Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) - Cellular over the Horizon Enforcement Network Tactical long range communications network

Synopsis: The Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be hosting an unclassified Pre-Solicitation Conference (Industry Day) for interested vendors on February 8th 2012 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (EST). The Industry Day is intended to inform industry of program requirements for the operation of the Cellular over the Horizon Enforcement Network (COTHEN), the competition timeline, and to provide a Question & Answer opportunity. CBP developed, purchased and deployed the "High Frequency" COTHEN communications radio network in order to meet CBP's tactical long-range radio communications requirements. This national/international network is comprised of land-based, fixed station transceiver systems, remote command and control systems, marine mobile systems, airborne mobile systems, transportable transceiver systems and many special purpose ancillary systems controlled by cellular switching technology. Each system that comprises COTHEN is specifically designed to support tactical law enforcement officers. The network is completely frequency adaptive and employs voice type 1-3 encryption. COTHEN is a primary means of long-range communications for many agencies and therefore it is critical that dedicated program management and conscientious users maintain network integrity. The network has been refreshed and modernized in the last two (2) years. The center of the network is the Technical Service Center (TSC). The TSC is manned 24/7 to support field users in their communication requirements, tactical, emergency or disaster response such as Hurricane Katrina. The COTHEN program has been operational for 26 years. The program has grown to support the Department of Homeland Security and a host of other Federal agencies. Currently COTHEN supports Air and Marine platforms and field offices and continued growth is anticipated. A complete description of program support requirements is delineated in the attached Statement of Work. Note: This announcement is not a "bidder's conference" and this announcement is not a contract, request for proposal, a promise to contract, or a commitment of any kind on the part of the Government. CBP will not assume liability for costs incurred by an attendee or for travel expenses or marketing efforts; therefore, attendee cost in response to this notice is not considered an allowable direct charge to the Government. All registered participants are asked to submit proposed questions in advance of Industry Day. Questions must be received by the below listed point of contact no later than 12:00 PM (EST) January 24, 2012. Questions will be answered in a public forum during Industry Day. Vendor's names will be redacted from the questions. Interested vendors must register for Industry Day no later than 4 PM (EST) February 1, 2012. Interested vendors must provide the following information for registration: Business Name Number of individuals attending Due to space limitations, no more than three (3) attendees per vendor are allowed. Names of individuals attending Contract information for each individual, phone number and email address Vendors may contact the following to register and to submit questions: Primary Point of Contact: Joe Guitard Email: contact@example.gov Phone: +1 (555) 000-0000 Secondary Point of Contact: Ike Dixon Email: gayle.dixon@cbp,dhs.gov Phone: +1 (555) 000-0000 Contract Specialist: Rex F. Rodwell Email: contact@example.gov Phone: +1 (555) 000-0000 Contracting Office Address: Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection 6650 Telecom Dr, Ste 300 Indianapolis, IN. 46278