SOLICITATION NOTICE
99 -- ADVANCED PLANNING BRIEF FOR INDUSTRY HELD 14 APR 08 for CBDEWS - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS PART I
- Notice Date
- 5/28/2008
- Notice Type
- Modification/Amendment
- Contracting Office
- Department of the Army, U. S. Army Materiel Command, RDECOM Acquisition Center - Edgewood, RDECOM Acquisition Center - Edgewood, ATTN: AMSSB-ACC-E, 5183 Blackhawk Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5424
- ZIP Code
- 21010-5424
- Solicitation Number
- W911SR-08-R-8999
- Response Due
- 6/30/2008
- Archive Date
- 8/29/2008
- Point of Contact
- Mary Ann Mitchell, 410-436-0642
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Reference the Joint Project Manager Nuclear Biological Chemical Contamination Avoidance (JPM-NBCCA) APBI that was conducted on April 14, 2008, at the RDECOM Conference Center Auditorium,Edgewood Area,Aberdeen Proving Ground for the CBDEWS. Below are the Questions submitted at the APBI and their answers. Due to limitation maximum character count allowed, Questions 1 thru 64 are included in this posting as PART I and Questions 65 thru 87 have been posted in separate posting as PART II. The attendee list will not be posted. Solicitation number W911SR-08-R-8999 is assigned for reference and information purposes only and is not to be construed as a definite requirement or solicitation document.The attendee list will not be posted. PART I QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS -Q-- 1.What are the requirements? Range, sensitivity, false alarms, size, power, weight, cosT. ANSWER-Requirements are currently being developed by the Joint Requirement Office (JRO), Chem School, and Joint Project Manager (JPM). -Q-- 2.What will be your success criteria for 2008 and beyond?ANSWER-Success criteria for 2008 will be to prove out the integration concept, refine system integration and define achievable goals for 2009. -Q-- 3.What are the System of System (SOS) requirements and when will they be published? ANSWER-Requirements are currently being developed by the JRO, Chem School and JPM. Once requirements have been finalized, The JPM will publish the requirements. The Chemical Biological Distributed Early Warning System (CBDEWS) program will start with a static solution first and then integrated into Future Combat Systems (FCS), Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Joint NBC Reconnassiance System (JNBCRS), and Stryker NBC Reconnaissance (NBCRV). -Q-- 4. When will the Capability Development Document (CDD)/ Capability Production Document (CPD) be published for CBDEWS? ANSWER-To Be Determined - JPM Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Contamination Avoidance (NBC CA) is requesting from the JRO: Initial Capabilities Document (ICD) - 2QFY09, CDD - 4QFY09 -Q-- 5. What is the target date to publish a capabilities document? ANSWER-See answer to question number four. -Q-- 6. Have you developed a cost vs. capability curve? How much additional capability would a tech need to provide for inclusion? ANSWER-No, capabilities documents still need to be completed (4QFY09). Once capabilities documents are completed, they will be used to develop a capabilities curve. -Q-- 7. Is industry going to be able to provide input to the capabilities document (i.e., state of the art and what is possible) ANSWER-Industry can: 1) Keep the CBDEWS program informed of your efforts/successes/challenges. 2) Take advantage of field demonstrations. Bring your equipment (at contractors own cost) and share the results with CBDEWS program; so we are aware of what technology is available. -Q-- 8. What are the plans for Analysis of Alternatives (AoAs), trade studies, and Modeling and Simulation (M&S) to define SOS requirements and architectures?ANSWER-The CBDEWS program will perform an AoAs before production efforts. However, at this point in the program, the primary focus is requirements development. A technology included in one test/demonstration may not be included in future test/demonstration events. New technologies may be identified and inserted into the program as technologies mature. -Q-- 9. Will point detectors include a particulate detection requirement? ANSWER-Joint Chemical Agent Detector (JCAD) Increment 1 requirements are published and Increment 2 requirements are currently being developed/finalized. The JPM is interested if a contractor has a technology that can exceed the JCAD requirements. -Q-- 10. Please comment: When requirements creep hits, will this solution set collapse? Consider: 200+ Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICS), Toxic Industrial Materials (TIMS)? Warfare agent, JPM Guardian needs? Department