United States Special Operations Command, Directorate of Procurement (SOAC-KB), 2418 Florida Keys Ave., MacDill AFB, FL 33621-5316

58 -- MINIATURE, MULTIBAND BEACON (MMB) DUE 032699 POC Major David Treshansky, (813)281-0560 X 247 E-MAIL: MAJ David Treshansky, treshand@jotc.com. The US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is seeking industry comments concerning acquisition strategy, schedule, and specifications for a Non-developmental Item (NDI) acquisition of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Miniature, Multiband, Beacon (MMB). This announcement is a request for comment only, and does not constitute a request for proposals. The primary objective of the MMB program is to leverage industry IR&D efforts and/or development efforts of other Government activities to achieve MMB threshold capabilities without a development program. The MMB program provides a dual band (I and K band) portable radar transponder beacon intended for hand emplacement and orientation. The MMB is controlled by ground mission controller or emplaced on-site for remote operation. Identity codes are selected according to the mission function of the respective MMB. When the ground mission operator orients the beacon antennas to the approach direction of the aircraft (omni-directional antenna required for AC-130 operations), the operator activates the beacon. In the event conditions require the MMB to be placed away from the operators position, the operator can retain control to activate or deactivate the MMB using remote operation via wireless link (user supplied). The MMB is used as a point designator to provide accurate delivery of ordinance by tactical or strategic aircraft for immediate or preplanned targets. The MMB may also be used for enroute navigation or pathfinder functions to guide aircraft to remote targets during periods of poor visibility. In addition, the MMB may be used for drop zone (DZ) marking (multiple DZs with discrete codes) so that supply/personnel/heavy equipment drops can be made at precise ground points during resupply missions. The MMB is also used to identify and locate austere assault zones for fixed and rotary wing aircraft, further, the MMB will provide a positive point of reference and identification for close air support missions and provide the controller a means for accurateradar offset weapons delivery. Additionally, during joint operations, the MMB aids naval gun direction for ships providing supporting fire. The MMB must be resistant to threat radio electronic combat interference, identification, and radar/radio direction finding efforts. The use of terrain masking, directional antennas, lower output power and passive operation significantly enhance its security and survivability. The MMB requires an agile maintenance concept to allow deployed operators with a simple indicator (visual) at turn on, to determine if the system is operational with the use of built in test equipment (BITE). This information is part of a market survey to determine if technology exists that may potentially meet our requirements. Information gathererd will be used to determine our acquisition strategy. Request your comments by March 26, 1999. Comments can be sent to: USSOCOM/SOAL-PMC-4, Attn: MAJ David Treshansky, 7701 Tampa Point Blvd., MacDill AFB, FL 33621-5323. Posted 02/26/99 (W-SN302705). (0057)

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