18 -- Launch & Range Support Services for a Minotaur Launch

The Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center Detachment 12 (SMC Det 12/RP), Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP), Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque, NM, anticipates the release of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for award of one contract to provide range support services for a Western Range Minotaur space launch. This procurement will result in launch facility and range support for the Minotaur launch of the Experimental Satellite System'11 (XSS-11) with an option to support a second Minotaur launch within 45 days of the XSS-11 launch. The contractors must demonstrate, in their submissions, their ability to meet the following minimum requirements: (1) Provide launch facilities (launch pad, launch support buildings, Transporter/Erector (TE) tiedowns, Launch Control Center (LCC) and a scaffolding support structure) to support an Orbital Suborbital Program (OSP) Minotaur Space launch vehicle. (2) Provide west coast launch corridors capable of supporting a sun-synchronous launch azimuth. (3) Support a launch campaign within 12 months of contract award. (4) Support a second Minotaur Initial Launch Capability (ILC) within 45 days of launch of the first mission. Responses to this synopsis must be received no later than 15 calendar days after posting date. Respondents not meeting the above requirements will not be considered. All contractors responding must submit a statement of capabilities to the office identified below. The SOC shall address the four (4) requirements listed above and shall contain pertinent and specific information addressing the following area: Availability: A description of existing launch facilities capable to support a Minotaur space launch, and a procurement schedule showing the ability to deliver the range support services within 12 months of award of a contract. Any SOC not addressing all the above requirements will be rejected for the purposes of making a set aside determination. The SOC must be submitted within 15 calendar days of the posting. There is a 20-page limitation on the SOC. Submit only unclassified information. All materials submitted will become the property of the Government, and will be reviewed by the Government and support contractors; therefore any restrictions on submissions should be clearly identified, explained and properly marked. Proprietary information is not being solicited, but if provided, proprietary information or trade secrets should be clearly identified. The government will not pay for information provided, and is not liable for any costs incurred by the vendor in response to this RFI. The government will not reimburse contractors or responders to this notice for any costs incurred in responding, or in subsequent exchanges of information. All responses shall include company size status under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code identified below. Any capabilities information received is solely for the purpose of this market research and will not be used in the final RFP evaluation and award. Submit all responses to this synopsis to SMC Det 12/PKN, Attn: Maj Cheryl Farrer, 3548 Aberdeen Ave. SE, Bldg. 415, Room 113, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5776. The contract is anticipated to be a firm fixed price contract with an 18 month period of performance. Award of any resultant contract is anticipated by September 2003. Firms responding should indicate their business size and ownership status. The government reserves the right to set this acquisition, or portions thereof, aside for small business, socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, 8(a) firms, HUBZones, historically black colleges or universities and minority institutions. For this proposed acquisition, the definitions in FAR 19.001 and small business size standard for NAICS 541710, size standard 1,000 employees apply. Foreign owned firms are advised to contact the contracting officer before submitting a proposal to determine whether there are restrictions on receiving an award. This announcement is for information and planning purposes only. It does not constitute a RFP and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. The Air Force may use the policies and procedures contained in FAR Part 12 if commercial items are available to meet the needs of the agency. Interested persons may identify to the contracting officer their interest and capability to satisfy the Government's requirement with a commercial item with 15 calendar days of this notice. An Ombudsman has been appointed to hear concerns from offerors or potential offerors during the proposal development phase of this acquisition. Potential offerors should communicate first with the Contracting Officer to request information, pose questions, and voice concerns before contacting the Ombudsman. In those instances where offerors cannot obtain resolution from the Contracting Officer, they are invited to contact the Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) Ombudsman, Dr. David Ganger at (310) 363-0588. For technical issues, please contact 1Lt Damen Provost, (505) 846-4892. For contracting issues please contact, Maj Cheryl Farrer, Contracting Officer, at (505) 853-3747 or Ms. Virgie Henderson, Contract Specialist, at (505) 846-5103 (telefax (505) 846-6387).