RFI GA Small UAS FA8629-25-R-6004 24 Jun 25.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE Management CENTER

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE

24 June 2024

6/24/2025Tracking No. FA8629-25-R-6004

MEMORANDUM FOR: All Qualified Vendors with

SAM.gov Access FROM: AFLCMC/WISS Strike Systems Contracting Office 1895 Fifth Street Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7200

SUBJECT: Request for Information (RFI) – Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) for Ground/Maritime Search and Rescue

1. NOTICE

This Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS)/Request for Information (RFI) is issued for informational purposes and market research only; it does not constitute a solicitation. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for any expenses associated with preparing/submitting information in response to this posting. The information provided may be used by the Government in developing its acquisition strategy, statement of work/statement of objectives, and/or performance specifications. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained within their response as instructed later in this posting.

2. BACKGROUND AND SCOPE

The United States (US) Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance & Special Operations Forces (ISR & SOF) Directorate, Strike Systems Program Office (AFLCMC/WISS) is conducting market research to identify systems capable of providing organic Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) to extend line of sight communications, increase threat detection and locate isolated personnel (IP) via a standoff effect in vast environments where Combat Air Forces (CAF) aircraft are denied. System(s) will be employed by Air Force Rescue Forces conducting personnel recovery missions in maritime environments.

3. CAPABILITY GAP

Air Force Guardian Angel units lack the capability to locate Isolated Personnel from a distance, link communications and limit time and exposure of personnel conducting searches over a wide area in contested environments. Additionally, Guardian Angel personnel lack the ability to find and communicate with personnel due to ocean swells in maritime environments, or foliage in land environments. The capability gap presented in these situations put both the Guardian Angel teams and Isolated Personnel at greater risk.

Changes from previous RFI: The customer no longer requires a tethered capability.

4. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:

Key Performance Parameters (KPPs)

(T) = Threshold (required).

(O) = Objective (desired, if technically feasible and cost effective).

System KPPs

6.1.1 KPP: The sUAS shall be capable of autonomous navigation (flying pre-planned routes) and the user shall have the ability to override and take control manually (T=O).

6.1.2 KPP: sUAS shall have an open architecture capable of integrating multiple payloads (T=O).

6.1.3 KPP: The System shall be able to send sensor video feed to the operator (T=O).

6.1.4 KPP: Control and video/ data link shall be at least AES-256 FIPS compliant (T) incorporate Limited Probably of Intercept (LPI) /Limited Probability of Detection(LPD) characteristics (O).

Note: Communications relay requirements as specified in this document do not require additional encryption or modification of waveforms.

6.1.5 KPP: The control station shall be Windows or Android operating system (T=O).

6.1.6 KPP: The system will not exceed 55 lbs in weight (T=O).

6.1.7 KPP: The system shall allow a minimum of 40 minutes of flight time (T) 59 minutes (O).

6.1.8 KPP: The system shall resist environmental effects of maritime operations to include corrosion, water and UV resistance, and operating between -4 degrees Fahrenheit and +122 degrees Fahrenheit (T) Shall operate with IP-54 military standards to limit dust ingress and water splashes (O).

SUAS KPPs

6.2.1 The sUAS shall have a minimum 7 lbs. payload capacity (T) minimum 12 lbs. payload capacity (O).

6.2.2 The sUAS shall operate with and without GPS (GPS-denied) guided navigation (T) incorporate M-Code GPS (O).

Sensor KPPs

6.3.1 KPP: The system shall have a day sensor that can detect a single IP at 3 NM (T) 10NM (O).

6.3.2 KPP: The system shall have a thermal sensor that can detect a single IP at distances of 1 NM

(T) 5 NM (O).

6.3.3 KPP: Per two sUAS, one sensor payload shall have a low SWaP laser pointing designator to mark IP for sensor point of interest (T=O).

Note: this requirement is for a laser pointer, but we will likely only procure on laser pointer for each 2 sUAS procured.

Comm Payload KPPs

6.4.1 KPP: The system shall be capable of supporting tactical networking relays: PRC-163 TSM, Silvus, Radionor, Wave Relay, MPU-5, and Trellisware (T=O).

Note: All supported radios welcome in RFI responses

6.5 KSAs

6.5.1 The System shall be capable of full integrated ATAK operation without the need for a dedicated ground control station (T=O).

6.5.2 The system shall have user selectable vehicle, object, and personnel tracking and identification software (T).

6.5.3 The System shall have omnidirectional obstacle avoidance (T).

6.5.4 The sUAS shall be able to launch, recover and operate in sustained winds up to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph (T) sustained 35 mph; gusts up to 45 mph (O).

6.5.5 The sUAS shall have day and night navigational lights remotely selectable to on or off (T) shall include a covert lighting option (T).

6.5.6 The sUAS shall land autonomously or via manual control on a maritime vessel within 3ft x 3ft square (T).

6.5.7. When flying an autonomous route, the sUAS will have the option to minimize RF transmissions with the operator and still fly the planned route. Upon return to the operator, the operator will have the ability to download mission data and video files from the sUAS without RF transmission.

6.5.8 Cybersecurity: the sUAS shall wipe all electronic files in the event of lost comms/crash (T).

6.5.9 The System shall have rechargeable and removable batteries (T).

Sustainment Concept and Requirements

• Users require 3D printing capability to rapidly repair/replace parts while deployed to contingency operations. This RFI does not seek a 3D printer solution (requirement will be issued separately) but seeks the following information to determine 3D printer requirements:

• What is the size of the largest component of your proposed solution that could be 3D printed for replacement?

