SOURCES SOUGHT
16 -- Request for Information for a Next Generation Targeting Forward Looking Infrared (NEXGENFLIR) system
- Notice Date
- 10/24/2013
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 334511
— Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
- Contracting Office
- Department of the Navy, Naval Air Systems Command, NAVAIR HQ, Building 2272, 47123 Buse Road Unit IPT, Patuxent River, Maryland, 20670, United States
- ZIP Code
- 20670
- Solicitation Number
- 20027-13
- Archive Date
- 12/18/2013
- Point of Contact
- Michelle Shanahan, Phone: (301)757-7100, John E Britt, Phone: (301) 757-5940
- E-Mail Address
-
michelle.shanahan@navy.mil, john.britt@navy.mil
(michelle.shanahan@navy.mil, john.britt@navy.mil)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) INTRODUCTION This publication constitutes a Request for Information (RFI) notice pursuant to FAR Part 15.201(e). The Government does not presently intend to award a contract but wants to obtain price, delivery, other market information, or capabilities for planning purposes. Written follow-up questions may be asked of responders for clarification, but this will not indicate a selection of preference. This is not a commitment to fund any effort submitted in response to this request. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland is seeking qualified sources that can provide enhanced air-to-surface capability for a Next Generation Targeting Forward Looking Infrared (NEXGENFLIR) system in a maritime mission environment. Warfighting Objective The F/A-18 & EA-18G Program Office (PMA265) is exploring the potential development of a follow on Targeting FLIR (TFLIR) to replace the current TFLIR inventory. The F/A-18 NEXGENFLIR will be an Electro Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) targeting pod that provides greater capability than currently utilized systems to detect, classify, and track, both air-to-air, and air-to-surface targets. The NEXGENFLIR shall provide the capability to designate air-to-surface targets and will provide this capability to the end of the F/A-18 projected service life. Enhanced capabilities over legacy systems will include improved resolution and recognition ranges, improved tracking, aided target recognition, laser ranging/designation and integral datalink. Information provided via this request will be used to evaluate and assess the feasibility of a NEXGENFLIR pod to replace the current TFLIR, for an Initial Operational Capability in the 2022 timeframe. TECHNICAL, COST AND SCHEDULE INFORMATION Notional Requirements and Performance of NEXGENFLIR Pod It is anticipated that the NEXGENFLIR will consist of a pod that is mounted on the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft. The pod contains a FLIR system with Electro Optic (EO) capabilities that can be used for targeting and visual identification beyond current system limitations. The system should include a Laser Spot Tracker (LST) capability that can track a target that is illuminated by a tactical laser source. It also has a Laser Designator and Ranger that can emit energy to designate targets and provide guidance for laser-guided weapons and measure range to target. Additionally, a Near-Infrared (IR) Marker capability provides air-to-surface target cueing to observers equipped with night vision devices (NVDs). NEXGENFLIR capabilities should improve the warfighters ability to employ ordnance against current threats, to include moving targets in a dense target environment. NEXGENFLIR should also increase reliability, maintainability and reduce total ownership costs. Capabilities of interest for the NEXGENFLIR are: • Imaging in both the Medium Wave Infrared (MWIR) and visible (color) spectral bands • Active illuminated imaging in the Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) spectral band • Aided target recognition for infrared and visible imagery • Tactical laser target designation and ranging • Training laser capability supporting designation and ranging • LST search and track • Near-IR Marker capability for cueing for NVD devices • Two-way encrypted datalink for transmission of full motion digital video with metadata • Digital video output capability • Multiple moving target tracking with autocue capability • Digital video recording capability • Continuous zoom capability for IR and visible imaging Environmental Conditions The NEXGENFLIR pod is expected to be carried on station 5 (fuselage station) of the F/A-18E/F & EA-18G aircraft, operating in both the Carrier-based and forward deployed operational environments. Existing information for a potential sensor's capability to operate reliably in these environments will aid the assessment of the sensor's performance. Respondents to this RFI should provide any applicable testing or analysis information relevant to sensor storage and operation in the planned operational environment. The system will be expected to meet performance requirements for day-night conditions with visibility down to 2.7 nautical miles (nm) at ground level, in all climates over all terrain exclusive of severe storm phenomena. CONTENT OF RESPONDENTS SUBMISSION Respondents to this RFI should provide: Technical Information: • A description and performance assessment of the NEXGENFLIR pod • A description of the technical risk areas in the NEXGENFLIR pod development, integration, demonstration, and manufacturing program phases. • An assessment of the Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) of the critical technologies (in the sensor system and major subsystems components). • An assessment of the Integration Readiness Level (IRL) of the critical