ASC/SMD, Attn: Contracting, 2145 Monahan Way, Bldg. 28, Ste 300, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7017

16 -- LOW ALTITUDE NAVIGATION AND TARGETING INFRARED FOR NIGHT (LANTIRN) MOBILITY SHELTER SET (LMSS) MID-LIFE UPGRADE (MLU)-POTENTIAL SOURCES SOUGHT SOL ASC/SMDK-98-03 POC Timothy K. Gicale, Contract Negotiator, (937) 255-6145, ext 3600/Leonard G. Seeker, Contracting Officer, (937) 255-6145, ext 3598 Request for Sources Sought. The Air Force is seeking interested sources from industry regarding the Agency's requirement for a Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) to the Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) Mobility Shelter Set (LMSS) for issuance of the future Request for Proposal (RFP). Moreover, the Air Force is seeking an added throughput capability, integral to the LMSS MLU, that will allow pod and Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) to be tested simultaneously. This added capability is expected to be packaged so that it is separately deployable to support Aerospace Expeditionary Force (AEF) contingencies. The LMSS MLU and AEF Tester are expected to be an easily deployable, user-friendly maintenance system suitable for Intermediate level (I-level) maintenance environment. The LMSS MLU and AEF Tester is expected to support Air Force operational squadrons for both, main operating bases (MOB) and forward operating location (FOL) operations. The primary function of LMSS MLU and AEF Tester will be as a tool for maintainers to assess LANTIRN target and navigational pod integrity. Verification and diagnosis will be conducted as needed to support assessment, restoration or repair of pod units. The LMSS MLU and AEF Tester will be tools for the maintainer to use to accomplish this task, in an unclassified environment. NOTE: LMSS MLU is not just an modification to the LANTIRN Intermediate Automatic Test Equipment (LIATE) and Electro-Optical Test Stand (EOTS). The Air Force is seeking a modification effort for the current LMSS and a partial development effort for the AEF Tester. This effort is PREDOMINATELY modification and LIMITED development. The requirements for the LMSS MLU are contained in an unofficial Draft Addendum to Systems Operational Requirements Document (SORD) developed by the Air Combat Command (ACC). The main draft requirements and other information can be reviewed on Aeronautical Systems Center's Pre-Award Information Exchange System (PIXS) via the Internet at "http://www.pixs.wpafb.af.mil/." Instructions for using the system can be found in the "User's Guide" on the PIXS Home Page. Recommend use of a 28.8 kilobyte baud rate modem, or higher. Direct any questions concerning electronic access to Johnny Harshburger or Mike Peck, (937) 255-2739. This notice is issued for the purposes of obtaining interested sources and their capabilities. All interested sources need to indicate if they are interested as being a prime, subcontractor, or supplier for the program. The Agency also requests a capability statement from all vendors. In addition to the company's normal capability statement, all vendors are requested to provide information and address all the following issues as an addendum: 1) knowledge in Test Program Set (TPS) and Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) technology; 2) knowledge in VXI technology; 3) knowledge of existing LMSS system, to include but not limited to the five major components of the LMSS MLU referenced within the Draft Addendum to the SORD, 4) knowledge of tester systems used outside of a laboratory environment, any VXI tester system products you contributed to and/or produced along with system details and product information, and your experience in developing tester systems pertaining to LANTIRN pod technology; 5) knowledge of diagnostic software; 6) ability to plan and integrate a program in the range of $50M -- $100M, which includes production; 7) ability to integrate a LMSS MLU with diagnostic software; 8) knowledge of LANTIRN Targeting and Navigation pod maintenance procedures; 9) ability to code diagnostic software; 10) ability to integrate and demonstrate an LMSS MLU's and AEF Tester's hardware, software, and TPSs, with access to an existing LMSS on a non-interference basis at a test-wing location; 11) ability to deliver four (4) pre-production units fifteen (15) months after contract award; 12) knowledge of Air Force deployment techniques and modularity needs with regard to AEF deployments; and 13) manufacturing capabilities. As stated, all categories must be addressed. If none, so state in your capability statement. SIZE STATUS: Offerors responding should indicate whether they are, or are not, a socially disadvantaged business, a Historically Black college or University/Minority Institution, a woman-owned business, and should indicate their size status. For the purpose of this acquisition, the size standard is 1,000 employees (SIC 3728 -- Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment, N.E.C.). Notice to Foreign-Owned Firms: Such firms are asked to immediately notify the Air Force contracting point of contact below, before and upon deciding to respond to this announcement. Foreign contractors should be aware that restrictions may apply which could preclude their participation in this acquisition. NOTE: FOREIGN CONTRACTORS ARE NOT SOLICITED BY THIS SOURCES SOUGHT. All interested parties are asked to provide your phone number, e-mail address, and facsimile number in their response. Proprietary information will be protected and will not be divulged unless mandated by existing laws.The office can accept attachments in Microsoft Word 7.0, Microsoft PowerPoint 7.0, and Microsoft Project 4.0 or below. This information should be sent to ASC/SMD, 2145 Monahan Way, Stop 28, Room 300, Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433-7017 not later than 3:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on 7 August 1998. The point of contact is Timothy K. Gicale, (937)255-6145 ext. 3600/ gicaletk@ntnotes2.ascsm.wpafb.af.mil. UNclassified FAX Number is (937) 656-7274. Direct all information requests and routine communication concerning this acquisition to the point of contact listed above. The Contracting Officer is Leonard G. Seeker, (937) 255-6145 ext. 3598/ seekerlg@ntnotes2.ascsm.wpafb.af.mil. Mr. Stephen J. Plaisted has been appointed as Ombudsman to hear concerns from offerors, or potential offerors, during the proposal development phase of this acquisition. 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 the point of contact above. When requested the Ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. Should you desire to contact the Ombudsman, Mr. Plaisted can be reached at (937) 255-9005. See Note(s) 25 and 26. Posted 07/01/98. (0182)

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