NATIONAL DISTRESS SYSTEM MODERNIZATION PROJECT (NDSMP) Please refer to the US Coast Guard's (USCG) National Distress System Modernization Project (NDSMP) Notice from 30 May 1997. This Notice provided additional information regarding the market research efforts described in the 30 May Notice. The NDSMP, a major systems acquisition which has a preliminary budget range of $100-140M, will be acquired through full and open competition using streamlined formal source selection procedures. The USCG is considering use of the draft acquisition strategy described in this Notice to satisfy the requirements of the NDSMP. Since the draft strategy applies several innovative procurement techniques, prospective offerors are strongly encouraged to provide comments concerning this planned strategy early in the Pre-Solicitation Phase of the acquisition. Overview of key events and anticipated schedule: Pre-Solicitation Phase (through Q1FY98) consists of extensive market research, open communications with industry, opportunities for industry to comment on key issues (e.g. acquisition strategy, technical requirements, market conditions, effective contract terms and conditions, system support options and projected performance schedule). The Solicitation Phase (commencing Q3FY98) applies a Multi-Phase Source Selection technique that includes Phase 1 abbreviated proposals that are expected to be evaluated against specified criteria such as capability, past performance, and financial condition. No cost information will be submitted in Phase 1. The USCG anticipates making an advisory down selection (Q4FY98) to notify firms considered unlikely to be selected for award. In Phase 2 (Q1FY99), the USCG plans to issue a solicitation for complete, streamlined technical and cost proposals (received Q1FY99). Firms must participate in Phase 1 to be eligible for participation in Phase 2. This acquisition strategy also entails formal source selection procedures and may include oral presentations. If feasible, the USCG may award without discussions. Award is expected to be made (Q3FY99) to the source whose offer is most advantageous to the government. The USCG desires to streamline and improve acquisition activity by providing information to industry as early as practical and throughout the acquisition process. Documents available include: Mission Need Statement, Mission Analysis Report, draft Preliminary Operational Requirements, Requirements Analysis Report, Initial Communications Technical Assessment, Quarterly Status Report, and the Acquisition Strategy. In addition, the proposed agenda items for "One-on-Ones" are posted on the Internet and can be used as a guideline. For those companies without Internet access, the agenda will be provided upon request. Letters of interest for the "One-on-Ones" should be submitted by 18 July 1997. For further information regarding the NDS acquisition strategy and key milestones visit the NDSMP Website at: http://comms.rdc.uscg.mil/NDSmod/NDS.html. Submit comments or questions by e-mail to eevans@comdt.uscg.mil or telefax to 202.267.4019, Attn Elois Evans; or first class mail to US Coast Guard Headquarters (G-ACS-5/ee/nds), 2100 Second Street, SW, Washington DC 20593-0001. Please do not duplicate transmissions. Use only one of the options stated above for submitting information to the USCG.

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