BASH Statement of Need 04 August 2021.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

HEADQUARTERS 9TH RECONNAISSANCE WING (ACC)

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, CALIFORNIA

04 August 2021

MEMORANDUM FOR 9 CONS/PKB

FROM: 9 RW/SE

SUBJECT: Statement of Need for New Bird Detection Radar with Drone Detection Capability

1. PURPOSE: Beale AFB’s aging BDR system requires a hardware update in order to restore the capability to detect birds and small, unmanned aerial systems within Beale AFB’s Class C airspace.

2. BACKGROUND: Beale AFB currently owns and operates a MERLIN BDR (Bird Detection Radar) system which requires updated hardware to meet the airfield safety requirements, which includes drone detection capability. Due to the high volume of local flight operations, Beale’s location within a known path of seasonal bird migration, as well as, the emerging threat to aircraft of personally operated drones, the updated bird detection radar with drone detection capability is critical to the safety of flight operations at Beale AFB.

3. REQUIREMENTS: Beale AFB requires the purchase and installation of upgraded components to the existing Aircraft Bird Strike Avoidance Radar which includes adding drone detection capability. The updated system requires the capability to detect and track bird flight patterns, as well as non-bird flight patterns (drones/multi-copters, hobby-sized aircraft). The updated system will be able to continue to send immediate notifications via multiple means to multiple base agencies simultaneously. The system update includes the ability to customize automatic notification types and notification content (text/times/coordinates/etc.) allowing it to be customized in the future. The current system provides an encrypted, web-based interface built on HTML5, accessible via both USAF NIPR net and commercial internet connections. This interface enables viewing access by the base command post, security forces law enforcement desk, the Supervisor of Flying, wing flight safety team and other agencies from both desktop and mobile devices. The updated system needs to be user configurable to enable flexible access should future requirements dictate the need for additional users.

The system will be able to use a proprietary application for mobile devices, and available on iOS, Android and Windows systems. The proprietary application is not in lieu of existing HTML5 web-based interface (i.e. – an encrypted, web-page interface is still required even if a proprietary application is provided.) The updated system must be compatible with maintaining all historical data generated with the system and will be able to track/log all suspected non-bird tracks in open-source, exportable data formats for users to download, export and share at any time.

Components will be updated with solid state “S” band Doppler radar for durability. 9 RW owned ABAR software to operate the system needs to be compatible with all updated equipment. 9 RW/SE requires the contractor to provide service and maintenance of the old radar system until the new system is installed and operational. The new radar system should include an up to 5 year full-service warranty which will include, but not limited to the following:

a) The Contractor will conduct two (2) site visits per year to provide maintenance and calibration for the system.

Maintenance includes system checks, installation of software upgrades, defective or failed component replacement or repair, and performance testing. Contractor will coordinate site visits with the Government point of contact (POC).

b) Provide 24-7 remote monitoring through DeTect’s proprietary software MERLIN FileWatcher® and 24-7 telephone and Internet technical support.

c) Regular service hours to be provided Monday through Friday from 0800/ 8:00 a.m. to 1700/ 5:00 p.m. except for Federal holidays.

One Team…One Fight!

d) The Contractor will be needed to respond to requested call-outs within 48 hours of being notified by the Government POC in the event of system failure.

e) Contractor will provide on-site repair and/or replacement of any components that fail within the warranty term, excluding wear parts.

f) Contractor will repair or replace system components deemed defective due to manufacture or workmanship error. Contractor will repair or replace such components with new or remanufactured components within the Manufacture’s design parameters, in order to maintain system operability.

g) Provide standard data analysis, processing and reporting to include periodic reporting (daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly).

h) Provide, install and configure MERLIN operating system software updates as released.

5. DELIVERY DATE: Delivery and installation of the new radar system should be done ASAP. While waiting on it to be fully operational, contractor will provide service of the old system beginning immediately after the current service contract expires on 31 August 2021.

6. RECOMMENDATIONS: Recommend purchase of upgraded MERLIN BDR with drone detection capabilities which includes a 5 year full-service warranty.

7. POC: Please direct any questions to Lt Col Joseph Blanc or Capt Michael Ascher in the 9th Reconnaissance Wing Safety Office at 530-634-4025.

JOSEPH B. BLANC, Lt Col, USAF Chief of Safety, 9th Reconnaissance Wing