16 -- SOLE SOURCE - MA-16 INERTIA REEL MODIFICATION

The Naval Air Systems Command intends to negotiate a sole source firm fixed price contract with H. Koch and Sons Company, Anaheim, CA for a modification to the MA-16 inertia reel in order to provide a webbing retraction and automatic locking device for use with existing H-60 Aircraft Crewmember Safety Belts. The MA-16 Inertia Reel is qualified to the latest revision of Military Specification MIL-R-8236F, Reel, Shoulder Harness, Inertia Lock. The modification will provide increased webbing payout for aircrew cabin mobility, and alter automatic locking thresholds as appropriate for mobile aircrew. The retractor will incorporate a mechanical interface bolt for single point attachment to the cabin ceiling, permitting self-alignment of the retractor with mobile aircrew. It will also incorporate an end fitting on the webbing compatible with the current Crewmember's Safety Belt. Approximately 50 units are required for first article testing 60 days after contract award, and approximately 500 units are required for production deliveries beginning 240 days after contract award and lasting approximately 5 months. Associated engineering, logistic support, and technical data are also required. The Air Force placed H. Koch and Sons on the Qualified Products Lists in September 1996 for the MA-16 Inertia Reel. H. Koch and Sons Company is the sole designer, developer, and manufacturer of the MA-16 inertia reel and the only known source with the technical expertise and data to meet this need. This synopsis is published for information purposes only. See notes 22 and 26.