U.S. Army CECOM, CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, NJ 07703-5008

99 -- REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FOR SATELLITE SIMULATORS DUE 082099 POC Robert Kirzow, PM Milsatcom, 732-532-6270 E-MAIL: Click here to email the POC, rkirzow@c3smail.monmouth.army.mil. The recent launch of the Milstar Flight -3 MDR (medium data rate) satellite failed to achieve the desired orbit. Ongoing programs within the Army had planned conduct training with the launch of Flight -3. As a result, the loss of MDR satellite resources necessitates alternative payload resources to support training. The Government is contemplating the acquisition of Satellite Simulators to facilitate training and terminal testing. This request for information is for concepts that address broad technology solutions to provide Satellite Simulators to support year round CONUS based sustainment training initially at three locations, Fort Hood, TX, Fort Gordon, GA, and Fort Irwin, CA. It is desirable that each simulator be capable of providing coverage over each location's training area to the maximum extent possible. The Satellite Simulator will be required to provide a RF interface to up to six Milstar SMART-T (AN/TSC-154) and four SCAMP (AN/PSC-11) ground terminals. Training would be conducted at low data rates and medium data rates (75 bps -- 1.544Mbps). In addition, the Satellite Simulators platform may be considered for Global Broadcast System (GBS) and UHF single channel SATCOM training, if feasible. Information should address concepts that could provide a "transparent" training capability while ground terminals are deployed in a tactical training mode. The interface of the ground terminals and simulator should require no special tasks performed by the ground terminal operators. A turnkey system, using current or emerging technology, consisting of a contractor provided satellite simulator and deployment method (ground based mast/tower/roof top, or a tethered/untethered blimp/aerostat configuration, etc.) is envisioned. The contractor would also provide maintenance for the systems. Since the training area of each location is different, a unique concept for each location, that provides adequate coverage to conduct training, may be considered. A target date of November 2000 is desired to have the first satellite simulator capability available. The following information is requested in response to this notification: (1) Simulator concepts and capabilities; (2) Estimated schedule to produce and field first satellite simulator; and (3) Rough-order-magnitude cost estimate. The RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation (please note that there is no solicitation number for this notice), nor is it to be construed as a commitment by the government to issue a solicitation. The Government will not compensate any respondents for any costs incurred in developing or presenting of information. Strict confidentiality of proprietary information is assured to the extent permitted by Federal Law. All questions regarding this sources sought notification should be sent via e-mail to the point of contact in this notification. Responses are requested as soon as possible by not later than the above date. If possible, respondees should send initial notification of their intent to submit a complete response to PM Milsatcom (Attn: Robert Kirzow), Bldg 912, SFAE-C3S-MSA (TMD), Fort Monmouth, New Jersey 07703. Posted 06/29/99 (W-SN348327). (0180)

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