SPECIAL NOTICE
A -- Maritime Mobility/Counter-Mobility - Package #1
- Notice Date
- 10/21/2013
- Notice Type
- Special Notice
- NAICS
- 541712
— Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Contracting Office
- Other Defense Agencies, U.S. Special Operations Command, Headquarters Procurement Division, 7701 Tampa Point Blvd, MacDill AFB, Florida, 33621-5323
- ZIP Code
- 33621-5323
- Solicitation Number
- RFI_TE_14-2_Technical_Experimentation
- Archive Date
- 12/14/2013
- Point of Contact
- Technical Support, , Christine E Johnson, Phone: 813-826-6038
- E-Mail Address
-
TECH_EXP@Socom.mil, Christine.Johnson@socom.mil
(TECH_EXP@Socom.mil, Christine.Johnson@socom.mil)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Appendix B Appendix A A. INTRODUCTION: Technical Experimentation (TE) Collaboration This Request for Information (RFI) is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this RFI is to solicit technology experimentation candidates from Research and Development (R&D) organizations, private industry, and academia for inclusion in future experimentation events coordinated by the U. S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). USSOCOM invites industry, academia, individuals and Government labs to submit technology experimentation nominations addressing innovative technologies leading to possible Government/Industry collaboration for development of USSOCOM technology capabilities. The intent is to accelerate the delivery of innovative capabilities to the Special Operations Forces (SOF) warfighter. SOF experimentation will explore emerging technologies, technical applications, and their potential to provide solutions to future SOF capabilities. This RFI is for TE 14-2:  23 March - 3 April 2014 Maritime Mobility/Counter-Mobility, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Ft Story, VA Other upcoming TE events are as follows:  TE 14-3: 8-17 July 2014 General Technical Experimentation, Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, IN  TE 15-1: Fall 2014 Integrated Intelligence Systems/Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (TALOS), location TBD It is anticipated that additional RFIs will be released via FedBizOpps between 75 to 120 days prior to each scheduled TE event. B. OBJECTIVE: 1. Technical Experimentation (TE), formerly known as Tactical Network Testbed (TNT), events provide an opportunity for technology developers to interact with operational personnel to determine how their technology development efforts and ideas may support or enhance SOF capability needs. The environment facilitates a collaborative working relationship between Government, academia, and industry to promote the identification and assessment of emerging and mature technologies for the primary goal of accelerating the delivery of technology discoveries to the SOF warfighter. The event facilitates SOCOM identification of potential technology solutions, impacts, limitations, and utility to meet SOF technical objectives and thrust areas. Materiel solutions brought to the event shall be between a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3 and 6. Experiments may be between a half day and five days in duration and be conducted in unimproved expeditionary-like conditions. At the discretion of USSOCOM, respondents may be asked to complete a vendor loan agreement (see attachment). After review of the technology experimentation nomination submissions, the Government may invite select candidates to experiment their technologies at the USSOCOM sponsored Technical Experimentation event. Industry participation in experimentation activities does not suggest or imply that USSOCOM will procure or purchase equipment. 2. THIS SECTION HAS TWO DEADLINES FOR NOMINATION PACKAGES. Section 2(a) 15 November 2013, and Section 2(b) 29 November 2013. Experimentation Focus: Experiments will be conducted from 25 Mar - 3 Apr 2014, at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, VA, and will explore emerging technology solutions and revolutionary improvements in technology for maritime mobility/counter-mobility systems for special operations water combatant-craft. There are two deadlines associated with this event. The first deadline, 15 November 2013, is for submissions intended for demonstrations aboard one of the available vessels. The second deadline, 29 November 2013, is for submissions not intended for demonstration aboard a vessel. Any technology-based experiment conducted at the event will need to be capable of providing an improvement in SOF capabilities. Solutions must include all necessary software and hardware to demonstrate utility. Maritime mobility/counter-mobility technology areas may include, but are not limited to: (a) DEADLINE: 15 November 2013 Mechanical/Mobility • Combatant craft shock mitigation - hull forms with shock mitigation features, active ride control, decks, and seats • Propulsion systems - alternative energy systems for maritime propulsion and other water craft systems o Diesel (DFM-76) powered outboard motors to power small boats including combat rubber raiding craft o Hydrogen powered systems • Personnel and equipment extraction, capabilities, and tools C4ISR • Situational Awareness o Long range surface 360 degree intelligence, surveillance, and/or reconnaissance (ISR) o Maritime common operating picture o Night vision systems o Wireless signal geolocation • Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) o Semi-autonomous o Low observable o Wideband o Small footprint o Self-contained • Advanced Mobile Operating Base o Enhanced ISR o Command and control o Sustained persistence "sea basing" capabilities • High speed craft navigation systems • Integrated bridge systems • Wireless intercom - secure intercommunications system • Thermal Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) beacon - marinized, deck mountable and controllable from console • Communications in a maritime environment o Below deck, high multi-path, restricted propagation areas Engagement Systems • Modular Offensive systems • Unmanned systems and sub-systems to include UAV operations from Combatant Craft Survivability • Conformal maritime antenna systems - line of sight and satellite communications • Maritime signature management - visible, infrared, acoustic, and radar • Sailor protection - positively buoyant armor for personnel • Craft protection - lightweight craft armor For the technologies mentioned above, watercraft will be available during the event to accommodate new technologies of interest to SOCOM. The following watercraft will be available: Stiletto, 11-meter Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB), Special Operations Craft Riverine (SOCR), and personal watercraft. Information on the Stiletto craft is included in Appendix A. Participants are advised that any systems to be installed on a craft need to be available on-site by 17 March 2014. For systems intended to be installed aboard watercraft, applicants must fill out the information sheet included in Appendix B. Non-Government demonstrators aboard craft maybe asked by Navy personnel to sign a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA). SOCOM will have oversight of the experimentation event but will not be a party to any CRADA signed in preparation for the event as it relates to the Stiletto prgram. The CRADA is the principal mechanism used by federal laboratories to engage in collaborative efforts with non-federal partners to achieve the goals of technology transfer. The CRADA, which is not an acquisition or procurement vehicle, is designed to be a relatively easy mechanism to implement, requiring less time and effort to initiate than other methods. The CRADA is also intended to take into account the needs and desires of private industry when commercializing a product such as the need for confidentiality and perhaps for exclusive rights to a product. END OF REQUIREMENTS FOR DEADLINE 15 November 2013 (b) DEADLINE: 29 November 2013 Mechanical/Mobility • Personnel and Equipment Extraction Capabilities and Tools C4ISR • Night vision systems for non-watercraft usage • Underwater navigation and communication • Remote Personnel Detection, Location, and Monitoring for non-watercraft usage • Short Range Wireless Personal Area Network • Wearable Displays • Targeting Technologies o Lightweight, durable low-power technologies to enable mounted/dismounted elements to locate, discriminate, and transmit information for engagement by direct/indirect, kinetic/non-kinetic fires Engagement Systems • Scalable effects weapons • Vessel disablement Survivability • Fire protection and mitigation o Personal o Systems o Mobility platforms This technical experimentation event will also accept nominations related to the Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (TALOS) technologies which may include, but are not limited to: Mechanical/Mobility • Mobility/Agility: Enhancement platforms such as powered exoskeletons C4ISR • Situational Awareness (SA) • Command, Control, Communications & Computers (C4): Such as conformable & wearable antennae and wearable computers • Individual soldier combat ready displays: Including non-visual means of information presentation, and potentially utilization of cognitive thoughts and the surrounding environment to present personalized information Power Systems • Power generation and management Survivability • Advanced Armor: Materials to support next generation Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to include head protection. • Light/noise discipline • Thermal management of suit occupant • Medical: Embedded monitoring, oxygen systems, wound stasis, electromechanical compensation END OF REQUIREMENTS FOR DEADLINE 29 November 2013 3. Security Requirements: Vendors shall not submit classified information in the technology experimentation nominations. 4. All respondents shall prepare a Composite Risk Management (CRM) Worksheet (Department of the Army [DA] Form 7566, attached [Lotus Forms Viewer required]) in accordance with MIL-STD-882E and DA Field Manual 5-19. The risk assessment shall address the likelihood and severity of any inherent risks as well as risk mitigation measures required. The risk assessment shall be submitted as an attachment to the experiment nomination or emailed directly to tech_exp@socom.mil by respective deadline date. Nominations submitted without a thorough and complete CRM will not be considered for participation. Reference the attached safety worksheet for assistance preparing the CRM. Also, respondents should include instructions that describe the safe operation of the device nominated for the experiment. Respondents wishing to conduct experiments of a kinetic or energetic nature are responsible for ammunition and/or explosives shipments to include an Interim Hazard Classification (IHC) or Final Hazard Classification (FHC) and coordination for receipt and storage at Camp Atterbury, IN. If your experiment will be radiating on a given frequency or frequency band, you must have prior approval to transmit on that frequency. Prior approval may include compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Title 47, Part 15 or a Special Temporary Authority (STA) from the FCC. If equipment is government owned and operating within a Federal Band, you must have National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) frequency approval. Your authority to radiate should be submitted along with your nomination or emailed directly to tech_exp@socom.mil by respective deadline date. The FCC recommends you submit your request at least 30 days prior to the start of the event. 