USAF Tactical Hyperspectral Roadmap Initiative Request for Information

ASC/WIN is developing a 10 year roadmap for the development, production and deployment of a family of airborne tactical hyperspectral systems. It is anticipated the sensor system frequencies addressed in the roadmap would be primarily in the Visible to Near-Infrared, Shortwave- Infrared, Medium-wave Infrared, and Longwave-Infrared frequencies (0.4 - 15 - m). The sensors would be deployed on airborne platforms operating at various altitudes to support specific operational conditions. ASC/WIN is conducting market research to identify what research has been accomplished in this field as well as to see what technology currently exists or could be modified for this need. This market research will potentially shape Air Force efforts in the FY14-24 timeframe. ASC/WIN seeks industry White Papers to support this market research effort by 4 Nov 11. The intent of this RFI is to identify candidate programs and technology efforts related to the development of hyperspectral sensors and associated data algorithms. Components related to hyperspectral sensors include, but are not limited to: electronics, gimbals, cryogenics, diffraction gratings, focusing lenses, ROICs, atmospheric and temperature correction algorithms/techniques, airborne and ground processing, interference filters, spectrometer, HRI subsystems, etc.). These components do not need to be part of an existing sensor system; research and development of these components may be ongoing independent of a full system. Responses are sought from industry, academia, Government agencies, and military services. Current research should indicate the Technology Readiness Level of the system or component. ASC/WIN desires this market research reach across industry, academia, and service/government programs for candidate programs/technology efforts with projected capabilities that may maximize our current and future airborne HSI sensors. Candidate technologies should, if needed, project modifications or upgrades, forecast improvements or apply a new technology process in order to meet operational goals. The following ground rules/assumptions apply: - For solely component technologies - clearly explain how the component will benefit an HSI system - Responses should identify any new supporting architecture or infrastructure (i.e., cryogenics, processing, ground control, communications, etc.) required for the technology. All correspondence submitted will be controlled as proprietary. After reviewing the submitted White Papers, the Government may request technical exchanges and/or site surveys of respondent's facilities. At the request of the submitter, the Government will provide feedback concerning the information submitted. The Government anticipates the resulting hyperspectral roadmap will be used to plan and program the required efforts to support hyperspectral objectives. Upon completion of the roadmap, ASC/WIN anticipates the required development and integration tasks will be competitively selected and awarded. ============== The Government invites industry to submit White Papers (unclassified or classified up to TOP SECRET) on their concepts or technologies at any time on or before 4 Nov 11. Guidance on the suggested White Paper format is attached. Please ensure all appropriate security procedures and policies are followed when responding to this RFI. Please restrict page count to no more than 15 pages in length and submit electronically or via mail (regular mail for UNCLASSIFIED; Registered mail for SECRET only) to the points of contact stated below. The Point of Contact for submittal of white papers and any technical questions is: Capt Rebecca Breiding, ASC/WIN 2530 Loop Road West, Room 144 Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, 45433-7101 FAX: 937-656-4445 E-mail addresses: UNCLASSIFIED email: HSIRoadmap@wpafb.af.mil SECRET email via SIPRNet: Rebecca.breiding@afmc.af.smil.mil TOP SECRET email via JWICS: Rebecca.breiding@afmc.ic.gov This is not a Request for Proposal. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this announcement. Submitting capabilities and concepts in response to this announcement is voluntary, and participants shall not be compensated. The Contracting Officer is Ms. Sally (Sara) Meyer, ASC/WINK, and is available by telephone at (937) 255-5011 or email at sally.meyer@wpafb.af.mil. Parties interested in responding to this RFI must notify the Contracting Officer by email of their intent to participate within seven (7) days of published announcement in FedBizOpps. When emailing the Contracting Officer a notice of intent to participate, use the following subject line: "FA8620-12-R-4001, Intent: (Company Name)." Do not send the White Paper to this email address; send only the notice of intent to respond. The notice of intent to participate is the only correspondence that should be sent to this email address. Repeat: The White Paper should be sent to one of the three addresses for unclassified, secret, and top secret correspondence, as appropriate.