FD70_CL61 Sensor Procurement RFI Sept 2025 TA2.pdf

A. Disclaimer

Notice to Offeror(s)/Supplier(s): This Request for Information (RFI) is being conducted to identify potential sources that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet the requirements for AFLCMC/HBAW. While industry sources are requested to provide full and comprehensive responses to this request, they are reminded that all information is voluntary. Please note, there is no solicitation available at this time and any requests for a solicitation will not receive a response. The Air Force reserves the right to review capability statements and schedule One-on-One interviews with the most capable companies. Funds are not available for this effort.

No award will be made under this Request for Information (RFI). The Government reserves the right to cancel this RFI. Respondents are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI; all costs associated with expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future solicitation, if any is issued.

No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Air Force reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s). Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned.

The contracting organization responsible for this RFI is Air Force Material Command (AFMC) Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Contracting Office (AFLCMC/HBAK), 75 Vandenberg Dr., Bldg 1630, Hanscom AFB, MA 01731.

C. Responses All responses are due no later than (NLT) XX October 2025. Submit questions relative to this market research and your final response to the Contracting Officer, Capt Christopher Thier, christopher.thier@us.af.mil .

D. Background The Fixed Base Weather Systems (FBWS) program is a production/fielding program that represents an integrated system of multiple weather sensors and data automation components encompassing the AN/FMQ-13, AN/FMQ-19, AN/FMQ-22, and AN/FMQ-23 systems, as well as the Sensor Collection Appliance (SCA) and the Enhanced Sensor Collection Appliance (ESCA). The weather systems in FBWS are designed to continually measure the conditions of the environment at military installations in support of flight safety and asset protection as well as emerging, objective requirements to detect/sense atmospheric particles/aerosols from SFC 100,000 (troposphere to stratosphere). These weather sensors and data automation components are integrated into a fully automated weather observation system

E. Requirements Overview

The FBWS Program Management Office (PMO) is searching for sources that manufacture and offer COTS (commercial off the shelf) products that meet the following requirements:

1. Improve existing weather sensor capabilities by incorporating modern technologies that leverage new technologies such depolarization to differentiate hydrometeors, lithometeors, aerosols and other weather elements while increasing horizontal and vertical range

a. Provide greater insights into microphysics of the atmosphere - CLOUD

i. Detect and measure cloud layers, to include bases and tops, from the surface to 100,000ft (Objective) and display in reportable values

ii. Sense optimal envelops for flight operation (cloud free areas) or areas free of supercooled water droplets, volcanic ash, dust, or smoke

b. Provide greater insights into microphysics of the atmosphere - Visibility /

Present Weather

i. Improve delineation and detection of haze, smoke, dust and blowing dust, sand, blowing sand, and volcanic ash

ii. Improve delineation and detection, between snow, freezing rain, drizzle, ice crystals, ice pellets and hail.

iii. Determine and report surface-based visibility for all reportable values

iv. Determine and report slant range visibility to the nearest 1/16 mile (100 meter) from 0NM to 100NM (Objective).

v. Determine visibility at flight level (at altitude) to the nearest 1/16 mile

(100 meters) from 0NM to 100NM (Objective).

vi. Determine and report RVR at 50ft increments from 0 to 6000ft

F. RFI Response Requirements

1. Cover Sheet

a. Company Name

b. CAGE/DUNS

c. Socioeconomic Status

d. Location

e. Point of Contact

2. Relevant Experience (not to exceed two pages)

a. Describe advance weather sensors that meet or exceed the requirements.

b.

weather systems.

c. Describe the expected time after contract award for your company to deliver these sensors to the USAF.

d. ramp production (up to 350 sensors) to field replacement visibility sensors across a 5-year period

e. ramp production (up to 350 sensors) to field replacement of ceilometer sensors across a 5 year period

f. Describe any industry certifications that your company presently holds, including but not limited to Industry Standard Organization (ISO) 9001or beyond.

g. Describe your experience in complying with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

G. Summary THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY. It does not constitute a request for quote (RFQ) or request for proposal (RFP), or a promise to issue an RFQ or RFP in the future. The information provided in the RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. The Air Force has not made a commitment to procure any of the services discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought.