Qualification of a Second Source for the AN/SPY-6 RF Head

9/21/2021: Amendment 0002 The Government is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) amendment for N00024-21-R-5505 for the qualification of a second source for the AN/SPY-6 RF Head in order to provide instructions and procedures to gain access to the additional Government Furnished Information (GFI) contained within the Bidder's Library for this RFI. The N00024-21-R-5505 for the qualification of a second source for the AN/SPY-6 RF Head will use the web-based NAVAL SYSTEMS ENGINEERING RESOURCE CENTER (NSERC) for the Bidder's Library. In addition to accessing the Bidder's Library information, the Government is considering the use of Other Transactions to pursue this effort. Please provide input into this notional approach by 1600 on Monday October 18, 2021 to the Contract Specialist, Thomas.d.williams220.civ@us.navy.mil, Contracting Officer, Melissa.b.ramirez2.civ@us.navy.mil, and Program Office Representative Scott Reed (Scott.p.reed12.civ@us.navy.mil). To obtain the Bidder's Library information, interested companies shall provide a current copy of their approved DD Form 2345, Military Critical Technical Data Agreement, verifying eligibility and authority to receive export-controlled information. In addition, interested companies must complete BOTH Terms of Use Agreements (Attachments 1A and 1B of this RFI) and the Classified Material Request form (Attachment 2 of this RFI). Interested companies that have already executed BOTH of the Terms of Use Agreements found under Attachments 1A and 1B may submit their current signed Terms of Use Agreements. Companies should assert in their requests that they have a Defense Security Service (DSS) issued SECRET facility clearance, providing for SECRET personnel clearances and SECRET safeguarding capability. The DD Form 2345, completed Terms of Use Agreements, and classified material request form shall be submitted via email to the Contract Specialist, Thomas.d.williams220.civ@us.navy.mil, and to the Contracting Officer, Melissa.b.ramirez2.civ@us.navy.mil. Upon verification and approval of properly completed Attachments 1A, 1B, and 2, interested companies will then complete the subsequent steps for up to TWO (2) members. Please submit the name(s), email address, phone number, and company address for these company members via email to Melissa B. Ramirez (melissa.b.ramirez2.civ@us.navy.mil), Thomas Williams (Thomas.d.williams220.civ@us.navy.mil) and Scott Reed (scott.p.reed12.civ@us.navy.mil). NSERC You will need either a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Certificate or a Common Access Card (CAC) to complete the remaining steps to access NSERC. Note: The Government will not sponsor Industry partner CACs. Industry partners who do not have a CAC will need to obtain a DoD Approved PKI Certificate. Please use the following URL to obtain a DoD approved certificate: http://iase.disa.mil/pki/eca/Pages/index.aspx. If the Offeror does not have an active NSERC account, follow the instructions provided in Attachment 4 - NSERC Instructions, starting at Step 1. Once submission is complete, please provide notification via email to Melissa B. Ramirez (melissa.b.ramirez2.civ@us.navy.mil), Thomas Williams (Thomas.d.williams220.civ@us.navy.mil) and Scott Reed (scott.p.reed12.civ@us.navy.mil). If you receive an error upon following Attachment 4, Step 1 to https://esgweb.nswc.navy.mil/accountrequest (e.g., - Page cannot be displayed), please complete and submit the STATIC FIREWALL RULE CHANGE REQUEST FORM provided in Attachment 4. If the Offeror does have an active NSERC account, follow the instructions provided in Attachment 4, starting at Step 17. Once submission is complete, please provide notification via email to Melissa B. Ramirez (melissa.b.ramirez2.civ@us.navy.mil), Thomas Williams (Thomas.d.williams220.civ@us.navy.mil) and Scott Reed (scott.p.reed12.civ@us.navy.mil). The Bidder's Library will be updated periodically. The Government will NOT issue updates to this notice every time the Bidder's Library is updated; therefore it is highly recommend that interested companies periodically check NSERC for updates. 3/11/2021: Amendment 0001 The Government is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) amendment for N00024-21-R-5505 for the qualification of a second source for the AN/SPY-6 RF Head in order to extend the response date and time for capability statements and to announce opportunities for virtual one-on-one sessions. One-on-One Sessions: The Government is hosting virtual one-on-one sessions to allow for interested Contractors to provide feedback regarding the qualification of a second source for the AN/SPY-6 RF Head. The one-on-one sessions are available on a first come first serve basis beginning Monday March 22, 2021 through Thursday March 25, 2021. Each session is limited to two (2) hours beginning at 0900 and concluding by 1500 each day. The one-on-one sessions will be UNCLASSIFIED and each interested Contractor is limited to eight (8) attendees. Interested Contractors should contact Thomas Williams, Contract Specialist, via e-mail at Thomas.D.Williams4@navy.mil no later than 1200 EST on March 17, 2021 and include the following information: Subject line: - N00024-21-R-5505 Qualification of a Second Source for the AN/SPY-6(V) RF Head One-On-One Discussions *Company name, attendees names, email addresses, phone numbers, and company address in the email response. *Three (3) requested dates and times The one-on-one sessions will be held virtually and an invite via Microsoft TEAMS will be sent from