1. CONTRACTING OFFICE ADDRESS AND POINTS OF CONTACT (POC)

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1 REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) Air Force Research Laboratory Directed Energy Directorate RDH-1 Electromagnetic Weapons Technologies Dated: 23 January 2015 THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY as defined in FAR (e). This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes. It does not constitute a solicitation or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future. This RFI is not a request for proposals; therefore, responses to this notice are not considered offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. 1. CONTRACTING OFFICE ADDRESS AND POINTS OF CONTACT (POC) Address Department of the Air Force, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Directed Energy Directorate Contracting Division, Det 8 AFRL/RVKDP, 3550 Aberdeen Ave. SE, Bldg. 499, Kirtland AFB, NM Contracting POC 1. Contract Specialist, William Davis, william.davis.95@us.af.mil 2. Contracting Officer, Pearl Solano, pearl solano@us.af.mil Technical POC 1. Program Manager, Dr. Susan Heidger, susan.heidger@us.af.mil 2. Program Manager, Capt Jonathon Campbell, jonathon.campbell@us.af.mil NOTE: See paragraph 5 on how to request for clarification. 2. GENERAL INFORMATION THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY as defined in FAR (e). This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes. It does not constitute a solicitation or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future. This RFI is not a request for proposals; therefore responses to this notice are not considered offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Respondents will not be paid for the information submitted. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked PROPRIETARY will be handled accordingly. The Government shall not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for any proprietary information not properly identified. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations. Proprietary information or trade secrets should be clearly identified and portion marked. Do not submit classified information. The Air Force will not be obligated to pursue any particular acquisition alternative as a result of this RFI. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. Page 1/8

2 3. GENERAL INTENT a. Background The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Directed Energy Directorate (RD), High-Powered Electromagnetics Division (RDH), located at Kirtland AFB would like to investigate and advance the state-of-the-art knowledge in high power electromagnetic (HPEM) weapon technologies. The objective of the EM Weapons Technologies Program is to investigate, develop, and ultimately transition new HPEM Weapon concepts, HPEM materials and components, and compact pulsed power topologies. The program will also evaluate and leverage advances in prime power technologies to optimize SWaP (size, weight, and power) requirements for future weapon systems. Successful transition entails transitioning the new HPEM Weapon Concept into its own program, or incorporation/use of new HPEM components and materials into another HPEM Program. b. Approach Topic 1: Repetitive Pulsed Power The research effort will be to investigate and advance comp, pulsed power technologies suitable for driving high power electromagnetic sources including Marx banks, pulsed forming networks, pulse forming lines, linear transformer drivers, hybrid pulsed power topologies, nonlinear transmission lines, solid state switches, gas switches capacitors, transformers, insulating dielectrics, varactors, resistors, magnetic and dielectric, conducting and structural materials that enable compact, pulsed power systems suitable to drive high power electromagnetic sources. In addition, the research will study and develop prime power sources and strategies for compact energy storage, charging and discharging and power conditioning of pulsed power systems compatible with use in airborne platforms. The research will include computer analysis and modeling of pulsed and prime power systems and components to predict and evaluate performance, operational suitability, and lifetime. Research will include design, development, engineering, fabrication, assembly, analysis, and testing of pulsed and prime power topologies and components. Topic 2: Advanced concepts for ultra-short pulsed lasers (USPL) The USPL research and development effort includes advanced concepts for USPL sources at near- to mid-ir wavelengths; USPL-materials interactions; and USPL-generated laser wakefield accelerators (LWA). Advanced concepts for USPL sources at near- to mid-ir wavelengths investigates nearand mid-infrared pulsed laser systems to include laser beams from nanosecond (ns), to picosecond (ps), to femtosecond (fs) pulse widths; and from Gigawatts (GW), to Terawatts (TW), to Petawatts (PW) of instantaneous power. USPL experiments may include sources/components from fiber, solid state, and ceramic materials as well as Page 2/8

