Commander, Naval Air Systems Command (Code 2.3), Patuxent Naval Air Station, Bldg 2272, Lexington Park, MD 20670

58 -- DIGITAL TRANSPONDER POC Contact, Lenita Ahmadi, Phone (301) 757-5914 The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), Patuxent River Maryland requests information from potential manufacturers of IFF Transponders. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION, BUT A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION. THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT PAY FOR THE INFORMATION SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THIS SYNOPSIS. The results of this RFI will be used to determine what potential solutions exist, and if a competitive acquisition is warranted. PURPOSE: The purpose of this RFI is to obtain information from current and prospective IFF transponder manufacturers. NAVAIR is conducting a market survey to assess the capability to replace existing IFF transponders with Commercial Off The Shelf Integration (COSSI) hardware that demonstrates reliability greater than 4000 hours MTBF and maintainability times less than 30 minutes (R&M). We are looking for information on how IFF transponder requirements may be met by using existing, currently existing or planned products for IFF transponders and what, if any, modifications are necessary. We are envisioning a single card set for shipboard and avionics with different packaging and power supplies. The solution must use open systems architecture (OSA), having modules and/or circuit card assemblies (CCA) being the lowest replaceable units (LRUs). BACKGROUND: The current Navy Mark XII Identification, Friend or Foe (IFF) system supports Air Traffic Control, Air Warfare and Combat ID Missions. MK-XII is a cooperative question and answer, friend identification system. It evolved from earlier Mark systems and consists of multiple equipment units, including interrogators, transponders, altimeters, controls, antennas, cryptographic computers, and other ancillary equipment. The Mark XII system, has been operational since the 1960's, is installed in most Navy ships, aircraft, and many shore facilities. The Navy's operational requirement to support air traffic control and Combat ID missions via the Mark XII system continues to exist, although many of the fielded shipboard systems are beyond their designed life cycle. Because of their obsolescent technology and increased support cost, the transponder systems are no longer considered to be adequate for Service use and are in need of modern replacement as part of an overall Mark XII system upgrade. REQUIREMENT: Information provided in response to this RFI shall include the following (as a minimum), for solutions based on existing technology or equipment: Identification of equipment, Salient equipment characteristics/specifications, Interfaces available/interface requirements, Electrical power input requirements, Mechanical characteristics, Current maintenance approaches used and how effective they are, Reliability information (MTBF, MTTR, etc.), For currently deployed equipment, provide a list of current users of the equipment. Additionally, responses shall include descriptions of current and/or planned products to address the following, or indicate whether these features are feasible, not feasible, cost prohibitive, etc., based on a COSSI approach: Ability to meet transponder requirements of DoD AIMS 97-900 and DoD AIMS 97-1000, A single-box solution (except for the control box) with the ability to easily integrate/interface with existing shipboard and avionics configurations; Open Systems Architecture (OSA) designed to easily facilitate combined IFF Mode S level 4 with future expansion (e.g., Mode 5, diversity, ADS-B, etc.),Use of common LRUs in both shipboard and airborne platforms, Recommended logistics and maintenance approaches, Software requirements with estimated number of lines of code. Point of Contact (POC) information is required from all respondents. Respondents may use any COSSI approach to obtain these features. However, you must include an assessment on technological risks and associated cost. This RFI does not represent a contract, a promise to contract, or a commitment of any kind on the part of the Navy. All proprietary and restricted information shall be clearly marked. Indicate whether your firm is a small, small disadvantaged, small woman-owned, or large business concern. Responses are to be forwarded via mail no later than 15 February 1999 to Naval Air Systems Command, Contracts Department, Code 2.4.2.6.3, Attn: Lenita Ahmadi, 47123 Buse Road, Unit IPT, Patuxent River, Maryland 20671. All responsible sources may submit a response Posted 01/15/99 (W-SN288469). (0015)

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