Request for Information (RFI) / Containerized Payload Capabilities

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) Containerized Payload Capabilities 1. PURPOSE The Department of the Navy (DON), Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Robotic and Autonomous Systems (DRPM RAS), is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to conduct market research regarding containerized payload capabilities. The purpose of this RFI is to: Identify the realm of the possible for containerized payload capabilities that will provide operational utility to the Fleet; and Characterize the physical, electrical, data, communications, thermal, and other interfaces required by those capabilities to inform future approaches for simplifying payload integration across Naval afloat / ashore enterprise. The Government is intentionally not prescribing specific payload capabilities or detailed performance requirements through this RFI. DRPM RAS seeks industry�s perspective on what is possible, including capabilities the Government may not currently be considering. The Government is interested in existing products, adaptations of existing technologies, and technically feasible concepts that could be demonstrated, produced affordably, and delivered at scale on an accelerated timeline. Information obtained through this RFI will inform Fleet engagement, budgeting, experimentation, demonstrations, prize challenges, prototyping efforts, follow-on market research, requirements development, and potential future acquisition activities. 2. BACKGROUND Robotic and autonomous systems have the potential to increase the reach, persistence, capacity, and distribution of naval capabilities while reducing risk to personnel and high-value platforms. The Department of the Navy is pursuing opportunities to accelerate the development, integration, acquisition, and fielding of RAS capabilities responsive to Fleet operational needs. A key opportunity is the ability to rapidly add, exchange, and scale mission capabilities without requiring each payload to be designed around a single purpose-built...