4 SON- RFQ V.2 for Solicitation.pdf

Statement of Need National Instruments (NI) RF Generator Automated Test Hardware and Software

PURPOSE

In support of National Reconditioning Center (NRC) and Radar Operations Center (ROC) engineering and repair operations, the procurement of National Instruments automated RF test hardware and LabVIEW software licenses is required. This system will be utilized to develop, execute, and maintain high-performance automated test routines for RF Generators.

Implementation of this modern test platform will eliminate manual testing errors, ensure highly accurate and reliable diagnostic results, and minimize costly component failures. By automating complex RF test procedures, NRC technicians will be able to repeatedly test units to the required depth, reducing repair downtime and ensuring high confidence in product quality and operational readiness.

SCOPE OR MISSION

The NI hardware and LabVIEW software will be deployed across both engineering and repair environments. The system will allow the ROC engineering team to design, program, validate, and maintain fully automated RF Generator test routines while enabling the NRC depot team to update, modify, and execute those tests during production repair operations.

The scope of this procurement includes:

● Establishing a modernized automated testing platform for RF Generators

● Replacing obsolete and manual RF testing processes with software-driven diagnostics

● Providing scalable architecture capable of supporting future RF testing requirements and depot modernization efforts

● Supporting seamless collaboration between engineering development and production repair activities

BACKGROUND

Accurate and repeatable RF testing is critical to maintaining the operational readiness of radar and communication assemblies. Current RF Generator testing capabilities rely on aging and partially undocumented test fixtures that are mechanically unstable, difficult to maintain, and incapable of performing comprehensive diagnostics.

The existing RF Generator test fixture produces inconsistent and unreliable results and cannot be effectively modified or expanded due to obsolete hardware and undocumented architecture.

Current testing methods require extensive manual technician interaction, increasing the likelihood of operator error and limiting the ability to identify intermittent or hidden failures.

Transitioning to an integrated NI hardware and LabVIEW software ecosystem will replace outdated manual systems with advanced automated RF testing and diagnostic capabilities that provide improved accuracy, repeatability, maintainability, and long-term expandability.

JUSTIFICATION FOR NI HARDWARE AND LABVIEW

SOFTWARE

1. Automated Process Control

The LabVIEW software environment and NI hardware architecture provide a unified platform for high-performance automated RF testing, device validation, and rapid system development.

The solution replaces error-prone manual technician intervention with precise software-controlled test execution and automated data acquisition.

2. RF Generator Diagnostics

The specialized NI RF instrumentation suite provides the advanced signal generation, capture, and analysis capabilities required to develop comprehensive RF diagnostic routines. The system enables accurate measurement of signal integrity, frequency response, modulation characteristics, and power output with repeatable precision and high confidence.

3. Improved Reliability and Repeatability

The automated testing platform ensures consistent execution of RF test procedures, reducing variability caused by manual operation. This capability significantly improves diagnostic repeatability and confidence in repair validation.

4. System Expandability

The modular design of NI hardware allows the testing platform to be easily expanded and reconfigured for future depot requirements. As additional RF systems or components require modernization, the platform can accommodate new testing routines and interfaces without requiring complete system replacement.

5. Cross-Departmental Alignment

The dual-license software structure creates a seamless transition between engineering development and repair operations. The ROC engineering team can develop and validate robust automated test routines while the NRC depot team can modify and adapt test procedures as needed to support real-time production troubleshooting and repair activities.

6. Training and Continuous Education

This procurement includes structured training for two designated personnel. The training ensures engineering and repair technicians are proficient in LabVIEW programming, RF hardware integration, automated test architecture, calibration procedures, and long-term sustainment of the testing environment.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS / SPECIFICATIONS

1. Software Environment

The procurement shall include two (2) fully licensed seats of LabVIEW software. The software environment must support:

● Graphical programming architecture

● Native instrument drivers for automated RF hardware control

● Modular and scalable code development

● Automated RF test-routine deployment and maintenance

● Integration with NI hardware platforms and utilities

2. RF Generator Test Hardware

The RF testing hardware suite must include high-performance NI instrumentation specifically designed for RF signal generation, capture, and analysis. The hardware must provide:

● Repeatable RF signal simulation

● High-confidence signal measurement capability

● Frequency, modulation, and power characterization

● Stable and accurate RF performance monitoring

● Scalable architecture for future RF testing expansion

3. System Architecture and Configuration

All hardware components must interface seamlessly with NI Measurement & Automation Explorer (NI MAX) for:

● Device discovery and configuration

● Automated self-test and validation

● Calibration verification

● Channel mapping and diagnostics

● Long-term maintainability

4. Training Requirements

The vendor shall provide training seats for two (2) designated personnel for a duration of one (1) year. Training shall include:

● Core LabVIEW programming

● NI RF hardware integration

● Automated RF test development

● RF measurement fundamentals

● Calibration and troubleshooting best practices

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

The proposed hardware solution shall include standard manufacturer warranties covering parts and labor.

All submitted proposals must explicitly identify the following infrastructure requirements:

● Unit power requirements, including voltage, amperage, and phase requirements

● Physical space requirements, including chassis dimensions, rack units, or bench footprint

● Host PC compatibility requirements

● Supported operating systems for LabVIEW deployment

● Cooling or environmental considerations, if applicable

POINTS OF CONTACT

Nikki Smith, Contract Specialist, NOAA AGO Email: Nikki.Smith@noaa.gov

Description: Part Number and Quantity List

Part Number Quantity

1 PXIe 1092 9 Slot 3U PXI EXPRESS CHASSIS 784781-01 1

2 POWER CODRD, AC, U.S., 125VAC, 15A 763830-01 1

PXIe-8862, 2.6 GHZ 8-CORE I7 Controller, Window

11 64bit, TPM 788817-01 1

NI PXIe-5842 VST, 8 GHZ, 0.5 GHZ BANDWITH, VECTOR SIGNAL TRANSCEIVER 789600-8511 1

PXIe-5113 PXI OSCILLOSCOPE WITH CABLE

SENSE TECHNOLOGY, 500 786405-11 1

NI PXIe-6363, X SERIES DAQ (32AI, 48 DIO, 4AO, PXI MULTIFUNCTION 1/0 781056-01 1

SHC68-68-EPM SHIELDED CABLE, 68-D-TYPE TO

68 VHDCI OFFSET, 2 m 192061-02 2

SCB-68a NOISE REJECTING, SHIELDED 1/0

Connector Block 782536-01 2

Labview Professional Development System, Windows

Perpetual License 776678-35 2

10 Engineering Support Hours & Startup Assistance 100001-01 6