CH-53K Electrical Optical (EO) / Infrared (IR) Sensor System Competition
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 Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) is conducting a Full and Open Competition for the CH-53K Electrical Optical (EO) / Infrared (IR) Sensor System. This presolicitation seeks a contractor for a Firm Fixed-Price (FFP) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, estimated for seven years, covering engineering, production, and support. Draft RFP documents are currently available to potential offerors with an approved DD Form 2345. An Industry Day is tentatively planned for the week of April 20, 2026.
Scope of Work
This effort encompasses non-recurring engineering, ongoing engineering support, program support, and production of forward-fit, retrofit, and spare EO/IR sensor systems and adapter plates for the CH-53K program. It also includes testing, logistics, data, and production reach-back support. The place of contract performance is expected to be at the contractor's facility.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm Fixed-Price (FFP) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)
- Duration: Approximately seven (7) years
- Set-Aside: Full and Open Competition
- Draft RFP Availability: Now available (as of March 26, 2026)
- Industry Day: Tentatively planned for the week of April 20, 2026
- Anticipated Final Solicitation Release: Via Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE)
Accessing Documents
Access to draft RFP documents requires an approved DD Form 2345. Once approved, request access via this SAM.gov posting. Only one point of contact per offeror will be granted access. The technical library will be provided via DoD SAFE. For classified documents, the potential offeror's FSO must provide specific information in DISS, including SMO Code, Pax River, MD, Meeting Name PMA-261 EO/IR, POC Catherine Mays (catherine.n.mays.civ@us.navy.mil, 240-572-9064), Level S, Visit Reason Meeting, and Dates for one year.
Additional Notes
The Government is updating the draft RFP to align with the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul, so offerors should anticipate changes. This is a presolicitation and not a request for proposal. All updates to this draft synopsis and solicitation will be published to SAM.gov, while the final solicitation and associated documents will be published via PIEE, requiring a PIEE account for access.