Questions and Answers.docx
DOCX document 16 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Automatic Direction-Finding Surveillance System
- Solicitation number
- FA252126QB181
About this file
This is a Questions and Answers document addressing clarifications on solicitation FA252126QB181 for an Automatic Direction-Finding Surveillance System for the US Space Force Space System Command.
The Government requires a single direction-finding system capable of monitoring radio frequency signals from 9 kHz to 40 GHz, with bearing measurement required only from 300 MHz to 40 GHz using a fixed omnidirectional antenna array. The system must deliver 100 MHz minimum real-time sweep analysis bandwidth with ±2.5 degree RMS bearing accuracy while compensating for vehicle motion up to 60 mph and 45 degrees per second turn rate. The equipment must function within half a mile of a launch pad at a near-space launch facility, withstanding 125-135 dB acoustic levels, 0.2-0.5 inches/second peak particle velocity, 0.1 psi overpressure, and 0.1 kW/m² thermal radiation. Additional requirements include RF field strength measurement and recording capability, integration with existing CRFS sensors (100-40, 300-18, 300-40) and Mission Manager V2.13 software via open interfaces, and relocation capability between vehicles and fixed building platforms. The system must weigh no more than 100 pounds, fit within 30 feet mast height, operate on standard power and power-over-ethernet, and deliver no later than February 1, 2027 with no phased delivery accepted. The Government requires all technical data rights, one-year minimum warranty, and operator training and integration advising. The system is unclassified with no CMMC or export control restrictions. No on-site installation at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station is expected, and the Government will not accept teamed offers or alternate line items for subsystem components alone.
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| V2 Salient Characteristics_Surveillance System.pdf | ||
| Solicitation_FA252126QB181.pdf |
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Questions & Answers
1. Direction-finding frequency range. The V2 list calls for monitoring from 9 kHz to 40 GHz and bearing "up to 40 GHz." Is bearing required across the full 9 kHz–40 GHz range, or only above a stated lower frequency? Bearing below about 20 MHz changes the antenna size, cost, and vehicle fit a great deal. 300 MHz – 40 GHz is sufficient.
2. Definition of 100 MHz instantaneous bandwidth. Is the 100 MHz minimum for real-time sweep/analysis bandwidth, for continuous gap-free I/Q recording, or for burst capture? Please state the required recording length and storage capacity per mission. This is for real-time sweep.
3. Bearing accuracy. What bearing accuracy (RMS) is required in each band? Over what vehicle turn rate and speed must the platform-motion compensation hold that accuracy? Accuracy must be +/- 2.5 degree RMS. Platform must compensate for up to 60mph speed and 45 degrees per second turn rate
4. Launch environment. Please define "near space launch vehicle during launch." Specifically, give the standoff distance from the pad, the expected acoustic, vibration, shock, and thermal levels, and any required environmental test standard (for example, MIL-STD-810H methods). We require the system to function at half a mile from the launch pad. Estimated 125-135 dB, 0.2-0.5 inches/s (PPV), 0.1 psi, and 0.1 kW/m^2 respectively for each parameters.
5. CRFS integration. Please identify the existing CRFS sensor models and CRFS Mission Manager software version the system must work with. Must TDoA/AoA integration use native CRFS interfaces, or is an equivalent open interface such as VITA 49 acceptable? Is an interface specification available to offerors? Sensors 100-40, 300-18, 300-40 and Mission Manager V2.13. Can integrate with open interface but no specification available
6. Quantity and host vehicle. How many systems are required? Please identify the host vehicle type, available prime power, allowable mast height, and weight, and whether the system must move between vehicles. This calls for one system but the system must be capable of relocating between vehicles and/or on to fixed platforms on buildings. Standard power and POE available. Allowable height of 30 ft and weight of 100lbs
7. Installation services. Paragraph 2(g) asks for installation services. Does the Government expect on-site installation onto Government vehicles at Cape Canaveral SFS, and does that include integration testing or operator training? No expectations of on-site installation however require training and advising on integration and operation.
8. Delivery schedule. Does the Government have a required or target delivery date? Would a phased delivery be acceptable, with the 9 kHz–18 GHz capability first and the 18–40 GHz capability later? Targeting delivery date NLT 01 Feb. 2027. No phase delivery acceptable currently.
9. Teamed and alternate offers. Will the Government accept a quote from a prime supported by named subcontractors for the receiver and software? Under paragraph 2(j), would it also consider an alternate line item for the antenna and RF front-end subsystem alone? No
10. Omnidirectional antenna definition. Must the bearing capability above 18 GHz use a fixed omnidirectional array? Or are rotating or switched-sector antennas acceptable if they provide 360° coverage? Omnidirectional definition: capable of measuring equally in all directions. Must be fixed
11. Security, CMMC, and export control. Please confirm the classification level of the effort and whether a facility clearance is required. Please also confirm whether DFARS 252.204-7021 (CMMC) will apply and at what level, and whether any system data or deliverables are export controlled (ITAR/EAR). No control required, Unclassed data
12. Data rights and warranty. What technical data rights does the Government intend to acquire? Is there a minimum warranty period? Require all rights to the data obtained by system. 1-year minimum warranty.
13. I see the AF is the end user, do you know what command within the AF this is for? US Space Force Space System Command
14. Do you know what C2 this will be used for? Radio Frequency Surveillance and recording
15. Is this being tied into a larger CUAS system? No
16. Is there a need for any other sensors outside of direction finding? Yes – radio frequency field strength measurement and recording.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .