D -- THEATER DEPLOYABLE COMMUNICATIONS (TDC) SYSTEM ENGINEERING SUPPORT

Notice Date

February 14, 2001

Contracting Office

ESC/DIG, Global Grid (Product Area Directorate), 5 Eglin Street, Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-2100

ZIP Code

01731-2100

Solicitation Number

N/A

Response Due

March 16, 2001

Point of Contact

Cathy A. Mirra, Contract Specialist, (781) 377-6317; Dale M. Pease, Contracting Officer, (781) 377-6395

E-Mail Address

Click Here to E-mail the POC (cathy.mirra@hanscom.af.mil)

Description

Sources Sought Synopsis. Electronic Systems Center (ESC) is seeking qualified sources for the planned acquisition of Theater Deployable Communications (TDC) System Engineering Support. TDC is a state-of-the-art ground communications system designed to replace legacy communications systems in use at deployable Air Force units. TDC provides a local and metropolitan area switched communications network for Internet protocol, voice, and video data through the use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) circuit switches, hubs, routers, multiplexers, satellite terminals, network management/information protection, and other equipment. Based on the response to our previously published Request for Information (RFI) issued 27 Jul 00, we have decided to pursue separate equipment integration/delivery and system engineering support contracts for the TDC follow-on effort. THIS SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT IS FOR THE SYSTEM ENGINEERING SUPPORT EFFORT ONLY. Companies interested only in providing equipment and/or components should NOT respond to this announcement. The scope of the TDC System Engineering Support activity is to provide system engineering support for the acquisition and fielding of TDC equipment. This support will augment and extend the system engineering activities organic to the program office, as well as the help desk and training functions provided through other contract vehicles/avenues. This effort specifically excludes the acquisition and fielding of TDC equipment, modules, and accessories. Specific objectives and activities of the system engineering support effort will include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) Maintain a detailed level of technical knowledge relative to the TDC program, including subject matter expertise in the applicable functional areas (e.g., voice switching, data, microwave radios, lasers, etc). (2) Assist in preparing and updating documentation such as the Operational Suitability, Safety and Effectiveness (OSS&E) Implementation Plan and the C4I Support Plan (C4ISP) for the TDC program. (3) Prepare and maintain an Integrated Communications Access Packages (ICAP) standards document detailing specific features and characteristics required of all ICAP equipment. (4) Qualify new ICAP vendors to ensure products meet requirements and comply with standards. (5) Support interoperability testing validating joint, legacy, and commercial interoperability. (6) Test TDC modules and accessory kits to validate equipment works as a system. ESC's CUBE or operational units will be used as both a facility and source of equipment in lieu of establishing a separate test bed. Note that the CUBE is a test facility located at Hanscom AFB, MA in which the TDC program office has an engineering laboratory/testbed. (7) Update TDC technical documentation (tech manuals) to incorporate new equipment items and/or keep the information correct and up-to-date. (8) Troubleshoot problems identified in the field and identify appropriate fixes and/or workarounds. Document lessons learned in an appropriate format (e.g., Knowledge Base Items (KBIs) for the TDC web site, recommended updates to technical documentation, etc). Use of ESC's CUBE facility at Hanscom AFB, MA is a requirement of this effort. Contractors must be able to obtain appropriate security clearances (SECRET level) for access to the CUBE and must have an office within a reasonable travel distance of Hanscom AFB, MA. The current TDC baseline is comprised of the Lightweight Multiband Satellite Terminal (LMST), ICAP, and Network Control Center-Deployed (NCC-D). For reference purposes, the specific technical requirements can be found at http://herbb.hanscom.af.mil (under "Business Opportunities" select "Systems" for Type and "all ESC" for Location, then click on "GO" -- from the next screen, click on Theater Deployable Communications). Note that this documentation reflects the FY00 technical baseline and is provided for information only -- the specific implementation will change as a result of COTS upgrades, new technology, and evolving operational concepts. Interested firms are encouraged to provide two copies of a qualification package detailing their capabilities, keyed to the specific objectives/activities outlined above, to ESC/DIGK, Bldg 1612, 5 Eglin Street, Hanscom AFB, 01731-2100, Attn: Cathy Mirra or by fax to (781) 377-5650. Note: For commercial delivery such as FedEx, address packages to 3 Eglin Street. Responses are requested no later than close of business on 16 Mar 01. Responses should include the company name, address, DUNS number, CAGE code, Tax Identification Number, size of business (i.e., large business, small business, small disadvantaged business, 8 (a) concern, veteran-owned small business, service-connected veteran-owned small business, women-owned business, or HUBZone small business), whether U.S. or foreign owned entity, and a point of contact in their response. An Acquisition Ombudsman has been appointed to hear concerns from offerors or potential offerors during proposal development. You should only contact the Ombudsman with issues or problems you cannot satisfactorily resolve with the program manager and/or contracting officer. The Ombudsman role is to hear concerns, issues, and recommendations and communicate these to the appropriate Government personnel. The Ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality if desired. The Ombudsman does not evaluate proposals or participate in source selection. ESC's Acquisition Ombudsman is Col Joseph Magnone; Director, Commander's Staff; ESC/CO, (781) 377-5106; or email at Joseph.Magnone@hanscom.af.mil. This notice does not constitute a Request for Proposal, it does not restrict the Government as to the ultimate acquisition approach, nor should it be construed as a commitment by the Government. Call Cathy Mirra at (781) 377-6317 with questions regarding this notice.

Web Link

ESC Business Opportunities Web Page (http://www.herbb.hanscom.af.mil)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010216/DSOL016.HTM (D-045 SN50D6Q2)