RFI ASARs.pdf

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Request for Information for U-2 Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar System -2
Solicitation number
FA8528-26-R-ASARS2
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About this file

This is a Request for Information (RFI) from the U.S. Air Force seeking potential sources to repair and sustain the U-2 Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar System-2 (ASARS-2) and associated components. The government is conducting market research to identify contractors with repair data, expertise, manufacturing capabilities, engineering and software development experience, and maintenance qualifications for the ASARS-2 system, which is classified as a noncommercial item. The current work is being performed by Raytheon (CAGE 4U884) under contract FA8528-20-D-0023. The government does not own data rights or system specifications for the ASARS-2 sensor. Respondents must provide all materials, support equipment, tools, test equipment, and services, with contractor-furnished parts equaling or exceeding the quality of original components.

The RFI identifies 16 specific ASARS-2 components requiring repair and sustainment support, including the Receiver Exciter Controller, On-Board Processor, Low-Voltage Power Supply, Transmitter, Electronically Scanned Antenna, and associated ground support equipment. Required support includes Contract Logistics Support encompassing engineering support, spare asset repair, system failure resolution, cybersecurity compliance with NIST SP 800-171, NIST SP 800-53, and CMMC standards, and Depot Maintenance Support Teams for software updates, obsolescence management, technical data development, and system improvement planning. Responses must be submitted by March 15, 2023, at 5:00 PM EST to Melissa Wells (Contracting Officer) and Tara Stephens (Contracting Specialist). The RFI requests detailed capability information across general capabilities, repair, commerciality, manufacturing, and engineering services, with particular emphasis on experience with classified materials, reverse engineering capabilities, quality assurance processes (AS9100 or equivalent), and solutions for addressing the absence of technical documentation. Small business participation is encouraged, with respondents asked to identify teaming arrangements and potential small business set-asides.

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Request for Information FA8528-26-R-ASARS2 for

U-2 Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar System -2

CAUTION:

The Government is conducting market research to identify potential sources that possess the repair data, expertise, capabilities, manufacturing, engineering, software development, maintenance and experience to meet qualification requirements to repair and sustain the Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar System (ASARS)-2 components and ground support equipment. The level of security clearance and amount of overseas continental united states participation in this requirement has not been determined. The Government does not own or have access to the data for ASARS-2 sensor. The Government has determined that this system is a noncommercial item.

Contractor shall furnish all material, support equipment, tools, test equipment, and services. The contractor is responsible for providing, maintaining, and calibrating all support equipment required at their facility or a subcontractor’s facility. Contractor furnished material or parts used for replacement shall equal or exceed the quality of the original material or parts.

Contractors/Institutions responding to this market research are placed on notice that participation in this survey may not ensure participation in future solicitations or contract awards. The government will not reimburse participants for any expenses associated with their participation in this survey.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. The document below contains a description of the ASARS-2 requirement and a Contractor Capability

Survey. The Survey allows Contractors to provide their company’s capability.

2. If, after reviewing these documents, you desire to participate in the market research, you should provide documentation that supports your company’s capability in meeting these requirements. Failure to provide documentation may result in the government being unable to adequately assess your capabilities.

3. ATTENTION: SMALL BUSINESS RESPONDENTS who are interested in participation for this effort:

a. No set aside decision has been made; however, the Government will determine the final strategy after thorough analysis of the small business responses and other market research available, considering the demonstrated interest and capability. Please ensure that you provide a thorough response to each question. If your company does not currently possess the full capability required to fulfill the entire requirement, what teaming/partnership/joint venture/subcontracting arrangement do you have in place to fulfill the government needs? Providing evidence of this arrangement, e.g., emails, letter, etc. that demonstrates a united response to this RFI is highly encouraged, but not required. The evidence should state the type of arrangement and the role each member will fulfill. If you are only interested in being a subcontractor to the future awardee, state the portion of the work that your organization has capability of fulfilling.

b. Identify any areas of work that your organization believes should be broken out exclusively for Small Business.

4. Both large and small businesses are encouraged to participate in this Market Research. Joint ventures or teaming arrangements are encouraged.

