Next Generation Counter-Small UAS Missile (NGCM)

INTRODUCTION: This Sources Sought Notice (SSN)/Request for Information (RFI) for vendors interested in providing Next Generation C-sUAS Missile (NGCM) solution to the Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Fires, Capability Portfolio Executive (CPE) Defensive Fires, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) Product Office for the development, integration, demonstration and production of extended-range, quick-response, missile to defeat group 2 and group 3 small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) threats. The principal objectives for this effort are to develop, produce, and sustain a missile capability at extended ranges with rapid launch and reduced time-to-target over existing effectors. This SSN/RFI is a means of conducting market research so the Government may identify and assess industry’s ability and the resources to provide C-UAS solutions.

NOTICE DISCLAIMER: This SSN is issued solely for information and planning purposes and to identify interested sources. It does not constitute an invitation for bid, a Request for Proposal (RFP), a solicitation, a request for a quote or a promise to issue such documentation in the future.

This SSN does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service. Responders are advised that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this notice; all costs associated with responding to this notice will be solely at the interested party's expense. Not responding to this notice does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if issued. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the interested vendors to monitor SAM.gov for additional information pertaining to this potential requirement.

The information provided in this SSN is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. The Government has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and release of this SSN should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur costs for which reimbursement would be required or sought. Submissions sent to the Government in response to this SSN become Government property and will not be returned. Additionally, responses including data that the offeror does not want disclosed to the public for any purpose or used by the Government except for informational purposes must be marked appropriately.

The Government reserves the right to utilize all, some, or none of the Capabilities Brief or presentations in response to this SSN.

Key Modernization Requirements: The missile must provide the following capabilities (Not Exhaustive/Prioritized):

• Enhanced Range and Altitude: The missile shall be capable of defeating group 2 and group 3 sUAS threats at >16km at 6km altitude (T), >25km at 8km altitude(O).

• Improved Launch Times: Missile shall be capable of leaving the rail within a launch response of <5 seconds from operator initiation.

• Affordability: The missile production cost should be less than $150K per missile in a quantity buy of at least 5,000 missiles.

• Integration: The missile must be compatible with the Coyote Launcher with minimal to no modifications. The missile must be compatible with C-UAS architecture: IBCS-M via the WES ICD, KuRFS (T), radar agnostic: Sentinel A3/A4, LTAMDS, PATRIOT, TPQ-53 (O). The missile should use an all-weather RF seeker.

In support of missile development, the Government will require development of relevant simulations and performance analysis tools. The Government will require design documentation for missile components, the integrated missile system, and the All-Up-Round (AUR) configured to integrate with the launch platform.

The system will be expected to achieve Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 following the end of the initial developmental test series that ends in 4QFY27 which supports immediate deployment. The Government requires the missile be ready for ATEC evaluation by 4QFY27. The Government requires 50x missiles to be ready for Operational Assessment (OA) by 1QFY28.

MISSION BACKGROUND: The Counter – Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) is a capability fielded in response to the rapid proliferation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) threat, commonly referred to as drones. Objective capability detects, tracks, identifies, and defeats emitting and non-emitting UAS with radars, kinetic effectors, electronic warfare, and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) components to prevent surveillance or attacks against US and coalition forces.

There are two primary configurations: Fixed-Site Low, slow, small UAS Integrated Defeat System (FS-LIDS) and Mobile Low, slow, small UAS Integrated Defeat System (M-LIDS) as well as multiple special systems devices.

The FS-LIDS configuration provides a C-UAS capability with modular, scalable architecture for employment at fixed sites. FS-LIDS incorporates the Forward Area Air Defense (FAAD), Electromagnetic Warfare (EW), Multi-Mission Radar (MMR), EO/IR Cameras, and kinetic options.

The M-LIDS configuration is mounted on tactical…