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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 Irving, CA, for the redesign of the F414-GE-400 Engine Light Off Detector (LOD) to address obsolescence issues under solicitation number N00019-23-R-0012. The LOD is mounted within the engine augmenter (afterburner) section of the F414-GE-400 engine. The LOD detects the presence or absence of the augmenter flame and provides the corresponding signal to the engine control system to ensure proper fuel management. The contractor will perform research and development activities to assess potential technical readiness level (TRL) 4 solutions that can be used to advance the current F414 LOD design and identify potential paths for improving sustainability of the current LOD design. Deliverables may consist technical reports that include a technology evaluation matrix, technology maturation plan, and lab assessments of potential F414 Light Off Detector (LOD) design solutions to mitigate ongoing obsolescence concerns. The contract has an estimated period of performance of 24 months, beginning in the 4th quarter of FY ’23.

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