C-Band Telemetry Tracking Antennas

Request for Information (RFI) C-BAND TELEMETRY TRACKING ANTENNAS Schedule: Closing Date: 28 August 2008 Scope: The Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC) is seeking information from the public on Auto-Track Telemetry Antenna Systems that cover the L (1435-1525 MHz), Upper L (1755-1850 MHz), S (2200-2395 MHz), Low C (4400-4940 MHz) and Mid C (5091-5150 MHz) frequency bands. The AFFTC requests product information from vendors who have experience building new systems and modifying existing systems to provide simultaneous reception in all the above mentioned bands with auto-track capability in any band. New systems and modified systems would be in the 4 Foot diameter to 5 Meter diameter size class and include both fixed and mobile applications. Removal and reinstallation of these systems would be accomplished by the vendor. One approach would be to modify existing systems requiring the vendor to reutilize major system components such as the TCS ACU-M1 Antenna Control Unit, TCS Pedestal Interface Unit and TCS L/S-Band Feed Assembly, all of which are relatively new and in good condition with plenty of service life remaining. The above mentioned ACU and PIU units are proprietary to TCS, Inc., resulting in this approach being sole sourced to TCS, Inc. The vendor must possess the ability to perform these modifications without the need for Government furnished technical data. The vendor would be required to provide complete documentation, training, spare parts, warranty and repair services for the new systems and modified systems. The AFFTC is seeking potential vendors that have experience building new systems and modifying existing systems to provide the above mentioned capabilities. Those firms interested in the above requirements are requested to provide the following: 1. Detailed technical description of your C-Band Telemetry Tracking Antennas to include specifications 2. If proposing a modification of existing antennas, your approach considering the proprietary equipment involved 3. Availability and delivery timeframe 4. Per-unit cost 5. Past performance history in providing these units 6. Business size (i.e. small, large, disadvantaged) 7. Subcontracting issues 8. Commercial or Non-Commercial RFI Purpose and Limitations: The Government's intention is to better understand the current state-of-the-art and to determine the best acquisition approach. Industry feedback is vitally important and the Government will be receptive to any and all ideas received from industry. This RFI is an expression of the Government's interest only and does not obligate the Government to pay for the requested information nor respond to any submissions. Proprietary information is not being solicited; however, if it is submitted, it should be appropriately marked. It may include attachments that consist of pre-printed commercial brochures or sales literature. Electronic submissions are strongly encouraged. All information provided will be protected as Procurement Sensitive per Federal Acquisition Regulation 3.104. Electronic responses shall be in MS Word or Adobe PDF format. Information must be received no later than 4:00PM Pacific Time on 28 August 2008. For technical questions regarding this notice, contact Bob Selbrede at (661) 277-1179 or robert.selbrede.ctr@edwards.af.mil. For contracting questions, contact Vanessa Shannon at (661) 277-0760 or vanessa.shannon@edwards.af.mil.