Ground Based Launcher RFI (17Jul26).pdf

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION: GROUND-BASED LAUNCHER

ISSUED BY: AFLCMC/C3BK

ISSUE DATE: 17 JULY 2026

NOTICE TYPE: MARKET RESEARCH

DUE DATE: 07 AUGUST 2026, 1700, EST. Late responses may not be reviewed.

1. SYNOPSIS

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Command, Control, Communications, and Battle Management (C3BM) Directorate at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), Ohio is conducting market research to identify viable industry solutions for a Ground-Based Launcher.

This is a Request For Information (RFI) only. This RFI is issued solely for market research purposes. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This request for information does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Further, the Air Force (AF) is not seeking proposals, nor will it accept unsolicited proposals at this time.

Respondents are advised that the United States Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party’s expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. It is the responsibility of the potential offerors to monitor the Government’s point of entry (www.sam.gov) for additional information pertaining to this requirement.

Additionally, Non-Government Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) support may be utilized in the review process of RFI submissions. These non-governmental support staff are covered directly by Nondisclosure Agreements (NDAs) with the US Government as a condition of employment. Any respondent to the RFI with concern should notify one of the POCs found in Section 7.

2. PURPOSE

The Government is conducting market research to identify industry partners capable of providing a Ground- Based Launcher solution to protect United States Air Force assets. The objective of this RFI is to assess current technical and manufacturing capabilities within the industrial base.

3. ACQUISITION STRATEGY

The program's acquisition strategy is currently in development.

4. SCOPE/REQUIREMENTS

This RFI seeks industry information for a ground-based launcher characterized by eleven critical baseline attributes that can engage both cruise missiles and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) groups 1-5 threats in accordance with the reference documents. Submissions must detail the intended munition type, the system's integrated sensor capability, and any included laser illuminator. Responses must outline operational performance metrics, specifically the firing rate across all magazines and the total magazine depth, while demonstrating seamless command and control (C2) system integration for rapid sensor data dissemination and weapons cueing. Additionally, vendors are required to provide a bounding price point per system, logistical parameters regarding system transportability, and the manpower footprint required for sustained operation. Finally, all proposed solutions must incorporate automated Built-in-Test (BIT) diagnostics to ensure operational readiness and adhere to rigorous weapon safety protocols.

Eleven Critical Baseline Attributes:

1. Munition Types

2. Integrated Sensor Capability

3. Laser Illuminator

4. Firing Rate (Total of All Magazines)

5. Magazine Depth

6. C2 System Integration – for dissemination of sensor data and weapon cueing

7. Bounding Price Point (Per System Cost)

8. Transportability

9. Manpower

10. Built-In Test (BIT)

11. Weapon System

In addition to the baseline attributes, respondents are requested to detail how their proposed concepts balance platform integrated sensing capabilities and the operational requirement for the system to be rapidly deployable.

Trade Space Attributes:

• Platform Integrated Sensing Capabilities

• Rapidly Deployable

5. RESPONSE GUIDELINES

THE CONTRACTOR'S RFI RESPONSE SHALL BE:

• Page Limit: 10 pages or less (cover page is not included in page count)

• Format: Submissions must be provided in PDF

• Font: One (1)-inch margins; Times New Roman 12 font

• Classifications: All responses must be UNCLASSIFIED. If proprietary data is included, it must be clearly marked.

• Provide the following business information for your company/institution and for any teaming or joint venture partners.

o Company Name o Address o Point of Contact o Unique Entity ID (UEI) o CAGE Code o Phone Number o E-mail Address o Web Page Address o Specify whether your company is a U.S. or foreign-owned firm o Company Size Status o Business System Status o Facility Clearance Level

Note: RFP release may contain classified components.

o Anticipated North American Industry Classification System Code (NAICS Code): 336419

6. ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI), as defined and discussed in RFO 9.5, Organizational and Consultant Conflicts of Interest, is a concern in all acquisitions across the Department of Defense. Early involvement with our industry partners is a key element of the OCI process, and it is critical for the Government to be able to identify any potential OCI issues as early as possible for acquisition.

7. SUBMISSION

DUE DATE: 07 AUGUST 2026, 1700, EST. Late responses may not be reviewed.

SUBMISSION: Responses should be submitted electronically to the Contracting Officer (CO).

Primary CO: Chris Core, christopher.core@us.af.mil Secondary CO: Heather Bakker, heather.bakker.1@us.af.mil

PLEASE NOTE:

• All interested contractors must be registered in SAM to be eligible for award of Government contracts.

The Government reserves the right to consider a small business set-aside based upon responses hereto for any subsequent action.

• If submitting company proprietary information or competition sensitive information, please make sure it is CLEARLY MARKED. To aid the Government, please segregate proprietary information to the maximum extent possible. All segregated proprietary information will be protected by the Government.

8. DISCLAIMER

THIS IS AN RFI ONLY. The information provided in this 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 items or services discussed above, and release of this RFI should not be construed as such a commitment or as an authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.

9. QUESTIONS

Any questions should be submitted to the Contracting Officer(s) as identified above.

10. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

• Memorandum for Senior Pentagon Leadership Commanders of the Combatant Commands Defense

Agency and Dod Field Activity Directors, “Guidance for the Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in the U.S.

National Airspace”, dated 31 October 2023.

Guidance for the Use of Unmanned A

• Joint Publication 3-01, “Counter Air and Missile Threats”, dated 23 March 2012.

https://defenseinnovationmarketplace.dtic.mil/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/JointDoctrine- CounteringAirandMissileThreats.pdf https://defenseinnovationmarketplace.dtic.mil/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/JointDoctrine-CounteringAirandMissileThreats.pdf https://defenseinnovationmarketplace.dtic.mil/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/JointDoctrine-CounteringAirandMissileThreats.pdf