5. Questions relative to this market survey should be addressed to the PCO.

Purpose/Description

The work is currently being performed by Raytheon, Cage: 4U884 under current contract FA8528-20-D-0023. The Government does not own data rights or system specifications to the ASARS-2 sensor.

The Government is conducting market research to identify potential sources that possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet qualification requirements to repair and sustain the U-2 Advanced Synthetic Aperture (ASARS)-2 components listed below:

NOUN NSN P/N

Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar System-2 3611000-135

Receiver Exciter Controller (REC)-140 5895015680389UB 5143400-140

Receiver Exciter Controller (REC)-150 5895ND244150W 5143400-150

On-Board Processor (OBP)-120 5836015821194UB 5159570-120

Low-Voltage Power Supply (LVPS) 6130015448913UB 5143500-105

Sensor Storage Array (SSA) Chassis 7025015686548UB 501500

Sensor Storage Array (SSA) Chassis (Alternat PN) 7025015562549UB 268280P1

Transmitter (XMTR) 5841015446536UB 3611011-110

Electronically Scanned Antenna (ESA) 5841015445688UB 3611131-110

Control Display Unit (CDU) 6610015443734UB 3611045-110

Antenna Power Supply (APS) 6625015678564UB 5186500-100

Operational Cart (O-Cart) 4920015460460UB 5099150-116

Ring Tester Assembly 6625015678564UB 5192270-100

GETAC X500 Laptop 7010016990559UB 6580108-3

Liquid Cooling System (LCS) 4320015449815UB 5046700

Bullfrog Laptop 5840016424149UB 6580108-2

The Air Force requires long-term support and sustainment of the Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar System (ASARS) -2, which provides near-real-time high-resolution, long-range imagery from ground returns during day or night, in all weather conditions. Air Combat Command A5 requirements provide for an over-arching sustainment program for the U-2. The Contract Logistics Support (CLS) includes engineering support, the repair of spare assets, resolution of system failures and issues to ensure availability, reliability, and maintainability of the fielded equipment and software. This effort requires cybersecurity support and sustainment in accordance with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) SP 800-171, NIST SP 800-53, Intelligence Community Directive (ICD) 503, and the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) process, Cybersecurity Impact Evaluation Recommendation (CIER) for all changes and modifications of this effort to incorporate in the U-2S Approval to

Operate (ATO) package, Cybersecurity Authorization Package (CAP), Risk Management Framework (RMF), Interim Authority to Test (IATT), Interim Authority to Connect (ATC), and/or separate ATO, as applicable and requested by the Government. This effort also requires Depot Maintenance Support Teams (DMST) to support the following sustainment activities: mission software updates; Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS) engineering; engineering change proposals; configuration management (hardware and software); integration with ASARS-related systems on the U-2 platform; data management; technical data (such as technical manuals and reports) development and maintenance; in-plant Specialized Repair Activity and sparing; technical and engineering actions for calibrating ASARS-2; resolving system failures/issues in a timely manner; and planning/preparation/implementation of system sustainment improvements.

Figure 1 (ASARS-2A Airborne Radar Set)

The ASARS-2A is the Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar System for the high-altitude U.S. Air Force U-2 aircraft.

It is a high-resolution reconnaissance system with all-weather, day-night, long-range mapping capabilities. ASARS- 2A detects and accurately locates fixed and moving ground targets by collecting and processing Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery and Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) hit data. ASARS-2A is normally employed in a tethered mode of operation, which allows collection and transmission of data in near real time via data link for exploitation of the collected data.

ASARS-2A provides multiple imaging modes with various degrees of resolution, and coverage, and gives the Air Force superior surveillance capabilities. The ASARS-2A and its predecessors have been operational since 1985 and are still one of the major assets in the Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) inventory.

The purpose of this request is to conduct Market Research activity to gather information on whether any additional sources are capable of meeting this requirement.

Requested Information:

Please provide responses to the following:

1. Does your company possess the necessary drawings, data, and other information required to support and sustain the U-2 Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar System and associated components? If yes, please provide supporting rationale and documentation. If no, how will your organization address the absence of drawings, specifications, technical data, test procedures, etc?

