Bid guide

How to bid on HH-60W Degraded Visual Environment System for the US Air Force

DEPT of DefenseCloses October 8, 2026

What the Air Force is buying

The United States Air Force needs a Degraded Visual Environment System (DVES) for its HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters. This system will detect hazards in conditions like smoke, snow, dust, brownout, and whiteout, and display this information to the cockpit and cabin crews in real-time.

The work involves the design, development, testing, integration, procurement, installation, and deployment of these DVES kits. This is a significant opportunity for companies specializing in advanced aviation systems and related engineering.

Key dates and contract structure

This Request for Proposal (RFP) was published on August 04, 2026. All responses must be submitted by October 08, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.

The contract is anticipated to have a 24-month base period. There is one ordering period and an option to activate additional ordering periods, potentially extending the total contract performance to eight years.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for firms with expertise in aviation technology, sensor systems, real-time hazard detection, and system integration for military aircraft. Companies with experience in designing and developing complex electronic or avionic equipment, particularly for helicopters, would be well-suited.

The solicitation falls under the equipment category, specifically for advanced aerospace and defense systems.

How to respond

To access the solicitation documents and prepare your response, you need to view the original source on the government portal. Click the provided link, and if it first takes you to the portal's homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid.

You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all documents, though some bids allow access without an account.

Tips for a competitive response

Carefully review all attachments, especially the Performance Work Statement (PWS), Section L (Instructions to Offerors), and Section M (Evaluation Basis for Award). These documents detail what the Air Force expects and how your proposal will be judged.

Pay close attention to any amendments. For this RFP, Amendment 01 removed a past performance requirement, and Amendment 02 updated several key attachments including the Cost Model and PWS. Ensure your proposal reflects the latest versions of these documents. Address all requirements thoroughly and clearly demonstrate your firm's technical capabilities and experience with similar complex aviation systems.

See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond

Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.

View this bid on BiddingSimple

This guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from DEPT of Defense; the original posting controls.