SOURCES SOUGHT
58 -- Follow-on production of the TACP Voice Communications Package (VCP)
- Notice Date
- 7/11/2013
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 334220
— Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
- Contracting Office
- Department of the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command, AFLCMC - Hanscom, 9 Eglin Street, Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts, 01731, United States
- ZIP Code
- 01731
- Solicitation Number
- TACP-M_VCP
- Archive Date
- 8/12/2013
- Point of Contact
- 1 Lt. Matthew Bublitz, Phone: (781) 225-5485, Timothy Frank, Phone: 781-225-0331
- E-Mail Address
-
matthew.bublitz@hanscom.af.mil, timothy.frank@hanscom.af.mil
(matthew.bublitz@hanscom.af.mil, timothy.frank@hanscom.af.mil)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Notice Date 11 July 2013 Notice Type Sources Sought FBO Category 58 -- Communication, detection, & coherent radiation equipment NAICS NAICS code is 334220 Contracting Office Department of the Air Force, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, AFLCMC/HBDK, 5 Eglin Street, Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts, 01731 ZIP Code 01731 Solicitation Number TBD Archive Date 30 days AFTER response date Point of Contact 1Lt Matthew Bublitz, Phone: (781) 225-5485 E-Mail Address matthew.bublitz@hanscom.af.mil Small Business Set-Aside TBD TACTICAL AIR CONTROL PARTY (TACP) VOICE COMMUNICATIONS PACKAGE FOLLOW-ON PRODUCTION 1. Introduction The U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Battle Management Directorate, Theater Battle Control Division at Hanscom AFB, MA, is seeking potential sources for follow-on production of the TACP Voice Communications Package (VCP). Responsible sources with experience in integrating tactical battlefield communications equipment into ground combat vehicles are requested to respond. The VCP is a project within the Air Force's Tactical Air Control Party Modernization (TACP-M) program. VCP provides TACPs with critical communications required to plan, request, coordinate, and conduct terminal attack control of strike aircraft executing joint close air support (CAS) missions while the TACPs are "on-the-move" in support of Army ground force maneuver operations. The VCP capability allows mounted TACPs to communicate with aircraft, higher echelons, fire support, and other command and control (C2) centers over existing tactical networks. The VCP allows integration and installation of existing, dismounted Communications and Support (C&S) equipment (e.g., tactical radios) into M1165A1B3 armored High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs) that are used by TACPs. The initial VCP engineering and production was performed through the Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC) and included delivery of 224 kits to TACP units for installation by TACP users. The follow-on VCP production (Lot 2) will include delivery of approximately 216 additional kits. The follow-on VCP may also include adding a data communications capability to the Lot 2 kits and retrofitting the already delivered kits to include data communications. Procurement of radios (and computers and video receivers if applicable) is not expected to be part of this effort. NOTE: This sources sought synopsis is for market research and planning purposes only and does not constitute an Invitation for Bid (IFB) or a Request for Proposal (RFP). Its issuance does not restrict the Government as to the ultimate acquisition approach. 2. Objectives The Government seeks to satisfy the following VCP follow-on production program objectives: a. Perform all necessary production planning, engineering, fabrication, testing, and assembly to provide follow-on production VCP kits in the existing configuration that integrates TACP C&S equipment (two PRC-117G multiband manpack radios with keypad display units) into the M1165A1B3 HMMWV, including: (1) Harris V250 amplifier adapter/shock mount, (2) two multiband VHF/UHF antennas, (3) one UHF SATCOM X-wing antenna, and (4) handsets and speakers. The existing VCP configuration is defined in a drawing package and user manual. b. Potentially integrate a data communications capability (a.k.a. "VCP+") that includes TACP data communications equipment configurations being procured under other contracts: (1) one ruggedized computer (probably the Gammatech R13C Tactical Operations Center (TOC) Light computer but still to be determined) with current TACP-M Close Air Support System (CASS) software applications and Windows operating system installed, (2) one Full Motion Video Receiver (FMVR) (L-3 Communications Soldier ISR Receiver (SIR)), and (3) modems/cables. The data communications capability, if implemented, would be included in the Lot 2 VCP kits and may be retrofitted onto the original VCP kits in the field. c. Deliver all necessary VCP equipment to provide an effective, on-the move voice (and potentially data) communications capability for each of the four passengers in the M1165A1B3 (data communications required for the front passenger only). d. Support the CAS operations in a mobile tactical environment, allowing easy/quick install and removal of the radios, computer, and video