12 -- Advance Eye Safe Rangefinder System (AEROS)

This is the second request for information for AEROS. The previous request was published in the Commerce Business Daily 20 December 2000. The Marine Corps has a Mission Need Statement for an AN/GVS-5 Laser Infrared Observation Set Replacement. The Advanced Eye Safe Rangefinder System (AEROS) will be a small, lightweight, night observation capable system containing an integral, eye-safe laser rangefinder with azimuth and inclination capability. AEROS will interface with the Precision Lightweight Global Positioning Receiver (PLGR) in order to provide accurate target location. During tactical operations, including Operational Maneuver From the Sea, Marines must provide precision point fires and accurate volume fires, while maintaining mobility equal to that of the ground maneuver elements and minimizing logistical support requirements. The AEROS will provide a simple, highly accurate target location device to the security and maneuver elements, down to the Fire Team level. Currently, the Marine Corps? steadily growing precision munitions capability is not fully exploited, due to an extremely limited ability to execute ground precision targeting. Absence of precision targeting will result in greater ammunition expenditures as well as increased collateral damage and injuries. Responses to this request for information should include a Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) system that will provide: a. Eye-safe laser rangefinder b. Night vision capability (add on or embedded) c. Man packed (light weight) - no greater than six (6) pounds d. PLGR interface e. Azimuth determination capability (+/-10 mils) f. Inclination determination capability (+/-5 mils) g. Range determination capability to at least 5 Km h. Digital Connectivity via an RS-232 interface i. Unpowered optical magnification and field of view characteristics similar to the M22 binocular j Maintenance support package k. The system must be functional in a Nuclear Biological Chemical (NBC) environment. Personnel shall be capable of operating the AN/GVS-5 Replacement while wearing NBC protective clothing, Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) IV gear. Industry firms capable of accomplishing the requirement, in whole or in part, are invited to submit a response. Firms should identify/submit a copy of their GSA schedule, if available. Firms should also include literature, brochures, and capability summaries that directly address their ability to meet the aforementioned needs. If possible, firms should include information on cost and availability of small lot sizes via purchase order and/or leasing agreement as well as anticipated production lead times, schedules and monthly capacities. In addition, any reliability and/or environmental test data as well as previous or existing government contracting experience on this specific type of equipment would be helpful in the evaluation. Oral presentations to the Program Manager, Armor and Fire Support, will be held on 13-14 February 2002. All firms are encouraged to participate in oral presentations, although it is not a requirement. The presentation will include a COTS solution, a hardware demonstration and will not exceed two hours. Interested firms are requested to respond NLT 8 February 2002, stating their business size, SIC Code, and identifying a corporate point of contact