GEMS Potential Sources Sought/Request for Information - This is not a solicitation, but rather a combined Request for Information and Industry Day announcement for the Ground Element Minimum Essential Emergency Communications Network (MEECN) System (GEMS) acquisition strategy planning/market research phase. The United States Air Force, Electronic Systems Center (ESC), Strategic and Nuclear Deterrence Command and Control (SND C2) Systems Program Office is seeking inputs from potential sources relative to development, production, and fielding of GEMS in the FY04 through FY09 time frame. GEMS will replace Air Combat Command (ACC) and Air Mobility Command (AMC) fixed and deployable communications elements for bomber, tanker, reconnaissance, and other alert communications facilities supporting both inter-site and intra-site strategic C3 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 strategic C3 requirements. GEMS implementation will start with the fixed sites, low data rate EHF, and UHF LOS aircrew alerting. It then will become a mix of fixed and transportable site equipment according to system priority need. AEHF capability will be added toward the end of the procurement to take advantage of upgrades planned for other EHF terminals. To be considered qualified for this effort, potential sources must demonstrate detailed knowledge and experience in the following areas: (1) understanding of nuclear C3 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. An open session Industry Day will be held at Hanscom AFB, MA, on August 6, 2002 to further discuss GEMS requirements and solicit industry feedback for acquisition strategy development. Private discussion sessions will be conducted with all interested parties August 7-8, 2002. To register for Industry Day, submit the following information no later than July 31, 2002 via email to [email protected] or fax 781-377-8893: Attendee Name, Company Name, Company Address, Company Telephone Number, Company E-mail Address. Specific location and scheduling information will be provided to registered attendees. Additional information, including the DRAFT GEMS requirements document may be found on the Hanscom AFB HERBB web site (http://herbb.hanscom.af.mil). Interested potential sources must submit their formal reply to this notice no later than September 9, 2002, on no more than ten double-spaced, single-sided pages, stating their qualifications for meeting the GEMS criteria identified above and provided at the Industry Day, specifically stating capabilities (hardware and/or software) or information/suggestions they have to offer relative to the GEMS potential acquisition. 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]. Responses must be received no later than September 9, 2002. For technical questions concerning GEMS, contact Mr. Mike LaMesa, Program Manager, ESC/NDM, (781) 377-8903, [email protected]. The contracting point of contact (buyer) is Mr. Joe Pianese, ESC/NDK, (781) 377-4704, [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. An Ombudsman has been appointed to address concerns from offerors or potential offerors during the proposal development phase of this acquisition. The Ombudsman does not diminish the authority of the program director or contracting officer, but communicates contractor concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations to the appropriate Government personnel. When requested, the Ombudsman shall maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The Ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals or in the source selection process; concerned parties are invited to call the Ombudsman, Col Jerry Corley at (781) 377-5106. See Note 26.

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