Synopsis.doc

Arnold Engineering Development Center/Contract Management Division (AEDC/PKM), Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee, formally announces the requirement for the Space Threat Assessment Testbed (STAT) facility. This announcement follows a Request for Information (FA9101-06-R-RFI1) in Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) in March 2006 and subsequent amendments. Industry Days were held in April 2006, January 2007, and May 2007. The draft Request for Proposals (dRFP) was released on 9 November 2007. Questions and comments were received to the dRFP, and answers are to be posted on FedBizOpps by 8 February 2008. Amendment 01 requested security addresses for distribution of the classified Systems Requirements Document, provided the Preliminary Statement of Work, and attached a draft cost model. Amendment 02 announced the establishment of a bidder’s library in the Air Force Knowledge Now and instructions for obtaining an account. Amendment 03 incorporated the DD254, DoD Contract Security Classification Specification.

Key features of the STAT Spiral 1 capability will be the complex natural space environments simulating Low Earth Orbit and Geosynchronous Orbits, simulators of key man-made threats, and a near real-time connection capability that allows ground station hardware, software, and operators to be involved in the test and evaluation process. The STAT Spiral 1 capability represents a new integrated, real-time simulation of the complex space environment to enable technology maturation and performance verification necessary to advance technologies to Technology Readiness Level 7 without incurring the cost and schedule of a space flight.

The Government is requiring offerors to implement an Integrated Product Team (IPT) approach for STAT system development. System development is expected to last six years with Initial Operational Capability delivered at the end of FY10 and Full Operational Capability at the end of FY12. The integrated STAT Spiral 1 system must be able to be licensed, operated, and maintained on behalf of the Government by AEDC’s operating contractor. The successful offeror will work in partnership with AEDC’s operating contractor throughout the development program to ensure appropriate support infrastructure development takes place and to ensure that the transition from development and construction to operations goes smoothly.

AEDC is pursuing a full and open, best value source selection for the STAT Program. The RFP is expected to be released by the end of February 2008. Offerors will be given 45 days to respond to the solicitation. The Government expects to award a contract by the end of August 2008. All responsible sources may submit a proposal which shall be considered by the agency. The RFP and related documents will only be available electronically at the FBO website. Please register as a source to be notified of RFP amendments, clarifications, etc. However, it is the responsibility of contractors (even those registered as a source) to check the FBO website frequently to ensure they have all available information. A bidder’s library has been established in the Air Force Knowledge Now for reference documents; please see Amendment 02 to the dRFP for instructions for obtaining an account.