The United States Government is seeking sources with innovative approaches, designs or products in the manufacturing of the Electronic Image Intensifier (EI2) on the AH-64 Apache helicopter.

The United States Government (USG) Army Contracting Command Redstone Arsenal (ACC-RSA)-is seeking sources with innovative approaches, designs or products in the manufacturing of the Electronic Image Intensifier (EI2) on the AH-64 Apache helicopter. The EI2 camera is a novel sensor wherein the phosphor screen of a conventional image intensifier tube is replaced by a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) array. The camera sensor is an Electron-Bombarded Active Pixel Sensor (EBAPS) where gain is provided by impact ionization in the CMOS substrate.

USG-ACC-RSA is seeking technological advances in the imaging from no-moon conditions to dusk to dawn to replace the EI2 camera with one that matches ANVIS Night Vision Goggles performance. The EI2 camera replacement must meet or exceed the following key performance criteria. It must weigh 1.61 lbs, have 90 DB dynamic range, and meet temporal and spatial resolution of 60 frames per second progressive with 1600 x 1200 pixels. Low light sensitivity, cost, and schedule are the USG's chief discriminates. The first unit equipped after qualification and first article test must be fieldable in twelve months after contract award.

USG-ACC-RSA seeks qualified vendors to provide conceptual papers, design information, technology availability, maturity, identification of risk, product descriptions, support requirements, reliability data including Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) data addressing all or any part of the requirements or discussion points detailed above. Additionally, USG-ACC-RSA is seeking sources with a strong background, history and/or past performance in streamlining and facilitating rapid acquisition, addressing obsolescence, enhancing USG-contractor interactions, and containing cost with comprehensive cost controls. Responders shall provide their product's Technology Readiness Level (TRL) number and back it with evidentiary data. Interested vendors are encouraged to provide substantiated evidence of their capabilities and successes in the areas cited above.

All interested qualified sources are encouraged to submit written notification of their interest, qualifications, and technical concepts to Mark E. Smith, Contracting Officer via e-mail at mark.e.smith360.civ@mail.mil. The submission of this information is for planning purposes and is not to be construed as a commitment by the USG to procure any items, nor does the USG intend to award on the basis of this request for sources sought or otherwise pay for the information solicited. Suspense is 15 days after the release date of this sources sought.