Posted: March 23, 2022, 8:45 a.m. EDT
1. Introduction
This Request for Information (RFI) is for information and planning purposes and includes questions that the United States Government (USG) may use to understand current Industry capabilities.. This RFI covers a need for the Air Launched Effects (ALE) Architect only. It is one of three distinct RFIs issued simultaneously that cover ALE (see Synopsis below for further detail). This is NOT a request for Quotations or Proposals or a promise to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) or Request for Quote in the future and does not commit the USG to contract for the supplies/services contained herein. In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.202 (e), USG will not accept responses to this notice as offers to form a binding contract. USG will not reimburse costs incurred by Respondents in response to this RFI or for participating in information exchange regarding details of the RFI. The information provided in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding on USG. Any information submitted in response to this RFI is voluntary. Respondents must clearly mark any proprietary information and trade secrets on all submitted materials. USG will not share vendor proprietary information with the public. USG hereby notifies Respondents that (a) USG may disclose submitted information to support/Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) contractors supporting this program, (b) submission of information in response to this RFI constitutes consent to such handling and disclosure of submitted information to those parties, and (c) USG will handle such proprietary information in a manner consistent with applicable federal law. Please be advised that all submissions become USG property, and USG will not return submissions to Respondents. USG advises Respondents that USG is under no obligation to provide feedback to Respondents with respect to any information submitted.
USG may meet with Industry partners in a 1:1 setting during the course of market research. If USG decides to hold 1:1 sessions with Industry partners, additional details will be shared at a later date.
The ALE Program of Record (POR) may share any information submitted in response to this RFI with current and future support vendors contracted to support the ALE POR. All USG and contractor personnel reviewing submitted responses will have signed non-disclosure agreements and understand their responsibility for proper use and protection from unauthorized disclosure of proprietary information as described 41 U.S. Code (USC) 423.
Synopsis
The U.S. Army Program Executive Office Aviation (PEO Aviation) and the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Project Management Office (PMO) are developing an ALE Program of Record acquisition strategy that will guide the development and fielding of this technology over the coming decades. Along with the current ALE technology demonstration and ALE Small (ALE-S) prototyping activities, USG will use the information gathered through this RFI process to shape and inform a USG acquisition strategy which may lead to contract awards.
There are three different RFIs being issued simultaneously with each covering a specific part of the ALE strategy and ALE Family of Systems (FoS) detailed below. The ALE FoS will provide ALE capabilities by acquiring and integrating various components across the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) ecosystem (see Figure 2) and enduring fleet[1], while ensuring a Modular Open System Approach (MOSA)-compliant architecture (See Appendix A for additional detail on MOSA-compliant architecture). Specifically, the ALE POR seeks responses across three areas of the ALE FoS, each with a distinct purpose and RFI (more detail in Figure 4).
Specifically, the ALE Program of Record seeks responses in the following three areas via three separate and distinct RFIs:
- ALE-Architect to define the ALE architecture within the FVL FoS and drive integration across existing platforms and the FVL ecosystem while ensuring Modular Open System Approach (MOSA) compliance[2]
- ALE-Weapons System (ALE-WS) will integrate the various components within the weapons system to produce a fully functional ALE system
- ALE-Enablers will provide MOSA-compliant components to the ALE Weapons System
Responses will inform the potential development of an ALE FoS acquisition approach, corresponding RFP, statements of work, and possible future contracts; therefore, feedback from industry is critical to formulating the best possible approach.
As part of the Army's outreach to industry and to ensure that USG casts the widest possible net for both familiar as well as new technologies the strategy development process will include significant engagement with industry and outreach.
An expression of interest and detail of current capabilities relevant to the ALE program is the first stage of the ALE strategy development and RFI release process. The Army particularly encourages non-traditional performers and innovators who have relevant capabilities and technology to participate in this process. USG is interested in all solution sets that may be capable of meeting the operational requirements outlined in each RFI. USG may ask for additional clarification on RFI responses. USG will provide detailed instructions in correspondence outlining any follow-up questions. USG also encourages Respondents to submit suggestions for the ALE strategy in Attachment B outlined below.
This RFI informs the initial capabilities for ALEs that USG will field in FY25, with expectation to field an ALE that is capable of all behaviors by FY30+. Should USG field initial, operational ALE systems, conceivable upgrade cycles could follow on a regular basis. USG may replace any component or integrator during such cycles to maximize operational capabilities with best-in-class technologies.
Industry Day
USG plans to hold an Industry Day on February 24, 2022, to provide an opportunity for Army representatives to communicate needs, along with programmatic and technical details. Army representatives will also endeavor to answer questions submitted by vendors during an open discussion. Respondents should submit questions for Industry Day in Attachment A (Industry Day RSVP) by February 17, 2022. Detailed instructions for submitting Attachment A are located below.
