Replacement remote control capability to the AN/ARC-231/231A radio
1. NOTICE
This Request for Information (RFI) is issued for informational purposes and market research only, it does not constitute a solicitation. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for any expenses associated with preparing/submitting information in response to this posting. The information provided may be used by the Government in developing its acquisition strategy, statement of work/statement of objectives, and performance specifications. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained within their response
2. SCOPE
The United States (US) Army Program Executive Office (PEO), Aviation Mission Equipment Product Manager (PM-AME) is conducting market research to identify possible sources capable of providing a form, fit and function "drop in" replacement remote control capability to the AN/ARC-231/231A radio installed on Army rotary wing aircraft and its potential, through an additional interface (1553, ARINC...etc.), providing control of other Avionics on the aircraft. This RFI will be used to gain insight into industry capabilities as a potential replacement for the current C-12601 NSN: 5821-01-503-3799.
3. INSTRUCTIONS TO POTENTIAL RESPONDENTS
Interested parties who desire to participate in this RFI are encouraged to submit responses that demonstrate they presently have the experience and devices with the technology maturity to answer this RFI. Responses shall include the following information and address the topics enumerated below.
3.1 Respondent Data
Company Name
Address
Point of Contact (include phone number and email address)
CAGE Code
Web Page URL
State the country of ownership for the company.
3.2 Performance Requirements
Describe products manufactured by your company to meet the performance requirements shown below. If any part of this proposal requires a development effort, clearly describe the approach and estimated timeline. Explain where the unit is not compliant with the requirements below and discuss any plans to gain compliance along with the timeline.
3.2.1 Physical
Discuss the control's size, weight and power (SWaP) characteristics and how they have been minimized to the greatest extent possible without compromising performance of the unit. The current unit is 3.36" high by 5.75" wide and 3.58" deep to include connector protrusions. The unit is held in place by four Quarter -Turn Dzus Fasteners on two rails.
3.2.2 Environmental Requirements
Describe the product's compliance with the following environmental specifications and specific tests below. Company should be able to provide sufficient documentation to validate compliance. If not compliant, discuss future plans to gain compliance.
TABLE 1 - Environmental Requirements
Test MIL-STD-810G Testing Method and Procedure
Temperature, Humidity and Altitude 520.3, Procedure III -54 to +71 degC
High Temperature Storage 501.5, Procedure I
Low Temperature Storage 502.5, Procedure I
Low Pressure (Altitude) Storage 500.4 Procedure I
Vibration 514.5, Procedure I Category 14 - rotorcraft (Per Platform)
Gunfire Vibration McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems document LL0060-200 A006-5
Functional Shock 516.6, Procedure I
Crash Hazard Shock 516.6, Procedure V
Bench Handling Shock 516.6, Procedure VI
Humidity 507.5
Temperature Shock 503.5, Procedure I
Explosive Atmosphere 511.5, Procedure I
Transit Drop Shock 516.6, Procedure IV
Acceleration 513.6, Procedure I and II
3.2.3 Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3)
Describe the product's compliance with the requirements for MIL-STD-461F, Control of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Characteristics of Subsystems and Equipment for EMI / Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) as modified by ADS-37A-PRF. Company should be able to provide sufficient documentation to validate compliance. If not compliant, discuss future plans to gain compliance.
Describe the product's compliance with the requirements of electrostatic discharge (ESD) per RTCA/DO-160F Section 25. Company should be able to provide sufficient documentation to validate compliance. If not compliant, discuss future plans to gain compliance.
3.2.4 Electrical Requirements
Describe the product's compatibility with the electrical requirements of MIL-STD-704A-E. Company should be able to provide sufficient documentation to validate compatibility. If not compatible, discuss future plans to become compatible.
3.2.5 Human Factors
Discuss the product's capability to be compatible with MIL-STD-3009, Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) and MIL-STD-1472, Department Of Defense Design Criteria Standard: Human Engineering. Company should be able to provide sufficient documentation to validate compatibility. If not compatible, discuss future plans to become compatible.
3.2.6 Interfaces and Radio Support
Describe how the control can be used to operate one AN/ARC-231/231A radio using MIL-STD-188-114 balanced, asynchronous serial interface and up to four additional radios using combinations of available control interfaces. Assume the additional radios may be combinations of ARC-201D, AN/ARC-231A radios or an undetermined radio using Ethernet for control. Indicate what updates would be required if any.
Describe how the control may be used for the option of serving as the backup control head for the AN/ARC-231/231A radios using the MIL-STD-188-114 balanced, asynchronous serial interface while also serving as a "dumb" terminal for the control of other radios.
Describe the existing support for different radios to include what waveforms and radio versions. Include future support for radios and waveforms with estimated timelines.
Describe the availability of a Software Development Kit if the Government made the decision to host its own software in the controller.
4. RESPONSES, COMMUNICATIONS AND ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
a. The Government may contact respondents to obtain additional information or clarification in order to fully understand a company's response. This may include discussions, site visits, demonstrations, etc. to further the Government's understanding of a proposed solution, as well as a company's understanding of the Government's requirements
b. Responses shall not exceed 12 pages (including any cover page). Include technical and descriptive text, functional block diagrams, and illustrations to provide sufficient detail. The submitted documentation becomes the property of the United States Government and will not be returned.
c. Respondents shall clearly mark proprietary data with the appropriate markings. Any proprietary information received in response to this request will be properly protected from any unauthorized disclosure. Any material that is not marked will be considered publicly-releasable.
d. When submitting a response, please be aware that the Army workforce is supplemented by contracted support personnel. Any proprietary data submitted may be handled by contract support services personnel who have signed the same Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
e. Responses are due electronically by 01 April 2019 at 2:00 PM EST via email to:
Name: Alex Nieves
Title: Electronics Engineer
Organization: PdM Aviation Mission Equipment Field Office
Phone Number: 443.395.1300
Email: alex.nieves.civ@mail.mil
And
Name: Geoffrey Puppel
Title: Program Integrator
Organization: PdM Aviation Mission Equipment
Phone Number: 256.876.3487
Email: Geoffrey.l.puppel.civ@mail.mil
f. For more information on this RFI, please contact the points of contact identified above. E-mail communication is preferred.
5. DISCLAIMER
This RFI is not a request for proposal (RFP) and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Responses will not be considered as proposals nor will any award be made as a result of this RFI. All information contained in the RFI is preliminary as well as subject to modification and is in no way binding on the Government. The Government does not intend to pay for information received in response to this RFI. Responders to this invitation are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. This RFI will be the basis for collecting information on capabilities available. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes. Proprietary information and trade secrets, if any, must be clearly marked on all materials. All information received in this RFI that is marked "Proprietary" will be handled accordingly. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned nor will receipt be confirmed. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract.
Kenneth P. Batz, Email kenneth.p.batz.civ@mail.mil
