Description
Sources Sought (Request for Interested Manufacturers) FROM: Jarvis Keels 407 SCMS/GULBA TO: DLA Aviation Procurement Operations at Warner Robins (SPRWA1) LOCATION: Robins AFB, GA 31098-1813 FBO Post Title: Request for Interested Manufacturers 5841-01-349-9175 Receiver Transmitter (RT) SUBJECT: Market research is being conducted to identify potential sources that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet the requirements for qualification and production of the Combined Altitude Radar Altimeter (CARA) Receiver Transmitter, NSN 5841-01-349-9175, P/N 8010000788-1 ITEM DESCRIPTION This CARA RT is installed on the F-16 aircraft. The CARA RT consists of nine circuit card assemblies, two regulated power suppliers, a switch filter assembly (SFA), a motherboard, and a RFA. Typical system installation consists of a CARA RT and two antennas (transmitting and receiving), one or more Height Indicators (HI). Interface protocol options for CARA system will require a Signal Data Converter (SDC) that can be either configured for F-16 MIL-STD-1553/1553B or other various interfaces as required. The RT houses all the components and electronic circuitry necessary to function as the emitter and receptor of radio frequency (RF) energy and to process the altitude information contained in the received signal. The RT provides main and auxiliary analog and digital altitude outputs to interface with altitude-dependent systems and displays. All of the above RT outputs are independent, and the loading or malfunction of any output does not affect any other. The CARA system is military unique and shall meet form, fit, function, and interface (F3I) requirements, military standards, and pass applicable inspection and acceptance processes according to Extant's engineering drawing design. The contractor shall meet delivery schedule for all requirements. Original design of the end item and parts thereof, or the design functional capabilities of the end item, shall not be changed, modified or altered unless such changes are authorized in writing by the Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO) or specified by publication or directive. The contractor shall furnish the services and material necessary for the essential depot level repair, functional testing, inspection, and packaging of the National Stock Numbered (NSN) items listed above. Impediment to Competition : The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for this item is Extant Aerospace (CAGE 22830), which maintains its configuration by part number and software version. The Government does not own any data, drawings, schematics, or any other releasable technical data in support of this requirement. As a result, Extant Aerospace is the only known source with adequate knowledge of the CARA RT performance requirements and possession of the required technical data and capabilities needed to produce this item and ensure compatibility of the equipment. On 5 May 2023 Extant declined to provide pricing for the proprietary data needed to perform manufacture of the RT. INTEREST The DLA/AWB Contracting Office intends to award a sole source contract to Extant Aerospace for the manufacture of the CARA RT in support of the F-16 program. Other interested parties may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement no later than 5 June 2023 to the Procurement Contracting Officer PCO. 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.