70 -- River Operations Satellite Communication

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Firms submitting a proposal must register in the GSA ITSS system prior to closing date for receipt of proposals at: https://it-solutions.gsa.gov. This requirement is for the following: Introduction The Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg District has a Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) satellite system comprised of a hub facility and two floating remote sites - the Dredge Jadwin and the Mat Sinking Unit. Each remote site has a government-owned electronic stabilized platform (manufactured by Sola Communications) that tracks the communications satellite. The satellite system provides the remote units telephone, fax and network connectivity to the Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg District WAN while they are conducting operations on waterways. The capability for network connectivity, telephone and fax is a necessity for the tasks of gathering, manipulating, and disseminating data relating to navigation of supported waterways to the public, as well as to other Corps branches. In addition to operational data, administrative data must be transmitted regularly and in a timely manner to other Corps branches. 1.1 Background The River Operations Branch of the Vicksburg District Corps of Engineers began using VSAT communications back in 1995. Our hub site is located at our harbor facility. The Dredge Jadwin typically operates on the Mississippi River from Greenville, MS south to the mouth of the river. The Mat Sinking Unit typically operates on the Mississippi River from southern Illinois south to the mouth of the river and west to the Louisiana-Texas line on other waterways. 2. 0 Scope: The contractor shall provide River Operations Satellite Communications Bandwidth for Army Core of Engineers. 2.1 Requirements and Specifications: 2.1.1 Ku-band space segments 2.1.1.1 199.218 kbps user data rate out route from hub (1.4 kHz/kbps, FEC - Rate) - Qty: 12 months 2.1.1.2 1 each 71.273 kbps user data rate in route from the Dredge Jadwin (1.4 kHz/kbps, FEC - Rate) - Qty: 12 months 2.1.1.3 1 each 135.232 kbps user data rate in route from the Mat Sinking Unit (1.4 kHz/kbps, FEC - Rate) - Qty: 4 months 2.1.2 Specs - All carriers must be within 2 MHz span - Average availability of 99.5% or better - BER of 1 x 10-7 or better - Must provide coverage to entire service area (see map). - Satellite must be between 72 and 105 west longitude in order to have a clear look angle at all times on the vessels. - Must be compatible with the following equipment: o Harris Skydata 2 Watt Ku-Band transceiver system o ComStream CM701 Modem with Satellite Control Channel Option o 24-hour Technical Support. Service shall include a telephone number for 24-hour technical support. 3 Existing Hardware 3.1 Vicksburg Hub: ACT Networks SDM-9400 NetPerformer Harris Skydata 2-watt radio Prodelin 3.8 meter antenna Comstream PSK Digital Modem model CM701 Settings - Tx Code Rate Vit - Tx Mod Type QPSK - Tx Diff Encoding On - Tx Filter Type Comstrm - Tx Clock Source Internal - Tx Scrambling Comstrm 3.2 Dredge Jadwin: ACT Networks SDM-9400 NetPerformer Harris Skydata 2-watt radio 2.4 meter antenna Comstream PSK Digital Modem model CM701 Settings - Tx Code Rate Vit - Tx Mod Type QPSK - Tx Diff Encoding On - Tx Filter Type Comstrm - Tx Clock Source Internal - Tx Scrambling Comstrm 3.3 Mat Sinking Unit: ACT Networks SDM-9400 NetPerformer Harris Skydata 2-watt radio 2.4 meter antenna Comstream PSK Digital Modem model CM701 Settings - Tx Code Rate Vit - Tx Mod Type QPSK - Tx Diff Encoding On - Tx Filter Type Comstrm - Tx Clock Source Internal - Tx Scrambling Comstrm 4.0 Delivery Due Date: Service Established and Billed in Totel by 05/01/2004. Service Coverage for a period of 1 year from date of award per the specifications identified in section 2.0 The clause at FAR 52.212-4,Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition 11. The clause at FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders--Commercial Items, applies to this solicitation. Specifically, the following clauses cited are applicable to this solicitation: FAR 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity; FAR 52.222-35, Affirmative Action for Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era; FAR 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Handicapped Workers; FAR 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era; FAR 52.222-42. Quotes must be received by 5:00 PM on 04/16/04. Questions must be directed to Dewayne Hollandat (256) 895-5903 or by email at Dewayne.holland@gsa.gov