Request for information ALR-56M Electronic Control Amplifier
SUBJECT:
Market research is being conducted to identify potential sources that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet the requirements for qualification and repair of the ALR-56M Electronic Control Amplifier and Video Amplifier, 5996-01-365-4599EW and 5996-01-365-5065EW.
ITEM DESCRIPTION
The ALR-56M Advanced Radar Warning Receiver (ARWR) continuously detects and intercepts Radio Frequency (RF) signals in certain frequency ranges and analyzes and separates threat signals from non-threat signals. It displays threat signals to the pilot on a priority basis and provides efficient and effective logistical support to the using command activities for the system. The control and video amplifiers are integral components of the ALR-56M, currently used on the F-16 C/D and the C-130J A/C. The current production status is that the system is still in production by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) using components supplied by currently qualified suppliers.
Impediment to Competition:
Due to the complex nature and low usage rates of the devices in addition to the lack of a government owned production level drawing package, there are no commercial vendors for this product. Past experiences with these parts reveal that it is difficult to meet the military environmental requirements called out in the specifications. In addition, the test requirements for ALR-56M components are quite extensive and must be performed as specified to maintain the relatively high field reliability of the ALR-56M Radar Warning Receiver. ALR-56M Electronic Control Amplifier has been "repaired" by Navy Crane by replacing unserviceable assets with serviceable assets that they purchased from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Akon. Akon has recently agreed to consider repairing assets for USAF.
The Government does not own, or have unlimited rights to, the technical data for these NSNs.
Further, the Government does not possess the detailed engineering information that would enable a new vendor to successfully develop a parts list and testing methodology for the production of these items. The Government does not own the SCD, or any data that would be sufficient to enable production of this item. Companies in the business of supplying components such as the ones discussed here have frequently opted not to incur the enormous cost of taking on a design and qualification process such as would be required to produce the above mentioned component. The enormous cost and the small number of items purchased per period have historically driven away any competition of the product. The fact that this device was designed for this specific military application alone also limits competition.
INTEREST
The AFSC/PZABB Contracting Office intends to award a sole source contract to Akon Incorporated for the repair of the ALR-56M Electronic Control Amplifier and Video Amplifier, 5996-01-365-4599EW and 5996-01-365-5065EW as the sole qualified supplier of these components. Other interested parties may identify their interest and capability by responding to the requirement no later than 15 May 2019 by emailing Teresa Duval at teresa.duval@us.af.mil. The Government intends to procure these items using Other Than Full and Open Competition as prescribed by FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements.
DISCLAIMER
This sources sought synopsis is for informational purposes only. This is not a request for proposal. It does not constitute a solicitation, and shall not be construed as a commitment by the government. Responses in any form are not offers, and the government is under no obligation to award a contract as a result of this announcement. No funds are available to pay for preparation of responses to this announcement. Any information submitted by respondents to this technical description is strictly voluntary.
Teresa .H. Duval, Contract Specialist, Phone 4783275202, Email teresa.duval@us.af.mil
