C-17 Data Recorder

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains vendor questions and government responses regarding the Draft DBRS RFP, providing clarifications on technical, contractual, and evaluation aspects of the opportunity.

• Technical Data Buses: The government will confirm specific data bus protocols (MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, Ethernet-based systems) and capture rates. Attachment 10 (SRD) is referenced for detailed requirements on bus channels, data rates, and storage.
• Environmental Standards: Environmental qualification standards (e.g., DO-160, MIL-STD-810, EMI/EMC) are required, with details specified in Attachment 10.
• Cybersecurity: The DBRS must handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and comply with relevant DFARS clauses. Secure boot and trusted computing are required. Encryption for stored data is not necessary.
• Evaluation Criteria: Technical factors will be weighted highest, followed by Past Performance and then Price. Commercial aerospace experience will be evaluated, with additional credit for DoD aircraft modification, cyber analysis, and testing experience.
• Production Schedule: Anticipated production ramp timelines are Lot 1 (Aug 27), Lot 2 (Mar 28), Lot 3 (Dec 28), Lot 4 (Aug 29). Quantities are unknown, and an IDIQ contract will be awarded.
• Data Storage: Storage capacity is approximately 1000 hours. The system will stop recording when full. Continuous recording is required, and data does not need to be encrypted.
• Delivery: Military Flight Release (MFR) must be approved prior to delivery acceptance of production LRUs. A Technical Data Package (TDP) is intended to be delivered after contract award.
• Program Schedule: The official RFP is expected by the end of May, with a 90-day timeline from RFP to award. Phase 2 proposals are due 14 days after invitation.

These clarifications refine technical specifications, evaluation criteria, and program timelines, which bidders should consider when preparing their proposals. Attachment 10 (SRD) is a critical reference document for detailed requirements.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains vendor questions and government responses regarding the Draft DBRS RFP, providing clarifications on technical, contractual, and evaluation aspects.

• Data Bus Protocols: The government will provide wiring harness design data packages and interface control documents. Specific data bus protocols (MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, Ethernet-based systems) and capture rates are detailed in Attachment 10.
• Flight Certification: Military Flight Release (MFR) must be approved prior to delivery acceptance of production LRUs.
• Cybersecurity: DBRS will handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and requires protection per NIST SP 800-53 controls. Secure boot and trusted computing are required. Encryption for stored or transferred data is not necessary.
• Past Performance: Commercial aerospace data system integration experience will NOT be considered acceptable past performance. The definition is being modified to focus on manufacturing of a databus recorder or similar solutions into fleet aircraft.
• Production Timelines: Anticipated production ramp timelines are Lot 1 (Aug 27), Lot 2 (Mar 28), Lot 3 (Dec 28), Lot 4 (Aug 29), with unknown quantities.
• Data Storage: The DBRS will stop writing data if storage capacity is reached. Encryption for stored data is not required.
• Connectors: Alternate connectors are not satisfactory; specific 6-pin and 128-pin connectors must mate with aircraft harnesses.
• Acquisition Timeline: Proposal due date is TBD. Award is expected ~10 months after RFP release. First article testing begins upon receipt of performance review units.

This Q&A document significantly clarifies technical requirements, evaluation criteria (especially for past performance), and program schedules. Offerors should review Attachment 10 and the SOW for detailed specifications. The RFP release date and proposal due date are still TBD.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for a requirements-type Indefinite Delivery contract for the Databus Recording System (DBRS) for the C-17 aircraft. The contract will have a total ordering period of 5 years and includes both initial testing and production of systems. The DBRS is intended to record pertinent system/subsystem parameters, components, and flight profile data to aid in root-cause analysis.

• The DBRS must record all installed 1553/429 bus and fuel quantity computer data on the C-17.

• The system should capture and package clean and complete C-17 flight information, system parameters, and component data.

• Specific deliverables include Avionics Integration Support (ASIF) Test Units, Flight Test Units, meeting agendas, data accession lists, obsolescence alerts, presentation materials, program protection plans, engineering change proposals, supplier configuration management plans, quality management systems, requests for variance, risk management framework packages, acquisition and sustainment data packages, cybersecurity test plans, and various reports.

• Contract Type: Requirements-type Indefinite Delivery Contract.

• Period of Performance: Total ordering period of 5 years.

• Pricing Arrangement: Firm Fixed Price for most CLINs; some items are Not Separately Priced (NSP).

• NAICS Code: 334511 (Size Standard: 1350).

• This is a tradeoff source selection.

• Proposals will be evaluated based on Technical (including Technical Solution and Schedule), Past Performance, and Price.

• Technical is the most important factor, followed by Past Performance, then Price.

• Offerors must submit proposals electronically via PIEE or encrypted email.

• Offer Due Date: December 31, 2026, 11:59 PM.

• This acquisition is set aside 100% for Small Business.

• The solicitation includes numerous DFARS and FAR clauses incorporated by reference and full text.

• Specific CLINs are designated for pre-production and production.

• Data requirements are established as Not Separately Priced (NSP) and must be delivered FOB Destination.