Request for Information - WISP 1.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE

9/2/2026

Tracking No. FA8629-26-R-5015

FROM: AFLCMC/WISK

Special Warfare Contracting Office 1895 Fifth Street Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7200

SUBJECT: Request for Information (RFI) – Wide-Area IR Persistent Surveillance System

1. NOTICE

This Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS)/Request for Information (RFI) is issued for informational purposes and market research only; it does not constitute a solicitation. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for any expenses associated with preparing/submitting information in response to this posting. The information provided may be used by the Government in developing its acquisition strategy, statement of work/statement of objectives, and/or performance specifications. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained within their response as instructed later in this posting.

2. BACKGROUND AND SCOPE

The United States (US) Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance & Special Operations Forces (ISR & SOF) Directorate, Special Warfare (SW) Program Office (AFLCMC/WISN) is conducting market research to identify possible sources capable of providing Wide Area Infrared Surveillance (WAIS) System.

3. CAPABILITY GAP

• Unable to conduct target development with organically sensed intelligence and targeting information from the land and sea domain

• Unable to conduct mission analysis with organically sensed intelligence and targeting information from the land and sea domain

• Inability to conduct targeting with organically sensed intelligence and targeting information from the land and sea domain

• Cannot maintain Air Control System informed CTP using machine to machine data exchange across Joint and Coalition networks

• Unable to integrate networks within Area of Responsibility

• Unable to establish resilient redundant and survivable communications pathways with required/appropriate echelon

REQUIREMENT

Key Performance Parameters (KPPs)

1. Performance & Detection Capabilities

• Passive Operation: Provide self-protection and situational awareness without emitting detectable signals.

• Detection & Tracking Capacity: Automatically detect and classify up to 100 simultaneous thermal signatures within 1 second.

• Detection Ranges: Capable of long-range acquisition across multiple target profiles:

• Commercial aircraft up to 93 miles (at 12,000 ft altitude).

• Group 2 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) up to 10 miles.

• Personnel and ground vehicles up to 5 miles.

• Personnel detection minimum range is 500 meters.

• Tracking Accuracy & Reliability: Achieve a 90% overall detection probability. Target tracking accuracy must maintain ±3 degrees at 10 miles and ±5 degrees at 93 miles (evaluated at a 95% confidence level).

• Field of View (FOV): The entire system, comprised of multiple sensors, shall provide a minimum of 360° horizontal and 125° vertical hemispherical coverage.

• Individual sensors shall have a minimum FOV of 90 degrees.

• AI & Automation: Utilize advanced AI/ML-driven algorithms for automated target detection, classification (e.g., distinguishing small drones from commercial airliners), predictive analysis, and pattern recognition.

2. Integration & Interoperability

• C2 Integration: Incorporate an open-architecture design to integrate seamlessly with Command and Control (C2) systems, existing Tactical Grid infrastructure, and TACP mission software/hardware.

• Sensor Fusion: Capable of fusing multiple passive IR data streams (from within the IRIS-P system), and fusing with active radar and other external EO/IR sensors to deliver comprehensive, multi-domain situational awareness.

• Communication Standards: Utilize common tactical interface standards (e.g., MIL-STD-6016) to interface natively with broader electromagnetic spectrum awareness systems.

3. System Operations & Data Management

• Usability: Operable by a single user with minimal training. Features a user-friendly laptop workstation interface providing real-time data, tracking options, and automated alerts accessible within 3 seconds of a request.

• Operator Verification: Support robust "operator-in-the-loop" workflows to verify, refine, and override automated threat detections.

• Networking & Throughput: Process high-fidelity thermal imaging data at a minimum of 1 Gbps throughput on a hard-wired, closed network. Supports real-time data streaming, efficient data compression, and on-demand retrieval.

• Security & Storage: Implement role-based and security-clearance-based access control for stored data. Support Unencrypted, Type 3, and Type 1 communication pathways (Type-1 encryption specifically required for sensor data in transit).

• Data storage shall be scalable to accommodate increasing data volumes.

4. Physical Characteristics (SWaP) & Environmental Durability

• Deployability: Modular, low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) footprint. Deployable in rugged environments across mobile (dismounted, vehicle-mounted) and stationary (tripods, fixed towers) configurations. Minimize time and effort required to relocate stationary configuration.

• Environmental Ruggedization: Must meet MIL-STD-810G standards. Fully operational in extreme temperatures (- 30°C to 55°C) and adverse weather conditions (rain, fog, snow).

Key System Attributes (KSAs)

4.1 Component Size Constraints

The following table outlines the maximum allowable physical dimensions for the primary system components:

System Component Max Volume (W x H x D) Form Factor Standard

Infrared Sensors 15" x 15" x 22" Modular Sensor Pod

Processor Unit 19" x 8" x 26" Standard Rackmount / Rugged Case

The required part numbers are as follows:

Name SKU QTY

Lattice Core + Lattice for Air Defense + Support UNK 1

WISP SkyFence 3-Sensor LWIR Rugged Kit WISP01-005-01 1

WISP Tripod Installation Kit WISP04-001-01 3

Long Range Camera Tower - Tripod (LRCT-T) TOWR02-027-01 1

GCS 5.4 Advanced Laptop Kit with 4200 Silvus C-Band GCSS02-018-01 1

Silvus Kit 4200, C-Band GCSS02-009-01 3

3 Day New Equipment Training SPED07-012-SS 1

4. INSTRUCTION TO POTENTIAL RESPONDENTS

Interested parties who desire to participate in this SSS/RFI are encouraged to submit responses that demonstrate they presently have the technology and qualifications to provide the system described above. Responses shall also include the following information:

a. Respondent Data:

