THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS BEING MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA) W56JSR-18-S-0001. Q-53 DIGITIZATION (Q53D) The Q-53 Counterfire Target Acquisition Radar System is a mobile radar system designed to detect, classify, and track projectiles fired from mortar, artillery, and rocket systems using a 90-degree or continuous 360-degree sector search. The RCCTO is requesting whitepapers for new technology as described in the Problem Statement below. Format shall be in accordance with instructions found at “Whitepaper Submissions” in Section V(A) of this announcement. A rough order of magnitude (ROM) in accordance with Section V(A)(14) of this announcement is requested with the whitepaper submissions and will not contribute to the page total the whitepaper submissions. Vulcan specific collection for whitepaper submissions can be found at: https://vulcan-sof.com/login/ng2/submission?collectionUuid=2c684d89-ef23-42fa-b4a7-62d8205a6be4 In accordance with the instructions in Section V(A)(3), the ROM shall not be submitted via the Vulcan site. Please submit all ROMs to Jolynda Ivy at
[email protected] and Paul Kemp at
[email protected] Subject line must read “ROM Q-53 Digitization-[Company Name]”. Example: ROM Q-53 Digitization-ABC Inc. Failure to do so may result in elimination for consideration for the funding opportunity. Whitepaper submissions are due no later than 3:00pm EST on 24 April 2020. Please note that only UNCLASSIFIED Whitepapers can be submitted through Vulcan. Problem Statement: Army AN/TPQ-53 RADAR require leaps in capability performance in order to maintain an overmatch advantage over peer and near-peer adversaries. With new and emerging threats and the untapped potential of operational capabilities, the Army is looking for bringing the current Q-53 RADAR to a digital beam forming format. Digital beam forming can be realized at element level or at sub array level of the RADAR vs current analog formats. In this type of architecture there are many digital receivers. By having these digital receivers and element level beam forming, multiple independent beams can be created and steered in all directions. Therefore, they then can be formed in the digital beam forming processor and can potential have the following benefits: improved dynamic range control of multiple beams better and faster control of amplitude and phase The primary opportunity and purpose of this effort is to upgrade the current Q-53 RADAR from analog to digital, to demonstrate a prototype capability that extends the effectiveness of the RADAR and provides multi-function capabilities that are afforded to a digitized array such as communications and high power microwave. A digitized Q-53 should: • Increase the performance (detection, range, etc.) of the Q-53 beyond the current non-modified variants. • Generate multi-function capabilities of communications and high power microwave from the same array. Fits within the current RADAR outer mold line so it does not alter the requirements to ship or deploy the Q-53. • Reach Technology Readiness Level 6 and Manufacturing Readiness Level 5 when demonstrated as a prototype at the end of this effort within 24 months from start of the effort • Be compatible with future RADAR upgrades. Opportunity Sought: Whitepaper submissions shall include how you would approach designing, prototyping, and, in the future, producing a modification to the Q-53 that converts the current analog system into a digital system. Interested U.S. contractors may contact the Technical Point of Contact for a Security Classification Guide (SCG). Whitepaper submissions will be evaluated in accordance with the Evaluation Factors outlined in Section VI of this announcement. Follow-On Production Work: Following successful completion of the prototype project and subject to the availability of funds, the Government anticipates transition from the prototype project to a follow-on production/sole source FAR-based contract or Other Transaction Agreement. It is not fully known at this time what the quantities or dollar values will be, or which exact program office or agency may produce follow-on production. However, it is fully expected that the hardware/software will be used in follow-on production agreements or contracts by one or more agencies and/or program offices. The follow-on production efforts for this prototype project are expected to vary depending on the customer; however, as this hardware/software is anticipated to be an additional capability increase for existing systems or systems in production or development, it is anticipated that a successful prototype project may result in eventual production. Technical Point of Contact: Mr. Robert Monto,
[email protected] Notice: Offerors are advised that employees of the firms identified below may serve as non-government advisors in the review and evaluation of white papers as well as the source selection process. These individuals will be authorized access only to those portions of the white paper/ proposal data and discussions that are necessary to enable them to perform their respective duties. Such firms are expressly prohibited from competing on the subject acquisition. Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI), 5285 Shawnee Road, Alexandria, VA 22312, (703) 564-3800 In accomplishing their duties related to the white paper evaluation and source selection process, the aforementioned firm may require access to proprietary information contained in the offerors' proposals. Therefore, pursuant to FAR 9.505-4, this firm may execute an agreement with each offeror that states that they will (1) protect the offerors’ information from unauthorized use or disclosure for as long as it remains proprietary and (2) refrain from using the information for any purpose other than that for which it was furnished. To expedite the evaluation process, each offeror must contact the above companies to effect execution of such an agreement prior to the submission of proposals. Each offeror shall submit copies of the agreement with their proposal, if applicable.