of Homeland Security (DHS) needs? Source specific needs? ANSWER-The CBDEWS program is currently managing requirements development to avoid issues which have occurred in the past. In addition, the solution set is intended as an open architecture to permit flexibility to support emerging requirements. -Q-- 11. What are the Information Assurance (IA) dictates that the CBDEWS program must follow? ANSWER-The CBDEWS program is under the same information assurance guidance as any other program. The program will follow the Department of Defense Information Assurance Certification and Accreditation Process (DIACAP) to obtain authority to operate. -Q-- 12. Will CBDEWS be required to meet JPM Guardian Individual Protection Program (IPP) requirements? Or REPLACE the existing Guardian programs? ANSWER-The CBDEWS program is partnering with JPM Guardian and JPM Information Systems (IS) to ensure that the solution set is consistent with their systems as well. -Q-- 13. Are you planning on a single processor for computing or will you plan for distributed computing? ANSWER-The JPM NBC CA is working with current partners to define the demonstration architecture rather than dictate a solution. This will guide future architectural efforts with future partners as well. -Q-- 14. Single point of data collection has traffic pitfalls and requires prioritization as well as very fast IO. Tactical Automated Security System (TASS) will handle the Command and Control (C2) but where will the priority list come from? ANSWER- Rule sets and prioritization will be developed to support the program. The specific system has not been defined at present. -Q-- 15. How much autonomous action do you desire? Where must there be a man in the loop? ANSWER-Autonomy is the desired solution with an override capability when desired. Rules and prioritization must be developed as part of the program to support autonomous actions and when actions require human intervention. -Q-- 16.Is there any initiative to re-evaluate the list of chem, bio & RAD threat agents and re-classify the credibility of actual threats? ANSWER- The JPM NBC CA is currently looking at the threat list to understand scope and priority in specific areas of the world. JPEO-CBD in conjunction with the Stakeholders are constantly reevaluating the Threats. -Q-- 17.When can I access recently published Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) standard interface? ANSWER-Information on the CBRN standard interface can be found on the JPEO website. http://www.jpeocbd.osd.mil/page_manager.asp?pg=4&sub=2 -Q-- 18.Wide Ranging Threat Potential slide lists Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical. How important is Nuclear? It wasn't mentioned in talks much. ANSWER-The nuclear threat is important. However, the current priority is weighted heavily in favor of chemical and biological standoff detection. The architecture will be developed such that additions can be made to support the nuclear requirements in the future. -Q-- 19. How does industry get sensors included in tech demo Sep 08? ANSWER-The CBDEWS program has identified specific technologies for the September 2008 demo. In the future, the CBDEWS program will publish announcements in FedBizOps for upcoming opportunities. -Q-- 20. What is the contract vehicle to participate in the Sep 08 and Jun 09 test events? ANSWER-Contract vehicle to be determined. The contractor can participate on the CBDEWS test grid to collect data to share with the CBDEWS program. The September 2008 demo will consist of Government Off-the-Shelf/Commercial Off-the-Shelf (GOTS/COTS) technologies. The technologies identified (in blue) on slide number 23 will be included in the September 2008 demo. -Q-- 21. What is the metrics for success in Developmental Test (DT)/ Operational Test (OT)? Should pre-qualify before field to DT/OT assessment. ANSWER-No system will enter DT/OT until it has demonstrated desired capabilities at the appropriate Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and has been selected as a solution by JPM NBC CA. The Joint Science & Technology Office will be conducting Science & Technology development and evaluation and the JPM NBC CA will conduct periodic field trials as well. -Q-- 22. How to protect Intellectual Property (IP) of vendors during DT/OT? ANSWER-During DT/OT, a contractual arrangement will be in place to define the JPM NBC CA and contractor rights to data and intellectual property. Intellectual property will be protected during field demonstrations through memorandums of agreement and non-disclosure agreements between parties reviewing and handling the data. -Q-- 23. Defense Threat Reduction