Integration of a Wireless Intercom System in the HC/MC/AC-130J aircraft

52.215-3 -- Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes. This is a Request for Information (RFI) in accordance with FAR 52.215-3 -- Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes (a) The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this solicitation or to otherwise pay for the information solicited except as an allowable cost under other contracts as provided in subsection 31.205-18, Bid and proposal costs, of the Federal Acquisition Regulation. (b) Although "proposal" and "offeror" are used in this Request for Information, your response will be treated as information only. It shall not be used as a proposal. Integration of a Wireless Intercom System for ground/air operations in the HC/MC/AC-130J aircraft Background: The Government is market research to identify possible sources that may possess the expertise and capabilities to provide a fully developed Wireless Intercom System in the HC/MC/AC-130J aircraft. The intercom will be used during ground, maintenance, and air operations. Key requirements that potential intercom systems shall operate under are: Coverage Communication 1) Operate in a 500 foot radius around the aircraft 2) The system shall be encrypted and must have a National Security Agency (NSA) certification up to the SECRET level 3) Electro-magnetic interference/electromagnetic compatible (EMI/EMC) with existing aircraft systems; 4) Shall connect up to a minimum of eight crewmembers 5) Shall be intelligible in a high noise environment approximately 85db. 6) Shall be explosion proof on all models of the aircraft 7) System shall be compatible with the all HC/MC/AC-130J head set interface units Human Interface 1) Attach without restrictions to aircrew style flight suits 2) Controls must be simple to access; with easy recognition of which mode/net the radio is operating on 3) Ruggedized casing to ensure survivability in aircraft type environments 4) Voice activated required for the AC-130J, and an objective for the HC/MC-130J Interoperability 1) Shall connect to existing aircraft Integrated Communications System (ICS) with the option available for a private net for Loadmaster usage and crew members on the AC-130J 2) Shall allow the Loadmasters/Rear crew members to communicate without interference during all onboard mission scenarios. Net Ready 1) Software and firmware shall support Personnel Recovery (PR) operations and effectively exchange communications between PR operations, and between PR Triad members. System should be able to communicate to all TRIAD members who are wearing a wireless box. The system connects to the IP system, therefore the loadmaster can select to transmit on HF, UHF, and other bands to communicate via that interface to other TRIAD members using those radios. 2) Software shall be programmable and upgradeable. Requirement The total requirement may be for the purchase of up to 131 Wireless Intercom systems, including spare parts, to support operational use for up to 2 years (quantity to be determined). Initial delivery of approximately 14 systems would be required no later than 12 months from the date of contract award. Options may be requested through approximately 2026 to cover the full 131 aircraft in service. Your response must address your company's capability to meet the Wireless Intercom technical requirements, manufacturing schedule, and production/support capabilities and meeting the parameters above. If after reviewing this information you desire to participate by responding to this RFI, you should provide documentation that supports your company's ability to provide an off the shelf intercom system that meets these requirements. Failure to provide adequate documentation will inhibit the government's assessment of your capabilities. Both large and small businesses are encouraged to participate. Joint ventures or teaming arrangements are permissible. Please provide the following business information for your company, institution, or for any teaming or joint venture partners: Company Name; Address; Point of Contact; CAGE Code; Phone Number; E-mail Address; Web Page URL; and Size of business pursuant to (NAICS) Code. Based on the above NAICS Code, state whether your company is: Small Business (Yes / No); Woman Owned Small Business (Yes / No); Small Disadvantaged Business (Yes / No); 8(a) Certified (Yes / No); HUBZone Certified (Yes / No); Veteran Owned Small Business (Yes / No); Service Disabled Small Business (Yes / No); System for Award Management (SAM) (Yes / No). Include a statement as to whether your company is domestically or foreign owned (if foreign, please indicate the country of ownership). Response to this notice shall consist of a short (10 pages or less) initial White Paper response describing your ability to produce a wireless intercom system. The White Paper shall include the following details: (1) General statement of your company's capability and capacity to manufacture a wireless intercom system and the number requested; (2) Brief explanation of your experience in manufacture of wireless intercom or equal radio system; (3) Estimated production cost for each intercom system; (4) Approximate lead-time for your product; (5) System capabilities/specification as related to the stated requirements and additional data as you find appropriate. Response should be in an electronic format that is compatible with Microsoft Windows and Office 2010 and a duplicate paper copy. The data can be submitted on CD-R/DVD-R along with a paper copy. The CD should be provided to Ms. Katherine Hamblin at the address below not later than 18 Nov 2016. Questions should be submitted to Ms. Katherine Hamblin at katherine.hamblin@us.af.mil and Richard Saltsman at richard.saltsman@us.af.mil. The CD/DVD, cover label, and paper copy shall be marked "Proprietary/Competition Sensitive Information." Proprietary/competition sensitive information will be protected from disclosure. No classified information should be included in contractor submittals. This is a request for information only and is not a solicitation for offers. This notice is issued for market research purposes and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or commitment to issue an RFP; however, the Government reserves the right to issue a solicitation based upon its needs and the results obtained from this RFI. The government will not reimburse participants for any expenses associated with the information provided in response to this RFI. Acknowledgment of receipt will not be made. Submittals will not be returned to the sender. The level of security clearance and amount of foreign participation in this requirement has not been determined. Contracting Office Address: Department of the Air Force, AFMC/AFLCMC/WISK 1895 5th Street, Building 46 Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, 45433-7218, UNITED STATES Point of Contact(s): Direct all requests and routine correspondence to the contracting office listed below: Katherine Hamblin, Contracting Officer, Email katherine.hamblin@us.af.mil