SOURCES SOUGHT
A -- Radio Frequency Microelectromechanical System
- Notice Date
- 12/17/2004
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541710
— Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Contracting Office
- Department of the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command, AFFTC - AF Flight Test Center, 5 S WOLFE AVE, Edwards AFB, CA, 93524-1185
- ZIP Code
- 93524-1185
- Solicitation Number
- Reference-Number-F1LMCA00048900
- Response Due
- 1/18/2005
- Archive Date
- 2/2/2005
- Description
- THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT FOR MARKET RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY. The Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E), the Test and Evaluation/Science and Technology Spectrum Efficient Technology Program Office, Edwards AFB, CA, is seeking sources with demonstrated expertise and experience to design and build a working prototype for a software re-configurable antenna system operating in the 4.5 and 7. 2 Ghz frequency band, using Microelectromechanical System (MEMS) switches to provide frequency re-configurability and beam steering for in-flight use. The objective is to show that such a system will allow a more spectrally efficient communication between a flying vehicle and a ground station for telemetry application. The Government requests industry qualification packages, which include references and proof of capability and experience in the area of Software Reconfigurable Antenna Systems (SRAS). The package will not exceed 10 pages. Responses will assist the Government in determining whether to set-aside/restrict competition in some way, or solicit offers from all responsible sources. The Government will consider all responses to determine the extent of interest of qualified sources. Industry must submit sufficient information for the Government to determine their capabilities and experience to design and build a working prototype of the SRAS. 1) Objective The proposed research aims to design and build a working prototype of software reconfigurable antenna system operating in the 4.5 and 7.2 Ghz frequency band using MEMS switches to provide aircraft in-flight frequency reconfigurability and beam steering. The design of the reconfigurable antenna architectures will be done by using full-wave electromagnetic analysis tools based on finite element method and method of moment. The switches will be fabricated and integrated with the antenna. The Reconfigurable antenna will consist of multiple distinct patches printed on a microwave substrate such as RT/Duroid or quartz connected by MEMS switches strategically placed on the same substrate. When the switches are in the OFF-state the patch will resonate and radiate at one frequency (highest frequency). When the switches are in the ON-state and the two patches are connected, the antenna will resonate and radiate at a different frequency (the lower frequency). The beam switching functions will be done using a dual frequency Butler Matrix driven by a single pole 4 throw MEMS switch. For demonstation purposes the system will have a computer system that will control the system to radiate signals to a predetermined ground antenna location. 2) Scope The scope of the work to be pursued consists of demonstrating how MEMS switches can effectively be integrated into a microwave antenna system to provide a reconfigurable frequency. The work also will demonstrate how a proper bias scheme can be used in combination with MEMS switches to ensure a minimum interaction between the RF signal path and the MEMS DC bias lines. This is not a trivial task and many MEMS related projects did not succeed simply because of the RF signal coupled with the bias lines degrading system performances. Because of the chosen geometry for the antenna (microstrip patch type), the switches to be built are of the type microstrip series switches and not shunt coplanar type. This switch is fundamentally different from the shunt switch that has been demonstrated in the past. A second scope of the proposed work is to demonstrate the design and fabrication of in-line switch and evaluate its performances at microwave frequency. Of particular interest is the long term reliability of the MEMS switches and their power handling capability. Additionally the overall power levels supported by the SRAS is of interest. 3) Background The proposed work is part of ongoing research efforts towards the establishment of low cost, low profile, adaptive, and multifunctional communication systems with emphasis on reconfigurable phased array antennas. Current research efforts have two main phases, which are interrelated to each other: (1) Development of novel MEMS fabrication technologies for low cost, highly integrated, adaptive, and multifunctional communication systems. (2) Design, analysis and fabrication of the communication systems compatible with the developed fabrication technologies. The above stated phase 1 of the research efforts is an ongoing project, in which novel MEMS fabrication technologies have been developed for the use in fabricating MEMS based reconfigurable communication systems. Research has successfully demonstrated the integration of MEMS switches on several unconventional substrates such as quartz, printed circuit board and Rogers-Duroid. The proposed research focuses on the design, analysis and fabrication phases are built on proven capabilities of utilizing full-wave electromagnetic tools. University research work has designed many microwave circuits as well as RF MEM switches, and have also demonstrated the first MEMS switch integrated with antenna on printed circuit board materials. Screening Criteria for Qualification Packages are: Extensive knowledge of RF MEMS SRAS to aeronautical telemetry; demonstrated capability to design and fabricate a working prototype of software reconfigurable antenna system using MEMS switches on printed circuit board to provide frequency reconfigurability, beam steering and ability to modify the system within allotted schedule; ability to test in an anechoic chamber; and the ability to provide engineering data packages to commercial vendors for product development and commercialization. Any company proprietary information shall be separately marked. Responses shall be single spaced, single sided and shall be submitted in two copies. Drawings, diagrams, or figures may be provided as an attachment to the response to clarify stated capabilities. Sources are advised that the Government intends to use non-Government personnel (Tybrin Corp) to provide technical reviews of statements of capability submitted in response to this synopsis. POINT OF CONTACT: Lisa Jackson, AFFTC/PKDD, 5 S. Wolfe Avenue, Edwards AFB, CA 93524. Voice (661) 277-7708, Fax (661) 275-7881, or email: lisa.jackson@edwards.af.mil. All responses to this synopsis shall be provided no later than January 18, 2005 to address above. Electronic and fax responses will not be accepted. Sources are reminded that this synopsis does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. The Government does not intend to pay for any information provided under this synopsis. The synopsis is for information and planning purposes only, to determine the extent of interest of qualified sources by their response to synopsis. Interested, qualified sources are encouraged to advise the Government of any limiting factors or issues that they think the Government should consider in this synopsis action. Industry shall allow enough time to submit questions and to provide comments within the timeframe before the sources sought synopsis closes on January 18, 2005. Firms responding to this synopsis should reference the synopsis number and indicate whether they are or are not a small or small disadvantaged business concern as defined in FAR 52.219-1. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541710 with a size standard of 1,000.
- Place of Performance
- Address: 307 E. Popson Avenue, Edwards AFB, CA
- Zip Code: 93524
- Country: USA
- Zip Code: 93524
- Record
- SN00723077-W 20041219/041217211716 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
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