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THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS, AN INVITATION FOR BIDS, OR A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS. FURTHER, IT DOES NOT REPRESENT A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PAY FOR COSTS INCURRED IN PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF DATA OR ANY OTHER COSTS INCURRED IN RESPONSE TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.

This is a Sources Sought Notice with the intent to award a sole source order to Advanced Rotorcraft Technology, Inc. (ART), under the authority of FAR 13.106-1 based on their unique technical qualifications as the only known company authorized to provide 2-Bladdded Teetering Rotor Helicopter Model for use in FlightLab modeling and simulation tool. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) knows of no other sources for this requirement. Notice is provided as information to the marketplace, market research, and is an invitation for any other qualified companies to express their interest in and demonstrate their capability to provide the required software.

The (NTSB) is an independent Federal agency with the primary missions of investigating civil aviation accidents in the United States and significant accidents in the other modes of transportation -- railroad, highway, marine, and pipeline -- and issuing safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents.

The Vehicle Performance Division (RE-60) in the Office of Research and Engineering (RE) determines the motion of vehicles in transportation accidents and analyzes the physical causes of that motion. The Division also compares the computed performance of these vehicles to their expected or design performance, in order to identify unexpected or anomalous behavior. Engineering simulations, in which the response of vehicles to physical forces is calculated in detail using computers, is an important tool used in accomplishing these tasks.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has a requirement for Generic 2-bladed teetering rotor helicopter model for use in the FLIGHTLAB modeling and simulation tool. Currently, the NTSB has two helicopter simulation models a 4-bladed articulated rotor helicopter and an Airbus AS-350, a 3-bladed composite-hub helicopter used in medical flight operations. The performance of a 2-bladed teetering helicopter is substantially different from that of a 4-bladed articulated helicopter or a 3-bladed composite-hub helicopter. Having a 2-bladed teetering helicopter model will fill a void that the NTSB’s current models cannot fill due differing characteristics and behavior of a 2 bladed teetering rotor helicopter. Simulations require an accurate mathematical model that represents the aerodynamics of the aircraft particular to its type.

Sources capable of fully satisfying the above requirement are invited to submit a capability statement/ expression of interest providing the Government the necessary information to determine actual capability. At a minimum, this information, which must be prepared specifically in response to this notice must include: (1) identification of company or organization; (2) an assertion of existing, full capability to meet proposed requirements; (3) business/contracts/marketing office point(s) of contact; (4) notification of business size and /or special status; and (5) any additional information that may be useful to the successful procurement of the requirements, if solicited. The capability statement shall adhere to a five (5)-page submission limit plus web links and any specialized product descriptions. The statement of capabilities should include only information that clearly demonstrates the respondent's capabilities, expertise, and experience to provide the requirements described in this notice. General marketing material should not be included. The NTSB prefers that companies do not submit proprietary material. However, the Government recognizes that proprietary data may be a part of your submittal. If so, clearly mark such restricted or proprietary data and present it as an addendum to the non-restricted/non-proprietary information. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. A determination by the Government not to compete the proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, which shall be considered by NTSB. Parties must submit information within three (3) days of publication of this notice. NTSB will not return capability statements and the supporting documentation submitted in response to this notice. Telephone responses and inquiries will not be accepted. You may email questions regarding this notice to the issuing office to Jassiem Hodge Sr. via email at: jassiem.hodge@ntsb.gov.

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