Request for Information for Aerial Target System to Simulate a Multi-Stage Anti-Ship Cruise Missile Target

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) INTRODUCTION: This is a Request for Information (RFI) pursuant to FAR Part 15.201(e). No formal Request for Proposals (RFP) or other type of solicitation is currently expected to be issued. Follow-up questions may be asked of responders for clarification, but should not be construed as a selection or preference and this is not a commitment to fund any effort submitted in response to this request. Objective: The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland hereby requests market and technology information on industry's existing and potential capabilities to provide a cost effective aerial target system to simulate a multi-stage anti-ship cruise missile threat. The target vehicle would be required to exhibit a subsonic cruise stage followed by a supersonic sprint stage and would be used to support test and evaluation of ship platforms and associated self-defense systems. Requirements and Performance of a Multi-Stage Anti-Ship Cruise Missile Target: The target should be capable of initiating flight in a subsonic phase, separating in a transonic phase and completing terminal flight in a supersonic phase. The vehicle should be capable of programmable navigation, including terminal weaves, have a range greater than 100 nautical miles, have a subsonic cruising range of greater than 90 nautical miles at 50ft Mean Sea Level (MSL), and attain a minimum sprint speed of 2.2 mach at 16ft MSL. The target must also meet the following requirements and constraints: - The vehicle must have a flight termination system. - The vehicle must be self-powered. - Peculiar support equipment and containers must be developed for use with the target and meet the requirements of MIL-STD-1365. - The vehicle must be capable of being pre-programmed for waypoints, altitude changes and maneuvers. - The vehicle must be self guided. - The target must have two distinct vehicles that separate. - The vehicle does not have to be recovered. - Environmental Conditions: The target must meet the environmental requirements of MIL-STD-810. Respondents should provide: 1) a description of capability, facilities and relevant experience in the design, production and logistics support for such a program. Respondents should differentiate between current and future capabilities and facilities. 2) a description of the proposed solution to include software and hardware approach which should address power, control, subsystems, instrumentation and mechanical design. Address the current status of development, test/demonstration, qualification, and manufacture and use of existing technologies/designs that may accelerate development and fielding of the target. 3) An assessment of the Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) of the critical technologies (in the target system and major subsystems components). 4) An assessment of the Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRLs) of the target system. 5) A description of the applicable component and sub-system testing relevant to the proposed target system, differentiating between completed and incompleted tests. 6) A description of the potential technical risk areas during the development, integration, test/demonstration, and manufacturing program phases and top level description of a program plan and schedule for achieving a mature production program. 7) Modularity, to include the use of open systems architecture where feasible and affordable. 8) Estimated life cycle of the system. 9) Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) pricing: a. an estimate of non-recurring costs to complete any remaining development, to fully test the system capabilities in an operational environment, and to qualify the system. b. the estimated unit cost for a Full Rate Production (FRP) quantity of 50 units, maximum of 10 units per year on an annual procurement basis. c. any assumptions made regarding need for government furnished property, facilities, or other support. 10) an estimated schedule to complete each of the following; development, qualification/test, delivery of the first prototype and production of the 50 units. 11) Corporate Information: A brief description of your company including a) name and address of firm, ownership, year firm established, size, major products; (b) past experience and performance at designing and producing aerial targets; and (c) past Government and Commercial sales information. DISCLAIMER: Unless otherwise stated herein, no additional written information is available. No formal RFPs or other solicitation regarding this announcement is currently available. Requests for these will be disregarded. There is no commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation, make any award, be responsible for any monies expended by interested parties, or to pay for information submitted as a result of this request. Information provided herein in no way binds the Government. SECURITY: Because this notice is a Request for Information only, no additional Operational Security (OPSEC) or security requirements have been levied. SUBMISSION OF RESPONSES: Respondents should submit an unclassified summary white paper not to exceed 20 pages. (Page limit does not apply to schedules.) Responses will not be returned. Findings will not be published for industry release nor will industry debriefings be held. Responses must be in a Microsoft application 2003-7 formats. Unclassified E-mailed submissions will be accepted by NAVAIR, but respondents must verify receipt of their submission with NAVAIR. No Classified information shall be sent via Email. Ensure proprietary information is marked appropriately, but not over-marked. Information that is not marked proprietary will not be considered proprietary and may be subject to disclosure to third parties. Submittals will be reviewed by PMA-208 program office and systems engineering personnel. Responses are required within 15 days of publication of this RFI (no later than 15 May 2013), however, the Government reserves the right to accept responses afer the deadline. Submittals should be sent by email to richard.e.myers@navy.mil or to by letter to: Naval Air Systems Command (AIR-2.4.1.3.2), 47123 Buse Road-Unit 2272, Patuxent River, MD 20670.