Aeronautical Systems Center, ASC/WMRK, 102 West D Avenue, Suite 300, Eglin AFB, FL 32542-6808

69 -- RANGELESS AIR COMBAT TRAINING SYSTEM (RACTS) PROGRAM SOL F08626-98-R-0004 POC Jaciel Robbins, 904-882-9391, ext 5059, Lt Denis Briceno, 904-882-9391 ext 5200 The Range Instrumentation Systems Program Office Integrated Product Team (IPT), Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC), Eglin AFB, Florida, plans to contract for Rangeless Air Combat Training Systems (RACTS) that will provide for enhanced air combat training in a rangeless environment. The basic effort and first installation of RACTS is planned for the Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC) located in Alpena Michigan. Options are included for installation of additional Rangeless Air Combat Training Systems at to be determined sites. The overall program objective is to provide a capability for users to conduct air-to-air training exercises, and post-mission debriefings of aircrew/aircraft/simulated weapon performance, (to include limited live monitoring for Alpena RACTS only ) and procure a new baseline of ACTS Airborne Instrumentation Subsystems (AIS) designated as P-5. Due to limited research and development funds, the Government requires that certain capabilities have been proven and can be further modified to incorporate P-5 requirements of: high accuracy time and space positioning information, pod-to-pod communication, on-board data recording, on-board air-to-air simulations, real-time kill notification. The Rangeless Debriefing systems will consist of: (1) interfacing with the Contractor furnished and Government-provided Advanced Display and Debriefing Subsystems (ADDS) software; (2) hosting the ADDS software on compatible open-architecture computer hardware platforms with minimal changes to ADDS hardware and software; (3) providing and integrating a capability to merge and record down-linked data and/or on-board recorded pod data; (4) a capability to integrate an encryption module into debriefing subsystems, with an option for integration based upon availability of Government-furnished encryption devices and associated design data; (5) providing and installing all necessary hardware (to include live monitor capability) for the ground system at Alpena (using existing towers where available); (6) managing/supervising range integration of all system assets; (7) planning and conducting a test program including, but not limited to, developmental, EMC/EMI, environment, Seek Eagle, and system testing, demonstrating total system capabilities that includes range coverage (at Alpena), tracking accuracy, 36-aircraft tethered (site specific to Alpena) and untethered operations, (8) maintaining, sustaining, and operating all system/subsystem assets prior to achieving full operational capability (9) and providing system operator training at each location. The RACTS P-5 pods shall provide a 36 high activity aircraft data link, air-to-air weapon simulations, pod-to-pod communications, on-board data recorder, and as an option the ability to integrate a government furnished encryption device. To reduce risk, the P-5 design should make maximum use commercial off-the-shelf and/or non-developmental items. Both tethered (Radio Frequency connection between the airborne pod and the ground system) and rangeless (no connection between the airborne pod and the ground system) capabilities with on-board data recording is needed for RACTS. In addition to the new RACTS, the program will consist of upgrades to existing ADDS and Personal Computer Debriefing Systems hardware and software that: (1) allows for post-mission display and debriefing; (2) provides and installs a capability for pre-mission setup and planning for each pod; (3) and provides and installs a capability to merge and record, on-board recorded pod data from at least 36 P-5 pods. Offerors will be asked to propose a sustainability and affordability strategy for the life of RACTS that includes defining, planning, and developing an integrated logistics support (ILS) and logistics support analysis (LSA) program that ensures full system and associated equipment sustainment. Options will be included for: (1) contractor logistics support; (2) 10 additional Rangeless systems at TBD locations consisting of Rangeless Debriefing Subsystems and P-5 pods; (3) up to 200 additional P-5 pods; (4) analysis of the potential for modifying the RACTS or its airborne and/or ground components to facilitate integration with other airborne test and training instrumentation systems; (5) analysis of the potential for modifying the RACTS or its airborne and/or ground components to support Computer Generated Threat Stimulations. In light of the Acquisition Reform initiatives, the offerors will be given wide latitude in the writing of the statement of work, system specification, use of Government standards, and establishing the schedule for major program milestones. The Government will manage the acquisition of all entities necessary for RACTS operation through Government-provided Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and the successful