MODIFICATION
A -- Hard and Deeply Buried Target (HDBT) Functional Defeat
- Notice Date
- 12/9/2011
- Notice Type
- Modification/Amendment
- NAICS
- 541712
— Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Contracting Office
- Department of the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command, AFRL - Eglin Research Site, 101 West Eglin Blvd, Suite 337, Eglin AFB, Florida, 32542-6810
- ZIP Code
- 32542-6810
- Solicitation Number
- RWK-RFI-12-0001
- Archive Date
- 2/16/2012
- Point of Contact
- MiMi Martin, Phone: 850-883-2675
- E-Mail Address
-
mimi.martin@eglin.af.mil
(mimi.martin@eglin.af.mil)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Request for Information Introduction The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Munitions Directorate is interested in developing far-term plans that may lead to innovative means to functionally defeat well-defended, hard and deeply buried targets (HDBTs). The Munitions Directorate, with support from other AFRL Directorates, such as Directed Energy and Sensors, seeks to become better acquainted with and better understand innovative concepts and technologies that may be developed and applied over the next twenty (20) years to functionally defeat (deny, disrupt, or destroy) HDBTs. This may also include technologies that could improve HDBT functional assessment leading to a better capability to locate and characterize the targets. The purpose of this Request is to solicit concepts and relevant technology investment areas, assess technical maturity levels, examine top-level development timelines, and begin defining conceptual trade spaces. The requirements are described below: Target Scenario (1) The objective of this Request for Information (RFI) is to seek information from all sources on innovative methods to functionally defeat the operation of a well-defended, hardened/deeply buried facility located within an unfriendly country. These innovative methods must be based on emerging technology or on technology that can reasonably be expected to be available by 2031. Emphasis should be placed on concepts/technologies that would functionally defeat such a facility for a given amount of time. Functional Defeat is defined as denial, disruption, or destruction of a facility's ability to accomplish its intended mission for a desired period. It is realized that this time period may not be easily defined. It will depend on the efficacy of the attack solution. Emphasis shall be placed on functional defeat systems that can be delivered to the HDBT or its close vicinity by current or projected delivery platforms. It is understood that some ambiguity must exist about the construction and intended use of the HDBT. For the purpose of this Request, it will be assumed that the HDBT functions as a key command, control, and communication node. Emphasis may be placed on directed energy applications for target location/characterization or for defeat mechanisms, either of which may be delivered to the vicinity of the target by conventional Air Force strike platforms, manned or unmanned. However, it is emphasized that this Request is not intended to pursue information, research, or development in regard to atomic or thermonuclear warheads. (2) For purposes of this RFI, the HDBT is assumed to be a tunnel complex with two portals built into the base of a granite mountain. The granite over layer is assumed to be 60 meters thick over both portals and 80 meters over the facility's mission space. Metallic blast doors are closed and hermetically sealed at both portals. The two tunnels are assumed to be 100 feet in length with directional turns. The facility is constructed on a single level and occupies between 10,000 and 20,000 square feet. (3) The HDBT makes use of state-of-the-art computers and communication equipment. It is tied to the local electricity grid but has a large capacity diesel generator to produce its electricity when the need arises. The facility draws fresh water from an internal deep well. Sewage is held in holding tanks and removed periodically. All incoming air passes through state-of-the-art biological/chemical filters. (4) The specifications of this HDBT have been deliberately left vague. Any questions related to subsystem characteristics and capacities may be directed to Ms Pamela Pitchford and Mr. Charles Cottrell (AFRL/RWAS). However, the answers to those hypothetical questions, if provided, may also not be specific. Be aware that all data with regard to this Scenario are notional and do not represent any known target. Response Requirements The following should be included in any response: 1. Describe conceptual approaches and requisite technologies to comply with the requirements specified in the Target Scenario. 2. Provide a top-level development schedule, based on the conceptual approach, leading toward the Technology Readiness Levels of 5 or greater. 3. Limit response to ten (10) pages, single spaced. Particular emphasis should be directed toward identifying existing or emerging near-term technologies that may be used singularly or in combination to provide an innovative means to address the functional defeat of the HDBT. All technologies or suggested concepts should be available for proof of concept demonstration by the Air Force within the nominal twenty (20) years after the issue of this Request. This is a Request for Information (RFI) only. THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT INTEND TO AWARD A CONTRACT ON THE BASIS OF THIS RFI OR TO OTHERWISE PAY FOR THE INFORMATION SOLICITED. The government will evaluate the respondent's capabilities based on the following: a) Thorough understanding of the Scenario requirements; b) Identification of conceptual approaches and requisite technologies to comply with the requirements specified in the Scenario; c) Description of the rough magnitude of potential costs to develop the requisite technologies to a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5 or greater; and d) Top-level development schedule. All responses should be limited to ten (10) pages, single spaced, and are to include the organization name, address, business point of contact/phone number/email address, and technical point of contact/phone number/email address. Respondents to this RFI should stipulate any assumptions used in the development of their response. The Air Force anticipates that respondents will respond to the information request to the best of their ability with as much of the requested information as time permits by the specified deadline. No extensions to the schedule are foreseen. This RFI is not a request for proposal and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Any information submitted is voluntary. The Air Force may contact a respondent for more information or clarification purposes. The Air Force does not commit to contacting a respondent or providing any feedback on a response. The Air Force does not intend to issue any findings or reports outside the Air Force resulting from the RFI. Due to the expedited timeline, questions may be submitted with the RFI response and may be considered in any potential future solicitations. Responses to this RFI will be used by the Government to make appropriate acquisition decisions. Responses to this notice shall be mailed to the AFRL Contracting Division, AFRL/RWK, 101 West Eglin Blvd, Bldg 13, Eglin Air Force Base, FL 32542-6810, ATTN: Ms. MiMi Martin, or sent electronically to mimi.martin@eglin.af.mil. Please provide electronic responses with this subject: RFI for Hard and Deeply Buried Target (HDBT) Functional Defeat. Responses must be received no later than 0800 Central Time on 03 January 2012. For technical questions, please contact Ms. Pamela Pitchford, AFRL/RWAS, pamela.pitchford@eglin.af.mil, 850-883-2505, or Mr. Charles Cottrell, AFRL/RWAS, charles.cottrell@eglin.af.mil, 850-883-2723. DISTRIBUTION A. Approved for public release, distribution unlimited. (96ABW-2011-0541)
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/AFRLERS/RWK-RFI-12-0001/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: N/A, United States
- Record
- SN02636657-W 20111211/111209234057-983f14d9dba84ac3d4cd2ac589efe019 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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