SOURCES SOUGHT
58 -- SYNOPSIS on Enhanced Flight Termination System (EFTS) Encoders and Monitors
- Notice Date
- 10/14/2004
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 334220
— Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
- Contracting Office
- Department of the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command, AFFTC - AF Flight Test Center, 5 S WOLFE AVE, Edwards AFB, CA, 93524-1185
- ZIP Code
- 93524-1185
- Solicitation Number
- FA9300-04-R-0017
- Response Due
- 10/27/2004
- Description
- This is a sources sought synopsis. The Air Force Flight Test Center is seeking sources with demonstrated expertise and experience for the development of Enhanced Flight Termination System (EFTS) encoders and monitors. The EFTS will use digital communication techniques and encryption to increase command link security and immunity to interference. The Government requests qualification packages from sources capable of providing the EFTS encoders and monitors. The Government will consider all responses to determine the extent of interest of qualified sources in the EFTS encoders and monitors acquisition. Industry must submit sufficient information for the Government to determine their capabilities and experience to perform the EFTS encoders and monitors requirements. Background: National test ranges use flight termination systems to control Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), launch vehicles, and munitions if there is an emergency. There is a need to improve these systems because they are vulnerable to unauthorized users and signal interference. The problem stems from the fact that the current systems use analog techniques that were developed in the 1950s when the Radio Frequency (RF) environment on test ranges was much less congested and security threats were less of an issue. As a result, designers did not incorporate the protection mechanisms needed to support today?s complex and ever-evolving test range requirements. The EFTS design is based on the result of an RS-38 study and NSA recommendation. The RS-38 Final Report is located at the following URL: http://jcs.mil/RCC/manuals/EFTS/index.htm Encoder: The purpose of the encoder is to receive 64-bit EFTS command messages and to format and output them up to as many as 5 interfaces (remote encoder #1-#4 or baseband output). Formatting in the EFTS context means adding 19 bits for frame synchronization, 60 bits for Forward Error Correction (FEC), 1 bit for user defined data to each 64-bit message and encoding the resulting packet using the Manchester encoding scheme. The encoder will output messages every 20 ms. The encoder will work in conjunction with the EFTS Triple Data Encryption Standard (DES) Unit (TDU) to encrypt the EFTS messages prior to formatting. This means that the encoder will support the internal integration of the TDU such that operators can insert and remove the TDU to facilitate maintenance and INFOSEC requirements. Crypto-variable key loading, storage, and processing will be accomplished via the TDU so the encoder will not have INFOSEC requirements, but it will provide the mechanisms to interface the TDU. For instance, the encoder will provide a method to select 1 of 50 stored keys, the ability to zeroize keys and an indicator that tells whether or not a key is valid. The encoder will support a configuration interface compatible with 3-wire RS-232C levels (mark at -3 to -15V, space at 3 to 15 V) at an asynchronous rate of 19.2 kbps, with 8 data bits, 1 start bit, no stop bits and even parity. The encoder will operate on single-phase, 115 volt AC power source at 60 Hz to 400 Hz. The encoder will be mounted in standard 19-inch equipment racks. Monitor: The purpose of the monitor is assist range safety personnel in analyzing EFTS messages that have been transmitted over the air. As such, the primary function of the monitor is to receive and demodulate the EFTS command link signal, carry out frame synchronization, perform FEC using the Reed-Solomon (5,13) technique, decrypt the 64-bit EFTS message and output it to test range processing and monitoring systems. The monitor will work in conjunction the EFTS TDU to decrypt the EFTS messages prior to formatting. This means that the monitor will support the internal integration of the TDU such that operators can insert and remove the TDU to facilitate maintenance and INFOSEC requirements. Crypto-variable key loading, storage, and processing will be accomplished via the TDU so the monitor will not have INFOSEC requirements, but it will provide the mechanisms to interface the TDU. For instance, the monitor will provide a method to select 1 of 50 stored keys, the ability to zeroize keys and an indicator that tells whether or not a key is valid. The monitor will provide the capability to tune to RF frequencies between 370 and 450 Mhz with a dynamic range from ?110 dBm to +13 dBm. The monitor will support a number of interfaces: a Signal Strength Telemetry Output (SSTO), an Intermediate Frequency (IF) output, a nominal 7200 bps post detection output, a nominal 7200 bps post detection input (for post processing from recorders), a 64-bit post correction output and a 64-bit post correction input. The monitor will support a configuration interface compatible with 3-wire RS-232C levels (mark at -3 to -15V, space at 3 to 15 V) at an asynchronous rate of 19.2 kbps, with 8 data bits, 1 start bit, no stop bits and even parity. The monitor will operate on single-phase, 115 volt AC power source at 60 Hz to 400 Hz. The monitor will be mounted in standard 19-inch equipment racks. System Design: The encoder and monitor will be fabricated from current, standard, commercial type, solid-state equipment and components, and will be of modular construction. The primary function of the FTS is reliable transmission of flight termination messages to aerodynamically unstable or errant vehicles in response to requests that are originated by the range safety officer. As such, the objective of the design of the encoder and monitor should be to deliver a unit no more technologically complex than existing proven design, while not limiting technology innovation. The complexity of the system design should be minimized to: a) improve reliability, maintainability and availability (RMA); b) simplify operations; c) simplify maintenance (periodic and corrective); d) reduce training needs; and e) improve recovery time from system faults. Firms having an interest, capability and appropriate background are invited to submit particulars of qualification and experience. Responses should include sufficient information to demonstrate the experience and capability to perform all areas of the required support, as listed above, as part of a qualification package. The total package shall not exceed 25 pages. Drawings, diagrams or figures may be provided as an attachment to the response to clarify stated capabilities. The statement of capability should include relevant background and experience, with contract numbers, names and numbers of contracting office and technical office POCs for each contract, whether these services were provided commercially to non-government agencies, and the size of the firm (large business, small business, etc.,). The NAICS code is 334220. Any company proprietary information shall be separately marked. Because of the nature of this effort, the successful offeror will be required to have a COMSEC account, immediately prior to award of contract. Contact Information: All responses to the sources sought synopsis shall be provided no later than 10 Sep 2004. Electronic responses will not be accepted. The qualification packages shall be sent via USPS, overnight or courier services for receipt at Edwards AFB no later than 10 Sep 2004, addressed to AFFTC/PKDD, Attn: Joanne Eldredge, 5 South Wolfe Avenue, Bldg 2800, Edwards AFB, CA 93524-1185. All questions shall be submitted to Joanne Eldredge at voice (661) 277-7707, fax (661) 275-7852, or e-mail: joanne.eldredge@edwards.af.mil. This synopsis does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. The Government does not intend to pay for any information provided under this synopsis. The synopsis is for information and planning purposes only, to determine the extent of interest of qualified sources by their response to this EFTS encoders and monitors synopsis.
- Record
- SN00694130-W 20041016/041014211725 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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