During Industry Day, USG will provide an overview of the ALE strategy and hold an open discussion to answer questions submitted by Respondents prior to Industry Day.
Following Industry Day, Respondents will have a 2-week period to submit their RFI responses. Final RFI responses will be due by March 10, 2022. USG anticipates sharing a more detailed Industry Day agenda and meeting forum with Respondents after reviewing Industry Day RSVPs (Attachment A). Please submit Industry Day RSVPs, including any questions for USG, by February 17, 2022.
The Army will use this RFI to understand the readiness of existing platform, payload, and mission system technologies to enable ALE Concepts of Operation (CONOPs) and better equip USG to identify potential candidate technologies for ALE POR acquisitions. Respondent feedback may inform possible acquisition strategies, including possible accelerated acquisition timelines meant to improve warfighter capability, and business cases for submitted technologies, and provide input on incentives and potential barriers to entry or participation. Figure 1 shows the expected RFI timeline and associated milestones.
Figure 1: RFI Timeline See attached: 220203 - ALE Architect 03_February_2022_FINAL
ALE Definition and Operational Context
The future multi-domain operational environment presents a complex set of challenges to Army Aviation. These challenges include advanced networked and mobile air defense systems with extended ranges, as well as short and mid-range systems that will deny freedom to maneuver in multi-domain operations. Army Aviation must modernize and distribute its Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Target Acquisition (RSTA) and lethality with an advanced team of manned and unmanned aircraft within the FVL ecosystem to achieve and maintain overmatch in a future conflict. The synergistic effects of the FVL ecosystem are comprised of Integrated Air Defense System (IADS), Command, Control and Communications (C3) capabilities, and other supporting infrastructure. They enable the penetration, dis-integration, and exploitation of an adversary's Anti-Access Area Denial (A2/AD) system.
Figure 2: ALE Definition - See attached: 220203 - ALE Architect 03_February_2022_FINAL
ALE is a key element of the FVL ecosystem. ALE is a series of configurable, primarily air-launched unmanned aircraft systems that operate as a single agent or members of a collaborative team with other manned and unmanned platforms. ALE delivers effects against threats across multiple scenarios and domains in highly dynamic operational environments.
Figure 3: ALE Benefits - See attached: 220203 - ALE Architect 03_February_2022_FINAL
The Army plans an initial operational capability (IOC) of ALE by Fiscal year (FY) 25, with frequent upgrades or introductions of new platforms and capabilities in future years as the ALE FoS expands and matures. Recall, that evaluation of need is continuous, and USG expects upgrade cycles to operate on an annual basis. A vendor that misses an opportunity or deadline in FY25 may have another opportunity in FY26 and onwards.
ALE POR Strategy
The ALE POR strategy centers on five focus areas: Air vehicles, payloads, mission systems, system integration, and FVL FoS integration (Figure 2 above). The size of the ALE and its envisioned role as a multi-function platform in the FVL ecosystem requires an emphasis on capabilities that are compatible with the Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) and cost limitations of ALE vehicles (Small and Large). Solutions must align with MOSA design principles and be cost effective for USG. Candidate technologies should focus on relevance to the FVL multi-domain operations environment.
The ALE POR is seeking information from vendors across three areas: ALE-Architect, ALE-WS, and ALE- Enablers. Vendors must design solutions in accordance with MOSA principles in mind to enhance performance, cost, and adaptiveness in the FVL ecosystem.
Figure 4: Description and Target End-State of RFI Focus Areas - See attached: 220203 - ALE Architect 03_February_2022_FINAL
2. Objective
Specific ALE-Architect Details
The ALE POR seeks information from vendors that have demonstrated experience with MOSA and or architecture development. The vendors shall provide examples of platforms and solutions they have successfully integrated, including any examples where other firms have engineered those designs.
The PM UAS will contract an Architect to define the ALE portion of the FVL Ecosystem and MOSA architecture. In its end state, the Architect will support the integration of multiple weapons and effectors in the well-defined physical, electrical, and digital MOSA architecture. Please note that Appendix A: Supplemental Information defines and describes MOSA, horizontal integration, and requirements of the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) system.
An architect will be determined in the following three phases: Design, Engineer, and Build. This RFI focuses on vendors capable of supporting the design and engineering phases. The phases are each briefly described below, with details located in successive pages.
See attached: 220203 - ALE Architect 03_February_2022_FINAL
Phase 1: Design
During Phase 1, the Architect will recommend a thorough MOSA approach for the ALE Program to include horizontal integration, digital engineering, intellectual property (IP), MOSA, MSBE and will complete a paper design of the ALE slice of the Attack-Recon (A-R) Ecosystem. The objective of the Design Phase is to translate the ALE system performance objectives plus the GFI into a technical design package sufficient for development of an engineering solution during Phase 2.Phase 1 would start with a Systems Requirement Review (SRR) and end with a Preliminary Design Review (PDR), with other Systems Engineering Reviews throughout Phase 1.
