Description
The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) seeks innovative solutions for the next-generation of infrared (IR) sensors. The goal is to obtain advanced IR focal plane arrays (FPAs) with greater sensitivity, large FPA format, high uniformity, reduced noise, and improved resolution to permit target detection, tracking, and discrimination at long ranges for both high background such as boost-phase, and low background such as midcourse with cold objects. Consideration should be given to new or revived IR materials that have the potential to achieve high performance with cutoff wavelengths covering the whole spectrum of IR, especially with the ability to extend to >15 microns cutoff, very large format, and operating at temperatures >35K. Material systems to be developed should be manufacturable, producible, and therefore potentially low cost. Multicolor capability is also an important factor. Ideas solicited include, but are not limited to, innovations in Type-II Strain Layer Superlattice (SLS), high efficiency Quantum Well Infrared Photodetectors (QWIP), HgCdTe grown on Si substrate, and Pb salt. The purpose of this RFI is to obtain industry concepts and market information for the aforementioned IR FPA development. This RFI does not, in any way constitute a Request For Proposal (RFP) and as such, is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this notice, nor otherwise pay for information/items provided in response to this RFI. A follow-on RFP/solicitation does not exist at this time. If a follow-on RFP is required, MDA will modify Broad Agency Announcement # HQ0006-04-MDA-BAA entitled, “Missile Defense Agency Broad Agency Announcement for Advanced Systems”. Responses shall include two sections. The first section shall include information identifying the company, point-of-contact, corporate capabilities and experience in less than three (3) pages in relation to the following criteria: (1) The prime contractor must be a United States Corporation or business entity; (2) Demonstration of Relevant Experience with IR materials; single device and small test arrays; large format, high operability, high quality FPAs; and sensors including ROIC and electronics; and (3) Past Performance References (Government or commercial) for this type of work within the last 5 years. All experience submitted must be relevant. The second section shall include the description of your technology, and technical and management approach in sufficient detail for the Government to evaluate the innovation and potential outcome of the approach. The technical section is limited to ten (10) pages. All respondents are required to adhere to U.S export control laws (e.g. Arms Export Control Act (as amended) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations). Responses to this notice must be received on or before August 16, 2004, electronically to the point of contact listed below or via mail to Missile Defense Agency, Attn: MDA/CTV-Joy Smith, 7100 Defense Pentagon, Washington DC 20301-7100. All respondents will receive notification of the status of the review on or about August 31, 2004. Responses received after August 16, 2004 will not be considered.