A -- ADVANCED AIRCRAFT ELECTRO-OPTICAL/INFRARED (EO/IR) THREAT WARNING, IDENTIFICATION, COUNTERMEASURES AND TARGETING

Notice Date

December 8, 2000

Contracting Office

Department of the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command, AFRL -- Wright Research Site, Det 1 AFRL/PK, Bldg 167, Area B, 2310 8th Street, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, 45433-7801

ZIP Code

45433-7801

E-Mail Address

William Taylor (william.taylor@wpafb.af.mil)

Description

The Electro-Optical Technology Division of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is interested in information concerning industry and university research and development in the areas of advanced multi-functional EO/IR systems, laser sources and image processing technology that can support technical goals and projected cost/sustainability requirements for new EO/IR band threat warning and targeting subsystems. The information will be used to assess the feasibility of proceeding with future procurement activity to develop and demonstrate passive threat warning and active laser based countermeasure, identification and targeting subsystems designed for operations on high performance and low observable combat aircraft. The proposed technology must support the development of affordable, supportable, highly compact subsystems with conformal, low observable apertures for passive sensing and active laser functions. The envisioned capability would support wide fields of view allowing full coverage around the aircraft with a maximum of six subsystem locations. Information you supply in response to this RFI should describe your technology in sufficient detail to project its ability to meet anticipated cost, schedule, performance, and future growth needs. The specific technology areas needed are: 1) Compact, agile laser sources operating in near, mid and/or long wave IR bands with multi-watt power capability; 2) Small laser beam steering devices that can operate across near, mid and far -IR bands; 3) Multi-function passive IR sensor technology providing medium to high resolution capability; 4) Advanced common processing architectures and algorithms supporting image processing to identify targets and threats in clutter; 5) Associated subcomponents and devices that support development of a compact EO/IR subsystem. Gathered information will be used to expand the Air Force database of available sensors, components, and technologies suitable for use in airborne systems. AFRL will also use the information to build a potential offerors list for possible future procurement of hardware and/or research and development effort in advancing the state of the art in threat warning, identification, countermeasure, and targeting technology. It is the desire of the AFRL to consider technologies that offer required capabilities with minimal impact to the integration and installation of the equipment in high performance, low observable combat aircraft. Interest in an advantageous product will be followed by subsequent inquiries to the contributor. Even though this request is aimed toward Air Force-specific requirements, organizations that have contributed to similar solicitations by other DOD branches or Government agencies should respond here as well to assure exposure of their technology to the Air Force. This announcement is a request for information and no contract will be awarded pursuant to this announcement. There is no bid package or solicitation document associated with this announcement. The requested information is for planning purposes and does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that a procurement will be issued. However, AFRL and the Air Force will utilize the information for technical and acquisition planning, especially near-to-mid term laboratory investment planning. It is recognized that any cost information provided by the contractor is a preliminary estimate for planning purposes; the contractor will not be bound to these estimates. Subsequent acquisitions may follow in the ways that best meet Air Force needs. The government invites comments related to possible purchase or acquisition strategies. If there is a GSA or other contract vehicle already available for the technology being proposed, please include this information in the response. Questions concerning this announcement should be referred to the Air Force Technical POC. A classified meeting at AFRL/SNJ, Eagle Conference Room, Building 620b, Area B, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH has been set for 19 December 2000, 0900-1200, to make planning information available and to provide an interactive forum for technical discussion. All attendees are required to sumit a visit request to the Security POC identified below. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION: This announcement is UNCLASSIFIED. AFRL anticipates that information received in response to this RFI may be CLASSIFIED up to the SECRET level, especially if it discloses current or projected capabilities and limitations of systems as installed on USAF aircraft. Consult the current classification guide for your technology for details. All data received in response to this RFI marked or designated as corporate or proprietary information will be fully protected from release outside the government. It is not the intent of the Air Force or AFRL to reimburse providers for the cost of submitting information in response to this RFI. Technical POC info: Mr. William Taylor, AFRL/SNJW, 2241 Avionics Circle, Room A32, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7542, voice: (937) 255-4174 ext. 4021, email: william.taylor@wpafb.af.mil Security POC info: Ms. Deborah Ables, AFRL/SNJW, voice (937) 255-4174 ext. 4005, fax (937) 255-1993.

Web Link

Visit this URL for the latest information about this (http://www2.eps.gov/cgi-bin/WebObjects/EPS.woa/wa/SPF?A=S&P=Reference-Number-RFI-SNK-EO-IR&L=904)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20001212/SPMSC002.HTM (D-343 SN5084V4)