SPECIAL NOTICE
18 -- VLF Transmitter (TNT) - WIPER - NOCA-AFRL-RVBX-FY16-01
- Notice Date
- 1/28/2016
- Notice Type
- Special Notice
- NAICS
- 541712
— Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Contracting Office
- Department of the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command, AFRL/RVKV - Kirtland AFB, 3550 Aberdeen Ave SE, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, 87117, United States
- ZIP Code
- 87117
- Solicitation Number
- FA9453-16-R-0056
- Point of Contact
- Francis M. Eggert, Phone: 5058467603
- E-Mail Address
-
Francis.Eggert@us.af.mil
(Francis.Eggert@us.af.mil)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Special Notice. Notice Of Contract Action (NOCA) - Sources Sought – Sole Source Follow-on Contract for VLF Transmitter (TNT) to University Of Massachusetts, Lowell (UML) – NOCA-AFRL-RVBX-FY16-01. Sources Sought. 28 Jan 16, All, (SUSPENSE: 17 Feb 2016; NOON, MST - Submission Due date & Time. 1. Part: U.S. Government Procurements 2. Subpart: Supply. 3. Procurement Classification Code: A - Research and Development (R&D); Code # 18 - Space Vehicles 4. Agency: Department of the Air Force 5. Responsible Office and Address: Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Det 8, Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/RV); Mail to: Det 8 AFRL/RVKB; Attn: Mr. Francis M. Eggert 3550 Aberdeen Ave. S.E.; Building 570, Suite 1160; Kirtland AFB, N.M. 87117-5773. 6. North American Industry Classification Systems (NAICS) Code: 541712 - R&D in the Physical, Engineering & Life Sciences (except Biotechnology) 7. Solicitation Number: FA9453-16-R-0056 8. Notice Type: Notice Of Contract Action (NOCA) - Sources Sought - Sole Source Follow-on Contract for VLF Transmitter (TNT) to University Of Massachusetts, Lowell (UML) - NOCA-AFRL-RVBX-FY16-01. 9. Subject: Pre-Launch, Launch, and Post Launch Support Engineering Expertise for the Wave-Induced Precipitation of Electron Radiation (WIPER) VLF Transmitter payload to the Demonstration Science Experiment (DSX) spacecraft for the Battlespace Environment Division requirements. 10. Background. On 20 May 2005, contract FA8718-05-0027, was awarded by Hanscom AFB, MA to Stanford University using full and open competition to develop and build a W ave-Induced Precipitation of Electron Radiation (WIPER) payload for the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), which ended on 31 December 2010. The WIPER payload, procured under contract FA8718-05-C-0027 awarded to prime contractor Leland Stanford Junior University, is a primary payload of the DSX mission. WIPER includes the Broadband Receiver (BBR), transmission control unit, narrowband receiver, and VLF transmitter (collectively, the TNT), and the Tri-Axial Search Coil (TASC). These instruments, developed by the prime contractor and its subcontractors as unique systems, are designed to provide information about the radio frequency and particle space environment and to increase understanding of the performance of antennae in space plasma. The TNT payload developed by University of Massachusetts, Lowell (UML) is the subject of this action. The Demonstration & Science Experiments (DSX) spacecraft has tested and integrated the WIPER, of which the Transmission Control Unit, and the Narrowband Receiver (TNT), which is a key component of the DSX spacecraft for flight in the Fall of 2016, which was designed by the University of Massachusetts, Lowell (UML) and was a major subcontractor to contract FA8718-05-0027. Originally, the launch date of the DSX spacecraft and all of its associated experiments was anticipated in October 2012, but was delayed due to a re-manifestation onto the STP-2 launch. The team on contract FA8718-05-0027 consisted of Stanford University (SU), prime contractor, and subcontractors Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center (LMATC), University of Massachusetts, Lowell (UML) and Southwest Research Institute (SwRI). In addition, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has provided SU some WIPER hardware as Government Furnished Equipment via direct funding from AFRL. This team was established to design and construct the WIPER payload, providing very low frequency (VLF) radio wave receiving and transmitting capabilities to the DSX spacecraft. On 20 September 2010, FA9453-10-C-0220, was a sole source contract awarded to SU (prime), LMATC and the UML (subcontractors), to support the DSX and spacecraft to be launched October 2012. This follow-on contract was necessary for the unique and to continue the highly-specialized engineering expertise that are required to support the WIPER payload for pre-launch, launch, and post-launch support. The WIPER payload is a major spacecraft system, which has been tested and integrated into the DSX spacecraft. But due to technical problems, repairs and overhauls of the TNT components for the WIPER payload had to be accomplished by SwRI, who was a 3 rd Tier subcontractor to UML via a separate contract FA87189-05-0027. Additionally, SwRI also had to coordinate and update all related design drawings and other technical items with UML. There were two sole source repair and overhauls contracts awarded to SwRI one for