PCO, Melissa Ramirez. The Government anticipates high interest for this event. Day-of registrations will NOT be accepted. Media is not authorized to attend this event. Your registration must be approved to attend. Final notification for approval to attend this event will be made no later than the close of business on March 18, 2021. The Government plans to use selected support contractor personnel from DPM Consulting and Innovative Concepts Engineering to assist in providing Subject Matter technical expertise during the one-on-one sessions. These support contractors will be bound by appropriate nondisclosure agreements (NDA) to protect proprietary and source-selection information. Interested Contractors may wish to enter into non-disclosure agreements with DPM Consulting and/or Innovative Concepts Engineering. For DPM Consulting and/or Innovative Concepts Engineering contact information please contact Thomas Williams, Contract Specialist, via e-mail at Thomas.D.Williams4@navy.mil. This announcement is not a contract, request for proposal, a promise to contract, or a commitment of any kind on the part of the Government. NAVSEA does not assume liability for costs incurred by an attendee or for travel expenses or marketing efforts; therefore, attendee costs in response to this notice are not considered an allowable direct charge to the Government. ***End of Amendment 0001*** SECTION 1: SYNOPSIS This is a Request for Information (RFI) issued by the Department of the Navy, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), on behalf of the Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems Above Water Sensors directorate (PEO IWS 2.0). The Government is conducting market research seeking industry inputs and interest for the qualification of a second source for the AN/SPY-6 RF Head. The Government's planned procurement strategy is to award one contract for the qualification of a second source for the AN/SPY-6 RF Head. AN/SPY-6 radars are built upon common hardware line replaceable units (LRUs) using modular, open system principles. The RF Head is a two channel transmit/receive assembly within the Transmit/Receive Integrated Monolithic Module (TRIMM) LRU. In transmit mode, this assembly receives an input RF signal from an exciter and independently adjusts phase and gain as directed from control inputs provided by the next higher assembly. The signal exits the RF Head to propagate to the radiating elements. In receive mode, the assembly receives an RF input from the radiating elements and independently adjusts phase and gain as directed from next higher assembly control inputs. Three RF Heads are attached on the next higher assembly for a total of six transmit/receive channels per LRU. The requirements for the AN/SPY-6 RF Head is contained in the Technical Data Package (TDP), portions of which will be provided as Government Furnished Information (GFI) under this RFI. It is NAVSEA's intent to contract for the qualification of a second source for the AN/SPY-6 RF head under a new competitively awarded contract as soon as possible. SECTION 2: GENERAL INFORMATION Pursuant to FAR 52.215-3 this RFI is for planning purposes only and is issued solely for conducting market research in accordance with FAR Part 10. The Government will not reimburse respondents for any questions submitted or information provided as a result of this notice. This does NOT constitute a Request for Proposal. The Government is NOT seeking or accepting unsolicited proposals. This notice shall not be construed as a contract, a promise to contract, or a commitment of any kind by the Government. Specific responses will not disqualify or have an impact on participation and evaluation on future solicitations. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future solicitation. If a solicitation is issued in the future, it will be announced via BETA.SAM.GOV and interested parties must comply with that announcement. It is the responsibility of interested parties to monitor BETA.SAM.GOV for additional information pertaining to this requirement. Any small businesses that believe they can accomplish this entire requirement should indicate their small business status (see FAR Part 19) in their response. Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing via e-mail to the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer's email addresses. Questions shall not contain classified information and verbal questions will not be accepted. All questions that are submitted must be submitted using Attachment 3, Question Submittal Form, with the subject line: - AN/SPY-6 RF Head Question. SECTION 3: REQUIREMENTS OVERVIEW A brief overview of the notional AN/SPY-6 RF Head Second Sourcing requirements are provided as follows: Second source shall be a form fit function replacement of the current AN/SPY-6 RF Head. The Second Sourcing will include the development, testing, and delivery of a prototype and 12 initial units of the AN/SPY-6 RF Head. The following documentation will also be delivered: Level III Technical Data package, including but not limited to 3D models, schematics, parts lists, assembly drawings, source code, first article qualification test plans and procedures, test reports, and test data. SECTION 4: SUBMISSION OF RESPONSES Responses to this RFI should be submitted by 16 March 2021 14:00 EST via e-mail to Thomas Williams, Contract Specialist at Thomas.D.William4@navy.mil, Scott Reed at Scott.P.Reed1@navy.mil, and a copy to the Contracting Officer, Melissa Ramirez, melissa.b.ramirez@navy.mil. SECTION 4.1: CONTENT Companies responding to this RFI should provide