This is a sources sought synopsis only and does not constitute a solicitation announcement. This is not a request for proposals or a quote and in no way obligates the Government to award any contract. This sources sought is for information and planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. This is not a solicitation announcement for quotes/proposals and no contract will be awarded from this announcement. This sources sought notice has been issued to survey the market and assist the United States Coast Guard (USCG) in determining possible sources for consideration. All firms responding to this sources sought notice are advised that their response to this notice is not a request to be considered for a contract award.
The USCG is conducting market research to seek sources that have the capability to procure a searchlight based on the parameters below. Please read through all information for a full understanding of the requirement.
SCOPE
The USCG operates a fleet of over forty-eight (48) MH-60T helicopters and are expanding to eighty-four (84) by 2032, equipped with a TrakkaBeam searchlight. For the USCG to effectively execute many of our law enforcement missions it is required that a search light with multiple Infrared (IR) filters be used to covertly illuminate targets of interest while using Night vision goggles and/or the Electro Optical Sensor System (ESS).
The current TrakkaBeam A-800 search light used on board the USCG MH-60T rotary wing platform has reached obsolescence and is no longer supportable nor procurable. The USCG is seeking information from various commercial vendors to compile market research to help determine a maintainable replacement for our current searchlight.
USCG is seeking information on vendors that can provide commercial off-the-shelf systems that meet the minimum specifications listed in this document.
ITEM DESCRIPTION
The search light shall provide an even, bright beam of light with no black hole in the wide field of view. The light will house an array of internal filters that can be externally selected during flight. The light shall be capable of internally selecting three (3) levels of IR filtered light between 820nm and 940nm, and white light. The searchlight shall be capable of illuminating a target.
The light shall be controlled with a handheld controller that enables the user to turn the light off and on, swivel the light up and down, left and right. The searchlight shall be capable of slaving to the ESS so that both the searchlight and the ESS can be controlled and will track targets simultaneously. The user shall be capable of adjusting the light beam from a narrow to wide beam to adjust the focus of the light beam as required. The light shall be capable of selecting IR filtered light.
The searchlight shall have the capability of identifying twelve (12) inch letters at three thousand (3,000) feet slant range while in the visible spectrum.
The searchlight shall have an external locator searchlight capable of identifying twelve (12) inch letters at two thousand one hundred (2,100) feet slant range while in the IR spectrum.
See below for a list of design specifications and characteristics.
SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: Vendor shall provide.
Mounting: Dove Tail Assembly is desired.
Power: 28VDC < 30 Amps
Control: Dual Hand Controllers - The system shall be capable of operating from two distinct control locations, with functionality restricted to one controller at a time to ensure operational clarity and avoid simultaneous control conflicts.
Mount: Dove Tail Mount.
Camera Slaving: Capable of slaving the search light to the EO/IR system.
Data Interface: Ethernet, RS-232, RS-422
CHARACTERISTICS
Lumens: Minimum of 21,500
Beam Angle (Focus): Minimum of 2° – 13.5°
Length: The length of the mount and searchlight while looking straight down shall not exceed twenty-four (24) inches to facilitate a safe distance to the ground during takeoff and landing.
Total System Weight: Total system weight is desired to not exceed sixty-five (65) pounds (lbs).
Operating Temp: -40°C to +55°C
Storage Temp: -50°C to +80°C
Internal Seals: Mil standard MIL-STD-810 - Search light shall have seals installed to prevent moisture intrusion during over the water operations.
Max Aircraft Speed: 120 kts
MTBF: ≥ 1,000 flying hours
Qualifications: MIL-STD-810 / DO-160
RESPONSES
Responses to this notice should include company name, address, telephone number, and point of contact (POC). Please respond to the following questions:
1. Please indicate if there are any quantity discounts.
2. What is an estimated total lead time?
3. What North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code does your company use for this type of procurement?
4. If small, does your firm qualify as a small, emergent business, or a small, disadvantaged business?
5. If disadvantaged, specify under which disadvantage group and is your firm certified under Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act?
6. Is your firm a certified Hub Zone firm?
7. Is your firm a Women-Owned or operated business?
8. Is your firm a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned?
9. Is your product listed on a General Services Administration (GSA) schedule?
10. Do you have other government agencies using the product, and if so which agencies, POCs and contract numbers?
11. If possible, provide POCs for civilian users for general usage of product questions?
After the review of the responses to this sources sought announcement, and if the USCG still plans to proceed with the acquisition, a solicitation announcement will be published on the SAM.gov website. Responses to this sources sought synopsis are not adequate responses to any future solicitation announcement. All interested offerors will have to respond to the solicitation in addition to responding to this sources sought synopsis. Responses to this sources sought synopsis are NOT a request to be added to a prospective offerors list or to receive a copy of the solicitation.
Closing date and time for receipt of response is 08/11/2025 at 2:00PM Eastern Time. E-mail responses are preferred and may be sent to Kristen.L.Allen3@uscg.mil. Please indicate 70Z03825IJ0000059 in the subject line.
