Telemetry Receiver C-Band Modification

Request for Information (RFI) TELEMETRY RECEIVER C-BAND MODIFICATION Schedule: Closing Date: 28 August 2008 Scope: The Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC) is seeking information from the public on the modification of its existing telemetry receivers. The AFFTC has approximately 125 L-3 Communications Microdyne RCB-2000 and DR-2000 receivers it uses for telemetry reception in the L (1435-1525 MHz), Upper L (1755-1850 MHz) and S (2200-2395 MHz) frequency bands. The AFFTC is considering the modification of these existing receivers to also provide telemetry reception in the C-IF (400-1150 MHz), C-Low (4400-4940 MHz) and C-Mid (5091-5150 MHz) frequency bands. AFFTC is considering modification versus purchasing replacement receivers for the following reasons: lack of additional physical space and replacement cost. If modification is chosen, the modification must integrate with the existing RCB/DR 2000 electronic hardware and software so that the receiver can be changed to operate on any of these bands with relative ease. If replacement is chosen, it must accomplished at a cost savings over modification. The vendor must provide documentation, training, warranty and maintenance support for the modified receivers. The vendor must possess the ability to perform all modifications without the need for Government furnished technical data on the RCB-2000 and/or DR-2000 receivers. The AFFTC is seeking potential vendors that have experience performing this type of modification. Those firms interested in the above requirements are requested to provide the following: 1. Detailed technical description of your C-Band Telemetry Receivers including specifications 2. If proposing a modification of existing receivers, your approach considering the proprietary equipment involved 3. Availability and delivery timeframe 4. Per-unit cost 5. Past performance history in providing these units 6. Business size (i.e. small, large, disadvantaged) 7. Subcontracting issues 8. Commercial or Non-Commercial RFI Purpose and Limitations: The Government's intention is to better understand the current state-of-the-art and to determine the best acquisition approach. Industry feedback is vitally important and the Government will be receptive to any and all ideas received from industry. This RFI is an expression of the Government's interest only and does not obligate the Government to pay for the requested information nor respond to any submissions. Proprietary information is not being solicited; however, if it is submitted, it should be appropriately marked. It may include attachments that consist of pre-printed commercial brochures or sales literature. Electronic submissions are strongly encouraged. All information provided will be protected as Procurement Sensitive per Federal Acquisition Regulation 3.104. Electronic responses shall be in MS Word or Adobe PDF format. Information must be received no later than 4:00PM Pacific Time on 28 August 2008. For technical questions regarding this notice, contact Bob Selbrede at (661) 277-1179 or robert.selbrede.ctr@edwards.af.mil. For contracting questions, contact Vanessa Shannon at (661) 277-0760 or vanessa.shannon@edwards.af.mil.