A -- REQUEST FOR INFORMATION-LADAR SCENE PROJECTION

Notice Date

November 3, 2000

Contracting Office

Department of the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command, AFRL -- Eglin Research Site, 101 West Eglin Blvd, Suite 337, Eglin AFB, FL, 32542-6810

ZIP Code

32542-6810

E-Mail Address

Vicki Keider (keider@eglin.af.mil)

Description

The Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate (AFRL/MN) at Eglin AFB, Florida is seeking information from organizations with concepts for the development of a laser RADAR (LADAR) scene projector and/or components of the same. As LADAR seekers evolve, the capabilities of LADAR scene projection must keep pace to enable hardware-in-the-loop testing. AFRL/MN has managed several efforts to develop LADAR sensor test capabilities, including contract FO8630-96-C-0077, Laser Radar Scene Projector (LRSP) Program, Technical Report AFRL-MN-EG-TR-1998-7043, and a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) effort, _LADAR Scene Projection for Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing,_ F08630-99-C-0045/FO8630-00-C-0020. The first effort developed a capability to optically stimulate detectors by fiber optic coupling of laser diode output to a LADAR sensor_s detectors. The ongoing SBIR is building a prototype LADAR scene projector that can project two-dimensional LADAR return images without scanning, for use in testing focal plane array based LADAR seekers. These systems provide a basic capability to test scanning LADAR seekers such as those on the Low Cost Autonomous Attack System (LOCAAS) as well as anticipated staring focal plane seekers, such as the _FLASH LADAR Seeker_ (See Commerce Business Daily Solicitation MNK-PRDA-01-0002). The current state of the art in projection technology includes pulse timing accuracy of 0.5 nanoseconds, up to four returns per channel, control of pulse amplitude and width, and up to 64 (8x8) projection pixels at 850 nanometer wavelength. The Government is interested in not only evolutionary approaches to improve LADAR scene projector performance, reliability, affordability, and configuration flexibility, but also revolutionary concepts for the next generation of projectors and supporting technologies. Attributes of interest to the Government include, but are not limited to, projector concepts or enabling components with the following attributes: eye safe laser sources (i.e., sources for wavelengths at 1500 nanometer or greater); two-dimensional laser source arrays; use of the seeker_s illumination laser as a light source for the projector; miniaturization of programmable time delay circuits; simulation of complex laser returns; miniaturization of projector electronics; LADAR scene projection on the target axis of a 5-axis flight motion simulator; minimal system latency; and hardware and software associated with the computer generation of LADAR image scenarios. Respondents should provide one or more white papers suggesting a technical concept for a projector system or subsystem. Multiple concepts are welcome. Respondents should provide the following in their response to this announcement: (1) a description of each proposed concept for either the total projector system or critical components that could possibly be used to advance current projector state-of-the-art and an accompanying explanation of each concept_s advantages (i.e. performance, reliability, affordability, configuration flexibility, etc.); (2) brochures and/or other marketing material provided to Government or commercial customers that describe the respondent_s experience and capabilities as well as information on products and vendors that the respondent would propose to use; (3) assumptions and risks associated with the proposed concept(s); (4) any additional information that respondent believes would be relevant for the Government to consider. The Government is currently anticipating multiple acquisitions in support of LADAR scene projection development through fiscal year 2007. Response packages should be delivered in two paper copies including brochures; software copies may be delivered along with the paper copies. The response packages are due to Mr. Robert G. Stockbridge (U.S. Postal Mailing Address: AFRL/MNGG, 101 W Eglin Blvd Bldg 13 STE 234, Eglin AFB, FL 32542-6810, Telephone: 850-882-4446 x2260) within 15 business days of posting of this notice in the CBD. Packages received after 15 business days of the date this notice appears in the CBD may not be reviewed. This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only, does not constitute a Request for Proposal, does not restrict the Government as to the ultimate acquisition approach pursued and should not be construed as a commitment by the Government. Please direct any questions on this announcement to Vicki Keider, Contracting Officer, (850) 882-4294 ext 3404, e-Mail: vicki.keider@eglin.af.mil

Web Link

Visit this URL for the latest information about this (http://www2.eps.gov/cgi-bin/WebObjects/EPS.woa/wa/SPF?A=S&P=Reference-Number-MNK-01-006&L=1362)

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20001107/SPMSC002.HTM (D-308 SN5059D3)