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REQUEST FOR INFORMATION Large Aircraft Hybrid SATCOM Capability Via Conformal or Low-profile/low-drag Antennas Description 1.1 The Department of the Air Force, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (... REQUEST FOR INFORMATION Large Aircraft Hybrid SATCOM Capability Via Conformal or Low-profile/low-drag Antennas Description 1.1 The Department of the Air Force, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Mobility and Training Aircraft Directorate, Requirements and Integration Division, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is seeking information regarding industry ability to provide a hybrid satellite communications (SATCOM) capability via conformal or very low-profile/low-drag antennas that can be integrated on large aircraft such as the C-17, C-130, KC-135 and KC-46. The goal of this RFI is to obtain information pertaining to conformal or very low-profile antennas that have a minimal drag impact, have minimal impact on the aircraft structure, enable relatively quick and easy aircraft modification to minimize aircraft downtime time, and have low airworthiness impact. Information regarding use of conformal or very low-profile/low-drag antenna technology is desired to evaluate the potential of such antenna systems to reduce aircraft drag versus traditional aircraft mounted SATCOM antenna systems while ensuring reliable SATCOM connectivity during flight maneuvering. 1.2 THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes; it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Further, the Air Force is not at this time seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Respondees are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI; all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party’s expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on www.sam.gov website. It is the responsibility of the potential offerors to monitor these sites for additional information pertaining to this requirement. Background The concept of hybrid SATCOM capability for airborne platforms relies on the employment of multi-band, multi-orbit SATCOM terminals to seamlessly switch between satellite constellations, both government and commercial, in various Earth orbits. Hybrid SATCOM terminals can be expected to provide airborne platforms with enhanced communications capability by switching between multiple distinct constellations and multiple frequencies and waveforms. The ability to selectively and seamlessly move between different satellite constellations is expected to leverage the strengths of each constellation and offers enhanced communication features. The focus of this RFI, as noted above, is to gather current state-of-the art information from industry relative to developmental and existing conformal or very low-profile/low-drag antenna technology and the viability of integrating such antenna systems into a large aircraft hybrid SATCOM system. Requested Information 3.1 To successfully respond to this RFI vendors are asked to address the following as a minimum via a white paper not to exceed five pages and include an executive summary and a data table as may be appropriate. 3.1.1 Enumerate on your capability and experience to design, test, demonstrate, manufacture, and install conformal or very low-profile/low-drag antenna systems. 3.1.2 Address antenna type and specifications for conformal or very low-profile/low-drag antennas that can operate in the VHF-EHF SATCOM frequency spectrum to include: 3.1.2.1 number of apertures to cover band (if applicable) 3.1.2.2 number of simultaneous connections capable (to one or more constellations) 3.1.2.3 antenna gain 3.1.2.4 minimum and maximum environmental operating temperatures 3.1.2.5 antenna frequency range 3.1.2.6 peak power output 3.1.2.7 minimum and maximum antenna dimensions (length, width, height) 3.1.2.8 weight 3.1.2.9 connector interface 3.1.2.10 full duplex capability 3.1.2.11 aperture fault tolerance 3.1.2.12 orbital look angle/aircraft bank angle capability 3.1.2.13 latitudinal operational parameters 3.1.2.14 data rates 3.1.2.15 antenna pattern, i.e., ability to capture rising/descending satellites 3.1.2.16 antenna control protocols/interfaces 3.1.2.17 in-process type certifications for SATCOM systems/services 3.1.3 Address ability to design, test, and manufacture conformal or very low-profile/low-drag antenna systems that can meet MIL-STD-810GH (31 January 2019), Department of Defense Test Method Standard Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests, environmental design and test criteria. 3.1.4 Address the potential or limiting factors regarding use of a single full duplex conformal or very low-profile/low-drag antenna to provide transmit and receive capability. 3.1.5 Address cost comparison of aircraft conformal or very low-profile/low-drag SATCOM antenna systems vs traditional aircraft SATCOM antenna systems. 3.1.6 Address logistical aspects of conformal or very low-profile/low-drag vs. traditional aircraft mounted antenna systems. Please include projected longevity of conformal or very low-profile/low-drag antenna systems and requirements for recurring maintenance inspections and maintainability. 3.1.7 Address any known logistical/sustainability issues associated with conformal or very low-profile/low-drag antenna systems that may require specialized training and/or specialized maintenance and whether repairs can be made at base level or depot level, and also expected lifespan and MTBF. 3.1.8 Address any known aircraft interface and integration considerations for amplifiers, modems, supporting LRUs, etc. including information on size and weight. 3.1.9 Address the ability of conformal or very low-profile/low-drag antenna systems to acquire and maintain hybrid SATCOM connectivity during flight maneuver. 