20 -- RFI FOR Very High Frequency (VHF) Digital Selective Calling (DSC) Class A and Class D Radios

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) BEING RELEASED PUIRSUANT TO FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS (FAR) PART 10 MARKET RESEARCH. This RFI is issued solely for informational, market research, and planning purposes only. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Further, USCG is not at this time seeking proposals, and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Respondents are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative cost incurred in response to this RFI. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the responding party's expense. At this time, proprietary information is not being requested, and respondents shall refrain from providing proprietary information in response to this RFI. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any further RFP, if any is issued. In accordance with FAR 15.201 (e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the U.S. Government to form a binding contract. It is the responsibility of the interested parties to monitor these sites for additional information pertaining to this RFI. It is hereby requested to information is provided to USCG for a minimum initial quantity of 300 to a maximum quantity of 3,000 VHF DCS Class A and Class D Radios in accordance with the specification provided below:SPECIFICATION FOR VHF DSC CLASS A RADIO References: A. ITU-493-12, Digital selective-calling system for use in the maritime mobile service. B. IMO resolutions A.609, and A.803, Performance standards for shipborne VHF radio installations capable of voice communication and digital selective calling C. IEC 529 D. NEMA 0183 E. NTIA Form 33 Transmitter Equipment Characteristics and NTIA Form 34, Receiver Equipment Characteristics Specifications: The Coast Guard seeks a Very High Frequency (VHF) radio capable of operating in the marine band (156 - 162 MHz), and capable of sending and receiving both analog voice and Digital Selective Calling (DSC) data signals. The radio (referred to below as "the VHF DSC radio") is required to meet the following specifications: 1. The VHF DSC radio shall be a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) product, available for immediate purchase in the United States of America. (NF - 6) 2. The VHF DSC radio shall be capable of transmitting and receiving signals in the marine band, from 156 MHz to 162 MHz, using wideband (25 KHz) modulation. (2.5) 3. The VHF DSC radio shall meet all general requirements specified for all classes of VHF DSC radios in reference (A), ITU-493-12 "Digital selective-calling system for use in the maritime mobile service". (4.5/4.6/4.8) 4. The VHF DSC radio shall meet all requirements specified for Class A VHF DSC radios in ITU-493-12 "Digital selective-calling system for use in the maritime mobile service". (4.5/4.6/4.8, NF-4) 5. The VHF DSC radio shall comply with IMO resolutions A.609, and A.803, "Performance standards for shipborne VHF radio installations capable of voice communication and digital selective calling". (TISCOM-Specific) 6. The VHF DSC radio shall be FCC type approved under part 80 for GMDSS. (4.5, NF 3) 7. The VHF DSC radio shall be equipped with a channel 70 DSC guard receiver. a. The channel 70 DSC guard receiver identified above shall be capable of continuously monitoring channel 70 for DSC calls even while using the VHF DSC radio to send and/or receive voice calls on another frequency. (4.1) 8. The VHF DSC radio shall be equipped with an alphanumeric keypad. (4.11) a. The radio shall allow direct input of MMSI numbers via the alphanumeric keypad. b. The radio shall allow direct input of operating channels via the alphanumeric keypad. c. The radio shall allow direct input of test messages via the alpha numeric keypad. 9. The VHF DSC radio shall provide a means of disabling automatic responses to any and all DSC calls. (4.4) a. The radio shall provide a means of configuring the automatic response setting to default to the ?disabled? mode. (4.4) b. When the radio is configured to default to the "disabled" mode, automatic responses to any and all DSC calls shall be disabled before and after power is cycled off and back on. (4.4) c. When the radio is configured to default to the "disabled" mode, automatic responses to any and all DSC calls shall be disabled before and after the radio is "reset" to factory-default settings, if such an option exists. (TISCOM Added) 10. The VHF DSC radio shall be capable of receiving, processing and transmitting Distress, Urgency, Safety and Routine calls.