HQ Electronic Systems Center, Directorate of Joint Stars Contracts, (JSK), Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-2119

A -- JOINT SURVEILLANCE TARGET ATTACK RADAR SYSTEM (JOINT STARS) ENHANCEMENT POC Major Dean Phillips, Program Manager, ESC/JSIS, 781-377-5445; Pauline French, Contract Specialist, ESC/JSK, 781-377-7387; frenchp@hanscom.af.mil; Carol Quinlan, PCO, 781-377-3570. The Joint STARS Program Office contemplates a contract for a Multi-Stage Improvement Program for the Joint STARS E-8 weapon system. This acquisition covers the engineering, design, development, integration, test, and delivery of various enhancements and upgrades to the Joint STARS system including development of all support requirements (technical orders, support equipment, initial spares, training, etc.) and procurement of production and support system retrofit kits/documentation resulting from these enhancements and upgrades. In addition, related studies, systems engineering and integration, prototyping, and planning activities are contemplated. This contract is anticipated to be a 5-year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contract to accommodate a wide range of potential Joint STARS unique tasks. The estimated minimum for this contract value is anticipated to be at least $3M with a maximum contract value of $910M over the 5-year period contingent upon funds availability. The anticipated award date for this IDIQ type contract is 3rd Qtr FY98. The first delivery order issued under this IDIQ contract will satisfy the minimum contract value. The Government cannot predetermine at the project level the precise Joint STARS aircraft improvements and associated quantities/deliverables to be acquired within a 5-year window. However, the Government is contemplating enhancements such as Satellite Communications (SATCOM), Improved Data Modem (IDM), TADIL-J message upgrades, various airframe/avionics/mechanical systems improvements, broadcast intelligence, and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) upgrades and information management. The Joint STARS SPO is surveying the market to determine if any sources are qualified to perform all of the aforementioned requirements for this contract. Interested sources should respond by indicating their capabilities to meet the following screening criteria: (a) possess or have the ability to obtain a Top Secret level security facility clearance, (b) have in-depth knowledge of the Joint STARS system design and have the existing capability to perform all of the previously stated requirements to support the Joint STARS weapon system beginning in 1998 c) demonstrate past experience in large scale software development, integration, and system testing, (d) demonstrate experience in developing and testing user interfaces for tactical systems using standard X/Motif Graphical User Interfaces, (e) demonstrate experience using a 1553 Data Bus, (f) demonstrate experience in interfacing computer systems and developing interface documentation, (g) demonstrate experience in developing software documentation, (h) demonstrate experience in developing military training documentation, (i) demonstrate experience in SAR technology and information management, (j) demonstrate experience in tactical communications links, (k) demonstrate experience in modifying Boeing 707-type airframes and mechanical systems, (l) demonstrate experience in modifying simulations/ simulators and other ground support systems, (m) demonstrate experience in receiving intelligence signals, (n) demonstrate experience in integrating communications equipment on platforms with multitude transmitters and receivers, and (o) demonstrate experience in large antenna integration on airborne platforms. This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute an RFP nor does its issuance restrict the Government as to the ultimate acquisition approach. The Government will solicit those firms meeting the screening criteria in this synopsis. Major Dean Phillips is the Program Manager, ESC/JS1S, 781-377-5445, and Ms. Carol Quinlan is the Contracting Officer, ESC/JSK, 781-377-3570. Interested firms should submit a capabilities description to ESC/JS1S, Attn.: Maj. Dean Phillips, 75 Vandenberg Drive, Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-2119 within 30 days of this publication. Firms should indicate whether they are a large business, small business, small disadvantaged business, 8(a) concern, women-owned small business, whether they qualify as socially or economically disadvantaged, and whether they are a U.S. or foreign-owned firm. An Ombudsman has been appointed to address concerns from interested firms during this phase of the 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 official. When requested, the Ombudsman shall maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The ESC Ombudsman is Col Lee Hughes, ESC/CX, (781) 377-5106. The Ombudsman should be contacted only with issues or problems that have been brought previously to the attention of the program manager and/or contracting officer and could not be resolved satisfactorily at that level. Any interested firm initially judged to be unqualified will be provided a copy of the solicitation upon request. Any offer submitted by such a firm will be evaluated without prejudice. The Government anticipates the release of an RFP for this requirement in second Qtr FY98. Anticipated contract start date is 3rd Qtr FY98. See Numbered Note(s): 22. (0282)

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