Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

This is a sources sought announcement REF0001, Rapid Equiping Force, Fort Belvoir, Virginia only and is not an intent to procure. A solicitation is not available at this time and any requests for a solicitation will not receive a response. The government is only conducting market research and attaining information to identify contractors that are able to provide the item listed on the the attachment and the cost associated to acquire this item. All information provided is STRICTLY VOLUNTARY. This Sources Sought Synopsis is issued for maximizing competition and should not be construed as limiting competition. This is NOT a request for quote, invitation for bids, or request for proposals. NO solicitation document is currently available. This notice does NOT constitute a commitment by the Government. The Government will NOT pay for any information received or costs incurred in preparing the response to this sources sought. Any costs associated with this sources sought response submittals are solely at the interested parties' expense. Not responding to the RFI does not preclude participation in any future requirement. Background and Scope The threat of UASs on Americans either within or outside of the Continental United States (CONUS) is an ongoing concern. Continued improvements to UAS technology are making the systems more available and at lower cost, with a larger payload ratio (payload weight divided by vehicle weight), and easier to fly, navigate and transport, increasing the opportunities to use the UAS in helpful or nefarious ways. This test event evaluates technologies intended to counter UASs through detection, classification, and defeat. Sources sought should be capable of: 1. Detection of CLI UAS (<20 lbs) 2. Identification of CLI UAS 3. Non-kinetic defeat of CLI UAS (RF and/or GPS jamming) The primary focus will be on Group 1 UASs, both vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) and fixed wing that have a maximum weight of 20 pounds, maximum operating altitude of 1200 feet AGL, maximum speed of 100 knots, and maximum range of 10 nautical miles. They are typically hand-launched, self-contained, portable systems employed for a small unit or base security. They are capable of providing "over-the-hill" or "around-the-corner" reconnaissance and surveillance. They typically operate within visual range and are analogous to radio-controlled model airplanes. Examples of Group 1 UASs are the DJI Phantom and X-UAV Talon. The REF is seeking to find existing products that can detect, identify, and defeat Group 1 UAS. The method of defeat must be non-kinetic in nature and operation. The standoff of UAS detection must be at least 800 meters. The system of detection and identification must be able to differentiate between multiple UAS, manned aircraft, and natural flora and fauna. The REF will not provide funding for those responding to attend. Attendance at this event is the responsibility of those that are selected to attend. The REF will not publish results of the test to the general public or those that attend. A participant may request the release of their raw testing data, but will not be shown the raw data of other participants. Purpose The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to assist in the selection of available counter UAS products at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) six (6) and greater ahead of an upcoming test event. TRL 6 is defined as representative model or prototype system tested in a relevant environment Vendors who are able to attend a test event within the month of December 2015, and are able to perform all of the parameters set forth below, are asked to forward supporting information back to the U.S. Army Rapid Equipping Force (REF). Requested Information: The submitted documentation and content becomes the property of the United States Government and will not be returned. The Government will not reimburse costs associated with the documentation submitted under this request. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this inquiry. Although solicitation terminology may appear in this inquiry, your response will be treated as information only and will not be used as a proposal. This notice is part of Government market research. Information received as a result of this request will be considered as sensitive and will be protected as such. Any company or industry proprietary information contained in responses should be clearly marked as such, by paragraph, so that publicly releasable and proprietary information are clearly distinguished. Any proprietary information received in response to this request will be properly protected from unauthorized disclosure. The Government will not use proprietary information submitted from any one source to establish the capability and requirements for any future acquisition, so as to inadvertently restrict competition. All information should be submitted by email to addresses provided above. If unable to submit via email, please advise CPT Hudson by email and then forward paper copies/material to: CPT Mike Hudson 10236 Burbeck Road Ft. Belvoir, VA. 22060-5852 Responses which do not clearly and completely address the below requested information and series of questions will be considered as submitted for general informational purposes only, and not considered a demonstration of intent to in future test events. Please provide the following information: - Business Name: - Business Address and webpage (if applicable): - CAGE Code: - Point of Contact Name and Contact Information: - Description of the specific product/technology being offered for consideration including: o Description of overarching vision for the effort o Table comparing vendor capabilities against all requested capabilities and specifications (even if not able to meet all specifications) provided within this RFI; prefer table format for comparison against desired capabilities and specifications o Has your company performed this type of effort or similar effort (to include size and complexity) either currently or in the past to another Government agency or Non-Government customer? YES or NO o Description of similar efforts ongoing or completed as such efforts map to the requested capabilities and specifications within this RFI; include identification of the associated government sponsor(s) o References with POC information to include name, organization, contract number, phone, and email of customers (preferably government) using comparable products o Availability of spare parts and support services o Timeline - Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) Cost of system