GLOBAL AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT(GATM) GROUND SEGMENT COMMAND AND CONTROL FACILITY This is a request for information (RFI) and not a solicitation. The 452d Flight Test Squadron at the Air Force Flight Test Center has the mission of supporting the test and evaluation of the C/KC-135, KC-10, C-9 and EC-18 fleets. The installation of CNS/ATM avionics into these aircraft will drive the following flight test and certification programs, and drive the need for the AFFTC to install appropriate Air Traffic Control (ATC), Airplane Operational Control (AOC) and Command and Control (C2) equipment needed to communicate with GATM equipped aircraft. In order to develop strategy that best supports the future GATM flight test efforts, the 452 FLTS is performing a market survey of GATM unique C2 solutions. The 452d FLTS will use this information to prepare long term technical and budget plans. We seek to understand the degree that commercial solutions will meet military and civil ATC and AOC requirements, and what modifications are necessary. We also seek to identify common solutions that have applicability to multiple Air Force test programs at the AFFTC. SCOPE: In order to assess commercial solutions that may have applicability to multiple Air Force platforms, interested companies should submit packages of their proposed GATM "Gateway" solutions for the KC-135 test program at AFFTC. The approach must facilitate direct access to Line-of-site (LOS) and beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) connectivity to existing and future aeronautical communications network (ATN). The geographic area of interest ranges from the Edwards local airspace, the Edwards Range Complex, and the Western United States military range complexes. The approach must be fully compliant with all appropriate FAA and ARINC approved communications standards and protocols. The approach must suggest a method for isolating the AFFTC installed system from the ATN, in order to allow testing of unique, developmental test configurations in a stand-alone environment. The approach must suggest a method for recording and archival of all data, and a method ofreplaying that data to the users. The approach must suggest a locally (AFFTC) operated VHF transceiver, that will support voice and data link. GATM REQUIREMENTS: The RFI packages should include descriptions of equipment or suites of equipment to meet some or all of the following communications requirements with GATM equipped aircraft: 1) 8.33 kHz channel spacing for VHF voice; 2) Access to oceanic data link with SATCOM (IMARSAT Aero-I); 3) Access to SATCOM voice; 4) VHF Digital Link (Growth to Modes 2 & 3); 5) CPDLC and ADS-A applications for operation using FANS 1/A message sets and growth to CNS/ATM Package 1message sets; 6) Growth to ADS-B and associated display requirements; and 7) Access to ACARS. MILITARY REQUIREMENTS: Provisions for military communication requirements, such as encryption and other secure data/voice requirements. Provision for integration with existing Test and Evaluation Command and Control facilities. DATA SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS. The Information package should include the following items: 1) Systems level block diagrams of the proposed set of equipment to allow the AFFTC to meet its GATM unique test requirements; 2) Also, compliance of equipment with SARPs, ARINC standards, and RTCA performance requirements; 3) Growth provisions and approaches to meet future GATM requirements not defined or approved at this time; 4) Current or planned usage of equipment in other commercial or military ATC and AOC applications, number of systems in service, and national stock numbers if applicable. Include whether the system(s) component(s) are commercially available, non-developmental item(s), or developmental item(s). Also provide any warranty information that may apply to the equipment or suites; 5) Value-added functionality the system could provide; 6) Estimated software development necessary to support integration into the AFFTC C2 complex, and to support current and future GATM requirements and proposed growth plan; 7) Specific changes needed for proposed hardware in order to integrate into AFFTC, and strategy to implement these changes; 8) Recommended logistics and maintenance approaches for the equipment, as well as recommendations on how to take advantage of existing commercial logistics support (This should include on-site spares, training, and equipment replacement strategies to include peculiar support or test equipment); 9) Current or planned usage of equipment in other commercial or military ATC and AOC applications, number of systems in service, and national stock numbers if applicable; 10) Identify the size and socioeconomic status of your business (e.g. small, small disadvantaged, large); and 11) Existing Government rights to software and hardware solutions. In addition, the Government understands that very few if any contractors can respond to all requested information. Thus the Government will accept partial responses to this RFI. POINTS OF CONTACT: Technical POCs: Major Alex Dodd, Project Officer, 805-275-4154 and Captain Kevin Muckerheide, Systems Engineer, 805-275-4154 The RFI packages are due to Major Alex Dodd Tel: 805-275-4154; Email: dodda@aria.edwards.af.mil no later than 9 November 1998. Packages shall be delivered in paper copies; software copies may be delivered along with the paper copies. Due to schedule considerations, packages received after thirty (30) days from this announcement may not be considered. Address: 452d FLTS, 225 S. Flightline Road, Edwards AFB, Ca 93524-6435. The information received will not obligate the government in any manner, neither will the Government reimburse contractors for any costs associated with submittal of the requested information. This request does not constitute an Invitation For Bid nor a Request For Proposal. E-MAIL: click here to contact the buyer via e-mail, judy.gayler@edex.edwards.af.mil. Posted 10/07/98 (W-SN260258).

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