technologies (in the sensor system and major subsystems components). • An assessment of the Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRLs) of the NEXGENFLIR pod. • A description of the applicable component and sub-system testing relevant to the NEXGENFLIR pod. Cost Information: • An estimate of non-recurring engineering cost of integration and demonstration which exercises the system capabilities in relevant operational environments. Provide any assumptions made regarding government furnished property, facilities or other support. • An estimate of the NEXGENFLIR unit cost for a Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) I quantity of 15 units, LRIP II quantity of 20 units, followed by a Full-Rate Production (FRP) quantity varying between 40 and 50 units per year on an annual procurement basis for a total Program Of Record (POR) of 350. • An estimated schedule for achieving TRL Level 6 in preparation for a system Milestone B review. Describe any proof of concept and integration level testing required to achieve TRL Level 6. • A top level description of a program plan and schedule for achieving a mature production program. • Estimate of total ownership costs, to include recommend maintenance concept. • Areas where trade space is available, including size, weight and power considerations. DISCLAIMER: This notice is not to be construed as an acquisition Request for Proposal (RFP), nor is any commitment implied on the part of the Government to award a contract, nor does the Government intend to pay for any information submitted as a result of this request. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this request or to otherwise pay for the information solicited. Responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. SECURITY: Because this notice is a RFI only, no additional Operational Security (OPSEC) or security requirements have been levied. However, if a Request for Proposal should follow this notice and a contract is awarded, there will be an OPSEC requirement and Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) included in the contract. SUBMISSION OF RESPONSES: All parties that currently have or will have the capability to provide the above-described NEXTGENFLIR capability and are interested in responding to this RFI should present this information to the PMA in a presentation not to exceed one hour. The briefing should be organized as set forth above in the section entitled "Contents of Respondents Submission" and should contain no more than 45 slides (no more than 60 slides with supporting information). Supporting information may be submitted with guidance from the following information: • Any electronic copies of files or printed hard-copy material pertaining to your company's current or future capability to develop the NEXGENFLIR capability, past performance and performance information for both Government and Commercial sales; and any other additional information that could be useful in determining your company's ability to meet the requirements. • The technical, cost and schedule information requested should be provided in as much detail as your company can provide in MS Office or PDF format. All information received will be reviewed by the F/A-18 & EA-18G program office, systems engineering and may include technical assistance from contracted support personnel. No other documentation including specifications is available at this time. Briefings are planned for the week of 06 January 2014. Submit all questions pertaining to this RFI in writting only prior to 09 November 2013 and your brief shall to be submitted no later than 17 December 2013. However, the Government reserves the right to accept responses that come in after the deadline published in this notice. Responses to this RFI will not be returned nor will respondents be notified of the results of the review. Please submit ten (10) hard copies and one (1) electronic copy of your presentation in MS Office or PDF format no later than 17 December 2013. Hard copies of the presentation should be submitted to the following address: Naval Air Systems Command, Attn: Michelle Shanahan, 47123 Buse Road, Building 2272, Suite 453, Patuxent River, MD 20670 and an electronic copy of the of the presentation should be sent to michelle.shanahan@navy.mil. Once a presentation has been submitted, the Contract Specialist will contact you to schedule a time to brief your presentation. THIS RFI IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. It is a market research tool being used to determine the availability and adequacy of potential business sources prior to determining the method of acquisition and issuance of a RFP including the use of any appropriate small business programs. The Government is not obligated to and will not pay for any information received from potential sources as a result of this synopsis. This synopsis is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for bid or proposals, and is not to be construed as a commitment by, or a firm requirement of, the Government. Submissions are to be UNCLASSIFIED. Contracting Office Address: Department of the Navy, Naval Air Systems Command, NAVAIR HQ, Building 2272 47123 Buse Road Unit IPT, Patuxent River, MD, 20670 Point of Contact(s): Michelle Shanahan, Contracting Specialist, Email michelle.shanahan@navy.mil John Britt, Contracting Officer, Email john.britt@navy.mil
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-
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- Record
- SN03221476-W 20131026/131024233908-192ff4bb6aa824a8aea767b443365a5e (fbodaily.com)
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