Airdrop of Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) via C-17 Logistics Rails System Technologies
1.0 Description
1.1 U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center (CDDC SC) is seeking information for an airdrop system or components to support the ability to airdrop JLTV trucks using the C-17 logistics rails, in a similar fashion as the Dual Row Airdrop System (DRAS). This airdrop system is intended to maximize the number of JLTVs that can be airdropped from a single C-17 aircraft, with anticipated maximum rigged weight between 22,000 and 26,000 pounds. From here on out, this capability will be referred to as JLTV DRAS. For background information on current airdrop and DRAS capabilities, see TM 4-48.05 and MIL-STD-1791C(1). Our intent is to use existing fielded parachutes (G-11 and/or G-16). Note that technical requirements for JLTV DRAS may differ from the limitations or restrictions identified in TM 4-48.05. C-17 aircraft description and dimensions can be found in Appendiz B of MIL-STD-1791C(1). This RFI supports 3 year S&T effort.
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. A solicitation is not available at this time. Any request for a solicitation will not receive a response. This notice does not constitute a commitment by the United Stated Government to contract for any supply or service. All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary; the United Stated Government will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided to the United States Government. 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 the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) website. It is the responsibility of the potential offerors to monitor this site for additional information pertaining to this requirement.
The purpose of this RFI is to determine the capabilities of the existing marketplace. The Government intends to use white papers provided solely for internal government purposes to further develop or refine the statement of requirement, not as a basis for making an award determination.
2.0 Requested Information
2.1 Systems or components for JLTV DRAS. CCDC SC seeks information on any system or components that support JLTV DRAS. Respondents may provide information on an entire system or on individual components or subsystems that could support this overall capability. Airdrop of this system is anticipated to be at altitudes comparable the currently fielded DRAS capability.
2.2 Compatibility with the U.S. Air Force aircraft cargo airdrop systems. All systems, subsystems, or components must be compatible with US Air Force C-17, and the C-17 logistics rails and rollers.
2.3 Areas of interest. CCDC SC seeks information on any or all of the following areas related to airdrop of JLTV DRAS, including the following subsections. Respondents may submit white papers on technologies that could support the overall JLTV DRAS airdrop capability but do not fall into one of the following subsections. Additionally, CCDC SC seeks technologies that enable a general increased weight capability of DRAS, even if not directly related to the JLTV.
2.3.1 Platforms or platform enhancement systems. This category includes systems, subsystems, or components related to the airdrop platform that can support JLTV DRAS airdrop systems or support other components or subsystems of the overall airdrop system. JLTVs will require an airdrop platform that is longer than the standard DRAS platform. And the width of the vehicles will require the JLTV to be rigged off of lateral center, which will likely result in lateral platform overhang. Technologies could include new platforms or enhancements/add-ons to existing airdrop platforms.
2.3.2 Restraint/release systems. While it is expected JLTV DRAS will be gravity extracted, this category includes systems, subsystems, or components related to restraint of the airdrop system within the aircraft and/or release of the platform(s) at green light. The existing C-17 logistics locks are not currently suitable for release of JLTV-like weight airdrop loads. Above-the-floor airdrop restraint systems or other restraint related technologies, will be needed.
2.3.3 Airdrop Suspension components. As the JLTV will need to be suspended via the platform, this category includes solutions for securing and routing suspension slings from the platform to the parachute confluence point or ground release. This could include new platform hardware, new rigging components, or modifications to current Army airdrop components.
2.3.4 Scalability. To the largest extent possible, systems, subsystems, or components should be scalable to lower weight airdrop systems in the range of current DRAS capabilities.
3.0 Responses
3.1 Interested parties are requested to respond to the RFI with a white paper.
3.2 White papers in Microsoft Word for Office 2013 compatible format or Adobe Portable Document (pdf) format are due no later than 30 days after the posting of this RFI. Responses shall be limited to 20 pages and can be submitted via email only to Andrew Meloni at andrew.w.meloni.civ@mail.mil. Proprietary information, if any, should be minimized and MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED. To aid the Government, please segregate proprietary information. Proprietary information will not be disclosed outside of the US Government. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.
3.3 The white paper shall address some or all of the requirements or areas in Section 2 and include the following information: Name, company name, mailing address, overnight delivery address (if different from mailing address), phone number, fax number, and email of designated point of contact.
4.0 Industry Discussions. Army representatives may or may not choose to meet with potential offerors. Such discussions would only be intended to get further clarification of potential capability to meet the requirements, especially any development and certification risks.
5.0 Summary. THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY to identify sources that can provide technologies to support the JLTV DRAS capability. The information provided in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. The Army 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.
Andrew Meloni, Program Lead, Phone 5082335254, Email andrew.w.meloni.civ@mail.mil
