X BAND RF RADAR

The Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) is issuing this sources-sought announcement as part of a market survey for X-band radar systems and technologies relevant to a future requirement for a shipboard self-defense radar system. This is NOT a Request for Proposal (RFP). NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS EXIST AT THIS TIME. Industry responses will be used as an input in the formulation of acquisition approaches and plans for appropriate future investments. The identification of radar systems and relevant subsystem technologies, including X-band active phased array antennas and low phase noise, exciters / frequency synthesizers that are relatively mature (TRL-6 or higher) are a major objective of this RFI. A new X-band active array based radar system is envisioned to compliment both existing and emergent volume surveillance radar systems for horizon surveillance and tracking applications. A scalable radar design is envisioned to accommodate current and future mission requirements for multiple platforms. Although a radar system with multiple, fixed-face arrays is primarily of interest, a design that can additionally support single or back to back faces in a rotating variant is also of interest. This sources sought is seeking interested parties that may have developed or are currently producing X-band active array radar systems or supporting active array antenna and low phase noise exciter / frequency synthesizer subsystems that have the potential to meet the emergent X-band radar requirements. This approach could include marinizing of land based, or possibly airborne, radars. Industry responses will be used as an input in the formulation of acquisition approaches and plans for appropriate future investments. This sources sought is being posted to both the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) page located at http://www.fbo.gov and the Navy Electronic Commerce on Line (NECO) site located at http://www.neco.navy.mil. While it is understood that FBO is a single point of entry for posting of synopsis and solicitations to the internet, NECO is the alternative in case FBO is unavailable. Please feel free to use either site to access the information posted by the Navy Sea Systems Command. It is envisioned that system requirements and white paper responses to this notice may be divided into two categories: a. X-band Radar System Concepts, Active Antenna Technologies, and Architecture b. X-band Receiver / Exciter / Frequency Synthesizer Technologies White paper responses to the System Concepts, Active Antenna Technologies, and Architecture aspects of the envisioned X-band radar system should concentrate on the following system functionalities: a. Low flying threat / Anti-Ship Cruise Missile firm track range b. Missile illumination capability including effective radiated power and duration c. Missile communications capability (uplink and downlink) d. Periscope detection e. Surface surveillance and tracking f. Dedicated tracking throughout the hemispherical coverage area from the sea surface through the zenith For each concept addressing the functionalities above the responses must address the technical performance attributes of the system, including peak and average power, duty cycle, system losses, antenna gains, antenna sidelobe levels, instantaneous and tunable bandwidth, dynamic range, clutter rejection capability as illustrated with either clutter attenuation or clutter improvement factor, a Blake chart illustrating performance (for complete radar systems), and size/weight/ power and cost. For systems that have not yet been fielded, an assessment of the maturity of the concept illustrating at least TRL-6 maturity is desired. White paper responses to the X-band Receiver / Exciter / Frequency Synthesizer Technologies aspects of the envisioned X-band radar system should concentrate on the following attributes: a. Tunable frequency coverage b. Phase noise c. Frequency switching speed d. Correlated / uncorrelated spurious signal (including harmonics) content e. Size / weight / power and cost f. Reliability and fault tolerance g. Waveform capabilities, including minimum / maximum pulse width, pulse repetition frequency, instantaneous bandwidth h. Control interface For Receiver / Exciter / Frequency Synthesizer systems that have not yet been fielded, an assessment of the maturity of the concept illustrating at least TRL-6 maturity is desired. Request for Capabilities Statements- Interested parties are invited to submit responses addressing the following information, as applicable to the topic areas above: 1. A positive statement of interest to submit a proposal as a contractor on a future solicitation for this system. 2. Company name and address, point(s) of contact with phone number(s). 3. Technical Approach. 4. Current TRL level of the X-band Radar System Concept 5. Current TRL level of the X-band Receiver / Exciter / Frequency Synthesizer Technologies 6. If the current TRL of the Radar System Concept is below TRL 6 discuss the risks and schedule necessary to achieve a TRL 6 7. If the current TRL of the Receiver / Exciter / Frequency Synthesizer Technologies is below TRL 6 discuss the risks and schedule necessary to achieve a TRL 6 8. Government resources required. 9. Modularity and scalability of the system, subsystem or components as they relate to system performance, redundancy, reliability, and future opportunities for technical upgrades Additionally, the response shall identify the respondent's business size and any socio-economic programs that may apply. Responses should not exceed 15 pages in length. The data received in response to this RFI is for information purposes only and does not mandate or impose requirements or commit the Government or vendor to any action. It is recognized that proprietary data may be included with the information provided. Clearly mark all proprietary information. Classified responses are permitted with prior notification. NSWCDD, Code 025 must be notified in writing 5 working days prior to submission of any classified responses. CLASSIFIED questions shall be handled through the NSWCDD Security POC. Specifically, any entity wanting to ask a CLASSIFIED question shall send an email to the NSWCDD Security POC with a copy to both the Technical POC and the Business POC stating that the entity would like to ask a CLASSIFIED question. DO NOT EMAIL ANY CLASSIFIED QUESTIONS. The Security POC will contact the entity and arrange for the CLASSIFIED question to be submitted through a secure method of communication. Note: The requested information is for planning purposes and does not constitute a commitment, implied, or otherwise, that a procurement action will be issued nor will the Government pay for the information solicited. All information and data received in response to the sources sought marked or designated as corporate proprietary information will be fully protected and held in strict confidence. No telephone responses will be accepted. Responses must be received no later than NOON EST on Friday 30 October 2015 via e-mail to kim.carter@navy.mil. Responses should reference "X BAND RF RADAR." Information submitted is for planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to provide any items or services. Questions pertaining to this Sources Sought Announcement Number N00178-16-R-2001 shall be directed to the attention of kim.carter@navy.mil. NO SOLICITATION EXISTS AT THIS TIME AND THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT INTEND TO AWARD A CONTRACT BASED ON THIS SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT OR TO OTHERWISE PAY FOR THE INFORMATION SUBMITTED.