AFSAT-RFI-0001.pdf

Request for Information (RFI) for

Aerial Targets Branch Air Force Subscale Aerial Target Lot(s) Production

Agency: Department of the Air Force Office: Air Force Materiel Command Location: AFLCMC/EBA – Eglin AFB Notice Type: Request for Information Posted Date: 28 October 2024 Requested Response Date: 12 November 2024 End of Response Period: 27 NOV 2024 Original Set Aside: N/A Set Aside: N/A NAICS Code: 336413, Other Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing PSC/FSC: 1550, Unmanned Aircraft

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION for the Aerial Targets Branch (EBAY) Air Force Subscale Aerial Target (AFSAT) Lot(s) Production

1.0 Description

The mission of the Aerial Targets Branch is to enable realistic air-to-air and surface-to-air testing. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Aerial Targets Branch (AFLCMC/EBAY) is issuing this RFI in effort to understand market availability and maturity of potential solutions for full production between three to five lots of 10-60 BQM-167A’s (AFSAT) or like aricraft in a period of two years.

The continuation of production of BQM-167A’s is required to provide adequate threat representative targets to meet current and projected HQ AF/TE-sponsored kill authorizations as outlined in AFMAN 99-108 Programming and Reporting Aerial Target and Missile expenditures in Test and Evaluation dated 6 June 2023. The continuation of production and sustainment of BQM-167A is required to maintain adequate cost-effective targets and timely support. AFLCMC/EBAY requests additional information about the existing or novel potential capabilities existing in the market in order to satisfy this production requirement.

Minimum Specifications:

Capabilities Required. AFSAT must support air-to-air munitions test programs, upgrades to fighter aircraft fire control systems, new fighter aircraft developments, and advanced and operational development programs.

a) System Performance.

i) Operating Environment. AFSAT must be capable of full operations during day and night visual meteorological conditions (VMC) or instrument meteorological conditions.

ii) Launch Wind Restrictions.• AFSAT must be capable of ground launch in 50 knot headwind, 20 knot crosswind, and a 28 knot tailwind. Air launch in TBD wind conditions. ,

iii) Launch Capability. AFSAT must be capable oflaunch from existing land sites. Air launch capability is desired.

iv) Recovery. The AFSAT must be capable of land and water recovery with the same wind conditions in paragraph.

v) Endurance. AFSAT must be capable of supporting a 60-minute mission (launch to recovery) with 30 minutes at

15,000 ft at military power. 75-minute mission, with 45 minutes at 500 ft at military power is desired.

vi) Operating Altitude. AFSAT must be capable of operating between altitudes from 50 to 50,000 feet. Operating altitudes from 50,000 to 60,000 feet are desired.

vii) Airspeed. AFSAT must operate between 250 KCAS to .90 Mach at 15,000 ft, 200 KCAS to 1.5 Mach at 15,000 ft.

viii) Maneuverability. AFSAT must have a sustained "+6.0g" capability at 10,000 feet, +9.0g's at 10,000 feet.

ix) Turn Rate. AFSAT must have a sustained turn rate capability of 10 degrees per second at 10,000 feet (threshold), 17 degrees per second at 10,000 feet (objective).

x) Threat Representative Maneuvers. AFSAT must be capable of performing single-ship repeatable consecutive threat representative maneuvers with the ability to terminate the maneuver on command (threshold). (These maneuvers include, but are not limited to barrel roll, pitch-back, slice-back, split-S, low altitude penetration, break turns, weave, pop-up, escape, and loss of signal maneuvers.)

xi) Formation. AFSAT must be capable of flying in threat representative formations of 2, 3, and 4 targets (threshold).

Each AFSAT must be able to individually maneuver in accordance with paragraph.

xii) Radar and Infrared Signature capabilities required.

xiii) Visual Acquisition. The range for visual acquisition of the AFSAT must be 2:3 nautical miles (threshold), 2:5 nautical iniles (objective).

xiv) Aspect Angle Determination Range. The range for determination of the AFSAT aspect angle must be 2:1.5 nautical miles (threshold), 2:2 nautical miles(objective).

xv) Visual Augmentation Systems. AFSAT must be capable of supporting smoke, paint, and strobe light(s) visual augmentation systems (threshold).

xvi) Payloads. AFSAT must be prewired and capable of carrying and operating throughout a typical mission a mix of standard payloads to include ALE-44, ALE-40, M-130, ULQ-21 components, DLQ-9, APC-4, and ALE- 50 systems (threshold) and other current or emerging payloads to enhance target signature or survivability.

xvii) Payload Carriage. AFSAT must be capable of internal and external carriage ofup to a total of 300 pounds (threshold). Each wing must be stressed to carry 150 pounds (threshold). AFSAT must be able to carry a minimum of 100 pounds internally and have internal carriage space to accommodate growth for future payloads (threshold). 500 pounds of payload, 250 pounds on each wing or 350 pounds internally are desired (objective).

