SOURCES SOUGHT
R -- TMQ-53 RF MODEM REPLACEMENT
- Notice Date
- 3/17/2005
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 334111
— Electronic Computer Manufacturing
- Contracting Office
- Department of the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command, Hill AFB OO-ALC, OO-ALC/PKXD 6038 Aspen Ave (Bldg 1289), Hill AFB, UT, 84056
- ZIP Code
- 84056
- Solicitation Number
- FA8217-05-R-AAAA
- Response Due
- 4/15/2005
- Archive Date
- 7/15/2005
- Description
- This announcement constitutes a Sources Sought Synopsis/Request For Information for the replacement of Pacific Crest RF Modems for the TMQ-53 Tactical Meteorological Observing System (TMOS). 1. Purpose. The following information is provided to assist the Air Force in conducting market research of industry to identify potential providers of a replacement RF Modem. Also, the Request for Information included within this synopsis allows interested industry and other parties the opportunity to provide comments for the development of the RF Modem capability. The Government is neither negotiating nor calling for offers at this time; this announcement is an expression of interest only and does not commit the Government to pay for any response preparation cost. The government does not intend to make an award on the basis of this sources sought synopsis. Copies of the submitted information will be reproduced and submitted to the TMOS sustainment office for review and will be used to develop the acquisition strategy and possibly an eventual Request For Proposal (RFP). 2. Background. a. The TMQ-53 is a tactical weather station that provides meteorological observations in remote, worldwide areas of operation through a quick setup/teardown, easily transportable system. The sensor set is generally located in a remote area where representative weather is required, while the computer and software for processing the observed data is located within the airfield operations area. b. In many areas where deployed, the distance between the sensor set and the computer is too distant for standard serial cable communications. In these situations, the current method of communication is via Pacific Crest serial RF Modem pairs (RFM96W). One connected to the data collection module at the sensor set via RS-232 interface and the other connected to a Windows PC computer also via RS-232 interface. c. The Pacific Crest RFM96W modems have become obsolete and are no longer available or repairable and need to be replaced with a suitable substitute. d. The Hill Air Force Base UT, 84 Combat Sustainment Wing, Weather Systems Flight is investigating possible sources for a like or similar RF Modem capability to support future operations of the TMQ-53. 3. Program Overview. a. The purpose of this sources sought is to determine: (1) Possible modem manufacturers and suppliers to provide a form, fit and function replacement of the Pacific Crest RFM96W modems. i. The RFM96W modems are currently fielded in five frequency ranges (the Government is currently attempting to discern what appropriate frequency ranges will be required in the future. The final list may not include all the frequencies listed below). 1. 132 ? 150 MHz VHF (Most Popular) 2. 150 ? 174 MHz VHF 3. 410 ? 430 MHz UHF 4. 430 ? 450 MHz UHF 5. 450 ? 470 MHz UHF ii. Transmitter Power: 2 Watts iii. Baud Rate: 4800 iv. Spacing Resolution: 12.5 kHz v. Frequency Stability: 2.5 ppm vi. Antenna: Omni Directional or Directional vii. Range: 5nm (Line of Site) viii. Other Information: Fast asynchronous transmission protocol, and a Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK) base-band modulation ix. Replacement modems should maximize, to the degree possible, other existing connections and fixtures used with the Pacific Crest RFM96W modems (current RFM96W physical description is attached.) 1. Same connectors for antenna, power and data 2. Same or similar mounting hardware (2) Determine if there is a better way to provide the RF Modem capability through a similar, but more efficient and accessible RF technology. i. Responses should focus on optional RF technologies that provide greater benefit to the Government due to factors such as: 1. Increased speed 2. Lower cost 3. Increased security of communications 4. Reduce or eliminate requirement for frequency approvals NOTE: The TMQ-53 is comprised of largely Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) technology. The Government does NOT have Level III drawings or other extensive data to support specialized development activities. The Government anticipates that the RF Modem replacement will similarly use COTS technology and does not anticipate developmental costs associated with this replacement. 4. Information for interested parties. a. Draft RFP. There is currently no scheduled timeline for proceeding with this effort and thus no anticipated Draft RFP availability date. b. Bidder?s Library. If this procurement is pursued, it is anticipated that an electronic Bidder?s Library will be established for this acquisition. Please check the web site in paragraph 5 below for information and updates regarding the Bidder?s Library. c. Industry Day. No industry day is expected for this procurement. 5. Market Survey / RFI Questions. Please send your response to Jill Larsen at OO-ALC/LHKC 6029 Wardleigh Road Bldg 1207 Hill AFB UT 84056-5838 or via e-mail at jill.larsen@hill.af.mil. Responses are requested no later than close of business on 15 April 2005. No phone or FAX requests will be accepted.
- Record
- SN00770762-W 20050319/050317212037 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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