A--COMMUNICATIONS LINK TO SUBMERGED PLATFORMS

SOURCES SOUGHT - COMMUNICATION LINK TO SUBMERGED PLATFORMS - The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) has identified a need for a non-developmental item (NDI) submerged platform communication improvement to allow communications between submerged platforms, equipped with the Underwater Communication System (UCS) system utilizing the Hydro Acoustic Information Link (HAIL) or equivalent technology, and surface, air, and space assets. This improvement must allow the submerged platform to communicate with surface, air, and space assets while the submerged platform is at speed and depth and no changes can be made to any surface, air, or space asset. Due to the need to communicate between multiple platforms from multiple nations, the system must utilize the HAIL technology or be compatible (i.e., able to interface) with HAIL technology to ensure interoperability with current US Navy tech nology in use on US submerged platforms. Interested parties having the required specialized capabilities to meet all of the above proposed requirements should submit to Mr. Chris Pigott, SEA 02623, a two (2) page (maximum) typed expression of interest/capability statement indicating their ability to perform all aspects of the efforts described above. Offerors should describe at a minimum their manufacturing capability, test equipment, and test facilities, which should accommodate the testing of the communication system. Responses are required to include the firm name, mailing address, telephone and facsimile numbers, World Wide Web (Internet) presence (if any), size of firm, number of years providing similar level of complexity products, and direct points of contact including phone and e-mail addresses. Only written responses transmitted electronically, by mail, or facsim ile will be accepted. The Government will not provide payment for any information provided in response to this synopsis, nor will the Government return any data provided. All data will be for official Government use only. The Government will not provide the data received from one responder to other potentially competitive organizations. A list of interested parties will be compiled from the firms who respond to this announcement. Firms that wish to be included on the interested parties list must be able to, as a minimum, 1) access the World Wide Web; 2) send and receive unclassified e-mail; and 3) access, download, and print solicitation documents from Internet websites. All firms that provide clear and concise evidence that they can meet all of the minimum requirements shall be included on the interested parties list. It is highly recommended that all interested firms fr equently access the NAVSEA Contracts Directorate Website for updates and release of additional solicitation information. Responses to this announcement should be received in this office NO LATER THAN 4:00 P.M. (EST) on 30 APRIL 2004. Please direct all responses to the attention of Chris Pigott (SEA 02623, fax number +1 (555) 000-0000 or e-mail contact@example.gov). This sources sought announcement is for informational and planning purposes only. It does not constitute a solicitation and should not be construed as a commitment of any kind by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. This is not an Invitation for Bids (IFB), a Request for Quotations (RFQ), or a Request for Proposals (RFP).