Description: This is a special notice prepared in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 5.2 - Synopses of Proposed Contract Actions. The contracting office for this notice is the 10th Contracting Squadron, USAF Academy, CO 80840. The US Air Force Academy (USAFA) intends to issue a single source commercial contract using simplified procedures in accordance with FAR part 13.106-1(b) (1)(i) to PLEXSYS INTERFACE PRODUCTS, INC. Market research has determined that PLEXSYS offers the External Radio upgrade that meets the required salient characteristics. The requirement is to provide: Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) functionality into the current Multi-Doman Laboratory (MDL) Sonomarc system. Salient Characteristics: The Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) refers to a training environment that combines live, virtual, and constructive elements to create a comprehensive and realistic training experience. Salient characteristics include: Real-time simulation: LVC allows for real-time simulation of complex scenarios, providing a more immersive and realistic training experience. Scalability: LVC can be scaled up or down to accommodate different training scenarios, from small-scale exercises to large-scale, multi-domain operations. Interoperability: LVC allows for interoperability between different systems and platforms, enabling more effective collaboration and coordination between different units and organizations. The integration of hardware and the software components to enable real-world interaction using simulated radio interfaces. This includes upgrading the existing MDL Sonomarc software with hardware that connects to live radios, such as a hardware Digital to Analog (DAC) with necessary cables and a Push to Talk (PTT) interface. This allows for seamless interaction between the simulated environment and the real-world radios that are currently on site. Delivery, installation, and training. The contracting officer has determined that the circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably available IAW FAR 13.106-1(b)(1). A SOLICITATION WILL NOT BE POSTED. Based on previous market research conducted, the Government intends to proceed with this single source action. This synopsis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals. DO NOT submit a bid/quote at this time. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement. Interested concerns must show clear and convincing evidence that competition of this requirement would be advantageous to the Government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement is solely within the discretion of the Government. The Government bears no legal liability for any costs incurred by responding to this notice. 5352.201-9101 Ombudsman As prescribed in 5301.9103 Solicitation Provision and Contract Clause, insert the following clause: OMBUDSMAN (JUL 2023) (a) An ombudsman has been appointed to hear and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition. When requested, the ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The existence of the ombudsman does not affect the authority of the program manager, contracting officer, or source selection official. Further, the ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals, the source selection process, or the adjudication of protests or formal contract disputes. The ombudsman may refer the interested party to another official who can resolve the concern. (b) Before consulting with an ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the contracting officer for resolution. Consulting an ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines for any other processes (e.g., agency level bid protests, GAO bid protests, requests for debriefings, employee-employer actions, contests of OMB Circular A-76 competition performance decisions). (c) If resolution cannot be made by the contracting officer, the interested party may contact the ombudsman, James Anderson 8110 Industrial Drive, Ste 103 USAFA, CO 80840 Telephone number 719-333-3829 FAX 719-333-9018 Email:
[email protected]. Concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations that cannot be resolved at the Center/MAJCOM/FLDCOM/DRU ombudsman level, may be brought by the interested party for further consideration to the Department of the Air Force ombudsman, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (ADAS) (Contracting), SAF/AQC, 1060 Air Force Pentagon, Washington DC 20330-1060, phone number (571) 256-2395, facsimile number (571) 256-2431. (d) The ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds the agency. (e) Do not contact the ombudsman to request copies of the solicitation, verify offer due date, or clarify technical requirements. Such inquiries shall be directed to the contracting officer. (End of clause)