Long Range Thermal Imaging Module for Remote Weapon Systems

April 26, 2024 Q1: Will you please clarify if this is looking for a camera plus lens, or is there a system level spec or enclosure that is needed? A1: The RFI states the Government is looking for a - previously developed item with minimal changes necessary for compatibility. That being said, if the vendor has a camera plus lens system that they believe meets the intent of the RFI, they are welcome to respond with details of their system. The minimal changes necessary for compatibility could include the addition of an enclosure that meets the LR-TIM envelope specified. Q2: What about performance modeled with NV-IPM in the presence of Jitter? Does the government want this modeled with our submission? If so, what level of Jitter should we model? What is the minimum (Threshold) range requirement? Is there also a - desired (Objective) range performance requirement for Jitter? A2: The vendor is welcome to additionally provide range performance NV-IPM modeling results with Jitter taken into account. The USG typically uses Jitter value around 70 micro radian RMS Line of Sight Jitter. There are no specific requirements, but the desire is to minimize the impact of jitter on range performance degradation to the greatest extent possible. If any techniques are used to mitigate jitter, please also provide details. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- April 26, 2024 This RFI has been extended for responses until May 3, 2024 and will become inactive on May 10, 2024. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- April 11, 2024 Q1: Could you describe the application a bit more? Is it similar to this: https://www.baesystems.com/en-us/article/hundreds-more-thermal-imagers-slated-for-u-s--army? A1: The USG is seeking information on thermal cameras for use with Remote Weapon Systems. This is similar to the article referenced. Q:2 I have just received a copy of NV-IPM and plan to produce the requested simulations. However if we don't have time to finish them I would like to include some of our own calculations for range performance. Is that acceptable or will that disqualify us for a follow-on? A2: The U.S. Army Night Vision Integrated Performance Model (NV-IPM) is the standard model used by our office to model range performance. Provided the proposal is responsive to our specific requirements, we will evaluate model range performance based on the vendor's calculations for range performance. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- April 09, 2024 Q: Is their a targeted price point from the units (i.e. < $XXX k/unit)? A: Their is no targeted price, the Government is currently conducting market research through RFIs. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- April 09, 2024 This RFI has been extended for responses until April 23, 2024 and will become inactive on April 26, 2024. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- March 21, 2024 Q1: "digital video over compressed Gigabit Ethernet (T), Fast Ethernet (O), for high definition (HD)" -- Can you please confirm if this is not reverse on Threshold and Objective.. Gig E (1000 MBPS) has higher bandwidth compared to Fast Ethernet (100 MBPS) by 10X A1: The Threshold and Objective labels are correct as is. Fast Ethernet is labeled as the Objective requirement because it requires more compression to achieve, than the Threshold Gigabit Ethernet requirement which requires less compression to achieve. Q2: Could we get access to NV-IPM version 1.6 or later please. A2: Requests for the latest NV-IPM version can be sent to nvlmodels@nvl.army.mil. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- March 15, 2024 Q1: Could you please provide clarification regarding the maximum envelope size specified in - LR-TIM envelope rev2.step? Specifically, we are interested in understanding the size requirements, especially regarding the intended Cool MWIR solution. A1: The - LR-TIM envelope rev2.step 3D model is intended to be the maximum envelope for any responses. Note this would be the maximum envelope of the entire system to include housing, lenses, etc. Q2: Regarding the capability of the LR-TIM to identify a vehicle-sized target (3.1 by 3.1 meters) at distances of 4000 meters (T) and 5000 meters (O), it is mentioned that range performance shall be expressed in terms of 70 percent identification ranges computed by Night Vision Integrated Performance Model (NV-IPM). Could you please provide clarification on how this requirement translates to TRM4V2? A2: The U.S. Army Night Vision Integrated Performance Model (NV-IPM) is the standard model used by our office to model range performance. The European Thermal Range Model (TRM4) is a similar model used to determine range performance, but our office doesn't use it. Thus, we cannot answer this question. Provided the proposal is responsive to our specific requirements, we will evaluate model range performance based on the TRM4. