E-2C Hawkeye 2000 AN/ARQ-34A HF Radio Communications Set and Associated Equipment Replacement (Request For Information (RFI))

This announcement constitutes a Request for Information (RFI). This is NOT a Request for Proposal. The intent of this RFI is to assist the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in conducting market research to identify potential sources of Communications Systems to replace the existing AN/ARQ-34A HF Radio Communications Set and associated equipment in the E-2C Hawkeye 2000 aircraft. The replacement HF Radio Communications Set should satisfy the legacy system operational modes and requirements stated in this RFI. Strong consideration will be given to the replacement set that will satisfy the potential upgrades requirements stated in this RFI as well. Legacy System Components: The current ARQ-34A HF radio consists of the following: - Antenna Coupler - Radio Set Control - Radio RCV/XMTRR - Amplifier Power Assembly - Band Pass Filter - Data Terminal Set Electrical Equipment Rack - Control Converter Associated equipment consists of: - HF Volume Control - Control Indicator - Low Pass Filter - Fixed Wire Antenna The control indicator and low pass filter are Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) all other components are Contractor Furnished Equipment (CFE). Configuration Options: Replacement options requested are for three configurations: 1) ARQ-34A direct replacement for complete system 2) ARQ-34A direct system replacement without antenna (50 ohm input impedance) 3) Fixed Wire Antenna replacement only (50 Ohm impedance matching) Operational Modes: Clear Voice Secure Voice Advance Narrow Band Digital Voice (ANDVT) Link 11 Operational Requirements: When used in conjunction with associated weapons replaceable assemblies (WRA'S), the HF radio provide a means of conducting two-way voice communication and Link 11 Data operation. Data operation and voice communication may be conducted at the same time, or the HF radios may be used for voice communication exclusively, at the sacrifice of HF radio data transmission and reception. The operational frequency range is between 2.0000 and 29.9999MHz. The HF radio may be operated on either the upper sideband (USB), lower sideband (LSB), or on both sidebands simultaneously. The latter mode of operation is known as the diversity (DIV) mode and is confined to Link 11 transmission and reception only. Potential Upgrades: Simultaneous secure voice and data transmit receive. Capable of supporting chat program links air, land operators in real time. Operation supports simultaneous operation of secure voice and chat/FTP/SIPR or Link 11 and chat/FTP/SIPR. Options to achieve additional performance can include but are not limited to additional channels, or the addition of a separate radio. Capable of supporting automatic tuning (ALE) functionality. Facilities requirements: Power available is 400 Hz three phase and 28 VDC. RFI Responses: Responses to this RFI are requested by 7 November 2008 and should include: 1. A summary of the performance capabilities of the proposed replacement HF Radios and associated equipment. 2. A physical description of the HF Radio replacement and equipment (size, weight, power requirements, etc.) 2. A ROM estimate of the HF Radio unit costs. 3. Any other information at vendor discretion, but limited to five 8 by 11 pages. Written responses to this announcement can be submitted to: Mr. Matthew Pruitt NAVAIRSYSCOM NAVAIR Contracts 2.2.2.2.4 47123 Buse Road, Suite 453 Patuxent River, MD 20670 Matthew.Pruitt@navy.mil