the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) via FA9453-11-C-0260 awarded 24 Jan 11, which is part of the TNT, and the other contract FA9453-11-C-0270 which repaired and overhauled the Transmission Amplifier and Turning Units (TATUs) which are also a part of the TNT. The TNT components are indeed a very unique systems designed to provide information about the radio frequency and particle space environment and to increase understanding of the performance of antennae in space plasma, which UML has a competitive and technical edge over may other companies both large and small, with the same capability and capacity, of which SwRI is also a key contractor in the development of the TNT and the WIPER payload. Thus, UML is currently the sole provider of the TNT. Therefore, due to the unique one-of-kind technical design and development of the TNT components for the WIPER instrument, it would not be economically or technical feasible to develop and establish two or more sources for future buys for this R&D DSX program. Therefore, a sole source follow-on contract to support launch and post-launch efforts is required to support the anticipated launch date of the DSX spacecraft flight launch is anticipated on or before the 1 st quarter of FY17. 11. Description of this Action: The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Det 8 Contracting Directorate, on behalf of the Space Vehicles Directorate, Kirtland AFB, NM, intends to award a sole source follow-on contract to University of Massachusetts, Lowell (UML) for the following described efforts based upon technology developed and demonstrated by Stanford University and University of Massachusetts, Lowell under contract FA8718-05-C-0027. The original contract was awarded under full and open competition. This NOCA is part of a market research effort to assess industry capabilities that will best address the AFRL's Battlespace Environment Division (RVB) needs described below. 12. Description of the Efforts Needed, and Statement of Work (SOW). AFRL/RVB has a continued requirement for engineering expertise required for operation of the transmission control unit, narrowband receiver, and VLF transmitter (TNT) components of the Wave-Induced Precipitation of Electron Radiation (WIPER) payload. These activities include WIPER payload pre-launch and launch operations, on-orbit satellite check-out, and continuing on-orbit engineering and data analysis. The offeror(s) must clearly demonstrate an in-depth and comprehensive knowledge of the TNT design and assembly, prior sensor testing results, current TNT testing procedures, and all aspects of WIPER data acquisition as contracted for under contracts FA8718-05-C-0027 and FA9453-10-C-0220. The contractor must clearly demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the TNT payload design, manufacturing, testing, calibration and its role in the Demonstration and Science Experiments (DSX) mission. The contractor will be required to provide engineering expertise required to support the DSX satellite payload designated TNT, which includes the transmission control unit, narrowband receiver, and VLF transmitter (collectively, the TNT). The following tasks will be included in the research effort: •(1) Engineering expertise is required during the period in which the DSX Program continues on-going spacecraft integration activities for the DSX spacecraft and it's payload. The program requires engineering efforts for the TNT payload, located at Kirtland AFB, during payload integration onto the spacecraft, spacecraft assembly and spacecraft integration and testing. This includes, but is not limited to, test data evaluation, diagnostics evaluations for anomalies or failures related to TNT during spacecraft integration as a result of testing of TNT at the unit level, TNT subsystem level, and/or completed spacecraft level, as required by the DSX Project Manager. It is expected that rigorous thermal, vibration, and shock testing will be performed at the spacecraft level. Additionally, in the course of preparing the DSX spacecraft and it's payloads for launch, any part of the WIPER may require repair and or overhaul, as required. In addition, currently ongoing concept of operations (CONOPS) planning and the development of TNT -specific scheduling, commanding and data reduction software will continue. The period of performance of this effort is anticipated to begin is anticipated on or before the 1 st quarter of FY17 and continue until DSX integration is completed and testing activities are concluded. •(2) Engineering expertise during the period in which the DSX spacecraft is in storage awaiting delivery to launch facility through the time it is delivered to the launch integration facility is required. The program will require engineering expertise as needed for monitoring of the health and well-being of the TNT payload during the period that it is in storage, pre-shipment activities to the launch site, shipment to the launch site, and arrival and check-out at launch site. Also during this period, the DSX Program requires highly specialized-engineering expertise that will include, but not be limited to, the development of data analysis techniques in preparations