Laser Borelight System Request for Information
28 August 2019
Request for Information (RFI) for Competitive Procurement of a
Laser Borelight System (LBS) to replace the Army AN/PEM-1 LBS
The Product Manager, Soldier Precision Targeting Devices (PdM SPTD), located at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, is conducting market research seeking information from potential sources that are capable of providing a Laser Borelight System (LBS) or System, that meets performance requirements set forth in Enclosure 1. Responses to this RFI shall be submitted within thirty (30) days of the published issuance date.
PdM SPTD is responsible for equipping the Army Warfighter with Next Generation acquisition of LBS used to Borelight multiple weapons and aiming/sighting device combinations during daylight, low light, and darkness without the need to fire the weapon.
PdM SPTD currently supports these capabilities through the fielding and sustainment of older variants. The following paragraphs provide additional background for this new LBS effort.
Sources within the United States are sought under FAR clause 52.225-1 Buy American - Supplies for innovative and light-weight solutions for the LBS to ensure zeroing of the weapon is accomplished based on present and emerging capability requirements.
Any/all interested potential sources should make available, at no cost to the Government, three (3) LBS's (kits or individual mandrels) for experimentation and testing purposes (see instructions below). The Government is seeking a Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS)/modified commercial systems, numbers to be determined at a later date. The Government will not pay for shipping costs, costs of the systems or partial systems, and will not be returning the systems or partial systems.
Information regarding sustainment of legacy systems is not required as part of this RFI. However, use of existing Interface Controls, existing standards, and creative approaches to sustain future systems in coordination with Government depots are desired. Partnering arrangements among the Government and interested sources within Industry are also encouraged.
Requirements were provided under the Performance Specification in 2002 for LBS which was represented as a Commercial-off-the Shelf (COTS) item. If an industry partner can improve upon the present performance specifications, then please provide that information indicating in those areas. If a requirement or set of requirements simply cannot be met or has a significant negative impact on cost / schedule / performance, then highlight such information. Responses to this RFI represent a unique opportunity to influence both what the LBS program will produce (requirements) and how LBS production will be achieved (strategy).
REQUESTED RESPONSE INFORMATION:
Interested potential offerors that can manufacture and deliver the LBS are requested to e-mail information to derell.a.lee.ctr@mail.mil which shows their capability to manufacture or supply the LBS. All interested sources are requested to submit a white paper that describes their approach to achieve the goals of this notice. The white paper should be brief and concise, yet clearly demonstrate an ability and understanding to either (1) meet or exceed each goal as written, or (2) if one or more goals are assessed as unachievable, describe what level of capability could reasonably be achieved in meeting immediate capabilities to support or confirm an upcoming assessment.
Additionally, please specifically address the following items in the white paper:
a. Interested potential offerors shall ship hardware within thirty (30) calendar days of this notice (shipping address listed below). The hardware is required for evaluation by the Army Public Health Center (APHC) for laser safety of a system prototype or qualified system to address in section 6.
b. Within the White Paper, the interested potential offeror shall include a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimate of unit prices for internal and potential future Government investment to achieve a qualified system based on a visible laser of the LBS being aligned with the barrel of a designated weapon. Using an existing 10-meter LBS target, the weapon can be bore lit to laser with any optic, laser, etc. (See Enclosure 1 combinations).
c. Provide a description of other emerging, novel technologies not considered in Enclosure 1 that are readily available and would add value toward achieving program goals.
1. Requirements/Item Definition.
LBS is a Class 2 laser that emits a highly collimated beam of visible light. It is positioned in the bore of the weapon, and allows for precise zeroing of a sighting system to the bore of a weapon. LBS provides a visual on the bore centerline, thus allowing alignment of weapon enablers such as PEQ-15, STORM PI, STORM SLX, STORM II, and Pistol Aiming Laser (PAiL). Day view optics include Close Combat Optic (M68), Rifle Combat Optic (ACOG), and Machine Gun Optic (M145). It can also be used to zero iron sights. Note the enablers and day view optics are attached to the MIL-STD-1913 rail. In addition the LBS should not score or in any way damage the barrels land/groove surfaces when either inserting or rotating.
Enclosure 1 lists capabilities of some of these enablers. Weapons for which the LBS will be used include: M-2 Heavy Machine Gun (HMG), M-4 Carbine Series, M-9, M16 Series, M-110 Series, M-240 Series, M-320 Grenade Launcher, M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW), MK-19, Modular Handgun System (MHS) M17/18 (9MM), and Squad Designated Marksman Rifle (SDM-R).
