NAVAIR posts sources sought for V-22 multi-spectral imaging and targeting sensor

On April 21, the U.S. Navy posted a sources sought notice for V-22 multi-spectral imaging and targeting sensors (Solicitation Number: N00019-16-RFPREQ-PMA-275-0324). Responding parties must submit an unclassified LOI no later than 4:00 PM EDT on May 5. Full response (white paper) submissions must be received no later than 4:00 PM EDT on May 31.

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in support of the V-22 Joint Program Office (PMA-275) is seeking sources to provide a multi-spectral gimbaled Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor system for potential integration on one or any combination of the United States Marine Corps, United States Navy and United States Air Force (USMC/USN/USAF) V-22 aircraft.

This announcement constitutes a Sources Sought Synopsis. This is NOT a Request for Proposals. The following information is provided to assist the United States Navy in conducting Market Research to determine potential contractors that have an interest in providing multi-spectral gimbaled EO/IR sensor system for the USMC, USN, and USAF V-22 aircraft. These requirements are subject to change and the information provided below is for informational purposes only.  The final requirement will be defined under a formal Request for Proposal (RFP).

The V-22 is a globally deployed long-range tiltrotor aircraft. The government is investigating the feasibility of integrating a multi-spectral imaging and targeting sensor system to be utilized for navigation, targeting, Intelligence Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), and Multi-Sensor Imagery Reconnaissance (MIR) in all V-22 mission profiles including low level navigation.  The sensor system must be able to be integrated using an open system architecture able to support fusion and/or correlation with other aircraft sensors currently employed, ones that may be added in the future, and external sensor data received via digital interoperability. The sensor system integration must be able to support off-boarding data via digital interoperability.  The system must be compatible with the environmental characteristics associated with this type of aircraft and minimize structural modifications to the aircraft.

In order to demonstrate a sensor system in an operational environment to further inform requirements, invitations to participate in a fall 2017 Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) Tactical Demonstration (TACDEMO) may be offered to up to 4 sensor system vendors who respond to this sources sought and express an interest in participating. As the sensors are planned to be demonstrated on a V-22 aircraft later this year, a technical readiness level (TRL) of 7 or higher is required.  Sensors will be installed on the V-22 using common mechanical, electrical, and 1553 data bus interfaces currently under development.    Available electrical connections will include 115VAC 400Hz- 7.5A, 115VAC 60Hz- 30A, and 28VDC- 50A.  A 19 inch avionics rack will be provided that includes GPS, 1553 data bus, and intercommunications system (ICS) connections in the aft cabin.  These interfaces are expected to be complete in June 2017.  The common interfaces will include a sensor mount in the aft cargo hook well (hell hole) with a usable volume of up to 18 in length X 22 in width X 18 in depth (diameter), a display(s), a controller and a recording device in the aft cabin.  A usable volume of up to 20 inches in length and depth (diameter) may be considered pending detailed engineering analysis of the sensor with associated mechanical and electrical interfaces and processing weapon replaceable assemblies as well as the common interfaces currently being developed.  Additionally, the sensor will be mounted to an actuator for deployment.  Due to the mounting configuration, electrical and data connections should be made perpendicular to the sensor to maximize use of the volume available in the hell hole.

The government will provide these interfaces as government furnished equipment (GFE) and common interface drawings as government furnished information (GFI) to selected vendors.  Industry participants that are invited to demonstrate their product at TACDEMO will be responsible for providing the sensor system, as well as any ancillary system interface hardware not provided in the government’s common interface.  Participation in the TACDEMO will be based on a sensor system(s) ability to meet the desired capabilities which will be provided as GFI in response to each vendor’s Letter of Intent (LOI).  A vendor’s willingness and ability to provide MISP-2016.1 compliant Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) video feed data (ex. SMPTE ST 296, SMPTE ST 292, SMPTE ST 274) and metadata (ex. MISB Standard ST 0601, MISB ST 0902) to be recorded during TACDEMO, and the software Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for the command and control interface to the EO/IR sensor will be a significant TACDEMO selection criteria.  Sensors not selected for the fall 2016 TACDEMO will not be precluded from participating in future TACDEMOs or from participating in any future RFP, if any is issued.

Full information is available here.

Source: FedBizOpps