Attachment 1 RFI for Long Range Heavy Lift ULS-A (Amendment 01).pdf

Request for Information (RFI) for Long Range Heavy Lift Unmanned Logistics Systems-Air (ULS-A)

DISCLAIMER

THIS REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THIS IS NOT A

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL; YET IS A MARKET RESEARCH TOOL TO DETERMINE POTENTIAL FIRMS CAPABLE

OF PROVIDING THE SUPPLIES DESCRIBED HEREIN PRIOR TO AN ISSUANCE OF A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL.

THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT OBLIGATED TO AND WILL NOT PAY FOR ANY INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM

POTENTIAL SOURCES AS A RESULT OF THIS RFI. THIS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICITATION AND SHALL

NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT OF ANY KIND. RESPONSES IN ANY FORM

ARE NOT OFFERS AND THE GOVERNMENT IS UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO AWARD A CONTRACT OR NON-

FAR BASED AGREEMENT (E.G. OTHER TRANSACTION) AS A RESULT OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. NO FUNDS

ARE AVAILABLE TO PAY FOR PREPARATION OF RESPONSES TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. ANY INFORMATION

SUBMITTED BY RESPONDENTS TO THIS TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION IS STRICTLY VOLUNTARY. FAILURE TO

SUBMIT A RESPONSE WILL NOT PREVENT A COMPANY FROM PARTICIPATION IN ANY FUTURE

COMPETETION RELATED TO THE UNMANNED LOGISTICS SYSTEMS-AIR (ULS-A) PROGRAM.

1. INTRODUCTION

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aviation and Strike

Weapons (PEO (U&W)), Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program

Office (PMA-263) at Patuxent River, MD is conducting market research to determine the amount of responsible sources that have the capability, experience, facilities, and potential solutions for a long range heavy lift cargo Unmanned Logistics Systems – Air (ULS-A) for use by the United States Marine

Corps, capable of providing cargo aerial delivery resupply and distribution, for day and night operations in various environments. The potential solution should be ruggedized and ready to use as delivered, with minimal logistics and training support. The solution should provide real time logistics supply distribution with minimum payloads of 1,300 pounds and a minimum combat radius of 100 nautical miles (NM). The solution should be capable of autonomous launch from a small, confined area, and should be capable of an autonomous recovery within the same confined area as launch. A Ground Control Station (GCS) for the solution should be man-portable and consist of the necessary equipment to monitor the solution’s position and status, control its movement, and view its real time mission conditions and progress.

Industry is highly encouraged to develop innovative and efficient cargo handling solutions.

NAVAIR is considering awarding an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA), pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 4022

“Authority of the Department of Defense to carry out certain prototype projects,” for ULS-A in FY2026.

2. OBJECTIVE

The objective of this notice is to assist the Government in determining if there are existing sources with the capability and experience to rapidly prototype, integrate, test, and field long range heavy lift cargo Unmanned Logistics Systems to meet the following requirements/characteristics:

Attribute Threshold

Cargo Capacity Unmanned Aircraft System (Air Vehicle (AV)) with a minimum cargo capability of 1,300 LBS.

Physically carry a Joint Modular Intermodal Container (JMIC) internally or externally.

External Sling Load capable

Single air vehicle able to provide cargo delivery throughput of 5,000 lb per 24-hour period.

Range Vertical takeoff and landing with a minimum combat radius of 100 nautical miles (NM).

Operational Availability Operational availability (Ao) of no less than 80 percent.

Reliability Mean time to failure under typical operating conditions of no less than 30 flight hours.

Maintainability Maintained by three (3) operators with the same primary military occupational specialty (PMOS). Designed such that the mean time to repair (MTTR) for any level of repair analysis (LORA) task group 1 (operator/organizational level) maintainable component shall not exceed 3 hrs IAW MIL-STD-1472 para 5.9.

Streamlined and intuitive maintenance procedures and documentation. Clear, concise, and visually orientated maintenance manuals requiring minimal steps and avoiding complex sequences requiring extensive memorization.

Modularity Advanced technology capable for maintenance (digital twinning, virtual reality, etc) and a modular design and component accessibility allowing for modern software practices and quicker development/deployment timelines. Major subsystems (e.g., power unit, avionics bay, cargo bay, control surfaces actuation) shall be self-contained components and interfaces for maintenance actions and located in easily accessible areas with the use of standardized tool sets (e.g., Phillips head screwdriver, Allen wrenches of standard sizes)

Commonality Minimization of specialized tools for the majority of maintenance actions.

Standard, commercial off the shelf components with readily available National Stock Numbers (NSNs) are used wherever possible for ease of supply chain management.

Human Machine Interface Visual indicators and error prevention: incorporation of visual and tactile cues (e.g. color coding, unique shapes, keying features), easily identifiable, clear visual and digital diagnostic indicators for a multitude of maintenance actions.

