Industry Day for potential Benchtop Reconfigurable Automatic Tester (BRAT) requirements

Solicitation Number: FA8535-09-BRAT-0001 Notice Type: Special Notice Synopsis: Industry Day Announcement FA8535-09-BRAT-0001 Performance Based Logistics Benchtop Reconfigurable Automatic Tester In order to expand upon our market research efforts and further define/develop our potential requirements regarding the Benchtop Reconfigurable Automatic Tester (BRAT), an Industry Day will be hosted at Robins AFB, GA, on 28 January 2009 with optional one-on-one discussions on 29 January 2009. The Government anticipates awarding a Performance Based Logistics (PBL) contract in support of the BRAT which will provide user defined tester availability and support to the warfighter while sustaining existing test capabilities. The proposed acquisition strategy will potentially include a three year basic contract with the possibility of two or more award term periods of one year each. Market research to date indicates this will be a small business set-aside. The BRAT is a collection of Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) instruments and components installed in a multi-bay chassis. It supports the E-3, E-8, RC-135, C-5 and F-15 platforms utilizing approximately 300 test program sets (TPS). The current basic configuration of the BRAT has a core Analog/Digital test station and a Radio Frequency (RF) bay. Each system has a flexible architecture and Virtual Modular Equipment (VME) Extensions for Instrumentation (VXI) technology. Test stations have full self-test and calibration capability, technical data, software and software Application Development Environment (ADE). During Industry Day, interested sources will have the opportunity to contribute to requirement development and pose questions regarding the acquisition strategy as well as the DRAFT Performance-Based Work Statement (PBWS) which will be issued and added to this notice as soon as it becomes available. Industry representatives should be prepared to discuss appropriate best commercial practices for incorporation into the strategy in addition to execution risks and metrics associated with the PBWS. The potential contract will utilize performance-based metrics to evaluate performance and supportability of the testers. A discussion will be held regarding potential program risks and proposed source selection criteria. The Government intends to utilize a rigorous source selection process to ensure award is made to the source offering the best value to the Government. Of utmost importance is a demonstrated ability to sustain automatic test equipment (ATE) capabilities through a sound technical approach to 1) DMSS issues 2) technology insertion and 3) TPS compatibility (particularly in relation to interaction with the proprietary Test Executive Software) along with the ability to manage suppliers, maintain the supply chain, and provide expert counsel. The potential successful contractor must be capable of overcoming identified (and potential future) obsolescence issues within a short period of time from contract start date. Industry Day will begin at 0800 on 28 January 2009 at building 255 on Robins Air Force Base, GA. A complete agenda will be forthcoming and added to this notification. Times will be scheduled on 29 January 2009 for one-on-one discussions between contractors and the Government Integrated Product Team (IPT) as requested by those attending. Due to limited space within the facilities, we anticipate each contractor will be limited to three participants. Dependent upon industry response/participation, the Government may further limit the number of contractor participants. Reservations for Industry Day must be made starting 12 January 2009 and no later than 1200 EST on 22 January 2009. Please contact our Industry POC at Linda.Ralston@robins.af.mil for reservations and scheduling of one-on-one discussions. Contractors must identify the personnel who will attend with the following information: Name / Position / Phone / E-mail. Participation in Industry Day does not ensure participation in future solicitations or contract awards or that these events will result in the anticipated acquisition strategy. The government will not reimburse participants for any expenses associated with their participation. ** The DRAFT Performance Based Work Statement is now included with this announcement. An agenda for Industry Day is also included. 26 March 2009 Industry Day Announcement FA8535-09-BRAT-0001 Notes from Industry Day are now posted. Please direct any questions or comments to Ed Waller @ 478-327-3593 or Edwin.Waller@robins.af.mil. Please note BRAT is a registered trademark. ATTI is the owner of the mark BRAT and has registered this trademark with the US Patent and Trademark Office under Registration No 2,838,316. All future documents will reference this trademark.