2. Do you have infrastructure to support the production and sustainment of the U-2 Advanced Synthetic

Aperture Radar System? If yes, please provide supporting rationale and documentation.

3. Do you have the capability to reverse engineer the Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar System and related components/infrastructure in order to support the sustainment and production of the U-2 Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar System and associated components?

Part I. Business Information

Please provide the following business information for your company/institution and for any teaming or joint venture partners. The Government intended North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is 541330 which represents Engineering Services, Military and Aerospace Equipment and Military Weapons and is what the system is classified under. The size standard for NAICS Code 541330 is $47M.

a. Company/Institute Name:

b. Address:

c. Point of Contact:

d. CAGE Code:

e. Phone Number:

f. Email Address:

g. Web Page URL:

h. Government Proposed North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code: 541330

i. Based on the Government proposed NAICS Code, state whether your company is:

• Small Business (Yes / No)

• Woman Owned Small Business (Yes / No)

• Small Disadvantaged Business (Yes / No)

• 8(a) Certified (Yes / No)

• HUBZone Certified (Yes / No)

• Veteran Owned Small Business (Yes / No)

• Service-Disabled Veteran Small Business (Yes / No)

• System for Award Management (SAM) (Yes / No)

• A statement as to whether your company is domestically or foreign owned (if foreign, please indicate the country of ownership).

Responses to the Capability Survey Part I and Part II must be received no later than close of business 5:00 PM EST on March 15, 2023. Please ensure data is in a readable electronic format that can be received through a firewall.

Attachments shall not to exceed 10 MB per email. Multiple emails are acceptable. Responses must be sent via email to the following:

• Melissa Wells, Contracting Officer, melissa.wells.5@us.af.mil

• Tara Stephens, Contracting Specialist, tara.stephens@us.af.mil

Part II. Capability Survey Questions

A. General Capability Questions:

1. Briefly describe the capabilities of your facility and nature of the goods and/or services you provide. Include a description of your staff composition and management structure.

2. Describe your company's experience on previous projects similar in complexity to this requirement. Include contract numbers, a brief description of the work performed, period of performance, agency/organization supported, and individual point of contact (Contracting Officer or Program Manager).

3. Describe your company’s experience in repairing the Part Number/NSNs listed above that make up the Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar System (ASARS)-2.

4. Describe your company's capabilities for generating, handling, processing, and storing classified material and data.

5. Describe your company's capabilities and experience in generating technical data, engineering drawings and manuals. Identify what software programs are utilized to generate these data products and what formats are available for delivered items.

6. What is your company’s current maximum capacity per month for this particular type of requirement? Provide information on any facility reserves you may possess to increase capacity in the event of an immediate need do to critical operational mission requirements.

7. What quality assurance processes and test qualification practices does your company employ? Provide a description of your quality program (ISO 9001, AS9100, etc.).

a. Provide a detailed quality plan implementing AS9100 (or equivalent).

B. Repair Questions:

1. Describe your capabilities and experience in repairing existing systems/equipment (hardware and software) to solve maintenance and support problems in the depot environment.

2. Describe your capabilities and experience in developing/modifying repair or maintenance procedures. Include associated upgrade of technical orders and preparation of new technical orders.

a. State the types of diagnostics and troubleshooting tools utilized for efforts such as this.

3. Demonstrate your ability and experience in repair of the same or similar components, which are currently in use on commercial or military helicopters by providing the following information on the same or similar items:

a) Contract Number

b) Procuring Agency mailto:melissa.wells.5@us.af.mil mailto:tara.stephens@us.af.mil

c) Contract Value

d) Number of assets shipped

4. Provide your commercial manual(s) or Acceptance Test Procedures (ATP) and your rights to these manuals and or ATP used in the depot level repair and functional check of these or similar assets for Government Engineer review.

5. Describe your capabilities and experience in test, evaluation, repair, or maintenance procedures.

6. Describe your configuration management processes and how you identify and resolve parts obsolescence and diminishing manufacturing sources problems?

