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A -- NPOESS TOTAL SYSTEM PROGRAM DEFINITION AND GROUND SEGMENT RISK DUE 052199 POC John M. Inman, 301/427-2094 X162 The National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Integrated Program Office (IPO) plans to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for NPOESS Total System Program Definition and Ground Segment Risk Reduction. NPOESS will replace the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s Polar-orbiting Operational Satellites (POES) and the Defense Department's Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP), and will provide a single national polar operational remote-sensing capability for global and regional environmental data for use by military and civil communities. These data will include radiometric observations of the atmosphere and cloud cover imagery as well as other specialized atmospheric, environmental, climatic, terrestrial, oceanographic, and solar-geophysical raw data records (RDRs), sensor data records (SDRs), and environmental data records (EDRs). NPOESS is an ACAT ID program, as defined by DoD 5000.2-R, and is currently in Acquisition Phase I (Program Definition and Risk Reduction). The purpose of the subject RFP will be to secure a contract with one or more (likely two) contractors experienced in the successful design and fielding of satellite systems and supporting ground systems to define an overall concept for the NPOESS total system architecture including one or more concepts, design approaches, and/or parallel technologies. Assessments of the advantages and disadvantages of alternative concepts and prototyping, demonstrations, and early operational assessments must be conducted as necessary to reduce technology, manufacturing, and support risks. Cost drivers, life-cycle cost estimates, cost/performance trades, interoperability, and acquisition strategy alternatives must be considered, including evolutionary and incremental software development. Successful offeror(s) will be experienced in (1) successfully designing and fielding satellite systems and supporting ground systems; and (2) providing a total system perspective for system-level development. It is fully contemplated that the firm(s) awarded contract(s) resulting from the subject RFP (for Phase I program definition and risk reduction) will be prepared to submit offers for any Phase II/III acquisition which might be conducted in the future to award a single contract for the total system performance responsiblity (TSPR) of NPOESS. This is sources-sought synopsis to (1) determine the level of interest in the subject RFP in the space and ground system design and deployment industry; and (2) solicit inputs from industry on how the RFP and Statement of Objectives (SOO) might be crafted to provide the desired results and selection of the most capable firm(s). Firms interested in competing for the subject RFP should indicate their interest and capabilities in writing along with a brief synopsis of their firm's experience and capabilities in successful space and ground system design and deployment efforts (max. 8 pages, please). In addition, firms interested in providing inputs to the RFP and SOO are invited to submit brief white papers outlining thoughts on the philosophy of the acquisition, where evaluation should be placed, and the deliverables or outcomes the Government ought to expect (max. 4 pages, please). Interested firms should also indicate whether they are a small business based on Standard Classification Code 8731. These should be delivered to the contracting officer on or before 21 May 1999 at the NPOESS IPO, 8455 Colesville Rd Ste 1450, Silver Spring MD 20910. All firms responding will be included on the list for the draft RFP on or about 23 Jun 99. The government will not pay for any effort expended in response to this notice. A formal notice of contract action (CBD synopsis) will occur before release of the final RFP. Potential offerors may direct technical questions to Lt Col Ron Graves, 301/427-2084 x 115, or contractual questions to Mr John Inman, contracting officer, 301/427-2084 x162. An Ombudsman has been appointed to address concerns from potential offerors during the proposal development phaseof this acquisition. The Ombudsman does not diminish the authority of the program director or the contracting officer, but communicates contractor concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations 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. Interested parties are invited to call Mr Les Bordelon at 310/363-3818. Note 26.* * * * * Posted 05/05/99 (W-SN328285). (0125)

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