Phillips Laboratory, Directorate of Contracting, 2251 Maxwell Avenue SE, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5773

A -- SIX METER DIAMETER INFLATABLE OPTICAL SPHERE WITH INFLATION AND PRESSURE MAINTENANCE SYSTEM, EJECTION SYSTEM AND LAUNCH/PACKING CANISTER SOL F29650-98-ME208 DUE 042198 POC Lt Louis Orndorff, Contract Specialist, Mr David Castillo, Contracting Officer, 505-846-4055 Inflatable Optical Sphere Systems SOL F2965098ME208 DUE 042198 POC Lt. Louis Orndorff, Contract Specialist/Mr. David Castillo, Contracting Officer (505) 846-4055. (i.) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. (ii.) This solicitation number F2965098ME208 is issued as a request for proposal. Mail proposals to Lt. Louis Orndorff, AFRL/DE, 3550 Aberdeen SE, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5776 or fax proposals to (505) 846-4063. (iii.) This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in affect through Federal Acquisition Circular 97-02. (iv.) This requirement is full and open competition (The SIC code is 3761 and the small business size standard is 1000 employees). (v.) A list of CONTRACT LINE ITEM NUMBERS and items are CLIN 0001: 6-meter diameter inflatable optical sphere with inflation and pressure maintenance system, ejection system and launch/packing canister (quantity 2). CLIN 0002: interface control document -- both mechanical and electrical (quantity 1). Option CLIN 0003: optional purchase of up to 4 additional 6-meter inflatable optical spheres with inflation and pressure maintenance systems, ejection systems, and launch/packing canisters. Option CLIN 0004: optional purchase of up to 4 additional 5-meter inflatable optical spheres with inflation and pressure maintenance systems, ejection systems, and launch/packing canisters. Option CLIN 0005: optional purchase of up to 4 additional 4-meter inflatable optical spheres with inflation and pressure maintenance systems, ejection systems, and launch/packing canisters. Any or all of the options can be exercised however, no more than 4 additional systems will be purchased in total. These 4 option systems will be exercised on an IDIQ basis. (vi.) DESCRIPTION OF REQUIRMENTS: The Starfire Optical Range plans to launch two inflatable spherical optical targets into space on upcoming Pegasus, Delta, or Taurus rocket launches. The objects must be 6 meters in diameter (except CLINs 0004 and 0005), inflate to a tight spherical shape, remain inflated for a minimum of 90 days on orbit (with a goal of 2 years), and be made of a highly reflective, highly specular material such as aluminized Kapton. Each balloon is to be folded and packaged in its own launch/deployment canister. The folding and packaging shall be accomplished in such a manner as to avoid damage to the highly reflective external balloon surface. The canister shall contain the ejection system and be designed so as to let the inflating balloon escape without damage to the exterior optical finish of the balloon. Each inflatable optical sphere system consisting of the balloon envelope, ejection system, launch/packing canister, inflation system and pressure maintenance system shall have a target weight of 15 pounds and must not weigh more than 30 pounds. Dimensions of the total system shall be compatible so as to be carried as an auxiliary payload on existing expendable launch vehicles. As part of the proposal, all prospective vendors shall clearly state the weight and dimensions of their finished inflatable optical sphere system. Since the objects will be used for optical observation, it is necessary that the outer surfaces of the balloons be metalized. The inner surface may be metalized if necessary to reduce gas diffusion through the envelope. There are no radar or infrared signature requirements for the objects. The objects will be observed at wavelengths between 0.4 m m and 1.5 m m. Since the balloons are required to deploy on command from the host launch vehicle, the vendor shall provide an interface control document (both mechanical and electrical) for interfacing the inflatable optical sphere system to the launch vehicle. To minimize integration requirements, the inflatable optical sphere system should be as self-sufficient as possible. A timer shall also be required to control inflation of spheres at a specific time after ejection from the host vehicle. While the primary interest is in 6-meter diameter spheres, the Government also requires all offerors to include 4 and 5-meter diameter spheres (CLINs 0003, 0004 and 0005) in their proposal. (vii.) DELIVERY is to be made FOB Destination to Director, Starfire Optical Range, AFRL/DES, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5776 by 90 days after the effective date of the contract for the first optical sphere and 30 days after initial optical sphere delivery for second optical sphere. Option deliveries will be made within 60 days of issuance of delivery order. Delivery orders with multiple system requirements will be allowed 60 days for the initial system and 30 additional days for each additional system. Option(s) exercise will not exceed one year from the award date. (viii.) FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Items, is incorporated by reference and applies to this acquisition. (ix.) FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation-Commercial Items, is incorporated by reference and applies to this acquisition. Para (a) The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers (in descending order of importance): (1) Technical capability of the inflatable optical sphere to meet the Government mission to include size/shape constraints; exterior surface properties; construction geometry; materials proposed for spheres; inflation pressure; on-orbit pressure maintenance; deployment testing; mechanical/electrical interfaces; size and weight of package. (2) Price (to include options). Prices of balloons are in descending order of importance with the 6 meter being the most important. (3) Past Performance see FAR 52.212-1(10). (x.) Offerors SHALL include a completed copy with their offer of the provision at FAR 52.212-3 and 252.212-7000, offeror Representation and Certifications-Commercial items. (xi.) The clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. (xii.) The clause at 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes Or Executive Orders-Commercial Items, and 252.212-7001, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to implement Statutes or Executive Orders Applicable to Defense Acquisitions of Commercial Items, apply to this acquisition. (xiii.) Additional Contract Requirements/Terms and Conditions: The vendor SHALL test, fold, package and integrate each inflatable sphere into its launch/packing canister. The offeror SHALL guarantee each completed balloon/canister assembly to have a shelf life of not less than one year from date of delivery. (xiv.) Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS): DO rating applies. (xv.) There are no applicable Commerce Business Daily numbered notes. (xvi.) All proposals must be delivered to the POC by 3:00 PM (local time) on April 21, 1998. Contractors interested in hand delivery of proposals must coordinate with Lt. Orndorff or Mr. Castillo. Mail proposals to Lt. Orndorff, AFRL/DE, 3550 Aberdeen SE, Kirtland AFB,NM 87117-5776 or fax proposals to (505) 846-4063. (xvii.) For additional information regarding this solicitation, contact David Castillo at (505) 846-4055. (0092)

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