Phillips Laboratory/PKV, Directorate of Contracting, 2251 Maxwell Ave SE, Bldg 424, Room 205, Kirtland AFB NM 87117-5773

A -- MILITARY SPACEPLANE INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY TESTBED (MSPITT) SOL F29601-97-R-0012 POC Linda Rae Johnson, Supvsy Contract Specialist, 505/846-5935, Capt John Anttonen, Project Oficer, 505/846-8927 ext. 144. Advanced Technology Demonstrator(s) (ATD) SOL: N/A DUE: N/A POC Linda Rae Johnson, Supervisory Contract Specialist, (505)846-5935 Capt. John Anttonen, Project Officer 505/846-8927 ext. 144. Integrated Technology Testbed Ground Advanced Technology Demonstrator Reference no. F29601-97-R-0012, Capt. John Anttonen, Program Manager, (505) 846-8927 ext. 144. Industry sources are being sought to develop critical technologies for future military spaceplanes using ground based advanced technology demonstrations. The first step is envisioned to include a streamlined acquisition that develops, integrates and tests these technologies in an Integrated Technology Testbed (ITT). Due to constrained budgets, the Air Force is seeking innovative, "out of the box", industry feedback and guidance to: 1) develop and demonstrate key military spaceplane technologies, 2) ensure competitive industry military spaceplane concepts are supported via critical technology demonstrations, and 3) ensure a viable, competitive military spaceplane industrial base is retained now and in the future. To ensure the greatest dialogue with industry a briefing for industry (BFI) is tentatively planned for 11 and 12 March 1997 at the Air Force Phillips Laboratory, NM. The BFI will include a classified session, held at the Secret level. The Military Spaceplane (MSP) ITT ground demonstration consists of an effort to develop a computer testbed model. It may also include options for multiple technology, component and subsystem hardware demonstrations to support and enable the acquisition and deployment of MSP systems early in the next century. Although the ITT is not a flight demonstrator, it is anticipated that critical ground Advanced Technology Demonstrator (ATD) components and subsystems shall be designed, fabricated and tested with a total systems and flight focus to demonstrate the potential for military "aircraft like" operations and support functions. The latter point refers to eventual systems that 1) can be recovered and turned around for another mission in several hours or less on a routine basis, 2) require minimal ground and flight crew to conduct routine operations and maintenance, 3) are durable enough to sustain a mission design life of hundreds of missions, 4) are designed for ease of maintenance and repair based on military aircraft reliability, maintainability, supportability and availability (RMS&A) standards including the use of line replaceable units to the maximum extent possible, and 5) can be operated and maintained by military personnel receiving normal levels of technical training. The ITT effort is envisioned to culminate with a vigorous integrated test program that demonstrates how specific components and subsystems are directly traceable and scaleable to MSP system requirements and meet or exceed the operational standards described above. The contract structure for ITT is anticipated to be Cost Reimbursement type contracts with possible multiple options and a total funding of approximately $125-150M. Due to initial funding limitations, the minimum effort for the contract is anticipated to consist of a broad conceptual military spaceplane design supported by a computer testbed model. However, should funding become available, additional effort may be initiated prior to the conclusion of the testbed model design. Offerors will be requested to submit a series of alternatives for delivery of major technology components and subsystems as well as an alternative for subsystem/system integration and test. While the government's primary interest is in maintaining an MSP systems focus for this effort, the government is also interested in industry feedback on opportunities for small business prime contractor participation. The Air Force envisions two or more awards, but is seeking industry advice on the appropriate contract type, magnitude and scope. Presently, the MSP Technology Program plans to commit $3-5M to each basic effort of this procurement. These funds are programmed into the budget for FY97. It is anticipated that these funds will primarily support development of the conceptual design and supporting computer testbed with some limited optional component demonstrations. The MSP Technology Program is working through the auspices of the joint AFMC-AFSPC Military Spaceplane Integrated Concept Team to identify sources of funding for out years. However, the Government cannot guarantee that any funding beyond the basic effort will be secured. Potential sources are being sought who have the capability to design, manufacture, integrate, and test a complete suite of MSP ground ATDs. Potential contractors should have a proven track record of design, manufacture and integration of complex aerospace systems including the ground and flight support infrastructure such as test equipment, flight control architecture, and