Description

1.0 INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND The U.S. Army Contracting Command – New Jersey (ACC-NJ), on behalf of Project Manager Soldier Lethality (PM SL), is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to identify interested and capable industry partners for the Lethal Innovation Foundry Technologies (LIFT) program. As the Army modernizes its small arms capabilities, the transition to the 6.8mm platform represents a critical leap in soldier lethality. To maintain overmatch, PM SL is seeking to establish Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) with industry to explore new, innovative, and enabling technologies that can generate new or enhanced capabilities for the Army's portfolio of 6.8mm weapons systems, fire control/optics, and ammunition. 2.0 LIFT PROGRAM OBJECTIVES & CRADA OVERVIEW The LIFT program is designed to create a collaborative environment between the Government and industry. This RFI serves as the primary entry point for establishing a CRADA. Collaborative Assessment: This program provides a mechanism for Industry to submit innovative ideas and technologies for the Government to assess. Vendor assessments and testing may be conducted at vendor or Government Facilities. Government Furnished Property (GFP): To facilitate research, the Government can provide GFP, to include 6.8mm ammunition and weapon systems, to CRADA partners. CRADA Mechanics: A CRADA is a written agreement between a private company and a Government laboratory to work together on a collaborative research and development project. Please note: Under a CRADA, the Government cannot provide funds to the non-federal partner. 3.0 SUGGESTED RESEARCH AREAS OF INTEREST (RAI) Vendors are encouraged, but not limited to submit technologies that align with one or more of the following RAIs within the 6.8mm ecosystem: RAI # Domain Technical Focus Areas & Desired Capabilities RAI 1 6.8mm Weapons Systems Weight reduction (advanced materials), signature reduction (thermal/acoustic/flash), increased barrel life/durability, and advanced recoil mitigation systems. RAI 2 Fire Control & Optics Automated target acquisition/tracking, real-time environmental ballistic computation, network integration for augmented reality, and low-SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) power management. RAI 3 Advanced Ammunition Innovative projectile designs (terminal ballistics/armor penetration), advanced propellant technologies (temperature stability/reduced wear), and lightweight cartridge cases (polymer/composite). RAI 4 Enabling Technologies Advanced/additive manufacturing techniques, digital twin modeling, and simulation software for ballistics or durability testing. 4.0 SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS Responses to this RFI are restricted to US companies and Canadian companies within the Joint Certification Program. Interested vendors shall articulate their proposed research and technology by completing the attached LIFT Scope Template. The Scope Template is designed to capture the vendor's technical approach, alig…

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