SOLICITATION NOTICE
58 -- ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS CENTER (ESC) IS SEEKING QUALIFIED SOURCES FOR THE PRODUCTION ACQUISITION OF A SOFTWARE COMMUNICATIONS ARCHITECTURE (SCA)-COMPLIANT, SINGLE-CHANNEL HANDHELD RADIO SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS.
- Notice Date
- 10/6/2006
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- Contracting Office
- 653d ELSG/KCK 5 Eglin Street, Mitre Building D Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-2100
- ZIP Code
- 01731-2100
- Solicitation Number
- FA8726-07-Q-0001
- Response Due
- 10/23/2006
- Archive Date
- 1/6/2007
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Air Force Single-Channel Software Communications Architecture (SCA)-Compliant Handheld Radio System Description Electronic Systems Center (ESC) is seeking qualified sources for the Production Acquisition of a Software Communications Architecture (SCA)-Compliant, single-channel handheld radio system and components, including items such as base stations, vehicle adapters, and repeaters suitable to form multiple system configurations for operational use, plus accessories such as battery chargers, programming software, and cables. This Sources Sought Synopsis will assist the government in determining industry's interest and capability in satisfying the details provided herein. Vendors will have the opportunity to offer their products which meet the threshold requirements and as many objective requirements consistent with their product line offering. The requirement is for a rugged, militarized handheld radio system, components, and accessories. The handheld radio shall include embedded, NSA approved, programmable COMSEC. The Air Force uses handheld radio systems in various environments and within joint and combined military operations, as well as with various civil agencies. As such, they must be able to interoperate with legacy radios and provide enhanced capabilities with software upgrades as described in this document. In order to meet these requirements, ESC intends to develop the necessary contractual documentation in order to procure between approximately 500 single-channel handheld systems, to include components and accessories for FY07, with potential purchase of additional units in subsequent years. Therefore, the government is interested in identifying potential sources that meet the threshold requirements and that may have a negotiated General Services Administration (GSA) contract, which could be used to satisfy the purchase of a SCA-compliant single-channel handheld radio systems, components, and accessories. Table 1. Threshold/Objective Requirements for AF Single-Channel SCA Compliant Handheld Radio System SYSTEM CAPABILITIES & CHARACTERISTICS THRESHOLDS OBJECTIVES (Same as threshold unless otherwise noted) 1. Frequency Bands/Modes Operator selectable/ programmable channels in identified frequency ranges a. VHF/AM (1) Frequency Range 116.0-149.975 MHz (2) Channel Spacing 25 kHz (3) Power Output 1-5 Watts (selectable) (4) COMSEC VINSON@ l6 kb/s (5) Swept Frequency Beacon Mode Yes (6) Guard Frequency Priority monitoring on 121.5 MHz when in scan mode b. VHF/FM (1) Frequency Range 30.0-89.975 MHz (2) Channel Spacing 5 and 25 kHz (3) Power Output 1-5 Watts (selectable) (4) COMSEC VINSON@ l6 kb/s (5) ECCM SINCGARS (ESIP) (6) Other Operator selectable 150 Hz squelch tone, simplex, half-duplex frequency capability w/user selectable/ programmable TX/RX channels and frequency splits c. VHF/FM (Public Service) (1) Frequency Range 136.0-174.0 MHz (2) Channel Spacing 5,12.5 and 25 kHz (3) Power Output 1-5 Watts (selectable) (4) COMSEC VINSON@ 12& l6 kb/s FASCINATOR and AES Compatible (5) Other Simplex and half-duplex frequency capability w/user selectable/programmable TX/RX channels and frequency splits d. UHF/AM (Air to Ground) (1) Frequency Range 225.0-399.975 MHz (2) Channel Spacing 25 KHz (3) Power Output 1-5 Watts (selectable) (4) COMSEC VINSON@ l6 kb/s (5) ECCM HAVE QUICK II (6) Swept Frequency Beacon Mode Yes (7) Other Operator selectable/programmable channels with guard frequency priority monitoring on 243.0 MHz when in scan mode e. UHF/FM (LOS) (1) Frequency Range 225.0-399.975 MHz 225.0-399.995 (2) Channel Spacing 25 KHz 5 and 25 KHz (3) Power Output 1-5 Watts (selectable) (4) COMSEC VINSON@ l6 kb/s (5) Other