A -- Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers for Space Applications (TWTA)

NOTICE OF CONTRACT ACTION FOR Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers for Space Applications. Under the authority of Title III of the Defense Production Act (DPA) (50 U.S.C. App. Section 2061 et seq.), the Title III Program Office, Air Force Research Laboratory, Manufacturing Technology Division (AFRL/MLM) is contemplating a procurement to create a domestic, merchant K-band (18-21.2 GHz, sometimes also referred to as Ka-band) TWTA production capacity in order to meet the future defense requirements for satellite communications links. The government intends to release a solicitation for these requirements on a Sole Source basis per FAR 6.302-1(a)(1), "Only One Responsible Source." The government contemplates the award of a contract or an assistant instrument (with cost share) for this requirement to L-3 Communication's Electron Technology Inc. division, based on their status as the sole domestic manufacturing source for space-qualified TWTAs. L-3 has demonstrated technology and manufacturing readiness levels for K-band TWT/TWTAs that prepare them for immediate production scale-up. The period of performance for the procurement is anticipated to be 36 months. Additional phases may be awarded based on future funding availability. A description of the task is as follows: Establish a viable business as a domestic, merchant supplier of space-qualified TWTs and TWTAs with greater than 100W power in the 18-21.2 GHz frequency range. Interested parties must demonstrate that they meet all requirements as follows: domestic producer (For the purposes of this contract, the Government defines a domestic producer as a production source which manufactures, supplies, and supports the use of its products by customers who represent end users independent of either internal or sister organizations. In light of this requirement, a Title III domestic producer of space-qualified TWTAs may not, as a matter of policy, place restrictions or limitations on which customers may buy or how they may subsequently use its products.) as defined by the DPA; merchant producer (A merchant producer is defined as the ability to establish acceptance and credibility among potential customers of products within the Production Technology Partnership topic. Demonstrated commitment to being a merchant supplier (willingness to sell to all prospective industrial and military customers, as opposed to exclusively "captive" or internal customers.) as defined by the Government; completed design development for the proposed device; technology and manufacturing readiness levels that prepare the manufacturer for production scale-up; capability to produce like products for space applications; confirmable space heritage of their existing product portfolio. Offerors who are capable of providing the services stated above shall fully identify their interest and submit, in writing, information documenting their qualifications and capabilities to meet the requirements stated above within 15 days after publication of this synopsis. Inquiries pertaining to this acquisition should be addressed to Mr. Norm Willis, (937) 656-7197, or Ms. Laura Ortiz, (937) 656-9883, AFRL/PKMD, 2310 Eighth Street, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7801. Only one responsible source per capability of interest and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements as per the authority under 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1). All responsible sources may submit information, which shall be considered by the agency. Any information received for this Notice of Contract Action will be used solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. See Numbered Note 22. Other business opportunities for the Air Force Research Laboratory are also available at www.fedbizopps.gov and at http://www.afrl.af.mil/contract/default.htm. Direct questions to the Contracting points of contact or Program Manager identified in the announcement.