58 -- ALL PURPOSE REMOTE TRANSPORT SYSTEM (ARTS) ALTERNATE CONTROL

Notice Date

May 4, 2001

Contracting Office

Department of the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command, AAC -- Air Armament Center, AAC/PK, 205 West D Avenue, Suite 433, Eglin AFB, FL, 32542-6864

ZIP Code

32542-6864

Solicitation Number

Reference-Number-WMOK-01-001

Point of Contact

Dennis Fields, Contract Specialist, Phone (850)882-4686 X 336, Fax (850)882-9381, Email dennis.fields@eglin.af.mil -- Ted Kopec, Contract Specialist, Phone (850)882-4685 x 334, Fax (850)882-9381, Email

E-Mail Address

Dennis Fields (dennis.fields@eglin.af.mil)

Description

FOR INFORMATION AND PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY. The Combat Support Systems Program Office of the Armament Product Support Group, Air Armament Center, is interested in acquiring information on a commercially available communications system for use as an Alternate Control Mechanism (ACM) for the All-purpose Remote Transport System (ARTS). ARTS is a diesel-powered, remotely-controlled, all-terrain transport system capable of carrying and employing various explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) attachments and tools up to one and a half miles from a portable control station. As part of the current, primary control mechanism, radio transmissions carry digital data packets for status and control between the control station and the remotely controlled platform. In addition, an analog broadband video signal is transmitted via C-band radio from the platform to the control station. The ACM must duplicate these transmission capabilities. Both data and video must retain 9600-baud RS-232 standard through a single ten-pin connector at the control station and at the platform control unit. Signal power boost and transformation to and from an alternate medium (fiberoptic, twisted wire pair, satellite communications, etc.) will be accomplished using 110-VAC 60Hz electric power at the control station, and 12-VDC power at the platform. The ACM is envisioned to be a bolt-on kit that is employed when the primary radio control transmissions are not to be used. A desired feature of the ACM is that it be reusable and employ a method for automatic retrieval/retraction of the delivery medium if such medium involves cables, landline, etc., when the ARTS unit is operated in backup or reverse direction to ensure that the medium is not damaged. Firms having such communications systems are requested to submit literature/brochures outlining the specifications/ capabilities of these systems to AAC/WMOK, Attn: Mr. Dennis Fields, Contracting Specialist, (see address below) within 15 days of the date of CBD paper publication of this announcement. Responses will be evaluated and a solicitation list established of those firms that are determined capable of fulfilling the Government_s requirements. At a later date, the Government may acquire one or more units for initial testing and a subsequent purchase of an unspecified number from one or more of these vendors. This request for information (RFI) is for planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a request for proposal or as an obligation on the part of the Government to acquire any follow-on acquisitions. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or otherwise pay for the information solicited. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of submission of responses to this RFI and Government use of such information. The Government reserves the right to reject in whole or in part any industry input as a result of this RFI. This RFI does not constitute the solicitation of proposals. The Government recognizes that proprietary data may be part of this effort. If so, clearly mark such restricted or proprietary data and present it as an addendum to the non-restricted/non-proprietary information. For further information concerning technical aspects, contact Mr. Cleo Gooden, ARTS Program Engineer, or Captain Steve Barker, ARTS Program Manager, AAC/WMO, 314 W. Choctawhatchee Ave, Suite 104, Eglin AFB, FL 32542-5717, or by telephone at (850) 882-4686, extensions 330 and 344, respectively. E-mail addresses are: cleotha.gooden@eglin.af.mil or steve.barker@eglin.af.mil. For contracting information contact Mr. Dennis Fields, Contracting Specialist, AAC/WMOK, 314 W. Choctawhatchee Ave, Suite 104, Eglin AFB, FL 32542-5717 or by telephone at (850) 882-4686, ext. 336. E-mail address is dennis.fields@eglin.af.mil. Firms responding to this synopsis should state whether they are or are not a small business concern or small disadvantaged business concern as defined by FAR 52.219-1 and 52.219-2, respectively. The Government reserves the right to consider a small business set-aside based on responses hereto.

Web Link

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Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010508/58SOL002.HTM (D-124 SN50L269)