ASDE3 Down Converter Modules

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) intends to negotiate a contract on a single source basis to CTT Inc. (CTT), a Kratos Company, San Jose, CA, for the acquisition of down converter modules for the Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE)-3 radar system. The ASDE-3 system provides critical surface surveillance capability to major airports across the NAS. It uses enhanced processing software and safety logic to alert controllers and prevent runway incursions at large congested airports.

The P/N: SA-1990-90, NSN 5840-01-3201732 is wholly manufactured by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) CTT Inc. CTT has the rights to all proprietary information necessary to conduct manufacture, repair, and test of these assets are owned by CTT and have not been authorized for release to any third-party vendors. As such, CTT is the only qualified and authorized manufacturing source capable of meeting the FAA requirement for serviceable assets used for repair of the ASDE-3 surveillance systems.

The current model became non-supported by the OEM for repair 1st quarter of 2024. Current on hand stock has almost been depleted over the past twelve (12) months. The FAALC has two (2) serviceable units available to support the NAS with an average demand of three (3) assets per year. A competitive environment cannot be created in a reasonable amount of time to satisfy this specific need.

A replacement radar system (SMR4) is currently in development and is expected to begin deployment in 2026. This will replace the ASDE-3 radar completely including all of its parts and components. As a result, the FAA will only maintain support of this asset for the next four (4) to five (5) years while the new system is being fielded. Therefore, the cost and time necessary to design, develop and certify a new down converter is unsupportable.

In accordance with the FAA Acquisition Management System Paragraph 3.2.2.4, the purpose of this announcement is to inform industry of the basis of the FAA's decision to contract with a selected source via single source procedures. CTT Inc. owns all proprietary data rights proprietary information necessary to conduct manufacture, repair, and test of these assets.

A market survey (6973GH-25-MS-10960) was posted to the SAM.gov web site on December 5, 2024 and closed on December 20, 2024. No responsive submittals were received in response to the market survey.

The proposed principle North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this effort is 334419, Other Electronic Component Manufacturing, with a Small Business Size Standard of 750.

This announcement is for informational purposes only, not a Solicitation/Request for Proposal. A competitive solicitation is not available for this procurement.

All questions pertaining to this announcement should be addressed in writing to the Contracting Officer, Connie Houpt via email, connie.m.houpt@faa.gov.