Naval Research Laboratory, Attn: Code 3230, 4555 Overlook Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20375-5326

A -- RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SOURCES SOUGHT POC Dr. Raymond A. Patten, Code 5630, (202)767-3049 E-MAIL: click here, patten@ccs.nrl.navy.mil. The Navy is interested in procuring medium and high altitude reconnaissance sensors for the Shared Reconnaissance Pod program (SHARP) (RFP not yet available, but go to http://www.navair.navy.mil/business/ecommerce/index.cfm solicitation N00019-99-R-1567 for more information). In support of SHARP, the Naval Research Laboratory is offering to fly reconnaissance cameras and supporting electronics at NAS Patuxent River (PAX) in a P-3 aircraft that has been modified for such a mission. The purpose of the flights will be to gather imagery that indicates the performance of candidate reconnaissance cameras. Each manufacturer having a sensor capable of meeting the SHARP requirements (posted at the above Website) is invited to inspect at NAS Patuxent River (PAX) the NRL P-3 aircraft, the attached bomb-bay test pallet, and the cabin area where the sensor control and recorders will be located. Such an inspection should take place 2 to 4 months before testing is scheduled to start. Each Sensor manufacturer will be allowed a maximum of two weeks of setup and preparation time at NRL/PAX. Following the preparation and setup time, each sensor manufacturer will be given a total of two weeks access to the NRL P-3 for installing, flying, and de-installing the sensor. The flight profiles will be based on the SHARP ORD, and will be over both bar targets and general terrain. A total of 6 flights, each of 4 hours duration, is considered the baseline. NRL will provide the SHARP Reconnaissance Management System (SRMS) that will have overall control of the sensor and that will accept sensor data. The SRMS will also control the recording of sensor data onto an NRL Ampex DCRsi digital tape recorder. The original recorded data will be retained by the Government, but a copy to be shared with the manufacturer will be made after the flights. Interested companies should submit technical information describing their sensor so that NRL and NAVAIR can assess whether the camera specifications, as supported by design information, has the potential of meeting the SHARP requirements. Each company may have a single individual accompany the data flights. In order to certify that person for P-3 flights, the individual should be identified no later than 31 March 2000. The certification process includes a physical examination and a swim test. Time slots for the P-3 flights are limited, and the requests will be processed in the order received. No requests will be accepted after 31 March 2000. Point of contact is Dr. Raymond A. Patten, 202-767-3049 (202-767-3354 if no answer) at NRL. Mail address is: Code 5630, Naval Research Laboratory,4555 Overlook Ave., SW, Washington, D.C. 20375-5326. Posted 03/02/00 (W-SN430277). (0062)

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