REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) - INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS TO INCREASE THE UNREFUELED RANGE OF NAVAL TACTICAL AIRCRAFT

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS TO INCREASE THE UNREFUELED RANGE OF NAVAL TACTICAL AIRCRAFT SUMMARY The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Navigation Plan identifies the need for "Long-range precision fires across all domains and platforms with greater reach [to] enable naval forces to strike hostile targets while increasing our own survivability. In support of this need, the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Program Office for F/A-18 and EA-18G (PMA-265) is interested in information on innovative, affordable concepts that may extend the unrefueled range of naval tactical aircraft (TACAIR). The intent of this RFI is to provide PMA-265 with initial insight into the existence of such concepts, their potential capability to extend platform range, how the concept could be integrated into naval TACAIR, and any considerations with respect to reliability and suitability for carrier-based flight operations. A non-binding Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimate of the costs required to reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 is also desired. The audience for this RFI is industry, academia, and Government laboratories. The RFI does NOT presuppose a specific technology solution. It is meant to provide respondents with broad latitude to submit concepts across multiple engineering disciplines that could provide extended range capability. Example areas these concepts may address include, but are NOT limited to, methods to increase lift, reduce drag, increase fuel available, reduce fuel usage on the deck, increase engine performance; and/or adjustments to subsystem integration and/or architecture or advanced flight controls. This RFI is the first step of an iterative process aimed at understanding concepts that may be able to meet this need. Based on the findings, additional RFIs may be issued in the future to continue the Government's informational exchange with potential solution providers. CONTENT AND FORMAT OF RFI RESPONSES Responses shall be provided in Microsoft PowerPoint in a single briefing package using the format in Attachment 1 - "Slide Formatting Requirements." All slides should include the company or provider's logos or identifying information. The briefing package shall be no more than twenty (20) slides and may include speaker notes. SUBMISSION AND SECURITY INSTRUCTIONS To the maximum extent allowable, responses should be UNCLASSIFIED. Responses shall be submitted electronically either via email or via the Department of Defense (DoD) Secure Access File Exchange (SAFE) [https://safe.apps.mil] to the Contracts POC identified in the notice. If respondents do not have a DoD Common Access Card (CAC) to access the DoD SAFE site, they shall inform the Contracts POCs via email of their desire to submit via DoD SAFE, and the Contracts POC will send a Request for Drop-off via DoD SAFE to the submitter's email address. Opportunities to have one-on-one discussions with the Government to ask questions are available, upon request. Any relevant Questions & Answers resulting from those one-on-one discussions will be provided to all interested vendors as an update to the Request for Information. Please contact Primary POC for meeting availability. All RFI submissions must be received no later than 120 calendar days (January 10, 2025) from publication of this RFI on the System of Award Management (SAM) website [SAM.gov | Contract Opportunities]. Failure to adhere to this timeline may result in responses being returned to the submitter without review/assessment. If a CLASSIFED response is deemed necessary, the respondent shall contact the Technical POC identified below who will provide further instructions. Classified responses shall adhere to the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) procedures for the transmittal and receipt of CLASSIFIED information. GOVERNMENT POINT OF CONTACT Responses should be provided to the Contracts POC, Emily Schelling, emily.d.schelling.civ@us.navy.mil Any questions on the technical content of this RFI should be directed to the Technical POC, Matthew Cosner, PMA-265 Science & Technology Lead, matthew.s.cosner.civ@us.navy.mil with the Contracts POC on courtesy copy (cc). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION This is NOT a request for proposal (RFP). No solicitation documents exist or are planned at this time. This synopsis should NOT be construed as a financial commitment by the US Government (USG), nor will the USG pay for any costs related to the information solicited, provided, or proposed. The Government will not provide any proprietary or classified information on the F/A-18E/F as part of this RFI. Any information received as a result of this request that is sensitive and/or propriety to the responding organization will be protected as such. Any proprietary information received in response to this request will be properly protected from any unauthorized disclosures, however it is incumbent upon the respondent to appropriately mark all submissions. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents to assist in the development of future capability, requirements, approach, and/or solution for extended TACAIR range. In order to complete its review, PMA-265 must be able to share the information within the Government, which may include Contactor Service Support (CSS) personnel. Should there be a desire for a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to be implemented if information is shared with the Government CSS, vendors shall indicate as such in their response. Any responses marked in a manner that will not permit such internal Government deliberations will not be assessed. REFERENCES The Chief of Naval Operations Navigation Plan (2022). Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. https://media.defense.gov/2022/Jul/26/2003042389/-1/-1/1/NAVIGATION%20PLAN%202022_SIGNED.PDF Department of Defense Secure Access File Exchange (DOD SAFE), Frequently Asked Questions https://dl.dod.cyber.mil/wp-content/uploads/dodsafe/pdf/unclass-DoD_SAFE_FAQs_v1.2.pdf DODAF Viewpoints and Models, US Department of Defense https://dodcio.defense.gov/Library/DoD-Architecture-Framework/dodaf20_viewpoints/ F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) website. https://www.navair.navy.mil/product/FA-18EF-Super-Hornet Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), Defense Acquisition University https://acqnotes.com/acqnote/tasks/technology-readiness-level