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Intermediate Range Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) Weapon System

USSTRATCOM continues to be the lead advocate for development and deployment of Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) weapons systems, which can influence all forms of conflict and offset adversary advantages. USSTRATCOM's Joint Functional Component Command for Global Strike (JFCC-GS) operates from Offutt AFB, Nebraska with headquarters at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. JFCC-GS provides a unique ability to command and control global strike capabilities and build plans that rapidly integrate into theater operations. This includes integration of combat capability associated with kinetic and non-kinetic effects.

On June 29, 2007 Boeing Co., Anaheim, Calif., was awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for $8,977,139. The USAF is investing a concept for a conventional ballistic missile capable of destroying targets at global range in less than one hour flight time. The study parameters make use of a Minotaur launch vehicle and a delivery vehicle designed to carry and dispense multiple BLU-108B/B sensor fused weapons to the target area. The maximum use of existing system elements is intended to reduce the cost and development risk associated with a future acquisition. Solicitations began in April 2007 and negotiations were completed in May 2007. This work will be complete by June 2009. To date, $450,000 had been obligated. Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8814-07-C-0006).

Conventional prompt strike (CPS) capability offers the opportunity to rapidly engage high-value targets without resorting to nuclear options. CPS can provide precision and responsiveness in A2AD environments while simultaneously minimizing unintended military, political, environmental, economic or cultural consequences. Continuing research and development of capabilities can help fill the conventional strike gap with a discernible non-ballistic trajectory, maneuverability for over-flight avoidance, and payload delivery capability.

On June 19, 2013 Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in anticipation of US proposals for further reductions in nuclear weapons: “We see that work is active around the world on developing high-precision conventional weapons systems that in their strike capabilities come close to strategic nuclear weapons. Countries that have such weapons substantially increase their offensive capability”.

The Navy first studied the possible development and deployment of a submarine-launched intermediate-range ballistic missile (SLIRBM) in the early 2000s. It requested industry participation in the study in mid-2003, and planned to conduct two static test-firings of a prototype rocket engine in 2005. According to the Defense Science Board Task Force, this missile might have delivered a 2,000-pound payload over a 1,500-mile range, with an accuracy of less than 5 meters.

In October 2017, DOD conducted a successful test of a booster and glider that could be deployed on a submarine. The October 30 test, identified as Flight Experiment 1, flew more than 2,000 nautical miles from Hawaii to the Marshall Islands. Although the flight was launched from land, the test was executed by the Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs office. The Pentagon estimated that the test cost $160 million, though DOD did not identify the specific objectives or results of the test.

The test was announced by Vice Adm. Terry Benedict, the director of the Strategic Systems Program (SSP), at the Naval Submarine League’s annual symposium in Arlington, Virginia, on November 2. “I’m very proud to report that at 0300 on Monday night SSP flew from Hawaii [Pacific Missile Range Facility] . . . the first conventional prompt strike missile for the United States Navy in the form factor that would eventually, could eventually be utilized if leadership chooses to do so in an Ohio-class tube.”

The Strategic Systems Programs issued a competitive solicitation to fulfill its FY14 objective to obtain delivery of trade studies and demonstrations under one or two contracts which develop and evaluate technology options and concepts for potential Intermediate Range (IR) Conventional Prompt Global Strike (CPGS) weapons focused on a range of broadly applicable technology areas for intermediate-range approaches.

Navy Intermediate Range Conventional Prompt Strike (IRCPS) Weapon System (WS) Development and Integration Presolicitation Notice N00030-19-R-0025 was posted Nov 21, 2018, and was due Dec 6, 2018. Posted by the Naval Strategic Systems Programs (DOD - Navy). The work will be performed at Sunnyvale, CA, USA. The NAICS Category is 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology).

This procurement provides for the design, development, build and integration of large diameter rocket motors, associated missile body flight articles, and related support equipment for Navy IRCPS flight test demonstrations. Pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1), the Government intends to conduct negotiations with Lockheed Martin Corporation, Sunnyvale, CA 94089. Primary work locations are Sunnyvale, CA, Denver, CO, and Huntsville, AL. Performance will extend through 01 January 2024.

Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) was assessing the means to implement the goals set in the FY18 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for rapidly developing and prototyping a Navy Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) Weapon System (WS) for integration into and tactical deployment on sea-based launch platforms to meet a time-critical national need. The Navy CPS WS will consist of the following primary subsystems:

• Large-diameter (>30 inches) All Up Round (AUR) [encapsulated missile with a Hypersonic Glide Body (HGB)].
• Weapon Control System (WCS) for Fire Control.
• Advanced Payload Module (APM) with AURs in a three-pack configuration. The APM interfaces the AUR to the host platform and includes a support structure, protection, compressed air ejectors, and environmental control not provided by the host platform.
• Shipboard Information System (IS) to provide technical documentation, training, data logs, other technical information onboard the host platform, and potential interfaces to offboard support systems.

