B1 LOA Range Array Test Set (RATS) UPGRADE

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification for the Range Array Test Set (RATS) Upgrade. The 76 CMXG requires a sole-source contract to upgrade the Radio Frequency (RF) equipment and accessories of the RATS, which is used for testing B-1 Low Observable Antenna (LOA).

• Upgrade of RF portions of the RATS equipment, including the test stand console.

• Installation of a new MI-3001 Workstation with the latest software (Windows 11).

• Installation of an ELE-VFA-S11 receiver and ELE-SRC-DS-0.01-20 Transmit Source.

• Replacement of specific RF plates/assemblies and MUX components.

• Program Management and Engineering Services.

• Factory Integration and test, on-site installation, test, acceptance, and training.

• Remote support and on-site support for Northrop Grumman.

• The document references "Estimated Contract Cost" but the value is redacted.

• The authority cited is DAFFARS 5313.501 - 10 U.S.C. 3572, Implementation of Simplified Acquisition Procedures (41 U.S.C. 1901) and DAFFARS 5313.501 - 10 U.S.C. 3403, Special Emergency Procurement Authority (41 U.S.C. 1903).

• This document is a justification for a sole-source acquisition, not a solicitation with submission instructions or evaluation criteria.

• This is a sole-source acquisition due to proprietary software and interoperability requirements.

• Ametek NSI-MI is identified as the sole vendor with proprietary rights to the necessary software and has the required knowledge and experience.

• The original RATS equipment was installed in 1990 and upgraded in 2016.

• The contracting activity is AFSC/PZIMA at Tinker AFB, OK.

• The Purchase Request / Local ID Number is H6TC19.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation (FA812526Q0035) is for the B-1 LOA Range Array Test Set (RATS) Upgrade. The government is procuring a solution to upgrade the B-1 LOA RATS.

• B-1 LOA RANGE RF UPGRADE in accordance with the SOW.

• Includes:

  • New MI-3001 Workstation with latest software and Windows 11
  • ELE-VFA-S11 Receiver
  • ELE-SRC-DS-0.01-20 Transmit Source
  • ELE-MIX-1-26.5 Mixers (quantity of four)
  • Adapter cables from VFA to existing Multiplexer Control
  • Modifications to four RF plates/assemblies
  • Replacement of 2-Port MUX with ELE-MUX-2C-0.1-20
  • Replacement of 4-Port MUX with equivalent
  • Replacement of existing Windows Surface Tablet for positioner control
  • Program management and engineering services
  • Telephonic kickoff meeting and one design review
  • 3-day remote support to Northrop Grumman for upgrade
  • Factory integration & test
  • On-site installation, test, acceptance, & training
  • Standard warranty requirements

• Minimum of one-week on-site support to Northrop Grumman (includes labor and travel).

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price (FFP)

• Period of Performance: 12 Months (from date of award receipt for Item 0001 and 0002)

• Product Service Code: 6625

• Offer Due Date: March 24, 2026, 01:00 PM Local Time.

• Evaluation Factors: Technical (meeting requirements) and Price (completeness, reasonableness, realism, and unbalanced pricing).

• SAM Registration: Vendors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) to receive an award.

• This acquisition is UNRESTRICTED.

• North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS): 334515

• Size Standard: 750

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-3, and 52.212-5 by reference.

• Deliveries are FOB Destination.

• Payment will be made via Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF).

• Attachments include: Statement of Work, H6TC19 Equipment List, and 1840 Process Order.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Statement of Work (SOW) details the requirements for the purchase, delivery, installation, and training for one (1) B1 LOA Range RF Upgrade. The objective is to provide upgraded test equipment for testing B-1 Low Observable Antennas (LOAs) at Tinker AFB, OK.

• Procurement and installation of a "turnkey" B1 LOA Range RF Upgrade.

• Training on the use of the new equipment and software.

• The equipment will be used to test B-1 Low Observable Antennas (LOAs) as identified in their relevant Technical Orders (T.O.'s).

• Work is to be performed at an Avionics Repair Facility at Tinker AFB, OK.

• Standard work hours are Monday-Friday, 5:45 AM to 4:30 PM, with potential for overtime, subject to Contracting Officer approval.

• The project is considered "turnkey," meaning final acceptance requirements must be met and approved by the Government Engineer.

• Operational training must be conducted.

• Equipment must meet all specified performance requirements.

• Warranty period of at least 365 calendar days for equipment and workmanship.

• Installation and training to occur at Tinker AFB, OK.

• Delivery of new equipment no later than twelve (12) months after contract award.

• Compliance with numerous government and non-government standards (e.g., OSHA, EPA, NFPA, TIA, NEMA, ANSI, AWS, ISO).

• Strict adherence to safety, environmental, and quality control practices.

• Use of U.S. Customary System of Units (US) for design and construction.

• Equipment must be new, unused, and free of defects.

• Specific personnel experience requirements for engineers and technicians.

• Detailed documentation requirements, including technical manuals, drawings, and reports.

