B-2 KU-Band (Lower) Antenna NSN 5985-01-262-1927 P/N DAA3391P010-105

Caution:  This market survey is being conducted to identify potential sources that may possess the specialized expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet the requirements to provide repair procedure and Technical Data Package development for B-2 structural and electronic assemblies.  This effort requires a minimum of a SECRET/SAP level of security clearance.  Contractors/Institutions responding to this market research are placed on notice that participation in this survey may not ensure participation in future solicitations or contract awards.  The Government will not reimburse participants for any expenses associated with their participation in this survey.

The Air Force is in search of prospective vendors for an engineering services effort regarding the B-2 Ku-Band (Lower) Antenna.  This antenna is part of the B-2 Ku-Band radar to identify and determine the range and bearing of the vehicle.  Secondly, it is a secondary structure that forms a portion of the outer mold line.  The unit is designed for low observable and nuclear environment operations.

The Ku-Band (Lower) Antenna is no longer in production and currently the USAF does not have repair capability.  The purpose of this effort will be to resolve obsolescence, develop, and qualify a sustainable configuration for manufacturing.  Potential vendors must be capable of performing the following tasks and meet the following requirements:

• Evaluation of BOM, all production/test equipment, and documentation
• Identify parts and materials that are presently obsolete and/or that are projected to be obsolete within six years.
• Based on the list of current and projected obsolescence, the contractor shall identify and evaluate proposed alternatives for long term sustainment. LRU form, fit, and function shall be maintained.
• Meet all existing, most current Ku-Band (Lower) Antenna specification requirements.
• Address and perform all testing requirements for implementation of the proposed solution.
• The obsolescence solutions shall include, but are not limited to, obsolete support for test/support equipment, obsolete processes, obsolete raw materials, obsolete manufacturers or vendors, obsolete government and industry standards and specifications, insufficient or missing technical data, and new laws and regulations.
• Develop and deliver a level 3, full production Technical Data Package.

At this time, Northrop Grumman is the only known source with qualifications to execute this effort.

Prior to release of technical data to prospective vendors, these vendors must first submit their capabilities and past performance to demonstrate the following:

• Define, plan, implement, and test items of low observable applications
• Repair and manufacture other B-2 aircraft antennas that also function as outer mold lines
• Perform Form, Fit, Function B-2 aircraft integration testing
• Perform B-2 aircraft environmental testing requirements
• Maintain an AS9110 (or equivalent) quality system
• Employ only individuals who can pass a Defense Investigative Service background check required for a SECRET clearance and maintain such clearance.
• Maintains a corporate cost accounting system that meets the requirements of DCMA and/or DCAA.
• Must not be owned (directly or indirectly) by a foreign company(ies) or individual(s) for the duration of any potential Government contract.

As a small or large business, do you believe conditions exist for a small business set-aside in accordance with FAR 19.502-3(a) for any portion of the requirement described above?  If yes, please indicate which portion of the requirement and the most appropriate NAICS code for each portion.  Of the portion of work you identified as having the potential to be small business set-aside, are you most interested in performing as a prime contractor or subcontractor for the requirement described above?  Please indicate whether you would qualify as a small or large business under the NAICS code you believe is most appropriate.

If you are a small business, of the portion of work you identified as having the potential to be partially set-aside, are you capable of performing at least 50% of the work, in order to comply with FAR Clause 52.219-14, specifically 52.219-14(c)(1), “At least 50 percent of the cost of contract performance incurred for personnel shall be expended for employees of the concern.”

If you are a small business interested in performing a portion of the requirement as a set- aside, provide a brief summary of your company’s experience and past performance within the past three years as a prime contractor as it relates to the magnitude of this anticipated requirement and/or the portion of the work you identified as having the potential to be partially set-aside.

If a large business, relative to NAICS Code 541330, submit the reasonable expectation of subcontracting opportunities for small business concern(s) to provide materials, parts and/or services in support of your capabilities to meet the requirements of this effort.