REQUEST FOR WHITE PAPER ORGANIC PRECISION FIRES - MEDIUM (OPF-M) SYSTEM

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Request for White Paper (RFW) is issued by the U.S. Marine Corps for market research to identify potential solutions for the Organic Precision Fires - Medium (OPF-M) program. The OPF-M system is intended to provide the Fleet Marine Force with an organic, loitering, beyond line-of-sight, precision strike capability for engaging armored targets at the tactical level, minimizing collateral damage, and enhancing survivability during distributed operations. This RFW is not a solicitation for bids or proposals but aims to inform the Government's acquisition strategy and performance specifications.

The primary focus is on man-portable loitering munition systems. Responses should address the following Baseline System Capabilities (BSC):

• Maximize Lethality Against Targets: Warhead design for anti-armor kills (Rolled Homogeneous Armor Equivalency), automatic target tracking (day/night), and use of Naval Qualifiable Energetics.

• Maximize Marine Portability and Mobility: All-up-round system weight under 35 lbs, Ground Control Station (GCS) weight under 20 lbs, and both components must be man-portable by two Marines.

• Maximize Range and Endurance: Munition range > 25 km from GCS, loiter time > 20 minutes at 25 km, and ability to handoff munition control.

• Maximize System Reliability and Adaptability: Modular design, operational in harsh Marine Corps environments, and use of Naval Qualifiable fuze/arming systems.

• Maximize Operational Control and Safety: Man-in-the-loop system with waypoint navigation (prelaunch and in-flight), re-tasking capability, operator-commanded abort, and loss-of-link location settings.

• Minimize Training Burden: Ability to train with reusable inert rounds and GCS simulation mode.

• The Government anticipates a phased acquisition approach.

• Prototype OTA Award: Expected in FY26 Q4, with awards in FY27 for demonstrations and development.

• Production Award: Expected to begin in FY28 following verification of a minimum viable product.

• White papers must not exceed 15 pages.

• Responses should be structured into four parts: Baseline System Capabilities, Programmatic & Production Plan, Capability Growth & Product Improvement, and Corporate Experience.

• Submission deadline: May 26th, 2026, 10:00 AM Eastern Time.

• Questions deadline: May 8th, 2026, 10:00 AM Eastern Time.

• Submissions are to be made electronically via DoD SAFE.

• Evaluation will be against needs such as BSC, production capabilities, and feasibility potential for Capability Growth Areas (CGAs).

• The Government is interested in solutions from both traditional and non-traditional defense contractors.

• Information regarding Business Size/Type and subcontracting/participation goals is required.

• This RFW does not constitute a solicitation or obligation to award a contract.

• Classified information will not be accepted.

• Debriefs and assessment results will not be provided.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the OPF-M (Offensive Precision Munitions - Medium) opportunity. It clarifies requirements, timelines, and technical specifications.

• Submission & Process: Classified data should not be submitted; all information must be unclassified/CUI and submitted via DoD SAFE. The 15-page limit for responses includes cover pages.
• Acquisition & Timeline: The government has not predetermined the number of performers. A prototype award is anticipated in FY27 or earlier, with production awards beginning in FY28.
• Production & Quantities: Specific production quantities will be defined in a future solicitation. Vendors should describe their production capacity and lead time estimates for verification testing.
• System Requirements:
  • A modular design with a removable warhead and power pack is a baseline capability for system adaptability and safe transport.
  • Reusable inert rounds are required for training, and the Ground Control Station (GCS) should support a simulation mode.
  • The baseline requirement is for a single operator to control one system; multi-system control is a Capability Growth Area (CGA).
  • No specific Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) software is required; ATR is a CGA.
  • The system must allow an operator to have final command and control, including the ability to re-task the system in flight and command an abort during the terminal phase.
• Technical Details:
  • The baseline capability requires 20+ minutes of loiter time after transiting 25 kilometers. Vendors unable to meet this should detail trade-offs.
  • The baseline capability for lethality is for catastrophic or mobility kills on Anti-Armor targets. RHAe performance should be provided.
  • Vendors should describe their system's performance across a range of environmental conditions.
  • Information on anti-jamming technology, GPS-denied, or degraded environment capabilities should be provided.

This Q&A document clarifies several aspects of the original solicitation, particularly regarding data submission, system design (modularity, removability of components), operational capabilities (loiter time, engagement range, operator control), and training requirements. Bidders should review these responses carefully to ensure their proposals align with the clarified requirements.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Request for White Paper (RFW) is issued by the U.S. Marine Corps for market research to identify potential solutions for the Organic Precision Fires - Medium (OPF-M) program. The OPF-M system is intended to provide the Fleet Marine Force with an organic, loitering, beyond line-of-sight, precision strike capability for engaging armored targets at the tactical level, minimizing collateral damage, and enhancing target engagement beyond direct fire ranges. This RFW is not a solicitation for bids or proposals, but an effort to gather information to refine acquisition strategy and performance specifications.

