Request for Information (RFI) for LPM.pdf

Request for Information

Reference #: N00024-26-R-6215

Notice Type: Request for Information

Original Published Date: June 01, 2026

Original Response Date: June 30, 2026

Extension Response Date: N/A

Functional Area: Photonic Mast (LPM)

NAICS: 334511 – Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing

PSC: 1240 – Optical Sighting & Ranging Equipment

REQUEST DETAILS

This notice is for market research purposes only and does NOT constitute a request for proposal. This notice shall not be construed as a contract, a promise to contract, or as a commitment of any kind by the Government. The Government is NOT seeking or accepting unsolicited proposals.

Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager (DRPM) for Submarines, Director of Contracts on behalf of Director of AUKUS, International, and Systems (AI&S), PMS435 issues this Request for Information (RFI) notice. Per FAR 15.101(c), the purpose of this RFI is to improve the Navy’s understanding of industry’s capabilities and other market information pertaining to the design, production, manufacturing, and maintenance of Low Profile Masts (LPMs) and LPM Rotational Modules (RMs). PMS435 welcomes responses from traditional and non-traditional defense companies, including those companies with demonstrated capabilities in systems and electrical engineering, sensor and optics integration, and advanced electro-mechanical manufacturing, that possess some or all these capabilities.

An LPM is a next-generation, modular, non-hull-penetrating optronic and photonic imaging sensor designed to provide submarines with high-definition visual imaging, infrared imaging, and Radio Frequency (RF) processing while minimizing radar and optical signatures. Each LPM consists of four (4) major components which include the Antenna Assembly (AA), Sensor Module (SM), Electronics Module (EM), and RM. While the LPM and its components must endure significant pressure and depth, these products are not SUBSAFE.

An LPM RM is a cylinder at the bottom of the sensor assembly that rotates the heavy modules mounted above it (AA/SM/EM). The LPM RM includes an azimuth motor which operates part of a servo control loop to stabilize the Sensor Module to a commanded azimuth/bearing. The LPM

RM must pass fiber optic, RF, power, and other signals from the stationary dip loop connectors through to the rotating modules mounted to the LPM RMs. Traditionally, a combination of fiber optic rotary joints, RF rotary joints, and slip rings were utilized for signal routing. The LPM RMs must meet the current RM outer dimensions for fitment and configuration purposes, which are provided in the functional specifications for the LPM RMs.

The functional and performance specifications for the Type 20 and Type 24 LPMs and LPM RMs will be provided to cleared companies in accordance with the RFI instructions below. PMS435 is specifically interested in companies that can meet or improve upon these functional and performance specifications and design and produce one or more of the following:

- Type 20 LPMs

- Type 24 LPMs

- LPM RMs that can be integrated into Type 20 LPM and Type 24 LPM

The Navy is seeking information to include industry’s technical capabilities, manufacturing capacities, supply chain partnerships, and current and planned investments as it pertains to the above categories. Interested parties shall respond using the attached questionnaire.

INSTRUCTIONS TO ACCESS PERFORMANCE/FUNCTIONAL SPECIFICATIONS

PMS435 will make available the following performance and functional specifications to cleared companies to generate and support questions, comments, and responses to this RFI:

1. Performance/Functional Specification for the Type 20 and Type 24 LPMs

2. Performance/Functional Specification for the LPM RM

These performance/functional specifications contain controlled technical data and will not be posted to SAM.gov as an attachment to this RFI. Only AUKUS companies, i.e., companies from Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, may request access to this information.

The classification and marking level for each of these documents is Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Each document also references a classified annex, which is applicable to the Type 20 and Type 24 LPMs and LPM RMs. The information contained in each annex is not required and the Government will not provide this information for the purpose of this RFI.

To receive the documents marked CUI, each Company must agree to use the data in the documents strictly in accordance with a Terms of Use Agreement (TOUA), and to follow the specific Distribution Statements, markings, and guidance on each individual document. Access will be restricted to AUKUS companies with the ability to safeguard and handle CUI information.

Interested parties must complete, sign, and submit the TOUA via e-mail to the points of contact below. Acceptance of the terms of the TOUA must be made by a company representative with the authority to bind the company to such terms. The e-mail shall include the following, or the company will be deemed non-responsive:

Company name, address, and ZIP code Company CAGE or NCAGE code Business Website Two Points of Contact with Name, Title, Phone Number and Email Address

Written requests for documents must be UNCLASSIFIED and shall be submitted via email to Mr.

Eric Dieges at eric.dieges.civ@us.navy.mil, Ms. Jada Williams at jada.n.williams11.civ@us.navy.mil, and Mr. Timothy Nguyen at timothy.h.nguyen.civ@us.navy.mil by 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (EDT), 24 JUNE 2026. The subject line of the email should have “LPM (insert company name) TOUA N00024-26-R-6215.”

Telephone requests are not acceptable.

