A. INTRODUCTION The purpose of this request for information (RFI) is to identify technologies from private industry, Government research and development (R&D) organizations, and academia for inclusion in Thunderstorm 24-4. Thunderstorm 24-4 is an invitation-only field technology showcase taking place in an operationally relevant environment, with a collaborative atmosphere in which Government end users discover innovative technologies through hands-on engagement. The Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. interagency partners use Thunderstorm to discover new technologies, enhance collaboration, and provide developers with immediate feedback to accelerate maturation of innovative capabilities. Thunderstorm 24-4 focuses on innovative solutions for expeditionary operations . Capabilities of interest will enable the rapid deployment and sustainment of a military force in potentially contested and remote environments. Self-sustainability with little to no external logistical support or infrastructure is critical and relies on a range of technological solutions to enhance operational awareness and readiness. The Innovation & Modernization (I&M) office within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD (R&E)) sponsors and coordinates the Thunderstorm series of events with stakeholders from across the DoD. Thunderstorm 24-4 is conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, as well as with the other Military Services. Thunderstorm 24-4 will take place 4-8 November 2024 at Fredericksburg, Virginia Interested parties are welcome to submit an application and quad chart addressing their proposed technologies for Thunderstorm 24-4 by following the instructions and guidance provided in the following sections. The application deadline is 5:00 PM EST on 9 August 2024. This RFI is NOT a solicitation for procurement or other acquisition proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for the information solicited. B. BACKGROUND The I&M Innovation Discovery program coordinates the Thunderstorm series with the goal of fostering engagement between Government stakeholders and technology developers. Thunderstorm provides opportunities for developers to showcase their solutions in an operationally realistic environment in order for the Government attendees to discover potential new defense capabilities. The technology discovery environment facilitates opportunities for end user observations and feedback to be interjected early in the prototyping process, with the goal of informing and accelerating delivery of future capabilities needed by the DoD and U.S. interagency partners. Participation and attendance at Thunderstorm 24-4 is by invitation only. Thunderstorm 24-4 will take place at the Unclassified level. Participating in Innovation Discovery events like Thunderstorm may lead to follow-on collaboration, support for further development, experimentation opportunities, and/or fielding of matured capabilities. Industry, academia, and Government R&D organizations are encouraged to submit an application and quad chart addressing their innovative technologies for consideration to participate at Thunderstorm 24-4. C. DESCRIPTION Thunderstorm 24-4 is planned for 4-8 November 2024 in Fredericksburg, Virginia . The event structure provides technology developers an opportunity to showcase their prototypes’ performance in a field environment. Thunderstorm 24-4 will focus on showcasing emerging technology solutions for improving expeditionary operations in contested and remote environments by enabling a more responsive and agile military force. Solutions should emphasize low size, weight and power (SWaP) approaches to reduce the burden on small and mobile forces. Technology developers are encouraged to submit their prototype solution if, upon maturation, it will meet one or more of the below listed capabilities. Expeditionary Command and Control (C2): Robust/secure and extended range communication systems to support expeditionary operations in remote and contested environments, including satellite-denied areas. Low probability of detection/low probability of interception (LPI/LPD) tactical data and voice communications (range from MHz up to GHz) capable transmitting and/or receive data/voice in contested environment. Ability to continue to use prioritized services (such as tactical chat/targeting data) on the network with intermittent connectivity and very low bandwidth. Novel LPI/LPD waveforms, reduced SWaP smart antennas, network management architectures, and threat-based communication planning tools. Extended ranged (beyond line of sight) communications systems for operations in satellite-denied areas. Solutions can leverage uncrewed aerial or sea-based relays, radio frequency (RF) repeaters, or other novel methods for gaining communication range and persistent, high bandwidth communication. Enhanced Mobility and Awareness: Forces deployed in unfamiliar and potentially contested or remote areas need novel solutions for ensuring their safety and operational readiness. Technologies should function with minimal personnel and infrastructure support. Uncrewed systems (UxS) able to self-navigate through complex environments while maintaining LPD/LPI. Self-locate in a GPS-denied environment and convey that information to support entities. Situational awareness tools that convey the location of friendly forces, as well as other relevant battlespace entities. Standoff explosive threat (including triggering mechanisms) and obstacle detection, mitigation and neutralization capabilities for land and sea domains. Lightweight, man portable capabilities to support route clearance at increased standoff distances and