Company/Institute Name Address Point of Contact (to include phone number and email address) CAGE Code Web Page URL

Pursuant to NAICS Code 541512, Computer Systems Design Services, state whether the company is:

Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Women-Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Economically Disadvantaged Women- Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified HUBZone Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Veteran Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned

Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified 8(a) Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified SBA Certification Date: SBA Graduation Date:

State whether the company is domestically or foreign-owned (if foreign, indicate the country of ownership).

State whether the respondent is interested in being a prime or subcontractor for this requirement.

b. Describe the capability of your product or products, and provide product information and specifications. Additionally, describe the capability of your product(s) to meet the desired performance requirements listed below. If you are proposing development to integrate existing or new subsystems, clearly describe your approach.

c. Responses may include but are not limited to:

1) Pictures

2) Training videos

3) Architecture views

4) Drawings

5) Associations or connectivity with other end items/systems

6) Test results to support meeting threshold and objective requirements

7) Ability to deliver 2 units within 6 months after receipt of order

d. Rough cost estimate (i.e. rough order of magnitude (ROM)) based on an optimum or varied pricing quantities (this is for Government budget planning purposes, and will not be considered a bid or binding in any manner).

1) If development and/or integration is required to meet the system requirements, the Government also needs an estimate of the development cost based on complexity (for planning purposes only) to include PHS&T, such as warranties, portable storage, special tooling required, and training.

e. Indicate whether the company is currently performing this type of work/whether the capability can be obtained under an existing Government contract. Provide the contract number(s) and Government points of contact accordingly.

f. Indicate whether or not the company currently provides this type of work as a commercial solution. In this instance, “commercial item” means an item that is of a type customarily used by the general public or non-Governmental entities for purposes other than Governmental purposes.

Please indicate if this item has been sold, leased, or licensed to the general public; or has been offered for sale, lease, or license to the general public. Indicate whether all materials used are in compliance with the Buy American Act or Berry Amendment (10 U.S.C. 2533a), as applicable.

g. Please include product warranty terms as applicable, along with any warranty limitations. If product warranty terms are not applicable, please include N/A.

h. Include any spare parts that would potentially be included.

i. Provide the details of NET training including process and cost.

j. Describe any possible product improvements that could be made or are planned for the future for the solution.

k. Describe any risks associated with the fulfillment of this projected requirement. This can include technical or schedule risks associated with development, key performance parameters, etc.

l. Please provide specific details and rationale as to how compliance with FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, and FAR 52.219-33, Non-Manufacturer Rule, would be achieved in the event the Government sets this requirement aside for small business. Include specific details regarding teaming arrangements, etc. If subcontracts are to be used, provide the anticipated percentage of effort to be subcontracted and whether small or large businesses, including foreign, will be used. If this effort is not set-aside for small business, small business utilization will be considered. Large and small businesses should provide a reasonable expectation for small business utilization as a percent of total contract value as well as supporting rationale for the recommended percentage.

5. RESPONSES, COMMUNICATIONS, AND ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

a. The Government may contact respondents to obtain additional information or clarification in order to fully understand a company's response. This may include discussions, site visits, demonstrations, etc. to further the Government's understanding of a proposed solution, as well as a company's understanding of the Government's requirements.

b. Responses shall not exceed 15 pages (including cover page). Include technical and descriptive text and photographs/illustrations to provide sufficient detail. The submitted documentation becomes the property of the United States Government and will not be returned.

c. Respondents shall clearly mark proprietary data with the appropriate markings. Any proprietary information received in response to this request will be properly protected from any unauthorized disclosure. Any material that is not marked will be considered publicly-releasable.

d. Government-contracted contractor support personnel may handle proprietary data submitted in response to this RFI. These support personnel will have signed the same Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) as Government personnel.

e. If you are currently providing your proposed capability on an existing government contract, please identify the contract and a government POC.

f. Broad industry participation for this RFI is encouraged. U.S. and non-U.S. firms are permitted to respond.

g. Please note that prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management

(SAM) database to be awarded a DOD contract; the NAICS code for this requirement, if applicable to the company’s capabilities, should be included in the company’s NAICS code listing in SAM. To learn more about this SAM requirement and how to register, please visit the SAM website at: https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM

h. Responses are due electronically by 12:00PM Eastern time on 9 September 2026 via email to:

SHAUN M.WHELDON

AFLCMC/WISK

Contracting Officer shaun.wheldon@us.af.m il

MATTHEW C. ANDERSON

AFLCMC/WISN

Program Manager matthew.anderson.91@us.af.mil

MATTHEW J. SCHLOSSER

AFLCMC/WISN

Program Manager matthew.schlosser.ctr@us.af.mil https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM

i. This notice may be updated as additional information becomes available. Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by email to the Contracting Officer identified above, with the other individuals identified above copied as a courtesy.

This is a Request for Information (RFI) only to identify potential sources for the solution. The information provided in the RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. The Government has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as creating such a commitment or as an authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought.