Request for Information (RFI)_RDKP-2020-0001_CHIMERA.docx

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

Air Force Research Laboratory Directed Energy Directorate High-Powered Electromagnetics (HPEM)

CHIMERA

RFI-RDKP-2020-0001

Dated: 6 May 2020

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY as defined in FAR 15.201(e). This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes. It does not constitute a solicitation or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future. This RFI is not a request for proposals; therefore, responses to this notice are not considered offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever.

1. CONTRACTING OFFICE ADDRESS AND POINTS OF CONTACT (POC)

Address Department of the Air Force, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Directed Energy Directorate Contracting Division, AFRL/RDKP, 3550 Aberdeen Ave. SE, Bldg. 499, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5776.

Contracting POC

1. Contract Specialist, Brandon Irving, e-mail: brandon.irving@us.af.mil

2. Contracting Officer, Jaclyn Torres, e-mail: jaclyn.torres@us.af.mil

Technical POC A. Counter-Electronic High Power Microwave Extended Range Air Base Air Defense (CHIMERA)

i. Program Manager (PM), Jeremy Oliver, email: jeremy.oliver.1@us.af.mil

ii. Deputy PM, Capt. Matthew Alombro, email: matthew.alombro.1@us.af.mil

iii. Deputy PM, 2Lt Jackson Piechowski, email: jackson.piechowski.1@us.af.mil

The NAICS code for this RFI is 541715.

NOTE: See paragraph 6 on how to request for clarification.

2. DISCLAIMER

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY as defined in FAR 15.201(e). This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes. It does not constitute a solicitation or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future. This RFI is not a request for proposals; therefore responses to this notice are not considered offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Respondents will not be paid for the information submitted. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked PROPRIETARY will be handled accordingly. The Government shall not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for any proprietary information not properly identified. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations. Proprietary information or trade secrets should be clearly identified and portion marked. Note: See paragraph 5.D. for coordination of classified submissions.

The Air Force will not be obligated to pursue any particular acquisition alternative as a result of this RFI. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. The Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted under this RFI. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future solicitation, if one is issued.

3. PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Directed Energy Directorate (RD), High-Powered Electromagnetics Division (RDH), located at Kirtland AFB, is the Air Force’s Center of Excellence for research in High-Powered Electro-Magnetic (HPEM) technology and functions as the Air Force Material Command’s center for HPEM technology development, acquisition, transformation, and support. AFRL/RDH is composed of highly specialized research facilities and HPEM scientists and engineers that work in close partnership with the Air Force (AF), Department of Defense (DoD), and industry to provide innovative technologies.

4. TECHNICAL AREAS

A. Counter-Electronic High Power Microwave Extended Range Air Base Air Defense (CHIMERA)

i. Background

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) aims to finish the Counter Electronic High-power Microwave Extended Range Air Base Air Defense (CHIMERA) program, taking an assembled prototype system through tests and demonstrations to verify and validate that it performs as expected before performing a warfighter integration exercise in preparation to transition the prototype system into a program of record. This effort focuses on the test and demonstration of CHIMERA as well as all activities required to support them. This includes, but is not limited to, procurement of spare system components, development of command and control interface, development of user interface for the system, participation in the Air Force Directed Energy Experimentation Campaign, antenna characterization, risk reduction testing, and support of the warfighter integration exercise. It also includes design studies to explore system options to better satisfy warfighter needs. The Air Force has sought to transition HPEM weapons to the warfighter for some time. CHIMERA has already built a prototype system under a previous contract.

ii. Approach

Topic 1: Procurement of Spare System Components

This effort shall focus on the acquisition of additional components to meet end user objectives. This effort includes the procurement of system and subsystem components needed to support CHIMERA through multiple tests and demonstrations. The government and contractor will work together to identify the correct list of spares required to ensure proper operation of the system throughout the tests, experiments, and exercises planned for the system. The spares will then need to be manufactured or procured by the contractor in a timely manner to meet the schedule. This effort would also include procuring new CHIMERA systems if desired by the warfighter.

Topic 2: Development of Software

This effort shall focus on the development of software for the CHIMERA system to meet end user objectives. In order to successfully complete the Air Force Directed Energy Experimentation, CHIMERA will be required to interface with an as-yet unchosen Command and Control protocol.

