How to bid on HH-60W Degraded Visual Environment System for DEPT of Defense

What the Air Force is buying

The U.S. Air Force needs a Degraded Visual Environment System (DVES) for its HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters. This system must detect hazards in real-time and display them in the cockpit and cabin. It needs to work in various conditions like smoke, snow, dust, brownout, and whiteout.

The project involves the full lifecycle: design, development, testing, integration, procurement, installation, and deployment of these DVES kits. The potential contract period is up to eight years.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This Request for Proposal (RFP) was published on September 11, 2026. All responses are due by October 08, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET. Submitting your proposal by this deadline is critical for consideration.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for firms with expertise in aviation equipment, particularly in developing and integrating complex electronic systems for military aircraft. Companies specializing in real-time hazard detection, display systems, and avionics integration will find this relevant. The work falls under the equipment category.

How to respond

To access the solicitation documents, click “View original source” on the portal. If the first click takes you to the homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account on the portal to view all documents, though some bids allow access without one.

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). Note that these attachments have been updated multiple times through amendments, so ensure you are working with the latest versions.

Pay close attention to the requirements for real-time hazard detection and display capabilities in various degraded visual environments. Clearly demonstrate your firm's technical approach for design, development, testing, and integration. Highlight any relevant past performance that showcases your ability to deliver similar complex systems for aviation applications.