1.  NOTICE

This Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS)/Request for Information (RFI) is issued for informational purposes and market research only; it does not constitute a solicitation. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for any expenses associated with preparing/submitting information in response to this posting. The information provided may be used by the Government in developing its acquisition strategy, statement of work/statement of objectives, and/or performance specifications. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained within their response as instructed later in this posting.

1.  BACKGROUND AND SCOPE

The United States (US) Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance & Special Operations Forces (ISR & SOF) Directorate, Strike Systems Program Office (AFLCMC/WISS) is conducting market research to identify systems capable of providing organic Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) to increase threat detection and locate isolated personnel (IP) via a standoff effect in vast environments where Combat Air Forces (CAF) aircraft are denied.  System(s) will be employed by Air Force Rescue Forces conducting personnel recovery missions in maritime environments.

1. CAPABILITY GAP

Air Force Guardian Angel units lack the capability to locate Isolated Personnel from a distance, link communications and limit time and exposure of personnel conducting searches over a wide area in contested environments.  Additionally, Guardian Angel personnel lack the ability to find and communicate with personnel due to ocean swells in maritime environments, or foliage in land environments. The capability gap presented in these situations put both the Guardian Angel teams and Isolated Personnel at greater risk.

System Requirements:

Key Performance Parameters (KPPs)

(T) = Threshold (required).

(O) = Objective (desired, if technically feasible and cost effective).

System KPPs

6.1.1 The sUAS shall be capable of autonomous navigation (flying pre-planned routes) and the user shall have the ability to override and take control manually (T).

6.1.2 The sUAS shall have an open architecture capable of integrating multiple payloads. (T=O)

6.1.3 The system shall be able to send sensor video feed to the operator (T=O)

6.1.4 The system shall allow a minimum of 8 hours (T) 24 hours (O) tethered autonomous flight.

6.1.5 Control and video/datalink shall be at least AES-256 FIPS compliant (T) incorporates LPI/LPD characteristics(O).

Note: Comms relay requirements as specified in this document do not require additional encryption or modification of waveforms.

6.1.6 The control station and sUAS system shall resist environmental effects of maritime operations to include corrosion, water & UV resistance, & operating in -4℉ to +122℉ weather (T=O)

SUAS KPPs

6.2.1 The sUAS shall have a minimum 7 lbs. payload capacity (T) minimum 12 lbs. payload capacity (O).

6.2.2 The sUAS shall operate with and without GPS (GPS-denied) guided navigation (T) incorporate M-Code GPS (O)

6.2.3 The sUAS shall be capable of tethered and untethered flight operations in the event the tether is severed or must be disconnect due to tactical considerations.

Untethered performance requirements:

6.2.4 The sUAS shall be capable of fully remote-controlled flight and autonomous route following. T=O

Sensor KPPs

6.3.1 The sUAS day sensor shall detect a single Isolated Person (IP) in a life raft in open water at 1NM (T) 2NM (O) or greater and frigate-sized ships at 20NM (T) 30NM (O) or greater.

6.3.2 The sUAS Thermal sensor shall detect a single IP in a life raft in open water at distances of 1 NM (T) 2NM (O) or greater.

Comm Payload KPPs

6.4.1 The sUAS shall support tactical networking relays: PRC-163 TSM, Silvus, Radionor, Wave Relay MPU 5, and Trellisware (T=O).

6.4.2 The sUAS should transmit no wireless data when in tethered mode (T=O).

1. INSTRUCTION TO POTENTIAL RESPONDENTS

Interested parties who desire to participate in this SSS/RFI are encouraged to submit responses that demonstrate they presently have the technology and qualifications to provide the system described above. Responses shall also include the following information:

1. 1. Respondent Data: Company/Institute Name

Address

Point of Contact (to include phone