The Department of Defense, through the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), is seeking proposals for the development of a Containerized Launching Platform (CLP) designed to enhance the strategic deployment capabilities of missile systems. The objective is to create a self-contained launching station within a CONEX (Container, Express) format that can be concealed and operational within 30 minutes at unimproved sites, supporting various DoD missile programs, including THAAD. This initiative is critical for improving the U.S. military's operational flexibility and survivability against adversaries. Proposals for Phase II are due by February 5, 2025, and must demonstrate prior feasibility work and technical merit, with further details available at the official solicitation link: https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.

## Description

Develop a Launching Station (LS) within the form factor of a CONEX. The concept will allow THAAD (TH), or any other DoD program, to strategically deploy a LS in a concealed manner. Instead of being tied to the traditional form/deployment of a LS that is easily identified by our adversaries, the CONEX concept will allow for the US Military to deploy into locations away from the traditional footprint.The CONEX must be self-contained and self-sustaining for a period of time no less than 30 days with host considerations for environmental conditions required for the onboard effector inventory. The CONEX would have the ability to power itself and communicate to Fire Control via current terrestrial interfaces, Starshield (Space Transport Layer) and have the ability to be integrated into the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS)/Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC)/THAAD Fire Control and Communications (TFCC). The CONEX will be designed in a manner modular and internally configurable that will allow for any current or future DoD missiles that fit within the form factor to be deployed within the CONEX. A typical concept of operation of this launch system would be placement, and initialization to mission ready in 30 minutes or less on an unimproved site.

## Objective

Develop a self-contained launcher in a (&ldquo;Container, Express&rdquo;) CONEX or military shipping container.

## Phase I

Phase I-like proposals will not be evaluated and will be rejected as nonresponsive. &nbsp;For this topic, the Government expects the small business would have accomplished the following in a Phase I-like effort via some other means, e.g., independent research and development (IRAD) or other source, a concept for a workable prototype or design to address, at a minimum, the basic capabilities of the stated objective above. &nbsp;Proposal must show, as appropriate, a demonstrated technical feasibility or nascent capability. &nbsp; The documentation provided must substantiate the proposer’s development of a preliminary understanding of the technology to be applied in their Phase II proposal in meeting topic objectives. &nbsp;Documentation should comprise all relevant information including, but not limited to, technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and performance goals/results. &nbsp;Feasibility = maturity and what have you already done/validated. &nbsp;Proposers interested in participating in Direct to Phase II must include in their responses to this topic Phase I feasibility documentation that substantiates the scientific and technical merit and Phase I feasibility described in Phase I above has been met. &nbsp; (i.e., the small business must have performed a proof of concept like “Phase I” component and/or other validation in a relevant environment, and/or at a much higher TRL level (5 or higher) and describe the potential commercialization applications. &nbsp;The documentation provided must validate that the proposer has completed development of technology in previous work or research completed.) &nbsp;IRAD work: &nbsp;Documentation should include the most relevant information including, but not limited to: &nbsp;technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and/or performance goals/results. &nbsp;Work submitted within the feasibility documentation must have been substantially performed by the proposer and/or the principal investigator (PI). &nbsp;

## Phase II

Develop an accurate and effective design for the manufacturing of a TH LS in a CONEX. The design and mechanical models need to be of sufficient fidelity to show the feasibility of a self-contained LS. The LS must be able to provide power for no less than 7 days of operation through a launch of all interceptors in the LS. The LS must be able to have the ability to cool any internal electronics necessary for LS operation. The LS must be able to communicate via space and terrestrial communication networks.

## Phase III: Dual Use Applications

This concept has the potential for applicability to other LS types (i.e. other than TH). The concept could also be developed for application to other Missile Defense System (MDS) programs.

PDF.html

Please provide the text you would like summarized.

Containerized Launching Platform

SBIR Opportunity Analysis

SBIR Documents

Related SBIR/STTR Opportunities

Opportunity Snapshot

Key Dates