ALEP Block 2 Low Rate Initial Production/Full Rate Production

This is a sources sought synopsis announcement; a market survey for information only. This is not a solicitation for proposals and no contract will be awarded from this synopsis. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this synopsis or any follow-up information requests. The purpose of this synopsis is to gain knowledge of potentially qualified sources; please do not request a copy of a solicitation, as one does not exist. The objective of the Aircrew Laser Eye Protection (ALEP) Block 2 program is to develop, manufacture, test, field, and sustain a laser eye protection system for aircrew members. Block 2 ALEP will provide protection against laser devices/systems in combat and training situations while minimizing visual acuity degradation and will be compatible with current Aircrew Flight Equipment (AFE). Block 2 is highly specialized equipment in that it incorporates state-of-the-art filter and dye elements. The Block 2 System must provide laser protection as well as visual performance for day and night operations and also be compatible with the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) and Joint Service Aircrew Mask (JSAM) systems. The Block 2 System may not consist of more than three separate variants. The Block 2 Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP)/ Full Rate Production (FRP) will transition the Block 2 System into the final phase of production. This effort shall include all management and technical support, quality assurance, planning, material and production support and facilities to build and deliver approximately 9100 production units. Block 2 Performance Specifications are classified and requests must be submitted to the Contracting Officer along with evidence of the required facility and personnel security clearances at or above the secret level. This Block 2 FRP will be a production effort only; no developmental efforts will be considered. Vendor/Manufacturer Qualification Requirements: Due to the complexity and criticality of this requirement, only manufacturers that have successfully completed all testing required by the original company responsible for the design, or manufacturers that have successfully completed all testing on items determined by the Government to be similar in complexity and criticality, can be considered approved sources for this item. The vendor's LEP device shall satisfy and meet all thresholds contained in the ALEP Block 2 Performance Specifications which includes laser protection, optical qualities, visual performance, durability, and environmental requirements. The vendor shall provide test data that demonstrates Physical Compatibility with the aircrew population for frame compatibility (form/fit/function) with flight equipment (helmet, oxygen masks, headsets, visors, etc.), JHMCS, and JSAM. The vendor shall provide test data that demonstrates Visual Compatibility for in-cockpit and out-of-cockpit environments for United States Air Force (USAF) transport, fighter, and rotary wing aircraft. The vendor shall provide results of Ground Evaluations to verify the maintenance concept, fitting procedures, and in-cockpit pre-flight checks. The vendor shall provide results of Operational Tests with a variety of USAF transport, fighter, and rotary wing aircraft. The vendor shall provide results of Flight Evaluations to verify operational safety, suitability, and effectiveness with USAF transport, fighter, and rotary wing aircraft. The vendor shall demonstrate production capability by fabricating and providing a minimum of 30 production representative devices with statistical process control (SPC) data (i.e. yields, control charts, Pareto analyses) which verifies the production processes are sufficiently mature, stable and in control for FRP. The vendor shall provide data that confirms the Block 2 ALEP product is affordable and readily producible. Current qualified source is: Teledyne Scientific & Imaging. Proposed delivery of LRIP totals 470 units and is to commence four months after receipt of modification for a three month period. Proposed delivery of FRP totals 8500 with a minimum of 150 units per month. A proposed period of performance is approximately 57 months. Ship/To: A total of 50 USAF CONUS and OCONUS locations in shipments of approximately 50 units each. Inspection & Acceptance at Source; FOB Destination. The Government is seeking interested firms to furnish the following information: (1) Company name, address, point of contact, telephone number and e-mail address. (2) Business size (if 8(a) provide proof of certification, etc) under North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 541712. (3) Under which NAICS does your company usually provide supplies identified above? Do you consider a NAICS code other than 541712 to be more appropriate as a classification for the supplies identified above? Please include the rationale for your answer. (4) Which of the following would you see as your role in the performance of a potential requirement of this nature? (a) Prime Contractor; (b) Subcontractor; or (c) Other, and please describe. (5) Are you willing to provide data rights, if so, at what level? (6) Provide no more than three (3) references for no more than three (3) of the most recent and relevant contracts performed within the last three (3) years. Include name, address, telephone number and e-mail address of references. Also, provide a brief description of the work performed, and period of performance. Information on contracts must be the same or similar to the nature of this inquiry. Information submitted will be used for planning purposes. Responses should be sent to 77 AESG/TAAH (attn: Capt Bryan Howard), 7980 Lindbergh Landing, Brooks-City Base, TX 78235-5119. The response should include one paper copy and an electronic copy. This is a sources sought synopsis. This is not a request for proposal, and in no way commits the Government to an award of a contract. Reimbursement of any cost regarding the preparation of proposals or bids will not be made. Questions should be directed to Capt Bryan Howard, 77 AESG/TAAH, Program Manager (email: bryan.howard@brooks.af.mil). Secondary point of contact is Joanna Cox,77 AESG/PSK (joanna.cox.ctr@brooks.af.mil).