navigation for dismounted personnel. Resilient Logistics / Point of Need Generation: Sustaining forces during expeditionary operations will strain logistical support capabilities. Innovation solutions can either ensure critical deliveries reach their destination, enable deployed forces to produce resources in-situ, or prolong the functionality of deployed assets. Innovative solutions to ensure timely, secure, LPD/LPI delivery of supplies and equipment from central distribution points to the final point of use in challenging environments. Expended or reusable UxS capable of delivering critical supplies autonomously or semi-autonomously precisely to the point of need from extended ranges. Advanced analytics planning tools for push logistics or prepositioning supply cross all classes (including Class VIII Medical Supplies). Novel applications for streamlining and automating sensor data feeds and resupply requests from the tactical edge. Fieldable 3D printing and other advanced solutions for producing essential assets, spare parts, or tools. Solutions should be self-operable when possible and make efficient use of feed materials, which may include leveraging locally sourced materials as appropriate. Expeditionary maintenance solutions for prolonging the functionality of deployed assets. Advanced diagnostics and predictive/proactive maintenance tools. Augmented reality / visual enhancement simulation and/or visual overlay techniques to facilitate materiel analysis (e.g., Battle Damage Assessment). Tools for simplifying repairs by deployed personnel, which may include AI/ML vision augmentation technology for the remote assessment and instruction of necessary processes and procedures for care/repair/operation. Portable and renewable energy production, storage and delivery systems that are interoperable with U.S. and foreign partner technologies. Solutions may also focus on increasing energy efficiency of deployed assets. Technologies and systems for the purification, desalination, and distribution of potable water from field sources (e.g., natural reservoirs, atmospheric water generation). Technologies for expeditionary hot meal field feeding capabilities to improve safety, movement, and logistics. Mountable/operable on mobile platforms, where possible. Advanced medical solutions for immediate care in the field, and solutions that support the health and readiness of deployed personnel. Emphasis is on life-saving interventions, rapid evacuation capabilities, and portable medical devices. Technologies beyond the scope of the primary topic areas described above will be considered on a case-by-case basis and potentially admitted based on strength of application and relevance to the mission area. Technologies brought to the event should be at a technology readiness level (TRL) of 4 or greater (https://api.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/404585.pdf) although lower TRL capability will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Under the direction of the I&M Office, the Applied Research Laboratory at Pennsylvania State University (ARL/PSU) will lead Thunderstorm 24-4, with support and participation from the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI). These organizations may also support the Government in the review of technology submissions (See Section H: Special Notice). After reviewing developer applications and quad charts, the Government may contact candidates to invite them to Thunderstorm 24-4 or request additional details of their prototype technology to support the selection process. The Government may contact technology developers to participate in additional discussions or events with the Government beyond Thunderstorm 24-4 to support future development and DoD acquisition activities. Industry participation in Thunderstorm 24-4, and communications with the Government or its contractors associated with Thunderstorm, does not suggest or imply that the Government will endorse, procure, or purchase selected technology solutions. D. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS Submit showcase applications and quad charts to the Thunderstorm program electronically. Please use the templates provided in Appendix I and Appendix II. Please email
[email protected] to request an application and quad chart template or if you have any questions. Thunderstorm technology submissions must be submitted no later than 5:00 PM EST on 9 August 2024 . All submissions must be submitted via email to
[email protected] and include the following information: Subject: Thunderstorm 24-4 Application Company name/business division/address/website Capability name Primary POC: name, email & phone number Applications and quad charts shall be clearly marked with RFI number: I&M-24-4-RFI-01. You will receive an email within two business days verifying your application was received. Any application not meeting the criteria outlined above will not be considered. The application submitted under this RFI shall be limited to five pages. The first page must be a stand-alone Executive Summary and include a photo or diagram of the technology . Four additional pages are allowed for pertinent information. The application shall be formatted to print as typewritten on single-sided paper with one-inch margins on all sides and 1.5-spaced text. 12-point font or larger with normal (uncondensed) spacing. All applications shall be submitted MS Word file format. Each application and quad chart must address only one technology solution; multiple applications/quad charts addressing multiple systems may be submitted. If selected, technology developers must provide the capability for showcasing their technology. This includes