AFLCMC_HBY_DECOY_RFI 5.16.25_Final.pdf

Request for Information B1-B Decoy Update

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC)/HBY Electronic Warfare Branch is conducting market research to obtain responses from interested sources that can provide engineering solutions and support for an update to, companion to, or replacement for the ALE-50 Towed Decoy system. This information will be used to assess industry’s abilities to meet the potential requirements for a future acquisition effort.

This update shall be a form-fit update that should utilize multi-band or similar capabilities to cover the frequency range currently covered by the ALE-50 plus a wider range relevant to current and emerging threats. Solutions should consider system integration complexity and propose efficient solutions that minimize modifications to the system while utilizing as much of existing ALE-50 infrastructure as possible. Proposed solutions should be high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of at least 7 for rapid development and fielding and can be either a recoverable or expendable towed decoy or a dispensed expendable device.

The end goal is to define trade space for a cost efficient, quality solution that could be fielded in a timely manner to support the Air Force mission. AFLCMC/HBY is the overall system technical authority and has Operational Safety, Suitability, and Effectiveness (OSS&E) responsibility and program management responsibilities for all AN/ALQ-161A projects. As the lead architect for the B-1B Defensive Avionics System (DAS), Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) will provide engineering support to the Government in assessing the feasibility and capabilities of responses to this RFI. GTRI is a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) providing independent technical expertise to the Government. As a UARC, GTRI does not compete for production contracts. Any vendor-provided information will be used solely for the purpose of supporting the Government’s evaluation of potential concepts utilizing a towed or dispensable decoy system to expand the frequency coverage of the B-1B’s self-protection systems. Future transition to a demonstration or acquisition project is dependent on approval of requirements and funding.

Interested entities should provide information about their potential solutions including frequencies covered, technique generation capabilities, size/weight/power requirements, communications protocols used, designed operational environments, and any other factors impacting integration with a host platform, as well as information on testing conducted, results received, technical/manufacturing readiness levels. Entities with sufficiently mature potential solutions may be asked to provide prototypes for use in ongoing studies. Additional information on specific areas of interest is available to qualified entities by requesting the classified supplement to this RFI from the POC listed below.

CAUTION:

The level of security clearance related to this effort has been determined to be at the Secret level.

Foreign participation in this requirement is not anticipated.

In accordance with FAR 52.215-3, Contractors/Institutions responding to this market research are placed on notice that participation in this survey may not ensure participation in future solicitations or contract awards. The government will not reimburse participants for any expenses associated with their participation in this survey. Responses will be treated as information only.

The Government does not own or have access to the data for items identified within this Request for Information.

1. The document(s) below contains a Contractor Capability Survey. The Survey allows Contractors to provide their company’s capability.

2. If, after reviewing these documents, you desire to participate in the market research, you should provide documentation that supports your company’s capability in meeting these requirements. Failure to provide documentation may result in the government being unable to adequately assess your capabilities. If you lack sufficient experience in a particular area, please provide details explaining how you would overcome the lack of experience/capabilities in order to perform that portion of the requirement (i.e., teaming, subcontracting, etc.)

a. Identify any areas of work that your organization believes should be broken out exclusively for Small Business.

3. Both large and small businesses are encouraged to participate in this Market Research.

Joint ventures or teaming arrangements are encouraged.

4. Questions related to this market survey should be addressed to the PCO.

Responses to the Capability Survey Part I and Part II must be received no later than close of business 17 June 2025. For unclassified responses, all responses should be submitted electronically only to the email addresses listed below. Please ensure data is in a readable electronic format that can be received through a firewall. Attachments shall not exceed 10 MB per email and are limited to 15 pages. Multiple emails are acceptable. Responses must be sent via email to the following:

• Procuring Contract Officer (PCO): Mr. Daniel Daniels; daniel.daniels.2@us.af.mil

• Program office POC: Ms. Medina Upshaw; medina.upshaw@us.af.mil

Any classified responses should be submitted via hardcopy or Compact Disc (CD) utilizing the instructions found in the attachments.

mailto:daniel.daniels.2@us.af.mil mailto:medina.upshaw@us.af.mil

CONTRACTOR CAPABILITY SURVEY

Part I. Business Information

Please provide the following business information for your company/institution and for any teaming or joint venture partners:

• Company/Institute Name:

• Address:

• Point of Contact:

• CAGE Code:

• Phone Number:

• E-mail Address:

• Web Page URL:

• Government Proposed North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code:

334511

Part II. Capability Survey Questions

Any perspective contractor must provide evidence of proficiency or knowledge in each of the areas described below. Failure to provide sufficient information for the government to determine qualifications may result in a not qualified determination.

Required:

1. Identification of potential solution to B-1B decoy enhancement requirements o Nomenclature o Deployment method o Reusability and recoverability o

2. Identification of Frequency range covered, including maximum/typical radiated power at key points in the frequency spectrum

3. Summary of technique generation capabilities

4. Size, weight, and power requirements

5. System block diagram showing:

o Components necessary to utilize decoy o Required data connections including type (cable, fiberoptic, etc.,) and protocol (Ethernet, 1553, …) o Identification of interfaces with existing aircraft and ALQ-161A systems o Highlight of existing ALE-50 system components that could be retained and used

6. Status of suggested product—conceptual, developmental, production and fielding

7. Summary of testing conducted and results obtained

8. Summary of environmental, dynamic, and electromagnetic environmental design envelope and testing completed

9. Estimate of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Level

(MRL)

Preferred:

1. Non-binding planning estimate/rough-order-of-magnitude estimate of costs for nonrecurring system integration efforts and recurring unit costs.