offeror will be responsible for timely notification to the Government of difficulties that exists, or enhancements that could be made, in these ICDs. A technical library including governing ICDs, ADDS software code (and documentation thereof) and other relevant technical informationis available. Eligibility to receive solicitations and access to the technical library is restricted to qualified U.S. contractors who have registered with, and are certified for access to DOD Scientific and Technical Information (STINFO) and export controlled information by the United States/Canada Joint Certification Office, Defense Logistics Service Center, Battle Creek, MI 49016-3412, 1-800-352-3572. Certification is accomplished using DD Form 2345, Military Critical Technical Data Agreement. A Statement of Terms and Conditions for Release of Air Force Owned or Developed Computer Software Packages must be completed by each offeror and returned to ASC/WMRK prior to being granted access to the Air Force technical library. A 24 hour limitation for loan of any software or documentation for potential use in preparing for this acquisition have been established. You may contact Mr. Paul Carmean, SEMCOR, Inc., 368 Adams Avenue, Valparaiso FL 32580, (904) 678-7887, for information concerning the technical libraryor regarding STINFO certification and software release approval. The anticipated contract types are Fixed Price Incentive Firm (FPIF), and Firm Fixed Price (FFP). Information associated with this program may be classified up to, and including, SECRET, NOFORN. The contractor's software capability and computer hardware system must be accreditable in accordance with current USAF computer security policies. The Standard Industrial Classification Code for this acquisition is 3663 (750 personnel). Interested firms who have not already submitted a Statement of Capability (SOC) should provide one within 15 days of this announcement. Submit the SOC to Ms. Jaciel Robbins, ASC/WMRK, 102 West D Avenue, Suite 300, Eglin AFB FL 32542-6808. The SOC must include, but is not limited to, successful experience or capability as a prime contractor in: (1) modification of Government-provided software for application in an ACTS, or similar type application, (2) the integration of commercial-off-the-shelf hardware and contractor modified software for a CCS and ADDS, or similar application, (3) the integration of commercial-off-the-shelf hardware for an AIS, or specific similar application, (4) the provision of GICS hardware, or similar type application, (5) the management and testing of an entire ACTS or similar type system, (6) the facilities and personnel to handle and store classified information at the SECRET, NOFORN level. Also include in the SOC, information pertaining to your current AIS hardware capabilities for performing the requirements addressed in this synopsis. Respondents to this notice will not be notified of the results of the evaluation of information submitted. After the SOCs have been screened, any draft or final solicitations will be issued to those prospective sources who, in the sole judgment of the purchasing activity, have the capability to successfully fill the RACTS program requirements. Firms responding to this synopsis should state whether or not they are small business concern or small disadvantaged business concern as defined in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.219-1 and FAR 52.219-2. Direct all requests for solicitations and routine communication concerning this acquisition to Ms. Jaciel Robbins, Contracting Officer, (904) 882-9391, Ext. 5059 or Ms. Bridget Tuominen, (904) 882-9391, Ext 5058, for contracting matters, and Lt. Denis Briceno, Program Manager, (904) 882-9391, Ext. 5200, for technical matters. An ombudsman has been appointed to address concerns from offerors or potential offerors during the proposal development phase of this acquisition. The Ombudsman does not diminish the authority of the program director or contracting officer, but communicates 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 participate in the evaluation of proposals or in the source selection process. Interested parties are invited to call ColTimothy R. Kinney, at (904) 882-9051. A draft Request for Proposal (RFP) will be provided through our designated website in incremental releases as requirements are defined, and updated as refinement occurs. The Government is considering a paperless draft RFP with the anticipation that a draft RFP will be completed on the web by late Sept 1997. One-on-ones with prospective contractors and/or an industry day will follow the release of the draft RFP. An RFP is anticipated for release in Nov 1997 with proposals due 30 to 45 days after RFP release. All information concerning the acquisition, one-on-ones, industry days dates will be posted on Eglin PK homepage under Acquisition Programs at http://eglinpk.eglin.af.mil, under the program name of Rangeless Air Combat Training System (RACTS). Contract award is planned for no later than Mar 1998. See Note 26. (0234)

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