Request for Information - Wide-Area IR Persistent Surveillance System

This Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS)/Request for Information (RFI) is issued for informational purposes and market research only; it does not constitute a solicitation. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for any expenses associated with preparing/submitting information in response to this posting. The information provided may be used by the Government in developing its acquisition strategy, statement of work/statement of objectives, and/or performance specifications. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained within their response as instructed later in this posting.

The United States (US) Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance & Special Operations Forces (ISR & SOF) Directorate, Special Warfare (SW) Program Office (AFLCMC/WISN) is conducting market research to identify possible sources capable of providing Wide Area Infrared Surveillance (WAIS) System.

REQUIREMENT

Key Performance Parameters (KPPs)

1. Performance & Detection Capabilities

• Passive Operation: Provide self-protection and situational awareness without emitting detectable signals.

• Detection & Tracking Capacity: Automatically detect and classify up to 100 simultaneous thermal signatures within 1 second.

• Detection Ranges: Capable of long-range acquisition across multiple target profiles:

• Commercial aircraft up to 93 miles (at 12,000 ft altitude).

• Group 2 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) up to 10 miles.

• Personnel and ground vehicles up to 5 miles.

• Personnel detection minimum range is 500 meters.

• Tracking Accuracy & Reliability: Achieve a 90% overall detection probability. Target tracking accuracy must maintain ±3 degrees at 10 miles and ±5 degrees at 93 miles (evaluated at a 95% confidence level).

• Field of View (FOV): The entire system, comprised of multiple sensors, shall provide a minimum of 360° horizontal and 125° vertical hemispherical coverage.

• Individual sensors shall have a minimum FOV of 90 degrees.

• AI & Automation: Utilize advanced AI/ML-driven algorithms for automated target detection, classification (e.g., distinguishing small drones from commercial airliners), predictive analysis, and pattern recognition.

2. Integration & Interoperability

• C2 Integration: Incorporate an open-architecture design to integrate seamlessly with Command and Control (C2) systems, existing Tactical Grid infrastructure, and TACP mission software/hardware.

• Sensor Fusion: Capable of fusing multiple passive IR data streams (from within the IRIS-P system), and fusing with active radar and other external EO/IR sensors to deliver comprehensive, multi-domain situational awareness.

• Communication Standards: Utilize common tactical interface standards (e.g., MIL-STD-6016) to interface natively with broader electromagnetic spectrum awareness systems.

3. System Operations & Data Management

• Usability: Operable by a single user with minimal training. Features a user-friendly laptop workstation interface providing real-time data, tracking options, and automated alerts accessible within 3 seconds of a request.

• Operator Verification: Support robust "operator-in-the-loop" workflows to verify, refine, and override automated threat detections.

• Networking & Throughput: Process high-fidelity thermal imaging data at a minimum of 1 Gbps throughput on a hard-wired, closed network. Supports real-time data streaming, efficient data compression, and on-demand retrieval.

• Security & Storage: Implement role-based and security-clearance-based access control for stored data. Support Unencrypted, Type 3, and Type 1 communication pathways (Type-1 encryption specifically required for sensor data in transit).

• Data storage shall be scalable to accommodate increasing data volumes.

4. Physical Characteristics (SWaP) & Environmental Durability

• Deployability: Modular, low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) footprint. Deployable in rugged environments across mobile (dismounted, vehicle-mounted) and stationary (tripods, fixed towers) configurations.  Minimize time and effort required to relocate stationary configuration.

• Environmental Ruggedization: Must meet MIL-STD-810G standards. Fully operational in extreme temperatures (-30°C to 55°C) and adverse weather conditions (rain, fog, snow).

Please see attachment for additional information regarding this requirement and instructions on responding to this Request for Information.