a response not to exceed thirty (30) pages. Cover Sheet, Company Profile, Table of Contents, and List of Abbreviations and Acronyms are exempt from the page limit. A detailed proposal is not requested. Responses should indicate sufficient detail for assessment of potential contracting strategies and company interest; submissions should be organized as follows: Cover Sheet: RFI number and name, address, company, technical point of contact, with printed name, title, email address, telephone number, and date Table of Contents: Include a list of figures and tables with page numbers General response information List of abbreviations and acronyms Product line brochures, catalog excerpts, etc. may be submitted and referenced within the general capability statement and are exempt from the page limit. Responses should, at a minimum, address the following questions: What additional data beyond the GFI provided as part of this RFI, if any, is necessary to successfully complete the second source qualification for the AN/SPY-6 RF Head? What experience does your organization have in design/development of transmit/receive assemblies or technologies? What contract type and contract structure do you believe will work best to achieve the Government's goal of qualifying a second source for the AN/SPY-6 RF Head as soon as possible? How long does your organization estimate it would take to complete the notional scope of work contained in Section 3 of this RFI? What flexibility does your organization have in production processes to adjust/adapt to increasing/decreasing number of production units? If you are teaming, how would your organization manage subcontractors/teammates to ensure that the performance requirements are flowed correctly and met? Are there any cost/pricing considerations you would like to bring to the Government's attention? Do you have any recommendations on the structure of the requirements or the overall contracting strategy that would reduce the total price? Is there any additional information or input you would like to provide as it relates to the second sourcing of the AN/SPY-6 RF Head as outlined under this RFI? Respondents are solely responsible for properly marking and clearly identifying any proprietary information or trade secrets contained within their responses. The Government will not be liable, or suffer any consequential damages, for any proprietary information not properly marked and clearly identified. Proprietary information received in response to this RFI will be safeguarded and handled in accordance with applicable Government regulations. SECTION 4.2: CLASSIFICATION All materials submitted in response to this RFI should be UNCLASSIFIED. If a potential respondent believes submission of classified material is necessary or will provide a higher quality response, please contact Scott Reed at Scott.P.Reed1@navy.mil with a copy to the Contract Specialist, Thomas Williams at Thomas.D.Williams4@navy.mil, and the Contracting Officer, Melissa Ramirez at Melissa.B.Ramirez@navy.mil. SECTION 4.3: FORMATTING NAVSEA will accept ONLY electronic unclassified submission of responses. Respondents to this RFI must adhere to the following details: Submissions shall be single spaced, typed or printed in Times New Roman font with type no smaller than 12-point font. Paper should be 8 1/2 x 11 inches with a minimum of 1 inch margins around the page. Any text contained within tables, graphs, etc. should be 8-point Times New Roman font or larger. Included files should be created/prepared using Microsoft Office 2010 compatible applications. Graphics, photographs, and other data that may not be compatible with Microsoft Office 2010 should be submitted in Adobe Acrobat format. Submitted electronic files should be limited to the following extensions: .docx Microsoft Word .xlsx Microsoft Excel .pptx Microsoft PowerPoint .pdf Adobe Acrobat .mmpx Microsoft Project Submitted electronic files should not be compressed. SECTION 5: REQUESTING GOVERNMENT FURNISHED INFORMATION (GFI) To obtain the RF Head TDP documentation, interested companies shall provide a current copy of their approved DD Form 2345, Military Critical Technical Data Agreement, verifying eligibility and authority to receive export-controlled information. In addition, interested companies must complete BOTH Terms of Use Agreements (Attachments 1A and 1B of this RFI) and the Classified Material Request form (Attachment 2 of this RFI). Companies should assert in their requests that they have a Defense Security Service (DSS) issued SECRET facility clearance, providing for SECRET personnel clearances and SECRET safeguarding capability. The DD Form 2345, completed Terms of Use Agreement, and classified material request form shall be submitted via email to the Contract Specialist, Thomas Williams at Thomas.D.Williams4@navy.mil and to the Contracting Officer, Melissa Ramirez at Melissa.B.Ramirez@navy.mil. Upon receipt, verification of facility clearance, and approval of the GFI request, the GFI will be provided. IMPORTANT: For purposes of this RFI, each company must be able to receive classified documents up to the SECRET level. The Navy will consider foreign contractors acting as subcontractors to U.S. prime contractors. The export of defense articles, defense services, and related technical data is subject to the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and requires the issuance of an export license by the U.S. Department of State. Please make the request as soon as practicable as it may take several days for the Government to review and approve access to the documents.