DARPA releases solicitation, schedules industry briefings, for Laser Radar Technology program
ARLINGTON, Va., 28 Sept. 2012. Developing laser detector array and laser transmitter technologies for multiple-modality, diverse-waveform laser radar (ladar) systems is the goal of the Laser Radar Technology (LRT) program of electro-optical sensors experts at the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in Arlington, Va.
The DARPA Strategic Technology Office released a broad agency announcement Tuesday (DARPA-BAA-12-65) for the LRT program, which seeks innovative industry proposals in military laser and detector development in support of advanced ladar systems.
DARPA will host a proposers' day conference for the DARPA-BAA-12-65, Laser Radar Technology (LRT) program on from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. eastern time on 9 Oct. 2012 at DARPA Conference Center, Room 01-200, 675 N. Randolph St. in Arlington, Va.
Briefings will provide information on the LRT program, host discussion, address questions, and promote company teaming.
Proposed research should involve technology proposals on laser transmitters that generate variable-duration pulses that can support high-frequency modulation. Laser transmitter and receiver must operate at a nominal eyesafe wavelength.
DARPA scientists primarily are interested in two areas of ladar technology research: detector arrays and laser sources.
Laser detector array research seeks to support advanced ladar systems with sensors able to detect optical backscatter from different laser transmit waveforms. These detectors must operate not only in a direct-detection mode, but also in coherent detection mode.
Laser source research seeks to develop high-efficiency, high-power, laser sources able to support direct and coherent detection waveforms -- or generate high- and low-duty factor waveforms with frequency and phase modulation.
Proposers may submit proposals for either technical area or both, and several contract awards are possible. Proposers should submit proposal abstracts before submitting proposals.
Bidders must have secret facilities and clearances to be prime contractors on the LRT program. Those without both kinds of clearances may team with those that do. Companies that would like to attend the LRT industry briefings must register no later than 2 Oct. 2012.
Those who would like to attend the 9 Oct. industry briefings must register no later than 2 Oct. 2012 by sending an e-mail to [email protected] with name of attendees, company name, contact phone number, requests to make a presentations. Attendance is limited to the first 60 registrants, and no more than two representatives per organization.
Companies interested in submitting bids should do so no later than 21 March 2013. E-mail questions or concerns about the LRT industry day briefings to [email protected].
E-mail questions or concerns to [email protected]. More information is online at https://www.fbo.gov/spg/ODA/DARPA/CMO/DARPA-BAA-12-65/listing.html.
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John Keller | Editor
John Keller is editor-in-chief of Military & Aerospace Electronics magazine, which provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronic and optoelectronic technologies in military, space, and commercial aviation applications. A member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since the magazine's founding in 1989, Mr. Keller took over as chief editor in 1995.