(4.5.1) 11. The VHF DSC radio shall be capable of receiving, processing and transmitting DSC calls addressed to all stations, a geographic location, a specific MMSI and a Group MMSI (4.5.2) 12. The VHF DSC radio shall include a remote control device that allows users to control the radio from a remote operating position up to 175 feet away from the radio. The Coast Guard desires that the remote control device be capable of operating all radio functions, including DSC functions. However, the following DSC and radio functions are required as a minimum: (4.1.1/4.1.2) a. The remote control device shall include a speaker which provides the same audio output as the main radio's speaker. (8.1) b. The remote control device shall include a volume control for the speaker described above. (8.3) c. The remote control device shall include a squelch control for the speaker described above. (8.4) d. The remote control device shall include a microphone which sends voice and key signals to the main radio for transmission. (8.1) e. The remote control device shall be equipped with an alpha numeric key pad that can be used to input all of the information that can be entered from the radio's main alphanumeric keypad (see paragraph 6). (4.11) f. The remote control device shall enable an operator to respond to DSC distress alerts from the remote operating position. (4.12) g. The remote control device shall allow an operator to respond to DSC polling calls from the remote operating station. (4.12) h. The remote control device shall enable an operator to initiate a distress alert from the remote operating station. (4.12) i. The remote control device shall enable an operator to select the radio's operating channel (frequency) from the remote operating station. (8.3) j. The remote control device, as well as the remote speaker and microphone shall all meet or exceed IEC 529 requirements to level IP level of x4. See reference (C) for details. k. An objective (not required but desired) capability is for the remote control device, as well as the remote speaker and microphone to all meet or exceed IEC 529 requirements to level IP level of x7. See reference (C) for details. 13. The VHF DSC radio shall be capable of outputting NEMA 0183 DSC sentences to an external device in accordance with reference (D). (4.10) 14. The VHF DSC radio shall provide an external connection to output transmit audio, receive audio and keyline signals. (3, 4.1.3) a. The transmit and receive audio signals described above shall be 600 ohm, balanced signals. Separate outputs shall be provided for transmit and receive audio. (3, 4.1.3) b. The keyline signal described above shall consist of a dry-contact closure that is open when un-keyed and grounded when keyed. (4.1.3) 15. The VHF DSC radio shall be capable of being bracket or flush mounted. (TISCOM) 16. The VHF DSC radio operating temperature range shall be -5 to +40 degrees C. (TISCOM) 17. The VHF DSC radio operating humidity range shall be 0% to 95% non-condensing. (TISCOM) 18. The VHF DSC radio shall operate on 120 VAC 60 Hz +/-10% primary power (TISCOM) 19. The VHF DSC radio shall be package for unrestricted commercial shipping (no hazmat). (TISCOM) 20. The VHF DSC radio shall be provided with a minimum one year warranty. (TISCOM) 21. The VHF DSC radio shall not exceed 25 pounds. (TISCOM) 22. The vendor shall certify that the DSC transceiver shall be supportable (e.g., part availability, manufacture repair support) for a minimum period of five (5) years after date of delivery. 23. The vendor shall provide all information required for the Coast Guard to obtain NTIA certification for the use of the proposed radio equipment on Coast Guard vessels. This shall consist of the information required to complete NTIA Form33, Transmitter Equipment Characteristics and NTIA Form 34, Receiver Equipment Characteristics. (TISCOM) SPECIFICATION FOR VHF DSC CLASS D RADIO References: A. ITU-493-12, Digital selective-calling system for use in the maritime mobile service. B. IMO resolutions A.609, and A.803, Performance standards for shipborne VHF radio installations capable of voice communication and digital selective calling C. IEC 529 D. NEMA 0183 E. NTIA Form 33 Transmitter Equipment Characteristics and NTIA Form 34, Receiver Equipment Characteristics Specifications: The Coast Guard seeks a Very High Frequency (VHF) radio capable of operating in the marine band (156 - 162 MHz), and capable of sending and receiving both analog voice and Digital Selective Calling (DSC) data signals. The radio (referred to below as "the VHF DSC radio") is required to meet the following specifications: 1. The VHF DSC radio shall be a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) product, available for immediate purchase in the United States of America. (NF - 6) 2. The VHF DSC radio shall be capable of transmitting and receiving signals in the marine band, from 156 MHz to 162 MHz, using wideband (25 KHz) modulation. (2.5) 3. The VHF DSC radio shall meet all general requirements specified for all classes of VHF DSC radios in reference (A), ITU-493-12 "Digital selective-calling system for use in the maritime mobile service". (4.5/4.6/4.8) 4. The VHF DSC radio shall meet all requirements specified for Class D VHF DSC radios in ITU-493-12 "Digital selective-calling system for use in the maritime mobile service". (4.5/4.6/4.8, NF-4) 5. The VHF DSC radio shall comply with IMO resolutions A.609, and A.803. "Performance standards for shipborne VHF radio installations capable of voice communication and digital selective calling" (TISCOM-Specific) 6. The VHF DSC radio shall be FCC type approved under part 80 for GMDSS (4.5, NF 3) 7. The VHF DSC radio shall be equipped with a channel 70 DSC guard receiver. a. The channel 70 DSC guard receiver identified above shall be capable of continuously monitoring channel 70 for DSC calls except while using the VHF DSC radio to send and/or receive voice calls on another frequency. (4.1) (4.2) 8. The VHF DSC radio shall be equipped with an alphanumeric keypad. (4.11) a. The radio shall allow direct input of MMSI numbers via the alphanumeric keypad. b. The radio shall allow direct input of operating channels via the alphanumeric keypad. c. The radio shall allow direct input of test messages via the alphanumeric keypad. 