COBRA_DANE_RFI.docx

AFLCMC/HBQ

Strategic Warning and Surveillance Systems Division

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

COBRA DANE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

FA8723-15-R-0001

The Government is contemplating awarding a sole-source award to Raytheon for continued sustainment support for operation, organizational level maintenance and depot level maintenance to the AN/FPS-108COBRA DANE radar. COBRA DANE is a 38 year-old, large ground-based, L-band phased-array radar located on the northwest corner of Eareckson Air Station on Shemya Island, Alaska. COBRA DANE supports two critical Air Force missions: Missile Defense (MD) and Space Situational Awareness (SSA)

The system was fielded in 1976 by Raytheon Equipment Division Laboratories. The contract was awarded in June 1973, and initial operational capability was achieved by July 1977. Raytheon EDL completed a major system modernization program in 1993 replacing the original mission computers, peripherals and radar displays, all of the operational software, and several unsupportable radar hardware subsystems. The entire radar front end was retained. Under Presidential Directive PD-023, COBRA DANE Upgrade development began in 2001 resulting in the MD mission replacing the original early warning mission. This mission was implemented largely as a software modification. None of the system hardware was changed, but a new communications processor was added to enable COBRA DANE to accept sensor tasking from, and report threat missile data to, the Ground-based Mid-course Defense Fire Control component for target engagement support. CDU was completed in 2004 in a limited defensive operations capacity and is now in a sustainment phase.

In order to identify barriers to competition, the Government is requesting information from interested parties as to the extent of technical documentation required to allow for a full and open competition. The existing technical data available consists of red-lined, non-searchable drawings, a partial photographic inventory of equipment racks, technical orders and operating manuals, software code. Currently, the Government cannot guarantee that all technical documents or technical orders are 100% current. In addition, the Government estimates the system contains approximately 500,000 lines of software code.

All interested parties are invited to submit their response indicating what information would be needed to eliminate barriers to competition. Please limit your response to no more than 5 pages. A formal sources sought will be released shortly after this request for information. A full capabilities package will be requested at that time. Responses should be emailed to Kathryn Bernstein, Contracting Officer, at kathryn.bernstein@us.af.mil, or mailed to Kathryn Bernstein, AFLCMC/HBQ, 1050 E Stewart Ave, Peterson AFB, CO 80914. Questions can be sent via email or by calling Ms. Bernstein at 719-556-8838. Responses are requested NLT 1200MDT on 19 Sep 14.