Background
The Army is seeking to develop a Formation Based Layered Protection (FBLP) system to deter conflict and protect forces during warfare. This initiative aims to create a converged system of sensors, weapons systems, information, and Soldiers across various formations, from division to squad level.
The FBLP will employ a protection architecture that integrates multiple components and characteristics to provide comprehensive protection capabilities in contested environments. The Army Futures Command (AFC) is inviting industry feedback on the draft Characteristics of Need (CoN) document, which outlines the requirements for this capability.
Work Details
The FBLP will incorporate several key components and characteristics:
1. **Sensors (Sense and Counter-Sense)**: Real-time sensor data on enemy disposition; enhanced detection ranges for Counter-UAS, air, and missile threats; a diverse array of sensors including space, air, ground, passive, active, remote-operated, and all-weather capabilities; advanced camouflage techniques.
2. **Automation and Decision Support (Decide)**: Automated risk logic for threat evaluation; AI and ML technologies for processing sensor data and recommending actions to reduce cognitive load on Soldiers.
3. **Effectors (Act)**: A range of kinetic (e.g., missile defense systems) and non-kinetic mechanisms (e.g., electronic warfare) integrated into common fire control systems.
4. **Command and Control (C2)**: Integration with Next Generation Command and Control architecture for secure data sharing across platforms.
5. **Open and Standardized Solutions**: Adherence to Modular Open Systems Approach for streamlined component integration.
6. **Size, Weight, Power, and Cost Considerations**: Systems designed for efficiency without burdening users; cost-effective solutions that support maneuver in contested environments.
7. **Ability to Scale**: Industry's capacity to mass-produce components quickly in wartime scenarios.
8. **Threat Defeat - Layered Protection**: Incorporation of advanced mechanisms providing both lethal and non-lethal options to counter threats effectively.
Period of Performance
The period of performance has not been specified as this announcement does not constitute a solicitation or request for proposals.
Place of Performance
The place of performance is not explicitly stated in the solicitation.
W911NF-25-R-FBLP
Formation Based Layered Protection (FBLP)
To deter conflict and protect the force during war, the Army needs a layered formation-based approach that creates a converged system of sensors, weapons systems, information, and Soldiers across the domains and formations, from the division to squad level. Formation Based Layered Protection (FBLP) will employ a protection architecture that incorporates components, common characteristics, and specific characteristics to provide a comprehensive and cooperative mix of protection capabilities across all forms of contact. The attached provides the draft FBLP Characteristics of Need (CoN), to increase industry awareness and collaboration. This CoN statement is a living document and will be updated as required based on technological observations and lessons learned through experimentation.
The Army invites industry to contribute to the overarching FBLP dialogue and provide comments on the attached CoN. Feedback may be directed to the Army Futures Command (AFC) Directorate of Integration (DOI) Point of Contact:
COL Marcus A. Brooks
Military Deputy to the Director
Directorate of Integration
Army Futures Command, Austin TX
Email: jamarcus.a.brooks.mil@army.mil
This special announcement is not a call for White Papers, a Request for Proposals, or a Solicitation. No contract opportunities are contemplated at this time.
The Army requests that Industry mark themselves as interested vendors to ensure that any modification to this special announcement is received via notification through a SAM.gov email.
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