9. The VHF DSC radio shall provide a means of disabling automatic responses to any and all DSC calls. (4.4) a. The radio shall provide a means of configuring the automatic response setting to default to the "disabled"? mode. (4.4) b. When the radio is configured to default to the "disabled" mode, automatic responses to any and all DSC calls shall be disabled before and after power is cycled off and back on. (4.4) c. When the radio is configured to default to the "disabled" mode, automatic responses to any and all DSC calls shall be disabled before and after the radio is "reset" to factory-default settings, if such an option exists. (TISCOM added) 10. The VHF DSC radio shall be capable of receiving, processing and transmitting Distress, Urgency, Safety and Routine calls.(4.5.1) 11. The VHF DSC radio shall be capable of receiving, processing and transmitting DSC calls addressed to all stations, a geographic location, a specific MMSI and a Group MMSI (4.5.2) 12. The VHF DSC radio shall be capable of outputting NEMA 0183 DSC sentences to an external device in accordance with reference (D). (4.10) 13. The VHF DSC radio shall provide an external connection to output transmit audio, receive audio and keyline signals. (3, 4.1.3) a. The transmit and receive audio signals described above shall be 600 ohm, balanced signals. Separate outputs shall be provided for transmit and receive audio. (3, 4.1.3) b. The keyline signal described above shall consist of a dry-contact closure that is open when un-keyed and grounded when keyed. (4.1.3) 14. The VHF DSC radio shall be capable of being bracket or flush mounted (TISCOM) 15. The VHF DSC radio operating temperature range shall be -5 to +40 degrees C. (TISCOM) 16. The VHF DSC radio operating humidity range shall be 0% to 95% non-condensing. (TISCOM) 17. The VHF DSC radio shall operate on 12 VDC primary power (TISCOM) 18. The VHF DSC radio shall be package for unrestricted commercial shipping (no hazmat). (TISCOM) 19. The VHF DSC radio shall be provided with a minimum one year warranty. (TISCOM) 20. The VHF DSC radio shall not exceed 15 pounds. (TISCOM) 21. The Vendor shall certify that the DSC transceiver shall be supportable (e.g., part availability, manufacture repair support) for a minimum period of five (5) years after initial delivery. 22. The vendor shall provide all information required for the Coast Guard to obtain NTIA certification for the use of the proposed radio equipment on Coast Guard vessels. This shall consist of the information required to complete NTIA Form33, Transmitter Equipment Characteristics and NTIA Form 34, Receiver Equipment Characteristics. 23. The VHF DSC radio speaker and microphone shall all meet or exceed IEC 529 requirements to level IP level of x7. See reference (C) for details. Documentation showing that the proposed radio meets all requirements stated above. This shall include, as a minimum: a. Evidence that the radio meets ITU 493 requirements and complies with IMO resolutions A.609, and A.803. For example, this may be in the form of a test report or a letter from a qualified independent testing agency. b. Evidence of FCC type approval for GMDSS use. c. Evidence that automatic acknowledgements can be disabled. For example, this may be in the form of a test report or operator?s instruction manual for a commercially-available product. d. Certification that this is a Commercial off the shelf product. This may be in the form of catalog listing for the item. Documentation showing which (if any) of the desired features the radio includes. This may be in the form of technical or operating manuals/documentation. Information on how the MMSI on the radio is programmed/changed. If additional hardware or software is required to change MMSI numbers, will this be included with the radio? If not, can it be purchased separately and what is the cost? A statement of the number of radios the offeror can deliver monthly and the lead time required between receipt of an order and delivery of equipment. USCG's desired lead time is not to exceed 14 days after receipt of order with an additional desire to receive at least 30 radios per month until an order is complete. Business size in accordance with NAICS Code (Official NAICS Code will be selected should a solicitation be published/released), Dun and Bradstreet number, and any other Government contracts held for VHF DCS Class A and Class B Radios including GSA Schedule should your firm hold one. If your firm has recently submitted a proposal with any Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, or other U. S. Federal Government activities, please indicate this with your submission to include agency's name, solicitation number, and Contracting Officer's name and point of contact information. Please submit all responses or information regarding this RFI via e-mail to Adreina Fludd-Bennett, Contract Specialist, via e-mail address Adreina.Fludd-Bennett@uscg.mil or Eric C. McDoniel, Contracting Officer, via e-mail Eric.C.Mcdoniel@uscg.mil no later 4:00 PM EST on May 9, 2007.