Test Infrastructure Resource Needs for Mobile High Energy Laser Measurement (MHELM) Range in a Box (RiB) Capability

The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to obtain information for the purposes of market research which may inform future requirement and contract efforts for the Mobile High Energy Laser Measurement (MHELM) program. The U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI), Project Manager for Instrumentation, Targets, Threat Simulators and Special Operations Forces (SOF) Training Systems (PM ITTS) Instrumentation Management Office (IMO) is performing research to gather information and feedback from interested sources to help determine solution options, technical viability, schedule, cost, and risk regarding the Department of Defense (DOD) Test and Evaluation (T&E) need to conduct ground testing of an irradiance measurement capability. Program Description and Background: The Mobile High Energy Laser Measurement (MHELM) program is a Test Resource Management Center (TRMC), Central Test and Evaluation Investment Program (CTEIP) effort to provide High Energy Laser (HEL) Test and Evaluation (T&E) capabilities. MHELM is currently in the CTEIP Enhanced Solution Phase (ESP). During CTEIP ESP the MHELM team, including DOD T&E stakeholders, are drafting Use Cases including test scenario concepts of operation (CONOPS) as well as requirements for the MHELM capabilities. The capabilities include the ability to test HEL systems before and after integration onto platforms. Range in a Box (RiB) Test Capability: The DOD requires the capability to verify the tracking, wave front compensation, and aimpoint control of the HEL system using a sample of the outgoing HEL beam; and to capture and measure HEL beams. The RiB shall provide surrogate return signals to simulate point source and illuminated extended source targets in the far-field, and measure the HEL residual jitter, aimpoint offset, and drift at the far field target. The RiB shall be used for ground testing of the full HEL systems prior to and after install on an air, ground, and shipboard platform. The RiB system inputs include surrogate Track Illuminator Lasers (TILL) and Beacon Illuminator Lasers (BILL) to replicate far field target returns to ensure all pointing, tracking, wave front, and jitter control elements are exercised and are functioning nominally. Using a sample of the outgoing HEL and the Surrogate HEL, the RiB is to measure the far-field beam profile, centroid motion (jitter and drift), and wave front error of the HEL or Surrogate HEL (SHEL). The surrogate simulated return signals include mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR), track illuminated, and beacon illuminated targets in the far field projected into the beam control system while the HEL system is in a quiescent or vibration environment. The RiB is to provide capabilities for atmospheric distortion of the optical path to far field targets to verify the system atmospheric compensation capability. In addition, the RiB diagnostics shall be able measure the HEL, TILL, and BILL beam power, and near field beam profile. The RiB solution should include a method to align to the line-of-sight of the HEL system before and after installation on the ground, maritime, or airborne platform, and be able to isolate the RiB from both mechanical and acoustic disturbances, and/or characterize the disturbance so as to account for the RiB disturbance in the diagnostic measurements. In addition to addressing the above requirements, the RFI response should identify techniques to make the system adaptable to the various weapon platforms (air, ground, shipboard). 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 solution approaches that have the potential to advance HEL test and evaluation (T&E). 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 HEL T&E in their white paper. Infrastructure requirements and capabilities should be included in their white paper. Information relating to rough-order-of-magnitude (ROM) estimates for 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 any of the RFI topic requirements are invited to respond to this notice no later than 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on 28 February 2019. 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 Request for Information 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: Constance Kim, Contract Specialist, constance.kim2.civ@mail.mil and cc to the Technical POC, Trung.d.nguyen2.civ@mail.mil. All emails should include in the subject line the Reference Number 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.