DVT Sustainment Program Status Update and TACAN Market Survey.pdf

Acquisition Sensitive--This document may contain information considered sensitive unclassified information (SUI) and would merit protection from unauthorized disclosure under 5 U.S.C, Section 552(b)(4). No information shall be released except as authorized by the Contracting Officer.

TACAN Antennas Market Survey

DVT Sustainment Program and

TACAN Antenna Market Survey

DVT Sustainment Update as of 6 March 2020.

This Notice provides an update on the DVT Sustainment Program.

The DVT Sustainment Program will provide long-term sustainment for the Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR), and Tactical Navigation (TACAN) (DVT) ground based navigation systems. The DVT Sustainment Program will utilize a phased implementation approach to address the strategic and tactical requirements related to long-term DVT sustainment. The sustainment requirements will be based on prioritized critical supportability issues implemented through a series of Phases over the lifetime of the Program. A Prioritization Process will be used to determine critical projects to be included in each Program Phase. The Program is further committed to implementing innovative solutions where beneficial.

The initial critical need identified in the sustainment of DVT systems is the Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) antenna. The FAA is issuing a Market Survey to gather information regarding TACAN antenna solutions. Attached is the DVT Market Survey for TACAN Antennas.

The procurement strategy being proposed for both TACAN Antennas and the DVT Sustainment Program as a whole is to issue an Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract type with a potential for single or multiple awards and potentially multiple competitive or single award task order/contract types to perform the necessary program/project work. The FAA is developing Draft Screening Information Requests (SIR) for both procurements.

The FAA Program Office will post documents through the Contracting Office for Industry comment. Please continue to monitor Beta.Sam.Gov (https://beta.sam.gov/) for updates. All comments, questions, and concerns must be submitted to 9-awa-aaq-dvtacquisition@faa.gov.

https://beta.sam.gov/

Acquisition Sensitive--This document may contain information considered sensitive unclassified information (SUI) and would merit protection from unauthorized disclosure under 5 U.S.C, Section 552(b)(4). No information shall be released except as authorized by the Contracting Officer.

MARKET SURVEY ANNOUNCEMENT

FOR

Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) Antennas

1. Introduction The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is conducting this Market Survey in accordance with the FAA Acquisition Management System (AMS) Section 3.2.1.2.1. The FAA is interested in gathering information regarding Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) antenna solutions that may be relevant to support a future procurement. The information received will be used to inform trades analysis and improve government awareness of solutions for TACAN antenna systems.

2. Purpose

The purpose of the Market Survey is to gather information from industry on (1) industry capabilities to manufacture and support FAA testing and certification of TACAN Antennas, and

(2) capabilities related to implementation and installation support services for TACAN Antennas at multiple locations within the National Airspace System (NAS).

This Survey requests industry input in identifying capable sources based on the information provided in section 4 below for TACAN Antennas. Interested entities should respond with information to confirm evidence of qualifications and capabilities.

3. Background

Increasing demands on the National Airspace System (NAS) paired with the continued operations of legacy navigational aids well beyond their projected lifecycle, has elevated the issue of Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) supportability. Obsolescence of parts for the fifty-year-old RTA-2 TACAN antenna along with the inherent design problems of the twenty three-year-old Low Power TACAN Antenna (LPTA) has given rise to a logistical supportability issue.

The mechanically rotating TACAN antennas are the primary driver for corrective maintenance activities. When an RTA-2 antenna is sent to the FAA Logistics Center for repair, many times obsolete parts must be taken from salvaged antennas in FAA storage. As time progresses, the net yield of usable parts is diminished, therefore establishing a finite repair life cycle. The successor to the RTA-2 antenna is the Low Power TACAN Antenna (LPTA), and latent design issues within the antenna have caused many repair cycles giving rise to component fatigue, which drastically reduces the life-cycle of the antenna.

Both antennas are rapidly approaching a critical decision point where action must be taken if TACAN services are to be continued.

Acquisition Sensitive--This document may contain information considered sensitive unclassified information (SUI) and would merit protection from unauthorized disclosure under 5 U.S.C, Section 552(b)(4). No information shall be released except as authorized by the Contracting Officer.