7. Discuss your process for addressing any fit, form, and or function issues that may arise out of this effort.

8. Describe your process for maintaining inventory records and reporting on hand/work-in-process balances and repair status to your customer.

9. Include a detailed listing of facilities and equipment, including quantities, required to satisfy the requirements of this effort.

a. Provide an outline of the proposed process, including inspections.

i. State the type of test procedures are anticipated for this effort.

ii. State the type of inspection processes anticipated for this effort.

1. NDI/T.

2. Destructive testing/inspection.

10. How will your organization address the absence of drawings, specifications, technical data, test procedures, etc?

11. If the item cannot be repaired in total, state what your organization can repair.

12. State any technology insertion ideas for the item that would be suitable for this effort.

13. Discuss any reverse engineering or item replacement opportunities that may be present.

C. Commerciality Questions:

1. Is there established catalog or market prices for our requirement?

2. If you offer this product and/or service to both U.S. Government and commercial sources, is the same workforce used for both the U.S. Government and general public?

3. Is our requirement offered to both under similar terms and conditions? Briefly describe any differences.

4. Describe your standard warranty and return process for goods and services furnished to the government for items similar in nature to this requirement.

D. Manufacturing Questions

1. Describe your capabilities and experience in manufacturing with regard to the requirements of this effort.

2. Describe your capabilities and experience in developing/modifying manufacturing procedures. Include associated upgrade of technical orders and preparation of new technical orders.

3. Demonstrate your ability and experience in the manufacture of the same or similar components, which are currently utilized in the commercial or military environment by providing the following information on the same or similar items:

a) Contract Number

b) Procuring Agency

d) Number of assets shipped

4. Provide your commercial manual(s) or Acceptance Test Procedures (ATP) and your rights to these manuals and or ATP used in the manufacture and functional check of these or similar assets for Government Engineer review.

5. Describe your capabilities and experience in test, evaluation, and repair processes/procedures with regard to manufacturing items.

6. Describe your configuration management processes and how you identify and resolve parts obsolescence and diminishing manufacturing sources problems?

7. Discuss your process for addressing any fit, form, and or function issues that may arise out of the requirements of this effort.

8. Describe your process for maintaining inventory records and reporting on hand/work-in-process balance and manufacturing status to your customer.

9. Include a detailed listing of facilities and equipment, including quantities, required to satisfy the requirements of this effort.

a. Provide an outline of the proposed process, including inspections.

i. State the type of test procedures are anticipated for this effort.

ii. State the type of inspection processes anticipated for this effort.

1. NDI/T.

2. Destructive testing/inspection.

10. How will your organization address the absence of drawings, specifications, technical data, test procedures, etc.

11. If the item cannot be manufactured in total, state what your organization can produce.

12. State any technology insertion ideas for the item that would be suitable for this effort.

13. Discuss any reverse engineering or item replacement opportunities that may be present.

E. Engineering Services Questions (Engineering, advisory & assistance services, contractor logistic support, other services not listed)

1. Describe your services capabilities and experience with regard to the requirements of this effort.

2. Describe your capabilities and experience in developing/modifying procedures. Include associated upgrade of technical orders and preparation of new technical orders.

3. Demonstrate your ability and experience for the same or similar services, which are currently provided in the commercial and/or military environment by providing the following information on the same or similar items:

a) Contract Number

b) Procuring Agency

d) Services Provided

4. Describe your capabilities and experience in any required test, evaluation, and repair processes/procedures with regard to the required items.

5. Describe how you/your organization will identify and resolve parts obsolescence and diminishing manufacturing sources problems?

6. Discuss your process for addressing any fit, form, and or function issues that may arise out of the requirements of this effort.

7. Describe your process for maintaining inventory records and reporting on hand/work-in-process balance and manufacturing status to your customer as required.

8. How will your organization address the absence of drawings, specifications, technical data, test procedures, etc?

CAUTION:
INSTRUCTIONS:
Purpose/Description
Figure 1 (ASARS-2A Airborne Radar Set)
Requested Information:
A. General Capability Questions:
B. Repair Questions:
C. Commerciality Questions:
D. Manufacturing Questions
E. Engineering Services Questions

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .