"Active Protection System" - Request for Information
This Request for Information (RFI) pertains to the present System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase of Manned Ground Vehicle (MGV) development on the Future Combat Systems (FCS), program. The development of the MGVs and their subsystems are managed by Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), each including U.S. Army, Lead Systems Integrator (Boeing/SAIC), United Defense LP (UDLP), and General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) representation.
Boeing, as Lead System Integrator (LSI) for the FCS program, is conducting a market survey to identify potential suppliers of active protection (AP) technologies for application to MGV and for accelerated development and application to Stryker. For MGV, AP technologies will be major building blocks of a fully integrated hit avoidance suite; the hit avoidance suite will also include passive sensors and countermeasures and leverage other on-board and off-board sensors to best protect the MGVs. For Stryker, AP technologies will be implemented as a stand-alone AP system that will protect the Stryker vehicles from current threats.
Future Combat Systems is developing a fully integrated hit avoidance suite to provide protection to the Manned Ground Vehicles (MGVs). The MGVs are components of the FCS Unit of Action (UA) and are being developed in accordance with the FCS SDD schedule. We are soliciting information on active protection (AP) technologies to support this effort. Our intent is to provide the best, balanced protection to the UA, and so any and all AP systems are of interest. Concepts we are aware of do not address the entire spectrum of threats at all ranges. Therefore, this RFI requests technologies designed specifically to defeat very close range launch of small portable munitions that compliment a long-range system designed to defeat large platform launched threats. This is not intended to limit the offeror's approach. All design options are open for the AP components in the hit avoidance suite, to include multiple systems for short-range and long-range protection or a single system that could provide protection at all ranges.
There will be an initial concentration on technologies to defeat the very close range launch of small munitions. While the application of the short-range systems will be for eventual fielding on MGV, FCS plans to accelerate the effort to develop the short-range protection and a conduct a "spiral" development to provide an AP kit for fielding on Stryker vehicles in the 2008 timeframe. This FCS spiral effort is supported by PM Stryker and it is an integral part of PM Stryker's plans for fielding AP technology.
This RFI is a result of program replanning and supercedes prior FCS program requests for Active Protection capabilities information released under the title "Hard Kill Systems". Other RFIs are not superceded as they support this request with more focused inquiry on the following subject titles: Laser Warning, Precision Tracking Device, Multifunctional Countermeasures, Survivability Coordinator Processor, and Passive Threat Warner System. Companies that have responded to the above list of focused inquiries are not being asked to do so again, and may reference prior responses in reply to this request.
In the event your company is interested in receiving this RFI, please click on the appropriate link below.
In closing, companies are hereby advised of the following:
- The LSI is under no obligation to reimburse for cost incurred as a result of participating in this effort.
- Release of future APS RFI's and RFP's will be subject to applicable U.S. Government Export Regulations .
- The information contained herein is subject to the LSI update/change. Accordingly, companies are encouraged to check this web link for the latest available information.