A -- Crosshairs (Sniper Neutralization)

This is a Request for Information (RFI) and is being released by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for the information solicited. The Government does intend to issue a formal solicitation during the fourth quarter of calendar year 2003. The goal of this RFI is to obtain innovative technological system or subsystem concepts that will enable the Government to fulfill the vision of the development of CROSSHAIRS. The program has two objectives. The primary objective of the CROSSHAIRS program is to design and develop an affordable capability for detecting, identifying and neutralizing a sniper threat. A secondary objective of the program is to detect incoming mortars and rocket propelled grenades and take appropriate action. Responses after sniper detection can range from non-lethal options such as high resolution, judicial quality photography, paint balls or dyes, blinding laser flash, or rubber bullets to lethal options. The Concept of Operations is to provide a HUMMWV mounted detection and response system while on the move and a lightweight portable freestanding low power unit for platoon or squadrons while stationary. It is envisioned that the CROSSHAIRS system will be employed during hostile and peace keeping operations where friendly forces require point defense from stationary and mobile platforms. The system should consider having a multitude of safety features to preclude friendly fire. The Government predicts that the technology will require development of ultra-fast detection and tracking systems that operate in near real time and determines shot point of origin and trajectory less than 0.1 second from shot firing. Industry responses may address the entire system or can focus on solutions to individual technology challenges. Technology challenges of particular interest are: low false rate algorithms; quick reactive sensor techniques for a 360 degrees azimuth and 60 deg elevation detection zone; robust data collection for tracking firing source; fast response slewing solutions; and advanced highly incapacitating non-lethal response. Companies responding to this announcement should provide a high level system description of complete solution or a description of a subsystem technology that will enable or enhance the objectives at hand. Respondents will receive e-mail information on details of future program solicitations, directions and industry day announcements as they become available. Details will also be posted on the WWW.DARPA.MIL web site. Interested parties desiring to attend the industry day should submit no more than two names, e-mail, company, telephone number and address to contact@example.gov with CROSSHAIRS Industry Day in the subject line. Please be advised that all responses to this RFI will be treated as proprietary information and it will not be considered as a proposal. Any technical information submitted in response to this RFI is voluntary. Responses should be digitally submitted and can be mailed or e- mailed to Dr. Karen Wood, DARPA Program Manager, at DARPA, TTO, 3701 N Fairfax Dr, Arlington, VA 22203 or contact@example.gov, respectively. Maximum of 4 page responses should be received no later than COB October 3, 2003.