SOURCES SOUGHT (REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)): THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION; no award will be made as a result of this request. This request for information is for informational purposes only; this is not a Request for Proposal (RFP). All interested parties are encouraged to respond to this RFI. The Government will not pay for information and materials received in response to this RFI and is in no way obligated by the information received. 1. SCOPE. Background: The mission of the U.S. Army Rapid Equipping Force (REF) is to rapidly increase mission capability while reducing risk to Soldiers and others by equipping operational commanders with off-the-shelf (government or commercial) solutions or near-term developmental items that can be researched, developed and acquired quickly. The REF receives requirements from operational commanders in war zones setting forth the capabilities needed. The REF is chartered by the Senior Army leadership to provide material solutions to meet these requirements in a significantly reduced timeline compared to traditional Department of Defense acquisition procedures. The purpose of this RFI is to obtain potential solutions to provide small tactical units with Aerostat Deception system that simulates an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance capability. This asset will provide units to ability to deceive insurgents with the appearance of enhanced capabilities. Alternative solutions submitted by companies responding to this RFI will also be considered. Information obtained from this request for information will be provided to Army Product Manager REF who will evaluate the information and feasibility of issuing a procurement action to resolve the stated problem. 2. REQUIREMENTS. The REF has a need for a Aerostat Deception system during day, night and all weather conditions. Any information received should provide the following minimum capabilities: 2.1.1. Payload Assembly a. A payload simulating a surveillance system. b. Suited for direct exposure to all weather conditions. 2.1.2. Environmental conditions a. All system components with the exception of ground station must be IAW MIL-STD-810F. b. Balloon and tether must be able to survive 70-knot maximum sustained wind. c. Balloon and tether must be able to operate continuously in 25 knot maximum sustained wind and 35 knot gust. d. Aerostat shall able to perform surveillance at 1000 feet above ground level (AGL) within an operational window of zero - 10,000 feet MSL. 2.1.3. Balloon Assembly a. The aerostat shall be no greater than 15 feet in Diameter, with markings that will increase visibility of Aerostat to air traffic and (E.g. alternating color panels) that Aerostat will incorporate an Anti-collision/obstruction Lighting System with Red and IR emitters. b. Flight duration of at least five (5) days with minimal helium refills. c. Tether shall incorporate flags or similar devices to enhance visibility. d. Manual or electrical-powered winch. Winch system will provide for extension and retraction of tether without binding or damage to tether. e. The Flight tether length shall be a minimum of 1400 feet. Tether shall incorporate flags or similar devices to enhance visibility. f. Aerostat shall comply with the requirements of Federal Aviation Administration Regulation Part 101 Moored Balloons, Kites, Unmanned Rockets and Unmanned Free Balloons 3. INSTRUCTIONS TO POTENTIAL RESPONDENTS/DELIVERABLES: The company shall be responsible for any costs associated with preparing responses to this market research. Specific information on industry capability to produce a system that can meet the requirements identified in paragraph two (2) above, or otherwise solves the problem Aerostat (Balloon) Deception. This is NOT a Request for Proposal. Companies who desire to participate in this market survey are encouraged to submit a response which supports the company's claim that it presently has the technology, qualifications, and capabilities to satisfy one or more of the performance and technical objectives described above. The response should discuss the company's ability to develop and or provide existing technologies that have the ability to Aerostat Deception. Companies should provide a ROM (rough order of magnitude) price and its anticipated delivery for the solution proposed. Respondents shall also discuss whether their product is considered commercial in accordance with "commercial item" definition found in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) part 2.101. The response should discuss related company experience, business size and include point(s) of contact. The response should be prepared in MS Word, limited to ten (10) pages, and submitted electronically to the contracting specialist at
contact@example.gov. The government will review submissions as they are received. RESPONSES ARE DUE NO LATER THAN FRIDAY 18 MARCH 2010 AT 10:00 AM EST. However, the government reserves the right to close this Sources Sought Notice once they have received adequate response(s). All requests for further information must be made in writing or via email; telephone requests for additional information will not be honored. For questions potential respondents shall contact the contract specialist, Danielle Moyer at
contact@example.gov to obtain information.
