Lighter Than Air (LTA) Platforms/Systems

This announcement constitutes a Request For Information (RFI) synopsis. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. The following information is provided to assist the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in conducting market research to identify potential contractors to develop, test, integrate, produce, field and support Lighter Than Air (LTA) platforms/systems. Program Executive Officer, Strike Weapons and Unmanned Aviation (PEO (U&W)), PMA-262 (U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Persistent Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems) is the acquisition Program Manager for this potential effort. PMA-262 has recently been established and given the Navy charter to explore LTA free flight technologies in support of Navy missions. This RFI IS NOT for sensor/communication/weapon systems. LTA Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) (optionally manned) have the potential to provide persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Communications (ISRC) support as well as logistical support (manned) for tactical level maneuver/decisions and unit level low altitude air defense/force protection for Naval ships (multi-ship classes) and Marine Corps land forces. A notional ISRC system may include multiple air vehicles, one ground control station, multi-mission (plug & play) payloads, and associated launch, recovery, and support equipment with a 5,000 mi radius of action. A notional logistics system may include platforms with transglobal range (2,000 mi radius of action) and outsized payloads measuring up to 500 tons. These systems will support Naval missions such as building the Recognized Maritime Picture, Maritime Security Operations, Maritime Interdiction Operations, and support of Naval units operating from sea/shore in the global war on terrorism. The systems will also support Marine Corps missions such as close range UAS enabling enhanced decision-making and improved integration with ground schemes of maneuver. NAVAIR LTA interests include but are not limited to the following: conventional airships, hybrid airships, free floating balloon systems, and other High Altitude LTA systems. Additionally NAVAIR is interested in supportive LTA technologies to include but not limited to: buoyancy control systems, advanced/alternative propulsion/power generation systems, lightweight high strength envelope materials, vectored flight control systems, weather prediction/avoidance systems, lifting gas generation systems, unconventional landing schemes, ground handling, ship interface concepts, and LTA modeling/scaling methodologies. There are currently no Navy LTA CONOPS available for review. The following amplifying information is provided: 1) The sensor version has a a. mission radius of 5000 nm b. 2500 lbs payload threshold c. un-manned semi-autonomous with remote pilot take off and landing d. 16Kw power threshold e. 7 days loiter at mission radius at 20,000 ft MSL is desired threshold. 2) The logistics version would be manned and support for - drive on - drive off cargo movement, operating from unprepared surfaces or from water (lakes, rivers open sea). a. mission radius of 1000 nm b. optionally manned c. up to 500 tons d. aircraft cargo movement should be compatible with Navy ship operations. e. carrier take off and landing is not required. 3) The aircraft should be designed for fielding near term with first flight in 28 months. 4) Operational Concept of Operation requires the landing area at the radius of action will use only indigenous support services. 5) The aircraft must be able to take off and land from water, snow, sand, and from un-prepared fields with up to a 1.5 degree slope. The development of this aircraft should use OEM airworthy systems where possible. Recommendations: Industry responses should provide a general description of the aircraft for the proposed solution. These data should include: 1) General description of the aircraft and subsystems 2) Notational propulsion and control concepts 3) Concept of Operations, take off, landing, command and control. 4) Systems support requirements 5) Design materials and other technologies needed. 6) Identification of high risk development components and long lead components 7) Design and sizing attributes that permit the Technology Demonstrator to be scaled for useful payloads to 500 tons 8) Technology Readiness Level (TRL) levels of each system 9) Time line to develop to first flight 10)Technologies that contractor has already risk mitigated a. Notational risk reduction and verification plan b. Notational R&M c. Notational cost per ton per mile for cargo mission Responses: Companies responding to this RFI should indicate whether they are a large or small business, small disadvantaged business, woman-owned business, HUBZone small business and/or service disabled veteran-owned small business. Please inform us if your company intends to perform the work as the prime contractor or if you desire to subcontract with a prime contractor. Ensure your response contains your company's name, street address, point of contact with phone number and email address, and company web page URL. Limit your responses to 25 slides and 50 double-spaced printed pages, and provide one hardcopy and one CD-ROM in Microsoft Office format. If including proprietary information in the response, (1) ensure proprietary information is marked appropriately, (2) identify disposition instructions, and (3) indicate whether you require the Government to facilitate the execution of information exchange agreements with any contractors providing advisory and assistance services to the Government who may have access to this proprietary information. Responses will not be returned. All responses must be unclassified. E-mailed submissions will not be accepted by NAVAIR. The Government will not reimburse any preparation costs. Interested parties responding in writing to this RFI may request an opportunity to provide a presentation on their information. The presentation will be limited to one hour and 15 minutes; 45 minutes for presentation and 30 minutes for questions. Government will contact respondents to schedule the requested presentation at a mutually convenient time after submission review. At any time after receipt of RFI responses, the Government reserves the right to contact respondents for further discussion and/or clarification of the submittal. Responding parties should submit the above requested data by 4:00 PM (Eastern) 30 October 2008 to: Naval Air Systems Command Attn: Ms. Kelly Chism, Room 256 47123 Buse Rd, Bldg 2272 Patuxent River, MD 20670-1547 THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. RESPONSES TO THIS RFI ARE NOT OFFERS AND CANNOT BE ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO FORM A BINDING CONTRACT. THIS RFI IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT, NOR WILL THE GOVERNMENT PAY FOR ANY INFORMATION SOLICITED OR PROVIDED. Contractual questions or comments may be addressed to Kelly Chism at 301-757-5896, email kelly.chism@navy.mil. Technical questions or comments may be addressed in writing to Mr. Steve Huett, email stephen.huett@navy.mil