for operation of TNT payload after launch and through mission life, which may include modeling and simulation. It is expected that this would include algorithm development for conversion of TNT data from electronic digital data into engineering units and data products necessary for on-orbit mission operations. In addition, (CONOPS) planning and the development of TNT -specific scheduling, commanding and data reduction software will continue. The period of performance of this effort is set to begin after DSX integration and test activities are conclude and end when pre-launch activities begin. •(3) Engineering expertise is required for the period in which the DSX Program performs pre-launch activities and testing as it relates to TNT payload. The DSX Program will require engineering expertise as needed for the TNT payload in the pre-launch activities, including launch vehicle integration and testing and pre-launch rehearsals. (CONOPS) planning and the development of TNT -specific scheduling, commanding and data reduction software will continue. •(4) Engineering expertise during DSX launch operations for activities related to the TNT payload, including testing and anomaly resolution. In addition, (CONOPS) planning and the development of TNT -specific scheduling, commanding and data reduction software will continue. •(5) Engineering expertise is required during the period in which the DSX Program performs early orbit-check of the DSX spacecraft and the TNT payload. Engineering expertise for TNT during the intense period of early orbit check-out related to the TNT instrument is required. DSX Program requirements for this period include, but are not limited to, TNT payload turn-on and commanding consultation, monitoring of TNT status and health, data acquisition, and verification that the TNT payload is ready to begin mission operations. In addition, (CONOPS) planning and the development of TNT -specific scheduling, commanding and data reduction software will continue. The period of performance of this effort is to begin at DSX spacecraft insertion into orbit and ends at the completion of the early-orbit checkout when the DSX spacecraft it verified for normal mission operations, typically 30-45 days for R&D space experiments. •(6) Engineering expertise is required during the period in which the DSX Program performs mission operations of the DSX spacecraft and the TNT payload. Engineering support for TNT during and after the mission life is required. DSX Program requirements for this period include, but are not limited to, monitoring of TNT status and health, commanding and scheduling consultation, data acquisition and quality of data verification, and verification of TNT payload mission operation assumptions. The DSX. Program may require from UML highly specialized engineering expertise in anomaly resolution activities involving the TNT payload. The aforementioned activities will continue beyond completion of the DSX prime mission, providing time to acquire and complete reduction of all TNT mission data. The period of performance of this effort is will begin at verification of the DSX spacecraft for normal mission operations and end upon the AFRL notification of mission completed. 14. Period or Performance and Other Information. The period of performance for the above efforts is anticipated to be 48 months from the date of award with an anticipated start date (award) in FY16 contingent upon the launch of the DSX experiment. A Request for Proposal (RFP) will be issued to UML provided other sources cannot furnish the expertise at equivalent terms to support the DSX mission. 15. Any respondents are required to provide sufficient information concerning their skills and abilities to fulfill the above requirements within the period of performance that will best addresses AFRL's Battlespace Environment Division (RVB) needs in order for RVB to determine the requirements can be met. A draft plan as well as resumes of key personnel must be included in the Statement of Capability (SOC). The SOC shall include a program plan, resumes, attachments, diagrams, etc. Information should also include CAGE Code and current Central Contractor Registration (CCR) information, Joint Certification Program information, financial information, business size, and other information you deem relevant to be capable of satisfying the government's need. Page limitation: The SOC is limited to a total of 25 pages and shall be single spaced, single-sided, 8.5 by 11-inch pages. Select an easy to read font no smaller than 12 pitch fixed or proportional font size 10 or larger. Smaller type may be used in figures and tables as long as it is clearly legible. The page limitation includes all information i.e., indices, photographs, foldouts (2 page), appendices, attachments, resumes, etc. Each printed side counts as one page. Blank pages, title pages, tables of content, lists, tabs or cover sheets are not included in the page count. The Government will not consider pages in excess of the limitation. Submit with a cover letter, an original with one electronic CD-R copy of the SOC. The electronic copy must be submitted on a compact disk (CD-R only) in a PC compatible file format and must