delivery of their prototype to the venue showcase and personnel for installation and integration into the overall event. The technology developer operates the system during the event and uninstalls the system upon completion. The PSU/ARL and GTRI staff plans, coordinates, and assists with the associated logistics of the technology showcase and provides limited assistance for the installation and integration efforts based on available resources. The team will not assist with engineering changes to the showcased technology or system. The Thunderstorm team will provide venues, supporting infrastructure and operational and technical personnel, based on availability of resources. Costs specific to running the technology developer’s equipment, as well as the technology developer’s travel costs will be at the technology developer’s expense. Invited technology developers must be prepared to be self-sufficient during the execution of their showcase and not dependent on venue resources. If you have questions regarding the submittal, please contact:
[email protected] . DO NOT SUBMIT CLASSIFIED INFORMATION in the application. Thunderstorm 24-4 will be held at the unclassified level. Capabilities may contain Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and may be subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) restrictions. It is incumbent on the participants to ensure that these restrictions are outlined in their application and adhered to during the event. DO NOT SUBMIT ACQUISITION PROPOSALS. Submit applications and white papers only. No contracts will be awarded based solely on this announcement. Submission of an application does not guarantee an invitation to participate in Thunderstorm 24-4 or any other DoD event. E. BASIS FOR SELECTION TO PARTICIPATE Submissions will be reviewed by Innovation & Modernization and appropriate supporting government organizations and support contractors. Innovation & Modernization will determine whether a submission will be accepted for invitation to the field technology showcase. Selection of respondents to participate shall be based on the extent to which the technology represents a particular class or level of capability that can be provided to interested DoD organizations and/or interagency partners. Other considerations include: Relevance to event focus area Completeness of application and supporting information Technical maturity Relevance of or adaptability to DoD or interagency partner operations/missions Relevance to current or future operational needs F. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Technology developers shall ensure that all proprietary information, documentation, and equipment are appropriately and clearly marked. Be advised that lessons learned from these showcases may be broadly disseminated through official channels within the Federal government and partner government agencies associated with the Thunderstorm program. If selected for participation, technology developers may be requested to provide additional information that will be used in preparation for the event. G. USE OF INFORMATION The purpose of this notice is to gain information for potential use at Thunderstorm 24-4 and/or future collaboration for development of technology capabilities. All proprietary information contained in the response shall be clearly marked. Any proprietary information contained in response to this request will be properly protected from any unauthorized disclosure. The government will not use proprietary information submitted from any one firm to establish future capability requirements. Participants shall agree to confer and consult with the Thunderstorm team prior to the publication of any press release directly or indirectly related to Thunderstorm. The Thunderstorm team shall confer and consult with any participants prior to the publication of any press release that directly includes a written or visual reference to the name of their organization, employees, or technology. Participants will not use the name, logo, or images of any U.S. Government organization, employee, or contractor without prior approval from the relevant organization. H. SPECIAL NOTICE University affiliated research centers (UARCs), federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), and/or contractor consultant/advisors to the government will review and provide support during evaluation of submittals. When appropriate, non-government advisors may be used to objectively review a particular functional area and provide comments and recommendations to the government. All advisors shall comply with procurement integrity laws and shall sign non-disclosure and rules of conduct/conflict of interest statements. The government shall take into consideration requirements for avoiding conflicts of interest and ensure advisors comply with safeguarding proprietary data. Submission in response to this RFI constitutes approval to release the submittal to government support contractors. I. FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR) 52.215-3 Per FAR 52.215-3 Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes (Oct 1997): 1. The government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI notice or to otherwise pay for the information. 2. Although "proposal" and "technology developer" are used in this RFI, your responses will be treated as information only. It shall not be used as a proposal. 3. In accordance with FAR Clause 15.209(c), the purpose of this RFI is to solicit technology candidates from R&D organizations, private industry and academia for inclusion in future Thunderstorm technology discovery events sponsored by OUSD(R&E) Innovation and Modernization.