RESPONSE SUBMISSION

Interested parties shall deliver their response to the RFI questionnaire via e-mail to the following:

Ms. Jada Williams Contract Specialist jada.n.williams11.civ@us.navy.mil

Mr. Eric Dieges Procuring Contracting Officer / Agreements Officer eric.dieges.civ@us.navy.mil

Mr. Timothy Nguyen Acquisition Manager timothy.h.nguyen.civ@us.navy.mil

Responses must be UNCLASSIFIED. Responses containing proprietary information must be appropriately marked.

The Government requests that respondents complete and submit the RFI questionnaire posted.

Each respondent is limited to a single submission of a questionnaire in accordance with this RFI.

Questionnaire submissions shall be in Microsoft Word (*.docx) in no less than 1-inch margins and 12-point Times New Roman font.

Each submission shall include a cover page with the following information:

1. Business name;

2. CAGE/NCAGE code and DUNS;

3. Business address;

4. Business website;

5. Business size status (i.e., SB, VOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone SB, SDB, WOSB, LB);

6. Number of employees;

7. Employee security classification level;

8. Facility security classification level (including issuing Government agency, and expiration date), to include

a. Security Point of Contact information

b. DD Form 2345

9. Point(s) of contact, to include

a. E-mail address

b. Telephone number

c. Name/Job Title

10. Mailing address (if different from business address); and

11. North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code under which the company traditionally does business and business type (e.g., larger business, small business) based on that NAICS code.

E-mail responses are preferred, but if your submission contains large files or information that is proprietary in nature to send, you may provide your submission using DoD SAFE (https://safe.apps.mil/). In order to obtain a link for DoD SAFE submission, the respondent must e-mail a request to the Contract Specialist, Procuring Contracting Officer, and Acquisition Manager no later than two (2) business days prior and no earlier than 14 calendar days prior to the response deadline. The Respondent shall provide their name and e-mail as contact information so the Government can generate a pick-up request from the DoD SAFE application to be sent to the Respondent, which is valid for 14 calendar days. Respondents shall address their DoD SAFE Subject Line: “RFI Response to LPM Industry Production and Manufacturing Capabilities [COMPANY NAME]”. Respondents shall click the “Confirm Delivery” button within the DoD SAFE app to receive a confirmation of pick up by the Government. The DoD SAFE system records submission times. Respondents are responsible for generating a drop-off time no later than two (2) days prior to the submission date and time to ensure timely drop-off for their submission.

The Government will not provide acknowledgment of responses received.

Proprietary information, if any, must be clearly marked. To aid the Government in its review and evaluation, please segregate proprietary information. Please be advised that all submissions will not be returned. Respondents that include in their submissions data that they do not want disclosed to the public for any purpose, or used by the Government except for evaluation purposes, shall:

1. Mark the title page with the following legend:

a. “This response includes data that shall not be disclosed outside the Government and shall not be duplicated, used, or disclosed -- in whole or in part -- for any purpose other than to evaluate this White Paper. The data subject to this restriction is contained in sheets [insert numbers or other identification of sheets].”

2. Mark each sheet of data it wishes to restrict with the following legend:

a. “Use or disclosure of data contained on this sheet is subject to the restriction on the title page of this submission.”

DISCLAIMER AND OTHER INFORMATION

This is a RFI notice only. This notice is not a Request for Proposal (RFP). In accordance with FAR 15.101(c), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. This notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation or obligation on the part of the Government. Neither unsolicited proposals nor any other kind of offers will be considered in response to this notice. Respondents are wholly responsible for any costs or expenses associated with submitting a response. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this notice or any further RFI(s) relating to a response. Respondents will not be notified of the results of this notice. The information obtained from submitted responses may be used in the development of an acquisition strategy. Only one response is necessary for this announcement. The Government will not be obligated to pursue any particular acquisition strategy because of this RFI.

Responses to the RFI will not be returned. Failure to respond to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP(s), if any are issued.

The Government will be utilizing non-government personnel under this RFI. The role of these non-government personnel is to function as technical advisors to the Government reviewers. These non-government personnel will have access to the information submitted in response to the RFI and will provide technical expertise and/or advice as required. All non-government personnel have Non-Disclosure Agreements on file with the Government. Unless otherwise stated by the Respondent, a submission in response to the RFI constitutes consent that the above-mentioned non-government personnel may have access to information provided in the Respondent’s submission.

ATTACHMENT 1

Questionnaire

The intent of the following questions is to communicate the range and type of information of interest to PMS435, and PMS435 anticipates that respondents may not address all questions.

Respondents may address some or all questions in their RFI response. Tailor your response to address the questions to the best extent possible for your capabilities and/or products.

For your company, please provide the following:

A. General

1. Provide a brief description of your company (maximum 100 words).

2. Identify whether your company’s ownership is domestic to the United States or foreign;

if foreign, specify the country.

3. If your company is operating under foreign ownership, control, or influence, is your company covered under an approved Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI) agreement by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA)?

