Loren Data's SAM Daily™

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF NOVEMBER 10, 2011 FBO #3638
SOURCES SOUGHT

12 -- Common Missile Warning System

Notice Date

11/8/2011
 

Notice Type

Sources Sought
 

NAICS

334419 — Other Electronic Component Manufacturing
 

Contracting Office

ACC-RSA - (Aviation), ATTN: AMSAM-AC, Building 5303, Martin Road, Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898-5280
 

ZIP Code

35898-5280
 

Solicitation Number

W58RGZ-12RFICS
 

Response Due

12/8/2011
 

Archive Date

2/6/2012
 

Point of Contact

Cindy Stinson, 256-842-6009
 

E-Mail Address

ACC-RSA - (Aviation)
(cynthia.stinson@peoavn.army.mil)
 

Small Business Set-Aside

N/A
 

Description

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION: This is a required annual market research update in support of the anticipated CMWS PBL support contract for CMWS. If respondents to last year's RFI are satisfied with their original submissions, the USG only asks that they validate their earlier submission with an email so stating so that the USG is aware of the current breadth and depth of industry interest in this research update. Updated submissions are welcome, but are not required, nor are they a necessary first step in being able to respond to the anticipated RFI. This announcement constitutes an official Request for Information (RFI). This is a request for information only, as defined in FAR 15.201(e). The intent is to identify market interest and solicit recommendations to select the best alternative for a full service Performance Based Logistics (PBL) contract in support of the AN/AAR-57, Common Missile Warning System (CMWS). This is a required annual market research update in support of the anticipated CMWS PBL support contract for CMWS. A future solicitation/contract may provide PBL support and management services for the CMWS, component parts, and test sets, located worldwide. This is not a Request for Proposal (RFP) or an Invitation for Bid (IFB), nor is it to be construed as a commitment by the U.S. Government (USG). Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the USG to form a binding contract. BACKGROUND: The CMWS is considered critical mission-essential equipment used aboard all rotary wing and most fixed wing aircraft. It is the core element of the Suite of Integrated Infrared Countermeasures (SIIRCM) concept and is a US Army Acquisition Category IC (ACAT IC) program. The CMWS program is satisfying the Army's requirements for enhanced aircraft survivability against Infrared (IR) guided threat missile systems. The CMWS is the Aviation IR Survivability capability provider for the Future Force. It will also complement, supplement and interface with other Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE) to provide broad-spectrum platform protection. Enhancements will continue to significantly reduce aircraft and aircrew casualties and permit extended operations within battle space environments populated with threat missiles. The CMWS configurations vary by platform; currently there are 12 system versions. The CMWS performs missile detection and classification, false alarm rejection, and missile declaration functions. The CMWS also sends a missile alert signal to on-board avionics and other ASE. In turn, visual and aural warnings to the aircrew are provided by on-board avionics systems. Commands are issued to dispenser systems to eject decoys to provide for expendable countermeasures against an incoming infrared missile. Each Electro-Optic Missile Sensor (EOMS) collects in-band electromagnetic radiation, converts it to electrical signals, and supplies these signals to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). The ECU analyzes this data to determine the existence of a missile threat. If a threat exists, the ECU transmits missile threat messages to the APR-39 for further processing, threat display, and audio cueing or the ECU transmits audio directly to the Inter-Communications System (ICS) and displays the threat via the Control Indicator (CI) or Multi-Function Display (MFD). Both the visual and aural indications provide threat type and relative position information to the pilots. If the ECU determines that a missile launch has occurred, it supplies a command signal to the sequencers. The sequencers process the Dispense Command Signal and then send a flare launch command to the dispensers, firing a flare solution. Providing the CMWS is armed, a Flare solution will dispense automatically in an attempt to counter the incoming missile associated with that interaction. The Digital Control Display Unit (DCDU) or CI, located in the cockpit, provides the pilot and co-pilot with interface to the CMWS. The DCDU and CI display system status information, Improved Countermeasure Dispenser (ICMD) inventory, and software version number. In the event of an ECU failure, the MODE switch on the DCDU can be set to BYPASS to allow manual dispensing of munitions. The CMWS is currently supported through Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) by a two level maintenance concept that includes field and depot level maintenance. In accordance with Title 10, USC statutes, Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) repairs the ECU through a subcontract with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Organic repair capability (through TYAD) for the EOMS will be established and will commence with a target date of 1QTRFY13. The approved Army Procurement Objective is 3,916 A-Kits and 2,002 B-Kits. B-Kits are issued as Mission Kits to Aviation Units being deployed into threat environments, and to select OCONUS-based units as directed by HQDA, DCS/G-3. The Mission Kit Concept allows a smaller population of CMWS B-Kits to accomplish the desired mission, and places control of the B-Kits at a higher decision authority. B-Kits not installed are stored in a centralized location. Technical Data is available and can be provided upon request. The anticipated PBL contract will cover engineering support, core depot capability, Packaging, Handling, Shipping and Transportation (PHS&T) and program management. Software sustainment will transition to