A -- RAPID EYE PROGRAM INDUSTRY DAY

The Rapid Eye program is an exploratory development program with the overall goal of developing and demonstrating the ability to deliver a persistent ISR capability anywhere on the globe within one hour and remain on-station until relieved or the mission is completed. It is envisioned that this program will, at a minimum, develop and demonstrate all the technologies necessary for the rocket delivery of a High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAV. These technologies may include: low ballistic coefficient aerodynamic decelerators; low stored volume, deployable UAV structures; and high efficiency propulsion systems for vehicles operating at high altitudes. Other advanced technologies may also be developed and demonstrated as required by the architectures proposed by Offerors. The Government is not interested in approachs that employs any form of buoyant flight for this application. The Rapid Eye program will research and develop technologies and systems which will enable the military to: (i) rocket deliver a HALE UAV on a ballistic track to the approximate area of interest (ii) decelerate the launch package from reentry speeds to the UAV deployment speed, (iii) deploy the UAV and start its propulsion system, and (iv) provide persistent ISR on-station at high altitudes for a minimum of seven hours. The air vehicle ISR payload is nominally 500 lbs with a 5kW power requirement. It is envisioned that this proposed system will utilize a current inventory launch vehicle or one planned to be in the inventory by the end of 2009. Launch vehicle should not require significant modifications (minor modifications, common to other launches, such as changes to fairing configuration, are permissible). The key system development objectives include: (i) identification of robust system architectures that meet the program goals at a reasonable cost, (ii) identification of system designs that prove feasibility of the program vision through experimental demonstration and analysis, and (iii) identification and reduction of system and subsystem technology risks. It is anticipated that the program will be divided into four phases: Phase 1) concurrent, high risk technology evaluation and conceptual system definition studies, concluding with a System Requirements Review and the accompanying Conceptual Design Review; Phase 2) risk reduction and mitigation test phase to include scaled demonstrations of critical subsystems and a Preliminary Design Review of the system; Phase 3) Critical Design Review of the system; Phase 4) fabrication, assembly, systems integration, and flight test evaluation of the complete demonstration system. The Rapid Eye program Industry Day will be held on July 25, 2007. The goals of this meeting are threefold: (i) to familiarize participants with DARPA's interest in the Rapid Eye concept and component technologies, (ii) to identify potential Offerors and promote understanding of the BAA proposal requirements, and (iii) to promote discussion of synergistic capabilities among potential program participants. It is our desire to facilitate the formation of strong teams and business relationships in order to develop comprehensive, quality responses to any potential DARPA solicitation. The Industry Day will be held at Booz Allen Hamilton - Virginia Square, Suite 600 3811 N. Fairfax Dr., Arlington, VA 22203-1707 (http://www.boozallen.com). Pre-registration is required NO LATER THAN 3:00 PM EDT on July 18, 2007 for attendance. The Industry Day will be unclassified and is limited to three representatives per organization. Attendance is not required to propose to any potential solicitation on this topic. Check-in for the Industry Day begins at 8:00 AM, followed by the morning session beginning at 8:30 AM. This session will include the introduction of the DARPA Rapid Eye program vision and philosophy, objectives and goals, and invited presentations addressing state-of-the-art foundation technologies. The afternoon session will cover acquisition and program schedules, and contract vehicle details. REGISTRATION INFORMATION: If interested in attending the Industry Day, please send an e-mail, with the subject line "Rapid Eye Industry Day Request for Information," to Dr. Rachel Norris at [email protected]. In reply to your email, you will receive information detailing the registration process, proof of citizenship or permanent resident alien coordination, and logistics information. Registration is restricted to US citizens and Permanent Resident Aliens only. Proof of Citizenship or Permanent Resident Status must be provided at least five business days prior to this meeting. Additionally, Permanent Resident Aliens must complete DARPA Form 60, "U.S. Permanent Resident and Foreign National Visit Request" (found here, http://www.darpa.mil/sio/documents/DARPA60.pdf) and this completed form must be provided to: [email protected] (or fax to 703-696-7475). There will be no exceptions! INVITED INFORMATION: Attendees may handout background materials of potential technology that may be applicable at the Industry Day during the networking session at the end of the Government briefings. All handout materials must be unclassified and approved in advance by the organization that funded the research. Administrative Point of Contact: Dr. Rachel Norris, ManTech SRS Technologies, Inc., [email protected]. Technical Point of Contact: Dr. Wade Pulliam, DARPA Program Manager, [email protected]. Contracting Point of Contact: Mr. Christopher Glista, DARPA Contracting Officer, [email protected].