SOLICITATION NOTICE
A -- DEVELOP AND DEMONSTRATE TECHNOLOGIES TO MITIGATE THE RISK OF THE JOINT LASER ORDNANCE NEUTRALIZATION SYSTEM (JLONS)
- Notice Date
- 8/10/2006
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- Contracting Office
- N0464A 2008 Stumpneck Rd Indian Head, MD
- ZIP Code
- 00000
- Solicitation Number
- BAAN0464A0602
- Response Due
- 9/30/2008
- Archive Date
- 9/30/2008
- Description
- This notice constitutes a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) as described in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.102(d)(2). Any resulting contractual agreements based on responses to the BAA are considered to be the result of full and open competition in full compliance within the provisions of Public Law (PL) 98-369, The Competition in Contracting Act of 1984. The Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division (NAVEODTECHDIV) has a need to conduct studies, perform testing, develop, and demonstrate technologies to mitigate the risk of the Joint Laser Ordnance Neutralization System (JLONS) program as it proceeds through concept refinement phase toward a Milestone B decision after FY08. Interested Offerors are requested to submit a white paper, the purpose of which is to preclude unwarranted effort by the Offeror in preparing a full technical and cost proposal not considered to be responsive. After evaluation of the white papers, full proposals will be requested based on the merits of the information received. White papers for exploratory development are sought in the following five technology areas: 1. MODELING - Previous low order testing was aimed at quickly identifying techniques to produce the lowest reaction yield possible. Several different methods were employed and resulted in low order reactions, but not necessarily the lowest yield possible. In order to produce consistent minimized yields, the interaction between the laser and the target during neutralization needs to be further investigated. By modeling the laser's effects on the munitions, NAVEODTECHDIV can gain a better understanding of JLONS capabilities to produce reliable low order reactions through a range of unexploded ordnance. The goal of the proposed modeling effort is to illustrate munitions behavior during laser irradiation and characterize the occurrence of low-order reactions in unexploded ordnance. The principle topics to be studied involve: (a) General reaction analysis (heat diffusion & pressure buildup); (b) Comp osition-B (Comp-B) melt phenomenon; (c) Metallurgical analyses & thermal gradients. The models will provide an overall investigation into the reactions of the munitions during laser irradiation. Heat diffusion through the casing and explosive will be detailed as well as the pressure build up within the vessel to the casing's ultimate failure. Models will focus on the activity of the contained explosive, with particular interest in Comp-B, and the reaction of the steel casing when exposed to instant, intense heating. Because Comp-B filled 155mm ordnance produced the most erratic high order responses to irradiation in previous testing, it became a focus of the investigation into low yield behavior. Comp-B is a combination of RDX and TNT. One theory speculates that because TNT has a relatively low melting point, that when it is heated by the laser a portion of the Comp-B is becoming molten within of the steel casing and in its liquid form is less susceptible to the explosion's blast waves; therefore, it can act as a damper against the detonation wave propagation. Another phenomenon, working in conjunction with the melting of TNT, may occur when the laser hits the steel casing; it is directing an intense, concentrated amount of heat to a small area. It is theorized that the heating places stress on the steel casing and can weaken the strength of the steel that is in direct contact with the laser's beam. As a result, less internal pressure builds within the casing before case failure occurs, and because of this, the blast may exhibit a lower yield. In order to investigate these actions, models of munitions behavior must be created. Heat diffusion and pressure buildup inside the munitions can be simulated. Models to demonstrate the expected behavior of Comp-B as the casing temperature is increased are needed. Modeling efforts will also investigate the behavior of the steel casing during laser exposure. Temperature gradients through the! casing and explosive as the laser is applied at different power stren gths should be modeled in two dimensions, three if possible. Also, understanding the effects of slow heating vs. faster heating in relation to the yield of explosion for specified explosives may be useful. 2. NIGHT VISION STUDIES - In order to understand the current state of the practice for night vision and thermal imaging system, NAVEODTECHDIV desires a technical trade study of various potential night vision and thermal imaging systems. The cost, size, ability to be used with the JLONS, and other technical specifications will be evaluated. The follow-on effort will encompass selecting one or several systems to test the reduction in effectiveness during night operations. Testing will be conducted with a JLONS-like laser (provided by the Offeror) and will be conducted on ordnance laid out in all or part of the JLONS Performance Specification Effectiveness test. The test will be performed at night as well as during the day to determine the reduction in performance of the system. In addition, the system will be evaluated for ease of use, resolution of the targets at various ranges, and any adverse visual reactions during neutralization. A report will be written to summarize the testing as well as the findings of the entire study. The report will be used to update the JLONS CDD and Performance Specification as necessary. 