Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, 2451 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA 22245-

58 -- QUALIFICATION OF SOURCES FOR MIDS-LVT PRODUCTION POC Diane Thornewell, 02-2, (703) 602-7906. Synopsis No 45. This sources sought synopsis defines the requirement for the qualification of multiple sources for the production of Multifunctional Information Distribution System - Low Volume Terminals (MIDS-LVT) for use in U.S. platforms. The United States (US) Department of the Navy, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWARSYSCOM), in support of the Program Executive Officer for Space, Communications and Sensors (PEO-SCS), intends to qualify additional contractors in advance of U.S. rate production contracts. Estimated U.S. production quantities of approximately 1000 units are projected through FY 2003. The MIDS- LVT program is an on-going international (U.S., France, Germany, Italy, Spain) cooperative program established to develop tactical information system terminals that are smaller, lighter, fully compatible with, and as capable as Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) Class 2 terminals. The MIDS-LVT is an advanced data link system that provides information distribution, precise position location, and identification capabilities for military applications. MIDS-LVT provides these capabilities through the use of a time division multiple access architecture, spread spectrum waveform, and embedded cryptographic features. The MIDS-LVT terminal will be interoperable with the JTIDS Class 2 waveform and compliant with the TADIL-J message standard. The reduced size, cost and improved reliability of MIDS-LVT will make it advantageous for use in numerous air, maritime and ground applications. This MIDS-LVT production qualification effort will require (1) compliance with MIDS-LVT System Segment Specification and Interface Control Document, (2) the use of MIDS software developed during the EMD phase, and (3) form, fit, and function compatibility at the system and module level of different contractors equipments against the MIDS-LVT EMD units. Production terminals will be configured to the specific functionality needs of the customers. A competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) is planned for 1996 leading to the award of multiple, parallel contracts for the build and qualification of Production Representative Terminals, through First Article Qualification Testing (FAQT) - including module interchangeability - and establishing a Qualified Manufacturers List (QML). Government test facilities and a technical library with MIDS-LVT specifications, interface control documents and other Technical Data Package (TDP) information developed during EMD will be made available to industry. This effort is expected to complete in 1998, with production awards to be made in FY 1999. Production equipments for the MIDS- LVT, including variants for air, maritime and ground applications, will be acquired competitively from sources that have qualified their equipments through EMD or these FAQT contracts and thereby form the QML. The Government will maintain the functional and allocated baseline specifications (''A and B'' specifications) and the software source code. These specifications will be Government controlled to define MIDS-LVT architecture and modularity and will be the baseline for MIDS-LVT production. MIDS-LVT software source code will be provided for mandatory use as Government Furnished Information. The MIDS-LVT qualification and production program will incorporate acquisition streamlining as a management practice throughout all phases of the acquisition cycle. This will include the use of Integrated Product Teams (IPT), performance based specifications, QMLs and use of off-the-shelf/non- developmental materials and equipments. The use of contractor proposed qualification, production and logistics support performance plans will be encouraged, as will the use of best commercial practices vice traditional military specifications. Efforts to minimize CDRL deliverables and maximize electronic transfers of data will also be pursued. Since Small Business (SB), Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), and 8(a) firms are a major concern of SPAWAR, all respondents should indicate their status as a SB, SDB, or 8(a), or the extent to which they could include SB/SDB or 8(a) as a significant part of a resultant procurement. Potential offerors must possess a SECRET facility clearance at time of award. The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) is 3663. Interested parties are invited to submit a qualification package and comments or suggestions regarding this MIDS-LVT production strategy to the address below. The qualification package should not exceed ten (10) pages, and should clearly indicate: (a) experience in qualifying and producing data link systems, (b) production capabilities sufficient to provide a cost effective production program, and (c) requirements for access to Government test facilities and Government Furnished Equipment/Information desired during the FAQT phase. Comments or suggestions concerning the above acquisition approach, including recommendations regarding specific implementation are encouraged and may be appended to the qualification package. Suggestions that will foster wide industry interest in MIDS-LVT production are of particular interest. Please submit two copies of this package, along with a Word Perfect 6.1 formated 3 1/2 inch disk, no later than thirty (30) days from the date of this CBD synopsis. The government will not pay for any information submitted. Please address responses to Charles Nurse, SPAWAR 02- 21N, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, 2451 Crystal Drive, Crystal Park Five, Room 200, Arlington, VA 22245-5200.--Quantity: 1000. --Closing Date: thirty (30) days from the date of this synopsis. (0120)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0184 19960430\58-0008.SOL)