Department of the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command, AFRL -- Eglin Research Site, 101 West Eglin Blvd, Eglin AFB, FL, 32542-6810

A -- FLASH LADAR SEEKER TECHNOLOGY SOL MNK-00-010 DUE 092600 POC Vicki Keider, Conracting Officer, Phone (850)882-4294 ext. 3404, Fax (850)882-9599, Email keider@eglin.af.mil -- Vicki Keider, Conracting Officer, Phone (850)882-4294 ext. 3404, Fax (850)882-9599, Email WEB: Visit this URL for the latest information about this, http://www2.eps.gov/cgi-bin/WebObjects/EPS?ACode=R&ProjID=MNK-00-010&LocID=1362. E-MAIL: Vicki Keider, keider@eglin.af.mil. Objective: Sources are being sought for the research, development, and demonstration of a snap shot (i.e. Flash) imaging focal plane array (FPA) laser detection and ranging (LADAR) seeker for autonomously guided munitions. The period of performance for this program is expected to be approximately 42 months. Description: The future evolution of LADAR seekers is towards system architectures based on FPA technologies, ranging and reflectance imaging techniques. This program will develop a Focal Plane Array LADAR seeker and integrate newly developed Autonomous Target Acquisition (ATA) algorithms for use with future autonomously guided weapons. Such a development represents the next generation of LADAR seekers. Current LADAR seekers are based on one or a few optical detector elements that must be raster scanned to produce range imagery over the required field-of-view (FOV). Correspondingly, this places limitations on the frame-rate capability and the types of algorithms that can be used for ATA. A flash imaging LADAR will illuminate the entire FOV and produce 3D imagery using a large array of detectors with the appropriate pulse capture electronics and a reflectance image. The FPA-based LADAR is expected to result in reduced cost, increased robustness, and improved seeker performance relative to existing raster scanned systems. Reduced costs will be realized through the elimination/simplification of the scanning mechanisms (currently 2 axis gimbals). Increased robustness will be realized through overall system simplification both mechanically and electrically. Improved system performance will be realized through increased frame rates, elimination of the need for motion compensation, and increased area coverage. In addition, a flash LADAR system will allow for faster and more reliable algorithms to be implemented. AFRL/MN has established Integrating Concepts (ICs) that will serve as the program baseline in terms of the seeker_s LADAR capability and requirements. In general, the integrating concepts support a direct attack type mission and a wide area search and destroy type mission. These missions have different flight profile, operating range, field of view (FOV), area coverage, and track requirements that will directly impact the LADAR requirements and design. In this program, it is intended to concentrate on the direct attack type mission, but to also have a clear growth path of the developed flash LADAR system to support the wide area search mission. For additional information, a detailed in-house fly-out simulation and analysis has been completed to examine seeker performance for both the direct attack and wide area search cases, and will be available to qualified proposers as a data package. Because this will be a single contract award, potential offerors should, at a minimum, possess and have demonstrated experience in a variety of technology areas. Some of the key technology areas include laser physics, optical detector arrays, read out integrated circuit (ROIC) design, ATA algorithms (principles of operation, integration, and testing). Laser Physics The purpose of the laser is to actively illuminate the full FOV so that 3D imaging can occur. Eye-safe (greater than or equal to 1.5 microns in wavelength) laser operation is the preferred approach in this program. This will eliminate collateral damage from possible laser illumination and greatly simplify the seeker maintenance and testing process. For 1.5 micron laser operation, the offeror may use, but are not limited to, nonlinear techniques such as optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) or a Raman cell. In this case, the offeror should be prepared to discuss conversion efficiencies and the impacts on laser output power. Regardless of the design chosen, the laser developed under this program must have sufficient output power to achieve the system signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) necessary for accurate 3D imaging at ranges commensurate with guided munition operation. In addition, the laser operation, whether pulsed or continuous wave (CW), must provide the range resolution necessary to perform ATA functions with accuracy. Optical Detector Arrays The purpose of the detector array is to sense the laser energy reflected from objects, which may include non-cooperative targets, within the FOV. The detector array developed under this program must be large enough to cover the FOV while providing sufficient number of pixels on target (at range) to successfully perform the ATA functions encountered in autonomously guided weapon operation. These requirements will directly impact the required pixel pitch and place limitations on the maximum unit cell size. The detector array must have adequate sensitivity such that, when combined with the received laser power, a reasonable amount of return signal is detected and accurate 3D imaging can occur. Range gating techniques are often proposed to increase SNR on return. The offeror should fully understand the implications on required range gate size for the ATA functions and seeker frame rates when this technique is used. If range gating techniques are to be employed, it should not be assumed that a priori knowledge of the gross range of interest will be available unless included as part of the system design. Clearly, the offeror must understand and be able to provide and defend a detailed system SNR analysis. The system SNR is a strong function of the seeker design and components chosen and directly impacts seeker performance. Also, the responsivities within the detector array must be sufficiently uniform across the pixel field or non-uniformity corrections (NUC) will be required to accurately measure range, intensity, and in turn perform the necessary ATA functions. Finally, it is important for the offeror to be able to present and defend detector designs that meet the bandwidth requirements associated with the range resolution and accuracy needed. Readout Integrated Circuit (ROIC) Design The purpose of the ROIC is to accept the output of the detector array and, through appropriate circuit design, perform amplification if necessary and determineaccurate range and intensity values at the pixel level. The range and intensity values are then sent to a processor that performs the ATA functions. More advanced ROIC designs may include logic for multiple returns within the same pixel and/or fully sample the detector output at the pixel level. It is envisioned, but not mandatory, that the ROIC will be bonded to the detector array to form the focal plane array. This will help to reduce signal degradation and maintain the compactness required in munition applications. If the ROIC is to be bonded to the detector array, the offeror should be prepared to present and defend viable bonding techniques and implications on the manufacturing process, reliability, and cost. Also, the ROIC may be a significant contributor to individual channel SNR. If so, the offeror should include and be able to defend the effects of the ROIC in the prediction of the overall SNR and on LADAR performance. The ROIC may be designed, but is not mandatory, to include channel equalization. In doing so, the offeror should be aware of possible nonlinearities in detector responses that would require channel balancing as a function of laser output power and range. This has implications on circuit complexity that may be limited by real estate available in the unit cell. ATA Algorithms The purpose of the ATA algorithms is to accept the parallel data stream output from the LADAR sensor, process that data, and pass on decision-based information to various seeker controls. As part of that decision-based process, the ATA algorithms are required to perform target acquisition, classification, identification, and aim point selection. Each of these capabilities is a strong function of range to target, range resolution, and pixels on target. The offeror will have the opportunity to work closely with our in-house algorithm experts and make strong use of technical developments under the SSLADE program within AFRL/MNGI. The Flash LADAR Seeker program welcomes innovative ATA solutions. It is not mandatory to implement the ATA algorithms in real-time, however, the offeror should be able to present and defend expectations on data throughput and processing requirements based on the proposed ATA scheme. System Integration and Testing The purpose of system integration and testing is self-explanatory. The offeror should present a sound plan for the research, development, integration, and demonstration of the flash LADAR seeker. As part of that plan, the offeror should adequately address the key technologies stated above as well as any design-specific technologies. In addition, the offeror should be prepared to discuss and defend technology risks and risk mitigation associated with the design. Preliminary program objectives and test plans will be discussed during the pre-solicitation workshop and refined during any follow on discussions or negotiations with the selected contractor. Access to and storage of classified material, up to and including Secret/NOFORN, is required. Foreign firms should be aware that it is likely that restrictions will apply, which would exclude them from being contractors on this effort. FLASH LADAR SEEKER TECHNOLOGY PRESOLICITATION CONFERENCE INFORMATION Date: September 26, 2000 Time: 0800 Location: Air Force Research Laboratory, Eglin AFB, Building 13, Room 380. Purpose: Government presentation regarding the Flash LADAR Seeker program objectives, program structure, and procurement approach. Visit Request: All attendees must forward their security clearances and an approved DD 2345, Export-Controlled DOD Technical Data Agreement, to AFRL/MNPR (Security) prior to the date of the conference. Those individuals/contractors that fail to comply with both requirements will not be allowed in the conference and will not receive a hard copy of the material and/or data presented or referenced during the conference. Conference seating limitations will make it necessary to limit each responding company, inclusive of subsidiaries, to a maximum of two attendees. Prospective offerors, who satisfy the security and export control requirements for attending the conference may schedule a 1-hour private session with the Flash LADAR Program Management Team in the afternoon of the same day. The private meetings will be held at Eglin AFB FL, Building 13 Rm. 380. There will be no restrictions on the number of industry personnel that may attend the private sessions. An Ombudsman has been appointed to address concerns from offerors or potential offerors during the proposal development phase of this acquisition. The Ombudsman does not diminish the authority of the program director or Contracting Officer, but communicates Contractor concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations to appropriate Government personnel. 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 source selection process. Matters of routine or administrative nature concerning this acquisition should not be addressed to the Ombudsman butrather the Contracting Officer, Contract Specialist, or the Program Manager identified below. For any other concerns call AFRL/MN_s Ombudsman, Lt. Col. Mary Quinn at (850)-882-2872 ext 3420, email mary.quinn@eglin.af.mil. For contractual issues contact Vicki Keider, Contract Officer (850) 882-4292 ext. 3404, email vicki.keider@eglin.af.mil. For technical issues and to schedule conference attendance contact Dr. Bill Humbert (850) 882-1724 ext. 118 at AFRL/MNGS, 101 West Eglin Blvd, Suite 219 Eglin AFB FL 32542, email bill.humbert@eglin.af.mil or Dr. Brian Miles (850) 882 1724 ext. 110, AFRL/MNGS, 101 West Eglin Blvd Suite 219 Eglin AFB Fl. 32542, email brian.miles@eglin.af.mil. See Note 26. Posted 08/21/00 (D-SN488248). (0234)

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