K -- THE MILSATCOM INTEGRATED SATELLITE CONTROL SYSTEM ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT 17. REQUEST FOR INFORMATION. The Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) Joint Program Office is currently in the process of defining a future satellite control system replacing its current satellite control subsystems at Falcon Air Force Base and Onizuka Air Station. The communication satellite systems affected by this replacement are DSCS, Milstar, Skynet/NATO IV and the Advanced MILSATCOM programs, (Advanced Wideband-Gapfiller and Advanced EHF). The replacement of the current satellite control subsystems also provides an opportunity to reduce the operational costs and staffing requirements and to promote commonality in operations and training among all MILSATCOM programs. It is expected that this could be accomplished with the inclusion of automated pass plans and decision support tools. In addition, the possibility of using the replacement SGLS control system as a basis for the incorporation on EHF Mission unique functions will be considered. With the new system, all MILSATCOM operations willbe centralized at Falcon Air Force Base in Colorado. System definition and development is slated to begin in FY00 with the new system ready for operational testing in FY03. The intent is to conduct parallel operations with the current Air Force Satellite Control Network command and control system (CCS) before support of the latter is terminated. The current CCS sustainment contract goes through the end of FY03. The new satellite control system will be employed to support normal daily operations for the DSCS and Advanced Wideband-Gapfiller satellites, launch and early on-orbit operations for Advanced Wideband-Gapfiller and Advanced EHF satellites, satellite control back-up for Skynet/NATO IV and anomaly investigation and resolution for all the MILSATCOM satellites including Milstar. Normal operations for the Milstar and Advanced EHF satellites will be supported by in-band EHF satellite control facilities. The MILSATCOM Joint Program Office will sponsor a one day presentation to industry on 21 November 1997 at The Aerospace Corporation, 2350 East El Segundo Blvd., El Segundo, CA 90245-4691 starting at 8:30 AM. The briefing will be UNCLASSIFIED. Open discussion will be permitted at that time. Subsequent, proprietary sessions with the Government may be requested by interested parties. At the presentation to industry, the MJPO will present a overview of the factors warranting this replacement initiative and notional concepts for the future acquisition. The information requested from industry will consist of satellite integrated control system technical concepts consistent with current DoD direction e.g., common operating environment, open system standards, open architecture, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products, etc.. Industry's continued assistance in refining design and operations concepts and their associated costs may be sought on an on-going basis throughout FY98. Additionally, system and component level cost and schedule data will be requested. The Government's emphasis is on industry generated concepts and ideas to meet projected requirements, promote commonality among systems, and reduce all costs to the maximum extent possible. Industry's ideas as to how the Government and industry can best interact in the competitive environment either at or after the presentation is solicited. Individual proprietary follow-up sessions will be scheduled for official responses from all participating contractors at the Industry Day on 21 Nov, 1997. Currently, these follow-up sessions are scheduled during the late Dec 97 and early Jan 98 time frame. Interested parties should contact Maj Albert Robertson (310) 336-4189 or Capt David Castaneda at (310) 336-4970, SMC/MC by 17 Nov 97. In addition, visit requests should be faxed by 18 Nov 97 to the Aerospace Corporation, ATTN: Hester Bing, 2350 E. El Segundo Blvd., El Segundo CA 90245, at FAX: (310)336-6983, Voice (310)336-5038. An information copy should be faxed to SMC/MCD ATTN: Capt David Castaneda at (310) 336-4660. Responders are cautioned that only contracting officers are legally authorized to commit the government. This request is for information and planning purposes only, not a request for proposal, and does not commit the government to pay for preparation costs. Respondents are advised that no contract will be awarded solely on the basis of a response hereto or any follow-up information subsequently submitted. This information will be used to develop acquisition plans for future MILSATCOM ground architecture. If you have any questions, please contact Maj Albert Robertson or Capt David Castaneda at the above stated numbers.

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