Description
The purpose of this notice for Request for Information (RFI) is to determine the capability of industry to provide new and innovative methods to improve Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) discrimination against future threats. Supplemental information is available at a classified level. Classified Annexes A, B, and C may be obtained by responders upon request. Responders must satisfy the Government that they have appropriate clearances and facilities for storage and maintenance of classified information before the annexes will be provided. Respondents should direct questions, requests for the classified supplemental information, and responses regarding this RFI to Shirlee Madeloff, 703-882-6152. Respondents need to provide verification of their security clearance and facilities before receiving the classified attachments via secure fax. If secure fax is not available, arrangements may be made to physically pick up or receive the annexes through secure mail. Contact the MDA SOC at 703-882-6600 for security verification. Respondent cage code number, home office location, and point of contact are required for verification. These requirements are minimums and respondents may describe and provide rationale for system with greater capabilities. Responses should provide information on system evolution upgrade. Individual responses shall be properly marked for security and proprietary material, be no more than 20 pages, and should address the following: 1) Basic concept description, including: Description of concept; Proposed development and test schedule, Technical Readiness Level (TRL) (definitions are included in annex A), and Knowledge Points (KP), (points on the schedule where enough knowledge is gained to allow decisions to be made regarding maturing the concept to another TRL and make decisions regarding future funding (continue, increase, or terminate)); Estimated ROM cost to reach each KP; Evaluation of the concept against each of the countermeasures specified in Annex B; Description of how the concept would comprise an effective architecture against as many of the threats listed in Annex C as possible; Recommended Concept of Operations to utilize device system to its fullest potential; Discuss operations and maintenance requirements for 24 7 operations, if any; Additional information on the topics to be addressed in the concept description and its characteristics is contained in Annex A. 2) Proposed concept could include the following desired characteristics: Ability to employ, integrate, and deploy the concept with existing and or future BMDS systems (preferably common use in multiple systems); Concept should not interfere with other BMD system operations: Small physical footprint if incorporating into existing systems; Small logistical footprint is desired; May utilize International cooperation or Small Business efforts funding for initial work. 3) Proposed concepts may include the following assumptions: Concept utilization scenarios as proposed by the contractor (see Annex C); Benefits of the concept should primarily be based on its integration with the existing BMDS system. Modifications additions to the BMDS that would result in a great improvement in the concept’s performance should also be included. This announcement is a Request For Information (RFI) only; it is not a notice of solicitation or Request For Proposals (RFP). The Government will not pay for any materials provided in response to this RFI. Responses will not be considered as proposals nor will any award be made as a result of this RFI. Respondents will not be notified of the results of this review. Responses may form the basis for a future RFP to develop and build a prototype. RFI submissions will be handled by both Government personnel from MDA Engineering Deputate, Advanced Technology Deputate, other MDA organizations, and Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC) and non-Government personnel, all of whom will have signed non-disclosure agreements. The Defense National Team members are comprised of personnel from Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and General Dynamics, as well as participation FFRDCs and SETAs all of whom may review RFI responses. The Missile Defense National Team is currently supporting MDA’s Engineering Directorate to design a layered BMDS. All information contained in the RFI is preliminary as well as subject to modification and is in no way binding on the Government. Responses are due 60 days after the date this RFI is released. Responses shall be submitted in MS Office Word. Provide one hard copy and an electronic version on CDROM. E-mail responses are not permitted.