Phillips Laboratory, Directorate of Contracting, 2251 Maxwell Avenue SE, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5773

A -- SOLAR ORBIT TRANSFER VEHICLE SOL 201-97 DUE 072997 POC Rudy Chavez, Contract Specialist, 505/846-1401, Mike Jacox, Project Officer, 505/846-8927 ext. 136. Sources sought synopsis for SOTV. The Air Force Phillips Laboratory (PL) is currently planning a space experiment and concurrent technology development to demonstrate and quantify the potential benefits of a solar bimodal power and propulsion systems for future spacecraft applications. Bimodal means a single system which generates both electrical power and direct solar thermal propulsion. The objective of the space experiment is to demonstrate and quantify the space operations of a bimodal solar thermal power and propulsion system using thermionic energy conversion. The space experiment should resolve feasibility issues and be traceable to SOTV systems beneficial to high power GEO/HEO missions, high power space based surveillance missions or to reusable orbit transfer vehicle operations. The objective of the concurrent development program is to advance the critical SOTV technologies through component and subsystem ground tests that demonstrate performance levels required of operational SOTV systems.It is anticipated that the SOTV demonstration and technology development will start in FY98. This acquisition will consist of a 1 year basic contract with additional priced options at an estimated total cost of less than $50M, subject to availability of funds. The contract type is anticipated to be on a cost plus fixed fee basis. We anticipate award of a single contract for the design, fabrication, test and integration of the space experiment and concurrent technology development efforts. Small businesses must show evidence, either in-house or through prospective subcontractors or teaming arrangements, the ability to manage and conduct complex space experiment design, fabrication, integration, test and coordinated development of thermionic based solar bimodal technology. Only small businesses are invited to submit a STATEMENT OF CAPABILITIES (SOC) for consideration in this effort. SOCs are due thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice. Replies to this Sources Sought Synopsis must reference number 201-97. Responses by telegrams, or responses combining more than one synopsis reference number will not be accepted. The capability statement shall be limited to 25 pages, including resumes and be mailed to Mr. Rudy Chavez, PL/PKVA, 2251 Maxwell Ave. SE, Bldg 424, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5776. Based on responses to this announcement, the Air Force reserves the right to set aside this acquisition for small and 8(a) businesses. Foreign firms should be aware that restrictions may apply which preclude their participation as a prime contractor in this acquisition. Presently, the scope of the effort is unclassified, but classification is subject to change. Submit only UNCLASSIFIED information for consideration and evaluation. Interested contractors must indicate whether they qualify as a small business under SIC Code 8731, with a small business size standard of 1,000 employees. Also, firms responding are to include the above reference number and should indicate whether they are, or are not, a small business, a small disadvantaged business, a woman-owned business, an 8 (a) firm, an intragovernmental organization, a large business, an education/non-profit organization or an Historically Black College or University or Minority Institution (HBCU/MI). The performance of this contract may require access to Military Critical Technical Data, dissemination of which is controlled under the Export Control Act. Therefore, interested offerors not currently on the Qualified Contractor's Access List (QCAL) should request certification and registration with the Defense Logistics Services Centers (DLSC), Federal Center, 74 North Washington, Battle Creek, MI 49016-3412, (1-800-352-3572) in order to be considered a responsible contractor under this acquisition and to receive export controlled technical data. Dissemination of export controlled information must be according to the provisions of DOD Directives 5230.24, 5230.4 and AFR 80-34. An Ombudsman has been appointed to hear concerns from offerors or potential offerors during the proposal development phase of this acquisition. The purpose of the Ombudsman is not to diminish the authority of the Program Director or Contracting Officer but to communicate contractor concerns, issues, disagreements and recommendations to the appropriate government personnel. Before contacting the Ombudsman, potential offerors should first communicate with the Contracting Officer. In those instances where offerors cannot obtain resolution from the Contracting Officer, they are invited to contact the PL Ombudsman, Bruce Grunsten, Chief, Mission Support Division, Phillips Laboratory (505) 846-8273, or in writing at 2251 Maxwell Ave SE, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5772. When requested, the Ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The Ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals or in the source selection process. Draft versions of the Statement of Objectives (SOO), Section L (Instructions for Preparation of Proposal), and Section M (Evaluation Factors for Award) will be downloaded on the Internet and may be accessed after 4 Aug, 1997 at: http://www.plk.af.mil/cgi-bin/rfpmenu2.cgi. Future solicitation material will be downloaded onto the same Internet site. Questions or comments concerning these documents are welcome and should be sent by e-mail to either Mike Jacox (jacoxm@plk.af.mil, 505-846-8927 x136) or Rudy Chavez (chavezr@plk.af.mil, 505-846-1401) In addition to the information on the internet, a read file has been established at Phillips Laboratory's Space Technology Directorate, PL/VT, Bldg. 423, Room 117. For directions and access to the read file please contact Mr. Mike Jacox. This Sources Sought Synopsis in no way obligates the Government for any future acquisition. This is not a notice of intent to contract. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this notice (0177)

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