The United States Army is poised to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for its new Common Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (CAML) program within days. The Army aims to award an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) by the end of this year, according to Alex Miller, the service’s Chief Technology Officer, in an interview with Breaking Defense. The RFP is expected to be released either at the end of this month or at the beginning of next month.
Originally, the Army had planned to issue two CAML contracts, but Miller revealed that the timeline was adjusted to attract more nontraditional, commercial vendors. This change aims to enhance the agility and flexibility of the launcher’s setup. “How do you bring together folks like a weapon system integrator, a munitions palette, and an autonomous platform provider, so that we aren’t trying to ask one company, who probably isn’t good at those things individually, to try to do the things they’re not good at?” Miller stated. The goal is to create a collaborative environment where each vendor can excel in their specialized area.
As part of this initiative, the Army is now seeking three or four vendors instead of the initial two. Miller explained that one vendor is likely to oversee a medium-sized launcher while another will manage a larger one. This “teams of teams” approach has been successfully implemented in the Army’s Next Generation Command and Control program, which features multiple vendors working collaboratively rather than relying on a single lead.
Innovative Collaboration for Enhanced Efficiency
The structure of the CAML program, particularly concerning the two different sizes of launchers, remains to be fully defined. Nonetheless, the Army plans to have vendors present their prototypes by mid- to late-summer 2024. Following this, the service expects to finalize the OTA agreement, which is typically utilized for prototype awards, later in the year.
Miller emphasized that the Army’s restructured approach to the CAML program is essential because the previous path had “locked” the Army into specific fire control systems. The objective now is to develop an actual autonomous launcher that can be rapidly reconfigured. “The goal is having an autonomous platform that we could rapidly roll on and roll off aircraft if we need to, but also have swappable, palletized munitions,” he explained. This flexibility allows the Army to adapt the launcher to various mission requirements, whether it be using a HIMARS system or a Blackbeard platform.
While the Army is reworking its strategy for the CAML program, it is not starting from scratch. Miller noted that substantial research and development have already been conducted. The focus will shift to key areas such as the autonomous mobility platform, the munitions palette, and the interfaces for power and data. Furthermore, the Army is looking for weapon systems integrators who can effectively deploy their palletized munitions onto the autonomous vehicle.
This strategic pivot reflects the Army’s commitment to enhancing its operational capabilities through innovative technology and collaborative partnerships. As the CAML program progresses, the Army aims to ensure that it remains adaptable to the evolving demands of modern warfare.
