Munitions Contracting Division (AFRL/MNK), Building 13, 101 West Eglin Boulevard, Suite 337, Eglin AFB, FL 32542-6810

A -- ADVANCED INFRARED SCENE PROJECTOR SOL MNK 98-017 POC LINDA WEISZ, CONTRACT SPECIALIST, (850) 882,4294, ext. 3206 Research and development sources are sought for development of the Advanced Infrared Scene Projector (AISP) that will increase the current state-of-the-art in resistive array infrared scene projection technology. Through research and development programs such as the Wideband Infrared Scene Projector (WISP) program, resistive array infrared scene projector technology has demonstrated such desirable qualities as broad spectral emission, flickerless images, high frame rates, and large dynamic ranges. Although resistor array infrared scene projector technology has greatly matured under the WISP program there are areas in which additional development is required to meet the needs of the hardware-in-the-loop evaluation community. One of these facilities, the Kinetic Kill Vehicle Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulator (KHILS) at Eglin, is designed to support various current and future Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) guided interceptor hardware development programs. This closed-loop simulator facility evaluates advanced state-of-the-art seeker and control system performance under varying mission scenarios. The resistive array infrared projection technology also has direct application in the evaluation of air-to-air, air-to-surface, surface-to-air, and surface-to-surface guided weapons and submunitions, which use infrared seekers. Because of the rapid evolution of sensor and signal processor technologies, it is imperative that related simulation technologies keep pace with the advances in guided interceptor technology. The overall objective of this program is to advance the state-of-the-art in resistive array infrared scene projection technology. Some development areas of interest are: (1) High spatial resolution (1024x1024), (2) Programmable frame windowing (addressing reduced portion of array), (3) Snapshot array updates, (4) High framing rates (200 frames per second), (5) Minimization of scene droop, (6) Maximization of array fabrication yield, (7) Programmable multiplexing of the number of control lines (user can tradebetween data rate and cost of drive electronics), (8) Flexible design (array/packaging) for room temperature as well as low temperature operation. The offerors may include additional areas for trade in the first phase of the program. This five-phased program of which three phases are optional is a 48 month effort. Phase I (3 months), Concept Development, will end with the Preliminary Design Review. Phase II (33 months), Detailed Design and Fabrication will include a Critical Design Review, two array fabrication runs and four mounted and delivered arrays, two from each run. Phase III (4-month option), Additional Array Packages #1, will run in parallel with Phase II and end with the mounting and delivery of three additional Phase II first run arrays. Phase IV (4-month option), Additional Array Packages #2, will follow Phase III while running in parallel with Phase II and end with the mounting and delivery of three additional Phase II second run arrays. Phase V (15-month option), will include a brief array redesign, a third array fabrication run, and the mounting and delivery of two arrays. The Government will be responsible for annealing, system installation, and characterization of all delivered arrays. Access and storage of classified materials is not required for this program. Firms having applicable interest, capability, and background should submit particulars in accordance with Numbered Note 25 to AFRL/MNK STE 337, 101 W. Eglin Blvd., Eglin AFB FL 32542-6810, Attn: Linda Weisz. Response to this synopsis must be received within 15 days from date of publication. Respondents to this notice will not be notified of the results of the evaluation of information submitted. This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only, does not constitute an IFB or RFP, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. The government does not intend to hold a Pre-Solicitation Conference. Firms responding to this synopsis should state whether they are or are not a small business concern as defined by SIC Code 8731, 500 people. The Air Force reserves the right to consider a small business set-aside based on responses hereto. It is anticipated that a Program Research and Development Announcement (PRDA) in accordance with AFMCFARS 5335.90 will be issued for this requirement. An Ombudsman has been established for this acquisition. The only purpose of the Ombudsman is to receive and communicate serious concerns from potential offerors when an offeror prefers not to use established channels to communicate his concern during the proposal development phase of this acquisition. All potential offerors should establish channels to voice concerns before resorting to the use of the Ombudsman. When requested, the Ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The Ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals or in the selection decision. The Ombudsman should only be contacted with issues or problems that have been previously brought to the attention of the contracting officer and could not be satisfactorily resolved at that level. Potential offerors are invited to contact AFRL/MN's Ombudsman, LtCol Gary L. Libell, AFRL/MNK, 101 West Eglin Blvd., Suite 337, Eglin AFB, FL 32542-6810 at (850) 882-2872 with serious concerns only. Direct all requests for solicitations and routine communication concerning this acquisition to Linda Weisz, AFRL/MNK at (850) 882-4294, Ext 3206. For further information concerning technical aspects, contact Robert Stockbridge, AFRL/MNGG, at (850) 882-4446, Ext 2260. (0111)

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