A -- Request For Information: Hybrid Reaction Jet Control - Fin Actuation System

ADDITIONAL GENERAL INFORMATION This is a Request for Information (RFI) only as defined in FAR 15.201(e) to obtain information about market information or capabilities for planning purposes. This RFI is not a request for competitive proposals; therefore, responses to this notice are not considered offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Companies that respond will not be paid for the information submitted except as an allowable cost under FAR 31.205-18, "Bid and Proposal Costs." GENERAL INTENT The Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate (AFRL/MN) has recently ground-tested the first flight-weight, reaction jet control (RJC) system for air-to-air missiles. The RJC technologies demonstrated in this test will provide future missiles with unprecedented maneuverability without degrading beyond-visual-range performance. During this demonstration all performance requirements required for a production RJC system (size, weight, volume, response time and duty cycle) were demonstrated at the component level. The primary focus of this request is to help identify system level technologies required to integrate a RJC system with the guidance, navigation and control system of an air-to-air missile. Potential technology areas include but are not limited to combined RJC - fin control actuation system, high angle-of-attack aerodynamics and GN&C algorithms for high-off-boresight missile maneuvering. The goal is the development of these technologies to a level required for flight test activities. Also sought are approaches for the incremental or spiral development of the required technologies. The Government is interested in investigating technology areas that are perceived to offer the greatest payoff for achieving a system-level demonstration of highly maneuverable airframes in a stability and control test vehicle (SCTV). The SCTV is not envisioned to have an active guidance section, but the vehicle will be commanded to achieve certain flight conditions. This RFI provides interested contractors an opportunity to present to the government their ideas, an approach, and progress made in system level integration technologies. It is the first step in preparing technology roadmaps for investment planning. The Government will not respond to those submitting to this RFI except in the case a clarification of the information provided is required by the Government review team. This RFI is not a request for competitive proposals, and will not result in a Government contract. SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTATION Responses to this request must be received by the Government no later than close of business 30 March 2005. Responders shall provide one electronic copy (Microsoft Word or .pdf formats ) and one paper copy of their documentation (five pages or less). Information packages containing more than five pages will be returned, unread, to the sender. A page is defined to be one side of an 8.5 x 11 inch piece of paper with information on it. Minimum print size is 10 point type, or 12 pitch. If any information submitted is considered to be proprietary, then those pages should be marked accordingly. Documentation shall be delivered to the contract specialist at the following address: AFRL/MNK ATTN: Brenda M. Soler 101 W Eglin Blvd STE 337 Eglin AFB, FL 32542-6810 Telephone: +1 (555) 000-0000 Email: contact@example.gov ADDITIONAL INFORMATION For technical questions contact Dr. Michael Valentino, (850) 882-8878x3331, contact@example.gov All responsible sources may submit information that shall be considered by the agency. If late information is received, it may be considered by the Government Evaluation Team, depending on agency time constraints. All routine communications regarding this announcement should be directed to the contractual point of contact listed above.