Attachment 1 Frequently Asked Questions (Updated 9-24-2026).pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is there a requirement for Alt PNT/ GPS Denied navigation?

A1: Alt PNT/GPS Denied navigation is currently not planned to be an initial threshold requirement.

Q2: Will there be any slides or presentations released from the SAA-LT Industry Day?

A2: Industry Day will be briefed at the CUI level. There are no plans to release presentations at this time.

Q3: Can the Government clarify the maximum page count for a response providing a solution for both design options?

A3: The maximum number of pages when providing a response for both solutions is 15.

Q4: Is there a preference for independent responses covering each option, or can vendors treat the wing-kit-only option 2 as a subsystem of option 1 and present a combined narrative?

A4: There is no preference.

Q5: For the 10-page requirement on the RFI response, does the table of contents count as one of those 10 pages?

A5: Per Section 4.0 of the RFI Instructions, the 10-page limit is inclusive of tables of contents.

Q6: Will the industry day attendee list be distributed?

A6: The list of vendors and points of contact of those vendors will be made available to those who attended the industry day.

Q7: Is the 9.5-inch maximum height applicable to the design option 1 “All Up Round” as well?

A7: 7.5" Diameter is desired, however, the maximum 9.5-inch height of the Wing Kit/Effector is applicable to solutions involving both design option 1 and design option 2.

Q8: What is the required voltage required from the Wing Kit for the effector startup?

A8: Nominal voltage is 48 volts DC. The acceptable voltage range is 45-60 volts. The current is less than or equal to 6.5 Amps.

Q9: What are the maximum shock loads the GFE warhead can withstand?

A9: The GFE warhead is designed to Grade A shock. Formal testing to validate maximum shock is notionally scheduled for FY2028/2029.

Q10: Are the performance requirements (such as speed, depth, and endurance) fixed?

Or would proposed solutions with slightly inferior performance, but high current TRL, be considered?

A10 Performance requirements are not fixed at this time . The Government is seeking high TRL solutions as well as possible RFI solutions that explore the art of the possible. RFI response can help inform the Government’s final decision on objective and threshold requirements.

Q11: Can the Government elaborate on the CRAW GFE sonar seeking capabilities?

Specifically, the sonar system usable "seeking" distance, field of view, and does the system use a single band or multi band sonar array?

A11: This answer cannot be provided in the current forum.

Q12: Is there a requirement to support ASW salvo (multi shot at same time)? Does the GFE effector support the requirement?

A12: This answer cannot be provided in the current forum.

Q13: Is “complete effort” ROM equivalent to phases 1 for the proof of concept + phase two for fieldable prototypes with residual capability?

A13: Yes, the Government is seeking ROM estimates for the 18-month proof of concept and for fieldable prototypes as part of qualification testing.

Q14: Is there a requirement or consideration for exportability?

A14: For phase 1 and 2 exportability is not a requirement. The Government is exploring future exportability requirements.

Q15: Can the Government define effector mass properties?

A15: The current mass properties will be provided in the event the Government releases a Request for White Papers.

Q16: Can the Government define hard points on the effector (primary load path) for swaybrace loads and electoral loads?

A16: Preliminary mechanical interface control documentation (ICD) for the GFE Silent Anvil Effector (SAE) will be provided in the event the Government releases a Request for White Papers (RWP).

Q17: Does the effector have a stabilizer similar to MK28?

A17: The effector design currently does not have a stabilizer.

Q18: Will the source code for sensor and control software for the GFE Effector be provided upon selection and award?

A18: Any discussions on source code will be reserved for potential Statement of Work Collaboration.

Q19: Can RFI response be submitted at the CUI level?

A19: Vendors may submit CUI responses to this RFI via encrypted email. In the event an encrypted email cannot be sent, vendors may request a DoDSAFE link through the primary and secondary points of contact.

Q20: Are cost targets available?

A20: Cost targets are not available at this time.

Q21: Can the Government define the effector electrical connector as MIL STD 1760 or MIL STD 1551 including location and orientation?

A21: The GFE SAE umbilical is defined in a government owned electrical ICD that will be provided in RWP.

Q22: Can the Government define the required effector voltage and amperage?

A22: Nominal voltage 48 volts DC. The acceptable voltage range is 45-60 volts. Current is less than or equal to 6.5 Amps.

Q23: Does the effector have an alignment orientation with respect to the wingkit?

A23: The center of gravity and the length of the effector will be defined in the preliminary mechanical ICD. The ICD of the effector allows for navigational alignment settings.

Q24: What are the threshold and objective aircraft?

A24: The government has not identified a threshold or objective platform at this time.

Q25: What are the integrated Flight Termination System/Telemetry (iFTS/Tm) requirements?

A25: The iFTS/Tm requirements are being explored.

Q26: Does the system have free flight maneuverability requirements?

A26: The Government would like industry to explore what is in the realm of possibility.

Q27: Is there any desire for weapon-to-weapon collaboration or requirement / use case / design reference mission where it could be utilized?

A27: Currently there is no weapon-to-weapon collaboration.

Q28: Is there an estimated quantity of units built in production and is there a production timeline?

A28: No, the future production quantities and the timeline are to be determined.

Q29: Is Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) capability a requirement?

A29: BDA is currently not a threshold requirement for this effort. This may become a future objective capability.

Q30: Do vendors have to respond to the RFI to be eligible to respond to the subsequent RFP/RWP?

A30: Per the Disclaimer, failure to respond to this RFI does not prohibit vendors from future participation.