USAF Academy Fast Tracking Telescope

Notice: This modification/amendment changes the Title of this program posting. All other content remains unchanged. All dates for submissions remain as originally posted. Also posted are Industry Day slides and responses to comments/questions. This is NOT a request for proposal (RFP). NO solicitation is being issued at this time, and this notice shall not be construed as a commitment by the government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Any information provided by industry to the government as a result of this sources sought notice is voluntary. Responses will not be returned. No entitlement to payment or direct or indirect costs or charges to the government will arise as a result of contractor submission of responses to the government. The information obtained from industry in response to this notice may be used in the development of an acquisition strategy and future RFP. The USAF Academy has a requirement for a ground-based fast-tracking/steering telescope (FTT) and mount for low earth orbit (LEO) satellite imaging, as well as classical astronomy and astrophysics applications. The telescope and mount will be installed, tested and operated in this government provided facility, located in the Cadet Area of USAFA (Colorado Springs, CO). It is the government's intent to have one primary contractor, who will oversee the design and construction of the telescope and mount. The government is pursuing separate avenues to provide a facility to house the telescope, to include the enclosure, dome, pier and appropriate power and communications capabilities. The contractor will be required to construct the fast steering mount and Optical Tube Assembly (OTA) to include primary mirror support (cell), truss, secondary mirror and assembly, tertiary mirror and assembly, and two Nasmyth-style instrument platforms, together with the control software and electronics necessary to fully operate this system. In addition, the successful offeror will be required to fully interface the telescope control system with the government furnished facility, to include design parameters for the facility to insure operability of the OTA and mount. The contractor will also be expected to provide operation and maintenance training as well as detailed documentation. The primary contractor will work closely with other contractors as well as the government when installing the telescope, in order to ensure that all specifications are met. At minimum, potential sources are requested to provide the following information: 1. Evidence they have completed similar type of work, including design, construction, and integration of 2 meter class telescopes on schedule and within original budget. 2. Ability to subcontract as necessary to qualified sources, and to oversee such subcontracts. Alternatively, the ability to team with other contractors on the original proposal to accomplish same. 3. Evidence of relevant team expertise, such as qualified optical engineers, software engineers, and mechanical/structural engineers. 4. While the telescope and mount is not envisioned as an operational AF asset, the telescope will be primarily used for satellite imaging and other Space Situational Awareness (SSA) activities. Accordingly, we request evidence of substantial experience (3 years or more) working in these areas, and evidence of awareness of current DoD Space Situational Awareness (SSA) operational requirements. 5. Evidence the potential contractor has engaged in this type of business for over 5 (five) years, has the necessary equipment, personnel, and financial resources to fulfill the requirements of this contract. 6. Demonstration of capability to comply with the Buy American Act. 7. A description and percentage of work most likely to be subcontracted, and what percentage of the subcontracted work small businesses could/would perform. This information will be used to establish small business subcontracting goals. 8. In the event a government facility is not completed prior to anticipated delivery, the government would like to know an estimated cost of storage per month of the finished assembly. Attached are the draft specifications associated with this telescope and mount requirement. Notice: Non-government personnel will be involved in this acquisition as technical advisors. The advisors are working for the following company: Valdez International Corporation, 1490 Garden of the Gods Road, Suite B, Colorado Springs, CO 80907. Valdez is under contract with the Academy to provide Research & Development support. All respondents are requested to indicate business size status in relation to the applicable NAICS code 333314 (Size Standard 500 employees). Also identify and address if your firm is 8(a), women owned, HUBZone, or otherwise classified as a small disadvantaged business. All interested firms should submit a capabilities package that outlines capabilities in providing all of the above mentioned requirements with respect to the provided specifications. The capabilities packages should be brief and concise, yet clearly demonstrate an ability to meet the stated requirements. Teaming and/or subcontracting arrangements should be clearly delineated. The response should not exceed 25 pages, single-spaced, 10 point typed. Please submit one hard copy on or before 30 May 2008 to Mr. Jan K. Christensen, 10 MSG/LGCW, 8110 Industrial Dr, US Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs CO 80840, and one electronic copy via email to the follwing address: jan.christensen@usafa.af.mil. Telephone 719-333-8923.