National Imagery & Mapping Agency, PCS/D-88, 4600 Sangamore Rd., Bethesda, MD 20816-5003

20 -- DEVELOPERS OF ELECTRONIC CHART DISPLAY SYSTEMS AND PRODUCERS OF GLOBAL DIGITAL NAUTICAL CHART DATABASES POC Linda Grasso, Contract Specialist, or Lynn Martin, Contracting Officer, (301) 227-2302, FAX (301) 227-2218 SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT AND REQUEST FOR CAPABILITY STATEMENTS -- The National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA) is seeking information on developers of electronic chart display systems and producers of digital nautical chart databases. NIMA is currently producing for the Navy, a global Digital Nautical Chart (DNC) data set in Vector Product Format (VPF). NIMA anticipates completing production of the global DNC data set by the end of 1999. The US Navy is in the process of transitioning to the use of digital navigation products, specifically DNC. A long term effort is underway to implement a DNC-based Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) compliant digital navigation and display capability, which is fully integrated and interoperable with Navy/DoD C4I architecture. This integrated approach will fully share data and implement functions associated with the Global Command Control System (GCCS) Common Operating Environment. The full navigation functionality of vector-based nautical charts will ultimately lead to legal certification of electronic charting as a primary means of navigation. In the near term, NIMA, on behalf of the Navy, is investigating the potential for use of existing COTS bridge digital navigation aids that can satisfy current needs such as near real-time positioning and route planning and monitoring functions. Use of vector-based products to better support our long term effort, as well as the use of inexpensive stand-alone PC exploitation systems, is preferred; however, all systems and databases are of interest. To support this near term effort, NIMA intends to conduct a market survey of systems which meet the following minimum requirements: (1) 100% COTS (requires no customization for shipboard use); (2) display ship's near real-time position; (3) capture/manipulate/display: way points, route planning, tracklines, dead reckoning, depth soundings, navigation aids, and hazards; and (4) Databases which are current and maintainable. Other desirable capabilities include interfaces, warnings, alerts, contact display, printing and logging capabilities. Interested parties may MAIL or FAX [(301) 227-2218] a summary of information regarding their capability to fulfill such requirements to the point of contact listed above, no later than 20 days after the date of this CBD announcement. At a future date, NIMA may schedule demonstration opportunities for interested parties in order to further assess market capabilities for such systems. THIS IS NOT A FORMAL SOLICITATION, NOR A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL, AND THERE IS NO INTENT TO AWARD A CONTRACT based on information obtained from this Sources Sought announcement. Please provide a complete mailing address and point of contact (Name/Telephone number) for your firm, and your business size. TELEPHONE RESPONSES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Foreign responses are acceptable. All responsible sources may submit information that will be considered by the Government. (0003)

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