3. LOW ORDER TESTING - Testing will be performed using a JLONS-like laser system (provided by the Offeror) on previously untested ordnance to determine the capability of the laser to produce a low-order reaction. These types of ordnance will include TNT filled 105mm projectiles, foreign ordnance, and various types of landmines. The NAVEODTECHDIV will meet with the JEOD user representatives to determine appropriate ordnance for testing, and the user representatives will approve the final list of test items. Testing will also be performed on previously tested ordnance that did not meet low-order requirements to try to produce low-order reactions. Because the previous low-order testing wa s aimed at producing the lowest reaction yield as quickly as possible, several methods were tested, but did not necessarily produce the lowest results. This data are still valuable for an understanding of how to produce low-order reactions, and will be reviewed prior to testing to help determine the techniques attempted for producing low-order reactions in the untested ordnance. Information from modeling efforts taking place in FY06, to try to better understand the actual phenomenology of the laser-ordnance interactions that produce low-orders, shall be provided. Because this data were not available during the previous testing, methods were mainly trial-and-error. The proposed testing will leverage the new information available through modeling and recent test data to plan an organized approach to the low-order techniques attempted. Measurements of blast overpressure will be used to determine reaction yield. In addition, temperature-calibrated instrumentation (such as a temperature-calibrated Forward-Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) and thermocouples) will also be used to more accurately determine the physical characteristics of the round needed to produce low-order reactions, such as case temperature and time-to-temperature data. This data will be used not only to characterize the reactions, but to help more accurately predict how to produce low-order reactions in items that may be tested in the future. This data will also further define the type of laser and delivery of the laser energy the JLONS must achieve, and will be added to the JLONS specifications. Data will also be gathered on the time to neutralize, to further define the mission scenarios the system is expected to meet. 4. DIAL-A-REACTION TESTING - Testing will be performed using a JLONS-like laser system (provided by the Offeror) ordnance to determine the capability of the laser to produce reactions with a specific given yield (varying between 25% - 100%) using a specific technique. The NAVEODTECHDIV will meet with the JEOD end-users to determine appropriate ordnance for testing, and the end-users will approve the final list of test items. The list may include (but is not limited to) both thick and thin shelled projectiles and mines, submunitions and plastic cased munitions. Data from previous low-order testing, models, and demonstrations will be used to plan the tests to determine what techniques will be used to achieve the desired reactions. The ability of the system to provide consistent results will be characterized through a combination of measurements including blast characteristics (including but not limited to blast overpressure) and laser parameters (including but not limited to flux density on target, beam power, time to neutralize, etc.). If the results prove successful, the data will contribute to TTP generation and the refinement of the dial-a-reaction requirement for the JLONS. 5. VEHICLE INTEGRATION STUDIES - The JLONS is expected to be mounted to one of two prime mover vehicles: for the Army, the! new Medium Mine Protected Vehicle (MMPV), EOD variant (currently in development); and for the Air Force and Marines, the RC-50, manufactured by ASV, Inc. Both vehicles will pose unique integration challenges for the JLONS. While it is assumed there must be some modification to the vehicles to accept the JLONS, the desire is still to minimize those modifications as much as possible. Additionally, while it is expected that some of the JLONS subsystems will be large, the desire remains to minimize the size and weight of these systems as much as possible to facilitate logistics and support of the JLONS in operational use. Study relating to the integration of the JLONS to either or both prime movers will address the following subtopics: Location/extent of modifications necessary to integrate the JLONS to the prime mover. Specific modifications both internally and externally will be addressed and the effect on the overall vehicle safety will be addressed. Weight and size of each major subsystem (power, chiller, beam control, laser and assoc iated optics, fire control) will be examined for potential reduction to weight and size to facilitate ease of installation, maintenance, and repair. In addition, lowest replaceable units (LRU) for each subsystem will be identified based on the likelihood of needing repair or maintenance. Logistical studies on subsystems and/or subcomponents will provide information on availability, reliability, endurance, supportability and maintainability. In addition, lowest replaceable units (LRU) for each subsystem will be identified based on the likelihood of needing repair or maintenance. With each of these areas, several options should be explored with regards to cost and feasibility as well as the ability of the component or system to meet the JLONS technical requirements. White Papers: White papers will be accepted for the above technical areas for a period of two years after the initial release of this announcement. Each white paper is limited to five pages in length and may! address only one of the above listed technology areas. The white paper will consist of three primary sections: Technical, Management, and Cost. The Technical section shall state which technology area is being addressed and shall consist of: a clear description of objectives; technical issues which must be resolved to accomplish the objectives; approach to resolving these issues; and particular prior experience of the Offeror in the targeted technology area. The Management section shall include key personnel (include curriculum vitae), experience, facilities, and a plan of action with milestones. The Cost section shall include a cost breakdown of the effort being proposed. The period of performance should not exceed two years and the total cost should not exceed $750,000. It is