SPECIAL NOTICE
99 -- Group 3 sUAS, Air-Launchable Swarm Carrier Request for Information (RFI)
- Notice Date
- 7/10/2024 3:05:44 PM
- Notice Type
- Special Notice
- NAICS
- 336411
— Aircraft Manufacturing
- Contracting Office
- INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, RECONNAISSANCE
- ZIP Code
- 00000
- Solicitation Number
- sUAS_SC_RFI
- Response Due
- 8/9/2024 2:00:00 PM
- Archive Date
- 08/24/2024
- Point of Contact
- sUAS Inbox, Gage Wright
- E-Mail Address
-
USAFOffensiveSmallUAS@groups.af.mil, gage.wright.1@us.af.mil
(USAFOffensiveSmallUAS@groups.af.mil, gage.wright.1@us.af.mil)
- Description
- 1. Introduction This Request for Information (RFI) is for information and planning purposes only and includes questions that the United States Government (USG) may use to understand current Industry capabilities. This RFI seeks responses specifically for a Group 3 sUAS capable of internally carrying and able to deploy Group 2 sUAS equipped with an Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) payload. It is one of three distinct RFIs to be issued that will cover the sUAS platform needs for fielding Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) capabilities within 24 � 36 months of this RFI. �(see Appendix A � A2E Definition and Operational Context). This is NOT a request for quotations or proposals or a promise to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) or Request for Quote (RFQ) in the future and does not commit the USG to contract for the supplies/services contained herein. In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.201 (e), USG will not accept responses to this notice as offers to form a binding contract. USG will not reimburse costs incurred by Respondents in response to this RFI or for participating in information exchange regarding details of the RFI. The information provided in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding on USG. Any information submitted in response to this RFI is voluntary. Respondents must clearly mark any proprietary information and trade secrets on all submitted materials. USG will not share vendor proprietary information with the public. USG hereby notifies Respondents that (a) USG may disclose submitted information to support Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) contractors supporting this program, (b) submission of information in response to this RFI constitutes consent to such handling and disclosure of submitted information to those parties, and (c) USG will handle such proprietary information in a manner consistent with applicable federal law. Please be advised that all submissions become USG property, and USG will not return submissions to Respondents. USG advises Respondents that USG is under no obligation to provide feedback to Respondents with respect to any information submitted. USG may meet with Industry partners in a 1:1 setting during market research. USG may decide to hold 1:1 sessions with Industry partners based on responses to this RFI. Additional opportunities for Industry partners to request 1:1 sessions may be shared at a later date. The U.S. Air Force Offensive sUAS SPO (hereinafter referred to as �the SPO�) may share any information submitted in response to this RFI with current and future contractor support personnel involved with this program. All USG and contractor personnel reviewing submitted responses will have signed non-disclosure agreements and understand their responsibility for proper use and protection from unauthorized disclosure of proprietary information as described in 41 U.S. Code (USC) 423. Synopsis The SPO is performing market research to determine Industry�s ability to provide capabilities supporting the Air Force Special Operations Command�s (AFSOC) A2E concept within 24 � 36 months. The SPO intends to release three distinct RFIs, each covering a specific A2E sUAS capability, detailed below. The SPO is seeking Industry responses to help inform how it can provide AFSOC with air-launched sUAS capabilities that integrate Group 2 Air-Launched ISR systems, Group 3 Air-Launched Swarm Carrier systems, and Group 3 Air-Launched Signature Managed systems within the A2E architecture (see Appendix A, Figure 1) while complying with a Modular Open System Approach (MOSA). Specifically, the SPO will be seeking responses for each of the three capabilities below via three separate and distinct RFIs: Group 2 ISR � To be internally carried and air-launched via Common Launch Tube (CLT) from a Group 3 Swarm Carrier. Group 3 Swarm Carrier � To be deployed from a C-130 as an air-dropped, palletized effect, internally carrying and able to launch Group 2 ISR sUAS from CLTs. Group 3 Signature Managed � To be air-launched from a Group 5 system, act as a C2 node in a network/swarm of sUAS and send data from the contested/denied environment to the Joint Force. Responses may inform the potential development of an initial A2E acquisition approach, corresponding RFP, statements of work, and possible future contract actions; therefore, feedback from industry is critical to formulating the best possible approach. To ensure that USG casts the widest possible net�for both familiar as well as new technologies�the SPO�s strategy development process will include significant outreach and engagement with industry. The SPO encourages non-traditional performers and innovators with relevant capabilities and technology to participate in this process. USG is interested in all solution sets, particularly those from entities that may offer novel or unconventional approaches that may be capable of meeting the operational requirements outlined in each RFI. USG may ask for additional clarification on RFI responses. USG will provide detailed instructions in correspondence outlining any follow-up questions.� USG will use the data gathered through this RFI process to inform USG acquisition strategies for initial and future A2E capabilities and other efforts requiring Offensive sUAS, which may lead to contract awards. This RFI informs the initial Group 3 Swarm Carrier capabilities for A2E that USG will field in 24 � 36 months. There is an expectation to field additional platforms and A2E capabilities beyond the initial effort. Should USG field initial operational A2E systems, conceivable upgrade cycles could follow regularly. USG may replace any component or integrator during such cycles to maximize operational capabilities with best-in-class technologies. The SPO will use this and the corresponding RFIs to understand the readiness of existing platforms to enable the A2E Concept of Operation (CONOP) and better equip USG to identify potential candidate technologies for initial A2E acquisitions. Vendors who do not participate in the initial fielding may still have opportunities for future involvement. SPO A2E Initial Fielding Strategy The initial SPO A2E fielding strategy centers on three focus areas: 1) The acquisition of Group 2 ISR platforms, 2) Group 3 Swarm Carriers, and 3) Group 3 Signature Managed platforms. Solutions must align with MOSA design principles and be cost-effective for USG. They must also be compatible with an Autonomous Government Referenced Architecture and the software chosen to support that architecture. Finally, solutions must demonstrate a maturity level and production capacity that confidently conveys the ability to deliver scalable quantity within 36 months. 