Background:

Current HC-130J, MC-130J, AC-130J, EC-130J, and MC-130H aircraft communications rely on a tethered hardwired system that requires loadmasters to drag a communication cord from place to place to maintain constant communication. This creates a safety hazard as the loadmaster has to physically relocate to change settings thereby limiting their ability to keep the crew informed of progress during aerial refueling Helicopter Air-Air Refueling/Tilt-rotor Air-Air Refueling (HAAR)/(TAAR), Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP), and any emergencies.

A wireless system that can integrate with the aircrew headset, helmet and oxygen mask is needed to provide the required mobility to conduct safe operations. Such a system would provide the loadmaster, FARP teams, and maintenance personnel wireless interphone system capability during all facets of aircraft operations.

Requirements

The respondent's shall certify their system meets the below performance parameters.

Performance Parameters

The respondent shall certify whether their system meets the following key performance parameters and shall upon request provide additional backup data to support these certifications.

Coverage Communication

1) The system shall operate in a 500 foot radius wing-tip to wing-tip rear of the wings
2) The system shall operate in a 150 foot radius wing-tip to wing-tip forward of the wings
3) The system shall be Type 1 encrypted and National Security Agency (NSA) certified up to the secret level
4) The system, to include LRU and components, shall meet the following minimum standards for safety of flight
a. Electro Magnetic Interference in accordance with (IAW) MIL-STD-461G
b. Explosive Atmosphere IAW MIL-STD-810H
c. Environmental IAW 461-STD-810H
d. Aircraft Electrical Power Systems Characteristics IAW AIR-STD-4063
5) The system shall connect a minimum of six individuals on one network
6) The system shall be intelligible in a high noise environment approximately 85db.

Human Interface

1) The design of the system shall be compliant with MIL-STD-1472G
2) The system shall attach to aircrew style flight suits in a manner that does not interfere with user operations, tasks and movement.
3) The system shall be compatible with aircraft headsets, helmets, oxygen masks, and night vision goggles (NVG's)
4) The system shall allow the users to recognize which mode/net they are operating on, and provide easy reach of controls and visibility of indicators.
5) The system shall have a ruggedized casing to ensure survivability in aircraft type environments IAW MIL-STD-810H
6) All aircraft mounted line replaceable units (LRU')s in the system, shall be able to support a 9G static load

System Batteries

1) During battery change operations the system shall be down for no more than 2 minutes.
2) The system shall have an audible warning when battery life reaches 20%
3) The batteries shall be able to be changed without the need of any tooling
4) The battery compartment shall be designed to minimize foreign object damage (FOD) and workload issues.
5) The batteries must have a usable operational life of 8 hours

Interoperability

1) The system shall be operable as a stand-alone system and also allow integration into the fielded aircraft Interphone Communication Systems (ICS) for the aircraft listed in this RFI.
2) The shall be no more than 50 lbs. in weight, shall be no more than 15 inches L x 15 inches W x 8 Inches D in size, and shall not encroach on the cargo envelop.
3) The system shall connect to the 28VDC aircraft power outlets and draw no more than 10 amps.
4) The system shall be able to support multiple channels simultaneously
5) The system shall allow communication without interference for all crew member tasks/operations.
6) The system shall allow clear and intelligible communications between all wireless users
7) When connected to aircraft ICS the system shall allow clear and legible communications between wired and wireless users
8) LRU's must run off aircraft power
9) In the event of failure the operators shall be able to easily disconnect the wireless system and plug in the tethered cord
10) The system shall have the ability to operate in duplex mode.
11) The system shall allow the user to select voice operated exchange (VOX), hot mic, and push to talk (PTT) operations

Net Ready

1) The system software and firmware shall be upgradable and programmable

Anticipated Usage

Planned system usage would support the HC-130J, MC-130J, AC-130J, EC-130J, and MC-130H aircraft. Initial delivery would be of a smaller subset of the total quantity and would be required no later than 12 months from the date of contract award. Options may be requested to cover all aircraft in service.

Response to this notice shall be limited to a short (10 pages or less) initial White Paper response describing your ability to produce a wireless intercom system. The White Paper shall include the following details: (1) General statement of your company's capability and capacity to manufacture a wireless intercom system (2) Brief explanation of your experience in manufacture of wireless intercom or equal radio system; (3) Estimated production cost for the hardware necessary for one aircraft with 6 users; (4) Approximate lead-time for your product; (5) System capabilities/specification as related to the stated requirements; and (6) additional data as you find appropriate. Response should be in an electronic format that is compatible with Microsoft Windows and Office 2016 and a duplicate paper copy. The data can be submitted on CD-R/DVD-R along with a paper copy. The CD should be provided to Mr. James McCauley at the address below not later than 30 Apr 2019. Questions should be submitted to Ms. Katherine Hamblin at [email protected]. The CD/DVD, cover label, and paper copy shall be marked "Proprietary/Competition Sensitive Information." Proprietary/competition sensitive information will be protected from disclosure. No classified information should be included in contractor submittals.

This is a request for information only and is not a solicitation for offers. This notice is issued for market research purposes and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or commitment to issue an RFP; however, the Government reserves the right to issue a solicitation based upon its needs and the results obtained from this RFI. The government will not reimburse participants for any expenses associated with the information provided in response to this RFI. Acknowledgment of receipt will not be made. Submittals will not be returned to the sender. The level of security clearance and amount of foreign participation in this requirement has not been determined.

Contracting Office Address:
Department of the Air Force, AFMC/AFLCMC/WISK
1895 5th Street, Building 46
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, 45433-7218, UNITED STATES

Point of Contact(s):
Direct all requests and routine correspondence to the contracting office listed below:
Katherine Hamblin, Contracting Officer, Email [email protected]