PWS.doc

Performance Work Statement (PWS) Enhanced Targets of Airborne Threats to U.S. Combat Forces – eSWIR for High Energy Lasers 08 June 2023

C.1 BACKGROUND

The United States Army at the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) is conducting an applied research and development program to provide state-of-the-art upgrades to its high energy laser targeting systems using extended Short-Wave Infrared (eSWIR) technologies. Current active SWIR systems operate at one and a half (1.5) microns, where atmospheric transmission is not optimal, and the wavelength is near the High Energy Laser (HEL) emission band (one (1) microns). In addition, current SWIR cameras operate with moderate noise levels, which require a much higher power illuminator in the system. An eSWIR is a relatively new band with considerable expected benefits, such as detecting targets at a greater range and with greater effectiveness through atmospheric issues such as haze, smoke and dust. An eSWIR camera can provide a higher atmospheric transmission window with low noise, greatly reducing challenging illuminator requirements. Additionally, the active eSWIR wavelength is further separated from the HEL emission wavelength so that interference issues are reduced, improving system design and efficiency. While Middle Wavelength Infrared (MWIR) and Short Wavelength Infrared (SWIR) cameras are commonly integrated into military systems, few companies make cameras in the eSWIR band, and current cameras have not been designed specifically for HEL systems.

C.2 OBJECTIVES

The objective of this effort is to conduct research and development into the application of an eSWIR sensor to support eSWIR HEL based targeting system. Specifically, the goal is to develop an eSWIR camera system with the robustness, performance, and Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) suitable for HEL targeting sensor applications. This effort will conduct research into the development of an eSWIR sensor to create a prototype camera system with high levels of performance beyond present similar systems. Proposed fundamental improvements will focus on material development, sensor development, camera electronics, and testing. The novel approach will emphasize several key technical areas including (i) focal plane material design (ii) Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) eSWIR Mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe) optimization (iii) focal plane material growth and characterization (iv) Type II Superlattice (T2SL) design and material fabrication for Infrared detectors (v) Readout integrated circuit (ROIC) testing, analysis and selection (vi) Focal plane processing (vii) Focal plane arrays hybridization and testing (viii) Cooler/Dewar design, Fabrication and testing (ix) Camera electronics and (x) Focal Plane Array (FPA)/Camera performance, model, testing, application evaluation, and field testing.

C.3 REQUIREMENTS

C.3.1 The Contractor shall develop a set of advanced optimized HgCdTe-based focal plane arrays with integrated read-out circuit that can be used in the development of eSWIR cameras to support eSWIR HEL targeting systems.

C.3.2 The Contractor shall perform research to reduce the Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) for increased usability and integration into HEL targeting systems.

C.3.3 The Contractor shall develop a robust, high performance, low size, weight, power, and cost camera that can be integrated with HEL systems, according to specifications provided by the US Army Rapid Capability Critical Technology Office (RCCTO).

C.3.4 The Contractor shall investigate the differences in SWIR and eSWIR cameras for better understanding and optimization of eSWIR sensor-based cameras for HEL targeting systems, according to specifications provided by the US Army Rapid Capability Critical Technology Office (RCCTO).

C.3.5 The Contractor shall train one graduate student assistant (GRA) in the development of eSWIR focal plane arrays for future development of infrared materials for sensor and camera development for HEL targeting systems, according to specifications provided by the US Army Rapid Capability Critical Technology Office (RCCTO). The training shall consist of 20 hours per week for 9 months. Student academic background shall consist of a science or technical degree in engineering, physics, chemistry, material science, or similar technical scientific degree.

C.4 DELIVERABLES

C.4.1 The Contractor shall submit all PWS deliverables to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for inspection and acceptance. Unless otherwise stated in this PWS, the Contractor shall use best commercial formats, standards, and practices for deliverables.

C.4.2 The below table summarizes the technical deliverables as required by this PWS.

C.4.3 Initial Schedule: The Contractor shall provide a schedule of all work to be performed no later than (NLT) 15 days after contract award. The schedule shall be separated by both time/date and major milestones that will occur throughout the development work.

C.4.4 Kick Off Briefing: The Contractor shall provide a kickoff briefing that details the technical approach and presents a schedule with timeline along with metrics and deliverables in PowerPoint format including presentation NLT 30 days after contract award.

C.4.5 Contract Funds Status Report: The Contractor shall provide quarterly status reports on spent funds and monthly man-hours. Each report shall clearly list the total man-hours expended against each labor category (direct and indirect), individuals listed by name, material expenses, and travel expenses. The initial contract funds status report shall be submitted to the COR NLT 100 days after contract award and then subsequent submissions shall be made NLT the 10th day of the month following each reporting period.

