High Power Laser Effects for Counter-Sensor Engagement

HIGH POWER LASER EFFECTS FOR COUNTER-SENSOR ENGAGEMENT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) 11-RD-RFI(HEL-JTO) C-ISR This is a Request for Information (RFI) by the High Energy Laser Joint Technology Office (HEL JTO). This Request for Information is published in accordance with FAR Part 15.201, and is for PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a commitment by the U.S. Government, nor should it be construed as such. Respondents are advised that HEL-JTO is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of information received, or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted under this RFI. There shall be no basis for claims against the Government as a result of any information submitted in response to this RFI. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI, or reimburse the costs incurred by providing the information requested under this notice. This RFI is open to any and all capable and qualified government (domestic or foreign), commercial and academic sources, and partnering is encouraged. The HEL-JTO is seeking information on portable systems, mature concepts, and technologies that provide a near-term capability to disable sensors and engagement systems using lasers, either pulsed or continuous wave. The information requested is specific in that information on disabling or denying a sensor is requested rather than disabling the platform carrying the sensor. The fluence levels that appear to be useful for the missions of interest are in the area of 1 kJ/cm2 at 10 km (CW). Also requested is information on portable systems, concepts and technologies that provide an assessment of the damage to a sensor system at the ranges discussed when the platform carrying the sensor continues to operate normally. The timelines of interest are systems, and concepts technologies that with reasonable funding can be integrated for a meaningful field demonstration within three years and fielded within an additional two years (five year total). INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDERS: Responses to every area and all questions are not required. Address only to those areas and questions which are appropriate based on your capabilities and knowledge. 1. Responders are requested to provide a high-level description of their research, development and integration capabilities in high power laser or damage assessment technology, their capabilities for packing these technologies in a militarily useful configuration and their capabilities for doing system level trades and assessments for application of these technologies in integrated weapon system concepts. Capabilities provided should be as specific as possible, and should identify unique technical development experience and qualifications in specific areas that relate to the objective of this RFI. 2. Responders are requested to provide an overview of the concept and capabilities of a high power laser or a damage assessment system that can perform the mission stated above and the current maturity of that concept. Include technology development efforts and system demonstrations that provide the HEL-JTO the pertinent information relative to the capabilities and system maturity of the concept. 3. Provide a description of the development effort required and rough order of magnitude cost and schedule to meet the technical goals of a program to perform a field demonstration within three years and potential fielding of a system within five years. 4. General information is requested in response to the following specific questions: a) What is your concept/approach? b) What's new in your approach and why do you think it will be successful? c) What are the risks and the payoffs? d) How much will it cost? e) How long will it take? f) What are the midterm and final "exams" to check for success? How will progress be measured? 5. The responses should not exceed 10 pages in length and shall be in an electronic format on CD-ROM. NO E-MAIL RESPONSES WILL BE ACCEPTED. All responses will be unclassified but may, as necessary, contain a classified addendum. Unclassified responses shall be delivered to Linda Buix, Contracting Officer, U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, AFRL/RDKL, 2251 Maxwell Ave SE, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117, no later than 30 days from the date of this notice. Classified addendums shall be provided to High Energy Laser Joint Technology Office, P. O. Box 4880, Albuquerque, NM 87196-4880, (no attention line to be used) by the same date and shall reference the unclassified response by title and responding organization. Administrative questions should be directed to Linda Buix at 505-853-4654. Technical questions should be directed to Don Seeley at 505-248-8205. 6. All respondents shall include their assigned Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code. Respondents are further requested to indicate their status as a foreign-owned/foreign-controlled firm and any contemplated use of foreign national employees. 7. Proprietary Data: All information submittals containing proprietary data shall be appropriately marked. It is the respondent's responsibility to clearly define to the Government what is considered to be proprietary data. 8. Classified Data: All information submittals containing classified data shall be appropriately marked and shall be delivered to High Energy Laser Joint Technology Office, P. O. Box 4880, Albuquerque, NM 87196-4880, (no attention line to be used). Technical Point of Contact: Mr. Don Seeley, HEL-JTO, Albuquerque, NM, 505-248-8205, Fax 505-245-2195, E-Mail HEL-JTO@jto.hpc.mil . Administrative Point of Contact: Linda Buix, Det 8 AFRL/RDKL, Kirtland AFB, NM, 505-853-4654, Fax 505-846-1546, E-Mail linda.buix@kirtland.af.mil .