Request for Information
Overview/Purpose:
Product Manager Aerial Enhanced Radars, Optics, and Sensors (PdM AEROS) is exploring currently available operational state-of-the-art Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) sensor capabilities for the MQ-1C Gray Eagle platform for a Multi-Domain Operation (MDO) environment. PdM AEROS is seeking industry information on available extended range Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) and Communications Intelligence (COMINT) sensor solutions with a high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) that will require minimal development (12 months or less). Request industry partners define specific capabilities, sensor maturity, and specify development and integration that would still be required. Identify technical growth opportunities and specify hardware and/or software development. This RFI is intended purely for market research purposes. This is not a Request for Proposals (RFP). No solicitation is available at this time.
Requested Performance Parameters:
1. As part of the response please provide the following performance parameters:
- Search, acquisition and direction finding/geolocation frequency range
- DF/geolocation methods, accuracies and throughput
- Signal sets processed and onboard vs offboard processing
- Pulse and signal density processed and throughput
- RF performance (bandwidth, sensitivity, dynamic range, resolution, scan rate)
- Antenna element and array designs, number of channels, calibration requirements
- Methods of dealing with signal separation, adjacent and co-channel interference
- Field of view in azimuth and elevation
- System architecture standards and configuration
- Payload environmental specifications
2. In addition to the information requested above responders are encouraged to provide the following information for recommended sensor payloads:
- Number of systems currently produced and deployed
- System lead time and production rates
- Any first article, development and production testing to include Military Standard (MIL-STD) 810/461/462 testing
- UAV or manned platforms that the recommended sensor payload is integrated on or is planned to be integrated on, to include Government sponsor information
- If sensor has already flight-tested which platforms and are any reports available
- Demonstration unit availability
- Availability of Interface Control Document (ICD) and Application Programming Interface (API) documentation
- Support for second party plugs-ins or software development
- System Built in Test (BIT), diagnostics and status monitoring
- Maintenance and operational philosophy and any existing support structure in place
- Cybersecurity accreditation status
- Data at rest security features, along with external removeable storage requirements
- Joint Interface Control Documentation (JICD) 4.2.1 and JICD 4.2 ELINT (JEL) capabilities
- System and Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) size, weight and power draw to include antennas and cables
- Integration concept (pod, fuselage)
- Antenna arrays and mounting (wings, fuselage, pod)
- Platform services required for the sensor (i.e., Inertial Navigation System (INS)/Global Positioning System (GPS), precision timing, etc)
- User interface and processing, exploitation and dissemination capabilities.
- Data rate requirements for remote operations
- Blanking and electronic protection controls
- Reliability, Availability, Maintainability (RAM), Operational Availability (AO), Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) and Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) data or predictions
Specify compliance to any SOSA/MOSA standards to include versions and/or what SOSA/MOSA standards sensor could be supported with minimal Government investment.
Government is particularly interested in SIGINT solutions that are compliant with the latest Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (C5ISR)/ Electronic Warfare Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS) Interoperability Requirements (IRS) V1.2 The details of CMOSS IRS 1.2 can be found at: https://jtnc.experience.crmforce.mil/JTNC/s/cmoss
3. Document manufacturing capabilities for all sensors specifically discussing manufacturing facilities, line rates, and lead times.
Requested Info: PdM AEROS requests feedback from capable and interested industry sources with respect to the following:
Note: Respondents can assume encryption and datalink will be provided by the platform.
4. Provide information on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) sensor performance/capabilities and an assessment of technology and integration readiness levels of currently available solutions for ELINT and COMINT sensors. This should include current sensor capabilities, planned/funded capability enhancements, and integration options.
a. Specifically, explain how the recommended sensor configuration will satisfy the Government goals to integrate a SIGINT capability on the Gray Eagle.
- Specify B-Kit hardware requirements to include the end item system and LRU's.
- Specify A-Kit requirements on previously integrated platforms or potential HW requirements to integrate with the host platform.
- Please list any software license that would be required to operate the sensor onboard a host aircraft
b. Explain how the recommended sensor solution could be upgraded/enhanced in the future to address technology maturation and its ability to meet emerging threats.
c. Provide a non-binding rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost estimate that includes the following:
- What is the per unit cost for a procurement of 5, 10, and 15 systems.
- Are there alternative price breaks that exist beyond quantity 5, 10, and 15? Please specify what that discount would be.
- What is the minimum and maximum order quantities per year over a multi-year procurement order.
d. Provide a summary matrix that addresses the below sensor desired characteristics as defined. The summary matrix should include:
- Current sensor performance
- Planned sensor performance with upgrades to enhance sensor performance
- Summary of the upgrades required.
Response Guidelines:
Interested parties are requested to respond to this RFI with an Unclassified white paper. White paper submissions cannot exceed 10 pages. Sam.gov will be the sole repository for all information related to this RFI. Responses must specifically describe the interested party’s capability to meet the requirements outlined in this RFI.
Unclassified submission should be sent to lauren.p.strauss.ctr@army.mil and jeannie.h.eng.civ@army.mil
Interested parties may also submit a Classified appendix/annex to the Unclassified white papers submission. Classified submissions should not exceed 10 pages. Interested parties should contact Jeannie Eng at jeannie.h.eng.civ@army.mil regarding classified submission instructions no later than five (5) business days prior to the submission deadline.
Interested parties who wish to respond to this RFI shall do so no later than 4pm on 25 November 2024 ET via the email addresses provided above.
Questions:
The Government will not entertain and will not address any questions from Industry at this time. The Government will not reimburse companies for any costs associated with the submissions of their responses or the participation in demonstrations.
White Paper Response Collaboration (Discussions)
After review of the white paper responses, PdM AEROS representatives may meet with potential interested parties and/or request one-on-one sample hardware demonstrations. Such discussions are only intended to obtain further clarification of potential capability to meet the requirements and demonstration of product capabilities.
Disclaimer:
This RFI is not a RFP and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Responses will not be considered as proposals, nor will any award be made as a result of this synopsis.
All information contained in the RFI is preliminary as well as subject to modification and is in no way binding on the Government. FAR clause 52.215-3, “Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes”, is incorporated by reference in this RFI. The Government does not intend to pay for information received in response to this RFI. Responders to this invitation are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. This RFI will be the basis for collecting information on capabilities available. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes. Proprietary information and trade secrets, if any, must be clearly marked on all materials. All information received in this RFI that is marked “Proprietary” will be handled accordingly. Please be advised that all paper submissions become Government property and will not be returned nor will receipt be confirmed. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract.