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- March 13, 2024 Q: With regard to the aforementioned RFIs, our technical team would like to perform the NVIPM modeling but are telling me that they need the definition of the V50s, which don't seem to be in the solicitation. Could you please provide that/those? A: LR-TIM: The identification task for these vehicle targets is defined as having a V50 of 13 cycles. WATM: This identification task for these personnel targets is defined as having a V50 of 9 cycles. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 01 March 2024 Q: Can you confirm the incumbent for the above effort? If so, could you please provide the incumbent name as well as the contract number? A: We do not currently have an incumbent. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26 February 2024 Any interested parties can request the - LR-TIM envelope rev2.step 3D Step File referenced below. Please email the POCs and a DOD Safe Drop will be sent per your request. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The U.S. Army Contracting Command - New Jersey on behalf of the Product Director Crew Served Weapons (PdM CSW), located at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ, is seeking information from organizations that possess a Long Range Thermal Imaging Module (LR-TIM) for use with Remote Weapon Systems (RWS). Information is being sought for thermal imaging camera systems with mature technologies that can be readily modified and integrated to meet the following criteria: Previously developed item with minimal changes necessary for compatibility Level of maturity shall be such that a production representative unit can be available for qualification testing within 12 months (T), 6 months (O). Passive imaging, Cooled, in the mid wave infrared (MWIR) or long wave infrared (LWIR). Able to fit within maximum envelope size specified in - LR-TIM envelope rev2.step. Weight no more than 7 kg (15.4 lbs). Power per MIL-STD-1275 Environmentally ruggedized Operational at temperatures of +140 degrees Fahrenheit to -50 degrees Fahrenheit. The LR-TIM minimum focal-plane array (FPA) resolution in each dimension shall be 640 pixels horizontally and 480 pixels vertically (T), high definition resolution (O). Shall be capable of supporting or being easily modified to allow for digital video over compressed Gigabit Ethernet (T), Fast Ethernet (O), for high definition (HD) and/or RS170 for standard definition (SD). The LR-TIM shall be capable of identifying a vehicle sized target (3.1 by 3.1 meters) at 4000 meters (T), 5000 meters (O) . Range performance shall be expressed in terms of 70 percent identification ranges as computed by Night Vision Integrated Performance Model (NV-IPM) using the parameters specified in Range Performance Conditions and Definitions below. ID Range degradation in obscurant and/or poor weather conditions to include light rain, fog, light snow, mist, etc. shall be no more than 50% (T) 25% (O). The horizontal wide field of view (WFOV) shall be at least 10 degrees (T), 45 degrees O)in the horizontal direction. 15-year procurable life Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) of 15,000 hours (O) Internal auto focus capability Spurious images and noise patterns shall not be discernible over the entire field of view (O). Range Performance Conditions and Definitions: Range performance measurements/modelling/analysis/predictions shall be those computed using the Night Vision Integrated Performance Model (NV-IPM) version 1.6 or later. Range performance calculations shall assume a 10" to 17" (diagonal) display with a resolution equal to or greater than the native resolution of the camera(s). The display luminance used for calculating range performance shall not exceed 20 foot-Lamberts. For calculating range performance the distance from the display to the observer's eyes shall be greater than 15 cm and less than 45 cm. The basic atmosphere shall be the 1976 US Standard resident in NV-IPM, with the ambient temperature equal to 300 K and the "Sky-to-Ground Ratio" set to 1.0, and the turbulence defined by a Cn2 of 1.0 EXP-15. The camera gain, effected by the NV-IPM component "RSS Contrast Level" shall not exceed 0.3 (30%). All range performance requirements shall be met without the aid of frame integration and/or averaging. NV-IPM range shall be executed in the default mode where the target angle presented to the eye (alpha) is varying with range. Potential sources are requested to submit, at a minimum, the following information. Responses should be limited to no more than 20 pages, with the only exceptions stated below. Information papers can be submitted in a white paper format. Thermal Imaging System Description: Provide the description of the thermal imaging system, including system growth potential. Characteristics: Focal Plane Array technology (Cooled, MWIR or