RFI - Joint C-sUAS Office (JCO) C-sUAS Swarm Demonstration Target Aircraft

Request for Information Joint C-sUAS Office (JCO) C-sUAS Swarm Demonstration Target Aircraft INTRODUCTION The Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) Office (JCO) is seeking sources and information to identify the cost and ability to support target procurement, preparation, and piloting of swarm attacks for ongoing and future JCO events. The JCO intends to conduct a demonstration in 3rd Quarter, FY 2024 to observe current counter-swarm technologies. As part of the demonstration, the JCO will present Swarm Targets of no less than 20 but up to 50 individual aircraft (Group 1 and Group 2) at one time and no less than six Group 3 aircraft at one time. This is a Request for Information. This request is for planning purposes, and shall not be construed as a solicitation announcement, invitation for bids, request for proposals, request for quotes, or an indication that the government will contract for the items contained in this notice. Interested contractors are invited to provide responses to the questions provided. The government will not reimburse respondents for any cost associated with the submission of the information being requested or reimburse expenses incurred to the interested parties for responses. This request does not constitute a solicitation for proposals or the authority to enter into negotiations to award a contract. The information provided may be used by the Army in developing its acquisition strategy, statement of work / performance work statements, and/or statement of objectives. Interested parties are responsible to adequately mark proprietary, restricted or competition sensitive information contained in their response accordingly. Both large and small businesses are encouraged to respond. The requested information is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that a solicitation will be issued. No entitlement to payment by the Government of direct or indirect costs or charges will arise as a result of the submission of information in response to this request. Based on responses from this RFI, the government may release a solicitation or request for quotations in or around 4QFY23. The demonstration is projected to take place during 3QFY24; the information received from this RFI may feed additional demonstration and testing activities. RFI Submittals: Respondents are asked to provide the following system specifications for each type of UAS (Group 1s, 2s, and/or 3s). Respondents are not precluded from responding should they not offer all Groups of UAS (i.e., can field Group 1 / 2 targets, but not Group 3, or vice-versa). 1. System Specifications System Characteristics Controller Characteristics (include max quantity of aircraft per 1 controller) C2 and Video frequency and communication protocols, such as: Futaba FHSS; 2.4GHz Dragonlink V2; 433MHz RMILEC V2; 433 MHz TBS Crossfire; 915 MHz RFD900; 915MHz Flight Safety Systems Navigation Type(s) Swarm Operating Minimum Distance between aircraft Additional pertinent information 2. Target Stepladder Pricing: Group 1/2 Swarm Air Vehicle (A/V) pricing: 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 targets and/or Group 3 A/V pricing: 1, 5, 10 and 30 *Only provide pricing information for targets that are not RIZER mitigated and are able to be sanitized (removal of all tracking and/or reporting hardware/software) prior to the test event. 3. Operator/Pilot Sourcing Feasibility: Does the respondent have trained operators (Groups 1 and 2) and/or pilots (Group 3)? How many? Do the operators and/or pilots have SECRET clearance(s)? Are the operators and/or pilots trained to fly the swarm quantities of 50 (Group 1 / 2) and/or 6 for Group 3 4. Production Timeline Capability: What is the feasibility of your company delivering up to 500 Group 1 / 2 targets and/or 30 Group 3 targets by NLT 01 May 2024? If unable to deliver a full quantity of 500 Group 1 / 2 targets and / or 30 Group 3 targets, what quantity can be delivered by 01 May 2024? If your company can deliver the quantities noted above by 01 May 2024, what production and delivery capabilities will remain for 90 days and 180 days after initial delivery? 5. Provide Company information to include: Name, Mailing Address, and CAGE Code (if available). Business Size Status for the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code of this RFI. Technical and Business Points of Contact to include: Telephone Numbers and Email Addresses. RESPONSE INSTRUCTIONS: All written responses shall be submitted no later than Thursday, 27 July, 2023 at 1600 EDT via email submission to Ms. Jolynda Ivy. Subject line must read RFI/C-sUAS Swarm Demonstration Target Aircraft-[Company Name]. Example: RFI/SSA C-sUAS Swarm Demonstration Target Aircraft -ABC Inc. Please submit all RFI/SSA responses in writing to jolynda.v.ivy.civ@army.mil only. Contractors shall not contact any Government personnel regarding this RFI other than the individual designated above. Contacting any Government personnel other than the individual designated above may result in an organizational conflict of interest (OCI) and may result in a contractor being excluded from the anticipated competition and consideration for award.