M67854_24_I_8017 MCTIS-WS RFI.pdf

THIS IS NOT A SOLICITAION FOR PROPOSALS

MARINE CORPS TACTICAL INSTRUMENTATION SYSTEM-WEAPONS SURROGATES

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) M67854-24-I-8017

AND

INDUSTRY DAY

INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This Request for Information (RFI) is being issued solely for informational and planning purposes. It is important to note that this RFI does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a commitment to issue an RFP in the future. Responders should be aware that the U.S. Government will not reimburse any costs incurred for providing information or administrative expenses related to this RFI, including participating or attendance at any industry day. All expenses associated with responding to this RFI and attending the industry day are the sole responsibility of the interested parties. Non-participation in this RFI or industry day does not prevent participation in any future RFP, should one be issued. Should a solicitation be released, it will be published on Sam.gov. Potential offerors are responsible for regularly monitoring this site for any updates or additional information regarding this requirement. It is important to recognize that the information provided in this RFI is subject to change and does not legally bind the Government in any way.

Introduction:

The Force-on-Force Training Systems (FoFTS) Team, Product Manager Range Training Systems (PdM RTS), Program Manager Training Systems (PM TRASYS), Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) is seeking interested vendors capable of supplying weapon surrogate systems for integration into the Marine Corps Tactical Instrumentation System (MCTIS) Family of Systems. MCTIS is a complex family of systems designed to instrument live combatant training forces. MCTIS is the complete system enabling force on force training to include player unit radios, mobile network nodes, portable network nodes, field instrumentation, control systems, and all support systems. MCTIS capabilities consist of the instrumentation of Personnel (MCTIS-P), Combat Vehicles (MCTIS-CV) and Weapon Surrogates (MCTIS-WS).

MCTIS-WS will provide the live exercising forces with FoFTS-Next instrumentation to incorporate weapon systems into the training environment. WS consists of direct and indirect fire weapons as well as grenades and mines described below. The intent is to enhance the Marine Corps’ ground combat training by employing instrumented or converted weapons to simulate realistic combat scenarios for Marines to train as they fight.

Requested Information:

MARCORSYSCOM seeks to gather existing (or soon to be developed within the next twelve months) approaches, products, capabilities, and solutions for integration into existing MCTIS systems. This RFI seeks to gather information on multiple weapon surrogate types to identify existing and future commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products which may fulfill the needs of

M67854-24-I-8017

MCTIS-WS. The requested weapon surrogates instrumented or converted weapons shall replicate weapons detailed in the section below.

This RFI requests information on the following types of weapon surrogates. Respondents may provide information on one or more of the listed weapon surrogates below, as applicable:

• M224A1 60mm Mortar

• M252A2 81mm Mortar

• M3A1 84mm Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System (MAAWS)

• MK 19 40mm Grenade Launcher

• FGM-148 Javelin Missile

• Saber Tube-launched, Optically Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) Missile

• Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) - 7

• M67 Fragmentation Grenades

• M18A1 Claymore Mines

• 84mm Anti-tank (AT)-4) Rocket Confined Space (CS)

• M320 40mm Grenade Launcher & M32A1 40mm Multi-Shot Grenade Launcher

• M72A8 & M72A10 Light Assault Weapon (LAW)

This RFI will outline general requirements and specific Key Focus Areas for individual Weapon Surrogate types within the following sections.

General Requirements for Solutions This section contains a list of general key focus areas for all responses to this RFI to ensure the Weapon Surrogates are capable of connecting with existing MCTIS infrastructure. These are as follows:

• Support for integration with the one or both of the following wireless technologies:

• UCATT’s Laser Engagement Interface Standard (ULEIS) is the standard if class 1 lasers are involved for engagement adjudications

• Radio Frequencies: USMC uses 4G/5G network communications or Wireless Network

(WLN) standard for short range wireless communications 915MHz frequency band

• Feedback mechanisms such as: light, sounds, audible feedback, RF signal, recoil, and logged data

• Comparable to physical and operational likeness of the actual weapon (rate of fire, realistic weight, handling, recoil, and other physical dynamics)

• Use of sensors, haptics, and telemetry for accurate feedback

• Electronic features like laser engagement systems or simulation

• Durability of the training system under repeated use

• Maintenance requirements and ease of servicing

• Reconfigurability for munitions

• Ballistics and adjudication realism

• Capability to mimic different operational scenarios and environmental conditions for use in all training environments

• Accurate representation of the effects on different target types

• Customization options to fit specific training needs or operational requirements

Specific Key Focus Areas for Each Weapon Surrogate For each Weapon Surrogate type, there are specific focus area topics which should be addressed to ensure the Government obtains information pertinent to this RFI. Detailed information for each specific Weapon Surrogate type is included below.