4. Description of the Scope:

The FAA anticipates the need for an electrically large aperture antenna that will cover the entire TACAN frequency band and will support operation on all X and Y channels without requiring modification. The antenna must interface with the currently deployed FA-9996 TACAN transponder ground equipment. The navigation information (i.e., bearing angle) contained in the amplitude modulated RF carrier received by the user is generated by a rotating field pattern that is produced by the antenna. Currently, this functionality is typically achieved by using a motor-driven antenna that physically rotates. Designs that do not require physical rotation of the antenna will be required in the future (i.e., electronic rotation). The antenna must be vertically polarized and must support a successful flight check conducted in accordance with FAA Order 8200.1D.

TACAN Antenna Performance Requirements Below is a list of important TACAN antenna system performance requirements. These requirements are provided to ensure vendor understanding of the nature and complexity of the TACAN antenna system. This list is only a small subset of all requirements and does not address all required functions and performance parameters. The FAA is interested in and welcomes any industry feedback on the listed requirements.

1. Compatibility – The antenna system must operate in conjunction with the FA-9996 TACAN transponder ground equipment, as described in Attachment 1.

2. Antenna Gain – The time-averaged gain of the modulated signal must be at least 8.0 dBi at the peak of the beam in the vertical plane.

3. Vertical Pattern Characteristics – The main lobe of energy in the vertical plane must be

5.0 degrees wide or more at the half power points. The vertical angle of maximum radiated energy must be between 2.0 degrees and 7.0 degrees above the horizon. The gain on the horizon must not be less than 6 dB below the gain at the peak of the major lobe above the horizon. Sidelobes in the regions 6-50 degrees below the horizon must be least 16 dB below the main lobe peak.

4. Frequency Range – The antenna system must operate over the frequency range from 962 to 1213 MHz.

5. Operating Channels – The antenna system must be capable of operating on any X- or Y-channel, as specified in MIL-STD-291, without modification to the antenna.

6. Power Handling – The antenna system must be capable of operating with a peak power of

3.5 kW and 4% duty cycle.

7. Modulation – The antenna system must modulate the signal from the TACAN transponder, by electronic means, in accordance with the following equation:

𝑌𝑌 = 1.0 + 𝐴𝐴 sin(2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 ± 𝜃𝜃 − 𝑦𝑦) + 𝐵𝐵 sin(18𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 ± 9𝜑𝜑 − 9𝑦𝑦) Where:

𝑌𝑌 = normalized composite 15- 135 Hz signal amplitude 𝐴𝐴 = percent of modulation of the 15 Hz component 𝐵𝐵 = percent of modulation of the 135 Hz component

Acquisition Sensitive--This document may contain information considered sensitive unclassified information (SUI) and would merit protection from unauthorized disclosure under 5 U.S.C, Section 552(b)(4). No information shall be released except as authorized by the Contracting Officer.

𝜃𝜃 = deviation in azimuth degrees from the coincidence of the 15 Hz modulation signal and the main reference pulse 𝜑𝜑 = deviation in azimuth degrees from the coincidence of the 135 Hz modulation signal and the auxiliary or 40 degrees pulse 𝑦𝑦 = bearing to the antenna from the point of observation 𝜋𝜋 = pattern rotation rate in Hz 𝜋𝜋 = time in seconds

With the following tolerances:

𝜋𝜋 = 15 Hz ± 0.2 percent For angles of elevation between -45 and +45 degrees 𝜃𝜃 = 3.5 degree RMS with peak value not to exceed ± 8 degrees 𝜑𝜑 = 0.5 degree RMS with peak value not to exceed ± 2 degrees

𝐴𝐴 = 21% ± 9%

𝐵𝐵 = 21% ± 9%

Sum of 𝐴𝐴 and 𝐵𝐵 not greater than 55%

8. Input impedance – The design input impedance must be 50 Ohms. When connected to a 50 Ohm source, the voltage-standing-wave-ratio (VSWR) must be 1.8:1 or less across the range of operating frequencies.

9. Harmonic Content – When measured at an elevation angle of zero to six degrees, the RSS value of the 2nd and 3rd harmonics of the 15 Hz component of the radiated signal must not exceed 15 percent of the 15 Hz component. The RSS value of the 2nd and 3rd harmonics of the 135 Hz component must not exceed 10 percent and the RSS value of the 105, 120, 150 and 165 Hz intermodulation products must not exceed 10 percent of the 15 Hz component. No individual harmonics must exceed 10 percent of the 15 Hz component.