4. Is your company a nontraditional or traditional defense contractor? A nontraditional defense contractor means an entity that is not currently performing and has not performed, for at least a one-year period, any contract or subcontract for the Department of War that is subject to full coverage under the cost accounting standards.

Traditional defense contractor means all other entities.

5. Identify one or more of the product lines your company is interested in designing and producing (i.e., Type 20 LPM, Type 24 LPM, Rotational Module (RM)).

6. If your company was selected for a prototype project to design and/or produce LPMs or RMs using Other Transaction authority (10 USC 4022), would your prototype project include at least one nontraditional defense contractor, as defined in paragraph A.4.

above, that participates to a significant extent? Participation to a significant extent may include supplying a novel or key technology, product or process; performing a significant amount of work; or providing for a material increase in performance during the prototype project.

a. If the nontraditional defense contractor is a subcontractor, identify the subcontractor(s) and provide a brief description of their participation in a prototype project (maximum 100 words).

For each product identified in question A.5 above, please provide the following:

B. Previous Design and Manufacturing Experience

1. Provide a brief description of your relevant design and manufacturing experience to design and produce products similar or identical to an LPM and/or LPM RM (maximum 150 words).

2. If your company has produced similar or identical products in the past, provide a list of those product names, product images, and brief descriptions (maximum 30 words for each product). A non-Imaging submarine mast may be considered similar for the purposes of the Type 20 and Type 24 products. Components used in a submarine mast may be considered similar for the purposes of the LPM RM product.

a. What is the maturity of your product, e.g., has the product been developed, demonstrated in a real-world environment, or achieved low-rate or full-rate production?

b. What is the quantity of products in your inventory?

c. If your company has sold these products to the Government, identify the associated contract numbers and the contracting agency, and identify the company’s role as a prime contractor or subcontractor.

C. Design and Manufacturing Approach

1. For Type 20 and Type 24 LPMs and LPM RMs, provide:

a. Describe your approach to designing a product that will meet the Performance Specification requirements.

b. Describe any areas where your approach to the design of the product will exceed the Performance Specification requirements.

D. Business Model Approach

1. Describe your business model for each product line (i.e., Type 20 LPM, Type 24 LPM, Rotational Module (RM)). Will the product be available for purchase, lease, or as a Contractor-owned, Contractor-maintained (COCM) service?

2. If your company is interested in a lease or a COCM business model, provide the terms of this service and a ROM estimate.

E. Manufacturing Readiness

1. Describe your quality management system (e.g., AS9100, ISO 9001).

2. Identify the manufacturing capacity of each product line per month and identify the minimum capacity required for economical production.

3. What is the manufacturing throughput time for one unit?

4. Do you currently, or have you historically, relied on sources external to your company for production manufacturing? If yes, from where, and how much production capacity have you acquired and in what time period?

5. What are your current and future predicted equipment and production line utilization rates?

6. Are there any current or future obsolescence concerns? If so, have you implemented successful strategies to mitigate said concerns?

7. Do you anticipate needing additional workforce members if annual production was to scale to

a. 10 LPMs

b. 10 Rotational Modules (RM)

8. Do you anticipate needing additional facilities and/or capital tooling and equipment if annual production was to scale to

a. 10 LPMs

b. 10 Rotational Modules (RM)

F. Supply Chain

1. Identify 1st tier suppliers for major components or subcomponents of your product.

2. For suppliers identified in question E.1. above, are any suppliers under foreign ownership, control, or influence? If yes, specify the supplier, major component or subcomponent, and country.

3. For suppliers identified in question E.1. above, have you assessed any suppliers that are single source, capacity constrained, foreign dependent, and/or facing near-term Diminishing Manufacturing Sources & Material Shortages (DMSMS)? If yes, please identify the supplier and the associated major component and/or subcomponent.

4. Identify which major components and/or subcomponents are long lead-time items.

What is the amount of time it takes to procure each item?

5. What are the capacity limitations of the supply chain?

6. Does your current distributed supply chain pose challenges (e.g., lead time, cost, security, etc.) and, if so, what mitigations are you currently considering or taking?

G. Investment

1. Identify the types of facility and capital investments that your company is planning for the next three (3) years. What is the impact of these investments on the production activities (e.g., quality assurance) and production throughput and capacity?

2. Does the company have established relationships with sources of capital for investments in facilities and/or equipment?

3. Is the company seeking additional capital to mature prototypes or scale production?

4. What percentage of your annual revenue is typically allocated to internal research and development (IR&D)? How would IR&D be applied to the LPM/LPM RM product line?

H. Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM)

1. Provide the total ROM estimate and lead time to manufacture and deliver quantities of

a. 1, 2, 6, and 10 LPMs

b. 1, 2, 6, and 10 LPM RMs

2. Is the above ROM estimate based on current or future facilities and human and capital resources? If based on future facilities and resources, when does your company plan to complete these investments?

3. If a maximum capacity is greater than 10 units (LPMs or LPM RMs) in a year, identify the quantity and provide the total ROM estimate.