N/A The Government anticipates a need to contract for transponder test sets in the future. The Government is hereby issuing a request for information (RFI) to investigate and identify commercially available aircraft ground use transponder test sets. the test sets will be used to pre-flight test aircraft transponders prior to take off and upon landing, the following clause is hereby incorporated in this RFI. 52.215-3 Solicitation for Information or Planning Purposes (APR 1984) (a) The government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this request or otherwise pay for the information requested herein. (b) This request is issued for the purpose of gaining information regarding industry's ability to provide equipment that satisfies the Government's requirements. (c) Attached herein as "Attachment A" is the respective general description and performance specifications (PS) for the test set. Request that you evaluate ythe operating and PS parameters as outlined and submit information on any commercial off the shelf unit(s) meeting the capabilities listed herein. Request feedback concerning design feasibility and whether the performance requirements are obtainable. If the characteristics indentified in the PS exist in whole or in part for existing test sets, specifiy what parts and provide supporting documentation. For purposes of of clarification, FAR 2-101 defines a commercial item as including an item: "that has evolved from an item that has been sold or offered sale, lease, or license to to the general public through advances in technology or performance and that is not yet available in the commercial market, but will be available in time to satisfy the delivery requirements under a Government solicitation." The definition also includes an item that meets the above requirement and requires "(1) Modifications of a type customerily available in the commercial market place; or (2) Minor modifications of a type not customerily available in the commercial market made to meet Federal Government requirements." "minor" modifications means modifications that do not significantly alter the nongovernmental function or essential physical characteristics of an item or component, or change the purpose of a process." (d) Currently the Air Force is not acceptpting questions pertaining to the performance parameters as outlined in the PS. Our objective is to determine if pre-existing commercial units already exist for the performance parameters oa oultlined in the PS. Request that firms which have commercial units which meet the PS submit copies of any commercial literature, test reports, or other literature which would substantiate ant test performance claim, production capabilities, product supportability and maintability, and the ability to provide world wide service and support. Inquires may be directed to me at: SA-ALC/LDKAA Attn: Ron Du Pree 308 Avionics Circle, Suite 2 Kelly AFB, TX 78241-5947 Tel (210) 925-8461 -- Fax (210) 925-1054 Please submit your reply by 30 May 97. Attachment A IFF Transponders F41608-97-RFI-1/IFF Page 1 of 2 General Description: The instrument shall provide a go/no-go operational test of an IFF transponder system. A BIT (built-in-test) routine of 99% accuracy will be included in the design of the tester to ensure that it is functioning properly each time it is turned on. After the completion of the BIT a clear text indication shall be displayed that tells when the instrument is functioning correctly. The type of failure shall be readily displayed to assist with fault isolation/repair. The instrument shall be capable of recognizing when an invalid test has occurred due to standing reflections or interference and, through software, either compensate for the conditions to provide valid results or inform the operator via the display to move to a more favorable test zone. The transponder tester shall be capable of checking system sensitivity, frequency, power output, pulse spacing and reply rates, decoding and coding in all operational modes ( Mode 1, 2, 3/A, 4, C and S ), interogation side lobe surpression, and antenna lobe switching. the tester shall be battery powered and capable of being carried and operated by one person. the instrument shall have a battery charger cable, including a safety ground conductor. Disconnecting the safety ground shall also disconnect the power conductors. The battery charger shall operate from 50, 60, and 400 Hz, single phase, 115/230 VAC power sources and from 10 to 28 VDC sources. Typical power sources could include aircraft power systems, ground power carts, and vehicles. Input power for battery charging shall be sensed internally. the instrument shall have the capability to control the storage of cryptographic inputs, control interrogations, evaluate replies, and display the results. The instrument shall contain a means to permit the operator to aim at the desired transponder antenna and be assured that only that transponder is being tested. The test set shall be designed as unclassified ground support equipment even when a Mode 4 code is contained in the instrument memory. The device shall perform its intended function when used in both the radiating configuration and the hard-couple-to-the- transponder or antenna configuration. The device, including batteries, cables, and accessories, shall be shipped in a transit case, and shall weigh no more than 25 lbs. Unless otherwise specified, the design of the equipment shall be be such that under normal use and operation the equipment does not fail within 2400 hours operation with a statistical certainty of 95%. This tester shall comply with maintainability as defined in MIL-PRF-28800 paragraph 3.14.3. No special tools shall be required. The device shall comply with Class I environmental requirements of MIL-PRF- 28800 except as specified below: a. The operating temperature range shall be -20 Degree C to +55 Degree C. To avoid damage to the battery, the rechargeable battery will not be installed in the instrument when temperature is below -20 Degree C. b. The loose cargo bounce test is required. Subject to Government approval, an equivalent test bed may be substituted for the one described in MIL-PRF-28800 4.5.5.3.3. Step 2.3.6.1.1.

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