10. Polarization – The antenna must be vertically polarized. Any horizontal component of the radiated signal must be at least 26 dB weaker than the vertical component of the radiated signal.

11. Bearing Accuracy – The bearing error of the composite modulated signal must be 1.4 degrees or less.

12. Weight – The weight of the antenna system must be as low as practicable and not exceed 900 lbs.

13. Remote Maintenance Monitoring (RMM) – The antenna system must have the capability to support RMM.

14. Internal Monitor – The antenna system must include an internal monitor that is capable of detecting faults and generating an alarm signal to visual indicators and to the TACAN transponder equipment.

Acquisition Sensitive--This document may contain information considered sensitive unclassified information (SUI) and would merit protection from unauthorized disclosure under 5 U.S.C, Section 552(b)(4). No information shall be released except as authorized by the Contracting Officer.

Special Consideration – Lightning Protection Legacy TACAN antenna installations that are coaxially mounted above a VOR Alford loop four antenna array are typically not protected by lightning air terminals and down conductors due to interference with the VOR signal-in-space and routing restrictions and limitations of the down conductor. There is a concern that electronically scanning TACAN antennas may be more susceptible to damage caused by atmospheric electricity and transients from nearby lightning strikes. Please indicate how your product(s) address these concerns and how your TACAN antenna design would meet the intent of the requirements listed in FAA-STD-019F (Lightning and Surge Protection, Grounding, Bonding and Shielding Requirements for Facilities and Electronic Equipment) and FAA-STD-020B (Transient Protections, Grounding, Bonding and Shielding Requirements for Electronic Equipment) and not adversely affect the signal-in-space of an associated VOR if present.

5. Nature of Competition

This survey will support market research obtained from multiple sources and will be utilized for planning purposes only. The acquisition strategy for the procurement has not been determined at this time. The FAA intends to review all responses submitted to establish the acquisition strategy. Responses to this market survey will be used to develop the Source List if a Screening Information Request (SIR) for this requirement is issued, and will be used to determine if there is adequate competition to set the requirement aside for Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Businesses (SEDB)/Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) concerns, Small Business concerns; unrestricted competition; and/or justification of a single source.

6. Standard Language

(a) This announcement is not a Screening Information Request or Request for Proposals of any kind;

(b) The FAA is neither seeking or accepting unsolicited proposals;

(c) The FAA will not pay for any information received or costs incurred in preparing the response to the market survey; and

(d) Any cost associated with the market survey submittal is solely at the interested vendor’s expense.

The FAA, at its sole discretion, may contact any or all of the respondents to this market survey and request additional information.

Acquisition Sensitive--This document may contain information considered sensitive unclassified information (SUI) and would merit protection from unauthorized disclosure under 5 U.S.C, Section 552(b)(4). No information shall be released except as authorized by the Contracting Officer.

7. Submittal Requirements for Market Survey:

Interested entities are required to submit the following documentation and response to the listed information before the stated deadline:

(a) Capability Statement: Provide a brief description of the company, its services, number of employees, and National Airspace System (NAS) capabilities and its viability and capacity for supporting the scope in Section 4.

(b) Capability Statement: A not-to-exceed page limit of 20 applies for responses, excluding marketing material. Your company must identify your engineering, design, testing, and manufacturing capability for antennas in a scope of complexity similar to the requirements stated in Section 4 above, along with the following:

(i) identify similar company work done in past;

(ii) dollar value and type of services provided by your firm under previous contracts (provide dollar value, type of contract, start/completion dates, and customer/end-user information) that the contract performance requirements above;

(iii) number of years in business performing the services required of this announcement;

(iv) your company’s North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code, and any additional information to assist the FAA in finalizing its acquisition strategy.

(c) Response MUST demonstrate the ability to meet Section 4 Scope.

8. Delivery of Submittals:

Interested companies must submit their response to this market survey electronically to Iann.Washington@faa.gov and reference TACAN Market Survey in the subject line no later than Tuesday May 5, 2020 at 1:00 pm. The Subject Line of the email responses should read TACAN

ANTENNAS MARKET SURVEY.

The FAA does not intend to directly respond to public inquiries or recommendations provided for the Market Survey. The FAA intends to utilize these Industry comments to assist the FAA in defining the requirements.

