* New Standard Rifle: The Rosario FI 7.62 assault rifle and FP 7.62 carbine have been in service since 1965; in accordance with PB2009, the Ejército Platano hereby issues a request for information about possible replacement weapons. This would involve, ultimately, a potential contract for 40000 rifles and carbines, along with related systems (e.g. light machine gun, underbarrel grenade launcher, bayonets). Pursuant to Act 30-4-4, any contract signed as a result of this RFI must include offsets of at least 60% of the value of the contract.
closed; moved to RFP
* New ASW plane: The Plavia/Grumman/IAI S-2T Turbo Tracker, although updated in 1991, is nonetheless an airframe that dates back to the 1960s; in accordance with PB2009, the Armada Platano hereby issues a request for information about possible replacement systems. This would involve, ultimately, a potential contract for 5 carrier-capable antisubmarine warfare planes, along with related systems (e.g. anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, spares, simulators). These planes should be capable of operating off our carrier Mitre, which has a flight deck of 176m and a ski jump of 12 degrees. Pursuant to Act 30-4-4, any contract signed as a result of this RFI must include offsets of at least 90% of the value of the contract.
* New Fighter: The Plavia/Lockheed Martin F-16AP/BP, introduced in 1986, is outdated relative to modern aircraft; in accordance with PB2009 and Judicial Act 35-5-19, the Armada Aérea Platano hereby issues a request for information about possible replacement or modernization. This would involve, ultimately, modernization of the fleet of 40 -AP fighters and 8 -BP lead-in trainers, or their replacement by 30 fighters and 5 lead-in trainers, along with related systems (e.g. spares, missiles, simulators). Pursuant to Act 30-4-4, any contract signed as a result of this RFI must include offsets of at least 120% of the value of the contract. Please note that the awarding of a contract for 35 fighter and 7 lead-in trainer variants of Plavia's AC-10 at a cost of $1.5 billion has been voided due to failure to follow proper contracting procedures.
Closed; moved to RFP
* New supply vehicles: The Ejército Platano currently relies on 3000 Unimog trucks and 800 M151 MUTT jeeps, which entered service in the 1960s. In accordance with PB2009, the Ejército Platano hereby issues a request for information about possible replacement vehicles. This would involve, ultimately, the purchase of sufficient replacement vehicles to ensure our supply needs, along with appropriate parts (spares and so forth). Pursuant to Act 30-4-4, any contract signed as a result of this RFI must include offsets of at least 60% of the value of the contract.
* New escort ships: Proposed Act 36-1-10 authorizes the acquisition of up to six new frigates. These frigates would be replacing our aging MEKO corvettes, providing anti-submarine and anti-shipping support. Pursuant to these ends, the Armada Platano hereby issues a request for information about possible frigate candidates. We currently operate Almirante Brown-class destroyers, and expect to continue to do so for some time; therefore, any air defense capability should be compatible with the weapons fit on those destroyers. We are willing to entertain offers that involve refitting the destroyers as well. Pursuant to Act 30-4-4, any contract signed as a result of this RFI must include offsets of at least 90% of the value of the contract.
* New air defense network: The Republic of Platinea has never operated strategic-level surface-to-air missiles. While the Ejército does operate the MIA-95 Lance, this cannot serve for more than tactical-level defense. In order to replace our aging defense belt of radar-guided Oerlikons, in accordance with PB2009 and Act 36-1-10, the Ejército Platano issues a request for information into a new air defense network. At minimum, the system would need to cover Montevideo, the capital; Puerta Alegre, home to Toro and Plavia; Corrientes, a major rail hub; Rosario, home to Arsenal Rosario; Salta, a major rail hub in the interior; and Paraná in Entre Ríos, home to EM-Motors. This RFI covers the installation of detection systems, surface-to-air missiles, spares, training, launch vehicles, and so forth. As the lifetime value of the contract that would arise from it is estimated to reach at least $1 billion, pursuant to Act 30-4-4, any contract signed as a result of this RFI must include offsets of at least 120% of the value of the contract.
* Developmental assistance: PlaFord, having acquired rights to IvecoFiat's Centauro family of vehicles, made a private offer to the Ejército Platano to replace much of its existing vehicle park with updated Centauro family vehicles. The Ejército agreed; however, the Ministry of Defense, recognizing that PlaFord does not have experience with modern armor, electronics, and vehicle-mounted weapons, requests that a partner company provide technical and developmental assistance. The Ejército requires the following variants:
- Tank - firepower must be equivalent or superior to the 105G1 cannon fitted to the TS-64; mobility and protection should be equivalent or superior to the TS-64. Please note that this variant will also be serving as a recon vehicle, and should be designed accordingly.
- Tank destroyer - can be fitted with same armament as tank variant, or as an ATGM carrier, but the anti-tank system deployed must be capable of defeating the protection schemes of such modern tanks as the Lyran LY4 and LY7 series. Mobility should be equivalent or superior to the TS-64.
- IFV - should be capable of carrying up to 7 troops and providing them with adequate direct fire support. A company of these vehicles must be capable of replacing the support provided by a typical heavy weapons platoon. Protection should be sufficient against shell fragments and 14.5x114mm rounds.
- APC - should be capable of carrying up to 10 troops.
- Mortar vehicle - should carry a heavy mortar or gun-mortar and an adequate supply of ammunition.
- Ambulance - should be capable of safely transporting up to 5 litter-bound or 8 standing patients, along with two medics.
- Command vehicle - should be capable of carrying a platoon command section of 7 troops.
- Air defense vehicle - should be capable of detecting and intercepting low-flying aircraft and helicopters (at up to 2.5km altitude) at a range of up to 2.5km.
Bids should highlight experience on cooperative ventures, estimate developmental costs, and provide an estimate of the overall market for this family of vehicles; specifications are not needed at this time. Please note that vehicles built as a result of this RFI for the Ejército must be assembled in Platinea, but that the partner company will be granted full rights to export these vehicles to other nations, provided that appropriate royalties are paid to PlaFord. This RFI supercedes RFI #7.
Further RFI will be issued over time.