3 subsystems/systems to include optics, oscillators, compressors, amplifiers, and measurement capabilities. USPL interaction experiments may include metallic, insulating and semiconductor materials, subsystems, and systems as appropriate. Development and use of USPL and material diagnostics, as well as computational/theoretical efforts will be included as part of the research capabilities. USPL LWA experiments may include experimental and computational efforts as well as design and testing of appropriate components, subsystems, and systems for development and testing. Development and use of USPL and high energy particle beam diagnostics, as well as computational/theoretical efforts will be included as part of the research capabilities. Topic 3: Millimeter Wave Interactions with High Temperature Materials This research effort will focus on developing a fundamental physical understanding of the interaction of millimeter wave radiation with high temperature materials and using this understanding to develop materials applicable to power beaming applications. Modeling capabilities and materials data gained will be used to develop heat exchanger technology in which millimeter wave energy absorbed by the high temperature material is transferred to a working fluid in a configuration feasible for use in power generation or propulsion applications. This effort will require characterizing and modeling temperature-dependent conductivity and complex permittivity, as well as changes in crystal structure, grain size, and vitrification of high temperature materials that may result from mm-wave heating at temperatures up to 2500 degrees C. Material performance will be characterized at very high continuous wave (CW) or quasi-cw millimeter wave power densities, up to ~30 MW/m2 in air. Due to the extreme environments in which these materials will be studied, it is expected that characterization and modeling of millimeter wave interactions with surface and atmospheric plasmas will also be required. Responses focusing heavily or exclusively on application-oriented technology demonstrations, i.e. launches of a beamed energy propulsion vehicle, will not be considered responsive to this topic. Topic 4: High Power Microwave-Driven Plasmas This research effort will focus on developing a fundamental understanding of the initiation and sustainment of low pressure ( 1atm) plasmas using high power microwave (HPM) or high power millimeter wave beams. Discussions should focus on laboratory-scale direct and ponderomotively driven quasi-free-space plasmas having lifetimes of >5 seconds and sustained with a multi kw microwave beam. Quasifree-space implies multiple Debye lengths between the main plasma body and the wall of the containment vessel. Further studies will include higher power HPM-driven plasmas as well as HPM-driven plasmas in various magnetic field configurations. Page 3/8

4 This effort is expected to require the development of novel HPM drive systems for various plasma configurations, which may involve the development of custom HPM sources and focal arrays. Topic 5: Interactions of High Energy Particle Beams (HEPBs) With Electronic Systems The Air Force Research Laboratory has recently begun a research effort to investigate the effects that high energy particle beams (HEPBs) and the radiation produced by them can have on electronic components and systems. This research effort can be divided into two components: the first component focuses on understanding and characterizing the effects that high energy particle beams can have on electronic systems, and the second component entails designing and building an accelerator with which to perform effects tests. The effects research component includes identifying and procuring various electronic components and systems of interest for testing; understanding the details of their operation; designing, fabricating, and assembling test fixtures for these assets to enable remote operation and monitoring; and then conducting tests involving placing these electronic components and systems within the path of high energy particle beams and documenting changes in their operation. Procurement of ancillary equipment to operate test assets and materials for assembling the test fixtures may be necessary, as well as performing modeling and simulation of high energy particle beam propagation through various media and beam interactions with targets. The research may also involve building up or developing new diagnostics as appropriate, and developing or modifying exiting data acquisition systems to record data. Occasional travel requirements are expected in order to support experimental test campaigns at off-site locations. The accelerator development component of the research will first involve modeling and simulation of particle accelerators to include both existing accelerator topologies as well as novel accelerator schemes, i.e. laser or plasma wakefield accelerators. This effort will then entail designing, developing, fabricating, testing, and analyzing particle accelerator systems and components for eventual use in the effects testing. Included in the definition of these components and systems are linear accelerators, superconducting accelerator structures, microwave sources, ultrafast lasers and optics, plasma sources for wakefield accelerators, dielectric wakefield accelerating structures, and prime energy stores. c. Description The AFRL requests an assessment of industry s ability to support the proposed investigation of each topic outlined above. It is anticipated that a response to this RFI would address each topic entirely or elements of the topics independently. Key considerations should include (but not limited to): (1) Performance; (2) Resource availability; (3) Cost. Page 4/8

5 d. Assumptions The purpose of this RFI is to obtain information specifically related to the research and development of electromagnetic weapons technologies for future systems. It can be assumed: (1) All Topics: a. Presentation materials and periodic technical exchange meetings with Government S&Es will be required. b. The research will be performed primarily at Kirtland AFB, Directed Energy Directorate, AFRL/RDHP High Power Electromagnetics Technology Branch research facilities. (2) Topic 1, Repetitive Pulsed Power: a. The research will be focused on repetitive operation delivering multiple short bursts at pulse repetition rates on the order of 10 s of hertz. b. Prime power research must include power conditioning techniques suitable to charge pulsed power systems from several 100 to several kilojoules of energy on a timescale adequate for the delivery of multiple shot burst. c. Technology approaches must focus on minimizing the mass and volume of the prime and pulsed power sub-systems. With special considerations given to electromagnetic field strength in design and breakdown strength of materials and components. (3) Topic 2, USPL: a. The research will be primarily conducted at Kirtland AFB at AFRL/RD terawatt and petawatt USPL facilities. The effort is expected to be primarily experimental in nature but computational and/or theoretical investigations may be required as well. b. The effort is expected to be primarily experimental in nature but computational and/or theoretical investigations may be required as well. c. It is assumed that the contractor will work with government program personnel to accomplish the tasks required to complete the research. The actual amount of day-to-day interaction is not specified here, and should be addressed in the response from offerors. (4) Topic 3, Millimeter Wave Interactions with High Temperature Materials: a. Research will be focused on the study and characterization of complex permittivity, conductivity, and durability of high temperature materials interacting with millimeter wave radiation. b. An integrated research effort, including experimental work as well as computational/analytic modeling will be expected. c. Electromagnetic frequencies of interest will fall primarily within W-band ( GHz) with special interest in the GHz range. Page 5/8