Note: All weapon surrogates must be capable of being operated on the training ranges without shore power or hardline network connections being required. Real-time data exchange with the MCTIS system by method of ULEIS, WLN or other wireless communication protocols will be required for each weapon surrogate.

1. M224A1 60mm Mortar & M252A2 81mm Mortar

• Accurate modeling of mortar round trajectories - ability to precisely predict and simulate the flight path of the mortar rounds from the point of firing to their intended impact locations. This involves taking into account various factors such as muzzle velocity, elevation angle, wind speed and direction, air density, and the mortar round's aerodynamic properties

• Realistic mechanisms for ammo preparation, loading, aiming, and firing

• Forward Observer integration

2. M3A1 84mm Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System (MAAWS)

• Ability to train for both anti-armor and anti-personnel engagements

• Projectile simulation effects

• Target recognition capabilities - refers to the system's ability to identify and distinguish various types of targets, such as armored vehicles, personnel, or fortifications. This can enhance the effectiveness and accuracy of the weapon system by ensuring that the correct target is engaged, thereby improving mission performance and reducing the risk of collateral damage

• Systems for identifying and engaging multiple target types - the weapon system is equipped with technology or mechanisms that allow it to recognize and effectively attack a variety of targets. This could include different configurations or types of ammunition suited for engaging armored vehicles, bunkers, personnel in the open, or other specific targets. These systems are designed to enhance the versatility and operational effectiveness of the MAAWS in various combat scenarios

3. MK-19 40mm Grenade Launcher

• Capability to simulate different grenade types (HE, training rounds, etc.)

• Dismounted and vehicle mounted configurations

4. FGM-148 Javelin Missile

• Simulation of the weapon's targeting system, featuring lock-on-before-launch and autonomous guidance capabilities

• Simulation of environmental factors such as heat and obstacles on missile guidance

• Accurate modeling of the missile's flight path and impact effects

5. Saber Tube-Launched, Optically Tracked, Wire-Guided (TOW) Missile

• Immediate tracking capability to simulate wire-guided target engagement

• High-fidelity replication of the optical targeting system

• Simulation of missile flight behavior and dynamics over varying distances

6. Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) - 7

• Realistic simulation of launch, travel arc, and impact

7. M67 Fragmentation Grenade

• Replication of the weight, balance, and throw mechanics

• Accurate simulation of blast radius and shrapnel effects

8. M18A1 Claymore Mine

• Realistic setup, positioning, and detonation procedures

• Accurate representation of the directed blast and its effects on targets

9. 84mm Anti-tank (AT)-4 Confined Space

• Realistic mechanics reflecting the actual weapon

10. M320 40mm Grenade Launcher & M32A1 40mm Multi-Shot Grenade Launcher

• Capability to simulate loading and unloading of different grenade types (HE, training rounds, etc.)

• Realistic mechanics (size, weight and sighting system) reflecting the actual weapon

• Recoil simulation allowing trainees to gain a realistic feel for the weapon’s firing characteristics

• Replicate the M320’s sighting system to simulate adjustments and the use of laser range finders where applicable

11. M72A8 & M72A10 Light Assault Weapon (LAW)

• Realistic mechanics reflecting the actual weapon

Submission Guidelines and Additional Information Respondent is able to provide information for one to as many weapon surrogates that pertain to this RFI. Ensure that your response covers all specified elements, demonstrating your solution’s ability to meet our complex needs. Offer specific examples and submit clear integration paths for your solution to integrate or operate cohesively with other systems. For comprehensive responses, include any empirical data, customer feedback, or case studies that affirm your solution's effectiveness. No GFI will be provided to support this RFI.

