MODIFICATION
69 -- P5CTS/TCTS Spectrum Relocation
- Notice Date
- 10/26/2015
- Notice Type
- Modification/Amendment
- NAICS
- 334511
— Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
- Contracting Office
- Department of the Air Force, Air Force Material Command, AFLCMC/EBYK - Eglin, 314 Choctawhatchee Ave, Eglin AFB, Florida, 32542, United States
- ZIP Code
- 32542
- Solicitation Number
- FA8678-15-R-0034a
- Point of Contact
- Arthur Lowery, Phone: (850) 883-3365, Terri C Brown, Phone: 8508833404
- E-Mail Address
-
Arthur.Lowery@us.af.mil, terri.brown@us.af.mil
(Arthur.Lowery@us.af.mil, terri.brown@us.af.mil)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Spectrum Relocation (also posted in FSC code "99") 1. Notice: 1.1. This is a combined Research and Development Sources Sought Synopsis and Request for Information (RFI). This is not a request for proposal, invitation for bid, request for proposal abstracts or quotations, or an announcement of a solicitation; it is only intended to obtain information for planning purposes only. There is no bid package or solicitation document with this announcement. Response to this Sources Sought Synopsis and RFI is strictly voluntary and will not affect any potential offeror's ability to submit an offer if a competitive solicitation is released. The Government does not intend to pay for the information solicited. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges will arise as a result of preparing submissions in response to this sources sought and RFI or the Government's use of the information provided. The Government is not liable for any costs incurred by any respondent to prepare and/or submit its response to this synopsis/RFI or subsequent submittals of information. This notice DOES NOT in any way restrict the Government to an ultimate acquisition approach. The Government encourages all responsible and capable businesses, including small businesses, to respond to this Sources Sought Synopsis and RFI. Respondents to this sources sought synopsis and RFI may be requested to provide additional information/details based on their initial submittals. Submittals will not be returned to the sender. 1.2. This RFI is published to obtain information for use by the Armament Directorate, Test and Training Division, Range Systems Branch (AFLCMC/EBYC), Eglin AFB, Florida, for market research and planning purposes only. AFLCMC/EBYC is conducting market research to determine potential sources for Spectrum Relocation of the L-Band frequency used within the P5 Combat Training System/Tactical Combat Training System (P5CTS/TCTS). Due to frequency auction, the 1755-1780MHz Band is no longer available for the P5CTS/TCTS. 2. System Description: 2.1. The P5CTS/TCTS provides realistic air combat training to the warfighter. This training capability is accomplished through a data link network formed by instrumentation on high activity participant aircraft. The system is capable of both rangeless and ground-based Live Monitor (LM) operations (when used with Ground Subsystem components). The aircraft instrumentation pod transmits state vector information for aircraft motion and location generated from GPS tracking. The System is capable of executing Government-furnished weapon simulations IAW Government interface control documents (ICDs) and provides real-time removal notification of exercise participants. 2.2. The System currently includes an Airborne Subsystem (AS) (pod) and a Ground Subsystem (GS). The AS is the source of all tracking data during a live mission, transmitting aircraft state vector information between participants and to the GS. The GS currently includes a Transportable Ground Subsystem (TGS) and a Fixed Ground Subsystem (FGS) with LM. A GS with LM capability utilizes one or more Remote Range Units (RRUs) for relaying data to/from the GS and AS through a Government-furnished certified ground guard. 3. System Requirements : 3.1. The P5CTS/TCTS requires modification to comply with the US Government direction to vacate the 1755-1780 MHz portion of the current 1755-1850 MHz P5CTS/TCTS operating band. The modified P5CTS/TCTS must continue to provide mission planning and network forming capability that allows for successful manual and autonomous operations of the system at all existing operational range locations within the reduced 1780-1850 MHz available spectrum with no degradation of performance nor unintentional incursion outside the authorized frequency spectrum. Additionally, the modified system must allow select range users (specifically those identified as operating outside high density population areas), when authorized, to continue operations within the 1755-1780 MHz spectrum. Effort includes development, test, production, deployment and training for the new P5CTS/TCTS capability, and implementation of updated displays. 3.2. System engineering and development will include computer software configuration item (CSCI) design, coding, product development, system integration, and testing/qualification. The test program will include both contractor and Government testing. Testing will be comprehensive to ensure full functionality of the system when operating within the authorized RF spectrum. The scope of this effort encompasses logistics supportability to include documentation updates, training, and fielding of the capability. 3.3. The successful offeror is expected to perform the role of lead "system integrator" for the P5CTS/TCTS, and accept performance responsibility for the modified system. This role includes implementing changes via seamless integration of the modified capability into the existing Air Force/Navy P5CTS/TCTS and supporting infrastructure, and managing interface compatibility with existing contractor proprietary and Air Force/Navy display systems, fundamental to the mission, all without any degradation of current capability. The successful offeror is expected to integrate new software/hardware configurations into the P5CTS/TCTS functional, allocated and product baselines as part of this acquisition. 