6 (5) Topic 4, High Power Microwave-Driven Plasmas: a. Plasmas studied are expected to be at low pressure (atmospheric pressure or lower) b. An integrated research effort, including experimental work as well as computational/analytic modeling will be expected. c. Sustained plasma lifetimes are expected to be a few seconds or longer. (6) Topic 5, HEPB: a. The initial experimental research will be conducted utilizing particle accelerators at various locations including but not limited to White Sands Missile Range (NM), the University of Idaho, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. It is assumed that 3-5 one-week trips will be made annually to support HEPB experimental research. b. The PW laser and possibly one TW laser system will also be available to support Topic 5: HEPBs; specifically laser wakefield accelerator experiments. e. Response Based on the objectives presented above, interested parties should provide a statement of interest on company letterhead and include the following information: (1) Statement of capabilities. Identify the following: a. All Topics: Responders should include an estimate of numbers and types of personnel that will be required and provided to accomplish the work proposed. b. For Topic 2, USPL: Responders should document previous experience in conducting USPL experiments including the alignment and diagnostic sensors using GW/TW/PW USPL systems; diagnostics of materials/electronics systems; and experience in conducting USPL/LWA experiments involving aligning diagnostic sensors using GW/TW/PW USPL systems. c. For Topic 5, HEPB: Responders should include: any prior work experience associated with electron or ion accelerator component design, fabrication, or maintenance; accelerator operations and maintenance; diagnostic development for accelerators; and experience with radiation dosimetry. (2) A high-level discussion of your approach to executing the technical work. Identify the following: a. High-level milestones (schedule) expected during performance; b. High-level estimate of the program costs at each milestone; c. Premises and assumptions (include what Government resources would be needed); and d. High-level risk assessment. Alternate options may be discussed along with corresponding technical merits, risk, schedule requirements and costs. Page 6/8

7 4. REQUIRED RESPONSE, FORMAT, & SUBMISSION Limit RFI responses to fifteen (15), single-sided, single-spaced pages per topic area. Responses must be unclassified and any Proprietary information provided must be portion marked accordingly. To protect such data, each line or paragraph on the pages containing such data must be specifically identified and marked with a legend similar to the following: The following contains proprietary information that (name of Responder) requests not be released to persons outside of the Government, except for the purposes of review and evaluation. Note: See Format and Page Limitations and Submission of Documentation paragraphs for additional instructions. a. Format & Page Limitation Submitted responses should be provided on standard letter size 8-1/2 by 11 inch paper, limited to a maximum of fifteen (15), single-sided, single-spaced pages per topic area. The font for text should be Times New Roman 12-point or larger. The Responder may use oversized pages (including foldouts ) where appropriate to contain graphic presentations. Oversized pages do not count as extra pages within the page limitations. Existing commercial documentation and product literature can also be submitted and is not subject to a page limitation. Submitted responses should be in Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat format. Documents should be provided to the government on CD-ROM media. Note: Responses must be unclassified and any Proprietary information provided must be marked accordingly. b. Submission of Documentation Documentation shall be delivered by MAIL ONLY and received NLT 06 March 2015, 1200 Noon MST to the Contracting Office at the following address: Det 8 AFRL/RVKDP ATTN: WILLIAM DAVIS 3550 Aberdeen Ave. SE Kirtland AFB, NM Telephone: william.davis.95@us.af.mil 5. REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION A Responder may request clarification in writing from the Contracting Office for any requirement that is unclear by sending an to the contract specialist or contracting officer points of contacts above. Any requests for clarification must be received no later than seven (7) business days prior to the close of this RFI in order to receive a timely response. Clarifications may be posted on the RFI Page 7/8

8 announcement website to benefit all interested Responders. Interested Responders are encouraged to periodically check the website during the response period for clarifications. 6. DISCLAIMER This is a Request for Information (RFI) only as defined in FAR (e) to obtain information about capabilities and market information related to the technology of interest for planning purposes. Of particular interest are the technical, manufacturing and market barriers to establishing a viable business for the technology of interest. This RFI is not a request for competitive proposals; therefore, responses to this notice are not considered offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Companies that respond will not be paid for the information submitted. No telephone calls will be accepted requesting a bid package or solicitation. All information received shall be safeguarded from unauthorized disclosure. Responses must be unclassified and any Proprietary information provided must be marked accordingly. 7. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION All responsible sources may submit information in response to this RFI. Responses to this RFI are due no later than 06 March 2015, 1200 Noon MST. Please note: the Government is not required to provide feedback to RFI responders. Direct all inquiries to the Contracting Points of Contact listed above. Page 8/8

High Power Microwaves

High Power Microwaves FACT SHEET UNITED STATES AIR FORCE Air Force Research Laboratory, Office of Public Affairs, 3550 Aberdeen Avenue S.E., Kirtland AFB, NM 87117 5776 (505) 846 1911; Fax (505) 846 0423 INTERNET: http://www.de.afrl.af.mil/pa/factsheets/