To identify potential sources for the qualification and production of the ALR-56M High Speed Frequency Line Switch NSN 5895-01-512-9801, P/N 312827-102

ITEM DESCRIPTION The ALR-56M Advanced Radar Warning Receiver (ARWR) continuously detects and intercepts Radio Frequency (RF) signals in certain frequency ranges and analyzes and separates threat signals from non-threat signals. It displays threat signals to the pilot on a priority basis and provides efficient and effective logistical support to the using command activities for the system. ALR-56M Radio Frequency Line Switches, SP7t, High Speed, 5985-01-512-9801EW, currently used on the F-16 C/D and the C-130J A/C. This RF switch assembly has a low usage rate due to its low failure rate and is manufactured in support of ALR-56M organic depot repair. The current production status of the amplifier is that the system is still in production by the approved supplier and the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Impediment to Competition: Due to the complex nature of the device, the low usage rate, and the lack of a government owned production level drawing package, there are no commercial vendors for this product. The only sources of manufacture listed on the source controlled drawings (SCD) are the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of this subassembly, BAE Systems Inc., and one other qualified source for manufacture of this subassembly, Herley Industries Inc. BAE no longer manufactures this component, leaving Herley as the sole qualified source listed on the SCD. The Government does not own the SCD, or any data that would be sufficient to enable production of this item. Companies in the business of supplying components such as the one discussed here have frequently opted not to incur the enormous cost of taking on a design and qualification process such as would be required to produce the above mentioned component. The enormous cost and the small number of items purchased per period have historically driven away any competition of the product. The fact that this device was designed for this specific military application alone also limits competition. INTEREST The AFSC/PZABB Contracting Office intends to award a sole source contract to Herley Industries, Inc. for the manufacture of the ALR-56M Radio Frequency Line Switches since the system OEM no longer manufactures these switches and uses Herley as the sole qualified supplier of these components. Other interested parties may identify their interest and capability by responding to the requirement no later than 29 March 2019 by Joseph Kiefer, joseph.kiefer.3@us.af.mil. The Government intends to procure these items using Other Than Full and Open Competition as prescribed by FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. DISCLAIMER This sources sought synopsis is for informational purposes only. This is not a request for proposal. It does not constitute a solicitation, and shall not be construed as a commitment by the government. Responses in any form are not offers, and the government is under no obligation to award a contract as a result of this announcement. No funds are available to pay for preparation of responses to this announcement. Any information submitted by respondents to this technical description is strictly voluntary.