Colombia A-29B MPU5 Radio Integration

Description:

THIS SOURCES SOUGHT IS ISSUED AS MARKET RESEARCH IAW FAR 10.001(a)(2)(ii) SOLELY FOR INFORMATION AND PLANNING PURPOSES. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL OR A PROMISE TO ISSUE AN RFP IN THE FUTURE. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICITATION AND SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT. RESPONSES IN ANY FORM ARE NOT OFFERS AND THE GOVERNMENT IS UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO AWARD A CONTRACT AS A RESULT OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. NO FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE TO PAY FOR PREPARATION OF RESPONSES TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. ANY INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY RESPONDENTS TO THIS TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION IS STRICTLY VOLUNTARY.

Background:

The Colombian Aerospace Force (COLAF) has a need for the integration of Persistent Systems’ (OEM) MPU-5 Airborne Wave Relay System (AWRS) system into one (1) A-29B aircraft. This system has not previously been integrated into the A-29B platform. The AWRS system connects aircraft radios to the Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANET) via Radio over IP (RoIP) and integrates MANET intercom audio into the aircraft's audio system. The AWRS system also connects to the A-29B’s EO/IR video capability for situational awareness and video downlink from the aircraft to any other subscriber to that video feed. The system includes the AWRS box, aircraft-grade RF cables, antennas, structural doublers, and mating connectors for: Ethernet, USB, Power, and RoIP/Aircraft Audio. The integrated solution may also include Wi-Fi capability and a mounted tablet for pilot use. This integration will take place in Colombia and will result in a report detailing the Airworthiness findings throughout the program, including risks and recommended mitigations associated with non-compliant criteria assessed.

Requirements:

The United States Air Force (USAF) is seeking interested contractors that can aid the Colombian Aerospace Force. To be considered, interested contractors shall:

1. Provide history of aircraft modification work performed on A-29B aircraft.


2. Provide history of obtaining technical data and technical services from major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) via a Teaming Agreement or other means.


3. Provide history of similar aircraft modification work performed with the USAF.


4. Provide history of Airworthiness documentation development and delivery to the USAF, including which criterion it was used to assess.


5. Have experience creating and delivering substantiating data via Contract Data Requirements List (CDRLs) for the USAF’s Airworthiness process.


6. Provide example(s) of experience assessing and documenting technical risks and hazards in accordance with MIL-STD-882E.


7. Provide history of conducting and/or supporting key events such as but not limited to: System Requirements Review (SRR), Critical Design Review (CDR).


8. Installation, Functional Configuration Audit / Physical Configuration Audit (FCA/PCA), Test & Evaluation etc.


9. Provide proof of proficiency in the following MIL-HDBK-516C categories: Avionics, Structures, Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3), Maintenance, System Safety, Systems Engineering, Crew Systems and Computer Systems & Software. Technical Data Management and Verification, Fault Isolation and Diagnostics.


10. Provide a rough schedule estimate (in weeks/months) and rough cost estimate (in US dollars) for the following stages of development:
    
    
    
    1. Preparation for and conducting SRR
    
    
    2. Delivery of Certification Basis, in accordance with MIL-HDBK-516, for the A-29B AWRS design
    
    
    3. Preparation for and conducting CDR
    
    
    4. Delivering Compliance Report for the USAF’s Airworthiness process for the A-29B’s AWRS design
    
    
    5. Preparation for and conducting Aircraft Test & Evaluation
    
    
    
    


11. Provide evidence of ability to update and deliver A-29B technical manuals to account for the modification.


12. Provide history of conducting maintenance training and providing supply support.

Any interested party shall submit a capabilities package that explicitly demonstrates its capabilities. If the interested party lacks experience in a particular area, please provide details explaining plans for overcoming the lack of experience to perform that portion of the requirement (i.e. teaming agreements, subcontracts, etc.).

Please include the following business information and any teaming agreements or joint venture partners in the response:

Company Name:

Address:

Point of Contact:

Cage Code/UEID:

Phone Number:

Email:

Website:

Rough Order of Magnitude:

This Sources Sought is a market research tool being used to determine potential and eligible small and/or other than small business firms capable of providing the supplies and services described herein prior to determining the method of acquisition and issuance of a Request for Proposal. Any future contract actions that the Government may intend to execute will be synopsized on the Government-wide Point of Entry (GPE) as applicable in accordance with FAR 5.201(b).

The capability statement package shall be sent via email to emmeline.spaulding@us.af.mil, kirby.williams.1@us.af.mil and jason.cook.21@us.af.mil. Questions or comments regarding this notice may be addressed to emmeline.spaulding@us.af.mil, kirby.williams.1@us.af.mil and jason.cook.21@us.af.mil. All responses shall include Company Name, Company Address, Company CAGE Code/UEID, Company Business Size, and Points of Contact (POC), including name, phone number, and email address.