SEEKING INDUSTRY INFORMATION ON AVAILABLE PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGIES The Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI), Project Manager for Instrumentation, Targets and Threat Simulators (PM ITTS) in partnership with White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) is conducting Market Research to seek industry information on available products and technologies for developing and fielding short-wave (900nm - 1.7 um) and mid-wave (3-5 um) infrared metric zoom lenses. This Request for Information (RFI) is for three separate metric zoom lens configurations: a small gimbal configuration SWIR, a medium gimbal configuration SWIR, and an MWIR. Responses may include information for a single lens, multiple lenses, or all three. These systems will be used to optically acquire Time-Space-Position Information (TSPI) and phenomenology data at DoD Major Range and Test Facility Bases (MRTFBs). DESCRIPTION These systems will be used to collect developmental data for various current and future weapon systems. The metric zoom lenses will be used on Test and Evaluation (T&E) Range gimbaled optical tracking systems. RFI respondents shall address available products and technologies to produce a complete capability to provide metric zoom lenses in the short-wave and/or mid-wave imaging bands. Proposed key system characteristics for each of the separate lenses are listed in the paragraphs below and in the attachments. 1. Background: T&E Ranges have a long history of collecting optical imagery to support weapon system test activities. Traditionally, the majority of this data collection has occurred in the visible imaging band using film and broadcast format video sensors. Since the early to mid-1990's, infrared camera systems have become an important part of this imaging capability. To date, the majority of infrared imaging work has been completed with either fixed focal length or dual/triple view optics. The acquisition of metric zoom lenses in the short and mid-wave infrared bands will provide for improved scenario coverage and efficiency of operation. 2. Common Requirements for the Small Gimbal Configuration SWIR Metric Zoom Lens, the Medium Gimbal Configuration SWIR Metric Zoom Lens, and the MWIR Metric Zoom Lens: Common characteristics for the small gimbal configuration short-wave infrared metric zoom lens, the medium gimbal configuration short-wave infrared metric zoom lens and the MWIR metric zoom lens are contained in Table 2.1, included as Attachment 1. 3. Small Gimbal Configuration SWIR Metric Zoom Lens Performance Requirements: Key characteristics that are specific for the small gimbal configuration short-wave infrared metric zoom lens are contained in Table 3.1, included as Attachment 2. 4. Medium System SWIR Metric Zoom Lens Performance Requirements: Key characteristics that are specific for the medium gimbal configuration short-wave infrared metric zoom lens are contained in Table 4.1, included as Attachment 3. 5. MWIR Metric Zoom Lens Performance Requirements: Key characteristics that are specific for the mid-wave infrared metric zoom lens are contained in Table 5.1, included as Attachment 4. ACQUISITION APPROACH The purpose of this RFI is to improve the Government's understanding of the requirements and industry capabilities in order to establish the best acquisition approach. Industry feedback is vitally important and the Government will be receptive to any and all ideas received from industry. PM ITTS is looking for suppliers who can provide or develop a turn-key capability. RESPONSES REQUESTED Submissions: Respondents are asked to submit replies no later than 15:30 PM Eastern Time, Orlando, FL, on Wednesday, 30 May 2012 by email to
[email protected] with a courtesy copy to
[email protected], or alternatively by mail to: U.S. Army PEO STRI - Acquisition Center, ATTN: SFAE-STRI-KOT/Angela Karten, 12350 Research Parkway, Orlando, FL 32826. Electronic submissions are strongly encouraged. Acknowledgements of receipt will not be made. Format: Do no not exceed ten (10) pages per lens type, including the cover page. In addition, you may include up to five attachments that consist of pre-printed commercial brochures or sales literature. Font shall not be smaller than industry standard word processor 12-point Times New Roman. Electronic submissions shall be in MS Word or Adobe PDF format. Proprietary information is not being solicited; however, if submitted, it should be appropriately marked. Cover Page: Include on the cover page the company name, address, Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code, and point of contact with name, title, phone number, and email address. Also indicate the RFI title and number. Size of Business: Provide a statement indicating if your firm is a large or small business. If small, please indicate any applicable socio-economic status such as Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), 8(a), HUB Zone, etc. NAICS Codes: The Government is considering NAICS codes: 333314 - Optical Instrument and Lens Manufacturing; and 334511 - Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System & Instrument Manufacturing. Feedback from industry on suggestions for possible NAICS codes that best fit this requirement is requested. Respondents are asked to provide the following information: 1. A technical description of the potential solution or complete capability. The description should answer the following: --- a. Describe your solution. --- b. For each lens type addressed, state how the expected performance of your solution compares to the threshold and objective requirements listed in the corresponding attachment. --- c. What are the physical dimensions and weight of your solution? How much power does it use? Does it require cooling? --- d. How effectively has your solution been used in similar applications? --- e. What evidence exists that your solution is applicable if it has not been used in similar systems? --- f. How mature is your system? Is it a new development? Does a prototype exist? Is it similar to previous successful developments? Is it an extension or evolution of an existing product? Is it already in production? 2. A schedule estimate from contract award to operational capability. 3. A Cost Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimate. 4. Recommendations where performance can be traded for reduced costs or where performance can be added for little or no cost. NOTICE In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice/RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENT EXISTS AT THIS TIME. DISCLAIMER This RFI action does not constitute a solicitation or Request for Proposals (RFPs) and is not a commitment by the U.S. Government to procure the subject products, services or information. The submission of this information is for PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to procure any supplies or services, or for the Government to pay for the information received. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. GOVERNMENT CONTACTS Direct submission inquiries to the Contract Specialist, Angela Karten, and technical inquiries to the Project Director, Nikki Bui. Contracts POC: Angela Karten, (407) 384-5377,
[email protected] Technical POC: Nikki Bui, (407) 384-5245,
[email protected] ATTACHMENTS Table 2.1: Common Zoom Lens Requirements Table 3.1: Small System Short-Wave Infrared Metric Zoom Lens Requirements Table 4.1: Medium Gimbal Configuration Short-Wave Infrared Metric Zoom Lens Requirements Table 5.1: Mid-Wave Infrared Metric Zoom Lens Requirements