A -- RFI CLOSE AIR SUPPORT (CAS) The Air Force is actively investigating the development of a suite of synergistic technologies for the next generation CAS weapons system. This is a request for information (RFI) on supporting technologies to aid in this process. Background: The world situation is changing as nation states find themselves embroiled in regional conflicts fueled by internal revolution or state sponsored terrorism. With vested interest in preserving the peace and stability in these regions, the role played by U.S. forces is changing. Modern technology, which poses significant threats to US forces, is being sold to arm all most anyone, and the nature of these conflicts often focuses actions in and around urban areas. The urban combat scenario is a reality for our forward-deployed forces and so is the need to protect them against ever increasingly sophisticated threats. Close Air Support (CAS) has taken on a whole new meaning for today_s combat forces. CAS weapons must protect troops from threats that include everything from the sniper in the third floor window of a small downtown third world nation to the armored battle-tank rumbling down the battlefield toward them at full speed and also provide increased survivability to the platforms delivering those CAS weapons. Present day systems are incapable of meeting the requirements of providing CAS and providing this increased survivability to the delivery platforms. It_s doubtful that any modification to a current system could meet this new mission in the mid- or far-term. Thus, a new weapon design strategy must be developed and used to discover a viable solution. Weapons Requirement: The user has identified requirements that must be considered for next generation CAS weapons. Cost is one of the most important factors in the design of modern day weapon systems with the technical factors being traded-off for cost. A foolproof identification Friend/Foe (IFF) system to prevent fratricide is a must. Additionally, Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) targets must be killed/destroyed not just suppressed in order to reduce sorties and enhance platform survivability. Along with protecting our troops we must greatly reduce collateral damage around urban targets and innocent civilians. Communication is extremely important in any combat situation. Battlefield data must be linked together, with common target files, in ordered to enhance the war fighter_s situational awareness for both the delivery platform and the controlling ground parties typically associated with CAS missions. New weapon systems should take into account the use of night enhancing equipment by users and the proliferation of laser systems on the battlefield. Targeting must be made autonomous with decentralized command and control in order to shorten sensor-to-shooter timelines to less than 10 minutes. This must also insure that ground parties and flight crews can rapidly concur and assure that the appropriate targets have been identified, designated, and confirmed by all parties. The CAS weapon must fit current rack systems because development of new racks is cost prohibitive. Standoff capability should be sufficient to avoid enemy defenses but close enough to be controlled by ground forces. Improved propulsion should be considered to provide adequate standoff with weapon responsiveness. Weapon _over-fly_ is a concern in Army-controlled areas; systems must be able to demonstrate safe operating procedures. The weapon system should provide some measure of safing or diversion after launch to provide a prudent measure of positive control of the weapon. Information Requested: The (AFRL/MNAV) is requesting information from the defense industry to determine what progress is being made in the area of CAS weapons technology. The government will use this information to develop a long-range plan in three phases, near (1-5 years), mid (6-10 years) and far (11+ years) based on the technologies maturity level. NO PROPRIETARY DATA SHOULD BE SUBMITTED. ANY SUBMISSIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED TO BE PUBLIC INFORMATION AND MAY BE HANDLED BY NON-GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL. This RFI incorporates by reference FAR 52.215-3, Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes (OCT 1997). Depending on technology maturity level, activities may range from trade studies through flight test of system level technology. Even though the desired end result is a complete weapon system, sub-component technologies are highly encouraged at this time. This RFI provides interested contractors an opportunity to present to the government their ideas, approach, and progress made toward development of technologies or systems that can support the development of new CAS weapons. Please submit a two (2) page white paper, email wolverton@eglin.af.mil and hard copy to Linda Weisz, AFRL/MNK, 101 W. Eglin Blvd, Ste 337, Eglin AFB FL 32542-6810. Responses to this RFI are due by close of business 24 April 00. The program office may host an industry day in mid June, one-on-ones to follow with interested contractors. The level of detail for each RFI response and one-on-one should be compatible with a presentation of no more than one hour. For more detailed technical information and for scheduling one-on-ones, please contact Mr. John F. Wolverton, (850) 882-3124 x3373. This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute an Invitation for Bids or a Request for Proposals, nor is it a commitment by the Government. The Government may use this information to determine an acquisition approach for CAS. The government will not pay for any effort expended in responding to this notice. Please refer all other questions and comments to the Contract Specialist, Ms. Linda Weisz at (850) 882-4294, Ext. 3406, or e-mail her at weisz@eglin.af.mil, or to the Contracting Officer, John Hawk at (850) 882-4294, Ext. 3302, or e-mail hawk@eglin.af.mil. If the government decides to solicit offers for the CAS, an Ombudsman will be appointed to address concerns from potential offerors during the proposal development phase of the acquisition. See Note 26 WEB: Visit this URL for the latest information about this, http://www.eps.gov/cgi-bin/WebObjects/EPS?ACode=S&ProjID=Reference-Num ber-MNK-00-006&LocID=1362. E-MAIL: Linda Weisz, weisz@eglin.af.mil. Posted 03/15/00 (D-SN434625).

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