• List all components that could potentially be reproduced by 3D printing.

• Other than electronics, antennae, motors and payload, what components cannot be

3D printed?

• What materials would be suitable or required for 3D printed replacement parts?

• What is current production capacity and lead times?

5. INSTRUCTION TO POTENTIAL RESPONDENTS

Interested parties who desire to participate in this SSS/RFI are encouraged to submit responses that demonstrate they presently have the technology and qualifications to provide the system described above. Responses shall also include the following information:

a. Respondent Data: Company/Institute Name

Address Point of Contact (to include phone number and email address) CAGE Code Web Page URL

Pursuant to NAICS Code 33411, Aircraft Manufacturing, state whether the company is:

Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Women-Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Economically Disadvantaged Women- Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified HUBZone Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Veteran Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned

Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified 8(a) Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified SBA Certification Date: SBA Graduation Date:

State whether the company is domestically or foreign-owned (if foreign, indicate the country of ownership).

State whether the respondent is interested in being a prime or subcontractor for this requirement.

b. Responses may include but are not limited to:

1) Pictures

2) Drawings

3) Associations or connectivity with other end items/systems

4) Test results to support meeting threshold and objective requirements

5) Ability to deliver systems within 6 months after receipt of order

c. Rough cost estimate (i.e. rough order of magnitude (ROM)) based on an optimum or varied pricing quantities (this is for Government budget planning purposes and will not be considered a bid or binding in any manner).

d. Indicate whether the company is currently performing this type of work/whether the capability can be obtained under an existing Government contract. Provide the contract number(s) and Government points of contact accordingly.

e. Indicate whether the company currently provides this type of work as a commercial solution. In this instance, “commercial item” means an item that is of a type customarily used by the general public or non-Governmental entities for purposes other than Governmental purposes. Please indicate if this item has been sold, leased, or licensed to the general public;

or has been offered for sale, lease, or license to the general public. Indicate whether all materials used are compliant with the Buy American Act or Berry Amendment (10 U.S.C.

2533a), as applicable.

f. Please include product warranty terms as applicable, along with any warranty limitations. If product warranty terms are not applicable, please include N/A.

g. Include any spare parts that would potentially be included.

h. Provide the details of New Equipment Training, including process and cost.

i. Describe any possible product improvements that could be made or are planned for the future for the solution.

j. Describe any risks associated with the fulfillment of this projected requirement. This can include technical or schedule risks associated with development, key performance parameters, etc.

k. Please provide specific details and rationale as to how compliance with FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, and FAR 52.219-33, Non-Manufacturer Rule, would be achieved in the event the Government sets this requirement aside for small business. Include specific details regarding teaming arrangements, etc. If subcontracts are to be used, provide the anticipated percentage of effort to be subcontracted and whether small or large businesses, including foreign, will be used. If this effort is not set-aside for small business, small business utilization will be considered. Large and small businesses should provide a reasonable expectation for small business utilization as a percent of total contract value as well as supporting rationale for the recommended percentage.

6. RESPONSES, COMMUNICATIONS, AND ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

a. The Government may contact respondents to obtain additional information or clarification in order to fully understand a company's response. This may include discussions, site visits, demonstrations, etc. to further the Government's understanding of a proposed solution, as well as a company's understanding of the Government's requirements.

b. Responses shall not exceed 10 pages (including cover page). Include technical and descriptive text and photographs/illustrations to provide sufficient detail. The submitted documentation becomes the property of the United States Government and will not be returned.

c. Respondents shall clearly mark proprietary data with the appropriate markings. Any proprietary information received in response to this request will be properly protected from any unauthorized disclosure. Any material that is not marked will be considered publicly-releasable.

d. Government-contracted contractor support personnel may handle proprietary data submitted in response to this RFI. These support personnel will have signed the same Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) as government personnel.

e. If you are currently providing your proposed capability on an existing government contract, please identify the contract and a government POC.

f. Broad industry participation for this RFI is encouraged. U.S. and non-U.S. firms are permitted to respond.

g. Please note that prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award

Management (SAM) database to be awarded a DOD contract; the NAICS code for this requirement, if applicable to the company’s capabilities, should be included in the company’s NAICS code listing in SAM. To learn more about this SAM requirement and how to register, please visit the SAM website at: https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM

h. Responses are due electronically by 12:00PM Eastern time on 22 July 2025 via email to:

Marissa Greenleaf

AFLCMC/WIS

Contracting Officer Marissa.greenleaf@us.af.mil

2 Lt Ethan Sheptow

AFLCMC/WISS

Program Manager Ethan.sheptow.2@us.af.mil

Brad Kenney

AFLCMC/WISN

Program Manager bradford.kenney.1.ctr@us.af.mil

i. This notice may be updated as additional information becomes available. Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by email to the Contracting Officer identified above, with the other individuals identified above copied as a courtesy.

This is a Request for Information (RFI) only to identify potential sources for the solution. The information provided in the RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. The Government has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as creating such a commitment or as an authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought.

MARISSA S GREENLEAF

AFLCMC/WISS

Contracting Officer https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM mailto:Ethan.sheptow.2@us.af.mil