MDA27BZ02-DV001 — Low Cost Infrared Seeker

Provide novel infrared (IR) seeker solutions that significantly reduce costs compared to the state-of-the-art onboard interceptor applications.

Develop a cost-effective IR interceptor seeker through methods such as novel material development, advanced manufacturing and/or scalability, novel commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) integration, or other innovations that could reduce costs and maintain acceptable seeker performance. Both full seeker solutions and novel seeker components (focal plane array, readout integrated circuit, cooling system, telescope optics, etc.) are acceptable so long as cost savings are explicitly quantified in the proposal. A "full seeker" solution should include: Cover (if applicable), telescope assembly/ optical system (lenses, mirrors, filters, etc.), the IR sensor (filter, Focal Plane Arrays (FPAs) Readout Integrated Circuit, cooling systems (if applicable, etc.), gimbal system (as applicable), signal processing electronics, and the Final seeker production cost should be less than $150,000 for objective cost or less than $250,000 for threshold. Proposed solutions should be amenable to repeatable high throughput production processes. Proposal should include a plan for demonstration of seeker performance in a ground test facility. Additionally, proposers should identify the threat type(s) (ballistic, hypersonic, cruise missile, etc.) that are relevant to the proposed technology, and any assumptions made concerning the technology or its integration into the missile defense system should be explicitly referenced.

Phase I-like proposals will not be evaluated and will be rejected as nonresponsive. For this topic, the Government expects the small business would have accomplished the following in a Phase I-like effort via some other means, e.g., independent research and development (IRAD) or other source, a concept for a workable prototype or design to address, at a minimum, the basic capabilities of the stated objective above. Proposal must show, as appropriate, a demonstrated technical feasibility or nascent capability. The documentation provided must substantiate the proposer’s development of a preliminary understanding of the technology to be applied in their Phase II proposal in meeting topic objectives. Documentation should comprise all relevant information including, but not limited to, technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and performance goals/results. Feasibility = maturity and what have you already done/validated. Proposers interested in participating in Direct to Phase II must include in their responses to this topic Phase I feasibility documentation that substantiates the scientific and technical merit and Phase I feasibility described in Phase I above has been met. (i.e., the small business must have performed a proof of concept like “Phase I” component and/or other validation in a relevant environment, and/or at a much higher Technology Readiness Level (TRL) level (5 or higher) and describe the potential commercialization applications. The documentation provided must validate that the proposer has completed development of technology in previous work or research completed.) IRAD work: Documentation should include the most relevant information including, but not limited to: technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and/or performance goals/results. Work submitted within the feasibility documentation must have been substantially performed by the proposer and/or the principal investigator (PI).

Develop a prototype low-cost IR seeker or integrated seeker component(s). Provide design specifications including size, power, weight, field of view, etc. during development. Validate concept performance in laboratory environment. Demonstrate prototype seeker performance in a ground test facility at relevant environments using an IR target source. Planning for a flight demonstration is desired, but not a requirement.

These low-cost IR seeker technologies could be utilized in the commercial infrared camera industry.