Rapid Fire April 23, 2012: FA-XX RFI
- The US Navy has published its request for information to get a replacement for FA-18E/F and EA-18G Growlers “in the 2030 timeframe”, following a mention of the tentative aircraft in the latest 30-year aviation funding plan. This is a Pre-Material Development Decision (MDD) market survey, i.e. still very far from an RFP. Once interested contractors have expressed their interest by April 26, they will receive – provided proper levels of clearance – a classified Government Furnished Information (GFI) package that is meant to allow them to submit their response by June 29, 2012.
The desired capability and missions:
[A] CVN based aircraft to provide multi-role capability in an A2AD operational environment. Primary missions include, but are not limited to, air warfare (AW), strike warfare (STW), surface warfare (SUW), and close air support (CAS). Also consider the ability of your concept to provide other capabilities currently provided by strike fighter aircraft, such as organic air-to-air refueling (AAR), Tactical Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition (RSTA), and airborne electronic attack (AEA). The trade space refinement activity will characterize a broad tradespace, to include unmanned, optionally manned and manned aircraft. System attributes and system capabilities will be considered in the context of cost and affordability. Concepts that are derived from legacy aircraft, “clean sheet” new design aircraft, as well as innovative technology concepts specifically tailored for the operational context are all relevant.
- The Pentagon recently released new policy [PDF] to promote telework among its civilian workforce to support “workforce efficiency, emergency preparedness, and quality of life.” The Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service (DCPAS) has more.
- The NATO Parliamentary Assembly has a draft report on UAVs, their capabilities, limitations, and the ethical and legal challenges that come with their use.
- Australia’s Defence Support Group (DSG) has an RFI out on the future provision of base services. Registration of potential vendors will happen later this year with a Request for Tender (RFT) expected in September.
