RFI_SIC_5_Jun.pdf

SOURCES SOUGHT

SECURE IRIDIUM CHAT (SIC) SYSTEM TECHNICAL

REFRESH

OBJECTIVE:

The USAF E-3G AWACS provides worldwide response to situations requiring immediate and continuous on-scene command, control, and battle management using embedded real-time surveillance to support employment of U.S. and allied combat forces. The E-3G consists of the air vehicle, sensor systems, and computing and communications equipment. The current USAF E-3G operational fleet consists of 16 operational aircraft. The Secure Iridium Chat (SIC) system provides communication through the Iridium satellite network services. The SIC system is used on the E-3G by AWACS to provide the E-3G platform with a secure tactical chat solution to satisfy CENTAF, PACAF, NORTHAF, and SOUTHAF operational requirements. The SIC system is based on a satellite communication device that provides Beyond Line-Of-Sight (BLOS) connectivity, Internet-Protocol (IP) support, and a narrow bandwidth capability for data and voice collaboration. The SIC system provides access to non-secure voice and classified/unclassified networks via the Iridium satellite constellation and enables limited AWACS participation in IP net centric operations by providing the ability to access the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet).

SCOPE:

To complete a technical refresh of the Secure Iridium Chat (SIC) system to return SIC to required operational status. The technical refresh will be compliant with current DoD and NSA mandates and be a form, fit, functional, and integrated (F3I) replacement system (with approved exceptions) to replace the current SIC equipment.

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION DETAILS:

1. AFLCMC/HBK is requesting information from industry as part of market research to determine interest level and size of qualified vendors.

2. THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT ONLY. It is not a Request for Proposal, a Request for

Quotation, an Invitation for Bid, a solicitation, or an indication the US Air Force (AF) or AFLCMC/HBK will contract for the items contained in the sources sought.

AFLCMC/HBK will not pay respondents for information provided in response to this sources sought.

3. The Government is requesting information from vendors of all business sizes including socioeconomic programs such as 8(a), Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone), Women Owned Small Business, or Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) that are interested in performing this requirement. The Government requests interested parties submit a brief description of their company’s business size (i.e., annual revenues and employee size), business status (i.e., 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB, Women Owned Small Business, or small business), and any anticipated teaming arrangements. The Government will use this information in determining its small business set-aside decision.

4. Interested parties should submit a capabilities package, with a cover letter, that is brief and concise, yet clearly demonstrates ability to meet the stated requirements with sufficiently qualified personnel. Provide qualification information (type and duration of employee experience relevant to the requirements) and the level of involvement (prime or sub-contractor) and time periods for work on similar projects. The capabilities package should clearly present evidence that the interested party is fully capable of providing the required services and as such may contain any information that the interested party feels is relevant.

5. Responses should be submitted electronically, and must be no more than ten single-spaced pages, using 12-point, Times New Roman font, and minimum of one inch margins, in Microsoft Word format. Responses that only provide a company website will not be considered.

6. Responses to this sources sought are requested by 3PM, CDT, 20 June 2024. All responses shall be unclassified and reviewed to ensure consideration. All responses, correspondence, and/or questions related to this matter should be e-mailed to:

E-mail: joy.beach@us.af.mil Phone: (405) 739-4489

E-mail: michael.johnson.404@us.af.mil

Attachments:

SIC_DRAFT_SOW_17MAY2024_with_Appendices mailto:joy.beach@us.af.mil mailto:michael.johnson.404@us.af.mil