Hydraulics Hydraulic systems must be self-contained and sealed units, with no requirement for routine hydraulic fluid sampling or analysis for contamination.

Ease of Use Able to be operated by one PMOS operator.

Autonomy Capable of autonomously sensing and calculating the weight of the payload with calculated payload displayed on the Unmanned Common Controller (UCC) and able to identify errors that exceed maximum allowable limits, preventing launch from occurring. Capable of operator ability to override launch restriction imposed by overweight payload detection.

Lost link capable through a variable of actions:

• Continuing the pre-programmed mission profile and holding until link is reestablished or minimum fuel reserve is reached.

• Return to base or original launch point upon a pre-determined route.

• Continuing the mission or Return to Base (RTB) along pre-determined launch and recovery point is selectable by the operator.

Land autonomously and drop the payload then depart non-programmed flight path.

Cargo Handling Industry is encouraged to develop innovative and efficient cargo handling solutions to maximize utility across a full spectrum of cargo loads to include:

• Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) tire w/rims,

• AC Units/Generators, Ground refueling systems

• Warehouse Pallet/Tri-Wall containers with palletized loads

• Medical Supplies and all Class I-IX supply categories

Engine Heavy fuel based combustion engine:

• JP-5 (primary)

• JP-8 as an alternate acceptable fuel

• System must incorporate an integrated capability to self-assess fuel contamination

Operational Environment Able to operate in the following conditions:

• Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) 200’ ceiling

• 0.5 mile visibility

• Light rain (less than 0.1” to 0.3” per hr)

• 8000 ft density altitude

Communication Text/voice Comm, Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) integration, Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Agile Network Gateway Link (MANGL) compliant at time of fielding.

Precision Participant Location Information (PPLI): Capable of reporting its PPLI utilizing MANGL network via its UCC. Capable of PPLI output to an encrypted network via a cross-domain solution in order to remain an unclassified system.

Unmanned Common Controller Workstation.

Air Transponder:

• Mode 3A/C, Mode 5 w/ Automatic Dependent Surveillance– Broadcast (ADS-B) (out/in)

Navigation Able to navigate utilizing GPS with a 10-meter accuracy. Able to navigate utilizing alternative position, navigation, and timing (PNT) with a 10-meter accuracy.

Line of Sight Line of Sight communications between the air vehicle and the UCC (point of departure, delivery zone) with a less than .5 second latency.

Beyond line of sight capable between the air vehicle and the UCC with five second latency one way, ten second latency two way.

Transport Military Sealift Command transportable, deployable with a 15 minute turnaround from transportation mode to mission ready.

• Able to be deployed in one C-130

Air drop capable to deliver payload while remaining airborne, either at pre-designated waypoints or on command from the operator from a selectable drop height.

Shipboard Operations Capable of shipboard operations in all possible weather conditions.

Must be capable of operations from all aviation capable ships and small deck air capable ships.

• Self-deployable from a range of 200 NM, and able to sustain operations for one week to unimproved austere field environments.

• Shipboard compatible (lives on the ship; 100% ship suitable).

Command and Control Autonomous startup Remote start Manual override Emergency shutdown and restart Autonomous Takeoff Autonomous Enroute Navigation Automated Approach and Landing Autonomous hover Autonomous departure Real time mission adjustments Enroute Reroute Command and Control (C2) in delivery landing environment via Human Machine Interface (HMI) and Marine Air Ground Tablet (MAGTAB) or current program of record system.

Limited means of C2 in the terminal phase such as hold, loiter, wave off, resume, may include human recognition and ability to process standardized hand and arm signals.

Autonomous Contingency management:

• Land immediately

• Land as soon as possible

• Hold

• Resume

• Loiter

• Jettison Payload

• Return

• Waveoff o Waveoff and proceed o Waveoff and 2nd attempt o Waveoff and hold

Speed No less than 100 Knots indicated Air Speed (KIAS).

Loading & Unloading Efficient loading and unloading methods for cargo.

Cyber Survivability Cyber Survivability: Radio shall possess the capability to be encrypted at the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) Publication 140- 3 Level 2 compliance level.

• Secure against novice, insider, and peer cyber threats

Qualifications/Legislation Meets all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) lighting requirements.

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2024 compliant.

Detection and Avoidance Onboard obstacle detection and avoidance.

3. SUBMITTAL INFORMATION.

Interested persons may submit a Capability Statement package identifying their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit proposals. Only Capability Statements received on or before 15 calendar days after the posting date of this Notice will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract action based upon responses to this Notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Capability Statements received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Capability Statements submitted should be pertinent and specific in the technical/management/business area under consideration.

Provide detailed information in response to the questions listed below. Please answer them in the order in which they are asked:

1. What type of work has your company performed in the past in support of the same or similar requirement?

2. If your company is capable of delivery of three (3) prototype systems in FY28, please provide an explanation for how your company is able to feasibly achieve this requirement.

