69 -- P-3C AIP Configured Device 2F179A (TORT) Tactical Operational Readiness Trainer

The Fleet established a requirement for full configuration P-3C Aircraft Improvement Program (AIP) mission readiness trainers in FY 02. The four existing 2F179 AIP Tactical Aircrew Coordination Trainers (TACT) lack acoustic sensor operator stations and require upgraded capability at other aircrew stations to achieve a full mission readiness level trainer. Also, fatigue life expended (FLE) issues have dictated that AIP readiness training be shifted into trainers to conserve P-3 airframe life. The AIP readiness trainer requirement is supported by N789 in the APN7 budget and FAST Plan for FY 04 - 06.The redesignated 2F179A Tactical Operational Readiness Trainer (TORT) will provide full aircrew coordination training and readiness certification training for P-3C AIP aircrews. The 2F179A TORT will be an across-the-board upgrade of the current 2F179 TACT. A stand-alone prototype 2F179A TORT will be delivered to NAS Jacksonville. Subsequently, the four existing 2F179 TACT trainers will be upgraded to the new 2F179A TORT configuration. The result will be five 2F179A TORT trainers. The trainers are located in NAS Jacksonville, NAS Brunswick, NAS Whidbey Island, and NAS Kaneohe Bay. The 2F179A TORT prototype and four 2F179 TACT to 2F179A TORT upgrades will be acquired through open competition under Lot I of the Training Systems Contract (TSC) II Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity Contract (ID/IQC) contract. A delivery order will be awarded under the TSC II ID/IQC on a Best Value, trade-off analysis acquisition approach. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS FOR SUBCONTRACTING INFORMATION ONLY.