RFI_-_HPM_Source_Research.docx

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

Air Force Research Laboratory Directed Energy Directorate

RDH-1

High-Powered Electromagnetics (HPEM) Source Research Dated: 23 January 2015

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 Office, Det 8 AFRL/RVKDP, 3550 Aberdeen Ave. SE, Bldg. 499, Kirtland AFB, NM 87117-5776.

Contracting POC

1. Contract Specialist, William Davis, e-mail: william.davis.95@us.af.mil

2. Contracting Officer, Pearl Solano, e-mail: pearl.solano@us.af.mil

Technical POC

1. Program Manager, Dr. Kyle Hendricks, e-mail: kyle.hendricks@us.af.mil

2. Deputy Program Manager, Sabrina Maestas, e-mail: sabrina.maestas@us.af.mil

NOTE: See paragraph 5 on how to request for clarification.

2. GENERAL INFORMATION

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. Do not submit classified information.

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.

3. GENERAL INTENT

a. Background 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.

The High Power Electromagnetics (HPEM) Sources for the Next Generation Program conducts research addressing the AF and DoD requirements for HPEM technologies - the research phase. It aims to develop successful HPEM source technologies and components required for consideration to address future mission requirements. This program researches the Physics of HPEM technologies such as tunable high power oscillators, broad frequency bandwidth high power amplifiers, structures to radiate the generated high power pulse, and ancillary technologies such pulsed power, cathodes, System Engineering and safety. AFRL/RDH’s HPEM Sources for the Next Generation Program has been successful in developing and demonstrating the potential for HPEM systems to provide game-changing capabilities in combat operations.

AFRL/RDH would like to investigate and advance the state-of-the-art knowledge in HPEM technology; specifically in the application of High Peak Power, High Average Power, and High Powered Millimeter wave sources and radiating structures. The effort envisioned herein seeks to research and develop forward-looking technologies, which may transition HPEM technologies to the warfighter community. Likewise, the effort entails the development of source technologies-enabling evaluation at bread board levels equivalent to Technology Readiness Levels 3-4.

b. Approach

Topic: HPEM Source Research

The effort will pursue innovative HPEM source technologies for counter electronic applications. The HPEM Sources for the Next Generation Program is interested in developing existing and novel HPEM technologies that can be integrated into current and future AF and DoD platforms. The research effort should address the following major areas:

· Increasing the frequency bandwidth of tunable HPEM Oscillators

· Broadband (> 10%) HPEM Amplifiers

· Improved efficiency (>50%) HPEM Sources

· Radiating structures for HPEM pulses

· Required laboratory infrastructure to safely investigate new HPEM technologies including repetitive pulsed power, EMI, ionizing and nonionizing radiation.

The HPEM Source Program will determine the technologies for development and the system engineering efforts that need to be pursued in order to demonstrate the technical capability. This includes developing and demonstrating new technologies and testing brass board components to achieve Technology Readiness Levels 3-4.

c. Description

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

Key considerations should include (but are not limited to):

(1) Technical Feasibility;

(2) Performance;

(3) Resource availability;

(4) Cost.

d. Assumptions

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

(1) Analytical and Computational research will be required.

(2) Experimental demonstration will be required.

(3) Reproducibility and reliability of the technology must be determined.

(4) Safety considerations for experiments are crucial.

(5) Demonstrated ability for computer aided drafting, design and rapid fabrication are important.

(6) Demonstrated ability to incorporate system engineering considerations into prototype experimental hardware is required.

(7) Access to AFRL/RDH’s internal resources (personnel, equipment, facilities, etc.) shall be available when coordinated or expressed use is given.

e. Response

Based on the research description 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. The HPEM research experience, such as oscillators, amplifiers, antennas;

b. Fabrication capabilities;

c. System engineering experience; and

d. Experience with the enabling technologies needed for HPEM Sources, such as vacuum electronics or pulsed power.

(2) A high-level discussion of your approach to designing and conducting HPEM research and technical studies. 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.

4. REQUIRED RESPONSE, FORMAT, & SUBMISSION

Limit RFI responses to fifteen (15), single-sided, single-spaced pages. This page limit is to be treated as a maximum and RFI responses containing fewer pages will be accepted. 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.”

Note: See Format and Page Limitations and Submission of Documentation paragraphs for additional instructions.

a. 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 page limit is to be treated as a maximum and RFI responses containing fewer pages will be accepted. 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 format. Documents should be provided to the Government on CD-ROM media. Note: Responses must be unclassified and any Proprietary information provided must be marked accordingly.

b. Submission of Documentation

Documentation shall be delivered by MAIL ONLY and received NLT 06 March 2015, 1200 Noon MST to the Contracting Office at the following address:

AFRL Det 8/RVKDP

ATTN: WILLIAM DAVIS

3550 Aberdeen Ave. SE Kirtland AFB, NM 87116-5776 Telephone: 505-846-4626 E-mail: william.davis.95@us.af.mil

5. REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION

A responder may request clarification in writing from the Contracting Office for any of this Request for Information that is unclear by sending an e-mail to the contracting points of contacts above.

Any requests for clarification must be received no later than seven (7) business days prior to the close of this RFI in order to receive a timely response. 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.

6. DISCLAIMER

This is a Request for Information (RFI) only as defined in FAR 15.201(e) to obtain information about capabilities and market information related to the technology of interest for planning purposes. This RFI is not a request for competitive proposals; therefore, responses to this notice are not considered offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Companies that respond will not be paid for the information submitted.

No telephone calls will be accepted requesting a bid package or solicitation.

All information received shall be safeguarded from unauthorized disclosure. Responses must be unclassified and any proprietary information provided must be marked accordingly.

7. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

All responsible sources may submit information in response to this RFI. Responses to this RFI are due no later than 06 March 2015, 1200 Noon MST. Please note: the Government is not required to provide feedback to RFI responders. Direct all inquiries to the Contracting Points of Contact listed above.

AFRL RFI

23 Jan 2015 Page 2/5