C.4.6 Final Report: The Contractor shall provide a final report NLT 30 days after the period of performance (PoP). The Contractor shall ensure the report includes all refinements made to the system, lessons learned, recommendations for further enhancements, and a final cost incurred report. The COR will review and comment on the final report within fifteen (15) days of receipt. Upon receipt of the COR comments, the Contractor shall revise the final report to incorporate the COR’s comments and deliver one (1) copy electronically as well as one (1) printed hard copy to the COR at the Final Refinement Solution Demonstration NLT 15 days after receipt of the Government’s comments or NLT 60 days after the PoP.

C.4.6 Period of Performance: 24 months. Place of Performance: EPIR, Inc. 586 Territorial Drive, Suite C, Bolingbrook, IL 60440.

C.5 SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

C.5.1 The Contractor shall create a technology control plan (TCP) or similar document to manage the contracting security requirements of the effort, including but limited to handling, storage, and management of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), Export Controlled Arms (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) information, physical access and control of restricted information, training of personnel in the handling, storage, and management of restricted information.

C.5.2 The Contactor shall have only US Citizens working on this effort, since much of this effort involves both Export Controlled Arms (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) information.

C.5.3 The Contractor shall have all personnel working on this effort receive proper training in handling, storing, and management of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), including EAR and ITAR type information according to government regulations.

C5.4 The Contractor shall have a principal investigator who shall have a current SECRET clearance. All classified information and discussions shall occur only at a designated Government facility. No classified information or work will occur outside of the designated government facility. All other US Citizens working on this effort do NOT have to have a security clearance.

C.6 ANTI-TERRORISM/OPERATIONAL SECUIRTY (AT-OPSEC)

C.6.1 For contractors requiring Common Access Card (CAC). Before CAC issuance, the contractor employee requires, at a minimum, a favorably adjudicated National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) or an equivalent or higher investigation in accordance with Army Directive 2014-05. The contractor employee will be issued a CAC only if duties involve one of the following: (1) Both physical access to a DoD facility and access, via logon, to DoD networks on-site or remotely; (2) Remote access, via logon, to a DoD network using DoD-approved remote access procedures; or (3) Physical access to multiple DoD facilities or multiple non-DoD federally controlled facilities on behalf of the DoD on a recurring basis for a period of 6 months or more. At the discretion of the sponsoring activity, an initial CAC may be issued based on a favorable review of the FBI fingerprint check and a successfully scheduled NACI at the Office of Personnel Management.

C.6.2 iWATCH Training. This standard language is for Contractor employees with an area of performance within an Army controlled installation, facility or area. The Contractor and all associated sub-contractors shall brief all employees on the local iWATCH program (training standards provided by the requiring activity (ATO). This local developed training will be used to inform employees of the types of behavior to watch for and instruct employees to report suspicious activity to the COR.

C.6.3 For contracts that require OPSEC Training. Per AR 530-1 Operations Security, the contractor employees must complete Level I OPSEC Awareness training. New employees must be trained within 30 calendar days of their reporting for duty and annually thereafter.

C.6.4 For information assurance (IA)/information technology (IT) training. All contractor employees and associated sub-contractor employees must complete the DoD IA awareness training before issuance of network access and annually thereafter. All contractor employees working in IA/IT functions must comply with DoD and Army training requirements in DoD 8570.01, DoD 8570.01-M and AR 25-2 within six (6) months of appointment to IA/IT functions.

C.6.5 For all contractors with security clearances. Per AR 381-12 Threat Awareness and Reporting Program (TARP), contractor employees must receive annual TARP training by a CI agent or other qualified trainer as specified in 2-4b. Please see below information for making report.

iSALUTE: https://www.inscom.army.mil/isalute/ iWATCH: https://www.myarmyonesource.com/ Spy Hotline: 1-800-CALL-SPY

C.7 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT (GFE) / GOVERNMENT FURNISHED INFORMATION (GFI) / GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY (GFP) / OTHER GOVERNMENT FURNISHED MATERIALS

C.7.1 There shall be no GFE, GFI, GFP or other government furnished materials.

C.8 Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-12

C.8.1 Routine access of contractor personnel to Government-controlled facilities is NOT required.

C.8.2. Access to Government controlled information systems is NOT required.

C.8.3 Contractor will comply with HSPD-12 standards by:

- Informing the COR of the contract at least 30 days in advance of any visit to a government facility.

- Completing and returning visit request authorization (VAR) and submitting to government security office at least 15 days before visiting.

- Having at least 2 forms of ID when visiting the facility for badging purposes with at least one ID being a state issued driving license with picture.

- National Agency Check with Inquiries is not required.

- Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) Publication (PUB) 201 compliant products and service components are not applicable to this contract.

- All Federal government identification cards and badges will be returned at the end of each day prior to each contractor leaving the government facility.

Contracting Officer:

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