58--Sources Sought Notice for Low Cost Combat Identification Solutions

The Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) Acquisition Center and PM Navigation Systems are seeking sources for providing low cost combat identification solutions that may satisfy the Army's current and future force requirements. The purpose of this announcement is to survey the availability of technology to improve fielded thermal panel technology and information on other potential non-cooperative and cooperative technologies. Fielded Combat Identification Panels (CIP) are approximately 24 inch es X 30 inches in size and covered on one side with low emissivity high reflective thermal tape that requires no power source to work. The CIP is attached to the vehicle with bolts, Velcro or mounting frames. When viewed through Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) thermal sensors, the CIP shows up as a contrasting cold spot on the hot target image. In the engagement process, a gunner will use this contrast to assist in his determination if the targeted vehicle is friendly. The CIP are mounted to provide all aspect coverage; however, terrain features, such as trees and other vegetation, proper defilade firing positions, and other obstacles will break up the thermal image of any vehicle. Also, CIP performance is degraded in environmental conditions that affec t the thermal imaging device performance. These conditions include: dense fog, rain, and severely overcast skies. Each vehicle has from three to six panels and in addition, a cloth panel is secured to the top of the vehicle to provide air to ground iden tification. The Government is interested in ideas and technologies that may improve performance while reducing the susceptibility and vulnerability of these CIP, thereby extending their useful life. The Government is also interested in ideas technologies to provide low cost ground to ground and air to ground combat identification. Low cost is considered to be $5000 per system, installed on a combat platform. Further request scientific rationale to substantiate submitted ideas. This survey is also issue d IAW the requirements of FAR Part 10 to determine the applicability of FAR Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items. Interested sources should provide requested documentation to Mr. David Concilio, PM Navigation Systems, ATTN: SFAE-IEW&S-NS, Building 56 3, Fort Monmouth, New Jersey 07703. Mr. Concilio can be reached at +1 (555) 000-0000. This announcement is to gather information only but may be utilized to shape future technology investment. Information should be received no later than close of business o n 16 August 2004.