flight/ground systems software necessary to operate and maintain the operational segment of these systems. Expertise in lightweight structures and propellant tankage, thermal protection system, highly efficient rocket propulsion, cargo systems, and highly integrated avionics/system health monitoring capability is also required to demonstrate the ability to meet the MSP requirement for a highly reusable, single stage vehicle. Furthermore, potential contractors must demonstrate the ability to plan and conduct a system level ground and flight test program that demonstrates the critical requirements of the MSP. The highest classification required for this effort will be Secret but this contract will be Unclassified. Note: Foreign owned firms are advised they will not be allowed to participate as the prime contractor. If access to Export Controlled Data is required on this effort (see 10 U.S.C. 140 (c)), the offeror must be currently certified and registered by the Defense Logistics Services Center (DLSC), Battle Creek, MI 49016-3412, (1-800-352-3572) in order to be considered a responsible contractor under this acquisition and to receive export-controlled technical data. Dissemination of export-controlled information must be according to the provisions of DoD Directives 5230.24 and 5230.24 and 5230.25 and AFR 80-34. Organizations must comply with the requirements set forth in the introduction for R&D Sources Sought. Interested contractors must indicate whether they qualify as a small business under SIC Code 8731, with a size standard of 1000 employees. Also firms responding are to include the above reference number and indicate whether they are or are not, a small business, a small disadvantaged business, a woman owned business, a historically black college or university, a minority institution, an 8(a) firm, an intra-governmental organization, a large business or an education/nonprofit organization. Based on the responses to this sources sought synopsis the government reserves the right to set-aside this acquisition for participation by small businesses. A draft Statement of Objectives, draft Section L (Instructions for Preparation of Proposal), and draft Section M (Evaluation Factors for Award) will be downloaded on the Internet and may be accessed after the BFI (5 March 1997) at: http//www.plk.af.mil. An offeror who does not have access to the Internet may send a written request to Linda Rae Johnson at the address below or a telefax request to the FAX telephone number below. Only small businesses are requested to submit a Statement of Capabilities (SOC). The SOC shall be limited to 15 pages, including resumes and mailed to Capt. John Anttonen, PL/VT-X, 3550 Aberdeen Ave. SE, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5776. Replies to this sources sought synopsis must reference solicitation number F29601-97-R-0012 and must be received within 15 calendar days of publication. The BFI, currently planned for 11 and 12 March 1997, will be held at the Phillips Laboratory Conference Center, 1750 Kirtland Dr, Building 201, Kirtland AFB, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on the 11th and (,00 AM to 4:00 PM on the 12th. Due to the classified briefing and limited space each contractor will be limited to two attendees. The government contemplates face-to-face briefings with all potential offerors. Industry participants should send visit requests, and clearances for the classified session to Captain John Anttonen, PL/VT-X, 3550 Aberdeen Ave SE, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5776. Faxed visit requests/clearances are acceptable, Telephone/Fax: 505-846-8927x144/8930. Respondents to this sources sought announcement will receive an MSP ITT information package, including an agenda and maps, for review prior to the BFI. Responses by telegram will not be accepted. Advance questions may be submitted in writing to Phillips Laboratory/PKVA. Directorate of Contracting, ATTN: Linda Rae Johnson, or Rudy Chavez, 2251 Maxwell Ave., SE, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5773, FAX: (505) 846-7049, Internet e-mail address: LINDA_RAE_JOHNSON%PL-PK@ccmail.plk.af.mil. 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. Before contacting the Ombudsman, potential offerors should first communicate with the Contracting Officer. In those instances where offerors cannot obtain resolution from the Contracting Officer, they are invited to contact the PL Ombudsman, Col James D. Ledbetter, Phillips Laboratory Vice Commander, at (505) 846-4964, or in writing at 3550 Aberdeen Ave SE, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-57876. When requested, the Ombudsman will 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. For contracting issues, please contact Ms. Linda Rae Johnson, (505) 846-5935. For technical issues, please contact Captain John Anttonen, PL/VT-X, (505) 846-8927x144. This announcement is for informational and planning purposes only. It does not constitute an IFB or an RFP and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. [PHILLIPS LABORATORY] /PKVA, Directorate of Contracting, 2551 Maxwell Avenue SE, [Kirtland AFB] NM [87117]-5772 (0052)

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