GEMS Potential Sources Sought/Request for Information

This is not a solicitation, but rather a Sources Sought/Request for Information for the Ground Element Minimum Essential Emergency Communications Network (MEECN) System (GEMS) System Development and Demonstration (SDD) Phase. Phase I of the GEMS program was a multiple-award Concept and Technology Demonstration (CTD) study to explore ways to reduce cost, schedule, and technical risk. The United States Air Force, Electronic Systems Center (ESC), Network Centric Operations/Integration Provisional Wing (NC) Program Office is seeking inputs from potential sources relative to a single award of the Phase II effort to develop, produce, and field GEMS during the FY05 through FY10 time frame.

GEMS will replace fixed and deployable communications elements for bomber, tanker, reconnaissance, and other alert communications facilities supporting both inter-site and intra-site nuclear C2 requirements. GEMS will replace both mobile Single Channel Anti-Jam Man Portable (SCAMP) terminals and Fixed Site SCAMP (FSS) terminals to provide Extremely High Frequency (EHF)/Advanced EHF (AEHF) survivable/protected inter-site communications for disseminating and receiving Emergency Action Messages (EAMs), and will also provide a second, secure Very Low Frequency/Low Frequency (VLF/LF) communications path. Additionally, GEMS will replace the Aircrew Alerting Communication Electromagnetic Pulse System/Electromagnetic Hardened Dispersal Communications (AACE/EHDC) for Ultra High Frequency Line-of-Sight (UHF LOS) intra-site Wing Command Post nuclear C2 requirements.

Firms who submit qualification packages in response to this notice should demonstrate detailed knowledge and experience in the following areas: (1) understanding of nuclear C2 systems; (2) command post operations for command and control of nuclear weapons in accordance with EAP-CJCS Vols. I, II, V, and VII; (3) EAM dissemination communications systems; (4) integration of multiple communications systems for control by a single operator; (5) implementation of information system security IAW DOD S5200.16, DODD 5200.28, and CJCSI 3231.01; (6) nuclear effects hardening of equipment; (7) demonstrated ability to conduct system-level communications testing; (8) demonstrated ability to provide necessary program management and planning; and (9) access to TOP SECRET/SIOP-ESI facilities and availability of TOP SECRET/SIOP-ESI cleared personnel as required to work on this project. Additional information, including the GEMS Phase I RFP, may be found on the Hanscom AFB HERBB web site (http://www.herbb.hanscom.af.mil/esc_opps.asp?rfp=R385). There is also a GEMS library available; for access, contact Ms. Dalia Zikas, (781)377-3906 or [email protected].

Interested firms should submit their written responses no later than November 15, 2004. Responses must be limited to no more than ten double-spaced, single-sided pages, stating their qualifications for meeting the GEMS criteria identified above. Firms who submit qualification packages in response to this notice are requested to identify prior contracts (by contract number and issuing office) and Government points of contact (preferably the buyer or contracting officer) where they have provided the same or similar types of effort. All small business and disadvantaged sources should identify themselves as such. Interested firms should submit their written responses to the contracting officer, Ms. Kathy Viano, ESC/NDK, 11 Eglin Street, Hanscom AFB, MA 01731, (781) 377-7746, [email protected].

For technical questions concerning GEMS, contact Capt. David Walker, Program Manager, ESC/NC, (781) 377-8903. For contracting questions, contact Ms. Kathy Viano at (781)377-7746 or [email protected]. This synopsis does not constitute an Invitation for Bid or Request for Proposal and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this notice or otherwise pay for information solicited. See Numbered Note 26.

Bid Protests Not Available