Sources Sought Announcement.pdf

SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT

B-2 is seeking sources for the Low Observable Signature & Supportability Modifications (LOSSM) effort.

CONTRACTING OFFICE ADDRESS:

AFLCMC/WB (B-2)

2690 Loop Road West Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433

INTRODUCTION:

This is a SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCMENT to identify potential sources that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet the requirements of the B-2 LOSSM program, including procurement, analysis, integration, test, database generation and sustainment.

The acquisition strategy has not yet been determined. The purpose of this Sources Sought is to identify and document capable sources of supply so that an appropriate acquisition strategy decision can be accomplished. (i.e. Full and Open competition, sole source acquisition, etc.).

Security Requirements:

The current system collects and exports data up to the Secret/Special Access Required (S/SAR) level. Future systems must be able meet the Joint Special Access Program Implementation Guide (JSIG) requirements to achieve authority to operate (ATO). A DD254 will be required.

Background:

Low observable (LO) maintenance relies on periodic inspections to identify Radar Cross Section (RCS) signature defects. These inspections can be visual observations (Tier 0), probe point inspection measurements (Tier 1), or higher fidelity radar signature measurements. The currently fielded Tier I system measures predefined measurement points on the aircraft using a Radio Frequency (RF) probe suite consisting of three different types of probes: (1) a probe that measures highly conductive materials such as paint, transparent materials and tapes using an open ended resonant waveguide cavity, (2) a probe that measures MAGRAM absorbers using an open ended waveguide reflectometer, (3) a probe that measures R-card using a microstrip sensor.

All 3 categories of probes are designed to measure materials as installed on the aircraft that are integrated into material stacks. The waveguide-based probes utilize several sizes of waveguide to measure over the operational frequency bands of interest.

The probes are connected to a vector network analyzer (VNA) via radio frequency (RF) cables.

The VNA includes operator input keys and a display. The VNA is connected to a laptop computer for primary system interface, display, and data storage. The data is transportable to other diagnostic systems. Routine operation of the current probe point inspection system includes a brief warm-up of the system, VNA calibration, probe calibration and probe measurement of a predefined area. Types of measurement data that are generated and collected include reflection coefficients and sheet impedances. These responses are compared against a known measurement value.

1.1 SOURCES SOUGHT INFORMATION:

1.2 DISCLAIMER: THIS SOURCES SOUGHT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES

ONLY. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP), REQUEST FOR QUOTE (RFQ)

OR AN INVITATION FOR BID (IFB). IN ACCORDANCE WITH FAR 15.201(e), THIS

NOTICE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICITATION AND SHALL NOT BE

CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT. RESPONSES IN ANY

FORM ARE NOT OFFERS AND THE GOVERNMENT IS UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO

AWARD A CONTRACT AS A RESULT OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.NO FUNDS ARE

AVAILABLE TO PAY FOR PREPARATION OF RESPONSES TO THIS

ANNOUNCEMENT. ANY INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY RESPONDENTS TO THIS

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION IS STRICTLY VOLUNTARY. THE GOVERNMENT MAY

USE THE INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM RESPONSES TO THIS NOTICE IN

DETERMINING ITS ACQUISITION APPROACH. THE ISSUANCE OF THIS NOTICE

DOES NOT RESTRICT THE GOVERNMENT ACQUISTION APPROACH.

1.3 REQUIRED CAPABILITIES:

The B-2 SPO foresees several candidates as improvement and replacement options: (1) system(s) containing an integrated VNA eliminating the existing stand-alone VNA and RF cable which induces measurement errors from cable flexure and damage, (2) new primary interface and software, (3) replacement system(s) that are easier to use and more accurate. (4) The system must be Class I, Division 2 of the National Electric Code (NEC), Article 500.5(B), (5) The system must execute Radio Frequency point inspections, i.e. not zonal, not visual and not whole body. Visual cueing of the probe for alignment to predefined measurement points or defects is acceptable and is currently the method employed, (6) system(s) must be able to be transported, calibrated, and operated by a single user.

The Contractor shall perform training systems tasks and meet training support objectives. The training system tasks include, but are not limited to, analysis, evaluation of system designs, development, production, installation, integration, test, database generation, and sustainment.

Tasks also include documentation reviews, participation in design and management reviews, cost/schedule status tracking, technical data library management, and configuration and data management activities.

If after reviewing this document, you desire to respond to this pre-solicitation synopsis, 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. If you lack sufficient experience in a particular area, please provide details explaining how you would overcome the lack of experience/capability in order to perform that portion of the requirement. Government-provided design/production data is not available and will not be provided. Both large and small businesses are encouraged to participate.

Specifically, responses should address the following:

1. Experience integrating, development and/or ability to integrate miniaturized VNAs, and eliminate larger VNAs and RF cables.

2. Recommended system technologies/architectures/physicals (e.g. probe)

3. Methods to consolidate equipment

4. Designs and certification approaches to meet the requirements of Class I, Division 2 of the National Electric Code (NEC), Article 500.5(B)

5. Open systems architecture implementation

6. Approaches that minimize diminishing manufacturing source risks

7. Approaches that could accelerate measurements

8. VNA and probe calibration methodology

9. RF measurement error and uncertainty for each proposed probe type.

10. Security, sanitization and protection of classified data during proposed system operation, and storage.

11. The point inspection system should be able to be operated, carried, and manipulated by 1 maintenance technician for long periods of time in various positions such measuring regions on the underside or top of the aircraft.