Agency- Nuclear Technology Division (DTRA-NTD) conducting a tech demo of interagency Radiological/Nuclear detectors & Forensics in Sep 08 at Ft Pickett - worth collaborating? ANSWER-The JPM NBC CA is interested in learning more about this demonstration to make a determination. -Q-- 24. How does one schedule technical demos? What are the expectations? ANSWER-Technical demonstrations may occur during information briefing to the JPM NBC CA or in response to a specific request for information published in the FedBizOps forum. FedBizOps will be used to solicit information on potential systems to participate in field demonstrations & evaluate next generation technologies. -Q-- 25. What is the balance between this analytical work and system field demonstration?ANSWER-Q- is unclear - requires clarification. -Q-- 26. What is the criteria for participation in the demo and how do we get invited to play? ANSWER-The CBDEWS program has identified and contacted specific technologies for the September 2008 demo. Contractors who are not supporting official parts of the CBDEWS prototype will be provided the opportunity to participate at their own cost (labor, travel, logistics support, and shipping and handling of their items). The JPM NBC CA will publish a request for information on annual basis to solicit a whitepaper on current systems and technologies. The JPM NBC CA will evaluate the information provided and select a limited number of systems to participate in a field demonstration based on the published criteria. The number of systems will be limited due to logistics and financial constraints of conducting the exercise. -Q-- 27.Will TAC-BIO be included in any tech demos? ANSWER-JPM NBC CA will coordinate with JPM Biological Defense to determine which biological systems should participate in tech demos. -Q-- 28.Are you going to use a Technology Readiness Evaluation (TRE) method of running the demo's, will they be specific to particular sensors? ANSWER-The demos will be very similar to a Technology Readiness Evaluation (TRE). Specific criteria will be published for each year based on the needs of the program at the time. These needs may or may not be sensor specific. -Q-- 29.Will the Tech Demo be sensor-only or will it include data fusion from multiple sensors or both? ANSWER-Demos will include sensors and fusion of data from multiple sensors. -Q-- 30.What role for M&S prior to Tech Demo or Operations Demo? Or DT/OT? ANSWER-Modeling and Simulation (M&S) will be used in a variety of fashions. The JPM NBC CA has used and will continue to use physics based M&S to simulate the environment and sensors to evaluate the value added of a capability and tradeoffs for various parameters. The JPM NBC CA will also use M&S to support Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP) modification/development. -Q-- 31.What specific UAV/UGVs platforms will be used in FY 08-11? (slide number 27) ANSWER-No, UAV/UGV platforms have been specifically selected. However, the goal is to use a fielded asset that could be deployed easily in an area of interest. Platforms such as the Raven have been discussed. -Q-- 32. Chart number 21 - Please elaborate on term hyper spectral - is this capability mapping for hyper spectral imaging?ANSWER-Slide number 21 refers to hyperspectral imaging although other technologies may be considered if industry has data to support pursuing other technologies. -Q-- 33. How do you see Portable area warning and surveillance system (PAWSS) fitting into the effort? ANSWER-PAWSS program was a Limited Objective Experiment and information gained from PAWSS will be utilized for the CBDEWS program. The systems used within PAWSS may or may not be used during the CBDEWS program. -Q-- 34. How will the mid term and far term sensor development for Joint Biological Standoff Detection System (JBSDS) Increment 2 be matured/funded to achieve Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 in time? ANSWER-The schedule for CBDEWS was developed with the JBSDS Increment 2 schedule as input. -Q-- 35. How many sensors would you like to include? ANSWER-The JPM NBC CA will include as many sensors as can be affordably and logistically accommodated. -Q-- 36. Are you familiar with JSTIR (Advance Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD)? DTRA dostab Sensor (ACTD)? ANSWER-No. Please provide further information or POCs. -Q-- 37. What existing radars (slide 28) is envisioned? ANSWER-No specific radar is targeted. The JPM NBC CA's near term goal is to incorporate data collected from existing radar systems to provide cues through Tactical Automated Security System/Counter Rocket Artillery Mortar (TASS/CRAM) and other