A -- GPS IIF/III Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard Modification (RAFSMOD)

This Sources Sought Notification is a clarification of the previous notification number RAFSMOD64 posted in the FEDBIZOPS on 10 August 2004. Interested parties who have previously submitted their Statements Of Capabilities (SOC) need not resubmit statements in response to this Sources Sought Notification. The Global Positioning System Joint Program Office (GPS JPO) intends to have a contractor redesign the IIF space-qualified Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard (RAFS) for use on the GPS IIF and GPS III satellite constellations, as the existing RAFS has parts obsolescence problems that will prevent deliveries after FY2008. Accordingly, the Government intends to award a contract to PerkinElmer Optoelectionics, 35 Congress Street, Salem, MA 01970, as the only responsible source that can provide the supplies described in this synopsis, without the Government incurring substantial duplication of cost that are not expected to be recovered through competition and/or unacceptable delays in fulfilling its requirements. (10 U.S.C. - 2304(c)(1)) PerkinElmer is the designer, developer and sole manufacturer of the RAFS for the Block IIF Space Vehicles (SV). The Production Drawing Package for the existing Block IIF RAFS is proprietary to PerkinElmer and is not available to the public. SYSTEM OVERVIEW: The RAFS provides a precise and stable sinusoidal frequency at 10.229, 999, 995, 43 MHz (in a vacuum) for the GPS SV. CONTRACT OBJECTIVES: The contemplated contract will require delivery of the following supplies: (a) A complete RAFS parts obsolescence study. Upon completion of the study, as an option, the Government will require the development and delivery of up to three production-representative RAFS in accordance with the performance and design/program specifications (i.e., Boeing specification document MC409-0262 "GPS IIF Rubidium Frequency Standard" (including the nuclear and space radiation environment as specified in Appendix I) and its companion specification documents MC409-0285 "GPS IIF Common Requirements"). Completion and delivery shall be within 42 months after receipt of order for two verified Flight Demonstration Units to be used for life testing and one tested Qualification unit (with a qualification test report); all three units are to be built with qualified flight components. The anticipated period of performance is October 2004'April 2007. (b) The RAFS's delivered will be completely form, fit and function compatible with the Block IIF RAFS as defined in the referenced specifications. (c) The generation or update of RAFS and related documents as directed. (d) Strong, near real-time dialog and feedback structure with the GPS JPO to provide government insight, achieve quick issue resolution, and respond to Government direction. The scope of this acquisition does not include acquisition of RAFS clocks for production purposes for the GPS IIF/III satellite constellations and will not directly result in the procurement of RAFS's by the Government. The sole purpose of this acquisition is to develop a qualified replacement product that suitable for procurement by existing and future follow-on Blocks IIF/III SV production prime contractor(s). Prospective contractors should submit SOCs in writing to the Government that include the following information: 1) Company name, mailing address, points of contact and telephone numbers, 2) Business size classification, Large, Small, or Other, 3) Experience in space AFS technologies (including prior successes in achieving development and production of space qualified AFS's; the response must emphasize the proven ability to meet the above scope and schedule), and 4) The facilities to work at the appropriate security level. Responses should also indicate the source's intent to be either a prime contractor, subcontractor, or interest in obtaining a license to become a developer and supplier. As regards licensing, respondents to this announcement are encouraged to provide, in addition to their SOC, information regarding their assessment of the value of technical data rights and/or licensing agreements and any other suggestions to assist the government in achieving its objective of developing a replacement for the Block IIF/III RAFS. All responses shall be unclassified and should not exceed five (5) one-sided pages. See Note 22. Oral communications are not acceptable. Responses must be submitted by email in electronic form in MS Word 98 or higher format or PDF format. All responses must conform to 8.5 x 11 inch pages, with font no smaller than 12 point. If respondents wish to include proprietary or competition sensitive data, they must request additional directions from the primary POC, Lt Jason Bolger. This synopsis is for planning purposes only; any information submitted by respondents to this synopsis is strictly voluntary. Additional questions to the Government may be included under separate cover; the Government reserves the right to not respond to all questions but will make an effort to respond to questions. All questions will be considered in future program-planning efforts. This synopsis does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or an Invitation for Bids (IFB), nor does its issuance restrict the Government as to its ultimate acquisition approach. 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 the Sources Sought request. In addition, the Government is interested in receiving industry views regarding the ongoing Government acquisition planning efforts. The Government intends to post draft and planning documents in the GPS Bidders Library as they become available to allow industry to view and make comments. Parties need to register with the GPS Bidder's Library, to obtain access. Please submit a request to obtain access listing all of the individuals requiring access, and justification for access, and all contact information inclusive of email address to: Lt Jason Bolger Program Manager, GPS Space Atomic Frequency Standard, 2420 Vela Way, Suite 1467, El Segundo, CA, 90245, Phone: 310-363-2937, Fax: 310-363-6487, Email: Jason.Bolger@losangeles.af.mil.