Loren Data's SAM Daily™

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF JANUARY 15, 2005 FBO #1146
SOURCES SOUGHT

16 -- Request for Information to identify sources interested in supplying a cost-effective small package airdrop capability with precise landing accuracy.

Notice Date

1/13/2005
 

Notice Type

Sources Sought
 

Contracting Office

RDECOM Acquisition Center - Natick, ATTN: AMSRD-ACC-N, Natick Contracting Division (R and BaseOPS), Building 1, Kansas Street, Natick, MA 01760-5011
 

ZIP Code

01760-5011
 

Solicitation Number

PMFSS-JPADS
 

Response Due

3/15/2005
 

Archive Date

5/14/2005
 

Small Business Set-Aside

N/A
 

Description

This is a Request for Information (RFI) from the U. S. Army Research Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM)/PM Force Sustainment Systems, Natick, MA to identify sources interested in supplying a cost-effective small package airdrop capability w ith precise landing accuracy. BACKGROUND: A smart or precision airdrop materiel solution is required. A smart or precision materiel solution would exhibit the following key attributes, qualities and performance characteristics: (1) An incremental, spira l development program based upon weight categories; (2) Weights: Increment 1: A 2,200 lb fully-rigged weight category to align with the current CDS/A22 capability; Increment 2: A 10,000 lb fully-rigged weight category to align with current Enhanced CDS/platform initiatives; Increment 3: A 30,000 lb fully-rigged weigh t category to align with PLS/LHS/FTTS/intermodal flatrack and CROP capabilities; Increment 4: A 42,000 lb fully-rigged weight category to align with upper PLS flatrack capability/C-130 maximum capability and planned FCS weight; (3) Accuracy. On-ground accuracy differs based on family member weight category. Lighter loads provide gre ater accuracy while heavier loads provide decreased accuracy. Accuracy would be dramatically increased by interface with any USAF initiatives to improve CARP and weather fidelity. Accuracy is from 10,000 feet MSL and higher, limited only by the performan ce characteristics of the air carriers. Increased capability in accuracy decreases DZ size, allows prompt recovery and unit assembly, and places loads into the hands of the intended ground recipients. Accuracy capability from high altitudes provides incr eased air carrier survivability: A 2,200 lb accuracy would be 50-100 meters circular error probable (CEP)/point of impact, plus or minus; A 10,000 lb accuracy would be 100-150 meters CEP/point of impact, plus or minus; A 30,000 lb accuracy would be 150-25 0 meters CEP/point of impact, plus or minus; and A 42,000 lb accuracy would be 250-350 meters CEP/point of impact, plus or minus; (4) Reliability. A reliability factor of no less than 0.95, with a corresponding high level of confidence factor for all fam ily members; (5) High Altitude-Capable. Precision capability would be air releasable from altitudes up to and exceeding 20,000 ft MSL, and limited only by air carrier performance characteristics. A 35,000 feet MSL capability is envisioned. Precision cap ability negates wind effects from these altitudes and provides additional air carrier survivability; (6) NET Ready. Global Positioning System (GPS)-Precision Positioning System (PPS)-guided, and J-6 driven and (7) Other Attributes/Characteristics. Target ed Air Carriers. Primary air carriers are the AMC C-17 and all models/versions of C-130. This does not exclude possibilities associated with the C-5, C-141, CRAF, or commercial aerial delivery platforms as capable, equipped, and available. Among service s, there is a rotary-wing fleet too numerous to exclude. While airdrop from rotorcraft is atypical, the CH-53, CH-46, CH-47, UH-60, etc. are all 2,200 and 10,000 lb weight-capable, and provide a forward, highly battlefield presence that should be explored . Multiple Loads to Multiple Destinations. There will be multiple airdrop loads internal to air carriers. Capability allows for loads to be programmed to a single ground destination/location, or individually programmed to different ground locations. Ca pability provides for sequential release at a single aerial release point, and enables airdrop cargo/load re-supply to multiple, on-ground customers at multiple, highly dispersed locations. Waypoint Navigation. Capability allows for the programming of the airdrop vehicle to fly a selected course, and to be at different locations over the surface of the earth during descent. Go here, then here, then here . . .prior to landing destination and impact. The ability to program a minimal of three waypoints is being e xamined. Such capability provides for masking opportunities and obstacle avoidance, and is highly beneficial to the standoff aspect of employment. Most importantly, such capability is a key element in overcoming the constant downwind landing associated w ith non-precision airdrop loads, providing for into the wind terminal leg. The obvious benefits are softer landing and increased load survivability. Flared Landing. With an increased knowledge of airdrop load location relative to the ground just prior t o impact, this capability is possible. Capability would convert and decay forward airspeed to a cushioning effect. The attribute would increase DZ safety, load survivability, and decrease the need for additional impact absorbing materials. Maintenance P lanning. Full contractor logistics support of this capability is considered both practical and easily executed. This releases current 92R personnel from maintenance intensive tasks and allows riggers to focus upon assembling materiel to be airdropped, ri gging it, and offering rigged/pre-rigged loads to USAF personnel. Proprietary information will not be disclosed outside the US Government; however, if it is submitted, it should be appropriately marked. Information provided will be used to develop specif ic requirements for a future JPADS. All interested firms, regardless of size, are encouraged to respond to this request for information. This Request for Information is for planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a Request for Proposal or as an obligation on the part of the Government. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this request or otherwise pay for information solicited. A pre-solicitation notice will be published if a formal solicitation is generated. N o awards will result from this request. We are seeking sources, technical and product information for products which meet the Army's requirements, or may meet requirements with modifications. Please submit your responses within 60 days of this publicatio n. Responses may be sent via email to mailto:Benjamin.Rooney@natick.army.mil? Subject=RE: REQUEST FOR INFORMATION - JOINT PRECISION AIRDROP SYSTEM (JPADS), or by regular mail to US Army RDECOM, SFAE-CSS-FP-F, (ATTN: Benjamin Rooney), Kansas Street, Natic k, MA 01760-5057, Telephone (508) 233-5997, Fax (508) 233-4716.
 

Place of Performance

Address: U.S. Army RDECOM - Natick ATTN: SFAE-CSS-FP-F (ATTN: Ben Rooney), Building 3, Room 208, Kansas Street Natick MA

Zip Code: 01760-5057

Country: US
 

Record

SN00734623-W 20050115/050113212059 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

---

| FSG Index  |  This Issue's Index  |  Today's FBO Daily Index Page |