About the FCS Program
The Future Combat Systems (FCS) program is an integral component, with other key complementary U.S. Government and commercial programs, in the U.S. Army's goal to be fully transformed and attain "Future Force" (formerly "Objective Force") by the end of this decade. FCS is a networked "system of systems" -- one large system made up of 18 individual systems, plus the network, plus the soldier. It utilizes advanced communications and technologies to link soldiers with both manned and unmanned ground and air platforms and sensors. FCS is agile - allowing forces to move quickly - and versatile - which allows troops to conduct a variety of missions. The 2007 Briefing Book provides visual representations of the elements of FCS.
Boeing is part of an integrated team -- with our U.S. Army customer -- and our partner -- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) - and other key subcontractors and suppliers. Boeing and SAIC together comprise what's termed the Lead Systems Integrator (LSI) team - which functions much like a general contractor in overseeing and ensuring all program objectives are met -- and continuously soliciting the best experts in each program area from around the world.
The FCS Program has three integrated phases to achieve this transformation: Concept and Technology Development (CTD); Systems Design and Demonstration (SDD); and Production. The FCS LSI Team is partnering with Industry and the Government during each of these phases to provide the Army with the most effective / best value FCS solution for fielding in 2010.
The LSI completed the initial CTD phase in 2003, during which some key initial program objectives were accomplished, including: Industry and Government Trade Studies; Architecture and Concept Refinement; and Industry solicitations for the "Milestone B" or Systems Design and Development (SDD) phase, which began in May 2003.
During this new multi-year SDD phase, the LSI - with its industry team -- has begun the actual design and development of FCS. It is the Army's and the LSI's intent to keep technology current throughout this design and development and the future production phases of the program. As such, further industry participation will be sought out continuously throughout the life of the program, as part of our Industry Collaboration, Supplier Diversity, and Market Research / Spiral Technology initiatives. This will allow developers -- whether industry, academia, or contributing individuals -- to propose and potentially insert new and emerging technology as the FCS grows and matures in the months and years ahead.
Primary communication with industry will be accomplished through the use of this FCS public access website at http://www.boeing.com/fcs. Through this site, Industry will be able to view the various Program business opportunities and be afforded the opportunity to submit questions and unsolicted proposals. Upon selection, respondents will be notified of their selection for conduct of their identified tasks. Please click on the Unsolicited Proposals link, here, or Industry Collaboration on this site for more information and instruction on submitting unsolicited proposals.
The Question & Answer (Q&A) link, FCSe@Boeing.com is functional and upon receipt of inquiries, the LSI team will strive to respond in a timely manner.