Sources Sought for Lightweight Deployable Ground Controlled Approach (LD-GCA) Production

Sources Sought/Request for Information Lightweight Deployable Ground Controlled Approach (LD-GCA) Production Options This is not a solicitation, but rather a Sources Sought/Request for Information to identify companies that can produce LD-GCA systems. The Air Force is looking for companies that can produce 18 to 20 systems that meet the requirements cited in sections 1 through 4 below. In addition, the Air Force is also inquiring about an Air Traffic Control (ATC) Operations Expansion capability (ATC Kit) that when combined with the LD-GCA would expand ATC operations. It is envisioned that two (2) ATC Kits would be developed and tested, with an option to produce up to 18 for a total of 20 ATC Kit systems. The Government's intention is to award no later than the second quarter of FY23. The purpose of this Sources Sought notice is to identify companies that have already reached Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 9, or anticipate that level by Jan 2023 to produce LD-GCA and ATC Kit systems. Any company that has not reached the required TRL shall provide the documentation/processes that show how and when the TRL 9 will be obtained. The Department of Defense (DoD) transformation vision relies heavily on more expeditionary and agile joint forces which in turn places increased emphasis on aviation assets for deployment, employment, sustainment, and redeployment. Future ATC systems adaptability is critical to meet short and enduring missions. To further this goal, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's (AFLCMC) Digital Directorate, Aerospace Management Systems Division (HBA), Global Air Traffic Systems (GATS) Branch (HBAG) Program Management Office (PMO), located at Hanscom Air Force Base (AFB), Massachusetts, is requesting information from industry to assist in the planning for the procurement of a Lightweight Deployable Ground Controlled Approach (LD-GCA). The LD-GCA system is a transportable ATC radar approach control system to provide Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)/Visual Flight Rules (VFR) services, day and night to military and civil aircraft for tactical locations and fixed-base restoral operations. With LD-GCA, the USAF will have a terminal approach and precision approach capabilities for worldwide deployments. With the ATC Kit, the USAF will have the ability to expand its ATC operations. LD-GCA envisioned services include -- but not limited to -- sequencing and separation of aircraft, navigation assistance, and airspace control services. THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY. It is not a Request for Proposal, a Request for Quotation, an Invitation for Bids, a solicitation, or an indication the US Air Force (USAF) or AFLCMC will contract for the items contained in the RFI. AFLCMC will not pay respondents for information provided in response to this RFI. The LD-GCA system may consists of a maximum of two subsystems, a sensor and an Operations shelter (OPS). The sensor includes: An Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR) consisting of a Primary Surveillance Radar (PSR) sensor with range out to 60 nm, a Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR)/Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) sensor to include Mode 5, with range out to 60 nm A Precision Approach Radar (PAR) sensor with range out to 10 nm All three sensors feeding the air picture to the OPS subsystem for conducting separation and sequencing of launch and recovery of aircraft. The sensor subsystem may come with a trailer for mounting power generator unit, power distribution panel, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), and support equipment. The OPS subsystem consists of: a. Three (3) operator positions, two (2) primary ATC controller positions, and one (1) supervisory non-ATC position b. Access to radar processing and display (i.e., automation system) from the two primary positions, with the capability to extend the automation system to six (6) additional primary positions when operating in combination with the ATC Kit c. Simultaneous access to secure/nonsecure radio communications and telephone lines up to the SECRET level from all three positions, with the capability to extend access to seven (7) additional positions when operating in combination with the ATC Kit d. Nine (9) UHF/VHF radios and associated support equipment, with the capability to add three (3) UHF/VHF radios for a total of twelve (12) ground to air (G/A) UHV/VHF multiband radios when operating in combination with the ATC Kit e. Access to up to forty (40) telephone lines (FXO/FXS and T1/E1) for primary, and supervisor and overhead/coordinator positions f. One (1) voice recorder with capability to record each position (including ATC Kit), telephone line, intercom, and radio for a minimum of 24 continuous hours, with a visual and audible warning before the recording capacity has been reached The OPS subsystem may come with a trailer for mounting power generator and air conditioning units, power distribution panel, UPS, and support equipment. 2. In addition, the ATC Kit system would augment LD-GCA operations by providing the following: Six (6) more primary ATC controller positions and one (1) supervisor non-ATC position; with additional equipment provided in transit cases as part of the ATC Kit package, to include automation system/displays, communications access panels, radios and associated antennas The ability for the supervisor position to interact via voice communications with the ATC Kit's six (6) primary ATC controller positions and the LD-GCA OPS's two (2) primary ATC controller positions, and one (1) supervisor non-ATC position 3. Setup time for LD-GCA and ATC Kit systems should take no more than (4) four hours for each system, once the equipment is emplaced. LD-GCA system and its support equipment should fit into a single (1) C-130. In addition, the ATC Kit system and its support equipment, should fit into a single (1) C-130 with no collocating of equipment between the two systems. Conversely, both systems must be capable of being transported as one complete package on a single (1) C-17 or a single (1) C-5. The LD-GCA and ATC Kit systems will be mounted on their own prime vehicle(s) or movers(s), trailers or vehicle/trailer combination, and will meet C-130 roll on/roll off, and Type IV road mobility IAW SAE AS8090. Each system must be capable of being transported by flat bed, rail and ship. Non-vehicle/trailer mounted solution may be acceptable as long as it meets Agile Combat Employment (ACE) requirements (light and lean system capable of fitting into a single C-130 and setup time of one to four hours) for each system. 4. For your proposed system solution, the USAF is requesting information on your Interim Contractor Support (ICS) posture and parts obsolescence planning. 5. Please provide your response electronically. All responses shall be unclassified and reviewed to ensure consideration of operational sensitivities. Responses shall be 50 pages or less. 6. An AFLCMC Ombudsman has been appointed to consider and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition. Before consulting the Ombudsman concerned parties should first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendation to the Contracting Officer for resolution. In addition, AFFARS 5352.201-9101, Ombudsman, will be included in this acquisition's solicitation and contract. The AFLCMC Ombudsman can be contacted at the following telephone number: (937) 255-5512 or email: brian.miller.15@us.af.mil. 7. All Sources Sought responses and correspondences, including pricing information, related to this matter should be provided in the English Language and e-mailed. Questions concerning this RFI should be directed to Richard Williams via email at richard.williams.66@us.af.mil, and Tahlia Sellers-Saidi at tahlia.sellers-saidi@us.af.mil