This is a Request For Information (RFI) only as defined in FAR 15.201(e) to identify potential sources capable of performing an upgrade to exixting Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Mode 5/S Interrogator Hardware and Software on the AWACS E-3 Aircraft. The purpose of the upgrade is to have the hardware EMI/EMC/environmentally tested and qualified, AIMS Certified, and integrated with stand-alone/applique crypto at the "box level". The upgrade will make the existing AN/APX-103C AWACS Interrogator more "production ready" by building two (2) AN/UPX-40 pre-production units, getting them "qualified" at the "box level", AIMS certified, integrated with CRYPTO devices, and environmentally tested (EMI/EMC, temperature, etc). There are no test flights or aircraft tests, flight or ground, associated with this effort and the period of performance will be from approximately March 2006 through September 2007.

The Government intends to solicit, negotiate, and award a contract only to the Telephonics Corporation of Farmingdale, NY under the authority of FAR 6.302-1. Under a previous contract, they added a Mode 5/S interrogation and reply processing capability to the IFF Bench Test Simulator, used to run acceptance test procedures, and developed a protype interrogator compatible with the existing AWACS System.

The purpose of this RFI is to identify any interested and qualified sources capable to perform the above efforts. In order to be considered for this effort, a potential contractor must have familiarity with the AWACS IFF Interrogator System(AN/APX-103C0 and its Mission System interface and specification requirements in the E-3 aircraft, its operation(hardware and software) and the AWACS mission system unique interfaces. The effort involved is to upgrade this system while maintaining the form, fit, and increased function compatibilities with existing and future E-3(Blocks 30/35 and 40/45)aircraft. Experience with the NATO AWACS Mode S Interrogator Flight Test Program is highly desirable.

Interested parties who meet the above criteria and want to be considered, should provide all relevent information on their capability to accomplish this effort. Please supply this information, electronically, NLT 10JAN2006 to Captain Jorge Manresa at [email protected]. Please indicate if you are US or foreign owned and if you are a large or small business.

The Government will evaluate all responses objectively, however a determination not to compete this effort, based upon responses received, is at the sole discretion of the Government. The information received will be used to determine whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY. IT IS NOT A RFP OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF CONTRACTUAL SOLICITATION. THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT PAY FOR ANY INFORMATION THAT IS SUBMITTED. See Notes 22 and 26.

Bid Protests Not Available