RFI_CHIMERA_QA.docx

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

RFI-RDKP-2020-0001

Questions & Answers

Q1: Is there a specific contractor currently performing the same or similar work? If yes, can you provide me the basic contract details if available (i.e., vendor and corresponding contract number)?

A1: Topic 1 Procurement of Space System Components, Topic 5 Antenna Characterization, and Topic 6 Risk Reduction Test all have components that will be similar to work already being done by Raytheon on HQ0727-16-D-0006 Task Order HQ0727-18-F-1614. Topic 2 Development of Software, Topic 3 Participate in Experimentation Campaign, Topic 4 Warfighter Integration Exercise, and Topic 7 Design Study are all new work being done, but based on and using the system being developed by Raytheon on HQ0727-16-D-0006 Task Order HQ0727-18-F-1614.

Q2: Topic 1 concerns spares. As I understand the current system, it includes proprietary technologies developed using internal research and development funding. If that is correct, then only one contractor is capable of delivering complete sets of spares for the system. Is the intent of the government to furnish other contractors with the information necessary to produce appropriate spares?

A2: The current system does contain proprietary technologies. The Government will not be providing any proprietary information to produce spares.

Q3: The remaining topics appear to be open to a range of performers. What is the desired outcome for the government? A broadened supplier base as this technology advances toward a program of record for instance?

A3: The RFI is strictly for information and planning purposes. In the future, the Government reserves the right to contract for none, part, or all of the topics in the RFI. The purpose is to gather as much information as possible on industry capabilities to ensure the Government is getting the best value for any potential future work.

Q4: Is the information required to produce spares or a new CHIMERA system entirely owned by the government? If not is the owner of the information required to supply it to another company under an NDA?

A4: It is not entirely owned by the Government. The information is not required to be supplied to another company.

Q5: To produce spares or a new CHIMERA system will the government supply a technical data package (TDP)? If not should the production of the TDP be costed for this effort?

A5: A full TDP will not be provided. The production of the TDP should be costed for the effort.

Q6: The development of software sections states “as-yet unchosen Command and Control protocol.” Is the contractor expected to discuss software designs to interface to a C2 of its choosing?

A6: The C2 system will be chosen by the AF Strategic Development Planning & Experimentation Office for use in the Experimentation Campaign. This decision has not been made yet, but once made, any relevant information on the C2 protocol would be provided to include, but not limited to, required interfaces, message protocols, refresh rates, bandwidth, latency, etc.

Q7: The participate in experimentation section discusses live fire testing and tracking in a simulated deployed location. What targets are envisioned, and at what range are they to be tracked, engaged, defeated, and assessed?

A7: This information is not publicly releasable and is unable to be provided for this RFI. The information would be provided if the Government decides to pursue a contract for this task.

Q8: The antenna characterization section asks for a comprehensive antenna characterization. Is the information required to produce this characterization owned by the government? If not is the owner of the information required to supply it to another company under an NDA?

A8: The intent of this task was to take the antenna to a range and physically measure the beam pattern of the antenna to include all back and side lobes. The Government already has modeling and simulation data. The antenna design is not owned by the Government, and the owner of the information is not required to supply it to another company.

Q9: The design study section asks about exploring trade space. Making the system smaller and extending its range requires detailed knowledge of the present CHIMERA waveform and details of its effects on specific targets. Will these be provided? What is the classification level of this information?

A9: CHIMERA waveform and effects data will be provided. The classification level of this information can go as high as TS/SCI.