Commander, Naval Air Systems Command (Code 2.4), 47123 Buse Road, Building 2272, Patuxent River, MD 20670-1547

16 -- VOICE GENERATION SYSTEM DUE 051900 POC Jessica Blackwell, Contract Specialist, 301-757-5901/Steve Nickle, Contracting Officer, 301-757-5899 DESC: Voice Generation System. The Naval Air Systems Command Air Combat Electronics Program Office (PMA-209) is requesting industry information on Voice Generation Systems (VGS). This is a Request for Information (RFI) only. It is not a Request for Proposal or an indication that the Navy will contract for these supplies. The Navy will not pay for information received in response to the RFI. The Navy has a potential requirement for a quantity of approximately 450 Voice Generation Systems (VGS) to provide voice capability for the Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) in the S-3B, T-45, and EA-6B aircraft. This RFI seeks to ascertain the current capability of existing VGSs, as well as to request information on possible future systems. The information obtained will be used to identify potential sources and systems for use in the specified aircraft. Current Navy planning calls for testing during FY 01 -- FY 03 with installation during FY 01 -- FY 08. The VGS will receive and process trigger inputs via a 1553B data bus. Previously recorded digitally encoded voice messages will be output in response to the different inputs and priority levels as determined by the GPWS algorithm. The VGS will have the capability of storing and outputting up to 16 voice messages for a combined total duration of no less than 32 seconds. The messages will be delivered to two headsets (pilot and copilot) with each head set comprising two 300-ohm speaker loads connected in series for a total of 600 ohms per headset. The VGS audio output voltage will be adjustable between 6.0 and 28 VDC output peak-to-peak. The Navy further requests interested sources to address the following specific topics: Time between order receipt and delivery of unit; Estimated costs for currently compatible system or cost for modification to meet requirements; Cost of each production item; Dimensions and weight of the system; Environmental qualifications of the system, to include EMI qualifications, the Navy shipboard environment (including up to 100% relative humidity, exposure to fungus growth, exposure to salt-saturated air, and ambient and operating temperatures from +160 deg F to -65 deg F), and the Naval aircraft flight environment (in particular catapult launch and arrested landings of carrier-based aircraft); Type of power source the system will require (AC or DC); Cooling requirements for the system; Type of connector (D38999 type connectors or equivalent). Describe in detail the supportability requirements of the system, including: maintenance concept (including built-in-test (BIT) capabilities), support equipment, warranty (including turn-around time for repairs), whether the system can be reprogrammed with new messages from an easily accessible port, and training. Provide demonstrated Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) for proposed systems, as well as the supporting data used during such a study. Interested parties should provide cost and product information meeting the above stated requirements no later than 19 May 2000. All information received in response to this announcement will be kept confidential. Address responses to: Naval Air Systems Command, 47123 Buse Road, Unit IPT, Suite 256, Attn: Jessica Blackwell, Air-2.4.2.4.4, Patuxent River, MD 20670-1547. All information received in response to this announcement will be kept confidential. For any further information relating to this RFI, contact Ms. Jessica Blackwell via e-mail at blackwellja@navair.navy.mil. Posted 04/27/00 (W-SN449429). (0118)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0172 20000501\16-0012.SOL)