Description
BODYWORN TACTICAL DIRECTION FINDING SYSTEM The US Special Operations Command urgently requires a bodyworn tactical radio direction finding (DF) system to provide threat warning. The primary purpose of the system is to provide the individual in a tactical environment warning of threats using handheld commercial and military push-to-talk radios, cellular telephones, vehicular radios, and fixed site radios. The DF antenna design should use the latest technology including fractals, patches/micro-patches, variable slot, tuned diodes, and other not mentioned technologies, or any combination of technologies, for the sensing of radio frequency (RF) energy. The desired frequency range of the system is 30 MHz to 3 GHz. The antenna should be omni-directional with a uniform gain (within 3 dB) in all directions and have a VSWR less than 1.2:1 across the frequency band. The antenna should be configured into a vest, jacket, or externally worn web harness and may contain multiple antennas. The vest/jacket/harness should carry/contain a small, low power, high dynamic range preamplifier(s) for the LVHF band and above that can be turned on/off and powered through the RF connection to the receiver(s). The receiver(s) should be low cost, small, lightweight, and capable of scanning for RF energy across one or more frequency bands, but the system must cover the total bands of interest, 30 MHz to 3 GHz. The system must have a minimum of two coherent local oscillators (LO) (three LO, or two LO and a third tuner preferred) with IF output for DF applications. The system must provide for the optional presentation of intercepted signal audio to an operator earpiece. The system should be controlled by a PDA or bodyworn computer using the MS Windows CE or Windows XP (preferred) operating system. The system should archive a minimum of six hours of tabular intercept/DF data for post mission exploitation. The system must be capable of fully automated or manually initiated DF at the operator’s option. The system must be capable of directed search using a threat signal list. The system must be capable of audible alarm in the operator earpiece upon RF energy detection, with alarm volume control and on/off switch. The system should be able to perform DF lines of bearings (LOB) to 15 degrees RMS accuracy,+/- five degrees. The system must not weigh more than 15 pounds (less batteries), with 10 pounds the goal. The system must not consume more than 15 Watts of battery power. The system will be powered by 12 Volt military lithium chemistry battery. The goal is to operate the system for six hours on a maximum of two 12 Volt batteries. Interested vendors are requested to send White Papers concerning a system design proposal or existing system specifications and a price list to US Special Operations Command, Program Executive Officer for Information and Intelligence Systems, ATTN: Mr. Richard Bodkin, 5401 W. Kennedy Blvd, Suite 900, Tampa FL 33609.