Simplex and half-duplex frequency capability with user selectable TX/RX splits f. UHF/FM (Public Service) (1) Frequency Range 403.0-512.0 MHz (2) Channel Spacing 5, 12.5 and 25 kHz (3) Power Output 1-5 Watts (selectable) (4) COMSEC 12 kb/s FASCINATOR Compatible (5) Other Simplex and half-duplex frequency capability with user selectable TX/RX splits g. Global Positioning System Provide interface for PLGR or DAGR to provide GPS timing signal P-Code HAVE QUICK II 5 (Min) h. Data Transfer Protocol MIL-STD-188-184 Compatibility Auto Data Controller built-in i. Scan Scan operation shall be configurable to cover multiple scan plans/channels/presets with designated priority channels optional j. Digitized Voice Modes 12 &16 kb/s CVSD for FACSINATOR & VINSON secure voice 12 &16 kb/s CVSD, plus 2.4 kb/s LPC-10e (ANDVT) and 2.4 kb/s MELP k. Additional Waveforms Software only upgrades, unless full capability requires frequency range expansion (1) APCO 25 (2) COBRA (3) JTRS JPEO Solider Radio Waveform 2. Physical a. Handheld & Vest (Assault/Parachute) Yes b. Weight (with rechargeable battery and antenna) < 3 pounds < 1.5 Pounds c. Volume (cube, w/battery, less knobs and antenna) < 40 Cu In < 15 Cu In d. Non-Reflective Exterior Yes 3. Environmental Constraints a. Climatic Design Capable of world-wide deployment and exposure to all types of adverse weather as described in MIL-STD-810E, Limited to HOT/DRY, HOT/HUMID, COLD/DRY, BASIC b. Immersion 2 meters, 30 minutes in salt water c. Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) The radio system shall: (1) Be capable of being operated and maintained in a NBC environment by persons in full Mission Oriented Protective Posture IV (MOPP IV) protection gear (2) Be capable of under going decontamination procedures using existing solvents d. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) and Near Strike Lightning (NSL) The radio system shall: (1) Survive the effects of ESD and NSL to the extent that the operator can restore full performance (2) The radio system shall be capable of withstanding voltage surges and energy dissipation capacity in its operational environment to the extent that the operator can restore full performance e. TEMPEST The radio system shall meet applicable NSA emanation standards 4. Key Features a. Software Communications Architecture SCA version 2.2, or later Must have received JTRS JPEO SCA compliance with waivers as a minimum by time of contract award. b. Spectrum Supportability Determination Certification Military Communications-Electronics Board issued guidance IAW DoD Directive 4650.1, AFMAN 33-120 and AFI 33-118 received by time of contract award. c. Air Drop w/Individual Equipment Air-drop from 30K ft. d. Input Power Capability Rechargeable and Non-Rechargeable Battery types Battery mission life: 8-hr minimum at 5W TX power, on 8:1:1 duty cycle (STBY:RX:TX) DC power adapter for handheld radio e. Preset Channels/Modes 40 cross band capable 100 cross band capable f. Embedded Programmable Crypto NSA Approved Implementation g. COMSEC US Type 1 Secure Types as described herein Zeroization feature is required h. Memory Hold Feature Minimum 60 sec "memory hold" when battery power is removed i. Visual Displays NVG Compatible 5. Antennas Operate with the minimum number of antennas necessary to have -10dBi gain over the full frequency range One antenna to cover the entire frequency range with a minimum of -10 dBi of gain a. Basic Characteristic Removable b. Impedance 50 Ohms nominal c. Broad Band 90 to 512 MHz, Gain > -10 dBi at VHF low end, increasing through UHF 30 to 512 MHz, Gain > -10 dBi <12 inches in length, d. High Performance Antenna (1) Low VHF 30-88 MHz Gain > -10 dBi Gain > -2 dBi (2) VHF 116-174 MHz, Gain > -2 dBi (3) UHF 400 -512 MHz, Gain > -2 dBi e. Other Antenna Alternate antenna or kits as offered for: (1) Base Station (2) Vehicle (3) Repeater 6. Interoperability a. Joint Interoperability Test Command Testing Must have completed Joint Interoperability Test Command assessment and received certification by time of contract award. b. Radio Interoperability Demonstrate interoperability with: a. MX-300 Series a. SABER Radio Family b. XTS 3000 and XTS 5000 c. AN/PRC-126 d. SCOPE SHIELD II e. AN/PRC-113 f. AN/PRC-117 g. AN/PRC-119 h. VDC-100/200/300/400/500-series Automatic Data Controllers i. Airborne UHF/VHF/AM&FM