  The Big Fringe Telescope (BFT) is a facility concept under development for a
next-generation, kilometer-scale optical interferometer. Observations over the
past two decades from routinely operational facilities such as CHARA and VLTI
have produced groundbreaking scientific results, reflecting the mature state of
the techniques in optical interferometry. However, routine imaging of bright
main sequence stars remains a surprisingly unexplored scientific realm.
Additionally, the three-plus decade old technology infrastructure of these
facilities leads to high operations \& maintenance costs, and limits
performance. We are developing the BFT, based upon robust, modern,
commercially-available, automated technologies with low capital construction
and O\&M costs, in support of kilometer-scale optical interferometers that will
open the door to regular `snapshot' imaging of main sequence stars. Focusing on
extreme angular resolution for bright objects leads to substantial reductions
in expected costs through use of COTS elements and simplified infrastructure.
