Unmanned air delivery system industry day

MARKET RESEARCH SYNOPSIS

The Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL) seeks to obtain market research information from sources capable of fully satisfying the requirement for an air delivery system identified herein that may be procured in the near future. This market research is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a commitment of any kind. Any information received, in whole or in part, may be used to create the resulting combat development strategy for the proposed requirements. Responders will not be reimbursed for any information received and are encouraged not to provide propriety data or business sensitive information because any information received may be used by the government and/or released to the public. However, proprietary information received in response to this market research synopsis will be safeguarded and protected in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Proprietary information submitted as a result of this market research shall be ! marked in accordance with FAR 52.215-1(e).The Government is focused on seeking suitable commercial and non-developmental items or commercial items that can meet existing government requirements for deployment to an operational environment within twelve months or sooner. Any item proposed that is not capable of meeting this timeframe will not be considered. If no such commercial and non-developmental items exist, the government may entertain procurement of developmental items based on information received as a result of this market research. The government encourages industry teaming to meet the requirements. Information on capable sources is sought for the following requirements:

A cargo unmanned aircraft system (UAS) capable of operation in deployed remote locations within twelve months or sooner from the date of this RFI. A single air vehicle should be able to deliver 20,000 pounds of cargo in a twenty-four hour period to a round-trip distance of 150 nautical miles and hover in ground effect/hover out of ground effect (HIGE/HOGE) at 12,000 ft density altitude (DA) (objective 15,000 ft DA), but fly at 18,000-20,000 ft DA with a full cargo load. A cargo capacity of at least 1,000 pounds (threshold) and optimally 5,000 pounds or above (objective) at the maximum DA is required. The system shall be able to transport required materials to Marine Corps units operating at forward operating bases (FOB). Materials may include bulk liquids (fuel and water), ammunition, batteries, food, and other items used to sustain combat operations. Responses should include logistical footprint for the proposed unmanned delivery system (UAS), any interface requirements ! for integration with Marine-prepared cargo loads, and any rigging requirements. The following system capabilities are desired:

(1) Operate autonomously, beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS), (2) capable of command and control with remote terminal control capability at a site BLOS from the original launch site, (3) terminal control cargo delivery accuracy within ten meters (objective), (4) cargo lift operation of at least 1000 pounds at a 12,000 ft DA, (5) in-stride multiple drop capability, (6) 150 nautical mile round-trip range for FOB to FOB employment, (7) ability to launch from a FOB or unimproved road, (8) integrate with existing airspace control agencies at deployed locations, (9) command and control radio frequencies (RF) must be compatible with deployed location RF spectrum requirements, (10) contractor may be required to operate and maintain the system, (11) Marines shall be able to interface with the system regarding airspace integration and logistics packaging, loading and unloading, (12) capable of material retrograde from the FOB (objective), (13) operate in all-weather conditions, comparable ! to Marine Corps manned aircraft, (14) operate at night with overt and covert lighting (15) maintain seventy knots indicated airspeed with a full cargo load (objective), and (16) a system with the capability of en-route re-programming to alter the delivery point(s) (objective).

Sources capable of fully satisfying the above requirements should submit capability statements and expressions of interest that provide the necessary information to determine actual capabilities. At a minimum, the information should include: (1) identification of company or organization; (2) company's or organization's assertion of full capability to meet proposed requirements; (3) business contacts, marketing office point(s) of contact information; (4) notification of business size and/or special status; (5) statement of ability to deploy the proposed system within twelve months or sooner meeting the requirements delineated above (6) state of maturity for the proposed technology including any testing and/or safety documentation; (7) a list of organizations that have been briefed and/or participated with the technology development and/or offered sponsorship. If so, provide POC and contact information; and (8) additional information that may be useful to successful procureme! nt of the system, if solicited. These expressions of interest shall adhere to a five-page submission limit, plus commercial marketing information or web links; all should be submitted via email to ira.patterson@usmc.mil referencing the following tracking #9015. They should be submitted on or before 13 February 2009. This market research announcement should not be considered as a commitment of any kind by the government, and individual correspondence should not be expected in advance of any resulting pre-solicitation notice for the proposed requirements.