j. SINCGARS k. HAVE QUICK II l. AN/PRC-148 (V)1 thru (V)6 m. AN/PRC-152 7. System Components a. Vehicular Adapter/Power Amplifier Component shall: Component shall: (1) Provide RF power amplification for enhanced communications range with vehicular antenna (2) Charge the handheld radio battery (3) Provide for "jerk and run" operational capability to quickly remove and utilize the handheld radio (4) Operate from ground military or civilian vehicle power (5) Incorporate a rugged physical design consistent with military vehicular design requirements and testing (6) Provide RF power amplification to a minimum of 20 watts across entire useable frequency range of the handheld radio (7) Provide remote control capability b. Base Station Adapter/Power Amplifier Component shall: Component shall: (1) Use conventional universal AC power and DC power inputs, with adequate filtering (EMI) and surge protection (2) Provide adequate radio power input from a source voltage of 12-32 volts DC or 90-240 volts AC at 50-400 Hz (3) Provide the same operational capabilities as the vehicular adapter (4) Provide RF power amplification to a minimum of 20 watts across entire useable frequency range of the handheld radio. (5) Provide remote control capability c. RF Repeater Component shall: (1) Operate full duplex for communications range extension (2) Incorporate a rugged, transportable configuration for quick reaction tactical setup/tear-down (3) Provide flexible power options (AC/DC) and optional vehicle repeater configuration Component shall: (4) Provide RF power amplification to a minimum of 20 watts across entire useable frequency range of the handheld radio. (5) Provide remote control capability 8. Ancillaries/Accessories a. General Components shall: (1) Operate from the same power source and in the same environment as the mission equipment (2) Support test equipment (if required) must operate on world-wide commercial power Components shall (3) Operate on 12-32 volts DC b. Programming Software Shall: (1) Be Microsoft Windows compatible software capable of loading all parameters (e.g., preset channels) into the transceiver, as appropriate for programming of radios at the field/user level (2) Provide on-line help and tutorial facilities so that users can become familiar with system functions and operating procedures (3) Use error management aids (e.g., prompts and advisory messages) and permit users to obtain on-line guidance by requesting help screens; following output of an error message, users should be permitted to request additional information in levels of increasing detail c. Cables As appropriate for data connections to: (1) PC (2) Cloning (3) External interconnects for GPS (4) Auto Data Controller device (5) Fill/Programmer d. Battery Chargers (single and multi-packs) Capable of recharging, to full capacity, a fully depleted/discharged battery pack within three hours e. Carrying Case (for example, holster and/or accessory pack styles As offered: (1) Capable of carrying necessary antennas, a military standard handset and ear phone assembly (2) The case should have a positive closure to prevent the loss of the radio, while also allowing its operation (3) Belt loop type straps and military clips for attaching to a rucksack or other military gear should be available 9. Logistics a. Reliability (1) 98% Mission Reliability Rate with Preventive Maintenance Inspections (PMIs) limited to operator cleaning of exterior surfaces and operational testing (2) 90% confidence level that no critical failure will occur during a 45-day period of operation b. Maintenance (1) Organizational support for cleaning and testing (2) Troubleshooting and repair below the LRU level will be performed by the contractor (3) Maximum use of BIT to isolate to the LRU level will complement the diagnostic capabilities to provide rapid repair and high equipment availability (4) There will be two levels of radio maintenance: organizational and depot (5) Depot level maintenance shall be provided by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) (6) Sparing and equipment item management will be the responsibility of the U.S. Air Force appointed depot (7) Failed units will be returned to the OEM for repair (8) The turn-around-time (TAT) for repairs shall be less than 30 days, with the TAT being defined as the time the radio is in control