99 -- SITUATION AWARENESS DATA LINK (SADL) AND TRANSPARENT MULTI-PLATFORM GATEWAY

This is not a solicitation but rather a market survey to determine potential sources. The United States Air Force, Electronic Systems Center (ESC), Global Information Grid Systems Group is seeking a qualified contractor for acquisition of and support for the Air Force's Situation Awareness Data Link (SADL) and Transparent Multi-Platform Gateway (TMPG) currently in use in both airborne and ground-based systems. This effort will include requirements for developing, maintaining, sustaining and supporting SADL and TMPG including radio hardware and software upgrades (technical refresh), supporting material, associated component parts as required as well as engineering support, technical assistance and consultant services on operational applications of the data link itself. Development, maintenance, sustainment, and support includes, but is not limited to; the development of upgraded releases in response to operational requirements, the diagnosis and correction of system malfunctions including deficiency report tracking, modifications, corrections, and other revisions for the defined period of performance. It also includes developing, updating, and maintaining existing and future SADL and TMPG documentation as well as providing engineering and technical support to government SADL and TMPG management, logistics, and user organizations. Configuration management of software releases will also be required. The contractor must have the current capability to, upon execution of this contract, immediately provide diagnostic testing, installation, training, maintenance, expert engineering support and technical refreshments and upgrades to SADL and/or TMPG. The contractor must demonstrate an in-depth understanding of SADL, the Enhanced Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS), Link 16, and TMPG and be able to immediately and expertly execute all aspects of this contract's requirements. The contractor must also be authorized to obtain and store all cryptographic and associated materials required for SADL operation. SADL is a secure, antijam, time division multiple access data-link installed on Combat Air Forces F-16C+ and is currently being integrated into the A-10. Data link information is displayed to the pilot depending on the aircraft's operational flight program implementation (e.g., the information is presented on the F-16C+s multi-function display system and heads up display). SADL, using the EPLRS radio, provides both air-to-air and air-to-ground information to the pilot regarding the position of other SADL-equipped aircraft as well as friendly ground force positions being exchanged on the US Army's and/or US Marine Corps EPLRS tactical internets. SADL and Link 16 platforms can also exchange situation awareness and command and control information via a ground-based or airborne system employing TMPG. A gateway also allows the SADL-equipped aircraft's position to be transmitted to Link 16 platforms such as AWACS, JSTARS, Control and Reporting Centers, etc. using the J-Series message family. SADL operates using the EPLRS software. Note: EPRLS Software is subject to Patent/Data Rights and Security clauses. Raytheon, a contractor based in Los Angeles, California, developed and has restricted data rights for EPLRS software. The Government has unlimited data rights TMPG software which has been developed at the government expense. All contractor responsibilities specified in the contract that pertain to TMPG will cease with the completion of EPLRS v11xy fielding (circa end of CY07). The Period of Performance for this effort will be three years. Respondents must provide detailed information in a qualification package of no more than ten double-spaced, single-sided pages. All small business and disadvantaged sources should identify themselves as such. Potential sources will be evaluated and determined qualified/unqualified based on the areas listed above. Each respondent will be advised in writing of the results of this evaluation. Any firm initially judged to be unqualified will be provided a copy of the solicitation upon request, and any firm submitting an offer will be evaluated without prejudice. This synopsis does not constitute an Invitation for Bid or Request for Proposal and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this notice or otherwise pay for information solicited. For questions concerning SADL contact the Deputy Program Manager, Mr. Robert Roe at +1 (555) 000-0000, e-mail contact@example.gov. The contracting point of contact (contracting specialist) is Mr. Patrick Jackson, +1 (555) 000-0000, e-mail contact@example.gov. Interested firms should submit their written response to the contract specialist no later than 30 days after the date of this announcement.