*Note: Enclosure 1 - Weapon and Sighting Device Combinations
2. Performance.
The LBS shall enable the soldier to borelight lasers in an eyesafe manner with the weapon/sighting device combinations cited in Enclosure I to battlesight zero without the discharge of the weapons. The procedure shall be performed at ten (10) meters and produce alignments for the M16/M4 Series weapon/sighting device combinations at 300 meters, the M249 SAW weapon/sighting device combinations at 400 meters, and the M240B/.50 Caliber/Machine Gun, 40mm, Mk 19 weapon/sighting device combinations at 500 meters and in the future a possible need for Next Generation Weapons. The LBS lasering procedure shall be capable of being performed by one (1) person, and no more than two (2) persons when borelight lasering machineguns.
3. Characteristics:
a. Interface.
The LBS shall include the necessary interfaces to Borelight laser the weapons/rounds noted in Enclosure 1. Any interfaces provided shall be easily installed, removed, and shall be interchangeable with other boresighting devices. The interfaces shall not cause damage to the weapon's barrel, "regardless of the number of cycles that the LBS is used". Adjustments for the projected laser light shall be provided within the LBS body.
b. Special Tools.
Special tools shall not be required to install or remove the LBS device from the weapon, or to operate the device, including battery replacement and beam adjustment.
c. Switching devices.
The LBS shall have a ON/OFF Switch with switching positions for Low Power and Goggle modes of operation. Switches shall be adequately protected by not protruding beyond the overall dimensions of the device so as to minimize damage during rough handling and minimize the chance of accidental activation of the laser.
d. Beam Adjustment.
Adjusters integral to the LBS device shall enable alignment of the LBS beam with the weapon's bore. Adjustments shall have repeatable increments that maintain setting and are adjustable without using special tools. The adjustments will require a tactile feel to ensure the end user is adjusting the laser in low light setting. Adjustment range shall allow LBS lasering at a distance of ten (10) meters.
e. Time for Use.
For each weapon/sighting device combination, the maximum time allowed to mount the LBS to the weapon and successfully align the sighting device shall be two (2) minutes total to install and to laser Borelight weapon/optic/sight combinations on rifles and machineguns.
f. Retention and Repeatability.
The laser LBS shall maintain a beam alignment within 0.5 mill radians (mrads) when reinserting into a barrel (Given no adjusters have been modified on the LBS).
g. Modes of Operation
• Low Power Mode. A low Power Mode shall be provided in the LBS that allows the soldier to Borelight his/her weapon/sighting devices using the naked eye without discharging the weapon during daylight and low light.
• Goggle Mode. The Goggle Mode shall be provided for boresighting the weapon during darkness conditions while wearing night vision goggles as required based on the individual weapon.
4. Design and Construction.
Size, Weight and Power (SWAP)
a. Size.
The device shall have a width 1.25 Inches or less, a height of 2.5 inches or less, and a length of 4.0 inches or less, excluding the mandrel(s) if required.
b. Weight.
The maximum weight including interfaces, battery(ies), one distance gauge, and the carrying bag, shall be no more than 16.0 ounces. Weight does not include the Mk 19 interface/mandrel. (Note: Newer devices may not require mandrel interfaces.)
c. Power Source.
The LBS shall be powered by one commercially available (CECOM Approved Battery List) battery i.e., AA, CR123, etc.
d. Battery Life.
The LBS shall operate in the ON position (Low Power Mode) for a four (4) hour threshold and/or eight (8) hours (continuous or interval) Objective at +25°C / 77°F.
e. Battery Cap.
The battery cap shall be quickly and easily removed and reinstalled; cap will be tethered to the LBS body to prevent loss.
f. Laser Body Orientation.
The orientation of the laser body shall be easily determined during low light and darkness conditions.
g. Laser Beam.
The laser beam shall be visible to the naked eye and have a laser wavelength between 510 - 550 nanometers (nm). The beam shall contain 90% of total energy with a beam divergence of not more than 0.5 (mrads). No hot spots or secondary beams shall be detectable under normal operational conditions.
h. Switch Marking.
All adjustments shall be labeled and clearly marked to show direction of movement, and muzzle direction when installed in the weapon barrel. The laser shall have identification/power level markings in accordance with ANSI Z136-1 (2014).
i. Exterior Finish.
The LBS shall have a dull, non-reflective Black or Coyote Tan exterior finish. The exterior shall be free of sharp edges or corners and cannot cause damage to the barrel.
j. Reliability.
The LBS shall have a Mean-Time-To-Failure (MTTF) of 300 cycles, with 80% confidence when operated and exposed to the environmental conditions stated in section 4 of this document and mounted/attached to the weapon systems stated in Enclosure 1 of this document. A cycle is defined as successfully completing one, two minute LBS lasering procedure. A failure is defined as the inability to meet any of the requirements stated in this document.
