Request for Information (RFI) - Direction Finding (DF) Electronics Package DUE: 27 AUG 2015 The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic (SSC-LANT), Code 56220 is seeking information about commercial off-the-shelf (COTS), Direction Finding (DF) electronic packages for a tactical maritime platform. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific (SSC-PAC) has developed a low RCS, ultra-wideband, low profile DF antenna. The purpose of this RFI is to identify an appropriate electronics and processing package to integrate with the SSC-PAC antenna, perform the DF calculations, and provide results. Smaller, lower power options are preferred, but larger options will be considered if accuracy and capability requirements are exceeded with limited required calibration. The SSC-PAC passive antenna uses an 8-element Hybrid Tapered Slot Array (TSA) for VHF to Ku Band. The eight antenna elements are placed in a circular pattern, equidistant from each other. The antenna also provides a separate Omni Monopole element for use as a reference for VHF to Ku Band. For a block diagram of the antenna, please see RFI attachment, ANTENNA SYSTEM DESIGN REV 1.pdf. SSC-LANT is interested in information on systems currently available or easily adaptable for integration with this low RCS DF antenna. Vendors must be able to demonstrate that the proposed systems operational capability satisfies as many of the listed requirements as possible. Test location, environment, and conditions are at the discretion of SSC-LANT. Solutions that satisfy only part of the listed requirements will be considered if a plan to meet the entire requirement is proposed. 1.1. Responses must include: 1. Current TRL level. 2. Availability. 3. Cost. 4. Lead Time. 5. Availability of demonstration unit to expedite the decision making process. 6. Calibration requirements and process. Please provide details on how often calibration must be performed (e.g. per boat, per platform, each time after install, or one time calibration for all systems). Also provide number of frequencies required for accurate calculations and estimated accuracy provided. 7. Proposed solution (e.g. N-Channel, Commutative). 8. Expected Noise Figure (NF). 9. Tune Time/Speed. 10. Settling Time. 11. Dynamic Range. 12. Supported Modulation formats. 13. Sensitivity (Minimum SNR) and supported bandwidths. 14. Response Time from received tip command to results return, including tune, settle, and DF calculation. 15. Flexibility or capability to introduce block filters. 16. Accepted GPS and time reference input formats. 17. Additional requirements (e.g. Phase matched antennas, additional inputs, or additional filters/LNAs) 18. Current environmental and EMI/EMC specifications. Please reference any MIL-STD-810G or MIL-STD-461E testing completed. 19. Size, Weight, and Power requirements. 1.2. Requirements for DF Electronics Package: 1. Technical readiness level (TRL) 7 or higher. Lower TRL levels are acceptable if a well-defined roadmap to a higher TRL level is provided. 2. Frequency Range: Threshold from 30 MHz to 3000 MHz, Objective of 2 MHz to 18000 MHz. 3. DF Resolution: Less than or equal to 1 degree. 4. Expected RMS Accuracy: Less than or equal to 5 degrees. 5. Power Input: Support power of 10-36 VDC and 110-240 VAC at 48-63 Hz. Adapters acceptable. 6. Power Consumption: Not to exceed 100 Watts when fully operational. 7. Size: Not to exceed 5U in standard 19 inch rack. 8. Weight: Not to exceed 50 lbs. 9. GPS: Capable of accepting external GPS and time synchronization inputs. 10. Modulations: Minimally support CW, SSB, Narrowband FM, Wideband FM, AM, and PM. 11. Interfaces: Provide a port (Ethernet preferred, but USB or RS-232 is acceptable) to interface command and control and provide data output. 12. API: API is required to directly interface and control the electronics package. 12a. API: Receiving DF tip commands from external source. 12b. API: Provide LOB results, frequency, timestamp, confidence factor, signal strength (or SNR), and position. 13. BIT: Provide BIT status and corresponding error codes down to component or receiver level. 14. Connectors: Non-proprietary and positive locking. 15. Memory: Capable of sanitization by removing memory. Letter of volatility will be required. 16. Noise Figure: Not to exceed 10dB. Review of this information is being performed by SSC-LANT Code 56220, which aims to conduct objective comparative assessments and validations of commercial Direction Finding (DF) Electronics Package to determine if the solution meets the Governments requirements. All information received will be treated as public knowledge and may be used in SSC-LANT documentation; therefore, vendors should not submit proprietary information in response to this RFI. Specific information sought includes: 1. Company information, including name, address, URL, revenue, and number of employees. 2. Whether the company is a manufacturer or distributor. 3. A point of contact for follow-up information, and the point of contacts phone number and e-mail address. 4. Product name and a description of features. 5. Cost information such as purchase price and General Services Administration (GSA) schedule information. The submitted information will be evaluated for inclusion in SSC-LANT projects. If a SSC-LANT project requiring this type of equipment is executed, the equipment selection will be based upon a number of factors, including responder surveys and focus group inputs. Consequently, follow-up requests for feedback should not be made through Federal Business Opportunities posting agency. Vendors may be contacted following submission for more detailed product information. Submittals Respondents are required to submit complete product information that demonstrates the specifications identified above. This same announcement is located on SSC LANT'S e-commerce web site: https://e-commerce.sscno.nmci.navy.mil. If you encounter issues regarding access to the website, please contact the webmaster. The technical point of contact is Carel Peacock at
contact@example.gov. If contacted ensure Direction Finding (DF) Electronics Package is in the subject line. This RFI is for information gathering and planning purposes only, and should not be construed as a Request for Proposal (RFP) or solicitation of an offer. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or otherwise pay for the information solicited. Submission of vendor information constitutes consent to publication of that information in SSC-LANT documentation. E-mail your non-technical contract related questions to the Contracting Officer at
contact@example.gov. Submissions are to be e-mailed to the technical point of contact at
contact@example.gov and are due by noon (EDT) on 27 AUG 2015.