9. Other:

Any confidential or proprietary information submitted in response to this announcement must be marked accordingly by the vendor. Such information will not be disclosed outside of the FAA acquisition team.

mailto:Iann.Washington@faa.gov

Acquisition Sensitive--This document may contain information considered sensitive unclassified information (SUI) and would merit protection from unauthorized disclosure under 5 U.S.C, Section 552(b)(4). No information shall be released except as authorized by the Contracting Officer.

Attachment 1 FA-9996 Interface Information

The FA-9996 TACAN transponder ground equipment and TACAN antenna system will interface via the signals listed below. The North and Auxiliary triggers are used by the transponder to generate burst pulses for the TACAN radiated signal as described in MIL-STD-291.

a. North trigger – from antenna system

b. Auxiliary trigger – from antenna system

c. 1350 Hz tone (synchronized trigger) – from antenna system

d. Antenna shutdown – from antenna system

e. Antenna maintenance alert – from antenna system

f. Reset – from FA-9996

g. TACAN/ DME (mode control) – from FA-9996

h. Ground

The signals are briefly described below. See Figure 1 and 2 below.

North Trigger – This signal interfaces with the FA-9996 cabinet through a BNC connector. Each North (reference) trigger pulse must occur as a positive half cycle excursion followed by a negative half cycle excursion. Each excursion must be approximately 100 𝜇𝜇s in width. The peak to peak amplitude must be 17.5 + 3 v. The timing reference is the signal zero crossing that occurs during the transition from the positive half cycle to the negative half cycle.

Figure 1

Auxiliary Trigger – This signal interfaces with the FA-9996 cabinet through a BNC connector.

Each Auxiliary trigger pulse must occur as a positive half cycle excursion followed by a negative half cycle excursion. Each excursion must be approximately 100 𝜇𝜇s in width. The peak-to-peak amplitude must be 17.5 + 3 v. The timing reference is the signal zero crossing that occurs during the transition from the positive half cycle to the negative half cycle.

Figure 2

1350 Hz tone (synchronized trigger) – This signal interfaces with the FA-9996 cabinet through a BNC connector. The antenna system must provide a 1350 Hz tone signal that is maintained in

Acquisition Sensitive--This document may contain information considered sensitive unclassified information (SUI) and would merit protection from unauthorized disclosure under 5 U.S.C, Section 552(b)(4). No information shall be released except as authorized by the Contracting Officer.

stable phase with the North (reference) trigger. The amplitude must be between 5 and 8 volts peak to peak. The phase must be such that negative slope zero crossing of the 1350 Hz is 200 + 40 𝜇𝜇s delayed from the North trigger.

Antenna shutdown – This signal interfaces with the FA-9996 cabinet using a terminal strip. This signal indicates the alarm status of the antenna. The signals are provided as two (2) separate outputs and must appear as a “low” at one output and a “high” at the other output. For compatibility with the FA-9996, the North and Auxiliary triggers must be removed when the antenna in an alarm condition.

Antenna maintenance alert – This signal interfaces with the FA-9996 cabinet using a terminal strip. This signal indicates the presents of a fault detected in the antenna that does not cause the radiated signal to be out of tolerance. The signals are provided as two (2) separate outputs and must appear as a “low” at one output and a “high” at the other output.

Reset – This signal interfaces with the FA-9996 cabinet using a terminal strip. It originates from the FA-9996 transponder. A momentary log logic low will restore the TACAN antenna to operation after a shutdown or maintenance alert has occurred.

TACAN/ DME – This signal interfaces with the FA-9996 cabinet using a terminal strip. It originates from the FA-9996 transponder. A logic high sets the antenna system to TACAN mode (15 HZ and 135 Hz modulation provided by antenna system). A logic low sets the antenna to DME mode.

Ground – This signal interfaces with the FA-9996 cabinet using a terminal strip. This node ties together the antenna system signal ground and the FA-9996 ground.

Input Power AC power – The antenna system must operate from 120 VAC, 60 Hz single phase power (characteristics per FAA-G-2100H, paragraph 3.1.1.7). In case of a loss of AC, power the antenna system must transition to DC without an interruption of service.

DC power – The TACAN antenna system must be capable of operation from the battery backup power source of the FA-9996 system. This source will vary over a range of 33 to 45 volts DC.

The maximum power available is 300 watts.

1. Introduction