Intent to Issue Requests for Information (RFI) for Market Information Pertinent to the Navy's Future Small Surface Combatant

The Naval Sea Systems Command intends to issue two Requests for Information (RFI) in April 2014 for market information pertinent to a future small surface combatant. Whole ship design information including cost will be the subject of the first RFI. The Navy is interested in the shipbuilding industry perspective on mature ship designs and concept designs that have the capability and lethality generally consistent with a small surface combatant. Systems and sub-system information will be the subject of the second RFI. The Navy is also interested in market information on system and sub-system level approaches to providing small surface combatant combat capabilities including hull, mechanical and electrical systems; weapon and sensor systems; command, control, communications, computers and intelligence networks; electronic warfare systems; signature reduction technologies; and mission module concepts for consideration in future small surface combatants including modified LCSs. Both RFIs are planned for release in mid to late April 2014 and will be posted via the Government-wide point of entry (GPE) located at http://www.fedbizopps.gov. The material and information submitted in response to the planned RFIs will be reviewed by the Small Surface Combatant Task Force (SSCTF) as concepts of operations, capabilities and requirements are developed and assessed. Small surface combatants enable the Navy to implement the Defense Strategic Guidance (DSG) imperative to develop innovative, low-cost, and small-footprint approaches to achieve our security objectives. This type of ship provides Combatant and Fleet Commanders a uniquely suitable asset for Theater Security Cooperation tasking and select combat operations, freeing large surface combatants to perform other missions. These small surface combatants build and strengthen maritime partnerships by being able to train and operate with smaller, regional navies and to enter previously inaccessible, shallow-water foreign ports. Disclaimer: This pre-solicitation notice is for information only and shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to solicit contractual offers or award contracts. The Government is not soliciting, nor will it accept, proposals as a result of this synopsis. If a solicitation is issued in the future, it will be announced via the GPE located at http://www.fedbizopps.gov and interested parties must comply with that announcement. The Government will not reimburse respondents for any questions submitted or information provided as a result of this notice. This is not an RFP or a promise to issue an RFP and this information is subject to modification and in no way binds the Government to award a contract.