anticipated that the evaluation of the white papers will be completed and the results disseminated to Offerors NLT 45 days after receipt of the white paper. Full Proposals: Full proposals are! not limited as to the number of pages and shall consist of three sepa rate sections, Technical, Management, and Cost. All sections shall reference the BAA number and include the Offeror's project title. Proposals submitted shall include the following sections: (a) cover page including title and both technical and administrative points of contact, (b) a statement of work (SOW) with a detailed description of each task, (c) a list of Government furnished information (GFI) and/or equipment (GFE) required, (d) the cost proposal shall include a detailed cost breakdown by task including labor categories, labor hours, labor rates, labor overhead rate and total labor cost. If subcontractors are involved, include a cost breakdown for each subcontractor exhibiting the same parameters. Subcontractors may send their details separately or they may provide them along with the prime in a sealed envelope. Also include material cost, travel, and any other direct or indirect costs. If the Offeror has an approved purchasing system, provide the source and date of latest review. If the Offeror does not have an approved purchasing system, state what processes are used for purchases of such items as materials, travel, and training, (e) a description of deliverables, (f) a schedule including milestones and a time/cost profile, (g) a description of the Offeror's facilities, key personnel and experience in the area of interest. The due date for receipt of full proposals will be 30 calendar days after the Government formally requests the proposal from the Offeror. The Government intends to issue awards based on the optimum combination of proposals that offer the best overall value to the Government. One or more technology areas may receive no funding. Also the Government reserves the right to select for award some portion(s) of the proposals received in response to this BAA. In that event, the Government may select for negotiation all, or portions, of a given proposal. The Government may incrementally fund any award issued under this BAA. Submission of White Papers and Full Proposals: White pa pers/full proposals shall be submitted electronically to Jim Knesel, at james.e.knesel@navy.mil. Each Offeror shall include a cover sheet with its white paper/proposal. This cover sheet, which will not be counted against any page restrictions and should include the BAA number (BAA N0464A-06-02); name, address, telephone number, fax number, and email address for the technical and business points of contact on the project; the technology area being addressed; and the unique title of the Offeror's project. Evaluation of white papers/full proposals: Evaluations will be conducted using the following selection criteria, which are listed in descending order of importance: (1) Overall scientific and technical merit; (2) understanding of EOD and JLONS requirements and the technical/scientific innovation and risk to solve the requirement; (3) potential for transition to fleet/field capability, (4) the Offeror's capabilities, related experience, facilities, techniques, or unique combinations of these which are integral factors for achieving the proposal objectives, (5) potential capability to be gained by the JLONS program (6) Proposed cost and fees. The socio-economic merits of each proposal will be evaluated in the context of the requirements described in this announcement. The evaluation process will consider the extent of commitment in providing meaningful subcontracting opportunities for small businesses, HUB Zone small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, woman-owned small business concerns, veteran-owned small businesses, historically black colleges and universities, and minority institutions. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this solicitation, 541710 (which corresponds with the standard industrial classification code of 8731), specifies a small business size standard of 500 employees or less. A Small Business Subcontracting Plan prepared in accordance with FAR 52.219-9 must accompany contract proposals (full proposals) that exceed $500,000 submitted by all but small businesses. Entities that must submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan for contract proposals that exceed $500,000 include universities/colleges, nonprofits, and large businesses. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Minority Institutions (MI) are encouraged to submit proposals and/or join others in submitting proposals. However, no portion of this BAA will be set aside for HBCU and MI participation due to the impracticality of reserving discrete or functionally separable areas of this technology for exclusive competition among these entities. Other BAA Information: A formal RFP or other solicitation regarding this announcement will not be issued. The Government reserves the right to select all, some, or none of the proposals received in response to this announcement. The Government will not pay for proposal preparation costs. The cost of preparing proposals (including white papers and oral presentations) in response to this BAA is not allowable as a direct charge to any contract resulting from this BAA or to any other Government contract. All data received in response to this BAA that is marked or designated as corporate or proprietary information will be fully protected from release outside the Government. Offerors are advised that only Contracting Officers are legally authorized to contractually bind or otherwise commit the Government. For technical information regarding this announcement, please contact: Amanda Vehslage, Code 5224F, NAVEODTECHDIV, (301) 744-6850, ext 267, amanda.vehslage@navy.mil . For contractual information or other administrative matters relating to this announcement, please contact Jim Knesel, as indicated below. Point of Contact Jim Knesel, Business Specialist, Code 0521, NAVEODTECHDIV Indian Head, MD (301) 744-6886 james.e.knesel@navy.mil
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