Q A 6Mar2012.pdf

Question - We recommend that the Government clearly specify a minimum data rate and link availability for each terminal size at Ka-Band. Otherwise USSOCOM may end up with a "compliant" system that nonetheless fails to meet warfighter needs and the minimum data rate stated in the SOW's Concept of Operations (512K to 6 Mb). Our rationale for this recommendation follows: Our link budget analysis indicates that a data rate of only 210K is achievable from Somalia (example location) with the specified EIRP of 54.5 dBW and a link availability of 99%.

Answer - The problem with specifying a particular link condition is the requirement is then applicable only to that condition. In the past we have provided link conditions as part of RFPs, where we provided the transponder info, satellite, antenna and remote and Hub locations. This is problematic in that it does not provide a universal measure of terminal performance. It only provides a measure of performance under a single set of conditions. By specifying minimum G/T and EIRP we provide a more meaningful measure since those values can be plugged into any link budget for any satellite. The example used is a worst case scenario for the 1.2 meter (based on the EIRP stated in the question). The point being that any 1.2 meter under the given conditions would perform pretty much the same, within a fraction of a dB. For source selection we have requested vendors provide up and downlink chain calculations, so we'll then be able to assess if the stated G/T and EIRP are supported.

Question - Please confirm that the Total Evaluated Price is the sum of the extended total price of CLINS B001 and

B002 for Year 1 plus the sum of the extended total price of CLINS C001 and C002 for Year 1 through Year 5.

Answer - The total Evaluated Price will be the sum of B001 and B002 for year 1 (Production Qualification Sytems), CLINs C001 and C002 years 1 through 5, and the on-board spares for each variant years 1 through 5. ELINs for on-board spares kits will be assigned at contract award. The TEP has been revised and posted.