RFI.pdf

NOTICE TYPE

Request for Information/Sources Sought

SYNOPSIS

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is seeking sources of subject matter expertise in optics, digital electro-optical (EO) sensors, digital infrared (IR) sensors, digital synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and their associated characterization, inspection, and operation as determined by the Treaty on Open Skies.

This request for information (RFI) is for information and planning purposes only, assisting the United States Government (USG) in performing market research and determining industry interest and technical capability. THIS IS NOT A GUARANTEE OF A FUTURE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL OR AN AWARD. This RFI does not commit the USG to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. The Government will retain and not return any documentation submitted. Furthermore, DTRA is not at this time seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. The Government advises that respondents will not receive compensation 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 solicitation, if any, is issued. If DTRA releases a solicitation, it will be on the Federal Business Opportunities (https://www.fbo.gov) website. It is the responsibility of the potential offers to monitor the site for additional information pertaining to this requirement.

TITLE: Request for Information (RFI) for Subject Matter Expertise to Support the DTRA Treaty and Partnerships Directorate’s Implementation of the Treaty on Open Skies.

LOCATION: Defense Threat Reduction Agency (Headquarters)

1.0 DESCRIPTION

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is tasked with managing the U.S. Technical Equipment Inspection (TEI) Program and to provide certification and subsequent inspections of foreign arms control equipment intended for use in and around U.S. facilities. The TEI Program is currently applicable to Foreign Inspection Team equipment and supplies for the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, the Treaty on Open Skies, International Atomic Energy Agency agreements, and the Chemical Weapons Convention, and TEI may expand operations for future arms control treaties and agreements. DTRA requires technical support that focuses on the certification and inspection of digital sensors pertaining to the Treaty on Open Skies. Sensors include electro-optical sensors (EO), infrared sensors (IR), and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).

This request for information (RFI) is for information and planning purposes only, assisting the United States Government (USG) in performing market research and determining industry interest and technical capability. THIS IS NOT A GUARANTEE OF A FUTURE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL OR AN AWARD. This RFI does not commit the USG to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. The Government will retain and not return any documentation submitted. Furthermore, DTRA is not at this time seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. The Government advises that respondents will not receive compensation 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 solicitation, if any, is issued. If DTRA releases a solicitation, it will be on the Federal Business Opportunities (https://www.fbo.gov) website. It is the responsibility of the potential offers to monitor the site for additional information pertaining to this requirement.

2.0 LOGISTICAL SERVICES:

A detailed description of the expertise to be provided with sufficient detail to allow an estimation of the likelihood of meeting the Subject Matter Expertise (SME) support required is sought. In particular, specifics are requested on the respondent’s ability to provide expertise in all of the following areas:

• Expert knowledge on the technical specifications and requirements of U.S. and international equipment relevant to the Treaty on Open Skies;

• Experience in developing and using sensor characterization tools to inspect, analyze, and characterize digital imaging equipment;

• Experience in providing SME support regarding treaty negotiations;

• Practical optics laboratory experience to include opto-mechanical design and fabrication, development of beam alignment procedure and tools, optical component layout, simple lens design, and component specification and acquisition;

• Image acquisition and readout timing modification of sensors to include charge-coupled devices, complementary metal oxide semiconductors, and near-infrared focal plane arrays;

• Use of analytical techniques such as Fast-Fourier transforms and Monte Carlo methods to analyze data and images;

• Use and adaptation of time-domain reflectometers;

• Application of longitudinal dispersion compensators to long-baseline optical interferometers;

• Programming in C, MATLAB, Interactive Data Language, MathCad, and shell scripts such as bash and csh;

• Use of computer-aided design programs to include AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Zemax;

• Image processing to include filtering, white and color balancing, orthorectification, mosaicking, and generation of three-dimensional (3-D) models from imagery;

• Imagery analysis from IR Sensor Characterization Device, to include modulation transfer function (MTF) calculations, focal plane array (FPA) imagery and analysis, and thermal measurement analysis, to include measuring the noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD), and measuring minimum resolvable temperature difference (MRTD).

• Developing approaches to conduct experimental collection of IR imagery on various calibration targets and analyze the imagery to assess the characteristics of various IR calibration targets. The targets could include various shapes such as a tri-bar target or Siemens star, or various target materials. Target analysis would include assessing the optimal target size, the effects of temperature, and optimal target backgrounds to provide the USG with the best information on target selection.

• Developing approaches to radar inverse SAR measurement and imaging techniques using compressive sensing for phase history reconstruction;

• Developing image processing algorithms to analyze digital imagery data;

• System design, signal processing, and image formation for SAR;

• Modeling and analysis of SAR system architectures and the design and integration of digital-receiver-based SAR architectures;

• Signal processing to include modeling and simulation of down-conversion and pulse compression techniques to assess the relationship between waveform parameters and maximum achievable resolution;

• Certification in operating stationary and mobile X-ray equipment;

• Must have ability to obtain and maintain a diplomatic passport with Visa for the Russian Federation;

• Must hold or have ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI clearance as adjudicated using a single scope background investigation specified by personnel security and the SSO for principal scientist/engineer; support/reach back personnel must hold or have ability to obtain and maintain SECRET clearance.

3.0 RESPONSES TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

Potential sources who believe they possess the qualifications, expertise, and experience to meet the requirements are requested to provide capability statements to this RFI by submitting written (electronic email) responses to the below POC no later than the close of business 5 April 2018.

Capability statement responses SHALL NOT CONTAIN CLASSIFIED INFORMATION and shall clearly mark any proprietary information.

Capability statement responses shall not exceed three (3) pages in total using 12- point Times New Roman Font and 1” margins (not including cover page, cover letter, and backup documentation).

The Government may use non-Government (contractor) support personnel as subject matter experts in the review of responses received, including the review of any marked or unmarked proprietary information provided. Appropriate non-disclosure agreements have been executed between the third party, non-Government (contractor) support personnel and the Government and are on file with the Government. A submission of a response to this RFI constitutes the respondent’s acknowledgement and agreement that the information provided in the response, including any marked or unmarked proprietary or source selection information, may be disclosed to these third party, non-Government (contractor) support personnel.

The Submissions should provide administrative information to include the following: Company information (company name, CAGE Code, DUNs Number, business type) and designated point of contact’s name, mailing address, phone number, and email.

4.0 OTHER INFORMATION

Point of Contact Name: Caldwell, Ernest Email: ernest.caldwell.civ@mail.mil

Secondary Point of Contact Name: Donna Brockington Email: donna.l.brockington.civ@mail.mil