Sources_Sought_Notice_L-Band_RF_Power_Amplifier_for_the_GPS_Spacecraft.pdf

AFRL Sources Sought

Research and Development Sources Sought Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles

Directorate

L-Band RF Power Amplifier for the GPS Spacecraft Navigation Payload

11 March 2013

1. CONTRACTING OFFICE ADDRESS AND POINTS OF CONTACT (POC)

Address Department of the Air Force, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Space Vehicles Directorate Contracting Division, AFRL Det 8/RVKVE, 3550 Aberdeen Ave. SE, Bldg 424, Kirtland AFB NM, 87117-5776.

Contracting POC

1. Contract Specialist, Anne C. Green; anne.green@kirtland.af.mil

2. Contracting Officer, Rita A. Varley; rita.varley@kirtland.af.mil

Technical POC

1. Program Manager, Mr. Michael R. Brasher; michael.brasher@kirtland.af.mil

2. Program Manager, Lt. Holly Bradley; holly.bradley@kirtland.af.mil

NOTE: See paragraph 5 on how to request clarifications.

2. GENERAL INFORMATION

a. Background

Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPAs) are currently employed in the GPSIIR-M satellite, and are based on gallium arsenide (GaAs) Field Effect Transistors (FETs). The United States Air Force (USAF) would like to increase the performance and affordability of future space systems by leveraging the features of advanced technologies in place of the current GaAs-based SSPAs.

The RF power amplifier efficiency drives the size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C) of both the GPS L-band navigation payload and of the host spacecraft bus.

b. Intent

The Government is seeking to identify sources capable of performing research and development activities required to design, fabricate, integrate, test and deliver an advanced technology high power, high efficiency and reliable RF power amplifier that is compatible with GPS L-band navigation signal transmission. A development effort would intend to mature the selected technology to a minimum TRL of 5+ (space qualifiable). An L-band RF power amplifier based on the results of such a development program would be capable of replacing the GaAs SSPAs currently used in the GPS spacecraft navigation payload’s L-band transmitters. Note that “capable of replacing” should not be interpreted to mean an exact

Radio Frequency

Section duplication of the form, fit and function of the existing GaAs SSPAs. The signal quality output should meet or exceed the current GPS “Gold Standard.” The reliability and long-term operation of this technology under GPS operating conditions should be characterized and optimized for space applications. The implications and design features needed to survive in the GPS medium earth orbit (MEO) environment should be considered.

c. Objective

The Government is seeking innovative techniques and approaches for the development of a more efficient, thermal and radiation tolerant (GPS orbit environment), space-qualifiable amplifier based on either advanced semiconductor materials or alternative technologies that would be applicable to both the existing GPS program of record and any future enhancements to the constellation.

In support of this objective, the Government requests information on industry’s capability to perform the research and development necessary to deliver a space qualifiable advanced technology L-band RF power amplifier (minimum TRL 5+).

While the Government is currently refining the scope of a planned development program, the information below may be considered relevant to any future procurement activity. Although the information provided below (Table 1) is considered accurate at the time of this writing, the specific technology performance parameters are subject to change prior to any actual solicitation by the Government.

For the purpose of this notice, the basic architecture of an L-band RF power amplifier includes the actual radio frequency amplifier, power supply/conditioner, and monitoring and control. The focus of the effort will be the radio frequency section as shown in Figure 1. The term power amplifier will be used to refer to this module only.

The input to the amplifier is the low power radio frequency signal at one of the navigation frequencies (L1, L2 or L5) modulated with the corresponding navigation signals. The intent of any future procurement would be to perform the research and development activities necessary to identify and validate an amplifier design/architecture suitable for application in

Pre‐ Condition

Combine / Filter

Control / Monitor

Power Conditioning / Distribution

RF In RF Out

Figure 1. L‐band RF Power Amplifier Basic Architecture all these frequency ranges and for all current and projected navigation signals and modulations.