be readable by Microsoft Office. AFRL will not divulge individual responses to this Sources Sought outside of AFRL/RV DSX Program Team. The information that you provide will be used solely by AFRL/RVB as market research. This is not a commitment on the part of the Government to award a contract as a result of this notice or to pay for any information received. Submit responses to either Mr. Francis M. Eggert at the address listed below in the Contracting Points of Contact Information no later than 15 calendar days after the date of this announcement by 12:00 p.m. Mountain daylight time, by e-mail and U.S. Mail (UPS, FedX is acceptable). No classified or sensitive information should be included in your response. All proprietary information must be marked as proprietary. The information that you provide will be used solely by AFRL/RVB as market research. AFRL will not divulge individual responses to this sources sought outside of AFRL/RV DSX Program Team. This is not a commitment on the part of the Government to award a contract as a result of this notice or to pay for any information received. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. The proposed contract action is for the engineering expertise for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under authority of FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, all information received within fifteen (15) calendar days after date of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract based upon the responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Based upon market research, the Government is not using the policies contained in Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items, in its solicitation for the described supplies or services. However, interested offeror(s) may identify to the contracting officer their interest and capability to satisfy the Government's requirement with a commercial item within 15 days of this notice. Firms responding should indicate if they are a Small Business, a Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Business, an 8(a) Certified Business, a Woman-Owned Business and/or a HUBZone Certified Small Business Concern. To be considered a Small Business the following applies: NAICS Code: 541712, size standard 500 employees. Foreign owned firms are advised to contact the Contracting POCs and or Technical POCs before submitting a proposal to determine whether there are restrictions on receiving an award. It is anticipated that contractors will have access to or will generate data that is unclassified with limited distribution and/or subject to U.S. Export Control laws and or to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITARs). Firms affected by ITARs shall submit any documentation that apply to satisfy ITAR requirements upon the contracting officer's request. Foreign firms will not be considered for award due to the unique requirements for this anticipated acquisition. Therefore, only offerors who are certified by the Defense Logistics Information Services (DLIS) may submit offers. Contact US/Canada Joint Certification Office, DLIS, Federal Center, 74 Washington Ave, North; Battle Creek, Michigan 49037-3084 (1 (800) 352-3572). The e-mail: jcp-admin@dla.mil and web site: https://www.dlis.dla.mil/jcp/default.aspx for further information on certification and the approval process. If the respondent requires processing export control data to prepare the SOC, the respondent must have a current DD Form 2345, Military Critical Technical Data Agreement. It is anticipated that a DD Form 254, Contract Security Classification Specification, may be required in the future during the performance of this effort. (PCO Question? I this still correct and a requirement?) The government reserves the right to conduce vendor oral discussions with the offorer(s) concerning its capabilities to meet the current projected mission schedule for the DSX program. Note! All fact-finding questions shall be submitted to the contracting POCs in writing. 15. Contracting Points of Contact (POCs): The Contracting POCs are: AFRL/RVKB; Attn: Mr. Francis M. Eggert, Bldg 590, Suite: 1160; 3550 Aberdeen Ave S.E; Kirtland AFB, N.M. 87117-5773; Phone: 505-846-7603; e-mail: Francis.Eggert@us.af.mil. 16. Technical POC: Technical responses must be submitted to AFRL/RVBXR; Attn: Dr. Michael J. Starks; DSX Principal Investigator; 3550 Aberdeen Ave S.E; Kirtland AFB, N.M. 87117; Phone: (505) 846-5881; e-mail: michael.starks@us.af.mil with a e-mail copy to the contracting POCs, and Mr. Craig A. Selcher; AFRL/RVBXI; Attn: Dr. Craig A. Selcher; Bldg 570; Room: 1182; 3550 Aberdeen Ave. S.E.; Kirtland AFB, NM 87117; Phone; 505-846-5397, e-mail: craig.selcher@us.af.mil.
- Web Link
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FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/AFRLPLSVD/FA9453-16-R-0056/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: AFRL/RVKVB; 3550 Aberdeen Ave., S.E.;, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, 87117, United States
- Zip Code: 87117
- Zip Code: 87117
- Record
- SN04003703-W 20160130/160128234512-d361a297fe7203a88eebf9bff61c4c51 (fbodaily.com)
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