MARCORSYSCOM is dedicated to fostering innovation and enhancing the capabilities of combat training systems through strategic partnerships and advanced technologies. This RFI represents a pivotal opportunity for vendors to contribute to the national defense mission by providing superior and adaptable solutions that address the current and emerging needs of the Marine Corps.

Submission Deadlines and Preferred Format Participants should submit a product information paper, along with rough order of magnitude costs, no more than two pages per weapon surrogate, by 4:00 PM (EST) – September 13, 2024.

For each identified solution, please enclose a product information paper, limited to two pages, that contains the Requested Information.

Point of Contact for Submissions and Questions Submissions should be sent to Ms. Catherine Opsahl (catherine.opsahl@usmc.mil) and Ms.

Anitra Kinsey (anitra.kinsey@usmc.mil), with a courtesy copy to Mr. Mavrick Powell (mavrick.powell@usmc.mil).

Questions regarding this RFI should be directed to Ms. Catherine Opsahl by day 3 of release.

Companies interested in participating should propose best-in-class solutions, which may include components or sub-components of an integrated solution. Please submit the following information:

• Your name and contact information, including (to the extent applicable): organization name, name and title of point of contact, phone number, email address, SAM.gov Unique Entity Identification Number (UEIN); and website URL. If you are not an authorized vendor or provider of the solution, please provide the name and comparable contact information for an authorized vendor or provider, to the extent known.

• The offeror’s business type (large business, small business, small, disadvantaged business, 8(a)-certified small, disadvantaged business, HUBZone small business, woman-owned small business, very small business, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business) based upon North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 334511 - Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing. Please refer to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 19 for additional detailed information on Small Business Size Standards.

The FAR is available at https://www.acquisition.gov/.

• A brief description of the identified solution and why it is best-in-class. To the extent applicable and available, include in your description: types of customers currently using the solution; whether the identified solution requires the ability to transmit and receive information outside the MCEN environment to function as intended; other form, fit, or function interoperability requirements or constraints; and an empirically representative summary of known information about accuracy, reliability, timeliness, and customer feedback (whether positive, negative, or neither). The information paper may also include representative user feedback (with testimonials) and/or company references (e.g., website).

mailto:catherine.opsahl@usmc.mi mailto:anitra.kinsey@usmc.mil mailto:mavrick.powell@usmc.mil

• A statement whether, to the best of your knowledge and belief, you or any of your business affiliates have submitted additional responses to this RFI. If yes, please identify those responses to the best of your ability.

• (Optional) You may optionally include a description or attach a template showing customary and industry-standard business terms applicable to the solution, when sold or licensed in the commercial marketplace. This may include typical technical approaches, or typical intellectual property rights transferred to customers.

• (Optional) You may optionally include other information you believe is relevant to MARCORSYSCOM about this solution, such as supply-chain considerations.

• Proprietary information must be marked as such on a page-by-page basis. The Government will not assume that any of the information provided by a respondent is proprietary unless it is specifically marked. The Government does not assume any duty to contact a respondent and inquire whether any unmarked information submitted in response to this RFI is proprietary. Do not include classified information in your response.

Industry Day and Response Submission The Government will review submissions received in response to this RFI and will determine whether to invite specific respondents to participate in an Industry Day session. The Government will contact a finalized invitee list to schedule appointments for Industry Day. Individual sessions are expected to highlight proposed solutions for this RFI. Individual Industry Day sessions for selected vendors will be held 1Q FY25 specifics TBD. Individual session participation is limited to up to three people per company. Only one session (sixty (60) minutes) will be allowed per respondent for all relevant Weapon Surrogates, including all respondent’s affiliated organization(s) as applicable.

Additional Information and Reminder

RFI Purpose This RFI is purely for gathering information and does not constitute a commitment to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP). The information gathered will help in planning and is not binding.

Costs Respondents are responsible for all costs associated with their participation in the RFI and Industry Day.

Future Engagement Non-participation in this RFI does not preclude involvement in potential future solicitations for the MCTIS-WS or other future sources of funding from MARCORSYSCOM PM TRASYS.

For further inquiries or clarifications, please contact the specified contract specialist by the aforementioned deadline. We appreciate your attention to detail and look forward to reviewing your innovative solutions.