Sources Sought Synopsis, Air Force Combat Identification,Radio Based Combat ID (RBCI) Program Sniper Pod Integration 1.Introduction:This sources sought synopsis is being conducted by the United States Air Force, Electronic Systems Center (ESC), HSJJC. Any information submitted by respondents to this sources sought is strictly voluntary. This sources sought does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or an Invitation for Bid (IFB), nor does its issuance restrict the Government as to its ultimate acquisition approach. There is no solicitation available at this time. Requests for a solicitation will not receive a response. The Government will neither award a contract solely on the basis of this notice, nor pay for any information that is submitted by respondents to this sources sought synopsis. All contractual inquiries shall be directed to the contracting officer: Robert Weeks, e-mail:
contact@example.gov; all technical inquiries shall be directed to Capt John Whichelow,
+1 (555) 000-0000, e-mail:
contact@example.gov. 2.Intent:The Government is interested in conducting information exchanges with industry regarding the procurement of a current production level SNIPER advanced targeting pod, integration and demonstration of a Radio Based Combat Identification (RBCI) capability, multi-year maintenance and support, and other functional modifications to support future Combat Identification (CID) development and test activities. The express intent of this sources sought is to identify potential industry partners who have a working/demonstrable expertise and technical insight to provide the SNIPER advanced targeting pod, incorporate hardware and software modifications, and provide the requisite support and maintenance services. Industry is requested to respond in writing to this synopsis in accordance with the instructions provided in paragraph 4. 3.Combat Identification Radio Based Combat ID (RBCI) Program Sniper Pod Integration:The CID Technology Program Element (PE) analyzes, develops, demonstrates, and evaluates promising combat identification technologies prior to integration in weapon system programs. Numerous joint needs statements, operational documents, lessons learned, and NATO requirements state the need for positive CID. High confidence CID increases combat effectiveness and prevents fratricide. CID systems enable combatant commanders to effectively command and control their forces in all weather, day or night operations. The CID Technology PE conducts design studies, demonstrations, evaluations, engineering analysis, non-recurring engineering, and other efforts associated with integration and modification of CID related technologies and systems on platforms and major weapon systems. The CID Technologies PE also supports the development, testing, and implementation of international standards (to include NATO standardization agreements) to ensure joint, Allied, and coalition interoper! ability. Radio Based Combat ID (RBCI) is a cooperative combat ID technology that utilizes a dedicated SINCGARS radio channel to provide secure, high priority messaging to identify if friendly forces are in the targeted area. Note that SINCGARS requires a Type 1 cryptographic unit to provide secure communications. RBCI has been effectively demonstrated for ground-to-ground and air-to-ground CID applications. USAF intends to verify RBCI can be implemented in the SNIPER ATP, meet technical performance goals, and not degrade existing SNIPER pod performance. Implementation of RBCI in SNIPER will at a minimum require installation of a SINCGARS/RBCI capable radio, such as QNT, SINCGARS ASIP, ITT Gen2 radio or equivalent, a UHF antenna, cabling, and software. Based on experience with other targeting pods, the Government expects the RBCI installation to require hardware modifications and software modifications to the baseline SNIPER pod configuration. System performance analysis and st! udies are required. Testing and flight certification is required. On-site technical support during USAF demonstration events is required. USAF expects to use the procured SNIPER pod for future technology demonstrations and risk reduction experiments. It is required that the supplier be able to implement hardware and software modifications to the baseline SNIPER configuration. These modifications are expected to include changes to the optical systems in the pod. 4.Written Responses:The Government requests interested parties submit a statement of their qualifications. The response shall specifically address their ability and experience in modifying SNIPER pod software, optical system experience, radio communication systems experience, ability to handle Type 1 cryptographic devices, ability to provide technical support for demonstrations, and ability to provide maintenance support. Include in your responses an indication of your business size standard. The responses shall not be more than ten (10) one-sided pages, 8.5"x11" paper, Courier type, 10 pitch with a minimum of one (1) inch margins; contractor format is acceptable. Product brochures and vendor marketing material may also be submitted in addition to the paper. It will not be counted as part of the ten (10) pages. Please submit responses via e-mail to
contact@example.gov not later than 10 September 2010, 2:00 PM EST. Responses received after this date and time may not be reviewed. Please direct any question regarding this synopsis to Robert Weeks, Contracting Officer,
+1 (555) 000-0000. No phone responses will be accepted. All responses shall be unclassified and reviewed (prior to submission to the Government) to ensure that there are no operational sensitivities.
