Test Infrastructure Resource Needs for Directed Energy High Power Microwave Ku-Band Source

This Request for Information (RFI) is to obtain information for the purpose of market research which may inform future requirement and contract efforts for the development and delivery of a potential Directed Energy (DE) High Power Microwave (HPM) source operating in Ku-Band (14-18 GHz) to be operated within a building/enclosure in palletized configuration and capable of a transportable configuration for remote testing in austere conditions. The U.S. Army White Sands Missile Range Survivability, Vulnerability and Assessment Directorate is performing research to gather information and feedback from interested organizations which have demonstrated knowledge and experience to help determine solution options, technical viability, schedule, cost, and risk regarding the Department of Defense (DoD) Test and Evaluation (T&E) need to manufacture a DE HPM Ku-Band test and evaluation (KU-T&E) source operating between 14-18 GHz. This source must be able to operate in single pulse or multiple pulse mode, with pulse width adjustability of 10ns-20ns, and a pulse repetition frequency up to 500 Hz, to produce field intensity threshold of 137 kilo-Volts/meter (kV/m at 75 meters). Program Description and Background: The DE HPM KU-T&E source is a Central Test and Evaluation Investment Program (CTEIP) effort to provide DE HPM T&E capabilities. The DE HPM KU-T&E source is currently in the CTEIP Enhanced Solution Phase (ESP). During CTEIP ESP the HPM Source team, including DoD T&E stakeholders, have drafted Use Cases including test scenario concepts of operation (CONOPS) and Ku-Band source capabilities. The primary use case is that of a T&E source system producing radio frequency (RF) operating in the Ku-Band (14-18 GHz) to assess lethality, survivability and vulnerability effects of systems to an HPM environment IAW Military Standard 464C (MIL-STD 464). The secondary use case for this DE HPM KU-T&E source will be to assess and evaluate combined /collateral effects of a DoD HPM weapon on DoD systems that are fielded in theatre in accordance with MIL-STD 464. This use case is to deploy the transportable Ku-Band source to generate a combined environment using an external trigger to fire the Ku-Band source with precision. The DE HPM KU-T&E source will supply the DoD with an enhanced capability to evaluate the lethality, survivability/vulnerability of mission critical DoD military systems to DE HPM attack or unintentional exposure from DoD HPM weapon sources. MIL-STD 464 prescribes system test guidance required for electromagnetic environmental effects, though specific requirements for HPM survivability are mission dependent and left to the procuring activity to specify additional requirements. Therefore, the DoD requires agile, frequency tunable sources which are scalable for T&E capabilities to meet the requirements of MIL-STD 464. Acquisition Strategy: The Government is exploring a range of acquisition strategies and plans to utilize the information gained from responses to this RFI to help further shape the acquisition strategy. Response Requested: This topic description is not meant to be exhaustive, but rather to challenge the reader to create and submit innovative solutions/approaches that have the potential to produce a DE HPM source with the aforementioned capabilities. Responses should address solutions to develop capabilities and/or for advancing technology beyond capabilities currently in use. Persons/firms contemplating submission of a response should carefully examine this RFI and are encouraged to contact the technical Point of Contact (POC) to ascertain the extent of interest in an approach or for clarification(s). Interested parties in any or all of these areas should provide information on their knowledge of and experience in the design, development, implementation and documentation of DE HPM source needs as defined above in their white paper. Infrastructure requirements and capabilities should be included in their white paper with clear delineation of recommended/required Government Furnished Infrastructure versus that of the DE HPM Source. Information relating to rough-order-of-magnitude estimates for cost and schedule and resources to research (achieve technology readiness level (TRL) 6) or develop the capability (achieve TRL 8 or higher) is encouraged. Sources having the capabilities to meet all of the RFI topic requirements are invited to respond to this notice no later than close of business 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) 24 June 2021. Responses should be limited to a five (5) page white paper, not including cover page, cover letter, and table of contents. Any proprietary concepts of information should be clearly identified as such. Submitted data and information will not be returned. Any information submitted in response to this RFI Notice is strictly voluntary. This notice is for information planning purposes and the Government will not pay or otherwise reimburse respondents for information submitted. Electronic responses are required and shall be submitted to: ACC Orlando Contract Specialist: Constance K. Hastings, constance.k.hastings.civ@mail.mil, PEO STRI Lead Systems Engineer/APM, Erick Serrano, PE, erick.s.serrano.civ@mail.mil, DE HPM Branch Chief, Gustavo L. Sierra, Gustavo.l.sierra.civ@mail.mil, and to the Technical POC Sandra Saldivar-Valles, Sandra.saldivar-valles.civ@mail.mil. All emails should include in the subject line KU-T&E and the submitting organization's name. All documentation shall become the property of the Government. Disclaimer: This notice does not constitute an invitation for bids or a request for proposal and is not a commitment by the U.S. Government to procure subject products or services nor will the Government reimburse any parties for costs associated with this request. The Government will use the information received to forge its acquisition strategy. Additionally, all submissions become Government property and will not be returned. No basis for a claim against the Government shall arise as a result from a response to this RFI.