Att 5 - SOO - RPRD Communications.pdf

sUAS COMMUNICATIONS STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES (SOO)

1.0 Objective:

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) is seeking information on domestically produced, innovative, and readily available communication systems for Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems (sUAS) to enhance operational capabilities and support mission effectiveness. This effort focuses on providing secure, reliable, and sustainable communication and data link solutions for Group 1 (up to 20 lbs.), Group 2 (20-55 lbs), and Group 3 (55-1320 lbs) sUAS platforms. All drones and critical drone components for this effort must be compliant with section 848 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (“FY 2020 NDAA”) (Public Law 116-92).

2.0 Background:

The increasing reliance on sUAS platforms for a wide range of military operations necessitates advanced communication systems that can meet evolving threats and operational demands. These systems must be secure, adaptable, and capable of supporting advanced functionalities such as swarming, autonomous operations, and data-intensive missions, as well as spectrum warfare.

3.0 Desired Outcomes:

The Government seeks information on communication systems that achieve the following objectives:

• Rapid Deployment: Production-ready systems available within 6 months of contract award.

• Enhanced Security: Robust security measures and anti-tamper protection to safeguard critical data and prevent unauthorized access.

• Cybersecurity Resilience: Robust cybersecurity measures to protect against cyber threats.

• Extended Operational Range: Sufficient nautical mile range to support a variety of mission profiles.

• Increased Payload Capacity: Adequate payload weight capacity to accommodate diverse sensor and communication payloads.

• Improved Autonomy: Enhanced autonomous capabilities, including flight path planning, area loitering, and target identification.

• Effective Command and Control: Reliable vehicle command and control during flight operations.

• Swarming Capability: Support for autonomous swarming operations.

• Sustainable Operations: Systems designed for ease of sustainment, including storage requirements and high operational availability.

• Exportability: Systems designed with consideration for potential exportability to foreign countries, adhering to all applicable regulations.

• Interoperability: Common control software that allows seamless operation between operators. Also utilize open architecture interfaces to facilitate integration.

• Adaptability: Open architecture interface that allows for future upgrades and integration with other systems.

• Survivability: Ability to operate effectively in a wartime environment.

• Weather Resilience: Ability to operate in varying weather conditions.

• Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS): In some cases, ability to operate “over the horizon”.

• Electronic Warfare: In some cases, use electromagnetic signals to detect, intercept, and disrupt enemy communications, RADAR, navigation, other systems and/or protect friendly communications.

3.1 Key Performance Parameters (KPPs):

The communication systems must meet the following key performance parameters:

• System Security and Anti-Tamper Protection: Provide robust protection against unauthorized access and tampering.

• Cybersecurity: Resilient cybersecurity measures to protect against cyber threats.

• Battery Power Storage Requirements: Efficient power management to maximize flight time and operational range.

• Sustainment (Storage Requirements and Operational Availability): Designed for ease of maintenance and high operational availability.

• Vehicle Command and Control in Flight: Reliable and secure command and control during flight operations.

• Autonomy for Swarming: Support for autonomous swarming operations.

• Exportability to Foreign Countries: Adherence to export control regulations.

3.2 Key System Attributes (KSAs):

The communication systems should possess the following key system attributes:

• Autonomy (Flight Path, Area Loitering, and Target Identification): Advanced autonomous capabilities for mission execution.

• Nautical Mile Range: Sufficient range to support diverse mission profiles.

• Payload Weight Capacity: Should be lightweight and maximize available payload capacity on Group 1, 2, and 3 sUAS platforms.

• Launch (Gravity Dropped, Common Launch Tube, Ground): Support for multiple launch methods.

• Position/Navigation/Timing (PNT): Accurate and reliable PNT capabilities.

• Data Link and Radio: Secure and reliable data link and radio communication.

• Common Control Software (Operator to Operator): Standardized operator interface for ease of use and interoperability.

• Weather Operational Thresholds: Ability to operate in various weather conditions.

• Open Architecture Interface: Modular design for future upgrades and integration.

• Survivability in Wartime Environment: Robust design for operation in contested environments.

4. Information for Offerors:

Offerors are encouraged to discuss innovative solutions that meet or exceed the desired outcomes and KPPs/KSAs outlined in this SOO. The Government seeks solutions that are cost-effective, readily available, and adaptable to evolving mission requirements. Offerors should clearly demonstrate their understanding of the Government's objectives and provide a comprehensive overview of their proposed solution.

Note: This Statement of Objectives is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. The Government reserves the right to modify or cancel this effort at any time.