Additionally, in order to meet the objectives of the warfighter integration exercise and to assist in the modeling and simulation effort for the CHIMERA system, a user interface will need to be developed such that the system can be operated by an individual with minimal training on the system, such as a Security Forces airman.

Topic 3: Participate in Experimentation Campaign

This effort shall focus on participation in the Air Force Directed Energy Experimentation Campaign which is planned and lead by the Strategic Development Planning and Execution (SDPE) Office. This experiment involves live fire testing and tracking in a simulated deployed location. This effort shall focus on the verification and validation of the CHIMERA system. It will determine CHIMERA system’s performance to adequately find, fix, track, target, engage, and assess (F2T2EA) the threats the system is expected to engage. It will also include shipping the CHIMERA system and all required support equipment to and from the Experimentation location.

Topic 4: Support Warfighter Integration Exercise

Once the system has been proven to work as intended, the CHIMERA program office will work with system end users to deploy the system so it may be tested in a forward operating environment in a simulated combat scenario. In addition to the actual CHIMERA system, this will require contractor field service representative support, spares, shipping, controls, and any other required support equipment.

Topic 5: Antenna Characterization

In an effort to better understand antenna performance and fratricide concerns, a comprehensive antenna characterization will be done. This would include a complete mapping of the antenna pattern as well as side and back lobes. Also included in this effort are design studies to evaluate how to reduce back and side lobes as much as possible.

Topic 6: Risk Reduction Test

As a risk reduction, SDPE is planning on a risk reduction test for Experimentation. This test would involve engaging dynamic targets at the specified test range. This effort would involve operating and maintaining the system for the risk reduction effort as well as shipping and setup of the system as required.

Topic 7: Design Study

This effort shall focus on conducting design studies to explore the trade space of the system. Parameters of the study include, but are not limited to, making the system smaller and more mobile, increasing the range of the system, increasing reliability and maintainability, and exploring waveform agility.

iii. Description

The AFRL requests an assessment of industry’s ability to support the proposed investigation of each topic outlined above. It is anticipated that a response to this RFI would address each topic entirely or elements of the topics independently.

Key considerations should include (but not limited to):

(1) Performance;

(2) Resource availability;

(3) Cost

(4) Data Rights

(5) Previous Large HPM System Development

iv. Assumptions

The purpose of this RFI is to obtain information specifically related to the research and development of CHIMERA technologies. It can be assumed:

(1) All Topics:

a. Presentation materials and periodic technical exchange meetings with Government S&Es will be required.

b. The research will be performed primarily at Kirtland AFB, Directed Energy Directorate, AFRL/RDH High Power Applications Branch research facilities or at contractor facilities

(2) Topic 1, Procurement of Spares:

a. The offeror shall procure up to 3 additional CHIMERA systems over the course of this contract.

b. The offeror shall procure required spare parts and additional material to ensure system availability for a three (3) week field test.

(3) Topic 2, Development of Software

a. The offeror shall incorporate the Command and Control (C2) protocol chosen to be used for the Air Force Directed Energy Experimentation Campaign.

b. The offeror shall work with DoD C2 experts as necessary to determine the ideal message formats and latency for the C2 system and practice the protocols as necessary.

c. The offeror shall develop a User Interface for use with CHIMERA that can be operated by no more than two (2) Security Forces personnel.

(4) Topic 3, Participate in Experimentation Campaign

a. The offeror shall perform all required logistics to transport CHIMERA to the location of Air Force Directed Energy Experimentation Campaign, setup CHIMERA to be used during Air Force Directed Energy Experimentation Campaign, tear down CHIMERA after the completion of Air Force Directed Energy Experimentation Campaign, and transport the system back to Kirtland AFB, NM.

b. The offeror shall support CHIMERA use in the Air Force Directed Energy Experimentation Campaign to include maintenance and SME support.

c. The offeror shall procure and supply spares to ensure system availability for three (3) week field test.

d. The offeror shall provide training material to train Security Forces personnel on how to operate the system.

(5) Topic 4, Support Warfighter Integration Exercise

a. The offeror shall support CHIMERA deployment to include but not limited to: transportation, maintenance, spares, operation, training, and field service representatives.

b. The offeror shall provide SME and support to exercises in which the CHIMERA system participates.

(6) Topic 5, Antenna Characterization

a. The offeror shall perform a characterization and measure the antenna beam pattern.

b. The offeror shall measure and characterize the side lobes and back lobes of the antenna.

c. The offeror shall provide designs on how to best reduce back and side lobes.

d. The offeror shall provide HERO, HERP, and HERF numbers based on the antenna characteristics measured.