LWIR), size, pixel count, and architecture Optical telescope description Dimensions or 3D step model (preferred) of camera envelope (model file is outside of 20 page limit) Weight of system Power characteristics (voltage level, steady state power draw, transient power draw, etc.) Power-up time for entire temperature range (+140 degrees Fahrenheit to -50 degrees Fahrenheit) Input files for NV-IPM to support range performance (input file is outside of 20 page limit) Identification Ranges at both Narrow FOV and Wide FOV, and Medium/intermediate fields of view, if applicable Characterize and/or describe performance degradation in poor weather and/or obscurant penetration Fields of view sizes (horizontal and vertical) in degrees, and description of magnification steps/levels, discrete vs. continuous zoom, optical vs. electronic, single vs. multiple cameras Video output details including format, resolution(s), and frame rate System Latency from glass to camera output at the external connector Auto focus time for accurate and repeatable focus Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) Description of any spurious images and noise patterns, if present Communications protocol Discussion of any special features or modes available, if applicable (ex. image enhancement, stabilization, synchronization, shutter type, etc.) Environmental details Engineering and Qualification test results, if available (outside of 20 page limit) Summary on status of product and maturity level Delivery Schedule: Earliest Availability of Production Representative LR-TIM Monthly production capacity Delivery lead time Prior Military Sales for stated product, if applicable: Program name(s) US military or foreign military (specify country or countries) US Government Contract number(s) US Government Point of Contact (Name, Email, Phone, Organization) Quantities sold to the Military Description: Standalone or as part of larger system Cost: LR-TIM Non-Recurring Cost for minimal compatibility changes LR-TIM Unit Production Cost based on quantity of systems: 1-4 5-49 50-199 200- above Risks: LR-TIM Risk Integration Risk Other: Export Restrictions, if applicable Vendor Questionnaire: The purpose of this questionnaire is to obtain information from industry to assist in the market research. Firms/companies are invited to indicate their interest and capability to satisfy the above requirements by identifying the following items: 1. Company Name 2. Company Address / Country Represented / Website 3. Company point of contact and phone number 4. Business Size (Small/Large & Number of Employees) CAGE Code / DUNS Number. 5. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes for this effort are 333314. 6. Commerciality: a. ( ) Our product as described above, has been sold, leased or licensed to the general public b. ( ) Our product as described above, has been sold in substantial quantities, on a competitive basis, to multiple state and local governments. The development of the product was done exclusively at private expense c. ( ) None of the above applies. Explain. 7. Location where primary work will be performed (if more than one location, please indicate the percentage for each location). 8. Major partners or suppliers. 9. Identify existing facilities, equipment and workforce (identify what percentage would be supporting this new effort and what additional resources would be required). 10. Provide minimum and maximum monthly production rates of past production of same or similar items. 11. Please provide any additional comments All responsible, interested offerors are encouraged to submit their capabilities/qualification data and any pertinent information in hard copy or via email, within 30 calendar days to: US Army Contracting Command - New Jersey ATTN: Angelica Merino- ACC-NJ-SL Building 9, Phipps Road Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 07806-5000 Email: angelica.m.merino.civ@army.mil The point of contact is Angelica Merino at angelica.m.merino.civ@army.mil or Stacey Conner at stacey.r.conner.civ@army.mil. TELEPHONE RESPONSES AND INQUIRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. The Government will accept written questions by email to the above. This is a request for information only and should not be construed as a Request for Proposal or a commitment by the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this market survey. All information is to be submitted at no cost or obligation to the Government. If a formal solicitation is generated at a later date, a solicitation notice will be published and more detailed technical requirements will be provided. Respondents will not be notified of the results of this survey or results of information submitted. Any information provided will not be returned. Contracting Office Address: ACC - New Jersey, Center for Contracting and Commerce, Building 9 Phipps RD, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 07806-5000