U.S Navy To Issue RFP For New Warfare Technology

The U.S. Navy plans to release a draft request for proposal (RFP) for new warfighting technologies into the Navy's existing Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS). "This is an exciting opportunity for companies to cost-effectively integrate new warfighting capabilities, interoperability and training improvements," said Capt. Mike Ladner, major program manager for the SSDS integrated combat systems in the Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS). "We are looking for the best minds that can help us solve that challenge". The draft RFP will be offered to qualified companies that can integrate both a new electronic warfare sensor and existing radar sensors into SSDS. "We need this competition to keep our combat system relevant," Ladner said. "We are committed to finding the most advanced, reliable and affordable self-defense capability for our sailors and Marines onboard amphibious ships and aircraft carriers". Ladner said the final RFP is planned to be released in March 2013, with a contract award expected in June 2014. The Navy is using an approach similar to the one used for the Aegis Weapon System Combat System Engineering Agent competition. "This competition is not just about an acquisition process, but more importantly, it's about providing an opportunity for technological creativity and innovation to take center stage in developing the best warfighting capability to address our current and emerging threats at an affordable price," Ladner said. "The Navy will engage in a unique partnership with the company that is chosen. Together, we'll work to protect not only the lives of our sailors who depend on using this technology, but keep our country safe and Americans out of harm's way".