Data Communications Equipment (DCE) Modernization Kits Request for Information (RFI)

1. Background The purpose of the Airport Surveillance Radar - Model 9 (ASR-9) is to enhance the safety of air travel through timely detection and reporting of aircraft positions within 60 nautical miles of radars located near airports terminal approach and departure zones. Data from ASR-9 is provided to automation systems and used by air traffic controllers to provide positive indication of aircraft within terminal airspace (the airspace surrounding a major airport). Each ASR-9 system has two distinct sites. The first, the local site, houses the radar equipment, including the antenna and transmitter. The second, the remote site, is located in the Terminal Radar Approach Control Facilities (TRACONs) and is used to distribute data to end users. The ASR-9 system uses Racal-Milgo modems and an ANS 185 Switch to send surveillance, weather, and system control and monitoring data between the local radar site and the remote site. Failure of more than one modem will reduce radar performance, which could cause a full outage of primary radar, beacon, and weather data. The Racal-Milgo modems and ANS 185 Switch are obsolete and are anticipated to run out of stock within the next five years. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking a contractor to provide key elements of a modernized ASR-9 communications subsystem to replace the legacy ASR-9 communications subsystem that contains the Racal-Milgo modem, ANS 185 Switch, and other ancillary parts. The scope of this DCE Modernization effort consists of acquiring, assembling, and packing parts into kits. A - kit is defined as an assembly consisting of multiple parts that, when grouped together, meet specific physical, functional and performance parameters. Each kit constitutes a portion of the overall DCE modernization configuration that will be installed at each ASR-9 site. The DCE Modernization Kits consist of the following: Local Kit Remote Kit Subrack Kit Local Wiring Kit Remote Wiring Kit 2. Objective The purpose of this RFI is to solicit statements of capability from qualified businesses that possess the necessary capabilities to fulfill this agency requirement. Additionally, this RFI releases a draft DCE Modernization Statement of Work (SOW) in addition to draft Sections D (Packaging, Packing and Marking), E (Inspection and Acceptance), F (Deliveries or Performance), and J (Attachments) as aids to industry to gain insight into this planned procurement. This is an effort to promote open communication with industry in order to improve the quality of the subsequent Screening Information Request/Request for Offer (SIR/RFO).