3rd Generation Forward Looking Infrared (3GEN FLIR) B-Kit

1. Introduction and Purpose The Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG) Belvoir Division is conducting market research on behalf of the US Army Product Manager Ground Sensors, in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 10. The purpose of this market research has three objectives: To identify potential sources that have the skills, experience, knowledge, and capabilities required to manufacture and deliver Third Generation Forward Looking Infrared (3GEN FLIR) B-Kits. To identify and assess innovative acquisition strategies and business models that can significantly reduce the Government's total lifecycle cost for the B-Kit. The Government is specifically interested in solutions that address the challenges of high unit costs associated with small annual procurements and the long-term risks of component obsolescence. This includes, but is not limited to, solutions involving third-party financing, vendor-managed inventory, and large-scale bulk purchasing arrangements. To identify potential sources capable of serving as a second-source provider to complete the design, development, qualification, and production of the 3GEN FLIR B-Kit. This RFI is intended to gather information that will inform a follow-on acquisition strategy for both Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) and Full Rate Production (FRP) quantities. 2. System Description The 3GEN FLIR B-Kit comprises a set of common assemblies, including the Dewar Cooler Bench (DCB) (provided as Government Furnished Equipment (GFE), optics (afocal, imager), and circuit card assemblies (CCAs). The B-Kit optics collect radiation in the Mid-Wave (MW) and Long-Wave (LW) infrared bands across four fields of view and focuses it onto a staring Focal Plane Array housed in the DCB. The B-Kit components are intended to be interchangeable Shop Replaceable Units. The 3GEN FLIR B-Kit provides the ability to detect threats at greater distances under a full spectrum of conflict and battlefield conditions. 3GEN FLIR enhances the platform's effectiveness and survivability by providing greater situational awareness promoting combat effectiveness and reducing fratricide. The B-Kit is also integrated into the Thermal Receiver Unit (TRU) as a sub-assembly which includes a Personality Module CCA, Electromagnetic Interference Filter, afocal guard, and electrical flexes mounted in the TRU mechanical bench. The TRU, B-Kit sub-assemblies, electronic modules, and the DCB, defined under RFI # W909MY-22-C-0023, will be integrated into sight systems for subsequent integration onto host vehicle platforms. The B-Kit provider will be responsible for integrating the GFE DCB into their B-Kit design. The DCB will be provided as GFE to the B-Kit provider for final integration and testing. The B-Kit and TRU components are currently defined by the following technical documents: MIL-PRF-A3381791 - 3GEN FLIR B-Kit Performance Specification Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) MIL-PRF-A3381789 - CPS FDE Performance Specification LRIP MIL-PRF-A3381787 – Performance Specification for the 3GEN FLIR Thermal Receiver Unit (TRU) LRIP MIL-PRF-A3381783 - 3GEN FLIR Dewar Cooler Bench (DCB) Mechanical Drawing A3315467 - CPS FLIR Design Envelope Drawing A3381792 - 3GEN FLIR B-Kit Interface Control Document LRIP A3347070 - Interface Control Document for the 3GEN FLIR Thermal Receiver Unit (TRU) A3381780 - Interface Control Drawing, Thermal Receiver Unit, 3GEN FLIR MIL-PRF-A3381785 - Performance Specification for the DCB LRIP MIL-PRF-A3381784 - DCB Interface Control Document (ICD) LRIP 3.  Qualification and Technical Responsiveness Criteria To be considered a responsive source for this market research, interested parties must demonstrate a viable path to providing a fully qualified B-Kit and TRU that meets all requirements in the technical documents defined above. Respondents can demonstrate this capability in one of three ways:   a.  As a Manufacturer: The source must demonstrate it possesses a fully qualified B-Kit and TRU design that has completed a final System Verification Review (SVR) and Functional Configuration Audit (FCA) or provide data verifying its design meets all performance requirements. OR   b.  As a Solution Provider: The source must provide a detailed plan and verifiable evidence of its ability to acquire and deliver a fully qualified B-Kit and TRU from a qualified manufacturer. This includes, but is not limited to, letters of intent, teaming agreements, or other documentation demonstrating an established business relationship with the OEM or other qualified source. OR   c.  As a Second Source Provider: The source must demonstrate the technical expertise to design and qualify a 3GEN B-Kit. The respondent must detail its plan to complete the design phase, development phase including the timeline for technical reviews (CDR, TRR, SVR, FCA, and PRR), produce prototype units, achieve full qualification, and manufacture B-Kits