xviii) Target Control System (TCS) Compatibility and Control. AFSAT must be fully functional with the current Air Force target control system and capable of being integrated with other DoD target control systems (threshold). AFSAT should be capable of operating with all DoD target control systems (objective). The components of the TCS must not degrade the aerodynamic performance or radar signature of the AFSAT and provide the AFSAT with effective target and payload control. AFSAT must be operated through the control system to fly automated maneuvers or allow the drone controllers to manually operate the drone to meet safety and mission support requirements (threshold). Automatic or manual control of the target by target controllers must adhere to: ± 5 degrees heading,± 200 ft altitude, and± 10 knts indicated airspeed (threshold), ± 3 degrees heading, ± 50 ft altitude, and ± 5 knts indicated airspeed (objective). Through the target control system, the AFSAT must be fully capable of target launch, performance of required maneuvers to include formation flight, and recovery. This must include immediate recovery in case of damage to save the target.

xix) Scoring System. AFSAT must interface with the AN/DPQ-9 vector doppler scoring (VDOPS) and provide spherical coverage of the target (threshold). VDOPS must not degrade the aerodynamic performance or radar or infrared signatures of AFSAT.

xx) Identification Friend or Foe (IFF). AFSAT must have the capability to transmit IFF modes "3/A and C" (threshold). It is desired that AFSAT have mode 2 and 4 transmit capability (objective).

b) Logistics and Readiness.

i) Probability of Mission Success. After successful completion of the ground functional checks, AFSAT must have a single ship probability of successfully completing a 60-minute mission of 0.95 (threshold), 0.97 (objective).

Mission success is defined as drone launch, presentation, and recovery.

ii) Availability. The probability that AFSAT will pass the functional check prior to a mission must be 0.9 (threshold), 0.95 (objective).

iii) Environment, Safety, and Health. The AFSAT system will incorporate positive safety measures to prevent inadvertent mishaps from occurring. The AFSAT should protect against degradation or negation of safety functions during operations, maintenance, storage, shipping, or when a hazardous event occurs. The system must be capable of being rendered safe during emergency or abnormal situations. Operations, maintenance, support, and disposal activities require a system with minimal hazardous material (HAZMATs); minimal health risks;

minimal safety risks; and minimal environmental life-cycle costs. Any HAZMATs used as part of the system's operations, maintenance, support, disposal activities, must be identified and adequate procedures and equipment (to include engineering controls/appropriate personal protective equipment or administrative controls) must be included with the delivered system to minimize environmental, personnel safety and health risks. The system and its support will not present uncontrolled safety, health, or environmental hazards throughout its life cycle. Any safety/health hazard will be controlled throughout the life cycle.

c) Program Support. AFSAT must be inter-operable with existing Air Force drone facilities and support range systems.

No major modifications or additional resources will be developed to support the target, unless a net cost benefit to the Air Force can be realized.

d) Maintenance Planning. Preventive or scheduled maintenance actions will be kept to a minimum due to the very short life of aerial targets. Average expected life of the AFSAT is six missions. The AFSAT maintenance program must provide for a reliable and supportable target system. Two levels of support are envisioned: organizational and depot-

1.1 THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY

This Request for Information (RFI) is for market research purposes only, to understand potential industry solutions and identify qualified and responsible sources. The U.S. Government has not made a final decision regarding procurement and release of this RFI should not be construed as a commitment to procure any items. All submissions become U.S. Government property and will not be returned.

The Government encourages all responsible businesses, including small businesses, joint ventures, and teaming arrangements, to respond to this RFI. However, the Government will not pay for any costs incurred by respondents in preparing and submitting their responses.

Respondents are solely responsible for properly marking and clearly identifying any proprietary information or trade secrets contained within their response. Proprietary information received in response to this RFI will be safeguarded and handled in accordance with applicable Government regulations.

This RFI does not constitute a request for proposal and is subject to change. Submission of any information in response to this market research request is voluntary. In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.201(e), responses to this RFI are not offers and will not form a binding contract or agreement. The Government will not accept unsolicited proposals or be obligated to pursue any particular alternative because of this RFI.

Responses to this RFI will not be returned and not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future solicitation, if issued. It is the responsibility of potential offerors to monitor the SAM.gov website for additional Government information pertaining to the EBAY Air Force Subscale Aerial Target (AFSAT) Lots Production effort.

Please note that the U.S. Government assumes no financial responsibility for any costs incurred in responding to this RFI.

2.0 Background Information

Aerial targets are required for both development and operational testing of weapons systems. Title 10 U.S.C. 2366 requires that all new or improved weapon systems demonstrate their lethality prior to production. Aerial targets and the missile scoring systems carried on-board are the mechanism to demonstrate that lethality. The BQM-167A program support the following Mission Design Series; F-35, F-22, F-15, F-16, F-18, AIM-120, AIM-9X, and Allied test programs. Fielded weapons systems undergo continual evaluation under the USAF Air-to-Air Weapon System Evaluation Program (WSEP). The BQM-167A supports congressionally mandated developmental and operational test requirements and weapon system evaluation programs.