Additional considerations:

Although free-space transmission is not a part of the current system, the program office is willing to accept free-space transmission measurement techniques with emitted power no greater than 1mW as measured from the output of the VNA. Air Force maintenance technicians currently use the probes for measurements. Although automated techniques are not a requirement, responses that include such techniques are acceptable.

1.4 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Within 30 days of date of award the contractor shall have 100% of their personnel assigned to this contract with active Secret security clearances. The number of personnel will be on an escalation basis according to contract requirement. The contractor and personnel assigned to this effort shall maintain a Secret clearance during the entire period of performance (PoP) to access the Government facility.

1.5 NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM CODE (NAICS);

The anticipated NAICS Code is 541614; the corresponding Small Business size standard. If the NAICS Code or Small Business size standard appears to be incorrect, please suggest an alternative NAICS Code and Small Business size for consideration.

1.6. OMBUDSMAN – DAFFARS 5352.201-9101 (JUL 2023):

(a) An Ombudsman has been appointed to hear and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and other for this acquisition. When requested, the ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The existence of the ombudsman does not affect the authority of the program manager, contracting officer, or source selection official. Further, the ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals, the source selection process, or the adjudication or protests or formal disputes. The ombudsman may refer the interested party to another official who can resolve the concern.

(b) Before consulting with an ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the contracting officer for resolution. Consulting and ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines for any other processes (e.g., agency level bid protests, GAO bid protests, requests for debriefings, employee-employer actions, contests of OMB Circular A-76 competition performance decisions).

(c) If resolution cannot be made by the contracting officer, the interested party may contract the ombudsman, Col. Cecilia I. Montes De Oca, (310)710-2734, ASCA@us.af.mil.

Concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations that cannot be resolved at the ombudsman level may be brought by the associated party for further consideration to the Department of the Air Force ombudsman, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (ADAS) (Contracting), SAF/ACQ, 1060 Air Force Pentagon, Washington DC 20330-1060, phone number (571)256-2395, facsimile number (571)256-2431.

(d) The ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds the agency.

(e) Do not contact the ombudsman to request copies of the solicitation, verify offer due date, or clarify technical requirements. Such inquiries shall be directed to the contracting officer.

(End of Clause)

1.7. SUBMISSION DETAILS: Vendors interested in responding to this announcement should submit unclassified technical capabilities statement via email NLT 4:00 p.m. EST on 31 January 2026, to the Contracting Officer at alana.williams.1@us.af.mil. NO PHONE CALLS OR FAXES WILL BE ACCEPTED. CLASSIFIED information will NOT be accepted. The Government will not award a contract solely based on this Sources Sought, nor will it reimburse the contractor for any costs associated with preparing or submitting a response to this notice.

Responses shall be limited to fifteen (15) pages. Proprietary information, if any, should be minimized and MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED. To aid the Government, please segregate proprietary information. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned. It is the submitter’s sole responsibility to verify the e-file was received and can be viewed.

All information received that is marked Proprietary will be handled accordingly. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned. All Government and contractor personnel reviewing sources sought responses will have signed non-disclosure agreement and understand their responsibility for proper use and protection from unauthorized disclosure of proprietary information as described in 41 USC 432. The Government shall not be held liable for any damages incurred if proprietary information is not properly identified.

1.8 RESPONSES SHALL INCLUDE:

a) Business name and address;

b) Name of company representative and their business title for further clarifications or questions;

c) Point of contact telephone number, email address and web page URL

d) Business Size and Type of Small Business (if applicable);

e) Cage Code;

f) DUNS Number;

g) Capabilities statement package (electronically via point of contact in using PDF limited to 15 single sided 8.5x11 pages, size 12-point font, any Table of Contents and fold-outs count against the 15 page limit) demonstrating ability to perform in accordance with paragraphs 1.3 and 1.4 above;

h) Participation in the 8(a) Program including copy of letter from the Small Business Administration providing proof, if applicable;

i) Identify participation in any other socioeconomic programs (i.e., HUBZone, Service-Disabled- Veteran Owned, or Women-Owed small business set-asides subject to FAR);

j) Provide names and contract numbers for existing IDIQ contracts available for use by the Air Force that could be used to satisfy this requirement, if any;

l) State if the firm intends to perform the work as the prime contractor or if it plans to subcontract with the prime contractor;

m) All prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database to be awarded a DoD contract.

1.9 QUESTIONS: Any questions (technical, contractual, etc.) shall be submitted in writing via email to the Contracting POC stated in Para 1.7 above. Questions are to be submitted NLT than 4:00 p.m. 15 January 2026. Verbal, phone, or fax questions will NOT be accepted. Answers to questions will be posted on SAM.gov website. Questions shall NOT contain proprietary or classified information.

1.10 SUMMARY: THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT to identify potential contractors that possess the expertise, capabilities and experience to meet the requirements for the support of the LOSSM Tier I Tool. The information provided in this announcement is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. The DAF has not made a commitment to procure any of the supplies/services discussed and release of this Sources Sought should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.