3.1.10 If not already addressed via the information items noted above, please address any other known physics related, environmental related, performance related issues including possible need for multiple antennas to provide coverage during aircraft maneuvers, as well any issues that may arise relative to interfacing with conformal or very low-profile/low-drag antennas with software defined radios including the need for software development. Provide any information on aero-acoustic data related to inducing fatigue damage, etc. General Capabilities: 3.2.1 Based on the table below, what technology readiness level(s) are your conformal or very low-profile/low-drag antenna systems at today? What is the current outlook for any new conformal or very low-profile/low-drag antenna systems and technologies, and how much development do you anticipate is required for these systems and technologies to be made fully operational and supportive of a hybrid SATCOM capability? Level Definition DoD DAG Description 1 Basic principles observed and reported Lowest level of technology readiness. Scientific research begins to be translated into applied research and development. Examples might include paper studies of a technology’s basic properties. 2 Technology concept and/or application formulated. Invention begins. Once basic principles are observed, practical applications can be invented. Applications are speculative and there may be no proof or detailed analysis to support the assumptions. Examples are limited to analytic studies. 3 Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof of concept. Active research and development is initiated. This includes analytical studies and laboratory studies to physically validate analytical predictions of separate elements of the technology. Examples include components that are not yet integrated or representative. 4 Component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment. Basic technological components are integrated to establish that they will work together. This is relatively “low fidelity” compared to the eventual system. Examples include integration of “ad hoc” hardware in the laboratory. 5 Component and/or breadboard validation in relevant environment. Fidelity of breadboard technology increases significantly. The basic technological components are integrated with reasonably realistic supporting elements so it can be tested in a simulated environment. 6 System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment. Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. 7 System prototype demonstration in an operational environment. Prototype near, or at, planned operational system. Represents a major step up from TRL 6, requiring demonstration of an actual system prototype in an operational environment such as an aircraft, vehicle, or space. 8 Actual system completed and qualified through test and demonstration. Technology has been proven to work in its final form and under expected conditions. In almost all cases, this TRL represents the end of true system development. Examples include developmental test and evaluation of the system in its intended weapon system to determine if it meets design specifications. 9 Actual system proven through successful mission operations. Actual application of the technology in its final form and under mission conditions, such as those encountered in operational test and evaluation. Examples include using the system under operational mission conditions. 4.0 Responses 4.1 Interested parties are requested to respond to this RFI with a white paper. 4.2 White papers in Microsoft Word compatible format are due no later than 30 calendar days from RFI release date. As noted above, responses shall be limited via a white paper not to exceed five pages of text (excluding pictures and graphs) and include an executive summary and a data table as may be appropriate. Please submit responses via e-mail only to danielle.weeks@us.af.mil. Proprietary information, if any, should be minimized and MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED. To aid the Government, please segregate proprietary information. Please be advised that all submissions become government property and will not be returned. Results will be reviewed and retained by the government and government support contractors. Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) contractors will be reviewing data submitted in response to this RFI; respective A&AS employees have standard Non-Disclosure Agreements available to the cognizant government contracting offices. Solicitation does not obligate the government to issue an RFP or award a contract. Responses must be at responder’s expense. 4.3. Please ensure that your RFI submittal provides name, mailing address, overnight delivery address (if different from mailing address), phone number, fax number, and e-mail of designated point of contact. 5.0 Industry Discussions Air Force Program Office representatives may or may not choose to meet with potential responders. Such discussions would only be intended to get further clarification of potential capability to meet the requirements, especially any development and flight worthiness certification risks. 6.0 Questions Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by e-mail to the Contracting Officer danielle.weeks@us.af.mil. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. Questions will be answered by posting answers to the www.sam.gov website; accordingly, questions shall NOT contain proprietary or classified information. Interested parties are invited to subscribe to the website to ensure they receive any important information updates connected with this RFI. 7.0 Summary THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY to identify sources that can provide large aircraft conformal or very low-profile/low-drag antenna systems compatible with a hybrid SATCOM capability. The information provided in the RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the government. The Air Force has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. All submissions become government property and will not be returned.