5. Environmental Conditions.
a. Operating/Storage Temperatures.
The LBS shall exhibit neither damage nor degradation of performance when operated in a temperature environment of -46°C to +49° C, stored (non-operating) in a temperature environment of -46°C to +71° C, or when exposed to sudden temperature changes between of -46° C to +49°C, inclusive.
b. Moisture Resistance.
The LBS shall not exhibit damage leakage, intake of moisture, or degradation of performance resulting from being intermittently operated in a relative humidity of 94% and a temperature environment of +20° C to +65°C, or if momentarily immersed in water for less then thirty (30) minutes.
c. Shock.
The LBS, with battery installed but without the weapon interface attached, shall withstand shock (drop) testing, from two (2) meters onto sod, and from one (1) meter onto plywood (3/4 inch nominal thickness backed by concrete), individually in six (6) orientations (both ends and all four (4) sides), with no functional degradation.
d. Safety.
Laser shall be classified and labeled by the manufacturer in accordance with CFR Title 100321, Part 1040.10 or using MIL-STD-1425 as guidance. This device shall present no new health or safety (electrical, optical, or other) hazard to the user and/or bystander.
6. Experience.
a. Identify past efforts in development and production of portable, battery operated targeting systems that incorporate lasers/designators and sensing devices into compact packages, or other devices which incorporate any combination of these technologies in complexity to LBS assemblies.
b. White Papers shall be completed in Microsoft Word Format, page size shall be 8.5 x 11, and the margins shall be at least 1 inch. The white paper should not exceed ten (10) pages in length and be in Times Roman Font 12 points or larger. Both sides of the paper may be used. Each page side is counted unless blank. Submission is strictly voluntary.
c. In a separate document, limited to 5 pages, please briefly describe your company, your services, history, ownership, and business size.
d. The white paper shall include the companies cover letter (not included in page count) which provides:
Point of contact information to include: company name, company address, technical point of contact with email address, website (if available), contact phone number, CAGE code, and DUNS Number.
Your Company's experience in performing target acquisition, accuracy, or similar type of effort (to include size and complexity) and a brief description of your direct support of the effort. Areas where a respondent does not have prior experience should be annotated as such. Request three (3) articles be provided for testing to see if specifications by the interested source is met.
Proposals are not being requested or accepted at this time. This is not a Request for Proposal/ Request for Quote, or a solicitation. A contract award will not be made from this posting. No phone inquiries will be accepted, either as a response to this action or for information requests. As stipulated in FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not considered offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. No solicitation (Request for Proposal) exists at this time; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. The decision to solicit for a contract shall be solely within the Government's discretion.
Any/all information and hardware submitted by interested potential offerors to this notice is voluntary. This notice is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government, nor will the Government reimburse any costs associated with the submission of information in response to this notice. Respondents will not be individually notified of the results of any Government assessments. The Government does not intend to return items after testing. The Government's assessment of the white papers received will factor into whether any forthcoming solicitation will be conducted. If a solicitation is posted in the future, any/all information from that solicitation will trump any/all information in this RFI.
Responses shall be submitted electronically to the following e-mail addresses:
Derell.a.lee.ctr@mail.mil and curtis.w.brookshire2.civ@mail.mil
Please provide all correspondence sent via email containing a subject line that reads, "LBS RFI Response". Attachments with files ending in .zip or .exe are not allowable and will be deleted. Ensure only .pdf, .doc, .docx, .xsls, or .xls documents are attached to your email. All other attachments may be deleted.
Any/ all responses to this RFI shall be due no later than thirty (30) calendar days from the date of entry on FedBizOpps. Direct all questions concerning this requirement to Mr. Derell A. Lee at Derell.A.Lee.ctr@mail.mil and Mr. Curtis W. Brookshire at curtis.w.brookshire2.civ@mail.mil.
Ship to Address:
Product Manager Soldier Precision Targeting Devices
10170 Beach Road, Bldg. 325T
Fort. Belvoir, VA 22060
Primary Point of Contact: Secondary Point of Contact:
Mr. Derell A. Lee Mr. Curtis W. Brookshire
Purchasing Agent Program Officer, Maneuver Systems
Derell.a.lee.ctr@mail.mil curtis.w.brookshire2.civ@mail.mil
(410) 278-5385 (703) 704-0900
Enclosure 1: Weapon and Sighting Device Combinations (See Attached)
Derell A. Lee, Purchasing Agent, Phone 4102785385, Email derell.a.lee.ctr@mail.mil