Table 1. Advanced Technology Power Amplifier (RF Section Only)

Parameter Threshold Objective Frequency of Operation L1, L2 or L5 L1, L2 or L5 Input RF Power 5dBm 5dBm Output RF Power (L1, L2, L5) 250W, 110W, 90W 400W, 150W, 150W

Power Added Efficiency 45%, >30% at -5dB backoff 60%, >40% at -5dB backoff AM/PM Distortion < 10 deg/dB < 2.5 deg/dB Bandwidth +/- 50 MHz +/- 50 MHz Gain Flatness +/- 1 dB ± 0.5 dB Group Delay variation 120 psec 90 psec Input VSWR 2:1 max 1.6:1 max Output VSWR 1.75:1 max 1.43:1 max

Stability

Power Amplifier shall not oscillate or be damaged under all transient or steady state conditions

Power Amplifier shall not oscillate or be damaged under all transient or steady state conditions

Life 5 years 15 years Nominal Operating Temperature (baseplate)

10 to 30 deg C 0 to 40 deg C

Random vibration

0.1 g2/Hz from 20- 1000Hz, -6 dB/decade to 2000Hz (16grms)

Same as threshold

*Radiation (total dose) 500 krad 1500 krad Radiation (dose rate) TBD Operate Through Single Event Upset (SEU) TBD Operate Through

*Environmental total dose exposure (unshielded)

d. Assumptions

For the purposes of this notice, available spacecraft bus voltages to the navigation payload should be considered in the range from 28 VDC to 100 VDC.

3. REQUIRED RESPONSE, FORMAT, & SUBMISSION

a. Format & Page Limitation

Submitted responses should be provided on standard letter size 8-1/2 by 11 inch paper, limited to a maximum of twenty-five (25), single-sided, single-spaced pages, excluding Company profile. The font for text should be Times New Roman 12-point or larger. The Responder may use oversized pages (including “foldouts”) where appropriate to contain graphic presentations.

Oversized pages do not count as extra pages within the page limitations. Existing commercial documentation and product literature can also be submitted and is not subject to a page limitation.

b. Statement of Capabilities (SOC)

All entities capable of performing this work are invited to submit a SOC, to include sufficient written information to indicate capacity and any other specific and pertinent information that would enhance our evaluation. Any responses received not addressing items 1-8 may be considered as incapable of meeting the Government objective. NOTE: The Government is not required to provide feedback.

(1) Plan or strategy to meet the Government objective;

(2) Time phased development plan (schedule) that would mature the current technology to a TRL of 5+

(3) Rough order of magnitude cost estimate correlated to schedule;

(4) Premises and assumptions; and

(5) Risk assessment;

(6) Alternate options;

(7) Feedback/Comments; and

(8) Company profile

(a) Company Name and Mailing Address

(b) CAGE Code and DUNS Number

(c) Point(s) of Contact

(d) POC Telephone Number and e-mail Address

(e) Business Size Status (i.e., 8(a), HUBZone, woman-owned, Service Disabled

Veteran-Owned, Small business, Large Business, Historically Black College/University) under NAICS 541712; the associated size standard is 1000 employees.

(f) DCAA-Approved accounting system in place to adequately track and accumulate expenditures

(g) Relevant experience in the past five years in the technical areas of interest

(h) Availability of an adequate number of qualified personnel to support the effort

(i) Data Assertions (DFARS 252.227-7017)

Based on review of SOCs received, the Government reserves the right to set-aside all or portions of this requirement for small business.

If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) website (www.fbo.gov). It is the responsibility of the potential offerors to monitor that website for additional information pertaining to this notice or a requirement that may relate to this notice.

c. Submission of Documentation

Submittals should consist of an original plus 3 copies. In addition to the paper submittals, the Government desires an electronic version (CD-ROM) in searchable PDF or Microsoft Word compatible by MAIL ONLY and received 18 Apr 2013, 3:00 PM MDT to the Contracting Office at the following address:

AFRL Det 8/RVKVE ATTN: Anne Green 3550 Aberdeen Ave. SE Kirtland AFB NM 87117-5776

Responses must be unclassified and any proprietary information provided must be portion marked accordingly. To protect such data, each line or paragraph on the pages containing such data must be specifically identified and marked with a legend similar to the following:

“The following contains proprietary information that (name of Responder) requests not be released to persons outside of the Government, except for the purposes of review and evaluation.”

4. REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION

For technical clarifications, in writing to the Contracting Office for any requirement that is unclear by sending an e-mail to the Contract Specialist as identified above.

Any requests for clarification must be received no later than 04 Apr 2013 COB.

Clarifications may be posted as amendments to this notice at www.fbo.gov to benefit all interested parties. Interested parties are encouraged to periodically check the website during the response period for clarifications.