2. Objective This RFI is for market research purposes only and aims to obtain information from vendors that are interested and capable of delivering a Group 3 Swarm Carrier solution within 36 months. Certain attributes and performance parameters for the Group 3 Swarm Carrier are considered Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). These attributes and parameters will be delivered to interested vendors via secured means (i.e. DoD SAFE) upon request after USG verifies the company is actively registered within SAM.gov. The CUI information is not necessary to complete Attachment A. However, USG recommends that vendors not submit a response to this RFI until assessing the feasibility and potential applicability of their solution based on USG�s desired attributes and parameters. Vendors should request delivery of the CUI attributes and parameters through the Contracting Officer identified below in Section 4. To aid verification, please include Company CAGE code, DUNS number, and NAICS code applicable to the effort in the request. Email Subject Line: A2E CUI Request � Company Name. Vendor responses to this RFI will provide a view of readily available and developing solutions expected to reach maturity in time to fulfill the targeted initial fielding date (within 36 months). USG will analyze responses to understand the current market landscape and help determine the prioritization efforts and current technology gaps requiring further industry investment. Any solutions that vendors design and put forward in response to this RFI must be in accordance with MOSA principles for future integration. USG encourages vendors to provide a synopsis of the solution, an understanding of its technical specifications and benefits, preliminary assessments of how the solution meets key programmatic requirements, and a summary of costs related to the solution (Please reference Attachment B for additional detail/instructions). 3. Responses Respondents should submit documents to ONLY the USG organizational email address provided below. USG representatives will not be taking telephone inquiries on this RFI. Please ensure the subject of the RFI submission reads as follows: �A2E Swarm Carrier RFI Submission � Company Name�. Submit via email to: USAFOffensiveSmallUAS@groups.af.mil As described in the introduction above, USG may use the information provided to form USG�s acquisition strategy, which USG may present in a public forum. Failure to appropriately mark document rights is the responsibility of the vendor and USG holds the right to replicate and duplicate the material provided, as needed. Attachment A shall not contain classified information. Submit Attachment A to the USG organizational email address above through DoD SAFE or an encrypted email. If you do not have access to DoD SAFE or an encrypted email, please contact the Contracting Officer below for additional submission instructions. Attachment B may contain classified information, but Respondents must complete Attachment A to submit Attachment B. If Attachment B contains classified information, Attachment B must be submitted via SIPR email to the USG representatives outlined below. Security: William McCoy, william.h.mccoy4.civ@mail.smil.mil Contracting Officer: Capt. Gage Wright, gage.s.wright.mil@mail.smil.mil Program Office Representatives: Andre Morris, andre.morris2.mil@mail.smil.mil Henry Garay, henry.a.garay.civ@mail.smil.mil Timothy Huddleston, timothy.a.huddleston2.civ@mail.smil.mil Note that Respondents must have SIPRNet access to submit classified documents via email. Please ensure the subject of the email reads as follows: �A2E Swarm Carrier RFI Submission � Company Name�. If a respondent does not have SIPRNet access, they may mail Attachment B from a cleared facility to the below address. If sent via mail, all Respondents should ensure they have the ability to confirm USG receipt of Attachment B. Attachment A should still be sent via DoD SAFE or encrypted email to the USG representatives noted above. Respondents should make note in the email containing Attachment A that Attachment B is being submitted via a physical classified package. Tracking information for that package must be included in the Attachment A email. The package should be addressed as below: Outer Wrapper: 2530 Loop Road West AFLCMC/WIS Wright-Patterson AFB 45433 Inner Wrapper: Attn William H. McCoy 2530 Loop Road West AFLCMC/WIS Wright-Patterson AFB 45433 RFI responses (Attachment A and B) are due no later than (NLT) 1700 EST on August 09, 2024. USG requests Respondents complete the following documents as part of their submission: Attachment A: A2E Swarm Carrier RFI Response Spreadsheet Format: Excel file Due date: August 09, 2024 Status: Required Instructions: Please follow all instructions noted within the Cover Sheet Tab of Attachment A. Submit via DoD SAFE or encrypted email. Attachment B: Technology Synopsis Format: Word Document Final document due: August 09, 2024 Status: Optional Instructions: Please follow all instructions noted within Attachment B. For Unclassified and CUI documents, submit via DoD SAFE or encrypted email. Classified documents should be submitted as described above. USG may request additional details related to one or more parts of the RFI responses. In correspondence, USG will provide detailed instructions outlining any follow-up questions. 4. Questions If you have any specific questions (relating to the above-referenced information only), please submit them in written format to the Contracting Officer, Capt. Gage Wright, gage.wright.1@us.af.mil
- Web Link
-
SAM.gov Permalink
(https://sam.gov/opp/aca51d1e4abe439099986983849723d7/view)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433, USA
- Zip Code: 45433
- Country: USA
- Zip Code: 45433
- Record
- SN07122669-F 20240712/240710230116 (samdaily.us)
- Source
-
SAM.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
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