IWS 11. 0 RAM GCG Recertification/Repair

SECTION 1: SYNOPSIS

The Ask:

This is a Request for Information (RFI) issued by the Department of the Navy, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), on behalf of the Program Executive office Integrated Warfare Systems 11.0 (PEO IWS 11.0). PEO IWS is looking for respondents to submit capability information on missile Guidance and Control Group (GCG) recertification and repair.

RAM Overview:

The Rolling Airframe Missile, designated RIM-116, is a lightweight, quick-reaction weapon system designed for close-in defense against anti-ship missiles and other threats. The RAM Block 1 and later variants have been in continuous production for over two decades and are deployed by a growing number of navies worldwide necessitating additional recertification and maintenance capacity.

The missile itself is unique for its "rolling airframe" design, where spin stabilization is achieved through canards at the front and rotating rear fins. This, combined with a passive radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) dual-mode seeker, allows for exceptional maneuverability and target acquisition in cluttered environments.

The Guidance and Control Group, located at the front of the missile, houses the critical components:

• IR Seeker: Detects and tracks the heat signature of targets.
• RF Antenna: Homes in on the radio frequency emissions of enemy targeting radars.
• Data Processing and Control Electronics: Interpret sensor data and execute flight maneuvers.

During routine recertification, the RAM missile is disassembled, and each major section undergoes testing. This Request for Information (RFI) specifically focuses on the Guidance and Control Group of the Block 1A, Block 2/2A and Block 2B variants.

SECTION 2: GENERAL INFORMATION

THIS REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI), AS DEFINED IN FAR 15.201(e), IS SOLELY FOR INFORMATIONAL AND PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY AND SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL, REQUEST FOR QUOTE (or any type of solicitation), OR AS AN OBLIGATION OR COMMITMENT ON THE PART OF THE GOVERNMENT TO CONTRACT FOR ANY SUPPLY OR SERVICE, OR AS A PROMISE TO ISSUE A SOLICITATION IN THE FUTURE. THERE WILL NOT BE A SOLICITATION, SPECIFICATIONS, OR DRAWINGS AVAILABLE. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY OR MAY NOT TRANSLATE INTO AN ACTUAL PROCUREMENT(S) IN FUTURE YEARS. THERE IS NO FUNDING ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. IN ACCORDANCE WITH FAR 15.201(e) RESPONSES TO THIS NOTICE ARE NOT OFFERS AND CANNOT BE ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO FORM A BINDING CONTRACT. THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT AT THIS TIME SEEKING PROPOSALS AND WILL NOT ACCEPT UNSOLICITED PROPOSALS. RESPONDENTS ARE ADVISED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT PAY FOR ANY INFORMATION OR ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS INCURRED IN RESPONSE TO THIS RFI; ALL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH RESPONSDING TO THIS RFI WILL BE SOLELY AT THE RESPONDENTS EXPENSE.

Failure to respond to this RFI itself does not preclude participation in response to any future solicitation, if any is issued.  If a solicitation is issued, it will be synopsized on the System for Award Management website at SAM.gov.  The information provided in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government.  It is the responsibility of potential respondents to monitor these sites for additional information pertaining to this requirement.  The information requested by this RFI will be used within the U.S. Navy/Department of the Navy to facilitate decision making and may be used in the development of the acquisition strategy and any future solicitations.  Any information provided by industry to the Government as a result of this RFI is voluntary. 

SECTION 3: REQUIREMENTS OVERVIEW

PEO IWS 11.0 is looking for respondents to submit a response that outlines how they will be able to successfully perform each step of RAM’s recertification and maintenance process.

Recertification and Maintenance Process:

The recertification process begins with a visual inspection and test of the Guidance and Control Group in a HERO & EMI safe environment. This testing requires a series of test stations:

• A Guidance and Control Group Section test set, to include a Rate Table, capable of rotating the missile, providing coolant gas, and present IR/RF targets.
• A reprogramming test station.
• A Control Section test set.

After passing initial testing, the Guidance and Control Group is disassembled into its two main components: the Guidance Section and the Control Section. Each component undergoes further visual inspection followed by additional testing. If new software versions are available, both sections are updated to ensure optimal performance. Next, consumable components are replaced, and the Guidance and Control Group is reassembled.  Finally, the reassembled unit undergoes a final round of testing to verify proper functionality and build quality. Once cleared, it is repackaged and returned to the depot.

Should a failure be discovered a Product Quality Deficiency Report (PQDR) is generated in the DRWeb (Deficiency Report Web). Afterwards the Government will provide disposition through DRWeb.

Generally, repair requires further disassembly of the Guidance Section or Control Section into its subcomponents. These subcomponents may be repaired locally or returned to the Original Equipment Manufacture for repair.

