HQ Electronic Systems Center, Directorate of Airborne Warning and Control Systems, Contracting Division (AWK), 3 Eglin Street, Hanscom AFB, 01731-2115

16 -- AWACS RADOME RECOATING POC Bob Youtt, Contracting Officer, 617-377-9490. The United States Air Force, Electronic Systems Center (ESC) has requirements for stripping, repairing, painting, radio frequency mapping and range testing of four E-3 AWACS radomes. The government intends to award a sole source contract to The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense and Space Group, Aerospace and Electronis Division, Seattle, WA to be the prime contractor. The authority to do so is in 10 USC 2304 (c) (1), only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The Boeing Company is the only known source for performing work on this specialized radome which is unique to the E-3 aircraft. While it is the intent of ESC to award this contact sole source to The Boeing Company, subcontracting opportunities may exist and will be encouraged. The stripping and painting process on the E-3 radomes must be carefully controlled and monitored in order to prevent damage to the fiberglass substrate structure. Proper paint application is critical as the paint thickness affects the performance of the AWACS surveillance radar and the flight characteristics of the aircraft. The Contractor will be required to perform radio frequency mapping on all radomes and range testing on selected E-3 radomes to verify that the repair/painting process has not degraded radar performance. The radio frequency mapping will confirm proper paint application and range testing will be used to verify correct antenna/radome radiation patterns. The Contractor will incorporate Government feedback into the repair, painting and testing efforts when required. The Contractor's qualifications include possession of comprehensive US E-3 technical knowledge, US E-3 technical data, and US E-3 robotic paint booth facilities and range testing equipment. The Contractor must have intimate knowledge of all current E-3 radome and radar survelliance equipment. This knowledge includes (1) an in-depth understanding of the US E-3 aircraft military systems operating environment and (2) intimate knowledge of the radome structure and performance characteristics. Despite ESC's intent to solicit The Boeing Company sole source, if your firm believes it can meet the above requirements within the above schedule, you need to submit your intent to do so to the above address in writing within fifteen (15) days of this notice. Responders should indicate whether they are interested in being the prime contractor on this effort or are interested in subcontractor opportunities. Responders interested in subcontracting opportunities should provide their area of interest and their qualifications in this area. These will be provided to the prime contractor. Responders must certify that their processes and range testing facilities are cleared to the DoD level of Secret Responses must not exceed fifteen pages in length. Responders should also indicate whether they qualify as a small or small disadvantaged firm. (0117)

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