3. Please provide an overview of your company’s solution and technical approach with descriptions of major tasks/milestones to be performed. Identify pertinent Technology Readiness Level (TRL), major technical risks, feasible risk mitigation efforts, and anticipated schedule.

Level Definition

TRL 9 Actual system proven through successful mission operation.

TRL 8 Actual system completed and qualified through test and demonstration.

TRL 7 System prototype demonstration in an operational environment.

TRL 6 System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment.

TRL 5 Component and/or breadboard validation in a relevant environment.

TRL 4 Component and/or breadboard validation in a laboratory environment.

TRL 3 Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof of concept.

TRL 2 Technology concept and/or application formulated.

TRL 1 Basic principles observed and reported.

Table 1: Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Definitions Table

• Please provide details on the following technical attributes of your company’s potential solution.

If a specific attribute is estimated, unknown, or not applicable, clearly state the information.

o System Characteristics

▪ AV weight without payload

▪ AV weight with payload

▪ AV Max Gross Take-Off Weight

▪ AV dimensions (assembled)

▪ Size and weight of total system packed for transport

▪ AV Guidance (GPS, GPS Denied, etc.)

▪ GCS dimensions and weight with antenna (assembled)

▪ Power source(s)

▪ Set up time (time required to go from packed to system airborne)

▪ Payload

- Available payload weight

- Available payload volume

▪ Internal

▪ External o Environmental Conditions

▪ Temperature limits

▪ Precipitation limits

▪ Wind limits

▪ Maritime environmental limits

▪ Environmental conditions for storage o Performance Limits

▪ Altitude limits (above ground and pressure altitude)

▪ Maximum range

▪ Maximum endurance (maximum time the AV can remain airborne under optimal conditions at sea level)

▪ Maximum speed of the air vehicle

▪ Optimal cruise speed

▪ Acoustic signature at 500’ and 1500’

4. Does your company require Government provided information, equipment, or material

(GPI/E/M) in order for your solution to meet the attributes and thresholds addressed in this notice? If so, please clarify the degree to which GPI/E/M will be requested or required.

5. Does your company have a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate, anticipated Period of Performance, and if applicable, anticipated cost sharing arrangement to meet the attributes and thresholds addressed in this notice? If so, please provide the information for Government consideration.

6. Does your company have experience working with complex system of systems efforts, including multiple software packages, prototype weapons systems, engineering services and hardware/software integration of this nature? If so, please provide details.

7. Can or has your company managed a team of subcontractors before? If so, please cite contracts and teaming arrangement(s).

8. What specific technical skills does your company possess which will ensure its capability to meet the requirements identified above? If your company will be teaming or utilizing subcontractors, please include information regarding which work the subcontractor(s) will be responsible for and how the prime will determine the subcontractor is capable of accomplishing the work.

9. Would a fixed price type Contract or Other Transaction Agreement prevent the ability for your company to propose if phasing/spiral development or other element of modular contracting were provided?

10. Provide a statement including current small/large business status and company profile to include number of employees, annual revenue history, office locations, CAGE code, DUNS number, etc.

11. Respondents to this notice must also indicate whether they qualify as a Small, Small

Disadvantaged, Small Disadvantaged Veteran Owned Small Business, Women-Owned, 8(a), HUB

Zone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Concern, or Non-Traditional Defense

Contractor.

4. Responses

Interested parties are advised against submitting Capability Statements that merely mimic information in this Notice, provides brochure-like information, or provides general information. Responses to this

Notice are not to exceed 20 pages in length on 8.5X11 inch paper with one inch margines and font no smaller than 10 points Times New Roman. The Government requests that respondents deliver responses electronically via e-mail in Microsoft Word or PDF format with proper data markings for unclassified and proprietary information no later than 15 calendar days after the posting date of this Notice.

Classified material SHALL NOT be submitted. All submissions shall include this Sources Sought Notice

Reference number, company name, company address, CAGE code, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number, and a point of contact who is able to discuss the Capability Statement submitted. Point of Contract information shall include name, position, phone number, and email address.

Acknowledgement of receipt will be provided. All information submitted will be adequately safeguarded from unauthorized disclosure in accordance with FAR 15.207. All submissions shall be clearly marked with the following caption: Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), Releasable to Government

Agencies for Evaluation Purposes Only.

Responses that fail to comply with the above instructions or present ideas not pertinent to subject, may not be reviewed. All information received in response to this Notice that is marked proprietary will be handled accordingly. Information submitted in response to this Notice is submitted at no cost to the

Government and will not be returned. The Government is under no obligation to provide responses or comments to information received from interested persons but may request additional information following review. Note: If an interested person is a foreign concern or if a U.S. interested person has a team member or partner who is a foreign entity, adherence to all International Traffic and Arms

Regulations (ITAR) is required.

No telephone requests for additional information will be accepted.