ESC/PKR, R&D Contracting Division, 104 Barksdale St., Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-1806

A -- ELECTRODYNAMICS OF THE IONOSPHERE USING DIGITAL IONOSONDES AND OTHER HF TECHNIQUES SOL PR GF712168803052 POC Gino F. Cascieri, Contract Specialist, 781-377-2623; Robert W. Tyrrell, Contracting Officer, 781-377-2930 WEB: N/A,. E-MAIL: Click Here to E-mail the POC, cascierig@hanscom.af.mil. Sustaining Engineering Sources are sought in support of the Air Force Research Laboratory's Ionospheric Hazards Branch, Battlespace Environment Division of the Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/VSBI). Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) uses Digital Ionospheric Sounding System AN/FMQ-12 developed by the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA, the standard for ionospheric measurements for AFSPC Digital Ionospheric Sounding System (DISS) network. The system named ARTIST-3 uses AFSPC-MEDS protocol for data transfer and analysis from DISS stations to AFSPC Center via the COMEDS terminals. AFSPC is replacing COMEDS by a private space weather network. The manufacturer of ARTIST-3 is upgrading it to ARTIST-4 for interfacing it to the new space weather network under the present contract F19628-96-C-0159 with the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA. The work sought under this synopsis consists of: a)upgrade ARTIST-3 to ARTIST-4 at the following DISS Stations -- Wallops Island, Dyess AFB, Texas, and Vandenberg AFB and McClellan AFB, California; b)provide training to AFSPC personnel at Wallops Island station; and c)deliver a total of twenty (20) ARTIST-4 hardware and software units for the DISS network. The Government estimate in total for this contractural effort is approximately, 0.5 manyears. Work is anticipated to begin in the 2nd quarter of FY 98. Offerors are requested to provide a name and telephone number of point of contact. Offerors interested in documenting their capabilities to perform this work should reference Purchase Request GF712168803052 in responding to the Director for Small Business, Attn: ESC/BC, Mr. Alan Hart, 275 Randolph Road, Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-2818. Information on file at ESC/BC must be supplemented to document capabilities in the above stated areas. Firms responding should indicate whether they are a large business, small business, small disadvantaged business, 8(a) concern, or women-owned small business, and whether they are a U.S. or foreign-owned firm. An Ombudsman has been appointed to address concerns from offerors or potential offerors during the proposal development phase of this acquisition. The Ombudsman does not diminish the authority of the program director or contracting officer, but communicates contractor concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations to the appropriate Government personnel. When requested, the Ombudsman shall maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The Ombudsman does not participate in the evaluations of proposals or in the source selection process. Interested parties are invited to call Colonel Lee H. Hughes, ESC/CX, at 781-377-5106. This synopsis is for information and planning purposes, does not constitute an IFB or RFP, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. Offerors are cautioned that only Government Contracting Officers are legally authorized to commit the Government. Closing date for submission of responses is thirty (30) days from the publication date of this notice. See Numbered Notes : 25 & 26. (0353)

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