3.4. Interested parties are expected to establish subcontracts, associate contractor agreements, nondisclosure arrangements, and interfaces with other contractors and government agencies as required to: a) perform tasks necessary to ensure modifications to the P5CTS/TCTS, its interfaces, and subcomponent integration meet the system performance requirements in accordance with established specifications; b) enable free exchange of information, both proprietary and nonproprietary; and c) resolve problems to prevent schedule delays, performance degradation, and/or increased costs. 3.5 Requirement: Modify GS (including but not limited to the Mission Line Up (MLU), Firewall and Display) and AS (including but not limited to the Advance Digital Interface Unit (ADIU)) to support spectrum relocation. Given the existing P5CTS/TCTS capability/configuration, the types of requirements under investigation to satisfy this spectrum relocation capability include, but are not limited to, the following: 3.5.1 Modify P5CTS/TCTS MLU software within the GS to provide a new training range Data Link Transceiver (DLT) network management capability to control DLT frequency settings based upon multiple operator designated geographic areas such as Military Operating Areas (MOAs), range boundaries, or arbitrary shaped geographic areas, and provide capability to accomplish multiple simultaneous independent training events within the single network configuration; 3.5.2 Modify Firewall (FW) software within the GS to provide greater geographic coverage; 3.5.3 Modify Display software within the GS to provide graphical user interface/debriefing system upgrades for spectrum control; and, 3.5.4. Modify ADIU software within the AS to support MLU changes. 4. Known Constraints: 4.1. Government Furnished Information (GFI): 4.1.1. Limited data rights apply for the AS and Peculiar Support Equipment (PSE) drawings; thus, very few non-proprietary drawings are available. No GS drawings are available. 4.1.2. AS and GS functional and allocated specifications (hardware and software) and field-level technical orders are available. 4.1.3. LM software source code is available "as is"; all other software is available as executable code only. 4.1.4. No Government-owned Technical Data Package (TDP) or source code is available for the Individual Combat Aircrew Display System (ICADS). The ICADS TDP is owned by Cubic Defense Applications, Inc, 8333 Balboa Ave, San Diego CA 82123. 4.2 The Period of Performance for contract(s) awarded for this effort is expected to be approximately 24 months for development, followed by one year for fielding via Time Compliance Technical Order. The capability must be completely fielded to comply with federal regulations (currently anticipated as NLT 2020). 5. Statement of Capabilities (SOC) Required Content: 5.1. Each interested party shall submit a SOC that provides specific, relevant evidence demonstrating knowledge and ability in satisfying the requirements in Paragraph 3, and addresses each of the following subparagraphs in relation to the Paragraph 3 requirements: 5.1.1. Anticipated development, production and fielding approach, and associated constraints, along with a performance schedule. Full operational capability is estimated no later than 36 month after contract award. 5.1.2. Experience with or demonstrated ability to perform combat training system integration and site installation at Air Force/Navy training ranges, to include integration with range infrastructure (e.g., GS, Electronic Warfare (EW) servers, Radiant Mercury (RM), etc.). 5.1.3. Capabilities in logistics support of the P5CTS/TCTS. 5.1.4. Current Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) level for software development. 5.1.5 Organizational structure and processes to support architectural approach. 5.1.6 Security. Current capability to identify security impacts of changes to ADIU and MLU software; facility capability to develop secure mature software; Information Assurance (IA) certification knowledge and abilities; capability to identify and characterize Radiant Mercury (Cross Domain Solution) changes required to implement ADIU and FW changes. 5.2. SOC Format : Interested parties are requested to submit their SOC in the form of a White Paper, a maximum of 10 single-sided pages with text no less than 12-point font (Arial or Times New Roman) and a minimum of one-inch margins in Microsoft ® Word, Adobe ® PDF or compatible format. Do not include photos or references as part of the package. Number and title each paragraph in your response to align with each subparagraph under Paragraph 5.1, ensuring that all Paragraph 3 requirements are addressed. If no specific area knowledge/capability exists, indicate as such in your response. Format white papers as follows: Section A: Title, Name of Company, Name, Telephone Number, Email Address for a Point of Contact; Contractor Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code, Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, and business size (e.g., a US company, large business, small business, small disadvantaged business or women-owned small business) for this requirement's NAICS code 334511. The Government will use this information to determine if there are interested and qualified sources. If you believe another NAICS code applies, please identify this in your response (see Sec E(6)). Those desiring to do business with the Air Force must be registered in the Government's System for Award Management system located at https://www.sam.gov. Section B: Background: Brief history highlighting past relevant experience/capability in designing, developing, testing, integrating, and producing Air Combat Training