Technology Sectors
Royal Saudi Air Force seeks help on its secure communications program
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The U.S. Air Force is gathering information from prospective contractors about their ability to support the Royal Saudi Air Force’s secure communications program by procuring new equipment, maintaining existing gear and installing a sophisticated access control and surveillance system at the RSAF’s headquarters complex in Riyadh.
The Request For Information (RFI), which was posted on February 19, seeks responses from prospective vendors by March 1, 2010.
As envisioned by the U.S. Air Force Material Command’s Electronic System Center, located at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts, the Saudi program would require the selected contractor to provide factory level maintenance for existing secure communications equipment, procure new equipment and spare parts, and purchase workshop tools and equipment.
In addition, the vendor would be expected to procure and install a sophisticated access control and video surveillance system within the Directorate of Electronic Communications and Computer (DECC) section at the RSAF headquarters in Riyadh. These systems will be comprised of several elements:
- A biometric smart card reader system, including contactless keypads, enrollment reader and boom barrier reader.
- A public address system, including sirens for addressable internal and external zones.
- Heavy duty security doors, including an exit guard system, electric solenoid locks and a handle set.
- These elements will be integrated into a single networked system, including client workstations, file server and fiber optic transmitters and receivers.
The RFI itself asks vendors to provide answers by March 1 to four questions: (1) Are the technical specifications sufficient to quote this project? (2) Can the vendor identify any shortcomings? (3) What is the estimated period of performance? and (4) Do you have experience working in Saudi Arabia?
Further information is available from Mary Stripinis at mary.stripinis@hanscom.af.mil.
A letter dated February 19, which outlines the RFI, was signed by Joseph Buzzell, contracting officer, for the 350th Electronic Systems Group.