The white paper should address the following Baseline System Capabilities (BSC):

• Maximize Lethality Against Targets: Warhead design for anti-armor kills (Rolled Homogeneous Armor Equivalency - RHAe), Automatic Target Tracking (ATT) day/night, and use of Naval Qualifiable Energetics.
• Maximize Marine Portability and Mobility: All-up-round system weight under 35 lbs, Ground Control Station (GCS) weight under 20 lbs, and both man-portable by two Marines.
• Maximize Range and Endurance: Munition range >25 km, loiter time >20 minutes at 25 km, and ability to handoff munition control.
• Maximize System Reliability and Adaptability: Modular design, operational in Marine Corps environments, and use of Naval Qualifiable fuze/safety and arming system.
• Maximize Operational Control and Safety: Waypoint navigation (prelaunch and in-flight), re-tasking in flight, operator commanded abort, and Man in the Loop system.
• Minimize Training Burden: Ability to train with reusable inert rounds and GCS simulation mode.

The white paper should also include a Programmatic & Production Plan (schedule, manufacturing, T&E capability) and address Capability Growth Areas (CGAs) such as payload improvements, operation in contested environments, target identification, communication resiliency, coordinated multi-system operation, signature management, expanded operational environment, and increased range.

• The Government anticipates acquisition phases including a Prototype OTA Award in FY26 Q4 (for FY27 awards) and Production Awards beginning in FY28.

• White papers are limited to 15 pages, formatted in Microsoft Office or Adobe Acrobat.

• Questions due: May 8th, 2026, 10:00 AM Eastern Time.

• Responses due: May 26th, 2026, 10:00 AM Eastern Time.

• Submissions via DoD SAFE (https://safe.apps.mil/).

• Debriefs and assessment results will not be provided.

• The Government is interested in solutions from both traditional and non-traditional defense contractors.

• Responses may be used to establish future Marine Corps requirements.

• Proprietary information must be marked appropriately.

• Support contractors will be involved in the review process.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Request for White Paper (RFW) is issued by the United States Marine Corps for market research to identify potential solutions for the Organic Precision Fires - Medium (OPF-M) program. The OPF-M system is intended to provide the Fleet Marine Force with an organic, loitering, beyond line-of-sight, precision strike capability against armored targets, transportable by vehicle and man-portable by dismounted Marines. This RFW is not a solicitation but may lead to an invitation for proposals under 10 U.S.C. § 4022. The Government seeks information on man-portable loitering munition systems.

The primary focus is on Baseline System Capabilities (BSC), including:

• Lethality: Maximize lethality against Anti-Armor targets (RHAe), with Automatic Target Tracking (ATT) for moving targets day/night.
• Portability: All-up-round system weight under 35 lbs, Ground Control Station (GCS) under 20 lbs, man-portable by two Marines.
• Range & Endurance: Munition range > 25 km from GCS, loiter time > 20 minutes at 25 km, ability to handoff munition control.
• Reliability & Adaptability: Modular design, operational in various Marine Corps environments (temperature, weather, shock, EM).
• Control & Safety: Waypoint navigation (pre-launch and in-flight), re-tasking, operator-commanded abort, Man-in-the-Loop system, loss of link management.
• Training: Ability to train with reusable inert rounds and GCS simulation mode.

Capability Growth Areas (CGA) for future development include payload improvements, operation in contested environments, target identification, communication resiliency, multi-system operation, signature management, and expanded operational environments.

• The Government anticipates a Prototype OTA Award in FY26 Q4, with potential production awards beginning in FY28.

• White papers are limited to 15 pages (excluding test reports).

• Responses must be structured into four parts: Baseline System Capabilities, Programmatic & Production Plan, Capability Growth & Product Improvement, and Corporate Experience.

• Submissions are due electronically via DoD SAFE by 10:00 AM Eastern time, May 25th, 2026.

• RFW questions are due by 10:00 AM Eastern time, May 8th, 2026.

• Respondents whose submissions align with Government priorities may be invited to participate in a subsequent procurement effort.

• Debriefs and assessment results will not be provided.

• Solutions are sought from both traditional and non-traditional defense contractors.

• Specific small business designations and subcontracting goals are requested in Part 4 of the white paper.

• Do not submit classified information.

• Support contractor personnel from Bowhead LLC, ManTech International Corp, and SAIC will assist in review.