Phillips Laboratory (PL/PKSB), 2251 Maxwell Avenue SE, Bldg 424, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5773

A -- TAOS OPERATIONAL SUPPORT CONTRACT SOL F29601-97-R-0017 POC Kim Kinifick, Contract Specialist, (505) 846-7603; Capt Keith Stanley, TAOS Technical Program Manager, (505) 846-7966. This announcement is a Research and Development Sources Sought Synopsis for procurement of one year of operational engineering support for the Technology for Autonomous Operational Survivability (TAOS) satellite currently on orbit. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or Invitation for Bid (IFB). The proposed contract will encompass on-orbit operations support, on-orbit anomaly resolution, continuing maintenance of the Contractor Support Facility, and technical support and analysis. The expected duration of the proposed contract is one (1) year beginning the first quarter of FY98 and ending the fourth quarter of FY98 or at the end of the TAOS space vehicle_s useful life as determined by the government, whichever occurs first. The government expects to award a single cost plus fixed fee (CPFF) contract for approximately $1 million. The level of classification for this effort is secret. For on-orbit operations support, the contractor will be expected to provide on-orbit operations personnel and support to the TAOS spacecraft payloads and space vehicle, prepare necessary plans and operating instructions to support on-going operations, experimentation, and demonstrations utilizing the TAOS space vehicle., acquire and handle the distribution of telemetry data needed to support the on-going operations of the TAOS space vehicle, maintain records and performance evaluations consistent with those historical records and evaluations for the TAOS space vehicle, prepare necessary plans and operating instructions to support the safe, prudent, and optimal disposal of the TAOS space vehicle at the end of its useful support of on-going operations, experimentation, and demonstrations. For on-orbit anomaly resolution, the contractor will be expected to provide the personnel with extensive knowledge and experience with the TAOS space vehicle to support on-orbit anomaly analysis and resolution, maintain current knowledge and expertise needed to identify, manage, and wherever possible prevent or correct anomalies on the TAOS space vehicle, and analyze all available information to anticipate where possible and practical potential anomalies and identify in a timely manner unexpected anomalies to formulate plans, issue operating instructions, and monitor and modify plans and instructions to prevent, contain, or minimize the impact of TAOS space vehicle anomalies. To provide continuing support to the Contractor Support Facility which currently resides at GTE Government Systems Corporation in Mountain View, CA., the contractor will be expected to maintain and continue to operate the Contractor Facility and the equipment and information therein for the analysis and support of on-obit operations, experimentation, demonstrations, and anomaly resolution, provide for the continued maintenance and repair of equipment within the CSF consistent with the levels and quality of support for that facility and its equipment under previous contracts, and provide the personnel with expertise and qualifications necessary to properly administer and operate the CSF and its equipment. For technical support and analysis, the contractor will be expected to provide the personnel to support technical planning, analyses, and review for continued TAOS on-orbit operations, experimentation, and demonstration, provide support to the TAOS Program Office for on-going and new experiment planning, preparation, execution, analysis, and review, and provide support to the TAOS Program Office for end-of-useful-life operations termination and space vehicle safing and/or disposal. All small businesses interested should provide a Statement of Capability (SOC) with an original and three (3) copies, within 20 days of the publication of this announcement. Responses should be sent to PL/PKSB, ATTN: Kim Kinifick, Contract Specialist, 2251 Maxwell Avenue SE, Bldg 592, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5776. The Statement of Capability shall contain pertinent and specific information addressing experience, personnel qualifications, and current capability of proposed team relevant to this effort, in the following areas: 1) on- orbit operations support 2) on-orbit anomaly resolution 3) maintenance of satellite support facilities/ground stations and 4) technical support and analysis. The Statement of Capability shall be limited to 10-15 pages, excluding resumes. Please do not send brochures, marketing information, etc. All of the above areas must be addressed to include any plans for subcontracting, teaming, etc. Only unclassified information should be submitted for consideration. All firms submitting responses must reference the TAOS Program and indicate whether they are, or are not, a small business, a socially and economically disadvantaged business, an 8(a) firm, a woman-owned business, a historically black college or university or a minority institution. The government reserves the right to set aside this requirement for the 8(a) Program or Small Businesses. Interested contractors must indicate their size qualifications under Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) 8731, witha small business size standard of 1000 employees. Foreign firms are advised there may be restrictions to becoming the prime contractor. The research and test data produced under a resultant contract may contain Military Critical Technology List (MCTL) information whose export is restricted by the Export Control Act (Title 22, U.S., Sec 2751, et seq.) or the Export Administration act of 1979, as amended (Title 50, U.S.C., App 2401. Et seq.). Only those companies who are on the Qualified Contractors Access List (QCAL) may receive such information. Request certification and registration from the Defense Logistics Service Center (DLSC), Federal Center 74 North Washington, Battle Creek, MI 49016-3412 (1-800-352-3572) as soon as possible. An Ombudsman has been appointed to hear concerns from offerors or potential offerors during the proposal development phase of this acquisition. The purpose of the Ombudsman is not to diminish the authority of the program director or contracting officer, but to communicate contractor concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations to the appropriate government personnel. Before contacting the Ombudsman, potential offerors should first communicate with the contracting officer. In those instances where offerors cannot obtain resolution from the contracting officer, they are invited to contact the PL Ombudsman Col James D. Ledbetter, Phillips Lab Vice Commander at (505) 846-4964, or at 3550 Aberdeen Avenue SE, Kirtland AFB NM, 87117-5776. When requested, the Ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The Ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals or in the source selection process. For contracting issues, please contact Ms. Kim Kinifick, Contract Specialist, at (505) 846-7603. See Numbered Note 26. (0162)

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