The current BQM-167A, made by Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS) is a turbojet powered, subscale aerial target constructed of composite materials. The BQM-167A system consists of the aircraft, its support equipment and its payloads.

The BQM-167A must be produced using a demonstrated and mature production line to meet DoD Manufacturing Readiness standards associated with Full Rate Production, specifically technology readiness level and manufacturing readiness level 8.

The solution must meet the BQM-167A System Performance Specification (SPS) and be compatible with the Advanced Airborne Theater Target Control System Interface Control Document (ICD), and the BQM-167A Payloads ICD.

Objective: Aerial targets are required for both development and operational testing of weapons systems. Title 10 U.S.C. 2366 requires that all new or improved weapon systems demonstrate their lethality prior to production. Aerial targets and the missile scoring systems carried on-board are the mechanism to demonstrate that lethality. AFLCMC/EBAY desires to see whether any additional qualified and capable sources exist in the market that could produce the needed targets at the numbers requested for each lot (10-60) in period of two years.

3.0 Requested Information

AFLCMC/EBAY is only interested in current and planned service offerings, not hypothetical possibilities nor production that requires substantial investment on the part of the Government. The Government cannot afford a gap in production;

therefore, full production capabilties must be established.

If a capability is planned for the future, provide the corresponding roadmap dates to completion. Please provide a brief response to the following questions:

a. An estimate of the possible costs.

b. An estimated performance period.

c. Current contracts held, including DOD contracts

d. Current production capabilities IAW to the minimum specifications herein, including capability of any production surges

e. Discuss potential usage of small businesses/ small business subcontracting plan

4.0 Submission Details:

AFLCMC/EBAY requests responses not to exceed 15 pages (single-spaced, 12-point font, and 1 inch margins, in Microsoft® Word). These responses may be followed up with comments/questions from the Government team within 30 days of receipt. We highly recommend requesting a meeting to provide a capability briefing on how you can meet Air Force Subscale Aerial Target (AFSAT) Lots 22-26 Production, if you meet the prerequisites previously listed.

. The following vendor information must be provided:

• Name of Company

• CAGE code

• SAM unique EID

• Mailing address

• Phone number

• Email

• Point of contact for further clarification or questions

• Background/Brief history highlighting past relevant experience on similar systems

You may also provide up to 25 (twenty-five) PowerPoint slides, capability briefing or other graphical charts to further explain your concepts and an operational view (OV-1) that provides a high level graphical and textual description of your system design and/or operational concept.

Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing via email to the Contracting Officer, Capt Gabriel Sutherland, at gabriel.sutherland.1@us.af.mil and the Contracting Specialist, Nicholas Ardito, at nicholas.ardito@us.af.mil.

Questions may be answered by the Government and posted to the SAM.gov website; accordingly, questions shall NOT contain proprietary or classified information. The Government does not guarantee that questions received will be answered.

Final respondent white papers and related graphical/textual descriptive data should be submitted to the Government NLT 12 NOV 2024, 4:00 PM Central Time.

5.0 Summary

All respondents are requested to provide their status as a U.S. company, large business, small business, small disadvantaged business, or women-owned small business, per NAICS code 336413. Respondents should also indicate the type and percentage of work that would be subcontracted, including portions intended for socio-economic concerns of interest to the Government. Respondents are requested to disclose their status as a Foreign-owned/Foreign-controlled firm and any contemplated use of foreign national employees on this effort.

Respondents must be registered in the Government's System for Award Management (SAM) at https://www.sam.gov to do business with the Air Force.

All information received in response to this RFI will become Government property and will not be returned. Should there be objections to the envisioned disclosure of technical and cost/price data submitted to the Government, please contact the PCO immediately in writing with the basis of the objection. The Government may release technical, and cost/price data submitted to Government contracted advisors for review and analysis. The support contracts include DFARS clause 252.227-7025, and the Government support contractors are considered coverage Government support contractors, who will only access the information for the purpose of furnishing independent and impartial advice or technical assistance to the Government and will take all reasonable steps to protect the sensitive data from unauthorized release or disclosure.

Contracting Office Address:

AFLCMC/EBAY, 207 West D Avenue, Bldg. 349, Eglin AFB, Florida 32542 United States

Place of Performance:

207 West D Avenue, Bldg. 349, Suite 122, Eglin AFB, Florida 32542 United States

Primary Point of Contact: Secondary Point of Contact:

Capt Gabriel Sutherland Nicholas Ardito Contracting Officer Contracting Specialist gabriel.sutherland.1@us.af.mil nicholas.ardito@us.af.mil Phone: (850) 883-0356 Phone: 850-883-3386 mailto:gabriel.sutherland.1@us.af.mil mailto:nicholas.ardito@us.af.mil https://www.sam.gov/ mailto:gabriel.sutherland.1@us.af.mil mailto:nicholas.ardito@us.af.mil