A -- Tactical Interoperability Communications Plans (TICP) Testing and Evaluation for the Office of Interoperability and Compatibility Program

The Department of Homeland Security, Systems Engineering Development, Science and Technology intends to procure on a sole source basis from Morgan Franklin Corporation 1753 Pinnacle Drive, Suite 1200, Mclean VA 22102. The Office for Interoperability and Compatibility (OIC) Program has a requirement to support the Department’s primary interoperable communications initiative, led by the Office of Grants and Training (G&T). 75 urban areas and states (called UASIs) have been identified as being at a high risk for a man made or natural disasters. The most critical component in the response and management of a disaster is reliable communications. To improve the effectiveness of DHS grants, all 75 UASIs are required to inventory and document their communication capabilities as part of a Tactical Interoperability Communications Plans (TICP). Over the next four months, G&T and the OIC will test and evaluate components of the TCIP to understand each UASI’s communication capabilities and to provide recommendations to the UASIs for improving their capabilities. OIC has been tasked by the Secretary of DHS to provide subject matter experts to conduct the testing and evaluation. The required services entail leveraging existing relationships with emergency responders in UASIs, and testing and evaluating the tactical radio communication exercises being carried out across the United States in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security, Directorate for Preparedness, Office of Grants and Training (G&T). It will be the largest set of interoperable communications exercises ever conducted. The firm capable of fulfilling these requirements must have significant experience interacting and negotiating interoperable communications requirements in an operational environment with key stakeholders in major urban areas (such as chiefs of police, fire, etc). Through its TCIP guidance and the Secretary’s remarks to state and local officials, the Department has made it clear that G&T and SAFECOM would use trusted and independent parties to evaluate the TCIPs. The firm must also have expertise in testing and evaluating large scale heterogeneous land mobile radio networks. Each of the 75 UASI locations has unique land mobile radio architecture. The firm must also be able to meet the Department’s urgent time requirements. SED intends to award within 45 days of the date of this notice. This is not a request for quotes; however, sources that feel that they also are capable of fulfilling these requirements may submit descriptive literature fully documenting their capabilities by 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 21, 2006. This information may also be considered for future procurements. A determination to compete this procurement based on response(s) to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. All responses or questions regarding this posting must be in writing and may be sent via email to [email protected] or faxed at (202) 254-5396. No phone calls will be accepted. If no other responses are received, award will be made on the intended award date.