of the OEM (9) Repaired radios shall be shipped by the OEM to the Air Force depot where they will be held as spares (10) The OEM shall be responsible for upgrading software, as needed; such upgrades will be provided to all units with radios and to the Air Force depot at no additional cost to the government c. Technical Data Publications or vendor documentation for each level of operation and repair will include: (1) Illustrated parts breakdown, parts listings, cable diagrams and cable pin-outs (2) Theory of operations and maintenance troubleshooting guides (3) Electronic format as medium d. Training The contractor shall be responsible for providing training so that students will be able to accomplish, at a minimum, the following tasks: (1) Class length should coincide with the OEM's offerings (not to exceed five workdays) for a maximum of 25 students (2) Identify radio capabilities/functions to allow full capability use of the radio, in conjunction with ancillaries and accessories set in various configurations (3) Optimize radio functionality with minimum ancillary/accessory loads (4) Configure/Operate the radio in all modes of operation with/without ancillaries (5) Perform operational and preventative maintenance checks to determine radio operational availability The following training items shall be the responsibility of the OEM: (6) Instructor (s) with his/her own radio, ancillaries, and accessories The instructor should bring enough test keys for all students to use (7) Training documentation (hard copy or electronic, as appropriate in the vendor's standard training package) shall include program of instruction, instructor guides, student workbooks and audio/visual material The following training items shall be the responsibility of the OEM: (8) Shipment Radio, Ancillaries, Accessories and training material packaging/shipment to and from the training location (s) e. Packaging, Handling, Shipping and Transportation (1) Shall be in accordance with best commercial practices, National Security Telecommunications and Information Systems Security Issuances (NSTISSI) No. 4001, Controlled Cryptographic Items, dated Jul 1996 and, Air Force Instruction (AFI) 33-201, Volume 5, Communications and Information Controlled Cryptographic Items, dated 13 May 2005 (2) All equipment and data shall be FOB destination f. Warranty (1) The warranty shall be in accordance with FAR Part 52-246-17 (2) The warranty on the radio shall be for no less than five years, on the ancillaries for no less than one year and, on the batteries shall be for no less than six months (3) Warranty information will be provided with each component delivered to the users describing the OEM's warranty procedure and identifying shipment address and point of contact g. Customer Service (1) The OEM shall provide a 24-hour, 7-day per week customer call center so users in worldwide operating locations may have access to operational and technical expertise regarding the radio, ancillaries and accessories (2) The OEM shall provide an interactive website to facilitate customer assistance (inquiries, training, logistics support, etc) Submission Requirements Responses to this Sources Sought should include the following: 1. Documentation that shows that the product meets threshold and as many of the objective requirements listed above as possible; to include product specifications on the handheld radio and ancillaries to permit comparative analyses of offerings 2. Brochures and/or other marketing material for the handheld radio that is offered in response to this Sources Sought. 3. Reliability data or predictions [e.g. Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF), Mean Time To Repair (MTTR), etc]. 4. Information on current basic and extended warranty coverage 5. If your product has been officially tested by a Government organization, participated in an operational exercise, and/or participated in a Government sponsored experiment, provide a copy of (or identify) any formal documentation that describes how your product was used and how it performed. 6. Recommended logistics and maintenance approaches for your product during acquisition and sustainment. 7. Name, description and frequency of recurring original equipment manufacturer (OEM) reports containing historical, maintenance and operational data. 8. Customer assistance to include availability of 24 hour, internet based and/or toll free services. 