Request for Information (RFI) - Project Manager, Short and Intermediate Effectors for Layered Defense Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense Increment 4
The US Army Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Fires, Project Manager, Short and Intermediate Effectors for Layered Defense (SHIELD) is conducting research to identify potential interested sources and solutions with the capability to provide air defense capability to protect dismounted maneuver forces in the near, mid, and far terms. This capability is designated as Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) Increment 4. The capability will defeat and destroy unmanned aircraft systems groups 1-3 and rotary- wing and fixed-wing close support aircraft.
Divisional air defense capability supports dismounted maneuver to include joint forcible entry (JFE), mounted maneuver, and division rear formation fixed and semi-fixed assets (aviation, sustainment, fires brigades, divisional headquarters, etc.). The response to this RFI will focus on solutions that deliver air defense capability to support dismounted maneuver, JFE (C-130 transportable, air droppable, and sling load capable) and light mounted maneuver operations that are C-130 transportable and more robust than JFE solutions. The capability will defeat unmanned aircraft systems groups 1-3 and rotary-wing and fixed-wing close support aircraft.
The Army desires a Self-Loading Equipment Dock (SLED) or pallet-based system that is vehicle-agnostic, e.g. can be placed onto light army tactical vehicles such as the Infantry Squad Vehicle or Robotic Combat Vehicle variant system. The USG understands the constrained Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) on these vehicles and intends to explore systems with this RFI which are compatible with multiple/various vehicles. Solutions should incorporate modular design for subsystems and leverage Modular Open System Approach (MOSA) in hardware and software to maximize use of highly constrained SWaP resources.
USG is seeking information on different approaches to the materiel solution, from complete SLED- or pallet-based systems presently available for procurement to newly developed and producible systems/sub-systems. The USG is open to interim solutions with pathways which enable long-term goals of strong MOSA architecture and reconfigurability. USG's long-term goal is to obtain rights to a technical data package and intellectual property which best facilitates rapid development and system reconfigurability. USG intent is to leverage existing programs of record and other high-TRL components for the initial capability with intent to compete future capabilities in this reconfigurable system.
M-SHORAD INCREMENT 4 OBJECTIVES.
1. Cost: The M-SHORAD Increment 4 will be an affordable system for the US. Army. For this RFI, specific cost objectives are not specified. In an effort to obtain industry responses to this RFI quickly, detailed costs will be assessed later in the acquisition process. Any available cost information for potential M-SHORAD Increment 4 solutions is desired.
2. Schedule: The Army requests the materiel developer provide candidate solutions that would deliver the M-SHORAD Increment 4 capabilities in the near- to mid-term (FY27-29).
3. Desired Characteristics: Proposed solutions are not required to simultaneously meet all desired characteristics due to size, weight and power (SWAP) limitations. Reconfigurable solutions will be considered to enable delivery of desired characteristics.
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b. Priority Performance Characteristics:
(1) System should be interoperable with Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) Battle Command System for Maneuver (IBCS-Maneuver) Command and Control (C2), and/or other compatible C2 and supporting equipment for users to conduct engagements (e.g. optics, control panels etc.).
(2) System software should enable independent operation of the suite of Inc 4 capabilities. Software should be capable of receiving C2 for increased system capability and situational awareness.
(3) Reconfigurable SLED-mounted hardware should be tailorable to support various missions and effector load out; should utilize MOSA architecture; should be reconfigurable and loadable on standard Army infantry support vehicles; provide its own power for independent operation.
(4) Capability to operate from vehicular platforms such as the ISV and/or robotic vehicles (e.g., small, lightweight, agile robotic vehicle), without requiring full integration into the vehicle systems is desired. The SLED may be carried by the vehicle, but it must maintain independent functionality. Vehicles must be returned to complete functionality after removal of the SLED.
c. Additional Performance characteristics
(1) Capable of vehicle-mounted and dismounted operations.
(2) Multiple modular effectors/sensors integrated on single SLED or pallet, capable of being reconfigured to meet different mission needs.
(a) Kinetic effectors (e.g., Stinger/Next Generation Short Range Interceptor (NGSRI), Coyote, Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), XM914 30mm cannon, 50 cal., M240 7.62mm)
(b) Electronic warfare capability
(c) Active and passive sensing combinations commensurate with weapon range(s)
(3) Joint Forcible Entry capability desired: C-130 transportable, air droppable, and sling-load capable with no (or minimal) disassembly.
(4) Network enabled/capable (i.e., early warning/cueing, etc.).
(5) Human machine integration, which may include remote operation, robotics, Graphic User Interfaces (GUls), etc.
(6) Artificial Intelligence (Al), machine learning, automated decision aids.
(7) Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) model detailing the system and MOSA characteristics validation.
d. Testing, Support and Sustainment: At acquisition, the Army plans to conduct any additional necessary performance, safety, and security to support a material release. Testing will be addressed later in the acquisition process.
https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/ ... 2b71e/view
