A--REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) Sense Through the Walls (STTW) Technologies White Papers

NA Request for Information (RFI) For Sense Through the Wall (STTW) Technologies Date: 29 July 2003 Contact: U.S Army Communications Electronics Research Development & Engineering Center (CERDEC), Intelligence and Information Warfare Directorate (I2WD), Wilbur Chin, ph: +1 (555) 000-0000, email: contact@example.gov, or Kim Black, ph: +1 (555) 000-0000, em ail: contact@example.gov Synopsis: Request for Information for Sense Through the Wall White Papers Description: The I2WD is collecting information on sensor technologies that have the potential to achieve all or many of the objectives of the first phase of a proposed Suite of Sense Through The Wall (STTW) systems Science and Technology Objective (STO) . The I2WD is currently conducting market research only. No award is intended as a result of this synopsis nor does the Government intend to pay for information received. The I2WD is interested in receiving information with regard to existing sense thro ugh the wall technologies that can be leveraged as the basis for a new STO regarding STTW systems. The Suite of STTW systems will explore candidate technologies to provide mounted/dismounted users with the capability to detect, locate, and 'see' personnel with concealed weapons and explosives who are hidden behind walls, doors and other visible obstruct ions. This capability has direct application to both US Army and Special Forces requirements for military operations in urban terrain (MOUT), prisoner/checkpoint screening and hostage recovery operations. A Suite of STTW prototypes will be developed as p art of the STO. One version will be soldier borne, and modularly designed to facilitate integration into a Future Combat System (FCS) Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV). A second configuration will be mounted on a larger FCS Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UG V) and will have increased standoff distance from the target area. The Suite of STTW systems will provide: near real time situational awareness information, increased standoff distance without sacrificing probability of detection, geo-location data on mul tiple targets, detection of moving and stationary targets; detection of multiple targets in the presence of clutter, detection of concealed weapons and concealed explosives from a standoff distance, detection of targets through various wall materials (incl uding dense materials with higher attenuation properties), and be capable of operation while on the move. Ideally, the STTW sensors should not have any electromagnetic interference impact on any sensors or communications devices presently fielded to DOD components. The Suite of STTW systems STO is proposed for an FY04 start and consists of a two-phase approach with prototype deliveries in 3QFY06 (Phase I) and 3QFY08 (Phase II). Phase I Description: FY04-06 Near real time situational awareness information Achieve Probability of Detection Improve Standoff capability Detect multiple targets through multiple wall types in presence of clutter Detect targets in motion and stationary targets Develop user-friendly interface (i.e. audible alerts to cue user to look at display) Improve Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) (i.e. icon displays for detected targets with geo-location information) Improve Geo-location accuracy of targets Operation on the Move capability Deliver Prototypes NLT 3QFY06 - Soldier borne version (detect personnel through walls) - SUGV mounted version (detect personnel through walls) - UGV mounted version (detect personnel through walls, detect concealed weapons and explosives on personnel) Test Prototypes in lab and MOUT facility 4QFY06 (TRL 6) Phase II Description: FY06-08 Adds the following to Phase I capabilities: Detect concealed weapons and explosives behind walls in urban environment Increase standoff capability with no decrease in Probability of Detection Develop integrated STTW system (detect personnel, concealed weapons and explosives through wall s) Develop common GUI Deliver Suite of STTW Prototypes NLT 3QFY08 - Soldier borne version (detect personnel, concealed weapons and explosives through walls) - SUGV mounted version (detect personnel, concealed weapons and explosives through walls) - UGV mounted version (detect personnel, concealed weapons and explosives on personnel through walls) Test Prototypes in lab and MOUT facility 3Q-4QFY08 (TRL 6) Multiple technologies are being considered for this STO such as: multi-band and multi-mode radar systems, x-ray, millimeter wave sensors, magnetometers, and acoustic techniques. The I2WD is receptive to new technologies for this application, but they mus t be capable of being developed into Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL 6) prototypes by the end of Phase I and Phase II of the STO. The specific requirements of the Suite of STTW Systems STO are classified SECRET-NOFORN. Offerors that would like to submit white papers describing their abilities to meet the STO requirements should request the second part of the RFI package, which is cl assified SECRET- NOFORN. This can be obtained by submitting a letter of interest via email to the Government POCs listed in the first paragraph. The Letter of Interest should also include the following information: FACILITY SECURITY OFFICER FACILITY ADDRESS FACILITY CAGE CODE Once we have verified the security clearance of the offerors facility, the classified section of the RFI will be mailed to the offeror. The response should describe the technical approach proposed by the offeror, the STO objectives being addressed by the t echnology/technologies (the offeror may elect to respond to all or a portion of the STO objectives), existing or projected performance capabilities and availability of any prototype hardware suitable for testing in a field environment for Phase I of the ST TW systems STO. The description of the technical approach should describe the phenomenology being exploited for STTW detection and geo-location. The description should also include explicitly or by reference each mathematical equation as used by the offe ror to establish the anticipated system performance. The response to the RFI should also include any test data against various structures (if available) and a rough order of magnitude cost estimate for development and/or fabrication of a single Phase I pr ototype system. The Government also requests that each offeror provide a mathematical analysis of future performance capabilities of a Phase II STTW system in advance of the start of Phase II of the STTW STO (starting in FY06). The analysis should fully document the proje cted size, weight, power and performance of an STTW system that could be delivered as a TRL 6 prototype in FY08. The performance parameters for the Phase II system should be accompanied by sufficient rationale for the Government to verify the offerors cla ims. Responses to this RFI should be no more than 20 single sided pages, excluding any available test data. The Government is not interested in general company capability information and will not accept such submissions. Submissions will be accepted via e-mail only and should be sent to both addressees above. Questions concerning this RFI should be directed to the above mentioned POCs via email. Definitions for Technology Readiness Level 5 and 6: TRL 5. Component and/or breadboard validation in relevant environment Fidelity of breadboard technology increases significantly. The basic technological components are integrated with reasonably realistic supporting elements so that the technology can be tested in simulated environment. Examples include 'high fidelity' laboratory integration of components. TRL 6. System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment. Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond the breadboard tested for level 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a tec hnol ogies demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.