SECTION 4: CONTENT OF SUBMISSIONS

Interested respondents should discuss:

• Missile systems for which they are/were capable of performing inspection/recertification/reprogramming, as well as the similarity of these systems to RAM.
• Missile systems for which they are/were capable of providing repair capability, as well as the similarity of these systems to RAM.
• Current recertification and maintenance throughput rates on similar systems as well as possible throughput rates for RAM.  
• Ability to procure a new testing station (or modify current station) capable of simulating the rotating nature of RAM while providing an IR target, RF target, and IR/RF emitting target.
• Ability to maintain test equipment.
• Ability to interpret test results and rule out any false failures.
• Missile reprogramming capability.
• Capability to interact with the Navy Ordinance Information System (OIS) or similar tracking system.
• HERO/EMI safe environment capability.
• Capabilities to receive, inspect, and recertify missiles and subcomponents including:
  • IR dome and optics, supporting electronics and power supplies
  • Coolant supply bottles and sprays coolers
  • RF Antennas and Receivers, supporting electronics (analog and digital), and power supplies
  • Control Actuation Systems & Canards
  • Autopilot electronics
  • Power conditioning and amplifier electronics
  • Inertial measurement units (IMU), absolute position sensors, and motor position sensors
  • Missile battery and contact fuse.
  • Skin Assembly (Shell)
• Address Technical Readiness to support this recert capability in a FY26-FY27 timeframe and what resources will be required to become ready by this timeframe.  

Respondents with less than full capability are encouraged to respond. The Government is exploring options ranging from test capability only to full on-site repair of subcomponents. Government owned test equipment as well as Government maintenance, repair and interpretation of results may be available in any future partnership.

SECTION 5: SUBMISSION DETAILS

Responses shall be submitted in writing and are due no later than 4:00 PM EST, April 15, 2025.  Offerors are encouraged to submit prior to the closing date.  Inclusion of a delivery receipt with an email submission will be the only indication of successful receipt of RFI Response.  File size is limited to 8MB per email.  Vendors are responsible for ensuring their email size does not exceed the 8MB limitation.  File sizes larger than 8MB and .zip file extensions will be stripped by the Navy email system.  Modifications, amendments, or withdrawal of RFI Responses should also be made to the email address(es) listed below.  One email is acceptable as long as it does not exceed 8MB.  If it exceeds 8MB, Offerors may separate their submission among multiple emails and should number them email 1 of 3, 2 of 3, 3 of 3, etc.  Individual files that exceed the 8MB limit must be submitted using DoD Safe.  All view graphs shall be in Microsoft PowerPoint 2016.  All text, which may include visual aids, shall be in Microsoft Word 2016 or searchable Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF).  All schedules, including Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), shall be in Microsoft Project 2016. 

Responses shall not include classified information. If a respondent believes classified information is necessary or warranted, please reach out to the point of contact listed below with the RFI for further instructions.

Proprietary information, if any, must be clearly marked.  To aid the Government in its review and evaluation, please segregate proprietary information and label it as such for appropriate handling by the Government.  Respondents are solely responsible for properly marking and clearly identifying any proprietary information or trade secrets contained within their response. All information received that includes proprietary markings will be handled in accordance with applicable statutes and regulations.  An acknowledgement of receipt will be provided for all responses received.  If you do not receive an acknowledgement within two working days, please notify the points of contact listed in this notice.

Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned.  Respondents that include their submissions data that they do not want disclosed to the public for any purpose, or to be used by the Government except for RFI response consideration purposes, shall include in their submissions:

1. Mark the title page with the following legend:  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 consider this response.  The data subject to this restriction are contained in sheets [insert numbers or other identification of sheets]; and
2. Mark each sheet of data it wishes to restrict with the following legend:  Use or disclosure of data contained in on this sheet is subject to the restriction on the title page of this submission.

Please ensure the subject line of any emails containing responses or questions related to this notice includes the name of your firm and [IWS 11.0 RAM GCG Recert/Repair]. Each electronic submission shall be labeled as follows:

Company Name, City, State

Point of Contact (POC) Name

POC Phone Number

Security Classification of the Response

All responses should be marked to the following:

Commanding Officer

Naval Sea Systems Command

Attn: Bradley Wood, SEA 02543

1333 Isaac Hull Ave SE

Washington Navy Yard, DC 20376-2060

Please submit electronic submissions to the following addresses:

TO: Bradley Wood, franklin.b.wood4.civ@us.navy.mil

CC: Craig Downing, craig.d.downing4.civ@us.navy.mil , Kenneth Houck, kenneth.g.houck.civ@us.navy.mil , Jason Webb, jason.r.webb.civ@us.navy.mil, Jessica Barton, jessica.e.barton3.civ@us.navy.mil, and Clare Williams, clare.c.williams3.civ@us.navy.mil

SUBJECT LINE: IWS 11.0 RAM GCG Recertification/Repair Response – [COMPANY NAME]

Electronic submissions are encouraged unless the Company is unable to submit electronically or classified material is included in which case respondents should contact NAVSEA 02 for further instruction.