The Combatant Craft Program Office is conducting market research to obtain information concerning a Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) system for use on military marine Combatant Craft. Craft lengths are from 28 feet to 50 feet and their operating speeds are from 10-50 knots in up to sea state 4. Typical shock profiles that the craft experience in all 3 axes are shown in the graph below, repeated every five seconds. Note: if the graph is not displayed, it can be approximated by the following function:0(is less than)t(is less than).1s | acceleration data = 110t, .1s(is less than)t(is less than) .7s | acceleration data = 11exp (-9(t-.1)). The data can be obtained from point of contact listed below. - The primary mission of the FLIR system is to provide craft operators with a day and night, high resolution, infrared imaging capability to augment existing optical and radar sensors. The government desires a system that meets or is capable of being modified to meet the following requirements. - Stabilized Gimbal that provides 360 degrees of continuous track capability starting from any azimuth. - Elevation coverage would be -10 degrees to +120 degrees whether gimbal up or down. - All Lowest Replaceable Units (LRUs) should survive -40 degrees to +160 degrees in storage environment and should be able to operate in -40 degrees to +130 degrees air environment. The high temperature extremes should take into account thermal loading. - Track a single target - Operate from 24 VDC unregulated boat power and have low current draw. - Stabilized gimbal weight shall be no more than 35 pounds - Total system weight, including cables, shall be a maximum of 60 pounds - Integrate on to craft without major modifications - Output video and symbols in an SVGA resolution (objective) format with a threshold of NTSC resolution format that will be used to display on the craft’s existing hardware and for video capture. - The system will preferably have more than one video output for simultaneous viewing and video capture. (Threshold 2, Objective 4 video outputs.) - Support individual sensors, or be coupled with multiple sensors. It is imperative that electronic interfaces are available in a standard commercial format. (Threshold) For example, the system can be tied to a GPS and compass so a NMEA interface would be required. RS422 and /or RS232 interfaces are requirements for interfacing to a weapons system. - At a minimum, be able to operate in a high shock environment with typical acceleration data in all 3 axis as displayed in the graph. (Threshold) Peaks of 20g’s have been experienced with the same curve characteristics. - FLIR solution should include thermal imaging capability, laser range finder, and day camera (low light TV/CCD) capabilities. The Laser Range Finder (Objective) shall be non-detectable to outside the craft when fired. - Have a system display shall be capable of use with Night Vision Goggles and be direct sunlight readable. - The FLIR system’s components exterior surfaces shall have low reflectivity including the optical components. - System shall have no light emissions from backlight controls. - All system Lowest Replaceable Units (LRUs) shall be easily connected and disconnected from each other in less than 10 minutes. - The system will be designed not to increase the thermal signature of the craft if not utilizing a heating circuit. - System audible noise shall be no louder than normal speech. - The FLIR system shall have a zoom or extender feature. - All cables, connectors and mounting provisions shall have quick disconnects, be environmentally sealed, and non-corrosive in a marine environment. All system components (particularly the optics) shall be treated/coated to protect against harsh marine environments (salt fog and occasional saltwater splashing) as well as driven sand. - The system should be designed to offset convergence effects in the maritime environment. - System LRU reliability shall be a minimum of 300 hours Mean Time Between Failures (Threshold) in the intended operating environment. - Control of the system sensors shall be done from a hand controller with the intent to migrate to an integrated bridge controller. Responses to this RFI should include when available; 1) A capability assessment of the company to include production readiness, 2) A description of product and information on how it meets the specification above to include any potential modification to a COTS item needed to achieve the specification, along with noted deviations to our stated requirements, 3) Anticipated delivery times, 4) Rough order of magnitude (ROM) of unit price for potential purchases from 1 to 100 units, 5) Current failure rate (replacement or repair history), 6) The availability of Contractor Logistics Support and any other maintenance information, and 7) Warranty Provisions. The Point of Contact for this RFI is Mr. Peter Depa at 813-828-6149. Electronic responses in PDF or standard commercial format should be sent to:
[email protected]. This is a request for information only and may or may not result in the issuance of a RFP. Responses to this notice may not be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. If you choose to submit proprietary information, mark it accordingly. Classified information will be accepted, but please mark it accordingly and send it via proper channels. All responses are due no later than one month after this announcement date.