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

A -- C130 ENGINE INFRARED SUPPRESSION (EIRS) SYSTEM DRAFT REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL AND INDUSTRY DAY II SOL USZA22-98-R-0004 POC Maj David Anderson (813)828-9327 WEB: SOAL Website, soal.socom.mil. E-MAIL: EIRS Deputy Program Manager, andersd@socom.mil. The United States Special Operations Command has a requirement for a C-130 Engine Infrared (IR) signature Suppression system to provide Special Operations Forces (SOF) C-130 aircraft with improved IR signature reduction over existing systems at a lower cost of ownership. This IR suppression system will be used on AC-130H/U, MC-130E/H/P, and EC-130E aircraft. The key requirements for the Engine IR Suppression (EIRS) system are: (a) improved IR signature suppression levels over the current engine shield system (a.k.a. TUBS); (b) improved reliability and maintainability over existing systems to result in lower total cost of ownership; (c) minimal impact to aircraft performance and ability to accomplish SOF missions; (d) complete interchangeability between engine positions and identified aircraft types (variation acceptable in "Group A" mounting provisions). The USSOCOM Acquisition Executive has identified the C-130 EIRS program as a prototype acquisition program to investigate and infuse acquisition reform ideas. As a prototype acquisition reform program, USSOCOM is seeking industry partners who will embrace this opportunity to employ acquisition reform ideas to result in fielding an operational IR suppression system to our Special Operations warfighters faster, cheaper, better. To commence this acquisition USSOCOM held "Industry Day I" at MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL on 28-29 October 1998. As part of our continuing prototype acquisition program, USSOCOM is issuing a Draft Request for Proposal (DRFP) for a C-130 Engine Infrared (IR) signature Suppression system on or about 7 April 1999 on the SOAL website at http://soal.socom.mil. The purpose for this DRFP is to seek comments from industry which may improve the solicitation, and enhance the success of the acquisition. On 21-22 April 1999, USSOCOM will conduct "Industry Day II" at MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL. During this Industry Day II, the Government intends to hold a general (open to all) discussion to provide an overview of the DRFP. Open discussions will be followedby a series of one-on-one discussions with industry offerors or teams who request one. The following ground rules shall apply to the one-on-one discussions: (1) one-on-one sessions will be available to any potential offeror who requests a session; (2) the offeror's or potential offeror's own proprietary information may be discussed during the one-on-one session; (3) the Government will document matters discussed during one-on-one sessions in a memorandum for record; (4) information disclosed by the Government during the one-on-one sessions may be released to all potential offerors if, at the Government's sole discretion, such information is either necessary for the preparation of proposals, or, in fairness, ought to be disclosed to all offerors or to the general public in order to avoid the perception of an unfair competitive advantage; (5) an offeror or potential offeror need not have participated in a one-on-one session in order to receive Government information that ought to be disclosed to all potential offerors under (4) above; and, (6) an offeror's participation in the one-on-one session constitutes agreement with these ground rules. Industry Day II is an opportunity for industry to ask questions, provide comments, and respond to the Government's request for added information included in the cover letter to the DRFP. Replies to this DRFP are not mandatory; however, comments whether supportive or critical, are honestly solicited. Written responses will not be returned and become the property of the Government and will be sufficiently safeguarded. We do not intend to answer each written response but will consider your ideas in finalizing the formal RFP. This award may be made without discussions, therefore potential offerors are urged to take this opportunity to raise and resolve all questions. Prospective contractors interested in receiving classified portions of the DRFP are required to provide an address that is certified for receipt/safeguarding of classified information. No cost or technical proposals are desired at this time and if submitted will not be accepted. This DRFP does not bind the Government to release a formal RFP or award a contract for this requirement. To attend "Industry Day II," request attendance information, and to schedule a one-on-one discussion session, contact Maj Dave Anderson at email address: andersd@socom.mil, (813)828-9327. For planning purposes, our intent is to limit one-on-one discussions to 1 hour per team or company. Please respond no later than 16 April 1999. Posted 04/07/99 (W-SN317295). (0097)

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