RFI: Ruggedized Transit-Cased Replacement for the AN/TRC-170

DESCRIPTION: This is a Request for Information (RFI) for a ruggedized transit-case replacement for the AN/TRC-170 Tactical Digital Troposcatter System. This RFI is issued in accordance with FAR Clause 52.215-3. NO FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ANY PROPOSAL OR INFORMATION SUBMISSION AND SUBMITTING INFORMATION DOES NOT BIND THE AIR FORCE FOR ANY FUTURE CONTRACTS/GRANTS RESULTING FROM THIS RFI. BACKGROUND AND REQUESTION INFORMATION: 1. The Ground Communications program office at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia is interested in resolving a customer requirement for a ruggedized transit-cased replacement for the AN/TRC-170 Tactical Digital Troposcatter System. This is a multi-service effort. This replacement will be non-developmental or commercial-off-the-shelf and will provide double the system bandwidth capability of the current system (from 16 Mbps to 40 Mbps). The system will be backward compatible with the existing 16 megabit versions (AN/TRC 170 A(V) 2 & 3 and AN/TRC 170 (V) 5). The replacement will be operational in the 4.4 to 5 GHz frequency range, and will meet the existing AN/TRC-170 system specifications that are outlined below. b. Approximate set-up time of less than or equal to 1.5 hours. This time should support either single or dual antennae systems. c. Power levels: Contact our technical staff for details. d. Environmental Conditions: Comply with MIL-STD 810G PART 3. 2. Additional requirements include, but are not be limited to: a. Multiplexing (MUX) equipment that will accept signal inputs from Ethernet RJ-45, Tactical Fiber Optic Cable Assembly, and EIA-530 NRZ inputs (up to four ports for each interface). The MUX/modem will be front panel programmable and will able to be remotely monitored/configured by laptop. b. The use of "smart mux" and automated RF link performance control technology is encouraged to allow adapting mux data rate with radio path improvement to permit higher bandwidth throughput. c. Antenna needs to be deicer capable and have lightning protection that meets current MIL-STDs. Minimal or no tools (if possible) required for antenna set up. d. Support a secure voice orderwire function e. Rack Mounted Shells with slides and all affiliated wiring/cabling to allow removal/replacement of individual units/modules. f. Cases should not exceed two person lift. g. Be built for Tactical applications. h. Bulk encryption. Must conform to currently mandated NSA crypto modernization program. Via IP AES encryption. Would prefer that bulk encryption and TRANSEC capability be inherent requiring no complicated algorithm to program. i. Prefer closed in case operational capability to limit intrusion of sand and water. j. Able to be transported in back of Humvee or 463L aircraft pallet. k. Would like at least 10-15 year life expectancy. 3. Interested parties may contact Christopher Adams / Thomas Perry (Equipment Specialists) or Ricardo Serrano (Engineer) for technical or other details. Royce Hulsey Program Manager Comm.: 478-327-5050 DSN: 497-5050 e-mail: royce.hulsey@robins.af.mil Christopher Adams Equipment Specialist Comm.: 478-327-9872 DSN: 497-9872 e-mail: christopher.adams@robins.af.mil Thomas Perry Equipment Specialist Comm.: 478-327-5046 DSN: 497-5046 E-mail: thomas.perry3@robins.af.mil Ricardo Serrano Engineer Comm.: 478-327-5052 DSN: 497-5052 Email: ricardo.serrano@robins.af.mil 4. Responses to this announcement may be sent via email to the Program Manager named above or mailed to the following address: WR-ALC/GRWBBC ATTN: Royce D. Hulsey 235 Byron Ste. 19-A Robins AFB, Georgia 31098-1670 All responses must be received by 14 August 2012, 4:00 PM EDT in order to be considered. DISCLAIMERS AND IMPORTANT NOTES: The submitted documentation and content thereof becomes the property of the U.S. Government and will not be returned. This is an RFI issued solely for information and new program planning purposes. The RFI does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. The Air Force will not provide reimbursement for costs incurred in responding to this RFI. NO PROPRIETARY INFORMATION SHALL BE INCLUDED IN THE RFI RESPONSE. Respondents are advised that the Air Force is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted under this RFI. Response to the RFI is strictly voluntary. This RFI does not commit the Air Force to be responsible for any cost associated in the generation of the responses. Submissions may be reviewed by the Government personnel and support contractors to the Government.