--New Generation Army Targetry Systems (NGATS)- Request for Information from Industry

The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) and the Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO-STRI) are undertaking the development of the New Generation Army Targetry System (NGATS) to replace current target systems used on live fire ranges. NGATS aims to utilize families of interchangeable targetry components that ensure required operational performance while minimizing lifecycle costs. A significant proposed change involves shifting the system’s communication protocol exclusively to Ethernet (TCP/IP), moving away from the existing combination of Ethernet and RS-485. This protocol change necessitates the implementation of a new message set and potentially modifications to data connector keying for Battlefield Effects Devices (BED) and Representation Devices (RD). The Government is requesting input from industry regarding the potential impacts this protocol modification may have on the current system baseline or configuration. Feedback on this matter will guide the Government in making a final decision, with a submission deadline of March 31, 2004. Following the decision, if changes are approved, revised Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for the BED and RD will be issued within two weeks. Industry participants were invited to provide their input via email, contributing valuable information to shape the final technical approach of NGATS, underscoring the importance of collaboration in this modernization effort.