Three proposals were submitted for the contract. The task order contract for CLS was awarded on a best-value tradeoff basis with a base and six options. CLS availability is scheduled to begin in calendar year 2021 and continue through calendar year 2027.
The procurement of this CLS includes logistics, maintenance and supply for both the TH-73A and the TH-57. The resultant task order award will provide services and materials necessary to provide aircraft maintenance and logistics aircraft support for both the TH-73A and the TH-57 platforms, to include: the repair of airframe and aircraft subsystems, including engines; maintenance/repair and logistics support of support equipment (as required); and maintaining records and reporting for aircraft and associated systems.
Using a combination of best industry and Navy practices, AHTS will ensure Chief of Naval Air Training efficiently produces rotary wing aviators who are prepared for advanced rotary wing and intermediate tilt-rotor training and who will meet the challenges faced in the fleet through 2050.
“The new Leonardo TH-73A helicopters are the cornerstone of AHTS, which is the planned replacement to address the capability and capacity gaps of the current aging TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopter training platform,” said Capt. Holly Shoger, Naval Undergraduate Flight Training Systems Program Office (PMA-273) program manager.
“This contract ensures the Navy can successfully maintain the TH-57 helicopters until the TH-73A is operational in the fleet. Vertex will ensure the Navy has capacity to train several hundred aviation students per year at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Milton, Florida.”
Vertex Aerospace
Vertex Aerospace is a defense aerospace company. It provides technical and supply-chain support, aircraft maintenance, product manufacturing, assembly services, and engineering solutions for both government and commercial platforms.
A mid-level aerospace company, Vertex Aerospace offers a global capability operating in over 100 locations worldwide providing aftermarket aerospace services for more than 2,400 fixed and rotary wing airframes
The Mississippi-based company employs a 50 percent veteran workforce.
Vertex has recently opened a new operational site at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland, due to growth from several recent contract awards which includes a prime seat on the Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Full Rate Production (FRP) Multiple Award Contract (MAC) and several task orders from the Contracted Maintenance, Modification, Aircrew, and Related Services (CMMARS) indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract.
See also |
TH-73A Thrasher in US Navy