(7) Topic 6, Risk Reduction Test

a. The offeror shall perform all required logistics to transport CHIMERA to the required test range for the risk reduction test, setup CHIMERA to be used during the risk reduction test, tear down CHIMERA after the completion of the risk reduction test, and transport the system back to Kirtland AFB, NM.

b. The offeror shall operate CHIMERA for use in the risk reduction test.

c. The offeror shall procure and supply spares to ensure system availability for three (3) week field test.

d. The offeror shall provide maintenance and SME support.

(8) Topic 7, Design Study

a. The offeror shall conduct a design study to explore the parameter space of the system. Parameters of the study include, but are not limited to, making the system smaller and more mobile, increasing the range of the system, increasing reliability and maintainability, and exploring waveform agility.

b. The offeror shall supply the design study results in a report outlining changes from current design as well as pros and cons of each option.

v. Response

Based on the objectives presented above, interested parties should provide a statement of interest on company letterhead and include the following information:

(1) Statement of capabilities. Identify the following:

a. All Topics: Responders should include an estimate of numbers and types of personnel that will be required and provided to accomplish the work proposed. Responders should also include a summary of prior experience relevant to the topic.

(2) A high-level discussion of your approach to executing the technical work. Identify the following:

a. High-level milestones (schedule) expected during performance;

b. High-level estimate of the program costs at each milestone;

c. Premises and assumptions (include what Government resources would be needed); and

d. High-level risk assessment.

Alternate options may be discussed along with corresponding technical merits, risk, schedule requirements, and costs.

5. REQUIRED RESPONSE, FORMAT, & SUBMISSION

Responses must be unclassified* and any proprietary information provided must be portion marked accordingly. To protect such data, each line or paragraph on the pages containing such data must be specifically identified and marked with a legend similar to the following:

“The following contains proprietary information that (name of Responder) requests not be released to persons outside of the Government, except for the purposes of review and evaluation.”

A. The cover page shall include the following:

i. Company Name and Mailing Address

ii. CAGE Code and DUNS Number

iii. Point(s) of Contact to include telephone number and e-mail address

iv. Business Size Status (i.e., 8(a), HUBZone, woman-owned, Service Disabled Veteran-Owned, Small business, Large Business, Historically Black College/University). Also, indicate if entity is a minority-serving institution of higher education meeting the definition of "Covered Institution" (as defined in 10 USC 2362 Covered Educational Institution). Included is (1) an institution of higher education eligible for assistance under title III or V of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1501 et seq); or (2) an accredited postsecondary minority institution). The applicable NAICs code is 541715 with an associated small business size standard of 1,000 employees.

B. Format & Page Limitation

Submitted responses should be provided on standard letter size 8-1/2 by 11 inch paper, limited to a maximum of fifteen (15), single-sided, single-spaced pages. This includes the cover page, diagrams, and foldouts. The font for text should be Times New Roman 12-point or larger. The Responder may use oversized pages (including “foldouts”) where appropriate to contain graphic presentations. Oversized pages do not count as extra pages within the page limitations. Existing commercial documentation and product literature can also be submitted and is not subject to a page limitation. Submitted responses should be in Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format. Note: Responses must be unclassified* and any proprietary information provided must be marked accordingly.

C. Submission of Documentation

Responders shall provide two (2) electronic copies on CD-R media by mail only to the Contracting Office at the following address:

AFRL/RDKP

ATTN: Brandon Irving 3550 Aberdeen Ave. SE Kirtland AFB, NM 87116-5776 Telephone: (505) 853-7220 E-mail: brandon.irving@us.af.mil

D. Response Due Date

Responses are due no later than 08 June 2020 12:00pm MDT.

*Contact Jeremy Oliver at jeremy.oliver.1@us.af.mil for coordination of classified submissions. Do not send classified submissions until authorized.

6. REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION

A Responder may request clarification in writing from the Contracting Office for any requirement that is unclear by sending an e-mail to the contract specialist and contracting officer points of contacts above.

Any requests for clarification must be received no later than 18 May 2020 (12:00pm MDT). Clarifications may be posted on the RFI announcement website to benefit all interested Responders. Interested Responders are encouraged to periodically check the website during the response period for clarifications.