systems. The JPM NBC CA's far term goals may/may not be as aggressive as providing classification algorithms for CB rounds. -Q-- 38. What is the relation with night vision lab on this project? ANSWER-Night Vision Lab is JPM NBC CA partner and will be leveraged to provide capabilities to the CBDEWS program. -Q-- 39. Will JBSDS be integrated into CBDEWS and what is the tech insertion mechanism to accomplish this integration? ANSWER-Yes, JBSDS will be integrated into CBDEWS. JBSDS is a program of record, so development will be conducted by the JBSDS program. The CBDEWS program is currently working with JPM Biological Defense to facilitate integration. -Q-- 40. Can Identification (ID) using remote point detectors for near & mid-term be accomplished in a part by tipping and cueing for UAV-based collection? ANSWER-Yes, all ideas are welcome. -Q-- 41. How will this program feedback promising tech that are less that TRL 6 to Joint Science Technology Office (JSTO) for additional maturation? ANSWER-JSTO and JPM NBC CA will be working closely to identify promising technologies. -Q-- 42. Industry is willing to invest Independent (IR&D) to support CBDEWS. What specific area would you like to see industry invest? ANSWER-That is within your corporate judgment, however, specific areas of interest include standoff sensor technologies and data fusion. -Q-- 43. At what point during the acquisition for CBDEWS will you be bringing the system integrator into the program? The timeline only shows the technology evaluation and test. ANSWER-During FY08-09, the system integrator will be Johns Hopkins University. However, in the future, the CBDEWS program, may have multiple integrators or one overall integrator may be selected. The system integrator must be technology independent. The JPM NBC CA will be the primary decision maker on technologies selected for integration. -Q-- 44. When do you expect the need for a contractor for integration? ANSWER-Follow-up integration and development is expected in the FY10 timeframe. -Q-- 45. How to integrate DTRA & Nat Lab & Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO), Radiological/Nuclear detection - if at all? ANSWER-Nuclear threat is important, however, the current priority is weighted heavily in favor of chemical and biological standoff detection. The architecture will be developed such that additions can be made to support the nuclear requirements in the future. -Q-- 46. What are you planning to use to connect each sensor to the main system Joint Warning and Reporting Network (JWARN)/JWARN Component Interface Device (JCID)? ANSWER-The JWARN Component Interface Device (JCID) will be used where appropriate. Some systems may be networked directly to the fusion system. The JPM NBC CA is evaluating emerging technologies and standards such as JCID-on-a-Chip and the Common CBRN Standard Interface (CCSI) holster for FCS as well. -Q-- 47. Cloud mapping and other Met data are important inputs to CBDEWS: Will you entertain new sensor capabilities in this area? ANSWER-Cloud mapping is key to better situational awareness. The CBDEWS program plans to utilize currently available cloud mapping sensors. However, if additional or special sensors are needed for cloud mapping the CBDEWS program may be able to accommodate. -Q-- 48. How to characterize cloud below to complex terrain and urban canyons? ANSWER-Non-Line of Sight (NLOS) issues will be dealt with using remote systems as much as possible. However, the CBDEWS program will also rely on modeled information to assist in directing system as necessary. -Q-- 49. What is the minimal goal of your cloud detection projects? How well does your plan for detection work? ANSWER-The minimum goal for cloud detection is to detect (not identify) a release of vapor, aerosol, or solid materials. Identification may occur later in the CBDEWS program. The second question is unclear - please provide clarification. -Q-- 50. Will contractors working on data fusion have access to all recorded data streams from various sensors following field exercise? ANSWER-The JPM NBC CA can only provide data streams from sensors on the test grid if the contractor grants the JPM NBC CA permission to provide data streams. The JPM NBC CA will encourage data streams be provided to the data fusion contractors in order to perform data fusion functions. -Q-- 51. Who is going to handle the networking aspects of CBDEWS between JPM NBCCA & JPM IS? ANSWER-In the strict sense, networking is neither a JWARN or CBDEWS function. Both system ride on the existing networks. However, CBDEWS will leverage JWARN capabilities as-is and any delta required may be negotiated between JPM IS and