Large-scale WS integration program management expertise and comprehensive technical expertise in systems engineering, design, development, integration, testing, verification and validation (V&V), logistics, and prototype and production manufacturing/assembly will be required for the execution of the Navy CPS WS Program. SSP is seeking input from Industry to determine if there are sources with the facilities and proficiency required for executing the following capabilities to satisfy this urgent national need:

• Serve as the prime program manager and systems integrator for all elements of the Navy CPS WS, including providing innovation and flexibility to manage required personnel and resources necessary for adapting to rapidly evolving workload requirements and schedule, as well as managing performance, risks, and data in a complex contracting environment with subcontracts and teaming agreements to develop, integrate, and produce the Navy CPS WS to meet the Government's requirements.
• Ensure the design, manufacture, integration, and installation of the Navy CPS WS is completed safely and with minimal impact to the infrastructure and operations on sea-based launch platforms within the schedule delineated in the FY18 NDAA.
• Rapidly design, develop, manufacture, deliver, and integrate Navy CPS WS preproduction prototype hardware/software (HW/SW) and production HW/SW for the primary subsystems listed above as well as the following:
• Design and develop the Navy CPS WS to safely and reliably deploy in underwater environments.
• Design and develop the Navy CPS WS to incorporate operational Concept of Operations (CONOPs) considerations that integrate with command authority, host platforms, and facilities/ports.
• Design and develop precision-guided, maneuvering hypersonic vehicles, which include warhead payloads with custom fuzing, capable of atmospheric reentry and near-zero Circular Error Probable (CEP) impact accuracy.
• Design and develop Inert Test Vehicles (ITVs), simulators, instrumentation/data recording, and test support equipment required to conduct necessary testing.
• Design and develop necessary Packaging, Handling, Storage, and Transportation (PHS&T) support equipment.
• Design and develop modeling and simulation tools for a complex WS.
• Identify existing facilities for manufacturing, assembly, and component, subsystem, and system integration, qualification, production, and flight testing required for the Navy CPS WS Program.
• Develop and conduct verification activities; component, subsystem, and system qualification and integration tests; land-based and submerged [Underwater-Launched (UWL)] APM tests; and land-based and submerged flight tests to verify all elements of the Navy CPS WS meet functional, interface, environmental, performance, and safety requirements for deployment.
• Produce a fully integrated, cohesive, and coordinated set of technical, training, and procedural documentation (both electronic and paper) for Government and Industry engineering facilities, as well as for pertinent field, fleet, and shore activities.

These potential efforts do not reflect any endorsement by the Department of Defense nor do they reflect any policy considerations that may apply to any given concept (e.g., basing arrangements, treaty compliance, etc.).

On 27 December 2018 the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD), China Lake, CA, provided a modification to increase the current Estimated Cost Plus Fixed Fee on contract N68936-15-C-0026 required to cover the known work projected through the remainder of the period of performance. This contract was awarded sole source to Jacobs Technology Inc. based on the Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1 justification for only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Jacobs Technology Inc. is the current designer and operator of the Launch Test Complex (LTC) and the only source able to perform these efforts in the timeline required to meet fleet needs.

The contract requires upgrade, redesign, and operation of the current LTC at China Lake, CA, Simulator and Control and Data Acquisition (CDAS) reconfiguration and procurements, arrestment design and analysis, crossflow design, as well as conceptual design for an underwater facility, including test payload tube and stand, capsule design, CDAS design, crossflow design, and arrestment design to support the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) program.

The upgraded LTC, now referred to as the Air Launch Test (ALT) complex, will provide the air launch testing/capability to support the CPS program. This requirement is to also provide conceptual design and operation of an Under Water Test (UWT) complex (ULTC), which will include estimated costs, technology maturity and estimates on build schedules. This data will be the updated basis for Government trade studies, or parametric cost estimates for the UWT complex. The ALT and ULT complex will not only aide in the conceptual design of a new weapons system, through qualification of hardware, various components and systems, but will also provide risk mitigation for the testing of the new weapons system on a ship, submarine, aircraft, and land to achieve the hypersonic capability as directed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD).

An article in the 12 November 2018 edition of Inside the Navy, posted 14 Nov in Inside Defense, Jason Sherman reports that USD(A&S) Ellen Lord signed an ADM directing the Navy to establish a program office for a sea-based Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) hypersonics program office by 1 Oct 2019.