SMC/CIK, National Polar-orbiting Environmental Satellite System(NPOESS), 420 Vela Way, Suite 1467-A8, Los Angeles AFB, El Segundo, Ca 90245-4659

A -- NATIONAL POLAR-ORBITING OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT SATELLITE SYSTEM (NPOESS) DOWN-SELECTION CALL FOR IMPROVEMENTS, VISUAL INFRARED IMAGING RADIOMETER SUITE (VIIRS) SOL F04701-00-R-0507 DUE 040300 POC Capt Brandon Montler (310)336-4323 or Maj(s) Carol Welsch (301)427-2084 x103 WEB: Click here to download copy of CFI, http://www.ipo.noaa.gov. E-MAIL: Click here to contact the Contracting POC, brandon.montler@losangeles.af.mil. The Government will release a Call for Improvement (CFI) on or about 2 Jun 00 leading to the selection of a contractor for continued development and production options for the National Polar-orbiting Operational Satellite System's (NPOESS) Visual Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) sensor. The Government awarded multiple Phase I contracts for Sensor Payload and Algorithm Development for VIIRS on 31 Jul 97. The Phase I incumbent contractors will have completed their Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR) prior to release of the CFI. The government intends to down-select to a single Phase II contractor to complete the instrument development through delivery of flight units for NPOESS based on the proposals submitted in response to the CFI. The CFI will be conducted as a full and open competition. The Government will evaluate fairly and fully all responsive proposals submitted in response to the CFI. However, Offerors are advised that it is unlikely a non-incumbent will be selected to perform the Phase IIeffort. To be selected, a new competitor must demonstrate a PDR-level instrument, algorithm 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 selection milestone (e.g., CDR) or cease further development activity. The Government requests a Letter of Intent from potential offerors desiring to submit a CFI proposal. From those offerors not participating in the current sensor development, the Government strongly recommends a contractor-funded PDR-level presentation as part of its CFI submission. It is desirable to hold these PDR-level presentations prior to the CFI release expected on or about 2 Jun 00. Proposals are due 30 days after CFI release. Letters of Intent are requested no later than 60 days prior to CFI release, and should be directed to the Contracting Officer at NPOESS IPO OL-1 (SMC/CIKC), 2420 Vela Way, Suite 1467-A8, Los Angeles AFB, CA 90245-4659, fax (310) 336-4119. The CFI will be released via the NPOESS home page on the World Wide Web (http://www.ipo.noaa.gov). Also, the Government has an NPOESS Electronic Library containing NPOESS-related documentation necessary for CFI preparation. To gain access to this library, send an e-mail to datamanager@ipo.noaa.gov containing point of contact, organization, e-mail address, and phone number. The IPO intends to release Draft Requests for Proposal (DRFP) for VIIRS to encourage industry participation in developing the CFI. The Government intends to release DRFP 1 on or about 15 Mar 00 and will request contractors to respond with comments on or about 29 Mar 00. The IPO is planning a pre-solicitation conference on or about 4-6 Apr 00 to discuss separately with each offeror their written questions received by the designated due date. The Government intends to released DRFP 2 on or about 20 Apr 00. Industry is encouraged to comment on any element of the DRFPs with the understanding that responses are voluntary and the Government is neither negotiating nor calling for offers during this process. Potential offerors are advised the Government reserves the right to incorporate suggested changes into the final CFI without identifying the submitter or obtaining approval. The Government will not make its responses to submitted comments available to industry and may not make them available to the submitter. The DRFPs will be released through the NPOESS electronic library. To gain access to this library, send an e-mail to datamanager@ipo.noaa.gov containing point of contact, organization, e-mail address, and phone number. 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 the Contracting Officer, but to assist in communicating offeror concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations to the appropriate Government personnel. When requested, the Ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality regarding 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, can be reached at (310) 363-3818. Posted 03/07/00 (W-SN431960). (0067)

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