58 -- MILSATCOM TERMINALS

Notice Date

February 15, 2001

Contracting Office

ESC/MCK, MILSATCOM Terminals Program Office 50 Griffiss Street Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-1620

ZIP Code

01731-1620

Solicitation Number

n/a

Response Due

March 5, 2001

Point of Contact

Barbara Lawrence, (781) 271-6285

E-Mail Address

Click Here to E-mail the POC (Barbara.Lawrence@hanscom.af.mil)

Description

The MILSATCOM Terminals Program Office, Electronic Systems Center, Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-1620 is seeking potential sources qualified to design, develop, fabricate, install and test a family of terminals. The terminals will support Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) MILSATCOM system communications modes which include high data rate (XDR) up to eight megabits per second. The terminals will be configured to allow future upgrading through modular or layered hardware upgrades using common components and standardized interfaces. The terminal must also be backward compatible with the existing EHF systems, e.g., MILSTAR, UFO-E. A "family of terminals" is envisioned to support a variety of missions, users, and platforms. Missions include: nuclear airborne and ground fixed/ground transportable C2, nuclear airborne force element and airborne command post operations, non-nuclear airborne force element and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR). Users include: National Command Authority, STRATCOM, Army, Navy, ACC, and AMC. Platforms include: B-2, B-52, E-4B, E-6B, and ground fixed and ground transportable Command Post Terminals. The program objectives for the family of terminals include leveraging hardware and software commonality to provide a cost-effective solution to a variety of requirements. An evolutionary acquisition approach is envisioned using spiral development. The first capability increment is a 72 month development effort that is time phased to meet operational needs for a B-2 force element capability, command post partial capability for satellite command and control, development of the full command post capability, a B-52 prototype, and a contingency antenna. Funding for this increment is expected to be approximately $300M. Future program increments will include but not be limited to GBS-receive, Ka, Ku. The following areas need to be addressed by potential offerors in their qualification packages: (a) Knowledge of/experience with complex satellite communication systems and networks for military applications operating in the EHF band, e.g., Milstar I, Milstar II, Advanced EHF (AEHF) and their interoperability with other Service terminal platforms and networks; (b) Experience applicable to the design and production of a terminal "product line" concept that satisfies multiple users and missions with a range of capabilities, maximizes hardware and software commonality, and promotes future technology enhancements; (c) Experience with antenna technologies applicable to the design of a low-profile antenna for EHF airborne applications on military aircraft (e.g., B-52, JSTARS, AWACS); (d) Demonstrated software development capabilities to enable design, development, integration and test of large complex embedded real-time systems; (e) Compliance with Defense Information Infrastructure (DII)/Common Operating Environment (COE), Level 6 minimum, and DOD Joint Technical Architecture; (f) Experience with the embedding of crytographic devices within satellite terminals; (g) Experience with the design, development, and test of equipment with nuclear hardness requirements; (h) Confirmation of US Secret and COMSEC security clearance for personnel and facilities (including CAGE Code) and a demonstrated capability to handle and safeguard classified material. Contractors that can satisfy all of the requirements listed above should submit their qualification packages (limited to twenty (20) pages)to include all pertinent information deemed appropriate by the contractor. Electronic responses are preferred and should be sent to the MILSATCOM Terminals Program Office at Barbara.Lawrence@hanscom.af.mil. Responses sent in hardcopy via U.S. mail should be sent to ESC/MCK, Attn: Barbara Lawrence, 50 Griffiss Street, Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-1620. Contractors submitting responses via overnight services should send them to ESC/MCK, MITRE D Building, 202 Burlington Road, Bedford, MA 01730-1420. The packages should be received at ESC/MCK by 3:00 pm, ET, 5 March 2001. No telephone responses will be accepted. Performance requirements as well as other program documentation will be posted on the Electronic Systems Center (ESC) HERBB at http://herbb.hanscom.af.mil under Business Opportunities; Type -- Systems;Location -- Hanscom; Airborne Wideband Terminal (AWT). This is not a solicitation. This synopsis is being issued to conduct market research for informational and planning purposes only. This synopsis is not a Request For Proposals (RFP) or an Invitation For Bids (IFB) nor does its issuance restrict the Government as to its ultimate acquisition approach. The Government will neither award a contract solely on the basis of this notice, nor will it reimburse the contractor for any costs associated with preparing or submitting a response to this notice. An Acquisition Ombudsman, Colonel Joseph B. Magnone, Director, Commander's Staff, has been appointed to hear concerns from offerors or potential offerors during proposal development. You should only contact the Ombudsman with issues or problems you cannot satisfactorily resolve with the program manager and/or contracting officer. The Ombudsman role is to hear concerns, issues, and recommendations and communicate these to the appropriate government personnel. The Ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality if desired. The Ombudsman does not evaluate proposals or participate in source selection. You can contact the Ombudsman at (781) 377-5106. See Note 26.

Web Link

ESC Business Opportunities Web Page (http://www.herbb.hanscom.af.mil)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010220/58SOL004.HTM (D-046 SN50D7O3)