Department of Transportation, United States Coast Guard (USCG), Commandant (G-ACS), U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second St., SW, Washington, DC, 20593-0001

70 -- AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (AIS) TRANSPONDERS SOL *nil* POC Cathy Martindale, Contracting Officer, Phone 202-267-2507, Fax 202-267-4019, Email CMartindale@comdt.uscg.mil WEB: Visit this URL for the latest information about this, http://199.211.149.58/scripts/WebObjects/EPS?ActionCode=P&;ProjectID=G- AVT&LocationID=14. E-MAIL: Cathy Martindale, CMartindale@comdt.uscg.mil. The United States Coast Guard_s (USCG) Ports and Waterways Safety System (PAWSS) Project intends to acquire Universal Automated Identification System (AIS) transponders that meet the standards set out in draft International Telecommunications Union (ITU) standard, Draft New Recommendation ITU-R M.[8CXA]: "Technical Characteristics for a Universal Shipborne Automatic Identification System using Time Division Multiple Access in the VHF Maritime Mobile Band", dated 21 July 1998, from multiple manufacturers in the 1st quarter of calendar year 1999. Anticipated publishing of the draft ITU standard is expected by the end of this year, and is currently available for review at the USCG. These transponders will be a major component of the Coast Guard_s Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) in New Orleans. The transponders will be tested for standard compliance, functional capability and interoperability amongst manufacturers As a first step, the USCG is conducting a survey on the availability and capability of UniversalAIS transponder devices. The USCG requests that interested manufacturers submit information on their developed or near developed Universal AIS transponder devices. Please transmit your information by mail, email or fax. Telephone calls and visit(s) to USCG Headquarters in Washington, DC are encouraged. The project_s anticipated schedule is as follows: a. Gather and analyze data from market research, Nov 1998 to Jan 1999. b. Request for quotations, 1st quarter calendar1999. c. Delivery of AIS devices, 3rd quarter calendar 1999. d. Conduct testing, 3rd quarter calendar 1999. The minimum capabilities for the Universal AIS shall include the following: a. Compliance with Draft New Recommendation ITU-R M.[8CXA]. b. Frequency agility for use in Vessel Traffic Service Areas. Must be able to shift to and operate on a working frequency. c. Operate in the VHF maritime band 156MHz -174 MHz. d. 12.5 kHz narrowband channel capability. e. The transceivers shall be tunable over the VHF marine radio band and capable of operation on simplex and duplex channels. f. Non-proprietary. g. Year 2000 compliant. Other Desired Features: a. Multi-sector sector operation capability while in a VTS. b. Seamless passing of icon target through sectors. c. Have a chart update approach. d. Must be compatible with the New Orleans VTS communications infrastructure. e. Have a technology refreshment approach. f. Heads up display. g. Projected encounter list. h. Portable and fixed types. For further information please contact: Mr. Robert Perris (202) 267-2220 Fax (202) 267-4018 rperris@comdt.uscg.mil Posted 11/17/98 (D-SN272191). (0321)

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