FWS-S Thermal Weapon Sight

Request for Information for Competitive Procurement of Thermal Weapon Sight The Product Manager Soldier Maneuver and Precision Targeting (PdM SMPT), located at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, is conducting market research seeking information from potential sources that are capable of delivering a thermal weapon sight that provides visibility during night/day and degraded battlefield or weather condition and provides bullet trace capability. The information received will support completion of the Government's acquisition strategy for the Family of Weapon Sights-Sniper (FWS-S) Program. PdM SMPT rapidly delivers integrated sensors that enable the Soldier system to detect and engage against all threats. This includes technology that provides Army with thermal enablers/sights for the sniper weapons. Sources within the United States are sought for solutions for a thermal systems which can provide Army Warfighters with bullet trace capability and provide hit confirmation to targets as described in the Draft FWS-S INOD SOO (Enclosure 1). The vendors are expected to provide their own complete system. PdM SMPT is considering a sole source award contract in the second quarter fiscal year 2022 (2QFY22) to procure the Improved Night/Day Observation Device (INOD) Blk III, but is seeking for information from interested companies to introduce their own solution/product to meet the requirements listed in Enclosure 1 and possibly consider a competitively awarded contract. The Government anticipates funding the production qualification of this system, but prospective systems are expected to be Technology Readiness Level 9 (TRL 9) at award. Information regarding sustainment of legacy systems is not required as part of this RFI. However, use of existing Interface Controls, existing standards, and creative approaches to sustain future systems in coordination with Government depots are desired. Partnering arrangements among the Government and vendors within Industry are also encouraged. Requirements provided in Enclosure 1 represents the key elements to meet the Government's need. If an industry partner can improve upon the enclosed requirements, then please provide that information. If a requirement or set of requirements simply cannot be met or has a significant negative impact on cost / schedule / performance, then highlight such information. Responses to this RFI represent a unique opportunity to influence both what the FWS-S program will produce (requirements) and how FWS-S production will be achieved (strategy). REQUESTED INFORMATION: All interested vendors are requested to submit a white paper that describes their solution or introduce their system that meets the goals stated in Enclosure 1. The white paper should be brief and concise, yet clearly demonstrate an ability and understanding to either (1) meet or exceed each goal as written, or (2) if one or more goals are assessed as unachievable, describe what level of capability could reasonably be achieved by an anticipated contract award date (2QFY22). Additionally, please specifically address the following items in the white paper: Provide an estimate of the earliest date that demonstration hardware could be available for evaluation and when a qualified system could be available. Provide a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimate of unit prices for annual quantities of 180 per year, and the level of anticipated internal and Government investment to achieve a qualified system. Describe the estimated current TRL level of the proposed approach. Describe other emerging, novel technologies not considered in Enclosure 1 that would add capability or value toward achieving the program goals. Describe approach for sustaining future systems with Army depots and/or other partnering relationships to include maintaining and providing OEM repairs. Identify past efforts in development and production of portable, battery operated targeting systems that incorporate thermal imagers, day imagers, laser range finders/designators, SAASM compliant GPS cards, and azimuth sensing devices into compact packages, or other devices which incorporate any combination of these technologies. Describe past contracts with the Government for similar products. Provide Cage Code This RFI is solely for informational purposes only - Proposals are not being requested or accepted at this time. As stipulated in FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not considered offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. No solicitation (Request for Proposal) exists at this time; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. The decision to solicit for a contract shall be solely within the Government's discretion. Any information submitted by respondents to this notice is voluntary. This notice is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government, nor will the Government reimburse any costs associated with the submission of information in response to this notice. Respondents will not be individually notified of the results of any Government assessments. The Government's assessment of the white papers received will factor into whether any forthcoming solicitation will be conducted as a full and open competition. Responses may be submitted electronically to the following e-mail addresses: Amanda.m.bailey32.civ@mail.mil AND George.b.hubbard5.civ@mail.mil. Please provide all correspondence sent via email containing a subject line that reads - FWS-S RFI Response. Attachments with files ending in .zip or .exe are not allowable and will be deleted. Ensure only .pdf, .doc, .docx, .xsls, or .xls documents are attached to your email. All other attachments may be deleted. RESPONSES ARE DUE NO LATER THAN 3:00 P.M. (EST) ON AUGUST 23, 2021. Direct all questions concerning this requirement to Amanda Bailey at Amanda.m.bailey32.civ@mail.mil AND George Hubbard at George.b.hubbard5.civ@mail.mil. QUESTIONS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN 3:00 P.M. (EST) ON AUGUST 4, 2021.