The table below describes potential GFI and vendor deliverables:
See attached: 220203 - ALE Architect 03_February_2022_FINAL
Phase 2: Engineer
The objective of the Engineer Phase is to translate the Design Phase into an engineering package sufficient for air vehicle and payload vendors to provide products that conform to the ALE design and performance specification. Phase 2 includes finalizing the MOSA and Intellectual Property Strategies and will develop a model of the ALE component of the FARA Ecosystem. Compliance with the engineering package should minimize the Architect and USG risk for integration and performance of the ALE system. Phase 2 would start with a SRR and end with a CDR, with other Systems Engineering Reviews proposed throughout.
The table below describes potential GFI and vendor deliverables:
See attached: 220203 - ALE Architect 03_February_2022_FINAL
Phase 3: Build
During Phase 3, the Architect would define the ALE portion of the FVL FoS and apply discipline and rigor to ensure strict compliance to MOSA, A-R Ecosystem Business and Technical Rules, and other standards while supporting integration. The Architect facilitates and drives integration across the ALE enterprise through a Systems Integration Lab (SIL) for which it will establish and maintain.
The table below describes estimated GFI and vendor deliverables. The focus of this RFI is Phase 1 and 2. Final criteria for Phase 3 will be circulated at a later date.
See attached: 220203 - ALE Architect 03_February_2022_FINAL
USG may leverage these responses in finalizing a strategy and drafting an RFP for possible release in the second half of Calendar Year (CY) 2022.
3. Responses
1. Respondents should submit documents to the Contract Specialist only (do not cc: the Contracting Officer) outlined below. USG representatives will not be taking telephone inquiries on this RFI. Please ensure the subject of the RFI submission reads as follows: ALE-Architect RFI Submission .
Contract Specialist Name: Julie Nelson
Contact information: julie.w.nelson.civ@army.mil
2. Attachment A (Industry Day RSVP) should be sent to the Contract Specialist (do not cc: the Contracting Officer) noted above. Please submit Attachment A via email by 1700 CT on February 17, 2022.
3. As described in the introduction above, USG may use the information provided to form USG's acquisition strategy which USG may present in a public forum. Failure to appropriately mark document rights is not the fault of USG, and USG holds the right to replicate and duplicate the material provided, as needed. Attachment B shall not contain classified information. Please submit Attachment B to the Contract Specialist (do not cc: the Contracting Officer) noted above through DoD SAFE or an encrypted email. If you do not have access to DoD SAFE or an encrypted email, please contact the Contract Specialist above for additional submission instructions.
4. Attachment C may contain classified information, but Respondents must complete Attachment B to submit Attachment C. If Attachment C contains classified information, please submit Attachment C via email to Kevin Kee at kevin.kee@sco.smil.mil. Please note, Respondents must have SIPRNet access to submit classified documents via email. If you do not have SIPRNet access, please mail Attachment C from a cleared facility to the below address. If sent via mail, all Respondents should ensure they have the ability to confirm USG receipt of Attachment C. Attachment B should still be sent via DoD SAFE or encrypted email to the Contract Specialist noted above.
UAS Project Office
ATTN: Security
IN CARE OF: Kevin Kee, ALE RFI Submission
5681 Wood Road
Redstone Arsenal, AL 35898
5. RFI responses (Attachment B and C) are due no later than (NLT) 1700 CT on March 10, 2022.
6. USG requests Respondents complete the following documents as part of their submission:
a. Attachment A: Industry Day RSVP
i. Format: Word Document
ii. Due date: February 17, 2022
iii. Status: Required to attend Industry Day
iv. Instructions: Please follow all instructions noted within Attachment A
b. Attachment B: ALE-Architect RFI Template
i. Format: Excel file
ii. Due date: March 10, 2022
iii. Status: Required
iv. Instructions: Please follow all instructions noted within Attachment B
c. Attachment C: Technology Synopsis
i. Format: Word Document
ii. Final document due: March 10, 2022
iii. Status: Optional
The USG may ask for additional detail related to one or multiple parts of the RFI responses. USG will provide detailed instructions in correspondence outlining any follow-up questions.
4. Questions
If you have any specific questions (relating to the above referenced information only) please submit them in written format to the Contracting Officer listed below:
Contracting Office Address: Use email address: michael.p.jennings.civ@army.mil
[1] Enduring fleet are existing US Army aviation platforms, for example AH-64 D/E/F Apache, UH-60 V/M Blackhawk, MQ-1C Gray Eagle
[2] For additional MOSA context and details, please reference Appendix A: Supplemental Information
