HQ Electronic Systems Center, JTIDS Contracting Division (TDK) 175 Vandenberg Drive, Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-2138

58 -- JOINT TECHNICAL INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (JTIDS) SOFTWARE LOADER/VERIFIER (SLV) POC Joseph J. Buzzell, Point of Contact, 617-377-9302; Capt. Donna Heinz, Contracting Officer, 617-377-9304. HQ, Electronic Systems Center announces a reuirement for the development and production of a software loader/verifier (SLV) device for updating Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) terminal operation computer programs (OCPs). Potential quantities for the SLV are approximately 100 units. The JTIDS terminal is an advanced radio system that provides information distribution, position location, and identification capabilities in an integrated form for application to military operations. These capabilities result from the ability of the system to distribute information at high rates, encrypted in such a way as to provide security and with sufficient jam resistance to yield high reliability communications in a hostile electromagnetic environment. There are six (6) variants of JTIDS terminals, Army Class 2M, F-15, E-3, MCE/TAOM, Navy Air, and Navy Ship. The JTIDS terminal designed under the Product Improvement Program (PIP) can be reprogrammed through the terminal's serial support port (SSP). This design affects all terminals produced under the Lot 4, Lot 5, THAAD, and full rate production (FRP) contracts. Terminals produced prior to the mentioned contracts do not have the ability to be reprogrammed through the SSP. Three shop replaceable units (SRUs) within the terminal are reprogrammable: the common CPU, the common signal processor, and the Army Data Distribution System Interface (ADDSI, for Army Class 2M only). Each of these SRUs is programmed differently using a combination of hardware and software mechanisms. Under PIP, and in conjunction with the redesign of the mentioned SRUs, a reprogramming device was developed. The Portable EEPROM Loader Verifier (PELV) is an IBM PC/AT/ compatible based item that contains the hardware (HW) and software (SW) necessary to perform the reprogramming of the SRUs. Other functions of the PELV include terminal configuration identification, SW version identification, error detection, and user friendly interface. The PELV SW allows the operator to select the SRU to be reprogrammed, reads the new version of SW froma floppy diskette, and performs the reprogramming. The PELV also warns the operator when making odd selections. There is a need for a smaller, battery powered, hand-held size alternative to the PELV. The new device, to be called the Software Loader Verifier (SLV), must have the same functions as the PELV. Commercial off the shelf (COTS) HW and SW items shall be used where possible. On basis of the complexity of the JTIDS terminal and the requirements of the SLV, the HQ Electronic Systems Center intends to issue Request For Proposal (RFP) only to companies that possess working knowledge and experience of JTIDS. The statutory authority to do so is 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) (1) which states ''Only a limited number of responsible sources and no other supplies or services will satisfy the requirements''. However, if a firm believes it can meet the JTIDS and SLV requirements, then submit a qualification package not to exceed fifteen (15) pages that clearly indicates: (a) Experience in developing and producing systems that provide information distribution, position location, and identification capabilities, in particular, the qualification package must address the firm's knowledge of JTIDS, JTIDS OCPs, and PELV. The firm must also prove the capability to provide detailed data packages inclusive of operators manual, cost reports, etc., (b) Production capabilities sufficient to provide a cost effective production program, (c) Capability in meeting delivery schedule beginning 12 months after contract award for a period up to 12 consecutive months thereafter. Delivery quantities per month may range 8 to 10 SLVs, (d) Various methods for logistics repair of all delivered hardware within fourteen (14) days turnaround time. Note that complete data packages to permit full and open competition are not available. Please submit this qualification package no later than fifteen (15) days from the date of this CBD publication. An Ombudsman has been appointed to hear concerns from offerors or potential offerors during the proposal development phase of this acquisition. The purpose of the Ombudsman is not to diminish the authority of the program director or contracting officer, but to communicate contractor concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations to the appropriate Government personnel. When requested, the Ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The Ombudsman does not articipate in the evaluation of proposals or in the source selection process. Interested parties are invited to call Col. Claude E. Messamore at (617) 377-5106. The Ombudsman should only be contacted with issues or problems that have been previously been brought to the attention of the program manager and/or the contracting officer and could not be satisfactorily resolved at that level. This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only, does not constitute a solicitation, and shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government. Two copies of your qualification information package are required. The Government will solicit those firms meeting the screening criteria in this synopsis. Sources deemed qualified will receive an RFP. Any firm judged not qualified will be provided a copy of the solicitation on request and any proposal that a firm might submit will be evaluated without prejudice. All responses will be reviewed/evaluated and respondents will be notified of the results. Please address any questions to Mr. Joseph J. Buzzell at (617) 377-9302 or Capt. Donna Heinz at (617) 377-9304. See Numbered Note(s): 25. (0242)

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