Hq, Space and Missile Systems Center, SMC/PK, 155 Discoverer Blvd, Suite 1516, Los Angeles AFB, CA 90245-4692

A -- NATIONAL POLAR-ORBITING OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SATELLITE SYSTEM (NPOESS) DOWN-SELECTION CALL FOR IMPROVEMENTS (CFI) SOL F04701-99-R-0018 DUE 022699 POC Contract Negotiator: John McIvers, (310) 336-6940. Instrument Manager: Don Blersch, (301) 427-2077, ext. 165. Contracting Officer: Capt Ed Keller, (310) 336-4345. WEB: click here to download the CFI and related documents, http://npoesslib.ipo.noaa.gov/omps_cfi.htm. The Government intends to release a Call for Improvements (CFI) for the continuing design, development and fabrication of the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS) sensor for the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) program on 8 Feb 99 (an extension of the originally scheduled release date of 29 Jan 99). Phase I development efforts will end with the completion of the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) by the two incumbent contractors. While it is unlikely that a new offeror will be selected, the CFI will be conducted as a full and open competition. To be selected, a new offeror must demonstrate a PDR-level of instrument and algorithm design maturity and risk reduction in their CFI proposal. While the Government intends to select a Phase II contractor shortly after PDR, the Government reserves the right not to select and to either extend the parallel development efforts to a future milestone (e.g., CDR), or cease further development activity. Per the 3 Sep 98 CBD announcement, the Government strongly recommended a contractor-funded PDR-level presentation be made as part of a CFI submission from any new offerors. Proposals will be due 10 March 99. The CFI and related documentation will be released via the OMPS CFI Web Page on the World Wide Web (http://npoesslib.ipo.noaa.gov/omps_cfi.htm). Also, the Government has an NPOESS Electronic Library (http://npoesslib.ipo.noaa.gov/ElectLib.htm) that contains NPOESS-related documentation. Comments on the draft CFI currently posted on the OMPS CFI Web Page are due to the PCO no later than 29 Jan 99. You are advised that an Ombudsman has been appointed to hear concerns from potential offerors during the down-selection phase of the acquisition. The purpose of the Ombudsman is not to diminish the authority of the System Program Director or Contracting Officer, but to assist in communicating offeror concerns, issues, disagreements and recommendation to the appropriate Government personnel. When requested, the Ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The Ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals or in the source selection process. The Ombudsman, Mr. Les Bordelon, SES, can be reached at Los Angeles AFB at (310) 363-3818. See Note(s) 26***** Posted 01/22/99 (W-SN290729). (0022)

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