• Government Furnished Property (GFP) and Services will be provided.

• Contractor must provide a method for reporting problems encountered during the warranty period.

• Specific requirements for software, PC systems, calibration, correlation, and installation.

• Trade Agreement Act (TAA) compliant hardware.

• Secure operating systems compliant with FIPS standards.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "RATS RF Upgrade Equipment List," is an appendix that details the specific equipment required for the RATS RF Upgrade. It serves as a reference for the components that will be part of the upgrade project.

The list includes:

• Item Number
• Description of the equipment (e.g., switches, controllers, mixers, tablet PCs, position controllers)
• Model Number for each item
• Quantity required for each item

Bidders should review this equipment list to understand the specific hardware components that are part of the RATS RF Upgrade. This information is crucial for assessing the scope of work, potential integration challenges, and ensuring that any proposed solutions or pricing accurately reflect the required equipment. It may inform procurement strategies and technical approach.

Sole Source Justification

This document is a Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification for the upgrade of the Range Array Test Set (RATS) Radio Frequency (RF) equipment and accessories. The RATS equipment is critical for testing the B-1 Low Observable Antenna (LOA) at various stages of the repair process. The upgrade focuses on the RF portions of the equipment, while the test stand console will remain in place.

• Upgrade of RF equipment and workstation computer/software.

• Provision of support to Northrop Grumman for updates involving shared equipment.

• Specific components to be supplied include: MI-3001 Workstation with Windows 11, ELE-VFA-S11 receiver, ELE-SRC-DS-0.01-20 Transmit Source, ELE-MIX-1-26.5 Mixers (quantity of 4), adapter cables, and modifications to 4 RF plates.

• Program Management and Engineering Services.

• Remote kick-off meeting, design review, and remote support.

• Factory Integration and test, on-site installation, test, acceptance, and training.

• Replacement of 2-port and 4-port MUX units.

• On-site support to Northrop Grumman for 1 week (labor and travel).

• The justification cites DAFFARS 5313.501 - 10 U.S.C. 3572 (Implementation of Simplified Acquisition Procedures) and DAFFARS 5313.501 - 10 U.S.C. 3403 (Special Emergency Procurement Authority) as the statutory authority.

• The Contracting Officer will utilize FAR 12.203 to ensure the price is fair and reasonable.

• Not applicable for this justification document.

• This is a sole source justification due to proprietary software and interoperability requirements.

• Ametek NSI-MI is identified as the sole source due to proprietary rights for the required software and their role as the OEM for the system being upgraded.

• The document states that no other vendors have access to the proprietary software, and Ametek NSI-MI has expressed no interest in providing rights to another company.

• The original RATS equipment was installed in 1990 and previously upgraded in 2016.

• The Air Force has explored options to foster competition but found them severely limited due to software restrictions and proprietary rights.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Sole Source (Including Brand Name) Justification for the "Range Array Test Set (RATS) Upgrade" project. The 76 CMXG requires a sole-source contract to upgrade the Radio Frequency (RF) equipment and accessories of the RATS, which is used for testing B-1 Low Observable Antenna (LOA) during repair processes. The test stand console will remain, but RF equipment will be replaced.

• Upgrade of RF portions of the RATS equipment.

• New MI-3001 Workstation with latest software (Windows 11).

• ELE-VFA-S11 receiver.

• ELE-SRC-DS-0.01-20 Transmit Source.

• Four (4) ELE-MIX-1-26.5 Mixers.

• Adapter cables from VFA to Existing Multiplexer Control Cables.

• Modifications to 4 RF plates/assemblies for new Mixers.

• Program Management and Engineering Services.

• Remote kick-off meeting.

• One (1) design review.

• Three-day remote support for Northrop Grumman.

• Factory Integration and test.

• On-site installation, test, acceptance, and training.

• Replacement of 2-port MUX with ELE-MUX-2C-0.1-20.

• Replacement of 4-port MUX with equivalent.

• On-site installation and Test.

• One week of on-site support for Northrop Grumman (labor and travel).

• The contract is being processed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (DAFFARS 5313.501 - 10 U.S.C. 3572).

• The Contracting Officer will utilize FAR 12.203 to ensure the price is fair and reasonable.

• Not explicitly detailed in this justification document, as it focuses on the sole-source nature of the acquisition.

• This is a sole-source acquisition due to proprietary software and interoperability requirements.

• Ametek NSI-MI is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the MI-710-C and MI-3000 software and retains proprietary rights. No other vendors have access to this software.

• Ametek NSI-MI also holds proprietary rights to the system being upgraded and possesses the necessary knowledge for its operation and implementation.

• The original RATS equipment was installed in 1990. It was previously upgraded in 2016 by NSI-MI (formerly Scientific Atlanta) and Northrop Grumman.

• The justification cites "proprietary data for required software and interoperability with existing systems" as the reason for sole-source.

• Market research confirmed Ametek NSI-MI as the only source with proprietary rights and necessary historical knowledge.