Air Force RFI - Complementary Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (CPNT)

1.0 Summary

The Air Force is issuing this RFI seeking information from industry about availability of very high technical readiness level (Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 8) Complimentary Positioning Navigation and Timing (CPNT) technologies to provide PNT information that meet critical navigation needs when GPS service is not available and/or degraded due environmental, unintentional, and/or intentional disruptions. The information gathered in response to this RFI will be used to assess how different options and/or capabilities can best be utilized in a manner that will gain confidence in performance and foster user adoption.

A CPNT technology in this RFI refers to a technology capable of providing critical users and operators positioning and/or timing information that is derived independently from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). The primary objective of considering such technologies is to enhance the availability and resiliency of PNT information to critical navigation systems. Response to the RFI should include a Statement of Capabilities of the CPNT service(s) available from the Respondee. Additional details pertinent to the requested information below should align with the items listed in Section 3 Information Requested.

2.0 Background

The primary and most recognizable PNT service supporting DoD navigation systems is the GPS. However, because GPS relies on signals broadcast from satellites in medium Earth orbit (MEO), signal strength at the receiver is low and thus vulnerable to intentional and unintentional disruptions.

3.0 Information Requested

The Air Force is requesting the following information on CPNT technology:

1. Description of the CPNT technology and indication of whether the CPNT technology provides either timing information, position information, or both independently of GNSS and operates in an environment where GNSS service is disrupted or unavailable to the user.
2. Description of whether the CPNT technology is at a Department of Defense (DoD) TRL of eight (8) or higher.
   • All system components form-, fit-, and function-compatible with each other and with the operational environment
   • The technology proven in an operational environment
   • A rigorous test and evaluation process completed successfully
   • the technology meets its stated purpose and functionality as designed
3. The following contextual information about the applicability of the CPNT technology must be provided:
   • The intended operating environment which includes both the solution and user environment.
   • Potential users (industry/market sectors and/or infrastructure type), example use-cases, potential safety and economic benefits, service provisioning availability and cost.

4.0 Submission Instructions

Interested parties should submit a written Statement of Capabilities of sufficient detail demonstrating their experience and ability to provide said services as outlined in Section 3 entitled Information Requested. In addition, any planned future partnerships should be documented describing the roles of each party.

Information provided shall be detailed and shall show technical capabilities, knowledge, and expertise so the Air Force can assess the ability to provide the described services.

All the information sought should be conveyed in no more than ten (10) pages. Page size is set at 8 X 11 inches and text should be no smaller than 11 point. Each response must reference the RFI title. Interested vendors shall indicate their socio-economic small business size status (Total Small Business, 8(a) business development, historically underutilized business zone, service-disabled veteran owned, small disadvantaged, or woman-owned) in the appropriate North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code. As a result of recent changes to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 19, small business concerns must ensure that their status certifications are up to date.

Interested parties must respond to this announcement in writing by October 30, 2023 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time. Telephone requests will not be honored. All responses must be submitted via e-mail to todd.rissmiller@us.af.mil.

5.0 Information Availability

THIS NOTICE IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. This notice is for information and planning purposes only and is a market research tool to determine the availability and adequacy of potential business sources. The notice does not constitute a solicitation for bids, quotations, and proposals, and is not to be construed as a commitment by the U.S. Government. The information provided herein is subject to change and in no way binds the U.S. Government to solicit for or award a contract. The U.S. Government is not obligated to and will not pay for any information received from potential sources as a result of response to this RFI notice. The U.S. Government will not pay for any materials provided in response to this synopsis and submittals will not be returned to the sender. Submissions must be disclosable to the public or the submitter should provide a summary statement that can be disclosed to the public with fuller supporting information that is clearly marked as restricted. The U.S. Government will use customary means to safeguard proprietary information, but only when such information is (1) clearly marked as proprietary; (2) is, in fact, information that could not have been obtained from another party or source; and (3) is otherwise deserving of such treatment under standards and processes described in the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Executive Order 12600.