The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking innovative technologies and concepts for developing low-cost interceptors to enhance the Missile Defense System. The objective is to gather insights from various entities, including small businesses and academia, to address the rising costs associated with intercepting advanced threats such as ballistic and hypersonic missiles. The agency aims to capture proposals that encompass interceptor systems, subsystems, and enabling technologies, focusing on attributes such as intercept range and the ability to deploy prototypes within 2-5 years. The MDA emphasizes that this RFI is purely for market research and will not result in direct contract awards. Respondents are encouraged to detail their technological capabilities, manufacturing readiness, cost structures, and the potential for spiral development of solutions. They should express any unique logistical considerations and describe the operational durability of their proposed systems. The final deadline for submissions is set for November 15, 2024. This initiative reflects the MDA's commitment to refining defense strategies against evolving missile threats through innovative and cost-effective technology solutions.

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit innovative concepts for low-cost interceptors aimed at improving missile defense capabilities against ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missile threats. The RFI seeks responses from a diverse range of participants, including businesses and academic institutions, to explore new technologies and operational concepts that can significantly reduce the cost per interception. Desired attributes of the interceptors involve the ability to target various missile types, integrate commercial off-the-shelf components, and achieve rapid fielding capabilities within a 2-5 year timeline. Respondents are also encouraged to propose incremental development strategies and outline potential manufacturing readiness and domestic industrial base capacity. The MDA aims to evaluate these inputs to inform future technology investments and development plans. Importantly, participation is voluntary, and while responses may influence planning, no contracts will be awarded based on this RFI. Final submissions are due by November 15, 2024, allowing the MDA to refine its strategic roadmap for missile defense.

The document outlines a federal government Request for Proposal (RFP) concerning the development of a technology to counter specific threats, as part of the Threat and Blue Force Challenge project. It seeks proposals that include a description of the proposed concept, expected interceptor range, and applicable launch platforms. The project includes a detailed schedule illustrating the estimated timeframe to reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or higher, including milestones and metrics for evaluation. It also indicates the next steps for transitioning the technology post-TRL 6 demonstration. Additionally, the document requests a rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost projection for yearly expenses associated with developing the concept to TRL 6. A visual representation of the proposed concept is also required. Classified under Distribution Statement A, this document is approved for public release and emphasizes the importance of transparency and collaboration in defense technology advancement.