The Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) is issuing this Request For Information as a follow up to the RFI issued 24 May 2004. The original RFI was to encourage discussion with industry concerning existing Short Range Air Defense System (SHORAD) hardware replacement and a possible expansion of existing capabilities to incorporate surface threats. Based on the responses to the original RFI, further program decisions have been made and additional discussions are encouraged. Currently fielded Avenger and Man Portable Air Defense systems (MANPADS) provide short-range air defense with or without C2 system cueing. The Marine Corps is seeking information on a replacement for the current Avenger and MANPAD system. It is the Marine Corps’ desire to find a potential solution and gather technical and cost information to plan and budget for future requirements. It is the desire of Marine Corps Systems Command to develop and field a system that can provide a defensive, “force protection” capability against airborne and ground threats. Employed and integrated with the Complimentary Low Altitude Weapon System (CLAWS), this man portable combat system will provide the MAGTF and joint forces with a layered air defense system that can detect, identify, and engage low altitude, minimal maneuvering, and asymmetrical air threats such as helicopters, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and ultra-lights. This man portable combat system shall also be capable of engaging traditional and asymmetrical ground threats (Light armored vehicles, vehicle-borne combat troops, etc) in support of LAAD Teams that are tactically displaced or employed forward of the supported unit or defended asset. The man portable combat system should facilitate passive target detection with or without utilization of an external cue. If cued, the sensor package shall be capable of passive detection of asymmetrical air targets at a minimum range of 10K. If not cued the system shall enable the detection of asymmetrical air threats at a minimum range of 6K. The sensor shall provide at a minimum a 20-degree Field of View (FoV). Once detected the man portable sensor package shall provide an accurate range measurement for each possible threat. The man portable combat system sensor capability shall facilitate detection in both adverse weather and nighttime operations. Laser designation capabilities is desired. The man portable combat system shall enable identification for each detected target. The identification capability should provide the user with the ability to interrogate the detected targets and process received identification replies. This identification capability shall enable both secure and unsecured interrogation capabilities. Interrogations should be enabled at a minimum range of 10k. The man portable combat system shall enable engagement upon command of positively identified hostile targets. These engagements should be capable of a probability of kill (Pk) = .75 at 8K, .8 at 6K, .9 < 4k for low altitude, minimally maneuverable asymmetrical air targets (Helo, UAV, Ultra-lights). The system performance (Pk) should not degrade more than 10% in the presence of countermeasures (expendables and/or lamp, laser, or RF jammers). The man portable system shall be capable of rapid engagement of multiple targets, minimum 3 targets per minute. It is desired that the man portable combat system possess a slew-to-cue capability. It must be able to receive or internally generate target cueing data, and “translate” that data into visual and/or audio indicators that direct the operator to rapidly position the weapon towards the target in a manner that maximizes Pk. This capability will enable interface to MilStd communication architectures, utilizing existing communications hardware interfaced to the modern, modular, common architecture, net centric man portable combat system. Interoperability with the Common Aviation Command and Control System (CAC2S), MAGTF C2, and other joint command and control systems is required. This cue shall provide accurate target range, azimuth, heading and velocity data to the man portable system (error no greater than one half of the FoV of the sensor at 10 K). In addition to the target data this interface shall enable the execution of Command and Control between the combat system and higher level C2. The system shall provide a gunner display that provides a visual interface for Command and Control Battlefield information, a thermal sight, slew to cue, display of missile generated video imagery, and laser range finding. The system shall enable rapid transition from transport to operation. The system must provide full operational capability within 90 seconds (required) from initial turn-on. An initial turn-on time of less than or equal to10 seconds is desired. The man portable combat system shall facilitate rapid repair utilizing a modular system, which enables rapid removal and replacement of faulty components. Components shall be repairable within the USMC CLS programs currently in support of the MAGTF. The device will be sufficiently ruggedized to withstand and/or be protected from the abrasive effects (e.g. pitting and scratching) and the penetration of blowing sand and dust particles while operating. The design of the system should also prohibit the penetration of water, moisture, condensation, and salt spray. In an effort to meet Marine Corps short term and long-term objectives Marine Corps Systems Command is considering incremental development of this capability. Increment one would enable FY08-09 IOC. Capabilities to be delivered in this increment should be a fully integrated Net-Centric C2 system, and an integrated modular open architecture man portable weapon and sensor package. It is the Marine Corps’ desire to field the new man portable combat system at a cost below the currently fielded weapon. Responses to this RFI should include an approximate cost per engagement for each system recommendation and a top-level breakdown of how that cost projection was derived. It is also desired that the man portable combat system facilitate future growth so that follow-on increments can be developed to engage other threats such as tanks, high-performance jet aircraft, and cruise missiles. The ability to employ existing missiles (Javelin, Predator, SMAW) with the man portable combat system’s sensor package will maximize the system’s utility and flexibility on the battlefield. All interested companies are invited to participate. This will provide industry a valuable opportunity for input, questions, and answers. Time is available for one-on-one exchanges between a contractor and the Government team during 17 through 20 August 2004, to discuss the contractor's approach towards this concept and address questions on potential capabilities, (contractor to provide in writing and softcopy in MSWORD 6.0). All additional contractor briefings (to include capabilities briefings) will be limited to issues related to the development of the man portable combat system capabilities. Due to the limited time, the meetings will be set up on a first-come-first-served basis. Participation is limited to 5 industry representatives per meeting. Other exchanges may take place at a later date. These meetings will take place at the Research Center at Quantico Marine Corps Base. To set up appointments for the one-on-one exchanges, please call Valerie Mosqueira at (703) 432-4192 or send email to Valerie Mosqueira at
[email protected]; subject 1-on-1 exchanges not later than 16 Aug 2004. Confirmation will be sent via e-mail and will include directions and points of contact for assistance. The meeting will be unclassified. No acquisition strategy will be discussed. Participation is totally voluntary, and the government will not reimburse the attendees for any cost associated with participation and is under no obligation to award any related contract associated with this event. The short-term solution minimum capabilities we are looking for are ground to air, ground-to-ground, net centric, man portability.