18 -- MILSATCOM Space Communications Support

The Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) MILSATCOM Joint Program Office (MJPO) intends to acquire continuing MILSATCOM space communications support tools maintenance and upgrades, and related general systems engineering support, for the secure/survivable Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF), Milstar, and Transformational Communications programs. Contracted effort shall provide systems engineering support for the AEHF program including AEHF training, International Partner coordination, cryptographic key management and security changes, evaluating requirements changes, verification and system test support, cryptographic key management for test assets, and coordination of the test program. Milstar general systems engineering support will be required to ensure AEHF backward compatibility with the Milstar constellation. This support includes military unique communication system issue identification and resolution, LDR/MDR communications performance support, operational use support, impact of system changes on software tools, system impact of terminal designs, direct technical support to MJPO technical management, strategic voice operation support, and strategic network transition support. Extensive and pre-existing experience, knowledge, and background dealing with DoD specific capabilities in the EHF secure satellite communications field and a minimum Government security clearance of Secret are mandatory. Contracted effort shall maintain and upgrade the AEHF End-to-End Simulation Environment (AEHF MEESE). The AEHF MEESE is a unique multi-processor based PC platform tool developed by Titan Systems Corp for EHF waveforms testing, that provides the complete AEHF end-to-end link emulation via the development and integration of various sub-system models for the payload and terminals. The contractor shall update AEHF MEESE software, firmware and hardware to emulate AEHF payload and terminal designs. The contracted effort shall add new functionality required to perform system-level analyses supporting systems engineering activities, such as overall system performance evaluations, design trade-off studies, system anomaly resolution and impact assessment studies, to ensure military war fighters receive secure survivable communications. Contracted effort shall provide engineering support to the Milstar Satellite Operations Center (MSOC). This effort will support the day-to-day staff operations of the MSOC using a unique communications management tool developed by Titan Systems Corp to manage military EHF resources, providing support to all armed services. This support will require in depth knowledge of the communications management tool (MCPT-i), EHF systems, and military communications schedules and procedures. This support will include the following Milstar related activities: communications requirements generation, Milstar Apportionment Report (MAR) development, review and analysis, communications requirements loading analysis, payload table generation management/review, testing support, providing technical advice and instruction on a as-needed basis to MSOC personnel, Milstar training, and COMSEC/TRANSEC management, and all mobile deployed locations. Contracted effort shall include support for the Transformational Communications (TC) program's waveform and protocol development. The AEHF, Milstar, and TC program effort is a follow-on to the MILSATCOM support contract currently being performed by Titan Systems Corp'Communications & Software Solutions Division, Los Angeles, CA. The projected Request for Proposal (RFP) release date for this effort is Aug 2003. It is anticipated that only the incumbent tools developer has sufficient relevant experience to meet the requirements of this acquisition. This notice is primarily intended for subcontracting opportunities. However, interested parties must submit an unclassified Statement of Capability (SOC) by 11 Aug 03, demonstrating knowledge of AEHF and Milstar satellites and ground systems and EHF waveform and protocol development. The SOC shall not exceed 10 pages in length. The contractor must possess or be able to obtain necessary security clearances. This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only; it does not constitute a RFP. The Government will not recognize any direct costs associated with submission of a SOC. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining the type of procurement. Submit all responses to: SMC/MCKM, Attn: Charles Briggs, 2420 Vela Way, Suite 1467 A-8, Los Angeles AFB, CA 90245-4659. The period of performance is for 1 year from 1 Oct 03 to 30 Sep 04. The Government's ROM estimate for this work is approximately $6.5M. Government-wide numbered notes 22 and 26 apply. An Ombudsman has been appointed to address concerns from offerors or potential offerors during the proposal development phase of this acquisition. The Ombudsman does not diminish the authority of the program director or contracting officer, but communicates contractor concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations to the appropriate Government personnel. When requested, the Ombudsman shall maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The Ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals or in the source selection process. The Ombudsman for the Space and Missiles Systems Center is Dr. David Ganger at (310) 363-0588.