the CECOM Army Reprogramming and Analysis Team (ARAT). Some collaboration/interface between the PBL contractor and the OEM and/or CECOM ARAT may be required. This RFI is intended to provide a forum to identify opportunities to decrease CMWS sustainment costs, improve CMWS sustainment efficiency, and increase sustainment readiness for CMWS customers. Disclaimer: This Market Research and RFI is for planning purposes only, and shall not be considered a RFP or IFB, an obligation from the USG to acquire any products or services, or an authorization to incur any cost in anticipation of such authorization. This office does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or reimburse respondents for information solicited. This information is subject to change and in no way binds this office to pursue any course of action described herein. If this office chooses to issue a RFP at some future date, another notice will be published. OBJECTIVE: This office will utilize a full service PBL contract implemented through a Public Private Partnership. The PBL team will consist of a Product Support Integrator (PSI) (responsible for integrating all sources of support defined within the scope of the PBL contract to achieve desired outcomes) and multiple Product Support Providers (PSP) (service providers involved in sustainment of an acquisition system). This office is searching for the best commercial source to serve as a Product Support Provider. The overarching objective is to reduce cost without degrading current system readiness and reliability for both peace and war time arenas. The USG contemplates issuing a solicitation under FAR Part 15 that may result in the award of a five year Firm-Fixed Price contract. Estimated award date is NLT 4QTRFY12. PM IRCM will serve as the single Product Support Integrator (PSI). PSP Partnerships (in addition to a required Commercial Services Agreement with TYAD) are acceptable and encouraged as long as a single point of accountability for product support is identified. PM IRCM intends for the commercial PSP to partner with DLA through a non-binding partnering agreement to manage those items IAW FAR Part 51. RESPONSES: The USG requests submission of a written response to this RFI no later than 30 calendar days after the release of RFI. Responses shall be limited to 15 one-sided pages. Submission shall be capable of being printed on 8.5 x 11 inch paper with one inch margin (top, bottom, left and right) and a 12 point Arial or Times New Roman font. Line spacing shall be set at no less than single space. Tables, drawings and header/footer information shall be 10 point Arial font or larger. For tables and drawings, landscape orientation is permitted. Microsoft Office Professional 2000 and PowerPoint 2000 or later shall be used to create the files. All graphics shall be compatible with MS PowerPoint 2000. If any of the material provided contains proprietary information, please mark and identify disposition instructions (submitted data will not be returned). Responses should include, but is not limited to the following: (A)Company History: A one page history to include previous major products and primary customer base. Additionally, RFI responders should provide examples of past experience that would warrant the USG consideration of the company as a prospective contractor for maintenance, supply support, engineering, training, field support, and other services including handling of the classified information up to SECRET. (B) Metrics: Suggest methods to create and maintain a metrics database, for monitoring and managing the performance of the contract. Also discuss how metrics can be used to support a Firm-Fixed Price contract award. (C) Additional Information: Knowledge of the IR Countermeasures systems that would demonstrate a technical/logistics capability to support the CMWS in the field. Knowledge of the hardware and software changes necessary to update the threat table for current and future changes. Ability to perform testing for performance verification test. (D) Surge Requirements: PBL support strategies under peacetime, contingencies, and war scenarios to include ramp-up and draw-down in response to surge requirements and the cessation of contingencies or war scenarios. (E) Cost: Vendor should provide a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) of its recommended PBL alternative. (F) Logistics Information Interface: Demonstrate how the commercial maintenance/supply Total Asset Visibility system would interface with STAMIS on an automated/non-interference basis. (G) Reduction of Total Ownership Costs (R-TOC): Summarize a concept for applying R-TOC throughout sustainment. SUBMISSION INFORMATION: Written interest in this RFI shall be submitted not later than 30 calendar days after the RFI release date. The USG desires that responses be submitted via email in an electronic format that is compatible with Microsoft Windows/Office and/or Adobe Acrobat and addresses each of the above characteristics and any other important technical aspects of the product. Submit email response to: Cynthia Stinson, Contract Specialist, Cynthia.Stinson@peoavn.army.mil ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: There is no commitment by the USG to issue a solicitation, make an award or awards, or to be responsible for any monies expended by an industry response to this RFI. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized in the Federal Business Opportunities website located at http://www.fbo.gov/. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked Propriety will be handled accordingly. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. Responses must be received no later than 4:30 pm CST, Wednesday, December 8, 2011.
 

Web Link

FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/notices/880ecd7294ba3c48899efb8c7d5c99a6)
 

Place of Performance

Address: ACC-RSA - (Aviation) ATTN: AMSAM-AC, Building 5303, Martin Road Redstone Arsenal AL

Zip Code: 35898-5280
 

Record

SN02619866-W 20111110/111108234525-880ecd7294ba3c48899efb8c7d5c99a6 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

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