Description
1. The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is studying alternatives to expand its airborne Psychological Operations (PSYOP) broadcast capabilities. The Mission Design Series (MDS) aircraft in this study is the C-130J Hercules modified with aerial refueling receptacle, 60/90 KVA engine generators, auxilary third crew position, and intercom system upgrades (aka, "Super J"). To complete the study and consider programming initiatives, USSOCOM requires current industry sources, capabilities, and Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost information. 2. The objective of this Request for Information (RFI) is to identify aircraft modifications, and their associated costs, required to support simultaneous FM radio and television (VHF-High and UHF) broadcasts from 250-5,000W transmitters installed in racks mounted on roll-on/roll-off pallets. Modifications include signal and power distribution, environmental control, broadcast antenna installations, and workspace for 1-2 equipment operators. Cost data (e.g., engineering, analysis, installation labor, documentation, training, testing, etc.) for the modifications and interfaces to the government furnished palletized equipment will be used to prepare budgetary planning estimates and potential programming initiatives for the fiscal year 2012 Program Objective Memorandum (POM12). 3. USSOCOM seeks information from responsible sources and interested parties who have proven track records in aircraft engineering and systems integration, performance testing (including flight test), and factor sustainment in proposed solutions. 4. For the purpose of this RFI, the term "proven" means solutions at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) "6" or higher, preferably TRL "7" or higher. Adaptation of Non-Developmental Item (NDI) or commercial solutions is encouraged. a. Easily installed /removed antennas and allow modifications for support structure. b. Installation time to configure the aircraft, including operations checks should be eight hours or less. c. The remaining cargo space would be used to support PSYOP requirements such as spares, personnel, test equipment, etc. when deploying. With the PSYOP pallets installed the aircraft would not be used as a reduced capacity trash hauler. The Special Operations Forces (SOF) C-130Js are multi-mission aircraft and modifications for the broadcast equipment must support the following operational requirements: quick connect/disconnect of palletized equipment . The aircraft modifications must not impede using the cargo area for other missions when the broadcast equipment pallet is removed. The modifications supporting the broadcast equipment must be sustainable through 2025. 5. Interested parties should provide capabilities, qualification statements, and examples that demonstrate their ability to satisfy the required performance enhancement challenges with low integration risk to the SOF C-130J inventory. Respondents are encouraged to provide information on all or any subset of the areas listed. No adverse evaluation will result from responses, which address only those specific areas applicable to one's core business expertise. 6. Respondents are to use a minimum number of pages to describe in detail the information requested. Limit responses to no more than twenty-five (25) 8 ½" x 11" single sided pages, including attachments, figures and/or drawings. Responses are due 21 January 2010. Responses should be sent via e-mail to the Point of Contact associated with this announcement. 7. This notice is part of Government Market Research, a continuous process for obtaining the latest information on the ‘art of the possible' from industry with respect to their current and near-term abilities. The information collected may be used by the Government to explore future strategies for possible uses of platforms within the military. Information received as a result of this request will be considered sensitive and protected as such. All company proprietary information contained in the response shall be separately marked. Any proprietary information contained in response to this request will be properly protected from unauthorized disclosure. The government will not use proprietary information submitted from any one firm to establish the capability and requirements for any future systems acquisition so as to not inadvertently restrict competition. Special Note: Respondent's attention is directed to the fact that contractor consultant and advisors to the Government will review and provide support during evaluation of submittals. When appropriate, non-government advisors may be used to objectively review a particular functional area and provide comments and recommendations to the Government. All advisors shall comply with procurement integrity laws and shall sign Non-Disclosure and Rules of Conduct/Conflict of Interest statements. The Government shall take into consideration requirements for avoiding conflicts of interest and ensure advisors comply with safeguarding proprietary data. Submissions in response to this RFI constitutes approval to release the submittal to Government Support Contractors. 8. U.S. and non-U.S. firms with appropriate Export Control status are permitted to respond to this RFI. Responses to questions from authorized interested parties will be promptly answered and provided equally to all interested parties unless some release of proprietary information is involved or the answer addresses a question peculiar to a company or that company's response. One-on-one information gathering sessions with respondents are currently not contemplated. If one-on-one sessions with interested parties are conducted, they will be offered to those responders that meet the requirements contained in this RFI. The purpose would be to clarify understanding of the submittal, the capability ramifications, or to discuss the form of agreement to cover any flight demonstrations. Information feedback sessions may be offered to respondents after all qualitative assessments are completed. 9. Per FAR 52.215-3, Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes (Oct 1997): The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this notice or to otherwise pay for the information solicited except as an allowable cost under other contracts as provided in subsection 31.205-18, Bid and proposal costs, of the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Although the terms "proposal" and "respondent" are used in this RFI, your response will be treated as information only and shall not be used as a proposal. Any proposed solution must meet all Operational, Safety, Suitability and Effectiveness (OSS&E) requirements mandated by the Department of Defense.