9. Hardware and software upgrade methods and procedures for tracking and installation. 10. Identify OEM logistics support concept for equipment deployed outside the Continental United States to locations with limited support resources. 11. Identify equipment repair turn-around time. 12. Provide OEM training classes for radio and all associated ancillary equipment and system components (base station, repeater, etc), to include length, instructor to student ratio (maximum), course outline, and on-site/off-site availability. Vendor supplied training will include training material for student retention and additional copies with reproduction rights for unit training/libraries. 13. Indicate any additional functionality not in the above requirements that the product provides that would be beneficial to the missions described herein and in the referenced documentation. 14. Production and delivery capabilities 15. The size and socioeconomic status of your business Interested firms may provide their qualifications package via e-mail or they may provide two hardcopies and one electronic copy (i.e., CD) of a qualifications package to: 653d ELSG/KCK 5 Eglin Street, (MITRE D Building) Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts 01731-2100 Attn: Jeffrey Wong (Jeffrey.Wong@hanscom.af.mil). If you choose to send your qualifications package via e-mail, please confirm receipt by calling Mr. Wong at (781) 271-6272. Responses are required no later than 1500 hours Eastern Time on 23 Oct 2006. Responses must also include the company name, address, size of business, whether U.S. or foreign-owned entity, and a company point of contact. Please limit your qualification package to a maximum of 30 pages. (Format: 8.5 x 11 inch paper, compatible with Microsoft Word 2000/XP; Font Times Roman; 10 pt, 1-inch margins.) Sources are also requested to identify any on-going Government contract vehicles they may have for the same or similar work (limit 1 page, which is included in the 30 page total). Please include the name and number of the ongoing contract, contract scope, contract type, period of performance, contract deliverable, dollar thresholds and limitations, the issuing Government agency, and the name and telephone number of the Contracting Officer. The Government intends to evaluate each prime contractor capability package submitted and will notify each source by e-mail not later than 31 Oct 2006 of our assessment of their potential competitiveness for the AF JTRS single-channel handheld program. This synopsis is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal; it does not restrict the Government as to the ultimate acquisition approach, nor should it be construed as a commitment by the Government. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this notice or otherwise pay for the information provided in response to this synopsis. Points of Contact: Questions and comments should be submitted electronically, independent of the qualification package, to the following individuals: Mr. Jeffery Wong, Contract Specialist (781) 271-6272, e-mail Jeffrey.wong@hanscom.af.mil Technical POC: Ms. Linda Cole (781) 271-8648, e-mail linda.cole@hanscom.af.mil All answers to submitted questions will be posted on the HERBB. Questions and answers of a proprietary nature will be handled on a case-by-case basis. An ESC Ombudsman has been appointed to consider and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition. Before consulting the Ombudsman concerned parties should first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendation to the Contracting Officer for resolution. In addition, AFFARS 5352.201-9101, Ombudsman, will be included in this acquisition's solicitation and contract. The ESC Ombudsman is the ESC Director, Commander's Staff, and can be contacted at: ESC/DS Bldg 1606 9 Eglin Street Hanscom AFB, MA 01731 Telephone #: 781-377-5106 Facsimile #: 781-377-4659 E-Mail: ESC.Ombudsman@hanscom.af.mil See Note 26.
- Web Link
-
ESC Business Opportunities Web Page
(http://www.herbb.hanscom.af.mil)
- Place of Performance
- Address: N/A
- Zip Code: N/A
- Country: N/A
- Zip Code: N/A
- Record
- SN01162645-W 20061008/061006220327 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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