JPM NBCCA. -Q-- 52. What tactical network is under consideration to move data from sensor to/thru JWARN to Global Information Grid (GIG)? ANSWER-The tactical network may be different for each operational scenario. The initial goal is to provide only the critical data through the network in order to provide information to the user to make the right decisions. JWARN already has integrated sensors and the CBDEWS program plans to utilize current data available by JWARN - the goal is to enhance the detection beyond what JWARN and sensors currently provide. -Q-- 53. Is JWARN the situational awareness platform you plan to use? ANSWER-JWARN will be used,as appropriate, within the context of the platform. -Q-- 54. Will modality data be collected and made available in database form for algorithm development? ANSWER-The JPM NBC CA will collect data from selected sensors for algorithm development as necessary. The data will not be made widely available and will only be used for JPM NBC CA purposes. -Q-- 55. Can data outputs of existing sensors (JCAD, Joint Service Lightweight Standoff Chemical Agent Detector (JSLSCAD), etc.) be modified to get better info for fusion? ANSWER-The JPM NBC CA does not currently plan to alter output formats but may elect to do so if data fusion cannot be accomplished otherwise. -Q-- 56. Will data fusion be integrated in Joint Operational Effects Federation (JOEF)? ANSWER-The data fusion will be integrated in the larger CBRN suite of systems. Whether it is integrated with JOEF or not is To Be Determined (TBD). -Q-- 57. Who will develop the CONOPS for data fusion? ANSWER-Q- is unclear - please provide clarification. The data fusion effort will develop algorithms and incorporate business rules and procedures for fusing and prioritizing data. Current CONOPS will be used to generate initial rule sets to be demonstrated. Follow-on CONOPS modifications will be made as necessary to support war fighter needs. -Q-- 58. CONOPS for how the alarm info will be used - are the rules of engagement, decision rules defined or will their definitions be part of the program? ANSWER-The data fusion effort will develop algorithms and incorporate business rules and procedures for fusing and prioritizing data. Current CONOPS will be used to generate initial rule sets to be demonstrated. Follow-on CONOPS modifications will be made as necessary to support war fighter needs. -Q-- 59. How does System of System Common Operating environment (SOSCOE) or any other networking protocol affect requirements definition for the data fusion component? ANSWER-Various networking protocols will be evaluated to ensure inputs and outputs for the fusion engine are compatible and do not overwhelm the network. -Q-- 60. How many contracts will be awarded?ANSWER-The JPM NBC CA may award as many contracts as necessary to meet the needs of the CBDEWS program. -Q-- 61. How will the program be structured contractually? ANSWER-The JPM NBC CA will be the overarching integrator partnered with an integrating contractor. Contracts may be awarded directly to other vendors or subcontracted through the integrating contractor depending on the needs of the CBDEWS program at the time. Decisions on best value technology will be made by the JPM NBC CA. -Q-- 62. With the JPEO communication protocol you still need to implement the software? on both sides/sensor & system platform - who will do the platform side? ANSWER-The JPM NBC CA expects to enter into agreements with platform PMs. These agreements will define who is performing the platform side integration. Generally, this would be performed by the platform developer but not necessarily. -Q-- 63. Is there a single contract to purchase items on slide number 23 (in blue)? If not, how many, what types and for what? ANSWER-The systems identified on slide number 23 (in blue), as items for the FY08-09 Demos, may be procured by JHU/APL as the CBDEWS integrator. -Q-- 64. Is there funding for the S&T and is the final program in the Program Objective Memorandum (POM)? ANSWER-The JPM NBC CA is working with the Science and Technology (S&T) community to put out Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs) for FY09+ to support the CBDEWS program. TREs are currently being conducted. Test results, TREs, and TRLs will be utilized in developing evaluation criteria. The JPM NBC CA plans to collect capabilities from industry to be incorporated into capabilities documents as appropriate. Operational test and developmental test data will be provided to JRO to ensure current/industry capabilities are included in capability document development efforts.
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