A -- Combat Support Information Sought

The U.S. Air Force requests industry-wide assistance in identifying potential concepts/solutions for the Air Force's full spectrum of military combat support capabilities. The Agile Combat Support Modernization Analysis Working Group (MAWG) is interested in obtaining information from industry, academia, and National Laboratories for concepts/solutions, as well as enabling and critical R&D innovative technologies and approaches, which potentially enhance Air Force ability to achieve combat support across a full spectrum of military operations. The MAWG is preparing to conduct a Functional Solutions Analysis (FSA) for FY-10 POM input. Agile Combat Support is comprised of equipment and systems that are applied in support of all Air Force military operations. There is an immediate need to safely and efficiently operate, survive, and sustain operations in all Combat Support scenarios with lighter weight, smaller footprint, reduced number of combat support resources to achieve a more rapidly deployable capability. These mandates require the more efficient application of combat support resources, equipment, and concepts, via enabling technologies to support a broad spectrum of combat support capabilities. Agile Combat Support concept of operations identifies 27 functional areas in support of Expeditionary Combat Support operations. This RFI is limited to the following functional areas: Aeromedical Evacuation, Air Traffic Control and Airfield Management, Chaplain, Civil Engineer, Communications and Information, Contracting, Financial Management and Comptroller, Historian, Intelligence, Judge Advocate, Logistics Planning, Maintenance and Munitions, Manpower, Medical, Military Equal Opportunity, Personnel, Postal Services, Protocol, Public Affairs, Safety, Security Forces, Base Services, Supply, and Transportation. To be considered a viable concept, submissions must apply to one or more Agile Combat Support capabilities. A capability list of requested topics is provided in a subsequent Amendment under the same tracking number as this special notice. Many combat support conditions across the full spectrum of military operations restrict operational prerogatives. Initial forces often arrive with minimal support and resources. Equipment and systems may be constrained by limited airlift or sealift. Pre-positioned assets in areas of operations may be constrained by international agreements or lack of agreements. Bed-down plans, transportation, and manpower may be constrained by short-notice response times, budget shortfalls, or force reductions. Innovative, concepts potentially serve to offset these constraints. Operating locations may be required to support other military branches and/or allied military forces. Information on systems, tactics, and techniques that require less inter theater airlift and fewer personnel to support, erect, and maintain operations are requested. Present combat support resources are aging and are quickly becoming technically obsolete. Viable concepts/solutions shall include those that are projected to mature within the following timeframes: Near-term- (2010-2015), Mid-term- (2016-2025), Far-term- (2026-2035). All viable concepts will be entered under the ongoing FSA. The operational benefits of reducing personnel requirements and logistical footprint are of particular interest and cannot be over stated in this request. Concept data should provide sufficient detail regarding processes, technologies, approaches and capabilities for the Government to meaningfully assess the concept's viability, risk, scope of development and procurement costs as well as correlation to the Agile Combat Support capability topics listed under amendment one. Submission of concepts under this special notice will require the use of a Concept Template provided separately in an amendment to this Special Notice using the same tracking number. Each concept/solution shall specify sufficient detail, not to exceed 3 pages, in describing potential viability. The template format shall be followed in order for a concept submission to be considered responsive. Each response must be received at the: 688th Armament Systems Squadron, 314 Choctawhatchee Avenue, Suite 104, Bldg. 40, Eglin AFB, FL 32542-5717, no later than close of business 28 January 2008 in order for it to be considered. Data submissions must be delivered via Email (using the MS Word template file provided), or a PDF Formatted attachment, or via authorized delivery means for documents authorized under DOD procedures. Mark all proprietary information "For Government Use Only." MAWG government representatives from across the entire US Air Force will technically score all responsive concept submissions. This announcement shall not be construed as a commitment by the US Government. Any information submitted by industry will not constitute an offer which could be accepted by the Government to create a binding contract. The Government does not intend to award any contract on the sole basis of this special notice, nor shall the US Government otherwise pay for any information solicited under this special notice. For additional information on requested technologies or concepts, please contact Lyle Crews, USAF civilian employee at (850) 883-3504.