15 -- KC-10 CNS/ATM Program

SUBJECT: KC-10 Communications/Navigation/Surveillance ? Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) Program:The 727 Aircraft Sustainment Group (727 ACSG), Tinker AFB Oklahoma, is submitting a Pre-solicitation Notice for the KC-10 Communications/Navigation/Surveillance Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) Program. The purpose of this notice is to provide industry with updated information about the status of the KC-10 Aircraft Modernization Program (AMP). The government has determined that the full suite of KC-10 modernization requirements known as the KC-10 AMP, and the reduced-scope KC-10 AEP (described in the 653 Aeronautical Systems Squadrons presolicitation notice dated 30 Aug 2007) is beyond the reach of any foreseeable funding. The Air Force is now pursuing an affordable program focused solely on alleviating the most urgent near-term capability shortfall of the KC-10 fleet its Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) capability. Given the very challenging budget environment, this refocused program?s scope will be aggressively managed to ensure its overall cost falls in Acquisition Category (ACAT) level III or lower. An FY2009 release date for the solicitation is planned. Contract award would occur in 2010. The down-scoped program will be known as the KC-10 CNS/ATM program. There will be further market research initiatives as well as a draft RFP prior to that. An initial Request for Information will be posted on FedBizOpps in parallel to this announcement. The RFI is seeking a quick industry assessment on the viability of the planned program given the budgetary and schedule constraints established by the operator. The KC-10 AMP is now focused on ensuring that the KC-10 fleet?s CNS/ATM capabilities are upgraded to the standards that have been identified for implementation through calendar year 2015. In order to ensure the affordability of this refocused program, industry is advised that the CNS/ATM program no longer requires features mentioned in previous announcements for the KC-10 AMP or AEP such as: a glass cockpit; specific obsolescence mitigation; real-time information in the cockpit; night-vision imaging system compatibility; or survivability. The government still prefers solutions that provide growth provisions (modular open system architectures (MOSA)) versus closed solutions unless an offeror can provide a closed solution at a significant cost savings. The program retains its focus on using commercial off-the-shelf or military off-the-shelf approaches. Technical solutions featuring minimal non-recurring development are strongly desired. Due to the urgency of upgrading the KC-10 fleets CNS/ATM capabilities before the new standards begin to significantly degrade its world-wide access, the government is now open to a more aggressive production schedule than previously stated. Specifically, the government requires that the CNS/ATM program complete its upgrade of all 59 KC-10 aircraft by the close of fiscal year 2015 (30 Sep 2015). Parallel to the KC-10 CNS/ATM aircraft program, the government will require updating the deployed KC-10 Aircrew Training System (hardware and courseware) to the CNS/ATM configuration. The KC-10 CNS/ATM aircraft program will include the upgrading of existing KC-10 on-aircraft maintenance procedures. The 727 ACSG still contemplates an acquisition strategy for the KC-10 CNS/ATM that utilizes a single contract encompassing System Design and Development (SDD), Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP), and Full-Rate Production (FRP). LRIP and Full-Rate Production will be accommodated via priced contract options. GENERAL INFORMATION The government may issue Requests for Information on the FedBizOpps webpage (http://www.fbo.gov) for elements of the solicitation prior to releasing Draft and Final RFPs. Potential foreign prime contractors are advised that no determination has yet been made on any restrictions pursuant to AFFARS 5305.204. This pre-solicitation announcement is not to be construed as a formal solicitation (Invitation for Bid (IFB) or a Request for Proposal (RFP)). The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this notice. This notice is for information and planning purposes only. The Government will not provide reimbursement of costs associated with any documentation or communication submitted in response to this notice. Any submitted documentation, upon delivery, becomes the property of the U.S. Government and will not be returned. Therefore, any information that is deemed proprietary should not be submitted. Questions or comments to this notice should be addressed to the Contracting Officer. If a KC-10 CNS/ATM RFP is later released, a Notice of Contract Action will be published at least 15 days prior. This announcement represents the 727 ACSGs initial acquisition strategy for the KC-10 CNS/ATM program. The government reserves the right to change any or all of the assumptions outlined herein in the draft and final Request for Proposals.