receiver. e. Require modifications to the M1165A1B3 to the minimum extent necessary for VCP integration and installation. f. Produce up to two test units and conduct a Production Acceptance Test and Evaluation (PAT&E) to ensure all VCP functional and performance requirements have been met. g. Support Government Operational User Evaluation (OUE) of the VCP, to verify operational safety, suitability, and effectiveness. h. Deliver approximately 216 VCPs to TACP units by the end of FY2014. i. Provide updated user manuals and drawings in the existing format. The user manual includes instructions to allow TACP users to install the VCP kits into M1165A1B3 vehicles in the field. j. Provide post-delivery help desk support for up to six months after delivery of the final kits. k. Maintain classified documentation/equipment. Have a COMSEC equipment account and an approved classified/control item storage capability at the contractor's location. 3. Information Requested The Government requests responsible sources provide the following information: a. Specific, recent capabilities and experience for integrating multiband radios, computers, and other voice and data communications equipment into tactical combat vehicles, related to meeting the above VCP production objectives. b. A top-level timeline (months from contract award) for delivering the capability that meets the above objectives. c. Risks to and mitigation strategies/plans for meeting the delivery schedule. d. Preferred contract type and usual terms and conditions. e. Identify your firm as a non-profit organization, large business, small business, small disadvantaged business, women-owned business, veteran owned business, service disabled veteran owned business, Section 8(a) small business, or hubzone small business for NAICS Code 334220. f. AFLCMC may consider using an existing DoD indefinite delivery/ indefinite quantity type contract for this acquisition if suitable. Identify any such contract you may currently hold that might be a suitable contract vehicle for this effort, including contract number, Government organization, period of performance, total and remaining ceiling value, and Government contact with email and phone number. 4. Response Submission The Government requests that interested responsible potential sources submit an electronic response in MS Word or Adobe PDF format of not more than ten (10) single-sided pages, 8.5" x 11" paper, 12 point. All responses shall be UNCLASSIFIED. Submit your response, including business size classification, via e-mail to matthew.bublitz@hanscom.af.mil and include your company/firm name, address, CAGE code, point of contact, phone, and email address. Responses must be received no later than 4:00 PM (Eastern Time) on 25 July 2013. Any questions regarding the information included in the synopsis shall be submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer, Mr. Tim Frank, (781) 225-0331, timothy.frank@hanscom.af.mil, and the Contract Specialist, 1Lt Matthew Bublitz, (781) 225-5485, matthew.bublitz@hanscom.af.mil. Questions and answers shall be posted on the FedBizOpps.gov website if applicable. 5. Disclaimer THIS SYNOPSIS IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE AIR FORCE TO ISSUE A SOLICITATION OR ULTIMATELY AWARD A CONTRACT. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not considered offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. The Government shall not pay for the information solicited or recognize any costs associated with the submission of responses. The purpose of the synopsis is to provide an opportunity for industry to enhance the success of any future procurement for these products. Any information obtained as a result of this synopsis is intended to be used by the Government on a non-attribution basis for program planning and acquisition strategy development. By submitting information in response to this synopsis, submitters consent to the release and dissemination of submitted information to any Government or non-Government entity to which the AFLCMC releases and disseminates the information for review. As such, to the extent that any information submitted in response to this synopsis is marked as, or construed to be proprietary or business-sensitive, submitters are hereby notified (a) about the potentiality that such information submitted may be disclosed to MITRE Corporation and Air Force A&AS contractors, and (b) that submission of information in response to this synopsis constitutes consent to such handling and disclosure of submitted information. This synopsis is being used to obtain information for planning purposes only and the Government does not presently intend to award a contract at this time. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Upcoming developments on this acquisition and related information will be available on http://fedbizopps.gov.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/ESC/TACP-M_VCP/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: TBD, TBD, United States
- Record
- SN03113914-W 20130713/130711235255-1ce8b2b34e10f6c635024329cb84813b (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
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