Att 6 - SOO - RPRD Sensors.pdf

sUAS SENSORS STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES (SOO)

1.0 Objective:

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) seeks to assess domestically produced innovative sensor solutions for integration with Group 1 (up to 20 lbs), Group 2 (20-55 lbs) and Group 3 (55-1320 lbs) Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems (sUAS) to enhance situational awareness, intelligence gathering, and operational effectiveness. The objective is to assess production-ready sensor systems deliverable within 6 months of contract award that meet or exceed specified performance and attribute requirements. 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 proliferation of sUAS technology presents both opportunities and challenges for the Air Force. Integrating advanced sensor capabilities onto sUAS platforms will provide enhanced reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) capabilities. These sensor systems must be robust, secure, and adaptable to evolving operational environments.

3.0 Desired Outcomes:

The Government seeks sensor systems that:

• Enhance sUAS Capabilities: Significantly improve the RSTA capabilities of Group 1, 2, and 3 sUAS platforms.

• Rapid Deployment: Are production-ready and capable of integration and deployment within 6 months of contract award.

• Operational Effectiveness: Provide reliable and effective performance across a range of operational environments.

• Secure and Protected: Incorporate robust security measures to protect against compromise and tampering.

• Sustainable: Are designed for ease of storage, maintenance, and long-term operational availability.

• Exportable: Are designed with potential exportability in mind, considering International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and other relevant regulations.

3.1 Key Performance Parameters (KPPs):

The following KPPs are critical to the success of this effort:

• System Security and Anti-Tamper Protection: Sensor systems shall incorporate robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access, data compromise, and physical tampering.

• Battery Power Storage Requirements: Sensor systems shall be designed to minimize power consumption and optimize battery life, enabling extended sUAS flight times. Clear specifications for battery types, charging requirements, and operational life are required.

• Cybersecurity: Sensor systems and associated software shall be designed to meet or exceed current cybersecurity standards and be resistant to cyber threats.

• Sustainment: Sensor systems shall be designed for ease of storage, maintenance, and repair, maximizing operational availability and minimizing lifecycle costs.

• Vehicle Command and Control in Flight: Sensor systems shall seamlessly integrate with existing sUAS command and control systems, ensuring reliable and responsive operation.

• Autonomy for Swarming: Sensor systems shall be capable of supporting autonomous swarming operations, enabling coordinated data collection and analysis across multiple sUAS platforms.

• Exportability to Foreign Countries: Sensor systems shall be designed with consideration for exportability to foreign countries, adhering to all relevant regulations (e.g., ITAR). Vendors should identify potential export limitations.

3.2 Key System Attributes (KSAs):

The following KSAs are highly desirable:

• Autonomy: Sensor systems should incorporate autonomous features such as flight path planning, area loitering, and target identification.

• Payload Weight Capacity: Sensor systems should be lightweight and maximize available payload capacity on Group 2 and Group 3 sUAS platforms.

• Launch: Sensor systems should be compatible with various launch methods, including gravity drop, common launch tubes, and ground launch.

• Position/Navigation/Timing (PNT): Sensor systems should incorporate accurate and reliable PNT capabilities, even in GPS-denied environments.

• Data Link and Radio: Sensor systems should utilize secure and robust data links and radios for reliable communication with ground stations.

• Common Control Software: Sensor systems should be compatible with common control software platforms, enabling seamless operator-to-operator transition.

• Weather Operational Thresholds: Sensor systems should be capable of operating in a range of weather conditions, including rain, wind, and temperature extremes.

• Open Architecture Interface: Sensor systems should incorporate an open architecture interface, enabling easy integration with other systems and future upgrades.

• Survivability in Wartime Environment: Sensor systems should be designed to withstand the rigors of a wartime environment, including electronic warfare and physical threats.

4.0 Information Requested:

Interested vendors are requested to submit information outlining their capabilities to meet the objectives outlined in this SOO. This information should include, but is not limited to:

• A description of the proposed sensor system, including its key features and capabilities.

• A discussion of how the proposed sensor system meets the KPPs and KSAs outlined in this SOO.

• A plan for achieving production readiness within 6 months of contract award.

• A discussion of the vendor's experience in developing and deploying similar sensor systems.

• A preliminary cost estimate for the proposed sensor system.

• Any potential limitations or challenges associated with the proposed sensor system.

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.