Laser Predictive Avoidance for Air & Space Application

This RFI is modifed to change the word "centralized" to "decentralized" as shown in BOLD below. LASER PREDICTIVE AVOIDANCE FOR AIR & SPACE APPLICATION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) 10-RD-RFI(HEL-JTO) This is a Request for Information (RFI) from interested parties by the High Energy Laser Joint Technology Office (HEL-JTO), pertaining to concepts that address the potential need to develop a decentralized predictive avoidance capability that encompasses both the air and space arena. 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 capable and qualified commercial source, and partnering is encouraged. The HEL-JTO is interested in concepts and potential technology solutions that address the challenges associated with high energy laser system (HEL) operations in unrestricted airspace environments. The Department of Defense has established processes and procedures for the testing and demonstration of laser weapons under controlled environments, typically in restricted areas. As HEL weapon systems mature and become operational, the need for establishing a decentralized predictive avoidance capability is critical to their use. The HEL-JTO is interested in advanced fire control/command and control concepts that could become the standard fire control / predictive avoidance tool for all HEL weapon platforms. Responses should consider but are not limited to, 1) Potential Laser Weapon System (LWS) platforms, missions, and performance characteristics and capabilities for monitoring LWS readiness, 2) capabilities to continuously monitor the State vectors of mobile LWS platforms and multiple targets, to monitor the source-to-target environmental conditions, and to control event sequences for target engagements, 3) the ability to interface with current and future Federal Aviation Administration air traffic control and avoid potential known air-space conflicts, 4) Fire Control System fail-safe capabilities that prevent unintentional target engagements and provide automated shutdown in the event that an air or space-based object enters the LWS target-engagement field-of-view (firing-zone). There may be other considerations and all will be considered. INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDERS: 1. There is no page limitation. Responses shall be delivered to Ms. Linda Buix, Contracting Officer, U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, AFRL/RDKL, 2251 Maxwell Ave SE, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117, no later than December 22, 2009. All responses shall be in an electronic format on CD-ROM. Administrative questions should be directed to Ms. Linda Buix at 505-853-4654. Technical questions should be directed to Mr. Richard Damron at 505-248-8200. 2. All respondents shall include their assigned Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code. 3. Respondents are further requested to indicate their status as a foreign-owned/foreign-controlled firm and any contemplated use of foreign national employees. Due to the nature of this potential effort, no foreign country sources will be considered. 4. 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. 5. Responders are advised that any data submitted to the Government in response to this RFI will be released to non-Government advisors for review and analysis. The current non-Government advisor is Schafer Corporation, Chelmsford, MA. Any non-Government advisor will strictly serve in an advisory capacity to the Government. All Non-Government advisors have appropriate Organizational Conflict of Interest clauses in their contracts with HEL-JTO and have nondisclosure agreements on file with HEL-JTO. All responders must clearly indicate in their responses if they have any objections or concerns regarding the use of non-Government advisors. Technical Point of Contact: Mr. Richard Damron, HEL-JTO, Albuquerque, NM, 505-248-8200, Fax 505-245-2195, E-Mail richard.damron@jto.hpc.mil Administrative Point of Contact: Ms. Linda Buix, Det 8 AFRL/RDKL, Kirtland AFB, NM, 505-853-4654, Fax 505-846-1546, E-Mail linda.buix@kirtland.af.mil