HyCAT: Transformative Technologies (HyCAT II)

Problem

Hypersonic vehicle technology has evolved by leveraging the same infrastructure used for missile development and testing. The slow pace of hypersonic research and development has resulted in more expensive and less effective systems. Current hypersonic vehicles incorporate lower performance legacy subsystems that may not represent the current state-of-the-art in an effort to avoid the high cost and long timelines of developmental test and validation. 

In 2022, DIU launched the ‘Hypersonic and High-Cadence Airborne Testing Capabilities’ (HyCAT) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO). This project aims to address this problem by providing low-cost, rapid, and reusable hypersonic testing platforms. As a continuation of the HyCAT project, this second CSO aims to support prototype testing of new hypersonic technologies in the relevant environment, leveraging the modular payload capability being developed under the HyCAT I CSO. 

Desired Product Capabilities

The Department of Defense (DoD) seeks commercial solutions for new and emerging hypersonic technologies with performance and cost benefits. Desired product capabilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Low-cost Manufacturing and Materials 
• Alternative Guidance, navigation and control systems and components; 
• Propulsion (e.g. air breathing, rocket, combined cycle, novel, low-cost, low-signature)
• Communications systems and components, including telemetry and secure data-links

HyCAT II prototype vendors may be expected to integrate their technology solution onto HyCAT I flight test vehicles or other DoD test vehicles. For reference, the HyCAT test vehicles have the following characteristics:

• Mach 5+ with a maneuverable/non-ballistic flight profile;
• Accommodation for at least two payloads with at least two placement options, including the external surface of the flight vehicle as well as an interior payload bay location; and
• Three-minute minimum flight in a relevant hypersonic test environment with near-constant flight conditions, of at least 1,000 pounds-per-sqft dynamic pressure.
• Capable of being certified to operate in the U.S. or Allied Flight test ranges under existing flight test safety regulations.
• Deployable to remote test locations.
• Turnaround to a second subsequent test within 60 days.
• Recoverable and reusable.
• Total experimental payload capacity of at least 20 pounds with accommodation for payload electrical power.

Additional Instructions

Companies may submit multiple proposals in response to this solicitation. In addition, DoD may facilitate teaming arrangements among companies proposing complementary solutions to address the full scope of desired capabilities. Companies are also welcome to present their own teaming arrangements in their proposals.  

Submission Guidance

• Submissions should adhere to CSO HQ0845-20-S-C0001 and the Phase 1 Solution Brief Content.
• Solution brief content may demonstrate how the proposed solution, technology, or dataset addresses the problem statement and desired product capabilities included within this solicitation; generic descriptions of technology platforms are unnecessary.

The solution brief should also include:

• The proposed systems engineering approach and any assumptions related to determining the test platform or test article performance metrics for the proposed solution;
• Proposed schedule to first flight;
• Technical and Programmatic Risks; and
• Interoperability, Operational or deployability restrictions.

Process

DoD prefers submissions that present a comprehensive and compelling solution to the problem statement. Solution briefs should identify where the submitter will employ subcontractors and, if so, which companies will deliver which capabilities. 

DoD will give submitters selected for Phase 2 additional information to address in their Phase 2 pitch. Companies that DoD moves to Phase 2 will deliver a virtual pitch no later than 30 days after the closing of this posting. The company’s Phase 2 pitch shall address the Phase 2 evaluation factors contained in the CSO HQ0845-20-S-C001

DoD requires companies without a CAGE code to register in SAM (https://sam.gov/SAM/) if selected for contract award. The Government recommends that prospective companies begin this process as early as possible.