Coherent Source Sonobuoy

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), Air Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Systems Program Office (PMA-264) located in Patuxent River, MD is issuing this Sources Sought as a means of conducting market research to identify potential business sources that: 1) Have the resources, potential production capabilities, and relevant experience to produce a coherent source sonobuoy used in the US Navy ASW Multi-static Active Coherent (MAC) program. 2) Can meet the minimum source levels and Global Positioning System (GPS) capabilities required by the ASW MAC coherent source Performance Sonobuoy Specification (PSS). 3) Have performance enhancements (i.e. frequency diversity, High Duty Cycle) that will increase the probability of detection and decrease operator workload. 4) Can provide delivery of prototypes, production representative models and full rate production sonobuoys that will support US Navy Fleet requirements. 5) Can ramp up manufacturing to deliver up to 15,000 units per year. 6) May have independent prototypes, technologies, or capabilities for coherent source sonobuoys. The MAC program is designed to conduct wide area search, clearance, and battle group screening missions for the US Navy Combatant Commanders, and to enable transition of subsurface detections to localization and target prosecutions. The MAC system is composed of three major airborne subsystems: the AN/SSQ-125 source sonobuoy, the AN/SSQ-101 Air Deployable Active Receiver (ADAR) sonobuoy, and the MAC processing software embedded in the P-3C and P-8A aircraft. The source sonobuoy produces high decibel level coherent pulses. Returns from the coherent sound are received by the SSQ-101 and transmitted to the aircraft for echo location processing. Production sonobuoys are built to performance specifications to ensure compatibility with existing and future ASW systems. Sonobuoys are required to meet general performance requirements such as: reliability, service conditions, electrical, mechanical, acoustic, safety, environmental, product assurance, packaging, marking, and operating requirements. The sonobuoy shall be capable of being launched from any platform capable of launching "A" sized sonobuoys. Key performance parameters are defined by the PSS, which reflects minimum and desired program requirements. NAVAIR will provide interested parties with the PSS upon request. This notice is being used for the purpose of determining market interest, availability and adequacy of potential business sources prior to establishing the method of acquisition and issuance of a Request for Proposal, including the use of any appropriate small business programs. All interested businesses are encouraged to respond. The Government is not obligated to, and will not pay for any information received from potential sources as a result of this Sources Sought notice. No funds are available to pay for preparation of responses to this announcement. Any information submitted by respondents to this Sources Sought is strictly voluntary. This notice is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for bid or proposals, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. The information provided herein is subject to change and in no way binds the Government to solicit for or award a contract. It is the offeror's responsibility to monitor the Federal Business Opportunities website located at http://www.fbo.gov for the release of any follow-on information. The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to this procurement is 334511 with a small business size standard of 750 employees. The applicable Federal Supply Code (FSC) is 5845. SUBMISSION CONTENT: Written responses are requested to be no more than 25 single-spaced, 8.5 x 11 inch pages using 12 point Times New Roman font minimum. If the material provided contains proprietary information, please mark accordingly and provide disposition instructions (submitted data will not be returned). Classified material shall not be transmitted without prior coordination. The Government will make such arrangements as needed; please contact the below for additional information. The response should include, but is not limited to, the following: a) A one page company profile to include Company name, address, point of contact (including telephone number and email address), Small Business Administration (SBA) business size classification (i.e. large, small, small disadvantaged, service disabled, veteran owned, HUB Zone, etc.), number of employees, Cage Code, DUNS number, NAICS Code, major products, primary customer base, statement on whether your interest in this sources sought is for the purpose of becoming the prime offeror or to inquire about subcontracting possibilities, and points of contact who are able to discuss the material submitted. b) A description of your company's past experience and performance on similar production contracts and/or relevant development efforts. Include whether CPARS ratings are available. This description should address current and prior experiences. c) A description of any existing coherent source sonobuoy designs or prototypes. Include calculated or observed performance parameters and any applicable test results. Include a description of any additional capabilities or performance your design may provide beyond what is identified in the PSS believed to enhance the sonobuoy ability to support the accomplishment of the ASW mission. d) Provide a statement on the ability to deliver 200 prototype units, on a time-phased schedule, for Government qualification testing upon contract award. Also provide a description of how your company would likely stand-up a production facility to manufacture and deliver up to 15,000 sonobuoys per year. e) An outline of your company's supply chain management and purchasing systems currently, or potentially, capable of supporting this production requirement. Include information on major subcontractors or suppliers to be used. f) Provide a description of perceived risk or challenge areas that may require government assistance or support in order to achieve a qualified design and production capability. g) Identify any industry certifications currently held, i.e. ISO9001:2000, SAE-AS9100, etc., to support your ability to meet the objectives being requested. h) Any other information your company deems necessary to aid the Government in refining its acquisition strategy and assessing your company's capability. SUBMISSION INFORMATION: Interested offerors shall respond to no later than 10:00 AM (Eastern) on 31 March 2015. All interested offerors must be registered in Central Contractor Registry (CCR) to be eligible for award of Government contracts. Feedback will be provided for the responses to this Sources Sought. Interested offerors may mail, fax, or email responses; EMAIL (Less than 12 MB) IS THE PREFERRED METHOD FOR SUBMITTING RESPONSES TO THIS SOURCE SOUGHT NOTICE. Electronic responses shall be submitted in Microsoft Word and/or Microsoft Excel format, or Portable Document Format (PDF). Submit responses to the following: john.gyorda@navy.mil, Contract Specialist, NAVAIR.