved Tactical Aviation Armament System (ITAAS). This initiative seeks innovative proposals for a crew-served weapon mount designed for helicopter integration. NSWC Crane aims to transition a notional concept into a functional prototype for potential deployment. Award will be a Project Order under the Expeditionary Missions Consortium (EMC2) Other Transaction Agreement (OTA), in accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 4022. Solutions are due by April 23, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
This RFS requires industry experts to provide support in assessing NSWC Crane's preliminary notional design for manufacturability and developing a working prototype. The current design concept focuses on increasing modularity to accommodate multiple weapon systems, minimizing overall footprint, and enhancing warfighter capabilities. Minor design changes based on manufacturing best practices are welcome to improve manufacturability and reduce production costs. The resulting prototype will be used for internal testing to support flight clearance and potentially move to full-scale production, enhancing the US defense industry's competitiveness and supporting Foreign Military Sales.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice / Request for Solutions (RFS) leading to a Project Order under an OTA
- Contract Vehicle: Expeditionary Missions Consortium (EMC2) Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) (10 U.S.C. § 4022)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Solution Due: April 23, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
- Published: April 15, 2026
- Place of Performance: Crane, IN
Eligibility & Evaluation
Vendors interested in responding to this RFS must be members of the EMC2. The Government will evaluate solutions with the intent of awarding a Project Order. This is a merit-based evaluation under the OTA framework.
Amendment Notes
Amendment 01 extended the solution due date from April 9, 2026, to April 16, 2026. The current response date in the system is April 23, 2026. Additionally, Attachment 8, Technical Design Package, has been incorporated for reference and is available on the EMC2 Members Only site.