ASC/YPK, Monahan Hall, Bldg. 12, 1981 Monahan Way, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7205

16 -- F-16 IMPROVED AVIONICS INTERMEDIATE SHOP AUTOMATIC TEST EQUIPMENT (ATE) AND OPTICAL TEST BENCHES (OTB) SOL F33657-98-R-0011 DUE 022098 POC Katherine B. Brennan (937) 255-6581/Contracting Officer Beverly A. Findlay (937) 255-0723 The F-16 System Program Office intends to issue RFP No. F33657-98-R-0011 for sole source negotiations to acquire Improved Avionics Intermediate Shop (IAIS) Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) and Optical Test Bench (OTB) systems. This acquisition also includes the programmatic, analytical, and technical support required to accomplish system hardware and software modifications; parts obsolence research, screening, qualification testing and integration; field installation and checkout; and the technical capability to provide quick reaction global field support of deployed IAIS systems. The contractor shall possess the required tooling, jigs, special test equipment and demonstrated expertise to fabricate, test, and deliver production configuration IAIS systems. The systems' internal configurations must be the same as previously fielded systems to ensure compatibility with existing USAF spares inventories and test program sets. GDE Systems, Inc. is the intended source pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c) (1). Delivery of up to seven systems, as required, to begin March 1999, at a rate of one every other month. Mr. Stephen J. Plaisted has been appointed as Ombudsman to hear concerns from offerors, or potential offerors, during the proposal development. The purpose of the Ombudsman is to communicate contractor concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations to the appropriate government personnel. Existence of an Ombudsman does not diminish the authority of the program director or the contracting officer. Accordingly, the Ombudsman does not participate in the preparation of solicitations, the evaluation of proposals or the source selection process and, therefore, for routine matters on individual solicitations, please contact Katherine B. Brennan at (937) 255-6581. When requested the Ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. Potential offerors are invited to contact the ASC Ombudsman, Mr. Stephen J. Plaisted, Deputy Director, Systems Management, 1790 10th Street, Room 208, WPAFB OH 45433, (937)255-9095, with serious concerns only. (see Notes 22 and 26) (0028)

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