Systems. Interested parties shall respond based on all paragraphs above and identify number of years and specific systems. Section C: Capabilities: Identify how you will use existing capabilities to satisfy each specific requirement in Paragraphs 3 and 5. Specify your knowledge of, and capabilities with, frequency management, the frequency allocation process, and the frequency relocation process. Section D: Workarounds Where Capabilities Do Not Exist: For each paragraph where capabilities do not exist, identify how you will satisfy the requirements. Should your firm be capable of performing a majority of the effort but not all, specifically describe the effort you could perform. Address in detail all workarounds required to overcome the lack of a complete hardware and software TDP and the lack of software and firmware source code. Section E: Please provide answers to the following questions, which will help the Government determine its acquisition strategy: (1) If interested in competing for this requirement, would you be proposing as a Prime Contractor or participating as a Subcontractor? Would your company partner with other companies, and if so, who? Specify which firms are US-owned and which are foreign-owned (foreign participation is permitted). (2) What risks or concerns do you see with this acquisition and what are your suggested mitigation strategies? (3) Do you have any questions, comments, or suggestions that you would like to share with us? Note that any response will be shared with other potential offerors out of fairness. (4) Identify your Technology Readiness Level of software for proposed solution. (5) What schedule do you foresee to allow for the capability to be fielded? The Government has a need date to vacate the spectrum NLT July 2020, so fielding at all operational locations must be completed by this date (assume a one-year acquisition lead time prior to award). (6) The NAICS code of 334511 is envisioned. Should your firm believe a different NAIICS code is appropriate please provide the rationale with your recommended new NAICS and your size status in relation to the new code. (7) Identify any Government Furnished Property you require to perform this effort. 6. Government Advisors : Respondents to this RFI are advised that proprietary, confidential, or privileged commercial data submitted as part of your response may be released to the following non-Government advisors supporting the Government in this acquisition: Jacobs Technology, Qualis Incorporated, Odyssey Systems, Integrated Process Technology (IPT), MacAuley-Brown Inc, DCS Corporation, ALION Science and Technology Although the Government's contracts with these advisors require non-disclosure agreements, please indicate in your response to this RFI any objections you may have to the use of these advisors. For each objection, if any, provide the name of the advisor, specify the basis for the objection, and identify the specific portions of the response the respondent objects disclosing to the non-Government advisor. The Government shall not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for any improperly identified proprietary information. Respondents are responsible for protecting proprietary information at the appropriate classification level. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations. 7. Classification and Restrictions on Submittals: Information associated with this effort is unclassified. If respondents wish to restrict distribution of White Papers, they must be marked appropriately. Interested parties should mark all responses accordingly and review to ensure consideration of operational sensitivities prior to submission. The Government will post responses to questions that are broadly applicable to all potential offerors on the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) website. 8. Administration: Comments, questions and SOCs shall be electronically submitted to the Contract Specialist, Mr. Art Lowery, at Arthur.Lowery@us.af.mil., phone (850) 883-3365, or via regular mail to AFLCMC/EBYK, Attn: Mr Art Lowery, 102 West D Ave, Bldg 11/Suite 5, Eglin AFB, Florida, 32542. Please annotate the subject line of e-mail responses as: Spectrum Relocation P5CTS/TCTS RFI Response. Responses are due not later 1600 hours (4pm) Central Standard Time (CST) on 9 November, 2015. At the sole discretion of the Procuring Contracting Officer, any responses received after this date and time may not be considered. An Ombudsman has been appointed to address concerns of offerors or potential offerors. The Ombudsman does not diminish the authority of the program manager or contracting officer, but communicates contractor concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations to the appropriate Government personnel. When requested, the Ombudsman shall maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The Ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals or in the source selection process. Matters of routine or administrative nature concerning this acquisition should not be addressed to the Ombudsman, but rather to the Contracting points of contact identified. The Ombudsman is Ms Jill Willingham-Allen, Chief of Acquisition Program Management Division, AFLCMC/AQP, Wright Patterson AFB OH 45433. Any questions or concerns about this solicitation should first be directed to the buyer at the e-mail address or phone number listed, or you may contact the Ombudsman at (937) 255-5472 or via email at: Jill.Willinghamallen.1@us.af.mil.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/notices/583df1230f363b4001caf354eba927ee)
- Place of Performance
- Address: TBD based on offerors, United States
- Record
- SN03929749-W 20151028/151026233731-583df1230f363b4001caf354eba927ee (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
| FSG Index | This Issue's Index | Today's FBO Daily Index Page |