OCSDevelopmentSSS.docx

Operational Control System Development Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS) Request for Information:

This is not a solicitation but rather a Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS) to determine potential sources for information and planning purposes only. It constitutes neither a Request for Proposal nor an Invitation for Bid. This SSS does not restrict the Government to an ultimate acquisition approach. It should not be construed as a commitment by the Government for any purpose other than to gain the information requested. Interested parties are encouraged to respond to this SSS. The Government will not pay for information, materials, and/or demonstrations received in response and are in no way obligated to respondents by or for any information received.

1. Background and Scope:

The United States (US) Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance & Special Operations Forces (ISR & SOF) Division, Battlefield Airmen Branch (AFLCMC/WISN), Wright-Patterson AFB OH, is requesting information to identify possible sources to further develop Black Diamond Advanced Technologies’ (BDAT) APEx Predator System. The APEx Predator Sytem provides ruggedized power and data management for the operator. The APEx system consist of two hubs, the APEx Hub and the Assaulter Hub. Ruggedized cables connect the hub to various peripheral devices such as PRC-152A, PRC-148, PRC-117G, TAC-RoverP, TAC-RoverE, 1922 Microlight, GPS, Laser Range Finders etc. The system is controlled by an End User Device (EUD), running a Windows or Android Operating System. The EUD may be updated as technology progresses. Qualified respondents to this SSS can request a copy of the APEx System Subsystem Specification. This information will be provided with government purpose rights and shall only be used for this government requirement. Interested vendors may contact Mr. Douglas Williams or Mr. Brad Steiner, whose information is listed below, for copies of the aforementioned specification.

2. Capability Requirements The Battlefield Airmen Program Office has a requirement for the Operational Control System solution, the APEx Predator system to continue to be developed, modified, and integrated with new peripherals. As new cables are developed and new peripherals are integrated with the system, they will be seamlessly integrated with APECON. APECON is the software application currently being used to perform the power manipulation function (turning peripherals on/off, checking battery/peripherals status, and tracking firmware versions). APECON is a BDAT application that resides on the End User Device.

3. Contract Type and Deliverables This would be an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contract. Individual task orders would be awarded to meet specific requirements throughout each year. The Government estimates 5 task orders will be awarded per year on this effort (FY 17-20). Each task order will have specific requirements to modify/upgrade a current component, develop a new cable for a new peripheral device, or perform testing/integration work to better understand a requirement or system limitation. For example, the ViaSat PRC-161 is a new peripheral that the BA program office will need to integrate with the APEx system. A task order would be awarded to develop and provide prototypes that connect the APEx hubs with a PRC-161. The cable would allow for power and data to be passed to the PRC-161 and for the cable to be manipulated by APECON. Another example is modifying existing cables to allow for more power manipulation capability within APECON. This modification could change the auto power state of the peripheral when first connected to the APEx hub or allow for the peripheral to be toggle on/off from the power button on the peripheral in addition to APECON.

Task order may include the following: 1) engineering/development hours; 2) production of prototypes; and 3) engineering/test documentation.

4. Additional Background Information:

The Battlefield Airmen (BA) Program Office is procuring APEx systems from Black Diamond Advanced Technology in support of Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) and Air Combat Command (ACC) Battlefield Airmen. The APEx system is currently filling the OCS requirement and will be through FY20.

The Application Program Interface, the connector pin-outs, the firmware, and all other components are proprietary to Black Diamond Advanced Technology.

5. Instructions to Potential Respondents:

Interested vendors who desire to participate in this SSS are encouraged to submit white papers that demonstrate they presently have the technology and qualifications of the system described above. Responses should address the following:

a. Ability to meet capability requirements

i. Recent, relevant experience developing ruggedized cabling

ii. Engineering experience in power and data management

b. Capability to modify/further develop the APEx solution

c. All prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database to be awarded a DoD contract. To learn more about this SAM requirement and how to register, please visit the SAM internet website at https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM/#1#1. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code for this action is 334220, size standard 750 employees. Based on the NAICS Code, state whether your company qualifies as a:

i. Small Business (Yes/No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certification

ii. Woman Owned Small Business (Yes/No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certification

iii. Small Disadvantaged Business (Yes/No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certification

iv. 8(a) Certified (Yes/No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certification

v. SBA Certification Date:

vi. SBA Graduation Date:

vii. HUB Zone Certified (Yes/No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certification

viii. Veteran Owned Small Business (Yes/No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certification

ix. Service Disabled Small Business (Yes/No)

x. Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (Yes/No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certification

xi. Statement as to whether your company is domestically or foreign owned (if foreign owned, please indicate country of ownership).

xii. Provide prospective small business utilization percentages (if the acquisition is not set- aside for small business)

6. Responses, communications and additional considerations:

Companies may be contacted if we need further information to fully understand the contractor responses. AFLCMC is not at this time seeking proposals, and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned. All costs associated with responding to this SSS will be solely at the responding party's expense.

This notice is part of government market research, a continuous process for obtaining the latest information on the “art of the possible” and associated material production and approach risks from industry with respect to their current abilities. The acquisition strategy has not yet been determined, and market research results will assist the Air Force in determining whether this requirement will be a full and open, a small business set aside, or a sole source acquisition. If it is determined to be a small business set-aside, FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting will apply. Therefore, small businesses that want to be considered for a small business set-aside should demonstrate how they could comply. Potential sources are encouraged to submit recommended small business utilization requirements as a percentage of total contract value for consideration, in the event the acquisition is not set-aside for small business.

Information received that is identified as proprietary/sensitive, will be protected as such. Any company proprietary information contained in the response should be clearly marked by paragraph, such that ‘publicly-releasable’ and ‘proprietary’ information are clearly distinguished. Any material that is not marked proprietary will be considered publicly-releasable. Any proprietary information received in response to this request will be properly protected from any unauthorized disclosure. The Government will not use proprietary information submitted from any one firm to establish the capability and requirements for any future systems acquisition, so as to not inadvertently restrict competition.

When submitting a response, please be aware that the Air Force workforce is supplemented by contracted support personnel. Any proprietary data submitted may be handled by contract support services personnel who have signed Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA).

One paper copy should be submitted to the program office as outline below. Responses are limited to 3 pages and should include technical and descriptive text to provide sufficient detail on the topics above. The submitted documentation becomes the property of the U.S. Government and will not be returned.

Broad industry participation for this SSS is encouraged. U.S. and non-U.S. firms are permitted to respond to this OCS Development SSS. Responses to questions from interested parties will be promptly answered and posted on Fed Biz Ops (FBO), unless some release of proprietary information is involved or the answer addresses a question peculiar to a company or that company’s response.

This notice may be updated as additional information becomes available. Please check the FBO site for updates to this announcement and register to receive e-mail notices of any updates to the FBO announcement. For more information on this SSS, please contact the AF POCs below. E-mail communications are preferred.

Submissions are requested no later than 1:00 PM (EST) 03 January 2017 and should be submitted via e-mail or by mailing your response to:

Douglas Williams, Contracting Officer AFLCMC/WISK (Bldg 46) 1895 5th St Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7233 Contracting Officer, douglas.williams.26@us.af.mil

Personnel hand-carrying responses should contact the Contracting Officer to arrange a mutually acceptable arrival time. E-mail communication is preferred.

Contractual: Douglas Williams, Contracting Officer, (937) 656-8573 douglas.williams.26@us.af.mil

Programmatic: Lt Trent Little, Project Manager (937) 623-7107 Selton.little.1@us.af.mil

Engineering: Mr. Brad Steiner (937) 904-7773 paul.steiner.1@us.af.mil