Signature Managed (SM) Group 3 sUAS and Low Size, Weight and Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) Communication and Control (C2)/Data Relay (DR) and Electronic Warfare (EW) Technology Request for Information (RFI)
ID: FA8629Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA8629 AFLCMC WISK SOF/PRWRIGHT PATTERSON AFB, OH, 45433, USA

NAICS

Aircraft Manufacturing (336411)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/f5afc80af4cb4ca1979b997378e8ea62/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Air Force, is seeking information from industry partners regarding the development of Signature Managed (SM) Group 3 Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (sUAS) capable of providing command and control/data relay (C2/DR) and electronic warfare (EW) capabilities in contested environments. The objective is to gather insights on current and emerging technologies that can be integrated into these systems within a 24 to 36-month timeframe, emphasizing low size, weight, power, and cost (SWAP-C) solutions. This initiative is crucial for enhancing military operational capabilities and ensuring effective data relay and command functionalities in complex environments. Interested vendors must submit their responses, including Attachments A and B, by 1700 EST on January 17, 2025, to the designated U.S. Government email address, with further inquiries directed to the provided contracting officers.

    Point(s) of Contact
    sUAS Inbox
    USAFOffensiveSmallUAS@groups.af.mil
    Marissa Greenleaf
    marissa.greenleaf@us.af.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    01. SM RFI - SM C2 Node - Signed.pdf
    The U.S. Air Force is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) focused on the development of Signature Managed (SM) Group 3 small uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS) capable of providing Communication and Control (C2)/Data Relay (DR) and Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities in contested environments. The RFI aims to gather insights from the industry regarding existing and anticipated solutions that can be integrated to meet the needs of the Air Force within 24-36 months. Key objectives include obtaining current platforms that can integrate C2/DR or EW payloads, as well as technologies adhering to low Size, Weight and Power, and Cost (SWAP-C) principles. The feedback obtained will inform potential future acquisition strategies and the development of Requests for Proposals (RFPs). Responses must be structured according to specific attachments and submitted via designated email channels, with a deadline of January 17, 2025. This RFI serves as a non-binding exploration of capabilities, emphasizing the Air Force's interest in innovative and unconventional solutions while ensuring vendor proprietary information is protected. Ultimately, this initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance operational capabilities through collaboration with industry stakeholders.
    01. SM RFI - SM C2 Node Extension.pdf
    The U.S. Air Force's Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance & Special Operations Forces (ISR & SOF) Directorate is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) for the development of Signature Managed (SM) Group 3 Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (sUAS) capable of providing command and control/data relay (C2/DR) and electronic warfare (EW) capabilities in contested environments. The RFI aims to gather industry capabilities and technological solutions that can integrate with sUAS within 24 to 36 months. Specifically, the U.S. Government seeks current solutions and those that can be integrated promptly, emphasizing low size, weight, power, and cost (SWAP-C). This market research will help inform acquisition strategies and potential future contract actions by engaging a broad spectrum of industry partners, including innovative, non-traditional performers. Responses are voluntary and will not constitute a binding contract; however, they will guide the U.S. Government's understanding of market readiness and capabilities. The deadline for submissions is January 31, 2025, and all responses are treated confidentially per federal regulations. The RFI underscores the government's commitment to leveraging modern technology to enhance operational capabilities while allowing for ongoing industrial collaboration.
    02. Attachment A - Signature Managed Group 3 Technologies - RFI Response Template.xlsx
    The document outlines a Request for Information (RFI) from the U.S. Air Force's Offensive Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (sUAS) System Program Office regarding Signature Managed (SM) Group 3 Technology. The RFI seeks detailed company and technical information from potential vendors, specifically addressing capabilities in platforms, payloads, command and control, and electronic warfare. Companies must provide their primary contact details and complete several sections based on the type of submission. Key areas include technological readiness, production capabilities, and cost methodologies, alongside optional inquiries about existing conflicts of interest and innovative strategies. This RFI emphasizes that responses will inform preliminary planning rather than an immediate solicitation, establishing necessary conditions for participation. Furthermore, it invites vendors to consider compatibility with existing gross and environmental factors, encouraging collaboration by potentially identifying partners. Overall, the objective is to gather insights that will advance the Air Force's capabilities for deploying sUAS, focusing on their effectiveness in contested environments while enhancing data relay and command functionalities. This initiative reflects a broader strategy to optimize defense technologies while maximizing participation from a diverse vendor base.
    03. Attachment B - Technology Synopsis.pdf
    The document outlines the Request for Information (RFI) for the Offensive Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (sUAS) System Program Office, specifically focusing on the submission of proposed technologies via Attachments A and B. Respondents can submit up to three single-sided pages per solution in Attachment B to supplement information from Attachment A, detailing their technology's capabilities, experiences, and qualifications. While Attachment A is limited to unclassified content, Attachment B may include classified information, adhering to specific submission guidelines. A cover page is required, detailing the solution name, company, submission date, and distribution statement, but does not count against the page limit. Attention is drawn to the importance of including critical solution information in Attachment A, as responses relying solely on Attachment B will be disregarded. This RFI is part of the government’s efforts to identify high Technological and Manufacturing Readiness Level solutions for the defense sector, demonstrating a structured approach to soliciting innovations in uncrewed aerial technology.
    05. Acronyms.docx
    The document outlines key terminology relevant to the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) and associated operations, especially focusing on small uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS) and significant technologies used in military applications. It details acronyms and definitions linked to Command and Control (C2), data relay, and navigation systems, amongst others, highlighting aspects such as modular open systems, production levels, and technological readiness. The central purpose of this document is to provide a reference framework for stakeholders involved in federal Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and grants related to defense systems and their lifecycle management. It emphasizes guidelines under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) while addressing issues like intellectual property (IP) considerations and the importance of minimizing organizational conflicts of interest (OCI). Given the context of military contracting, these terms serve as crucial elements in fostering clear communication and understanding among various agencies and contractors involved in defense procurement and technology development. The document underscores the complexity and interrelation of systems engineering, surveillance, and warfare technologies, pivotal for the USAF's operational effectiveness.
    06. RFI Questions Answers.xlsx
    The document addresses questions related to the air launch capability, clarifying that it is a requirement rather than a preference. It requests information about the platforms that will facilitate this capability. In response, the U.S. Government specifies that fixed-wing aircraft, including Group 5 small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) and the A/MC-130J, are intended to be utilized for air launch operations. This indicates a clear emphasis on enhancing military operations through specific technologies and platforms. The inquiry reflects the government's interest in understanding the capabilities of potential contractors in fulfilling this requirement as part of broader initiatives related to federal contracts and grants focused on advancing defense capabilities.
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