5. Other Special Requirements: DO NOT SUBMIT PROPOSALS OR FOR MARKETING DEMONSTRATIONS. SUBMIT TECHNOLOGY EXPERIMENTATION NOMINATIONS ONLY. EXPERIMENTATION NOMINATION SUBMITTALS FOR THIS RFI WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED UNTIL THE CLOSING DATES OF 15 November 2013, 1600 EDT, for requirements stated in 2(a) above, and 29 November 2013, 1600 EDT, for requirements stated in 2(b) above. No contracts will be awarded based solely on this announcement or any subsequent supplemental RFI announcements. C. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: Technology Experimentation nominations shall be submitted electronically via USSOCOM webpage, http://www.socom.mil/sordac/Pages/ExpNominationForm.aspx, by respective deadlines. Associated technology experiments with distinctly different uses or applications should submit separate nominations by each respondent. Submissions will be reviewed by USSOCOM personnel to determine whether an experiment submission will be accepted for invitation. A complete submission consists of a complete online nomination application, a system safety worksheet, a composite risk management worksheet, instructions on how to use the technology (as needed), a STA or NTIA document (for developmental radio frequency emitting devices), Appendix B for watercraft only experiments, and experiment plan. Selected respondents will be invited to participate in USSOCOM experiments. USSOCOM shall provide venues, supporting infrastructure, and assessment (operational and technical, based on availability of resources and written request) personnel at no cost to invited respondent(s). All respondents' travel costs, technology experiments, and experimentation associated costs will be at the respondents' expense. The TE venue will only provide basic access to training areas or ranges (if approved and applicable) to conduct experiments, a facility to connect to the internet, basic venue infrastructure including frequency allocation/deconfliction, and portable power if specifically requested. Invited respondents must be prepared to be self-sufficient during the execution of their experiments and not dependent on venue resources. D. BASIS FOR SELECTION TO PARTICIPATE: Selection of respondents to participate shall be based on the extent to which the technology represents a potential capability increase to Special Operations Forces. Other considerations include: - Technical maturity - Relevance of or adaptability to military operations/missions - Relevance to current operational needs - Relevance to Event Focus Area E. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: All efforts shall be made to protect proprietary information that is clearly marked in writing. Lessons learned by USSOCOM from these experiments may be broadly disseminated, but only within the Government. If selected for participation in Technical Experimentation, vendors may be requested to provide additional information that will be used in preparation for the experiments. F. USE OF INFORMATION: The purpose of this notice is to gain information leading to Government/Industry collaboration for development of USSOCOM technology capabilities and to assist in accelerating the delivery of these capabilities to the warrior. All proprietary information contained in the response shall be appropriately marked. The Government will not use proprietary information submitted from any one firm to establish future capability and requirements. G. SPECIAL NOTICE: Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) or contractor consultant/advisors to the Government will review and provide support during evaluation of submittals. When appropriate, non-Government advisors may be used to objectively review a particular functional area and provide comments and recommendations to the Government. All advisors shall comply with procurement integrity laws and shall sign non-disclosure and rules of conduct/conflict of interest statements. The Government shall take into consideration requirements for avoiding conflicts of interest and ensure advisors comply with safeguarding proprietary data. Submission in response to this RFI constitutes approval to release the submittal to Government support contractors. H. Per Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.215-3 Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes (Oct 1997): 1. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI notice or to otherwise pay for the information. 2. Although "proposal" and "respondent" are used in this RFI, your responses will be treated as information only. It shall not be used as a proposal. 3. In accordance with FAR Clause 52.209(c), the purpose of this RFI is to solicit technology experimentation candidates from R&D organizations, private industry, and academia for inclusion in future experimentation events coordinated by USSOCOM.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/ODA/USSOCOM/SOAL-KB/RFI_TE_14-2_Technical_Experimentation/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: 7701 Tampa Point Blvd, MacDill AFB, Florida, 33621, United States
- Zip Code: 33621
- Zip Code: 33621
- Record
- SN03219587-W 20131023/131021233938-3621e84160ec3f2387815a3f107af8d4 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
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